Nordic Tales & American Trails

In this first part of our two-episode conversation, Erik and Darren sit down with Joe Kondelis, President of the American Bear Foundation, to talk about bear hunting, management, and culture — from Scandinavia to the Rocky Mountains.They explore how bears are managed differently across continents, why bear meat deserves more respect, and how hunters can help shape a better public understanding of conservation.Highlights include:🐻 The mission and growth of the American Bear Foundation🇸🇪 Bear management — Sweden vs the USA🥩 The value of bear meat and changing perceptions🌍 Wildlife management, ethics, and education📈 Population control and sustainability challenges🧭 Hunters as advocates and stewards of wildlife⚖️ Legislation and science-based managementA thoughtful conversation about conservation, responsibility, and how culture shapes our view of predators — setting the stage for Part 2, where the discussion turns toward hunting dogs, unity among hunters, and the future of wildlife management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik and Adam sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, dog training, and the challenges of modern life. From the importance of disconnecting from social media to the deep bond between handler and dog, they share honest reflections on the ups and downs of life in the woods.Highlights include: 📵 Stepping away from social media to enjoy the hunt 🐾 Bonding with your dog as the foundation for training 💪 Overcoming setbacks with patience and positivity 🧬 Breeding and selecting the right dogs for your hunting style ❤️ How emotions shape a dog’s performance in the field 🎯 Quality hunting experiences over quantity for young dogs ✅ Positive reinforcement and confidence building 🌲 Looking ahead to the coming hunting seasonA thoughtful mix of personal stories, training insight, and anticipation for the hunts to come — Episode 56 is all about the balance between tradition, modern life, and the timeless bond between hunters and their dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik is joined by new co-host Darren Petty from Indiana.Together, they dive into the world of dog training — from handling aggression and working with protection breeds, to the responsibilities of dog ownership and the instincts that make hunting dogs tick. Darren shares his experience training aggressive breeds, while Erik brings in the European perspective on laws, liability, and traditions.Highlights include: 🐕 Training aggressive breeds — where mistakes come from 🧠 Building confidence vs. correcting behaviors 🛡️ What it takes to own a personal protection dog 🌍 Dog laws and liability across borders 🐾 Hunting dogs: guiding instincts, not fighting them 🐑 Herding and barn hunts as outlets for energy 🏆 Competition hunting vs. everyday hunting 🤝 The bond between handler and dogA wide-ranging discussion on responsibility, instinct, and the joy of working with dogs — blending practical training insights with stories from both sides of the Atlantic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This second part dives deeper into the cultural differences in hunting between the U.S. and Europefrom predator management on estates and in the field to the role of social media in shaping hunting culture.Peter shares his unique perspective on adapting to new traditions while staying true to his own hunting roots.Highlights include:🇸🇪 Cultural shocks of hunting in Sweden🐺 Predator management on hunting estates🤝 Hunting etiquette: U.S. vs EU🦊 The evolution of terrier work🐾 Choosing the right dog📜 Reputation and pedigree in terrier breeding📱 Social media’s impact on hunting culture🌍 Respecting traditions across continentsPart 2 rounds out Peter’s story with valuable lessons on adaptation, respect, and the future of hunting dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Erik and Adam sit down with Peter “Loghead Terriers,” a terrierman from the U.S. now living in southern Sweden.Peter shares his journey into hunting with Patterdale Terriers, the culture shock of moving overseas, and how hunting traditions differ between the U.S. and Europe. From chasing nutria in Louisiana to hunting badgers with terriers in rural Skåne, this conversation blends two worlds of hunting, dogs, and adaptation.Highlights include: Life in Sweden: Weather and culture Nutria hunting in Louisiana The journey into terrier hunting Training and handling dogs: U.S. vs Sweden The challenges of rural dog training Artificial dens and terrier training in Sweden The evolution of hunting techniques The diversity of hunting practicesA unique mix of Southern grit and Scandinavian tradition, Part 1 sets the stage for a deep dive into hunting culture across continents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, hosts Erik and Adam share recent hunting stories, focusing on dog training, hound traditions, and the excitement of returning to their roots with beagles.Highlights include: 🐾 The joy of hunting with dogs 🔙 Nostalgia of returning to beagles 🎯 First-time hunting experiences ⏳ Patience in dog training 👨‍👩‍👧 Hunting as a family traditionA quick but heartfelt conversation about the bonds between hunters, dogs, and family.