Gundog Nation

#69 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Leah Spivey and her young friend Jack, discussing their experiences in dog training, hunting, and the importance of community in the sport. Leah shares her journey with her dog Kane, her achievements in the SRS, and her aspirations for the future. The conversation highlights the significance of youth involvement and the role of women in dog sports, as well as the challenges and joys of training and competing. Leah emphasizes the importance of pre-run routines and the mental aspects of handling dogs in competitions, while Jack shares his enthusiasm for the sport and his goals for the future.

Send us a text#68 A German Wirehair at the HRC Grand? That’s where this story turns heads. Trainer Landon Poplin walks us through how Harker, a versatile dog bred to point, track, and retrieve, made history by earning a Grand title in a retriever-first arena. We dig into steady-at-the-line expectations, the brutal pass rates, and the mindset it takes to keep going after breaks, pops, and blown plans—because that road wasn’t straight, and the lessons are the gold.We get specific on handling and training. Landon unpacks how to fix “popping” without frying a careful dog’s confidence: close the distance, add presence, give a clear cast, then rerun with purpose. He explains why some dogs are methodical by nature, why that’s an asset, and how to protect it during pressure. We talk breeding strategy with a working lens—prioritizing the dam’s record, why a Grand title signals steadiness under pressure, and how vocalization can be a hard genetic stop for high-level work. For versatile breeds, Landon respects the German testing system yet insists on real-world proof: show the good, bad, and ugly in training and hunting, not just a highlight reel.Field time ties it all together. Landon announces a western wild-bird program across North Dakota, Montana, Utah, and Colorado, built to give dogs and owners the reps you can’t fake on pen-raised birds. We compare covers and dog choices—labs and cockers hammer cattails and corn where birds run, while pointing dogs shine on prairie and edge. You’ll leave with a realistic timeline for Grand readiness, practical fixes for common handling issues, and a renewed belief that patience and clarity win more than pressure and hurry.If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend who trains, and leave a quick review so more dog folks can find us.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#67 A small mountain town asks a big question—why not us? That spark turns into a blueprint for culture, community, and a band that’s suddenly everywhere. We sit down with Tim Parks, Manchester’s tourism director and manager of The Creekers, to unpack how a tight-knit team moved from free hometown shows to major festival lineups without trading in their roots. Think practical strategy—agents, labels, radius clauses, and routing—blended with the soul of Appalachia—accents, garden rows, deer season, and four-part harmonies that hit like home.Tim takes us behind the curtain of a modern music breakout. He shares how The Creekers chose WME and Warner for a plan, not just promises, and why TikTok momentum only matters if the live show is bulletproof. We talk DIY recordings that punched way above their budget, a forthcoming studio album, and the surprising way a free local festival can fuel real economic growth. This is more than a music story; it’s a case study in how authenticity scales, how to protect family while touring hard, and how to build a national footprint while keeping your neighbors in the front row.Along the way, we keep the Gun Dog Nation heartbeat strong—heritage, training, youth involvement, and the gear and partners that make working dogs thrive. If you care about building something that lasts—whether a kennel program, a festival, or a career—this conversation gives you a roadmap shaped by grit, gratitude, and good sense. Hit play, share it with a friend who loves real music and real dogs, and drop a review so more folks can find the show.