#070 Wade Skeen's path from Air Force serviceman to Kansas waterfowl guide extraordinaire reveals how passion, community, and proper training methods can transform both careers and gundogs. As a longtime Cornerstone Gundog Academy member before becoming a professional outfitter, Wade brings a uniquely valuable perspective that bridges the worlds of retriever training and professional hunting.

Growing up in Mississippi with a focus on whitetail and turkey hunting, Wade's move to Kansas in 2012 opened his eyes to an underappreciated waterfowl paradise. What began as occasional hunts with friends evolved into Skeen Outfitters, now one of the premier guided waterfowl experiences in the Midwest. Against all odds, Wade launched his business in March 2020 just as COVID hit, yet through determination and a foundation of strong relationships, particularly within the CGA community, his operation has flourished.

The conversation delves deep into Wade's transformation as a dog trainer, contrasting his experience with traditional methods versus the methodical approach of Cornerstone training. His position as both guide and trainer offers rare insights into what truly matters in hunting dogs: "Your dog's demeanor when not retrieving birds is actually much more important than how it retrieves birds." This perspective reinforces how proper foundation training creates adaptable, steady companions that enhance rather than detract from hunting experiences.

Wade and Josh recount several memorable hunts together, including an extraordinary day filming for television where everything aligned perfectly—dog work, hunting conditions, and camaraderie. These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of waterfowl hunting that keeps enthusiasts coming back season after season.

As the conversation closes, Wade shares his most valuable advice for dog trainers: "Throw expectations out the window. Enjoy the process itself—the wins, the losses. Just focus on each 15-minute training session, day in and day out, and your dog will far surpass what goals you ever had in mind anyway." It's a powerful reminder that in both dog training and life, the journey often matters more than the destination.

Connect with Wade at SkeenOutfitters.com or find him on social media to experience one of the best waterfowl hunts available—with the added bonus of bringing your Cornerstone-trained retriever along for the adventure.