🎧 Tune in to Episode 52 of Nordic Tales and American Trails for a dose of hunting roots and fresh adventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we welcome back Wayne Dixon, board member of the American Bear Foundation and fellow Laika hunter. Wayne first joined us in Episode 12, and we’re excited to have him return for another deep dive into the world of bear hunting and conservation. 🐻🎙️From the traditions of hunting with dogs in the U.S. to reflections on time spent in Sweden and Norway, we explore the cultural perspectives that shape how hunters across the world approach this pursuit. Wayne shares insights on:Training and performance of hunting dogs, with a spotlight on the Mountain Feist breed 🐕The role of the American Bear Foundation in education and conservation 🌲Breeding strategies and responsible practices for hunting dogsThe importance of proper field care to maintain meat quality 🍖Stories from bear hunts that highlight patience, skill, and respect for the animalWhether you’re an experienced hunter or simply curious about the traditions and challenges of bear hunting, this episode offers a unique look into the strategies, conservation efforts, and deep respect for nature that define the hunting culture.American bear foundations new website - https://americanbearfoundation.org/ 🎧 Tune in to Nordic Tales and American Trails for Episode 51, as we reunite with Wayne Dixon and bring together experiences from both sides of the Atlantic to celebrate the future of bear hunting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Nordic Tales & American Trails, we sit down with 📸 Scott Allan of SA Fieldsports Photography — a UK-based hunter and photographer whose lens has followed working dogs from the sand dunes of Africa 🌍 to the woods of America 🌲 and the coursing fields of Europe 🐾.Scott’s story starts at home 🏡, where changes in UK hunting laws pushed him from running his own dogs into capturing hunts through photography. What began with ferreting and lurchers soon grew into a global pursuit — from boarhounds 🐗 and Galgos 🐕 to leopard 🐆 and bobcat 🐈‍⬛ hunts.We dig into:🔹 The journey from hunter ➡️ international hunting photographer🔹 Stories from hunts across continents 🌍🔹 Boarhounds, Galgos, terriers — and the wide variety of working dogs 🐾🔹 How modern regulations & “anti” pressure shape hunting in the UK 🇬🇧🔹 The power (and risks) of social media 📱🔹 Scott’s upcoming book 📖 — will one volume be enough?Through Scott’s eyes 👀, we see not just the dogs at work, but the culture, tradition, and challenges surrounding them. From coursing in Spain 🇪🇸 to an upcoming bobcat hunt in Texas 🤠, his images carry the same grit and honesty we celebrate on this show.🎧 Tune in for Episode 50 of Nordic Tales & American Trails — where Scott Allan takes us behind the camera, into the field, and across the world of hunting dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, we sit down with Joe Saylor, a Kentucky-based hunter who grew up running Walkers and English hounds — but has now fully shifted over to West Siberian Laikas.We follow Joe’s journey from picking up her first Laika pup to building a capable hunting dog, covering the challenges, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments along the way. From the first squirrel treed to developing steady tracking skills, Joe shares how the breed’s intelligence and instincts set it apart.🐾 What makes a Laika different from traditional hounds🎯 Tips for nurturing natural hunting instincts from a young age🌲 How Laikas adapt to game, terrain, and style of hunt🤝 The bond between handler and dog in the fieldWhether you’re a hound hunter curious about Laikas or already working with the breed, this is a down-to-earth, real-world look at raising and training these remarkable dogs.🎙️ Nordic Tales and American Trails — stories from both sides of the Atlantic, where dogs and hunting traditions meet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 This week, we're re-releasing our full conversation with Torkel Norling, one of Sweden’s most experienced and respected tracking and predator hunters.Originally split into two parts, this complete episode brings together over 30 years of field experience in one uninterrupted conversation — packed with insight for anyone passionate about Laikas, wounded game tracking, and predator hunting.With 250+ tracking assignments per year, Torkel has been on the front lines of wounded moose recoveries, wildlife collisions, and predator hunts involving brown bear and lynx. He’s also a prolific writer on tracking and an active voice within the Swedish Laika Club, working to preserve working traits in the breed.In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, we dive into:🐾 Male vs. female tracking dogs – is there a real difference?🔄 Active vs. passive Laikas – and what approach holds up under pressure?