Once upon a time Michigan hunters took a million birds a year. Things change and those numbers are only statistics of the past. The Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative was established to bring hunters back to the fields. Following in the footsteps of 21 other states that give hunters the opportunity to recreate on state land, by releasing birds for us to work our dogs on and bring home a tasty meal that celebrates family traditions of the past, while building family traditions for the future.
Trent and Heather Hardy are a typical 30's something couple that share it all. From planning their next hunting trip, to planning for their next dog. The future of our sport will be stronger.
Pete Kailing is one of the DNR biologist that keep the places we love, places we love! I've never had anyone on the podcast that opened my eyes as much as Pete did. One hundred years of watching over our lands and our wildlife. There will be places for my grandchildren and yours.
Jim Matthews is a California hunter, who not only walks the walk, he writes about it too. Outdoor columnist and wildlife advocate. He currently produces "Western Birds"a subscription based tell-all on where and how to hunt in the west. And yes there are more people than birds in California but, there are a gazillion acres to make of for the over population of people. In the right years the desert can be the place to set your sights on.
The sub-title of my favorite magazine says it all. We get the background story on what it takes to keep wingshooters occupied all year long. The stories that hunters have been telling for hundreds of years, and some damn nice pictures as well.
Dave Miller from CZUSA joins me from the road to talk missing and hitting. What we can to do to improve our percentage on the range and in the field. And a little info on Garmin's newest piece of magic. Garmin can always tell you where your dog is, now they can tell you why we miss targets made of clay or feathers.!!
The North American model of conservation is a bragging point of hunters here in the States. Although, we could learn a little from our fellow hunters in Germany. When hunters step into the woods over there, the one rule that cant be overlooked is, you must have a trained dog to help recover a wounded animal. It doesnt matter if its a rabbit or a roe deer, woodcock or wild boar. You have to make every effort to recover that resource!! Thats conservation!
Ben Jones returns to the show, giving us a look in the rear view mirror along with a brighter look out the windshield. 2020 was tough on conservation, but lessons learned and forward thinking help RGS to keep their eye on the prize. As we know HABITAT in the prize. With that as the focus, the iconic king of the woods will be eluding us for future generations.
All kids want a dog, and just like that, Janis Putelis became a houndsmen. Well there's a bit more to the story. Janis and Mingus are in the process of becoming a team. Let's just say that the Meateater crew is going to the dogs!!
Shannon Smith started her life with dogs many years ago. She's a women who found nothing could stop her. She also likes a challenge. Taking her hunting/trial champion Labrador into the Michigan woods, and learning what it would take to turn a great duck dog into a solid blood tracker, helping hundreds of deer hunters.
Jay Crafter started with the British Army, his service didn't end in the Middle East. He took his trade and his love of dogs and turned the tide of poaching in Africa. His company is Invictus K9 helps the conservation efforts all across the continent of Africa.
Justin McGrail stops by the kennel to do another Q&A episode. Then we let all the cats out of the bag with the announcement of our 15-month filming project. The Upland Institute is an online dog training school specializing in pointing dogs. The landing page is up for all interested folks to sign-up. Check out Upland Institute.com
John Johnston from Kinross Kennels join me to talk English Labs and Irish Setters. And a lot about training all dogs. This one is a keeper!
Chad Waligura didn't let a terrible accident stop him from doing what he loves. After becoming a quadriplegic 34 years ago, Chad never considered letting that stop his passion for the outdoors and his dogs. He runs Able Outdoors, helping others see that they can continue their passions!
When you have spent your entire life with dogs, eventually something gives. Jim Lawless wanted to find out what his best dogs could do. He put his best dogs together and... well listen up and find out what he has come up with!!!
Phil Swain is one of the most knowledgeable judges and most dedicated members of the NAVHDA. We break down the Utility Test with an emphasis on our years of judging and hunting experiences. We also throw in a bunch of stories of our worst test days. As NAVHDA judges we have to run our dogs too!! and it doesn't always go as we planned!
Ed Arnett from TRCP checks in to talk about 2020/2021 and the subjects we need to pay attention to. We get a little political, but fall back on the subject of his next dog. Life long Labrador guy gets Pudlepointer curious!
Dan Holder joins me to talk about his path in the outdoors. We cover a lot of ground including his love of guns, dogs, and food. His career at CZ-USA and his pointing poodle! Not a Pudel Pointer, a Pointing Poodle. Really I am not making this up!!
Great episode with three of the best grouse hunters that I know. And their dogs aren't bad either. We wrap up the 2020 season with some good intel and some great stories!
Coming from a hunting family in the UK, Matty found the American west was tailor made for his passion. He runs Owens Valley Wing Shooting. Training,guiding,and hunting was simply in his DNA!!
Phil Swain is a lot of things, pilot, educator, family man, and one of the best dog judges I ever had the pleasure of working with. If you are NAVHDA curious? Then this episode will get you ready to test your pup this coming year. Let's bring in the New Year with a little pup education!!
It's been a few years since Scott has been on the podcast. We catch up on new dogs, new recipes, and a little "old guys" talking about how to solve world problems.
I turned the microphone on with a whole bunch of wingshooting giants and a couple of guys named Mike! Greensburg Kansas was flattened by a tornado in 2007, but the hunters came back and so did the pheasants. We have a wild recap of the days afield with a dozen dogs and a dozen guns all supplied by CZUSA
Michiganders are lucky to have MUCC (Michigan United Conservation Club) on their side. Nick Green joins me to talk policy and how we can and should affect changes in what is so important to all sportsmen.
2020 has been a year that has test our resolve. RGS/AWS have felt this pandemic on a level that no one could have predicted. Forest management is going through its own pandemic. If we are to have wild places, we must manage them. Just like the game laws we follow, solid forest management needs us to follow and support the science behind timber/habitat work that the Ruffed Grouse Society stands for and gets behind. Please listen and learn.