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#66 A great bird dog doesn’t happen by accident. We sit down with NSTRA president Scott Townsend and competitor Chad to unpack how a walking field trial can shape complete dogs—steady on birds, snappy on the retrieve, sharp in the wind, and polite around bracemates. If you’ve ever wondered what judges actually score, how backing decides tight finishes, or why a clean to-hand retrieve matters, this conversation maps the entire system from first entry to national events.We dig into training you can use right away. Force fetch turns a reluctant pointer into a dependable retriever. Smart ground coverage beats mindless speed. Puppies need socialization and patience more than pressure, with first bird exposure around six months and formal breaking closer to a year. Safety gets real too: porcupine triage, what to keep in your truck, and how to trash-break before disaster. Field stories—long recoveries on wounded grouse, water retrieves you wouldn’t expect—show the standard in action.We also talk breeding with clear eyes. Paper matters because it tracks what works, but the dog still has to prove it. Short hairs often bring consistency; pointers bring that explosive edge; the rare great ones in any breed teach you more than a pedigree can. Across AKC, NAVHDA, horseback, and NSTRA, the lesson is the same: different standards, shared pursuit of excellence, and plenty of room to learn from each other.Thinking about competing? NSTRA’s mentor culture makes it easy to start: ride with a judge, try an amateur division, or use a free associate membership to get your feet wet. With 30 regions, 1,100+ trials, and five national events, there’s a place for every curious handler and every ambitious dog. Subscribe, share this with your training partner, and leave a review to help more bird dog folks find us. Then check your local region at nstra.org and come say hello at the next trial.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#65 What if your choke isn’t what’s holding you back—but how you understand it is? We sit down with Jimmy Muller of Muller Chokes, a master toolmaker and elite shooter who went from aerospace and defense machining to reinventing shotgun performance. Jimmy pulls back the curtain on why two “modified” chokes can pattern wildly differently, how taper, parallel, surface finish, and concentricity shape results, and why barrel harmonics make shotguns far more individual than most shooters realize.From there, we dig into the physics you can feel in the blind. Jimmy explains gun-specific patterning geometry and the testing behind it—dozens of guns, bore diameters, and thousands of rounds on paper, water, mud, gel, and high-speed video. You’ll learn why stacked or blended shot sizes lead to mass separation and longer shot strings, how sphere packing inside the barrel creates pressure dynamics that change consistency, and where blended loads look fine at common ranges but fall apart when distance stretches. He’s blunt about what a choke can and can’t fix, and how to pick more uniform ammo that lets geometry shine.Skill ties it all together. Jimmy’s method—“kill it with your eyes”—teaches you to control birds from the front, not panic from behind. We talk rangefinding to calibrate true 30 to 50 yard shots, using sporting clays to build mount and move, and adopting a modified pull-away or sustained-lead approach that matches speed, opens a clean gap, and finishes with confidence. Add smart gear choices, realistic velocities, and a choke designed for your gun’s harmonics, and you’ll see tighter patterns, shorter shot strings, and cleaner kills across ducks, upland, and clays.If this deep dive helps your shooting, share it with a hunting buddy, tap follow, and leave a quick review so more shooters can find it. Got questions or a patterning win to share? Drop us a note and let’s keep learning together.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#64 The map looks different when your dog disappears into the tundra and points white birds against white sky. Kenneth sits down with Brett Browning to trace a wild loop through Alaska, Idaho, South Dakota, Montana, and Arizona—breaking down the birds, the terrain, and the dog work that ties it all together. From 40-covey days on ptarmigan above Nome to blue grouse that vanish into Douglas firs, we dig into how scent really moves, why a pointer might be locked up with the wind at his back, and when to shorten range from 200-yard casts in chukar country to tight, careful work along CRP and corn edges for pheasants.We get practical about the hard parts: packing for relentless rain on spongy tundra, using GPS when the sky closes in, and protecting pads with simple, proven care. Brett shares a clean recovery plan—water, rest, and getting calories in quickly—plus the training conversations that help a dog adjust across habitats. If you’ve wondered how to turn late-season sharp-tail flushes into chances, or how to pick honest cover for pointing dogs in pheasant country, you’ll hear field-tested answers.Arizona gets its due with a clear guide to Gambel’s, scaled, and the gentleman Mearns quail that hold like few wild birds do. We talk seasons, elevations, and the rare days you can take all three species without moving the truck. Along the way, expect fresh takes on public access, honest gear, and mixed dog teams that pair pointers with a steady retriever. If you love bird dogs and big country, this one will reset your plans for the season ahead.If this episode sharpened your plan, follow the show, share it with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more dog folks can find us.