🧬 Breeding East Siberian Laikas with clear goals🐻 The realities and ethics of hunting brown bear and lynx with dogs📈 How to document and evaluate tracking work over time🐕 What defines a truly great hunting dog — and how to develop one from pup to proTorkel doesn’t hold back — and if you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build top-tier hunting dogs, this episode is a must. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of our deep-dive with Darren Petty, we continue exploring what it really takes to build, train, and understand a serious hunting dog. This time, the spotlight is on Kylo – one of Darren’s standout dogs – and the lessons learned from raising, hunting, and handling a dog built for real work.We dig into: 🔹 The role of genetics, socialization, and selecting the right breed for the job 🔹 Wild boar and brown bear hunting – and the adjustments dogs (and handlers) must make 🔹 Pack mentality, dog aging, and keeping your team balanced 🔹 The cultural divide between European and American hunting and breeding practices 🔹 What sets hunting dogs apart from police K9s – and where the overlap lies 🔹 Why staying true to a breed’s origins still matters in modern huntingThis episode is full of reflection, practical experience, and dogman-level knowledge — from breeding and training to the reality of working tough terrain with even tougher dogs.🎧 Listen now on Nordic Tales & American Trails – wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been one full year since Nordic Tales and American Trails launched — and what a journey it’s been! 🥂🎧To celebrate, we’re reuploading Episode 1, where it all began. In this episode, we introduced the idea behind the podcast — bridging the gap between hunting cultures in the U.S. and Northern Europe, and telling real stories from the dog men and women in the field.So… have we stayed true to that mission?This anniversary episode is a chance to reflect, look back at how far we’ve come, and say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us — from loyal listeners and guests to those who’ve shared, messaged, and followed along the trail.We couldn’t have done it without you.🎧 Revisit the beginning – Episode 1 is live again now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sit down with Darren Petty – a seasoned dogman, hunter, and returning guest who’s spent decades working with hounds, Laikas, and terriers across the U.S.In Part One of this two-part conversation, we dive into a wide range of dog talk — from hands-on training advice to bigger-picture questions about behavior, temperament, and what makes a breed tick.We dig into: 🔹 Are Laikas aggressive as a breed? 🔹 Off-season conditioning and mental prep 🔹 How Darren evaluates dogs for drive, balance, and biddability 🔹 What separates a handler from a trainerWhether you’re hunting with Laikas, Feists, hounds, or terriers — or just passionate about working dogs — this episode brings sharp insights and real-world experience from one of the most thoughtful voices in the game.🎧 Tune in now to Nordic Tales & American Trails – wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with Heath Hyatt for Part Two of our deep-dive into the world of working dogs — from the mountains to the street. With decades of experience in hunting and law enforcement, Heath unpacks what it really means to read, train, and build a dependable dog.This episode is full of straight talk and sharp insights for anyone serious about the craft.We dig into: 🔹 The journey from hunting to professional K9 work 🔹 Patience, pressure, and timing – core training principles that never go out of style 🔹 E-collars – when to use them, how to avoid misuse 🔹 Bear hunting with hounds – the grit, the risk, and the reward 🔹 U.S. vs. Europe – cultural differences in training and breeding philosophies 🔹 Real canine psychology – motivation, compulsion, and the weight of responsibilityThis one’s not just for houndsmen – it’s for anyone who trains, handles, or just wants to understand dogs on a deeper level.🎧 Listen now on Nordic Tales and American Trails – available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sit down with Heath Hyatt – professional dog trainer, law enforcement K9 handler, and lifelong hunter – for the first of a two-part deep dive into dog work, training philosophy, and bear hunting in the U.S.Heath brings a rare perspective from both sides of the leash. With decades of experience working police dogs and hounds, he shares how the same core principles – patience, timing, and reading behavior – apply across both worlds.We talk: 🔹 What makes a good trainer (and why it starts with mindset) 🔹 Bear behavior and what it takes to build a bear dog 🔹 Lessons learned from decades in law enforcement K9 work 🔹 Why pressure, timing, and tone matter more than toolsWhether you're just starting out or have run dogs your whole life, this episode delivers real-world insight from a dogman who’s trained at the highest levels.