Name: Chance Rudolph, age 16
Family: Parents: Michael and Pam Rudolph; siblings: Clay, 21 and Cristin, 12
Hometown: Claremore, Okla.
Club: Rogers County 4-H
Life Skills: Since the age of 9, Chance Rudolph has been interested in poultry. Chance’s grandpa got him started with seven or eight bantams and within a year, they had 60 birds. That’s when Chance got serious and borrowed a 300-egg incubator from his neighbor Mr. Armbrister. Chance had 100 breeder birds and was hatching all different kinds of breeds. By 12, Chance had become the “go-to” guy for chicks, adults, eggs and show-quality birds. His biggest hatch was 400 chicks. He hatched them out in town in the family’s mudroom because it was easier to keep the incubators’ temperature and humidity correct there. Chance and his elderly neighbor became really good friends through this process. His mom used this opportunity to reinforce his math skills for homeschool by having Chance handle all his own books regarding his income and expenses – an entrepreneur by 12.
Hobbies: This year Chance is studying wildlife, shooting sports and poultry. Chance, who has been interested in archery since age 9, is on the state compound team which placed 4th in the nation. Twice, he has placed 1st in the state in recurve. He also placed 1st in the state in compound. He also competes in skeet-shooting and took 1st prize in the Stillwater Shootout in 2010.
Future: Eventually, Chance wants to be a Game Warden. He’s especially concerned about paddlefish and quail and has always enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also hopes to grow in his knowledge of fly fishing and cooking.
Story and Photo by Susan Smith
