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..

The names Lee and Tiffany are probably the best known in the deer woods, from their popular TV series to speaking engagements, They are like the first family in outdoor television. But... when they need a brake from whispering in a deer stand, they load up their Labradors and hunt pheasants, ducks and do a whole bunch of shed hunting with some well trained Labs.

Jeff Fuller kind of crashed into the dog world.. retiring from law enforcement after a bad squad car accident, Jeff and his first Labrador started on the path of recovering and rebuilding a new career. Starting with Soggy Acres Retrievers,and then gave it his all to start his successful show, Sporting Dog Adventures.  It wasn't a smooth road at first, but hard work and time was his key to where he is. Blending his family and business into a TV show that reflects his passion.

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.

I have a great conversation with Steve Smith. he is the editor of Pointing Dog Journal and The Retriever Journal. he is a life long dog man/ foot hunter, a former school teacher, and the guy who has brought us almost all of our favorite magazines for the last 3 decades. We talk alot about raising kids in the hunting lifestyle, and Steve's secret to getting those kids hooked!!. And we touch on our non hunting spouses and how that works. Listen to this one and you might learn a little something.

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!!!