The weather doesn't always cooperate with your hunting plans. Thats what happened this morning when we got forced indoors for a few hours but my buddy Gabe Stone helped pass the time by sitting down and recording some random thoughts and stories from our few hunts together. Hunting Ruffed Grouse in the rain Entering the "lifestyle" Making sense of getting the first bird dog Into the deep end! Get eyes on the cover with boots on the ground Progressions for a young inexperienced dog Our afternoon ...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 228
Brian Robinson of C Woodcock & Co. sat down with me after my previous conversation with Stephen Faust to provide his thoughts and perspective of what its like being a client on a true Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock hunt. A return client to Pineridge Grouse Camp. What makes this camp such a unique experience? Brians intro to Ruffed Grouse Vintage gear compared to modern needs Brians experience with wing shooting prior to the guided hunts First impressions from his Ruffed Grouse hunt Clarity and f...
Nov 18, 2023•52 min•Ep. 227
Experienced Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock guide for Pineridge Grouse Camp, Stephen Faust of Stoneybrook Gordon Setters, joins me for a tailgate lunch between hunts to talk about some of his takeaways after so many years in the woods guiding beginner and experienced hunters alike. Why Gordon Setters? Keeping genetics fresh with imported dogs How did Stephen fall into guiding? Old stands with the right understory and food sources Switching from Grouse to Woodcock in the southeast Using Woodcock to de...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 226
Jim Burris joins me again to catch up on recent hunting trips and go over the upcoming events for the Bird Dog Society! Hunting season catch up Trip troubles and challenges Webinars 12/14 Intro to Upland Hunting (Jim Burris) 1/18 Intro to AKC Field Trials (Terry Ann) 2/8 Shed Hunting w/ Bird Dogs (Tom Dokken) Annual shed hunt will be on 3/9 Pheasant Fest in Sioux Falls, SD St. Huberts Trial moved to SC! FEB 3rd and 4th at H Cooper Black Field Trial in Cheraw, SC Registration opening soon! Regist...
Nov 11, 2023•30 min
Part 2 of my conversation with Kyle Warren discussing the common characteristics and process of building the most effective grouse dogs. Dependence on the handler is a good thing! Your hunting preference "Riding the dog" Ruffed Grouse daily behaviors throughout the season The importance of conifer trees Late season in snow Are woodcock good or bad for building a grouse dog? Kyles thoughts on how to develop a grouse dog -- Presented By: Standing Stone Supply | Use Code: GDIY to save 15% onX Hunt ...
Nov 09, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 225
I recently linked up with Kyle Warren on my trail through Michigan. After getting some hunts knocked out we sat down to a nice hard earned grouse dinner and hit the record button afterwards. This is Part 1 of a long conversation discussing the qualities of "the most effective grouse dogs." New York grouse hunting in comparison to Michigan Public vs Private land access Why the love and focus on Ruffed Grouse? Self imposed hunting ethics The common characteristics amongst the most effective grouse...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 224
NAME: Matt Millbauer | Bauermill.shop | Facebook BREED: Springer Spaniels (2) LOCATION: Kennewick, WA TARGETS: Pheasant, Valley Quail, Chukar FAVORITE EPISODES: The Jordan Horak episodes GDIY Profiles are bonus episodes that feature your average DIY dog trainer and hunter. All dog owners have a story of what got them involved and the main lessons learned along the way. Hearing numerous people’s stories along with their mistakes, helps promote the idea that WE ALL STARTED AT THE SAME PLACE! -- Pr...
Nov 02, 2023•39 min
I sat down with Del Whitman of D.C. Whitman Custom Gunsmithing to discuss the basics of selecting the proper ammunition to effectively and ethically hunt your targeted game. Local grouse hunting update Pointer & flusher combo on grouse Getting into ballistics Appropriate ammo for vintage shotguns Low pressure loads Analyzing the ammo for the actual gun you're using The components of a shotgun shell High brass vs low brass? Assessing the types of shot Patterning the shot Lead vs non-toxic sho...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 223
As the Idaho Chukar trip comes to a close, I sit down with Spencer Daines and Doug Davis to recap the trip along with a bunch of other rabbit holes. Bittersweet last days at bird camp Are the bucket list trips worth it? Do they live up to expectations? Physical preparation for big trips Dog preparation in high heat and feet Finding spots Budget friendly trip tips Travel partners help split the cost Realistic expectations for your dogs The butter on toast= dog work! Chukar hunting stories Shootin...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 222
On my way to Idaho I made a pitstop to link up with Ben Proctor of BPro Kennels and overhaul my travel setup for the dogs! Intro to Ben Proctor Breaking into the uplands in Utah Not just pheasant and bobwhites Big game vs small game Upland opportunities in Utah Picking the correct side of the mountain Journaling your hunt The first dog is your baby from the classifieds Sending to a pro trainer is sometimes the correct call Welding over medicine? Building your own dog box An aluminum dog box that...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 221
NAME: Tyler Burton BREED: GSP LOCATION: Central NJ TARGETS: Grouse, Woodcock, Quail, Grouse FAVORITE EPISODES: Ep. 197 Mo Lindley Ep. 194 Rick Smith Ep. 168 A Start To Finish Program and E-collars GDIY Profiles are bonus episodes that feature your average DIY dog trainer and hunter. All dog owners have a story of what got them involved and the main lessons learned along the way. Hearing numerous people’s stories along with their mistakes, helps promote the idea that WE ALL STARTED AT THE SAME PL...