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#63 A great hunt starts long before the first flight. We sit down with Matt McCormick and Brady Davis of Flying V to unpack how a forged bird knife, smart dog choices, and year-round ranch management turn big plans into clean birds and reliable shoots. From Bozeman to fast water on the Yellowstone, this one moves from craft to habitat to dogs with zero fluff and plenty of grit.First up: the Bird Blade. After hundreds of real-world birds—from teal and huns to late-season honkers and cranes—the guys dialed a shallow, four-inch 440C profile with a rigid spine and precise tip. The machined G10 handle stays locked in when wet; the handmade leather sheath drops into a blind bag and ages like a saddle. It’s a father–son forge story with Western roots and a design built for one-swipe breast pulls, clean joint breaks, and minimal waste.Then we zoom out to the 365. Flying V maps properties for early, mid, and late-season waterfowl across Montana’s long, liberal seasons, and they don’t stop at fall. Spring nesting habitat, pressure plans, crop rotations, water control, and predator management have to coexist with elk and deer migrations that reshape the landscape each winter. The goal is sustainable hunting that holds birds—and delivers steady days for guests—whether it’s 80 degrees in October or 30 below in January.Finally, the dogs. We get honest about British labs, American labs, and Chesapeake Bay retrievers—what “off switch” and “all gas” really mean in deep snow and moving current. A young Chessie named Smoke provides the proof, charging downriver after a crippled goose and reappearing with the bird like he owned the bend. The takeaway is simple: buy for fit, not hype; titles matter, but the right dog matches your terrain, hours, and handling style.Hit play to hear the full story, learn how to enter the Flying V hunt giveaway, and get the details behind a knife made to be handed down. If this episode resonates, follow, share with a hunting buddy, and leave a quick review—your support helps more bird hunters find the show.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#62 A well-trained dog that hunts with composure doesn’t happen by accident. Kenneth sits down with trainer and preserve manager Dan Ihrke to map out a clear path from puppyhood to polished gun dog, connecting genetics, early foundations, and fair pressure to performance that holds up in real blinds. Dan explains why the HRC Grand is his north star—it fuses technical concepts with real hunting chaos—then shows how smart puppy work creates the mindset to pass difficult tests and love the work afterward.We dig into the nuts and bolts of building a thinking retriever: teaching “here,” sit, place, and leash pressure; early casting and lining using bowls, placeboards, and fun bumpers; and shaping a dog that understands pressure as information it can turn off by choosing correctly. Dan tackles the clicker vs “good” debate, the power of variable reinforcement, and how treats can quadruple learning speed when paired with avoidance training and phased out as birds and work become the primary rewards. Control is a recurring theme: use a check cord so you never give unenforceable commands, and stop puppies from self-rewarding bad choices that create “criminal” habits.The conversation widens to breeding and real-world transfer. Dan shares how modern field-trial-influenced labs think faster and handle nuanced methods, but warns that natural pickup, hold, and carry can be bred out if we rely on force fetch to fix everything. We talk British vs American tendencies, cold-weather grit, blind manners, and why paper titles don’t reveal how a dog behaves on the second icy retrieve. You’ll also hear practical guardrails for bird exposure so you don’t create a wing-snob that refuses bumpers.If you want a reliable retriever that’s steady at the line and relentless in the marsh, this is your blueprint: start early, mark clearly, manage pressure fairly, and choose bloodlines that actually hunt. Subscribe, share with your training group, and leave a review to help more handlers find the show.