🎧 Tune in now to Nordic Tales & American Trails – and stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we get deeper into breeding, selection, and training tough dogs for tougher jobs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of our conversation with George Lambert from Mountain Music and Mules, we go deeper into his life of hunting with dogs, mules, and grit. George brings decades of hard-earned experience to the mic, sharing stories that span generations, bloodlines, and state lines. 🐾🐻This episode covers:🐶 How George sees the differences between American and European hunting dogs🌍 Comparing breeds like Feists, Laikas, and hounds – what matters in the field🌲 Real talk on terrain, tracking, and the demands of bear and boar hunting🧠 The mindset of a dogman – patience, instincts, and learning from the animals hound or mule.Whether he's in the saddle behind his mules or running hounds through the hollers, George’s perspective is rooted in experience and driven by passion. If you care about the craft of hunting with dogs, this episode is packed with stories and lessons that stick with you.🎥 Watch more from George on YouTube: Mountain Music and Mules Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 42: George Lambert – Mules, Hounds & Mountain Lessons (Part 1)In Part One of our conversation with George Lambert of Mountain Music and Mules, we dig deeper into the rugged bond between man, mule, and hound. George reflects on what mules have taught him about dog training—and how those lessons shaped his approach in the woods. This episode covers:Positive vs. negative training – and why timing and tone matterE-collars and communication – using tools, not shortcutsHow George’s time with mules made him a sharper, more thoughtful houndsmanWhy mindset and patience are just as important as grit when working animalsWhether you’re training a Laika in the north or running hounds in the hollers, there’s wisdom here for any dog person who listens more than they talk. You can find George on YouTube by searching Mountain Music and Mules. Available now wherever you get your podcasts. Stay tuned for Part Two in the next episode – where we get into the wild terrain, cross-state hunts, and the deeper stories behind the saddle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re doing something a little different.We’re bringing back one of our earlier conversations — both parts of our interview with Jeremiah Gracie of Gracie Tracking Service, now reuploaded as one full episode.Jeremiah is a passionate outdoorsman from the U.S. with a strong interest in wounded game recovery, trapping, and working dogs. He runs a Norwegian Elkhound named Trapper, and while still fairly early in his tracking journey, Jeremiah has already built up valuable experience — both in the field and through trial and error.In this episode, we talk about:His path into tracking and how he ended up with a Norwegian ElkhoundBuilding trust with hunters and lessons from early recovery workWhy he chose a spitz-type dog over traditional tracking breedsHis background in trapping, and how that shaped his understanding of wildlife and dog behaviorChallenges and learning moments that come from working with northern breeds like TrapperThis is a down-to-earth and honest conversation about getting started with tracking and developing a deeper connection to both dogs and the hunt.🎧 Tune in now – available wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sit down with none other than Rasmus Boström – one of Sweden’s most experienced and recognized brown bear hunters.We cover everything from checking wounded bears by helicopter in Norway (on behalf of the government!) to the dogs he uses for bear hunting and other predator hunting in Sweden. Rasmus also shares his unique experiences hunting mink in the Swedish archipelago and dives deep into what it really takes to develop a reliable bear dog. We also discuss how to start young dogs and the importance of timing. As Rasmus puts it:“You always have to ask yourself – is this experience going to evolve my young dog, or be a bad experience?”Outside the hunting and making videos for youtube Rasmus works as a teacher at a nature-based high school, where he helps guide the next generation of hunters.This episode is packed with stories, hard-earned insights, and wisdom from decades in the field. Tune in and enjoy! Available now wherever you listen to podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we head underground—literally.Erik and Adam sit down with Jan Gustavsson, better known as Trapperlodge, one of Sweden’s most experienced den hunters and a finalist at this year’s Jaktgalan (Hunting Gala). Jan takes us deep into the world of fox and badger hunting with terriers, where precision, grit, and trust in your dog are everything.We talk about:– How Jan got started with Patterdales and the evolution of den work in Sweden– What to do when a dog gets stuck underground– Tools, tactics, and training– Cultural connections to terrier work in both Sweden and the USA, with Adam sharing insights from LouisianaFrom the forest floor to the heart of the den, this episode is packed with underground action and knowledge.🎧 Tune in now to Nordic Tales & American Trails – wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.