One of the ongoing ATCA Hunting and Field Committee events is the Randy
Cooley Memorial Hunt Test, held every May near the town of Beaver Dam,
Wisconsin, North of Madison. Randy had started a regional ATCA hunting
test in Wisconsin in 1998. Sadly, he died suddenly of a heart attack in
2002. The following year the ATCA decided to carry on the hunt test in
his honor. In 2010 we celebrated the 8th year of the Randall Cooley
Memorial Hunt Test by holding the test as a licensed AKC Spaniel test
for the first time. Randy would be very proud to be part of what the
event has become and the ATCA is proud to hold the test in his memory.
As
Airedales have trained and competed side by side with Spaniels breeds,
they have earned respect and acceptance within that community. The
Spaniel community has been exceptionally welcoming and helpful to
Airedale handlers. Their mentoring of the ATCA Hunting and Field
Committee has been noteworthy and generous. To find AKC Spaniel Hunting
Tests or Clubs near you, see the AKC website and search ‘Spaniel Hunting
Tests’ or ‘Spaniel Clubs’ under the “Events Search” button.