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#61 What if your retriever’s best work earned more than a ribbon? We sit down with pro trainer Justin Smith to introduce Hunting Retriever Trials, a master-level, scored competition with real cash payouts, clear placements, and divisions for Open, Amateur, and Youth. Think land triples with flyers, water-heavy second series, and a final water series that demands control and courage. Judges score marks, blinds, and manners on a half-point scale so performance is transparent and the best dogs rise.Justin explains why this model matters now: rising costs, crowded titles, and limited spots at big events leave handlers craving a new target. HRT pays out 80% of entries, layers in sponsor adds, and returns a share to host clubs so they can build water, expand grounds, and attract more competitors. The goal isn’t to replace hunt tests—it’s to create a competitive ladder that rewards elite work, gives owners a path to ROI, and keeps serious trainers engaged long after the first title.We also talk long-term vision: tracking annual and lifetime earnings, tying results to offspring, and giving breeders a stronger performance signal than pass/fail titles alone. With a youth-only lane, kids compete against peers, gain ring time, and see a place for themselves in the sport. Facilities are lining up to host, and the first event is set with judges, birds, and a format designed to be challenging, fair, and fast-moving compared to marathon championships.If you care about better dogs, better grounds, and a healthier path for new handlers, this conversation is a must. Hit play to hear how HRT plans to elevate standards, create meaningful payouts, and put a spotlight on the dogs and people who do it right. Enjoy the show—and if it resonates, subscribe, share with a training buddy, and leave a review so more handlers find us.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#60 A national hunt test that looks and feels like real duck hunting, judged by a standard that doesn’t blink—this is the HRC International Grand through the eyes of its chairman, Tracy Stubbs. We dig into why the Grand keeps growing, how a 1,000-dog event actually gets built, and what separates a solid weekend Finished dog from a Grand Champion that performs with style and precision.Tracy breaks down the Grand’s five-series design—two land, two water, and an upland—and the scoring system that makes every decision matter. We talk pass rates around 20–25 percent, how marginal scores force perfection, and why consistency beats flashy heroics. You’ll hear how HRC’s realism—camouflage, decoys, poppers, duck-hunting distances—shapes training and produces dogs that are steady in the blind and sharp at the line.If you’re choosing a puppy for competition or the marsh, you’ll get clear, practical guidance: look for multiple Grand passes in the pedigree, value amateur-earned titles, and insist on full health testing for longevity and reliability. Tracy shares what judges look for, how tests are approved for consistency and safety, and the volunteer engine—host clubs, site coordinators, and field crews—that makes the Grand possible. We also explore crossovers from field trials, why some adapt and others struggle, and the mindset shift required to check down on shorter, hidden-gun marks.Most of all, this conversation is about community. Local HRC clubs welcome newcomers, teach real-world skills, and connect handlers across the country. Whether you’re aiming for your first Started ribbon or dreaming of Hall of Fame points, the best advice is timeless: slow down, train more than you trial, and run the dog when it’s truly ready.Enjoyed the show? Follow, share with a friend who loves gun dogs, and leave a quick review so more handlers can find us.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#59 Want a Boykin that actually loves to retrieve and holds up under pressure? We sit down with Alabama trainer-breeder Jonathan Holland of Tomahawk Kennels to unpack what separates a flashy social clip from a reliable, confident gun dog. Jonathan cuts through the hype with hard-won insight on bloodlines, water work, and day-to-day reps that turn potential into performance.We start with the Boykin boom: how social media raised awareness, why prices range wildly, and what “elite” really means in a pedigree. Jonathan spotlights the Brandywine program and explains how true performance breeding comes from years of selecting for birdiness, water attitude, structure, and titles earned in real work. From there, we dig into the spaniel-versus-retriever gap. A Boykin’s last name is Spaniel, and training must respect that DNA. He shows how timing and balance matter more than bravado, why too much pressure kills confidence fast, and how marker training with a vocal “yes” builds clarity before formal drills demand precision.Water work becomes the crucible. Jonathan designed narrow ponds and re-entry lines to teach soft de-cheating and to stack short swims for far more quality reps. He explains why a dog that “loves” lake splashes may still crumble on formal lines, cheaty banks, or no-go moments. Expect fails at hunt tests built for labs; use them as fuel to refine setups, improve whistle timing, and make fewer mistakes. We also talk about expanding into labs and goldens for bigger games, while still pushing Boykin consistency through intentional pairings and smarter foundations. The throughline is simple: keep it fun, be fair, and design training to make the right choice the easy choice.If you’re serious about Boykins, retriever training, or just want better sessions with less pressure and more progress, this one’s packed with practical detail you can use today. Subscribe, share with a training buddy, and leave a review telling us your go-to water drill and why it works.