2026 Masters Youth Field Trial
The third annual Masters Youth Field Trial, held Saturday, March 14, on the beautiful grounds of Nilo Plantation in Albany, Georgia, was again a tremendous success. Drawing 14 braces, 28 dogs were run by 14 different youth handlers. An 8:00 am start allowed for as much of the stake as possible to run before the afternoon heat set in. Nilo Plantation could not have been more picturesque, with sunlight filtering through the morning fog. No doubt, everyone felt blessed to be there.
The trial is hosted by the Southern Field Trial Club and overseen by Tim and Polly Moore of Blakely, Georgia. This year’s judges were Jamie Daniels of Dawson, Georgia, returning from last year, and Tommy Rice of Albany, Georgia. Both men are immenently qualified to judge any of the most prestigious trials in the country having — between them — won most of them including the Masters Shooting Dog and Masters All-Age Championships for which the Masters Youth Field Trial was named. How lucky these youth handlers are to have such quailified men look at their dogs and offer sage advice about handling techniques. Both Jamie and Tommy have children growing up with bird dogs and horses in the lifestyle we all cherish and strive to preserve for future generations.
Unlike the previous spring, the wild quail on Nilo had already begun pairing up, making the many coveys dogs pointed last year more difficult. Countless single birds shot out from the cover ahead of the horses and dog wagons, rocketing through the pines. Certainly enough dogs managed to pin down jittery birds to keep the stake exciting for everyone in attendance.
Thomasville videographer Drew Balfour, whom YFTA hired to produce an exciting promotional video highlighting youth field trials joined us to film his third trial. Drew once again amazed everyone by “hoofing it” to capture the action, as he did again the following day at the John Abbott Youth Field Trial in Quitman. We are all looking forward to seeing his finished product.
As trial photographer riding on the dog wagon, I was unable to follow every moment of action closely enough to provide a play-by-play account of each brace. What was evident to everyone in attendance is how much these young handlers continue to improve each season. There is no question that those who continue in the sport will be well prepared to transition to adult competition. They exhibit confidence and an ever increasing ability to handle their dogs both running and on point. Most of us wish we could have had the opportunities they enjoy— especially given they are competing their dogs on some of the countrys’ finest quail habitat.
First place was awarded to Chief, a setter male handled by novice handler Rowan Smith. Competing in the 10th brace, Chief carded two excellent finds. Second place went to Pat, a pointer female who also ran in the 10th brace and finished with two impressive finds, suffering one UP. Pat, the winner of this stake last year, was again handled by Payson Jones whose dog-handling skills continue to improve. No surprise, as Payson has come up under the guidance of Hall of Famer Tommy Davis!
Third place was awarded to Sam, pointer male that competed in the 11th brace. Sam was handled by Loretta Cook, who began her field trial career at the 2024 Round Pond Classic riding with her grandfather, Tracy Swearingen. Always looking cool in her sunglasses, Loretta did an excellent job handling Sam’s strong find.
The Top Junior Handler rosette was awarded to Remington Davis. Proud father Tommy Davis was on hand to assist and watch Remington handle Bee and Bell in the 5th and 12th braces. Building on his skills, Payson Jones scouted Bee in the 5th brace.
Sincere thanks to the owners and staff of Nilo Plantation, the judges, parents, and the many spectators who came to support and encourage these talented young handlers. Special thanks to the Southern FTC for hosting the trial and the excellent lunch enjoyed by all provided by Hannah Marchbanks of Grace Meals Made from the Heart Catering.
YFTA provided rosettes, ribbons, prizes for the winners, as well as snacks and water for participants and attendees. 8 x 10 winners prints were sent to the 4 winning handlers.
Check out the Slideshow video from the 2026 Masters Youth Field Trial on our YouTube channel. Please subscribe and like!
