On our first Xmas away from the north, We enjoyed the holiday, "Southern Style" We turned on the recorder, at my Daughters house in Pensacola. Or as the locals call it Southern Alabama. Enjoy and have a great new year!!!

Reid Bryant joins the podcast to talk about his position at Orvis. yes, he gets to travel and hunt for free. Besides that he is an avid wingshooter even without his day job. We talk a bit about travel, learning to shoot, collecting old double guns. and why I may not get the job of Reid's boss. 

George Hickox is a nationally known dog trainer. Not only in the world of sporting dogs,but just as well know for his work with police and military canines.getting his first bird dog before he was big enough to carry a shotgun, George brings decades of experience to the training world. From field trial champions to special forces combat ready dogs. We learn alot about what to do, but even more important, what not to do. If you dont take something away from this episode?? sell your guns and find a new home for your dog.

Tom Dokken has a lifetime of dog training behind him, but it wasnt until the 90s that he developed the Dead Fowl Trainer. It changed the game for many,when it came to the market. Today, its still the one piece of training equipment that just about everybody uses when they are serious about getting their dog to do a better job retrieving. We learn a few of Tom's training tips, and get a teaser about something he has been working on that will change the game again!!!! coming this spring.  Sorry I was sworn to secrecy, but I will have Tom on again when it's ready to unveil.

Tom Dokken has a lifetime of dog training behind him, but it wasnt until the 90s that he developed the Dead Fowl Trainer. It changed the game for many,when it came to the market. Today, its still the one piece of training equipment that just about everybody uses when they are serious about getting their dog to do a better job retrieving. We learn a few of Tom's training tips, and get a teaser about something he has been working on that will change the game again!!!! coming this spring.  Sorry I was sworn to secrecy, but I will have Tom on again when it's ready to unveil.

 Johnathan O'Dell, small game biologist from Arizona game and fish, comes on the show to talk about the opportunities that wait for wingshooters in the Grand Canyon state. You wont believe some of the stats we get from him. 3 species of dove and more quail species than I knew existed. In a state that is 60% PUBLIC LAND!!!!

I learned so much from Donna, that I'm going to get involved. She spends the early spring in Minnesota working her Munsterlander, helping the rest of us who hunt the Timberdoddle, one of our favorite gamebirds. 

A Senecan Indian myth says God made the woodcock from the leftover parts of other birds. Large eyes are located along the sides of the bird's head, allowing it to see in all directions, including directly behind. A long, thin bill that averages nearly three inches in length permits woodcock to probe in soft earth for worms, slugs and other invertebrates. Nostrils lie high against the skull so the woodcock can feed and breathe at the same time. Its ears are located beneath the eyes. Woodcock stand about eight inches tall, appear to bob when they walk, and weigh about a half-pound each. 

But you'll learn more than this if you listen to this episode

Dan Priest owner of Q5 vests, spends some time talking about his passion for perfection in producing the best hunting vest you have ever imagined. And some great info on quail hunting in Arizona. Along with his involvement with introducing youngsters to the outdoors thru  Arizona Outdoor Adventures.

Paul Wilson is a real honest to goodness dogman.He learned his trade from cleaning kennels, all the way to a Huntsman for many clubs. From the UK to Rome and on to North America. Paul shares many stories from his life with hounds and terriers. When you hear about the French hunting traditions... you will be shocked!!  we even cover a bit about my wife's Corgis.

I stop over for a short visit to Black Creek Training center to ask Justin about his month in Montana, and ask some questions that I needed answers to. Based on my season so far, I have done almost everything correct. Well... correct until I get Justin's take on things,  Put it this way If the baby Jesus was a hunting dog, Justin would be one of the 3 wise men. Enjoy and learn..

This was recorded after my third day in North Dakota, I drove solo on the invite of Tyler Webster. It was an epic hunt that lands on the list of one of my greatest hunts of my 40 years of wingshooting.  Sharpies,Huns, and Roosters in wild places, and waterfowl that make for long days and tired legs. I cant imagine not being back there in 51 weeks from now.

Robert Hillard talks with me about his book "A Season on the Allegheny."  Rob, his dog Hunter, and some human friends make for an interesting, historical and sometimes comical story of one full hunting year in the Allegheny forest. From geese to grouse and ducks to deer... if you like a hunting story laced with history, this one is a must read.