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#58 A fiddle on fire, a crowd roaring back, and a band sprinting from small-town stages to New Year’s Eve at the Ryman—this conversation with Anna Blanton of the Creekers pulls back the curtain on a rise that feels as electric as it looks. We start with roots: classical violin and Irish tunes, the discipline that builds precise hands, and the guts to throw out the page and play by ear. Anna explains how years backing singer-songwriters taught minimalism, then how the Creekers unlocked her as a full-fledged entertainer—part arranger, part sparkplug, all-in on making the live show the main event.What sets the Creekers apart? Raw, live-first recording and performance chemistry you can’t fake. No studio ringers. No Auto-Tune. Their full-length was cut in two days, and the edges are intentional: the same band you see on stage is the band on the record. We talk Barberville’s drone-shot sea of fans, sold-out runs, and why big festival lineups are opening back up to bands with distinct voices. Anna shares her favorite moments—from a three-hour dance floor that never emptied to the thrill of stepping onto the Ryman stage with Old Crow Medicine Show—and the wild stagecraft that somehow always serves the song: flaming bows, horseback fiddling, zip lines, and crowd-surf-level energy.Underneath the spectacle is a quieter truth: teamwork beats virtuosity in isolation. Anna is candid about being “the hired help” for years and what it means to finally feel a community at her back. In a world overflowing with gloss and AI polish, the Creekers’ authenticity is the point—and it’s why fans sing along even when they can’t see the stage. Ready to feel that spark? Hit play, share this with a friend who loves real live music, and if it moves you, subscribe and leave a review so more folks can find the show.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#57 Watch a well‑trained dog do what it was born to do—and keep doing it longer. Kenneth sits down with Dr. Ruth Ann Lobos, a senior veterinarian at Purina and lifelong athlete, to break down the simple changes that protect performance: proven probiotics for gut stability, joint support that starts young, and safer handling habits that save elbows and extend careers.We get clear on exercise‑induced colitis and why travel, training, and hard hunting can jolt a dog’s GI tract just when you need reliable fuel. Dr. Lobos explains what separates researched probiotics from grocery‑store guesses, including a canine strain with evidence for both adult dogs under stress and puppies building vaccine immunity. From there, we move into joint longevity. You’ll learn why dogs carry more weight up front, how repeated tailgate jumps lead to “jump‑down syndrome,” and the easiest fix of all: a ramp. Add in early joint supplementation and you’re playing offense against inflammation, not chasing it.Performance is more than energy—it’s resilience. Dr. Lobos shares practical prehab routines any handler can start today: sit‑to‑stand “doggy squats,” tight figure eights, and core‑stability work that translates directly to cover, cattails, and cut corn. We also cover acupuncture and rehab as recovery tools for pain control, blood flow, and trigger‑point release. For senior dogs, the goal is purpose with smart pacing: shorten sessions, add rest windows, cross‑train with swimming or hills, and explore low‑impact outlets like nose work to keep minds sharp and hearts full.If you care about health span as much as lifespan, this conversation delivers clear steps you can use before the next training day or road trip. Subscribe for more gun dog training, nutrition, conditioning, and field‑ready tips. Share this with a hunting buddy who still lets their dog jump off the tailgate, and leave a review to help more dog folks find the show.