Charles Coulter is a bird hunting guide, bird dog trainer, and a NAVHDA Senior Judge. He sits down with Mike to share his journey into bird hunting, what it's like having his passion become his profession, and how he's learned the importance of fun over caring so much. He also shares training insights, bourbon recommendations, and how he sets up his gear for guiding. This one covers many bases. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com Music use...
Aug 07, 2025•1 hr 58 min
Desiree Stormont joins the show for round 2 after her initial appearance on The Ugly Dog Podcast over a year ago. We recap some of our current NAVHDA Invitational training, mindset, mental hurdles and problem solving in addition to a host of other things. Des gives a first hand account of what it's like to judge Mike in the field, and shares honestly about navigating "the dip" in training for a test like the Invitational. She also shares about the NAVHDA Lady Gang and her involvement with the gr...
Jul 31, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 63
Emily Julin joins the show this week to share her journey from fearing dogs as a child to having a whole pack of them now. She is now both a NAVHDA and NAHRA judge and dives a bit into the testing differences in this conversation. Additionally, Emily shares the importance of finding a good club with shared values and helpful members in reaching her bird dogs potential. This episode covers a lot of bases and you're sure to enjoy it! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now ...
Jul 24, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 62
Ben Brettingen from onX Maps joins the show this week to cover the current movement in the Senate to sell public lands (speaking of, have you called your Senator yet?), and share his journey from filming hunts in college to a career in marketing in the hunting industry. He also shares how he got started in bird dogs, fell head first into drahthaars and has since transitioned into pointers and setters in cover dog trials. There are tons of gems in this episode, including onX tips and learning to ...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 61
Your public lands could be for sale soon if your Senator doesn't help torpedo a specific part of the budget reconciliation bill. Call them and let them know that CANNOT happen. Call: 202-224-3121 Ask for your Senator's office. Adapt this script to your voice (remember, be polite): “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m from [place]. I am one of your constituents. I hunt, fish, bike, hike and explore the many public land opportunities we have here in the United States. I’m calling to strongly oppos...
Jun 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 60
This episode is the audio of a presentation Mike did at the 2025 NAVHDA Annual Meeting in Montana. He covers his tips and tricks to plan and execute a long distance road trip including pre-planning, checklist making, and some helpful pro-tips to keep you out of trouble when it inevitably finds you. If you have any follow up questions, feel free to reach out to Mike directly at the email mentioned in the intro, or our social media channels. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Huntin...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 59
Tanya Caram joins the show this week to share how she fell in love with Wirehaired Vizlas, her journey to having the first VC WHV, spending extended time in Hungary, and working to develop the breed here in North America. Tanya also shares some unique insights about her journey along the way, including challenging doubters and tirelessly pursuing her goals. Tanya is an excellent trainer and a wealth of information, particularly for WHV's. Enjoy!! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Huntin...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 58
Matt Sather and Jason Rice join the show this week to share Matt's journey into NAVHDA and hunting with a versatile dog. Jason discusses connecting Matt with the Track2Wing Project and Matt reflects honestly on how much of the world has opened up to him and his dog now that he has a track chair. These two go back and forth with ribbing and heartfelt stories of experiences hunting and training together. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com ....
May 29, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 57
Ted Wentink joins the show this week to share his never-ending love for Spinoni Italiani. He shares candidly about his journey with dogs throughout the years, making an effort to show his dogs form and function, and his experiences attending hunt tests in Italy and England. He also dives into the importance of learning to train the dog in front of you and taking things slow sometimes instead of charging ahead. Ted is a host of knowledge and story, and this episode highlights both. Enjoy! This ep...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 56
For a little something different this week Mike sits down with his mother, Ellen, on Mother's Day to discuss their family history in pets. Ellen shares her decision and commitment to having a well-trained family dog and a variety of lessons she learned along the way. She also taps into the power of working with a trainer part time to develop confidence in not only the dog, but herself as a trainer and the dividends this effort provides years later. Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Dai...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 55
Christy Langston joins the show this week while Mike visited the Missouri Uplands NAVHDA chapter to judge. She shares candidly about fighting imposter syndrome, gives more great photography tips, and opens up about a recent failed breeding with one of her dogs. She also shares more about her experiences with long-distance solo hunting trips and not losing her passions while raising a family. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Music used under ...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 54
Carey Killion joins the show this week to share how marathons brought her to bird dogs, facing failure head on, and how she is committed to bettering the breed of Weimaraners. Carey is refreshingly honest about her pursuits, whether that be making mistakes along the way with her dogs, tips to better show dogs in field trials, and joining the board of the Weimaraner Club of America to add her knowledge and passion to bettering the sporting aspects of a breed that has taken a wayward turn over the...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 53
Yia Vang joins the show this week to discuss his award winning restaurant and how growing up in the Hmong community presented hunting and fishing as a way of life, not just a hobby. Yia is a James Beard Award Finalist and creator and head chef of Vinai, one of the top 50 best restaurants in the US. Yia discusses his thoughts on Hmong culture in regard to hunting and fishing, how his perspective on conservation has evolved, and gives tips and tricks to better prepare your birds next time you're i...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Bailey Petersen joins the show this week to talk all things Northwoods, Ruffed Grouse, and her pack of setters (and one microphone loving Munsterlander). She dives into how she grew her love of ruffed grouse and woodcock, moved from a golden retriever to a small munsterlander, and then to an ever growing pack of setter boys. She dives into her best cover tips for finding ruffed grouse and also shares differences between hot and cold noses, run, tracking, and a whole lot more. This episode is bro...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 51
This week's episode features Mike answering questions submitted on our Facebook and Instagram pages. He covers his mindset heading toward the NAVHDA Invitational, his thoughts on DDs vs. GWPs, answers a whole bunch of silly geese questions, and talks candidly about losing 2 of his dogs to heat stroke. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 Inte...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 50