Had a great talk with Jim Wood, executive chef at Antlers bar and grill. He owns a Vizsla and a Braque Francais. He can help us get the most out of our wild game. He also is featured on Michigan Out of Doors television. Raised by a Father that is a custom rifle builder, he had two choices, so, he lets his dad make fine guns and he makes fine cuisine.

Rick Noble is the Pro Staff Manager for Ruff Tough Kennels. He brings years of experience to the table from his background in saftey with NASCAR and years as police K-9 handler. Now with his first fully trained Lab(Nitschke) We cover alot of subjects, from family heirloom guns, duck and goose hunting, and why NASCAR drivers all have hot wives!!!   And let me know,if you old enough to figure out where Rick came up with his dogs name??

This was recorded in Wyoming after we wrapped up an episode of Meateater, with my friend Steve Rinella. Not a lot of dog info but more of a wrap up of the hunt. 3 nights in a tent was plenty for this old fart. On day four, Bravo and Artie were finished. Oscar the young dog had to pick up the slack.

Dave stopped over to talk about his years with dogs, lessons learned, training with friends, and how to pick a pup from a breeder/farmer. We also cover how dogs and cats will never get along.. and a few great training tips..NOT  Dave also may hold the record for Vet bills and porcupine quills.

Jason is the Chair of Back Country Hunters and Anglers  We spend some time talking about our most important resource.. LAND.. public land and what we can do to help. As hunters, many of us use State and Federal real estate (which we own) and not many of us pay attention to the possibility of that ever going away. Well in some case's it is.  Listen up and help each other to keep what we need as much as the game animals we pursue, land to hunt them on!!!

Matt Delorenzo spends some time with me talking French Britts, mountain hunting, guiding, and how not to leave your Dad watch your dogs while your away from home. Great episode with a New York state hunter.

John Howard from Kinetic Dog Food spends some time with me to talk about fueling our partners in the field. If we only were half as consistent with our own diets, we might be able to keep up with our dogs. We cover stools to supplements, and what to look for in both!! Also cover what our mutts really need. its not a bigger portion of food rolling around inside, its better food with digestable calories.  And a few hunting stories thrown in.

Wade Kisner and his three boys make some great content on You Tube with Wades "Free" dog. Sweet Lou was delivered by the stork with no warning. And turned into a great Setter by anyone's standard. Adding a second Setter to the family and making upland hunting shows that tell a story, are some of the subject that we talk about.  Enjoy this episode, but dont run out and hire a camera crew.. just yet.

Jim Ciardelli, gives us the inside scoop on what may be the best of the west. Idaho has many species of upland birds as well as a great flyway for waterfowlers. Jim and his Griffons hike the high and low countryside of of Idaho, from private ranches to public lands. He never runs out of places to chase birds. Some are right in his backyard, where he has self imposed limits on daily take, to ensure the birds will always be there for his dogs.

This is a recording of a power point demo that Dr Sarah gave our training group. Its a little hard to hear at times.( there were hands on portions that took her away from the recorder) Dr. Sarah does cover alot of everyday stuff that we can encounter with our Dogs in the field and home. I'm sure you'll find a piece or two of good info to take with you in the field this year.

Dave is the Shotgun Product Manager and pro Shooter for CZ-USA  He's a life long hunter and Springer Spaniel owner. We talk about those little and big things, shotgun patterns, shot size, CHOKES!!! and much more. Dave's Guinness world record of breaking he most clay targets in 1 hour. and even some trick shooting. If you don't learn a little something to improve your shooting from this, than get over to my house and give me some lessons. 

Eric Ellis is the regional biologist for the Ruff Grouse Society. We talk habitat, policy, dogs, guns, and the movement to sell off public lands, right here in my backyard of Michigan!!  I thought that was a Western State issue until now!!  We better be watching our elected officials, or things that are currently working in our benefit, may vanish.

  Dog hunters need to unite, and thru RGS and other hunter/dog friendly organizations, we can help to ensure future generations the enjoyment of hunting with dogs. We can get all the new young folks and older first time hunters to join our ranks, but without a place to do it? what will we have??

Great talk with Josh Robinson. From Alberta Canada. Josh does a TV show that brings new hunters to the table. He has some interesting training methods, and some interesting stories. On Point Adventures is what we are looking for to bring our dogs and our friends into the light.  Enjoy!!