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#56 A life built around dogs doesn’t happen by accident—it’s earned in pre‑dawn loadouts, long tracks through brush, and quiet choices at the tree. We sit down with guide Roe Reynolds, who turned a youth of coonhounds into seasons guiding black bears in Idaho and brown bears and moose in Alaska, all while building spec homes back in Arkansas. Roe explains how he rigs from the box, why spring baits and fall fruit orchards require different strategies, and what makes a balanced bear pack: cold nose to start, speed to push, heart to stay, and just enough standoff to come home in one piece.We explore how hounds create fair chase clarity. When a bear trees, the team can confirm sex, check for cubs, and coach new hunters—often kids—into steady, ethical shots. Roe shares practical insights on lion and bobcat tracks, why some gritty lines don’t belong on a 400‑pound boar, and the real risks of wolves cutting into a race. Then we move north, where Alaska’s salmon-fueled brown bear hunts and slow-burn moose days test mental toughness in fly‑in camps powered by hot wire and determination.Back home, deer dogs and named crossings keep community alive, and we get candid about public land pressure, boat-ramp chaos, and staying safe during turkey season. Roe also pulls back the curtain on his world-level Olympic trap background—reading angles and wind at 80 mph—and how that discipline informs the way he reads tracks, terrain, and time. Throughout, the theme stays rooted: preserve heritage, mentor youth, and use dogs to make hunting more ethical and more human.If you care about hounds, fair chase, and keeping our hunting culture strong, hit play, share this with a friend who loves dogs, and leave a review so more folks can find the show. Subscribe for weekly tips on training, health, nutrition, and real-world tactics from Gundog Nation.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#55 Want a calmer, sharper, more reliable gun dog without guesswork or gimmicks? We sit down with Kristen Best of Best Retrievers to unpack a training approach that starts with relationship, not reflex. She maps the Five Love Languages onto dogs—praise, petting, treats, retrieves, and quality time—and shows how meeting a dog where they are unlocks focus, trust, and speed. If you’ve ever struggled with steadiness at the line, a “doer” who won’t think, or a pup who needs confidence, this conversation delivers practical steps you can use today.We go deep on “formal fetch,” a humane, 50+ step protocol that builds true hold and fetch on the table before moving to the ground. Kristen explains why birds come last to protect positive associations, how minimal, precise pressure adds clarity only after understanding, and why timing a single “good” can beat any clicker you forgot in your pocket. You’ll hear how patience actually makes training faster by preventing the costly setbacks that happen when you rush. Real examples—from high-drive retrievers like Floyd to motion-loving upland dogs—illustrate how to tailor setups so the dog can think, perform, and enjoy the work.Beyond the field, Kristen opens the doors to their whelping service and the BR Best Chance program, where the team pairs behavior-first breeding decisions with rescue training that transforms shelter dogs into great companions. We cover what to ask breeders (health clearances, titles, temperament), how to match puppies to real lifestyles, and why weekly client videos and transparent progress reports make owners better partners in the process. If you care about foundation, fairness, and results that last through hunt tests, SRS challenges, and wild-bird seasons, you’ll find a blueprint here that’s as kind as it is effective.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, rate, and share the show with a friend who trains or hunts with dogs. Subscribe to our email list at gundognation.com and join the community—then tell us: what’s your dog’s love language?Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#54 A good hound’s voice in cool October air can carry a lifetime of lessons. We sat down with filmmaker and houndsman Clayton Stark to unpack how he turned backyard pups and pleasure hunts into a thriving outdoor life—without trading joy for scorecards. Clayton grew up in northwest Ohio where mature oak woods meet endless corn and soybeans, and coons grow big on easy calories and low pressure. He shares why he hunts for love of the chase, not arguments in the dark, and how coaching football taught him the same virtues that make great dogs: empathy, care, and patience.We dive into practical ground truth for gun dog owners. Clayton’s start-to-finish approach puts pups in the home first for socialization and crate training, then graduates them to safe yard freedom and short woods walks to learn logs, water, and navigation before pressure. He times work to conditions—resting young dogs in drought, hunting more when crops come off and the air cools. We compare breeds—walkers, blueticks, black