Oct 21, 2023•48 min
After a week of chasing new birds in new country with buddies Jay Brekke and Jim Burris, we sat down to recap what it was like hunting White Tail Ptarmigan and Dusky Grouse at high elevations in the Rocky Mountains! Why Ptarmigan and Dusky in CO? Ptarmigan hunting basics The 1st Ptarmigan contact High altitude acclimation and preparation Supplemental oxygen The death march The Dusky grouse adventure The berry buffet Learning new birds and hunts with boots on the ground! Physically taxing on the ...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 220
My buddy Grayson Guyer of Lost Highway Kennels as well as host of the Companion Gundog Podcast joins me to catch me up on the new and exciting field trial opportunity via the St. Hubert's Trial being held on February 4th, 2024 in Cheraw, SC. What is the St. Huberts Trial? Relationship over competition A lower barrier for entry Championships only mean so much The makeup of the actual trial Partnered with Bird Dog Society Trial details and classes Handler and dog teamwork in the field -- Presented...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 219
NAME: Jesse Harlan BREED: Springer Spaniel LOCATION: Woodstock, GA TARGETS: Ducks, Woodcock, Quail, Grouse FAVORITE EPISODES: Puppy Series and Force Fetch Series GDIY Profiles are bonus episodes that feature your average DIY dog trainer and hunter. All dog owners have a story of what got them involved and the main lessons learned along the way. Hearing numerous people’s stories along with their mistakes, helps promote the idea that WE ALL STARTED AT THE SAME PLACE! -- Presented By: Standing Ston...
Oct 14, 2023•39 min
Ben Kerr just finished the Invitational test. As you heard on the last episode, he was pretty confident going into the test. Was the confidence warranted? A little anxiety going into the test Bringing the fun back into it Getting to the day of the test Field portion complete with wild flushes and stop to flush opportunities The double mark retrieve The blind retrieve and honor Anticipating your dogs reaction to commands Hurry up and test just to wait on the results Reflections on the journey to ...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 218
Ben Kerr joins me for the Invitation Test edition of the Before/After. First thoughts after achieving the UT Prize 1 to qualify for the Invitational? Surprise backing challenges Heeling and obedience Maintaining everything going into the tests The field portion predictions (8/10) The double mark retrieve (7/10) The blind retrieve (9/10) Attend an invitational handlers clinic The handlers mindset -- Presented By: Standing Stone Supply | Use Code: GDIY to save 15% onX Hunt Maps | Use Code: GDIY20 ...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 217
Terry Ann Fernando joins me to go over her recent NAVHDA Invitational experience and recap/forecast BDS news and updates! Zara the Versatile Champion?!? Testing vs Trialing mindset Going hunting BDS Hunting Workshop recap OCT Webinar is on Stickers, Seeds, and Thorns with Jay Brekke St Hubert's Trial beginning of Feb in Salisbury, NC 2nd Annual shed hunt on March 9th New board member: Alycia Baird -- Presented By: Standing Stone Supply | Use Code: GDIY to save 15% onX Hunt Maps | Use Code: GDIY2...
Oct 07, 2023•30 min
We're back to compare the results of the Utility Test with Dale and Natalie Bolyard. The test didn't exactly go as smooth as Dale was predicting (more in line with Natalie's predictions though!) but what exactly happened? The weather conditions....NOT GOOD! The field recap Which is more anxiety inducing? Running the test or waiting on the sidelines? Regrouping after a poor field portion The duck search Duck search training and tips The blind sequence Heeling and retrieving question marks The dra...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 216
Anyone that has tested before can relate to the fact that you're usually going into the test thinking/predicting certain outcomes just to be thrown a curveball as the test actually takes place. Dale Bolyard joins me this week to discuss his thoughts going into his dog's NAVHDA Utility test and tells us what he's confident about as well as what is making him nervous. The next episode will be the test recap after the test and we can compare the results to his predictions before the test. Test anxi...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 215
Travis Warren of Upchukar joins me to discuss a lot of different topics' Entry into chukar hunting Being useful and bringing something to the table Find the group with the same goals at the same level Getting the first hunting dog, Hazel Harper the Wirehair Working a younger dog in with your older dog Chukar Hunting 101 Water, elevation, rimrock, and a side of grass Ideal dog work for Chukar Dogs with tenderfeet and blowing pads Heat and elevation means you need more water Flushing strategy Chok...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 214
This episode we discuss everything dog nutrition! Dr. Jill Cline of Royal Canin and Eukanuba joins me to cover this topic in a very down to earth and relatable fashion! "Dogs with jobs" Adjust the quantity or adjust the formula based on exercise? (75%-125% of the recommended daily amount rule) The body condition score (working dogs should score 3.5 to 4 in season) Body weight is still the best gauge for caloric needs "Anticipation" calorie burn Adding canned food can add more calories if more th...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 213
NAME: Colin Smith BREED: German Wirehair Pointers (2) LOCATION: Tappahannock, VA TARGETS: Woodcock, Bobwhites, Grouse FAVORITE EPISODES: Force Fetch Series GDIY Profiles are bonus episodes that feature your average DIY dog trainer and hunter. All dog owners have a story of what got them involved and the main lessons learned along the way. Hearing numerous people’s stories along with their mistakes, helps promote the idea that WE ALL STARTED AT THE SAME PLACE! - Presented By: Standing Stone Suppl...
Sep 23, 2023•56 min
Jerry Havel, owner of Pineridge Grouse Camp and co-owner of Upland Gun Company, joins me to talk grouse dogs, mentorship, and places for upland fellowship! Fall is in the air! Simpler times vs the current technology and tools Trusting your dog in the woods Get out and walk with your pups! Expose them early! Still starts with genetics Learning on the first dog The value of group training such as a NAVHDA Chapter Jerry's command structure Hunt YOUR hunt and enjoy the romanticism First impressions ...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 212
Jordan Wells and Sonny Piekarz join me to go deep into weeds with their new program "The Method". Foundations within the Smith Method Folks not understanding the dog training process Spend time with your dog The biggest disconnect in the Smith method? The home cycles into the chain gang and the chain gang cycles into the field Stack the wins to avoid frustration Getting the receptive mindset dog at the vehicle Getting the dog to follow the lead Balancing letting the dog making decisions and stil...
Sep 19, 2023•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 211
There are a lot of services or products out there that afford dog owners to learn more about their dogs than ever before. One of those services or products is genetic testing. We are all familiar with some of the benefits for breeders to do genetic testing but is there any benefit to individual owners doing the testing? Im joined with Caitlin Swingley and Dr. Bob Westra from Neogen to discuss why someone might be interested in their products. Types of products | Pawprint Genetics (Breed Specific...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 210
One of the concerns for dog handlers in certain regions would be the presence of wolves. How concerned should you actually be though? Randy Johnson, large carnivore specialists for the Wisconsin DNR, joins me to discuss the species and how it impacts us as dog handlers. Cougars, Bears, & Wolves....oh, my! The historical timeline of wolves in Wisconsin The Gray Wolf pack structure and size Very territorial Depredation on local farms The ESA impact on responding to depredation Opportunistic fe...
Sep 12, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 209
NAME: Carson Fillin BREED: Deutsch Drahtaars (2), Teckel LOCATION: Kuna, ID TARGETS: Ducks, Chukar, Huns, Badgers? FAVORITE EPISODES: Ep. 197. Mo Lindley, Ep. 189. Martha Greenlee, Ep. 194. Rick Smith, The Whoa Series, and the Force Fetch Series GDIY Profiles are bonus episodes that feature your average DIY dog trainer and hunter. All dog owners have a story of what got them involved and the main lessons learned along the way. Hearing numerous people’s stories along with their mistakes, helps pr...
Sep 09, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Rob Moore joins me again to go over a lot! From guide certificates all the way through everything on the calendar for Bird Dog Society, we touch on quite a bit with this one! Hunting season is here! The Maine guide certification Land navigation New England grouse hunting "Hunting With Your Bird Dog" workshop is now full but will be an available resource on the website The St. Huberts Field Trial on Feb 3rd and 4th can be signed up for at the Three Rivers Land Trust site Webinars: -9/21 Ethical D...
Sep 07, 2023•35 min
HRC (Hunting Retriever Club) is a testing system that really focuses on hunting scenarios. A ton of people compete in the organization every year with your typical retrieving breeds. Landon Poplin enjoys doing it with his German Wirehair Pointers in addition to hunting and running in other organizations as well. Transitioning from retrievers to versatiles Balancing upland and retriever training Working a compliant dog vs a higher drive dog Levels of HRC (starter, seasoned, finished) Sending with...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 208
We all know these dogs can develop amazing skills and sometimes those amazing skills can crossover and provide truly valuable services to society. Perhaps exploring an option such as Search and Rescue is something that would be rewarding and enjoyable for you try with your bird dogs in the off season? Melissa Stagnaro joins me to explain that it doesn't have to be one or the other. Your bird dog can do both if you want them to! What brought Melissa to the dog world? "Tracking" or "Trailing" Why ...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 207
