Great conversation with Chris,after we shot at a few hundred clay targets. Still not sure if Chris was sandbagging me by missing a few targets, or if old men rule. We shot great while playing with five different Beretta scatterguns. This new sponsorship might get me in trouble. That trouble would be selling some other guns to get some new ones, or buying another gun safe. Oh well it challenge that I'm up to.
Ben O'Williams is still swinging on birds and training new pups, In his mid eighties, he shows no signs of slowing down. I am changing my traveling wingshooting schedule to include at least 3 trips to hunt the Hungarian Partridge. Even though it's and introduced species. The Hun is a survivor of the western prairie. Listen and learn from the expert.
I spent 3 days in Bozeman with George Hickox. Attending his class without my dogs was a real eye opener. George's methods are rooted in positive reinforcement and timing. All things I preach to the choir,but rarely remember to implement. It was kind of like going back to high school English class. Only to find out that I forgot how to punctuate a sentence!!!
Dr. Thomas is a life long bird hunter. From his first duck hunt on his Dads shoulders, to hunting upland birds everywhere you could imagine. Don has a deep background with wingshooting, So deep in fact that all of his life choices revolve around living in some of the best bird county in North America. Don is a true traveling wingshooter.
Craig is an hunter, author, and artist. His book about the pursuit of birds with his English Setters, is a collection of short stories, each very descriptive in every detail of the days hunt. Craig steps into the past every time he hunts. Using old guns, old trucks, and even putting on a tie for the opener. You can find this book and others from Craig at http://www.rckulchak.com/
This is from Jan 1 2015. most of you have never heard this one. and I liked it so much, I want to you to hear how it all started. Jeff and I go way back, the stories of old hunts and old dogs is what this podcast was all started on, and what it will always be.
Al and his family run Krystal Creek Kennels in Cedar Grove Wisconsin. I have know Al for almost 20 years. Not only has he helped me with my dogs, he mentored me in my journey as a NAVHDA judge, and worked with me on the road in my construction firm. Al shares some experiences of his life with dogs. From his first bird with a bolt action shotgun, to what he has learned from his dogs and applied that to training for customers dogs.
Ever wanted to hunt wild chukars? think twice before you go. But if you decide to try it, Utah is the place. I spent three days judging dogs in Utah, and met some of the toughest hunters in the country. Along with some big running dogs that fit the landscape. These are not the uplands, these are the uphills... all day
Great informative episode about a much confusing subject. French Brittany's vs American Brits.. There is a difference. Fred Overby is the breed expert of the breed, here in the USA. We talk history, breeding, hunting and a few other things that will school you in the dog world.
So looked forward to get Tom Huggler on the show. Author of 20 books and over one thousand articles that appeared in over one hundred publications. Truly a life time of dogs (mostly setters) that steered him into a career path of freelance writing about the hunting world of dogs and birds.
After a long talk about shotguns, Dell and I dive into Cockers and what is so attractive about getting one of these "Little Big Dogs". And how we want to hunt one along with our pointing breeds.
Got to see first hand what a real gunsmith can do. We talk shotguns!! and get some good info on alot of questions that I ask, as well as finding out that "we lefty's are in need of some help" The rest of you right handed folks have no excuse as to why you miss. Damascus, dry firing, weight, and dirty shotguns are just a few of the topic we cover. enjoy!!!!
Brian O'Connor and his Drents. Brian and I have a great and wandering conversation about one of the most rare hunting dogs in North America. He hunts them in many states throughout the year, trains, and breeds them. And he still has trouble pronouncing the name.
Gary Lester grew up swinging a shotgun on Kentucky quail. In the 60s and 70s when Mr. Bobwhite ruled the south. He was just a teenager when he was given his first Pointer. And that love of dog work has carried him all the way to the Superbowl of Field Trials. The National Championship Only the best of the best are invited to run in this 3 hour brace. Its a test of a dogs training, but more importantly his gene pool. Gary and his dogs have won it 3 times in 8 years!!!!
Chase McCaskill is on the show this week to talk about his passion for competing with his hounds all over the country. And at the ripe old age of 22 he is getting it done.
Brenn Hill is one heck of a singer/songwriter that happens to be addicted to Lion hunting with his dogs. We talk about his start at 12 years old in the mountains, to where he is today. A family man who preforms his music, which is inspired from his life in the mountains. Check out his album "How you Heal" and all of his music. Sit back and enjoy a real Houndsman.
This was a episode that I have been waiting to record for months. Problem was, John and his pack spend the entire deer season, camped out in the Midwest. Helping find those deer that get wounded and can only be recovered with his dogs. When the trail disappears, John's phone rings. And it rings for months on end. pass this episode on to all your deer hunting friends.
Karl Gunzer and I chat during Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic from Minneapolis. Karl started the old fashion way with his dogs and learning the trade from other trainers. He has trained and competed many years with his and dogs and many clients dogs. Now he is the Senior Manager of Purina's Professional Engagement Team.
Interview with the director of Pheasants Forever, one of my favorite conservation groups. Which by the way is kicking butt in Washington on our behalf. listen, learn and for pete sakes join Pheasants Forever.
Great talk with Dave Beebe, His dogs get to run year round in Oklahoma. Chasing Coons is a lifestyle that requires tons of work and a love of dogs, over a nights sleep. He also competes around the country with his pack of hounds. We talk breeding, puppy training, Wirehairs vs Walkers and much more..
Nick Moe is seriously one of the best grouse hunters in the state of Michigan. He visits with me at my kennel/recording studio,to share some secrets on how to improve your success on grouse hunting. His tips will apply for anyone who wants a better dog for hunting, or testing. His success running dogs in the NAVHDA system carries over to his training and testing retrievers in AKC and HRC testing venues. And when he has some spare time, he heads south and does some guiding for duck hunters. Check out Wingman Kennels on facebook.
I feel like Pete is the guy I would have been in a another life. He started training dogs on a shoestring and eventually built one of the biggest training and hunt clubs in Minnesota. his retirement job with Dogtra keeps him neck deep in the dog world.
Dave is a guy that decided early, what path he was taking. His writing and background with pointing dogs won out for those of us who read Gun Dog magazine. We talk about his dogs, hunting Montana, shotguns and growing up with dogs.
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.