and tans, redbones, and curs—and prioritize loud, houndy voices, steady minds, and zero meanness. On the deer side, we trade tree-stand strategy, longbow humility, and the modern accuracy of muzzleloaders like the Thompson Center Acura V2. Gear talk stays honest: today’s bows—from Bear to Hoyt, Mathews, Elite, and Bowtech—are all killers when tuned to the hunter.Wildlife trends raise bigger questions. Fox numbers are climbing across Ohio and as far as Texas, while pheasants fade with habitat changes and succession. We explore trapping, access, and the role of community in stewardship. Then the stories kick up: a bead-sight 12-gauge buck from childhood, filming hunts so his dad could still “go along,” and a knife-only hog hunt that redefines adrenaline. Clayton also teases a 50-part video series on raising and starting pups—nutrition, structure, exposure, and the moment a young dog “gets it.”If you care about working dogs, tradition, and practical training that fits real life, you’ll feel right at home here. Subscribe, share with a hunting buddy, and leave a review to help more dog folks find the show. Then tell us: what are you doing this season to pass the torch?Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#53 A well-trained dog can turn hard work into wonder—and few people know that better than Jeff Stanfield of The Big Honker. We sit down at his North Texas lodge to unpack the real engine behind successful seasons: patient scouting at first light, guides who still love the grind, a kitchen that feels like a town square, and clear rules that keep hunts safe and fair for everyone. From puddle ducks and dove weekends to pheasants, quail, and deer, Jeff lays out how weather, habitat, and access shape what flies and what’s possible.We go deep on dogs—legendary retrievers that fetched tens of thousands of birds, the truth about cranes and why most dogs should sit those hunts out, and how first-aid kits and seasoned vets can save a bad day. You’ll hear the stories that stick: a mile-and-a-half blind retrieve with a wing over the eyes, a skunk-loving lab named Hacksaw, and the tough calls outfitters make when one unruly dog can derail a blind full of paying hunters. It’s equal parts practical and personal, with a lot of laughter in between.We also talk shop about the shows that matter (Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, Delta Waterfowl, SquadFest), why some expos lost their way, and how a podcast built in a waterfowl lodge grew by talking to everyone from Emmy-winning sound pros to coyote men and priests. Most importantly, Jeff shares a standing invitation: the Gold Star Hunt, a free weekend for kids who lost a military or first-responder parent—complete with helicopter hog hunting, dove shoots, a new Mossberg, and more support than they expect.If you care about gun dog training, waterfowl hunts, youth access, and keeping hunting culture alive with humor and honesty, this conversation is for you. Listen, share it with a friend who loves dogs and good stories, and leave a review so more hunters can find the show.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#52 A small Georgia school just rebooted what “sports” can mean for teenagers—and it starts with a whistle, a lead, and a steady dog at heel. We sit down with Principal Michael Langston and Coach Chuck Williams of Gordon Lee High School to unpack how a simple idea—bringing retrievers into an ag classroom—grew into a structured gun dog team where students learn handling, safety, and the kind of composure that carries through life. Along the way, you’ll hear from the students themselves: why a football player shows up at 7:15 a.m. to practice heel and place, how a calm handler can steady a high-drive lab, and what it feels like to pass those first hunt tests.We walk through the building blocks: safety-first protocols, parent participation, and a smart pivot from distant trials to a home-ground series that pulls in grandparents, friends, and local supporters. Coach Williams shares the partnerships that made competition possible, from pro trainers who lent dogs to clubs that welcomed junior handlers. The goal isn’t just ribbons; it’s widening the gate for non-hunters, teaching conservation through hands-on work, and revealing career paths in dog training, guiding, and animal care that most teens never see.If you care about youth programs, working dogs, or the future of hunting and conservation, this story is a blueprint. Clear expectations, consistent reps, and community buy-in turn curiosity into commitment—and commitment into a tradition students can carry beyond graduation. Hear how Gordon Lee is inspiring other schools to follow, why reduced entry fees and junior divisions could supercharge growth, and what it takes to start a team with just a couple of steady dogs and a willing sponsor. Follow, share with a friend who loves dogs, and leave a review to help more schools find this playbook.