Nick Dulas joins the show this week where he recounts his pre-COVID journey to joining the Rice County PF chapter and why he's stayed involved since. He also shares how he developed a love for setters and the french brittany. He and Mike also talk a little hockey, and dive into Nick's advice for making long-distance hunting trips. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is l...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Nikki Flander joins the show this week to share her journey to working with the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, how she fell in love with English Setters, that one time she wanted a dog so bad she snuck one home in high school, and creating community for women in the hunting and shooting space. Nikki is dedicated to any pursuit she picks up and this episode highlights her passion for the dogs and getting other women involved. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop no...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 48
Hannah & Kyle Peterson are a match made with a shared love of dog training, and then bird dogs in grouse country. In this episode they share their journey into dog training in very separate realms and how they eventually met, married, and now are growing a family, all while chasing English Setters through the grouse woods hunting and in Cover Dog trials. Both have taken an active role in the Minnesota Grouse Dog Association and are leading the charge to get more folks involved in the sport. ...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 47
John Zeman got his first German Shorthair in 1978 and has had various types of bird dogs ever since. Through mentors he found field trials and training methods which he now shares with many who show up at his home on Wednesday nights for training. He still runs and judges field trials across the upper midwest and is also the current president of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs. He, and a special committee have been instrumental in working with the Minnesota DNR to offer dog trainin...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 46
Greg Blair joins the show this week to share his origins in bird dogs, NSTRA, and ultimately field trials. He shares how he landed his dream job at Purina, became a field trial judge, breaks down accessibility in field trialing as well as a look at this year's National Championship and much much more. If you're looking to learn more about field trials, this episode is for you. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Music used under Creative Common...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 45
Ray Esboldt is a member of the Four Points Retriever Club and an avid NAHRA enthusiast. Mike & Ray sat down to discuss his experience going from a meat dog to appreciating the abilities and year round training opportunities or a NAHRA dog. Ray also speaks up about the recent purchase of Kelly Farms in Minnesota, what's different now, and shares more in-depth about the collaboration with the MN DNR to keep a portion of the newly named Keystone Woods WMA open to bird dog training throughout th...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 44
Jacob Walter joins the show this week to share his journey of upland bird hunting from growing up with Labrador Retrievers to raising a young family with German shorthairs. Jacob also discusses what inspired him to become a local volunteer for Pheasants Forever, how he approaches long-distance hunting trips, and some insight into why he believes physical fitness is an underrated component of upland hunting. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . M...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 43
Luc Ramthun from Pheasants Forever joins the show this week to give a preview of the upcoming Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic being held in Kansas City (see y'all there), and share his journey into bird hunting. Luc shares how he pivoted from big city marketing and teaching to working for The Habitat Organization, and how Pheasant Fest led him to his first bird dog. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 42
Dr. RuthAnn Lobos is the Senior Veterinarian for Purina. She joins the show this week to share her journey with bird dogs and give some incredible, research backed insight into how we feed our dogs. You'll learn how to prioritize and plan your feeding schedule for hunting and training, whether you can feed 30/20 straight away or should choose a puppy specific food, and how Purina works every day with hunters to better their dogs through nutrition. Additionally, Dr. RuthAnn shares how she fell in...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 41
Sam Tillman joins the show this week where she shares her lifelong love of bird dogs and that love has only deepened over time. She also takes a dive into qualifying for the NAVHDA Invitational, building a lasting bond with her Pudelpointer, Stormie, and how keeping fun at the top of her training value system has helped her achieve success. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Check out the Ugly Dog Hunting Co. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtu...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 40
Matt Kucharski joins the show this week to discuss his "dogs of opportunity" and now having to raise a puppy, how an ad for a used truck landed him on the board of Pheasants Forever, and the importance of habitat is best demonstrated in before and after experience. Matt also shares why he believes curious hunters are the best hunters and shares a bit of philosophy on matching one's expectations of their dog to their stage in their hunting life. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting ...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 39
Jake Faas of True Loyalty Dog Training joins the show this week to share how he fell in love with dogs doing bite sports and training working dogs and then through marriage came to upland hunting and owning French Brittanies. Jake is an experience bite dog trainer and decoy, but never hunted until his father-in-law told him he wasn't a member of the family until he killed a grouse. After that the rest was history. This episode contains a ton of gems for the avid bird dogger and trainer. Enjoy! T...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 38
This special bonus episode is a pod-share between Road to Detection, The Ugly Dog Podcast, and The Accidental Bird Dog. This episode dives into Scent Work and how it can be beneficial for you and your bird dogs. This includes laying a solid foundation with your dogs and giving you and your dog a fun and mentally stimulating activity to pursue when hunting season is over and the weather is still uncooperative. We also discuss an upcoming online course we're launching in the coming month where par...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Luke Koch runs Black Dog Marketing Company and joins the show this week to share how he fell in love with waterfowl hunting, his passion for video work, and his journey with his black lab, Jeb. Luke also dives into how he approaches waterfowl hunting around the metro area, why he'll remain a one dog household for now, and makes excellent points about the importance of good shotgun shells. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Music used under Cre...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 37
Corey Hendrickson and Colton Strauss join Mike on this week's podcast from layout blinds as they wait for geese on a recent hunt. They cover a bit of their backgrounds, different colors of labrador retrievers, tips for goose hunting, and why the term Meat Dog doesn't do a dog justice. We had a lot of fun recording this while waiting for geese to fly. Enjoy! This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com . Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Du...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 36
