Pointing bird dogs and their owners are invited to enter (limit is 15 entries) the field trial that will be run in an eight-acre field that is established as pollinator/quail habitat.
Spectators are welcome, and will be able to watch the dogs/handlers from a gallery area a safe distance from the field.
The dogs/hunters will be judged on a simple point system that includes points, shooting and retrieving on three released quail during 20-minute hunt sessions for each dog. Dogs will be run individually. Order of hunts will be determined during a pre-trial drawing the morning of the event.
The entry fee is $50 per dog, which includes a unique participation medal, unique awards for the top three dogs/hunters, and lunch.
There is no fee for spectators, who are welcome throughout the day. The first dog/hunter goes in the field at 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be available, and there will be a silent auction during the event.
The event is a fundraiser for the Botetourt 4-H Shooting Education Club and is sponsored in cooperation with the Botetourt Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rockbridge Area Quail Forever Chapter.
Dog pre-registration and a $25 deposit are required before March 1. Registration checks should be made to Botetourt-VCE and sent with hunter’s name, dog’s name and contact information to: Ed McCoy, 489 Back Creek Lane, Buchanan, Va. 24066.
Include “4-H Field Trial” on the check Memo Line.
The shooting preserve is located at 485 Juniper Valley Lane, Troutville.
For more information and/or a flyer with more details, call Ed McCoy at 540-339-0622 or email botetourt4Hshootinged@gmail.com.