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#51 A great duck call feels inevitable when you hear it ring true—and that’s exactly where our conversation with 737 Duck Calls begins. We bring on co-founders Dustin Jones and Kyle Sanders to trace their path from a garage lathe to national shelves, and why a simple promise—every call hand tuned, every time—built a devoted following. Dustin breaks down call anatomy in plain English (barrel, insert, reed, cork) and explains how tiny choices in tone board sanding and reed length shape the voice. We compare cast acrylic’s bright edge to hardwood’s softer finesse, and talk through finishes, humidity, and why a penetrating oil beats flashy clear coats in the blind. If you’ve ever wondered what “tuned by ear” really means, you’ll hear it straight from the person doing the work.Dogs take center stage too. Kyle’s Master Hunter, Nash, shows what “hard-charging with an off switch” really looks like, and we get honest about training routes—American field-bred heat vs British balance, and when it pays to lean on pros like Castile Creek Kennels. We also pull back the curtain on migration realities: why north-central Oklahoma holds mallards in dry fields, how pressure shifted from states to the south, and how a six-in-one whistle fills species gaps when a hen call isn’t the answer. Expect practical insights on scouting, calling restraint, and building reliable systems.We wrap with the business side—737’s steady growth, retail expansion into Bass Pro, Cabela’s, and Scheels, and a Seminole, Oklahoma headquarters that doubles as a community hub with a bar, cigars, and walls of Tom Martineau’s waterfowl photography. Two policies define their promise: a lifetime guarantee with free retunes and a 28-day in-home trial so you can practice without an audience. Ready to level up your lanyard and your dog work? Hit play, subscribe for weekly training and gear talks, and share your must-have call setup with us. Your feedback shapes future episodes and the next 737 release.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text#50 The best dog work isn’t loud; it’s calm, clear, and earned one short session at a time. That’s the energy we bring as we sit down with Brittany and Baylor from Oklahoma—two hunters who prove you don’t need a pedigree in the outdoors to fall hard for working dogs, public land, and long miles under an open sky. Brittany didn’t grow up hunting; she jumped in to shake up her life and discovered a sense of peace and purpose that stuck. Baylor learned by doing—training friends’ dogs, reading body language, and refining a five‑minutes‑a‑day philosophy that gets a dog ready to learn before the training starts.We get practical. Brittany’s 11‑month‑old lab arrived with excitement baked in, so we talk through correcting jumpy greetings without harshness, using a calm voice, and withholding attention to reshape habits. That small shift unlocks bigger wins: steadier sits, clean release words, and the first water retrieves without breaking. Baylor walks through introducing gunfire the right way—slow exposure, careful observation, and pacing the steps to the dog’s confidence. We compare breeds where it matters: labs built for waterfowl; Boykins that shine upland but have limits in wind and distance; GSPs with world‑class drive that need management to find calm. We even wade into the versatility vs specialist debate and share a rare story of a drahthaar passing the HRC Grand.Tools and safety get honest airtime. E‑collars are communication, not a crutch—tone, vibrate, and low‑level stim used by handlers who’ve felt the collar themselves. Garmin 550 Plus vs simpler Delta units, what matters in the field, and why instant access beats menu diving. We trade field stories—a rattlesnake at the ladder in the dark, 40‑mile upland grinds, axis deer shot opportunities that last four seconds—and the lessons they teach about preparation, hydration, scope setup, and staying composed when it counts. Underneath it all is a thread you can follow: find a mentor, ride along, learn the rules, and bring youth with you. The culture survives when newcomers feel welcome and dogs are trained with patience and clarity.If you care about gun dog training, public land tactics, and building a stronger hunting community, you’ll feel at home here. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s just getting started, and leave a review with the one tip you’re taking to your next training session—we’ll read our favorites on a future show.Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods