The Mid-South Chapter of Quail Forever hosted the 2019 Youth Quail Hunt at Payne Quail Farm in Arlington, Tennessee on the chilly morning of November 9, 2019. Fourteen boys and girls joined Quail Forever chapter members for the 14th year of this event. The success of this event has been made possible thanks to Tennessee Friends of NRA grants.
The day started with the Pledge of Allegiance led by NRA regional representative Mike Webb and a prayer for a safe hunt was led by Guy Joyner before the kids were given a safety refresher course from hunter safety instructor Gene Smith. After a warm-up on the skeet field, the young hunters were broken up into groups of four and teamed up with hunting mentors to hit the fields.
Some of the finest bird dogs east of the Mississippi River were ready to demonstrate their training and skill for these new quail hunters. Setters, pointers and Brittanies introduced the neophyte hunters to the joys of watching a pointing dog work. Pretty much all the hunters had a chance to shoot a quail, although it would probably be fair to say that a few of the birds managed to escape the determined hunters and dogs to fly another day.
After the morning hunt, chapter members treated everyone to a hearty bowl of chili and hot dogs expertly roasted by chapter supporter Joe Wood of Modern Woodmen of America. Members also shared some tips on cleaning and cooking the birds.
“This is an important event for us every year,” said hunt organizer Walker Morris. “It teaches young people about our history and heritage of hunting, and our respect for this noble game bird.”
Mid-South Quail Forever conducts this hunt with the help of the Tennessee Friends of the NRA. The Friends of the NRA and NRA Foundation contribute substantial financial assistance to make this hunt possible. The NRA Foundation is the country’s leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports. It has awarded more than $335 million in grants since its inception in 1990; and $2.4 million has been awarded to Tennessee grant recipients! The NRA Foundation supports those organizations and programs that ensure the continuation of our proud shooting and hunting heritage.
The Mid-South Chapter of Quail Forever works with area landowners to improve quail habitat so youngsters such as these will be able to experience the legacy of wild quail hunting in the future. Quail Forever also encourages youth activities through its No Child Left Indoors program. For more information about the Mid-South Chapter, call Walker Morris at (901) 218-3542, or visit their website at www.midsouthquailforever.org.
