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EP #107 Tara Brown went from a first hunt in 2015 to launching Foul Lady, a brand and community for women who want to hunt on their own terms. In this conversation, Kenneth Witt catches up with Tara about getting started without a hunting background, finding her place in the waterfowl world, and turning a passion into a business. They discuss why women’s hunting gear often misses the mark, how women’s hunting groups and social media are opening doors for beginners, and Tara’s plans for hunts in Canada, Maryland, North Carolina, and beyond. Along the way, they talk public land, upland birds, gun dogs, and what keeps them coming back to the hunt. For hunters, outdoors enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a story about building something from a genuine need, this episode offers plenty of inspiration. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #106 Could retriever sports be more welcoming to everyday handlers without losing the challenge? Kenneth Witt talks with Dave Bavero and Jennifer Henion about bringing a UK- and Europe-inspired working test format to the U.S.—a flexible, approachable alternative to traditional hunt tests and field trials. They explain what working tests involve, how they reward skills like steadiness, marking, handling, and searching, and why simpler setups could make events easier for amateur handlers to enter and run. Dave shares lessons from judging tests in Europe, while Jennifer brings her perspective from 15 years in retriever sports and positive-reinforcement training. The conversation explores why some handlers feel shut out by increasingly technical tests, and how a more relaxed, practical format could bring more people into the sport. A good listen for retriever owners, hunters, amateur trainers, and anyone who wants competition to feel more like a partnership with their dog. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #105 Hunting season can turn dangerous fast when heat, snakes, dehydration, or travel preparation catch you off guard. Dr. Joe Wurster breaks down what every bird dog owner should know before heading into the field. Kenneth Witt and Dr. Wurster discuss conditioning dogs for hot weather, cooling them safely, recognizing heatstroke warning signs, handling snake bites, and building a practical hunting first-aid kit. They also cover essential travel documents, including rabies certificates and microchip records. If you hunt with dogs, travel for hunts, or want to be better prepared before opening day, this episode is packed with practical advice that could protect your dog — and save your season. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #104 A veteran pheasant hunt in North Dakota is doing more than putting birds in the bag—it’s building friendships, supporting veterans, and bringing an entire community together. Jeremy Ova and Eric Bauer share how Fallen Outdoors and the Badlands Bird Dog Club create an unforgettable hunting weekend featuring donated prizes, meals, lodging, and plenty of camaraderie. They also discuss how veterans can participate, the community effort behind the hunt, NASTRA, bird dogs, and why upland hunting creates such lasting connections. It’s an inspiring conversation about veterans, hunting, service, and the people who make a difference. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #103 Dakota Best left a career as a financial advisor to launch Blue Wing Kennels in Weimar, Texas. In this episode, he talks with Kenneth Witt about starting a retriever-training business, building a kennel from the ground up, and balancing long days with family life. Dakota explains the differences between Master National, SRS, and field trials, what makes a great retriever, and how he works with soft or nervous dogs by building trust before applying pressure. He also shares his approach to breeding, training in the Texas heat, and growing Blue Wing Kennels without losing the personal connection with clients and dogs. If you love retrievers, hunt tests, or the behind-the-scenes reality of turning a passion into a business, this conversation is for you. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #102 The upland bird hunting calendar is only as good as your habitat reading, and Tyler Webster lays out the exact playbook he uses to find sharptails, huns, sage grouse, and more across the prairie. If you want more birds, better dog work, and fewer blown opportunities, this one is packed with the kind of field-tested advice that changes how you hunt. Kenneth Witt sits down with Webster, host of Western Wing Shooter Podcast and co-host of The Flush, for a wide-ranging conversation about living life around birds, dogs, and the long road that ties it all together. From North Dakota to Montana, then west through Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and back again, Tyler shares how he plans a season around bird behavior, weather, cover, and the changing food sources that make birds move. Tyler also breaks down his dog string, explaining why he runs a mix of English setters and German shorthaired pointers, what each breed brings to the table, and how old dog Rusty has covered nearly every upland species in North America. He also tells the stories behind each dog, including how several of them came into his life by sheer luck, timing, and a lot of saying yes. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #101 West Texas isn’t just cotton country - it’s one of the most underrated waterfowl and crane hunting hubs in the country. Cody Puller and Hannah share what it really takes to build CNH Outfitters, chase geese and cranes across Texas, South Dakota, and Arkansas, and turn a new hunting business into a legacy. Cody and Hannah pull back the curtain on the real work behind an outfitting life that runs from South Dakota fall hunts to Texas regular season to Arkansas conservation season and back again. They get honest about lease pressure, scouting pressure, and why relationships matter as much as decoys when you’re trying to make a living in the hunting world. They also talk through the reality of hunting in big bird country - from tiny water setups and dry cold mornings to giant crane flocks over the house, and the constant challenge of reading birds in a landscape that looks nothing like traditional waterfowl country. If you’ve ever wondered how outfitters find success where there is no marsh, no obvious water, and no easy access, this episode is packed with answers. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

A 100th episode milestone turns into a discussion on why Gundog Nation works, who it reaches, and how one podcast became a real reference library for dog people. Kelly Curry surprises host Kenneth Witt with a heartfelt breakdown of what makes the show resonate - from training and hunt tests to health, youth involvement, women in hunting, and the kind of stories that stick with listeners long after the episode ends. Kelly also revisits the episodes, guests, and turning points that shaped the show, including early support from Keith and Josh Parvin, the reach of the Drake Project with Kate and Leah, and standout conversations with voices like Steve Snell, Shannon Nardi, Rody and Kristin Best, Wayne Lane, Clark Kennington, Hannah Hall and Abby Skinner, and more. Along the way, Kenneth shares how the podcast started, why he built it around story branding, and how a two-year journey turned into a community that spans coondogs, retrievers, upland hunting, vet science, music, and beyond. Kelly also digs into the numbers, the sponsorships from Purina Pro Plan, Migra Ammunition, and Ducks Unlimited, and the wild range of places Kenneth has broadcast from - including a bucket-list hunting trip across Montana, South Dakota, Canada, Illinois, and Africa. If you love hunting dogs, dog training, or the people building this community one conversation at a time, this one is packed with insight, encouragement, and a very clear reason to keep listening. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #99 Tyler Cofield of Marlen Gundogs breaks down how he went from having zero retriever background to running a thriving kennel in Mississippi, and why that outsider start may be exactly what shaped his approach. If you want a dog that can fit family life, hunt a handful of days a season, and still be highly trainable in the field, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways. Tyler also shares the influences that shaped his philosophy, including Ben Randall and Jeremy Moore, plus the exact reason he waits until a pup is already retrieving before introducing gunfire. He explains why soft pressure, early intentional training, and a strong foundation matter more than flashy methods, especially for owners who want a dog that is manageable at home and capable in the duck blind. If you have ever wondered whether a retriever can be both a serious hunting dog and a great house dog, this episode gives you a clear answer. It also offers a rare look at a kennel model built around the average hunter, not the full-time trial competitor. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #98 Discover how expert predator hunter Nathan Smith intricately manages coyote populations in Texas—using innovative tactics, top gear, and deep knowledge of animal behavior. Even if you're new to predator control, Nathan’s insights on hunting techniques, equipment selection, and the critical importance of patience will revolutionize your approach—and help you stay one step ahead of these craftiest animals. Nathan Smith is a Texas-based predator control enthusiast, radio host, and cattleman with over three decades of experience and a passion for conserving wildlife habitat while protecting ranching interests. His practical tips, combined with stories of mountain lion sightings, giant hogs, and the challenge of trapping the craftiest critters, make this episode a treasure for hunters, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This is more than hunting; it’s a masterclass in animal behavior, gear optimization, and tactical patience—perfect for anyone serious about predator control, or curious about what it takes to keep Texas's wild opposition in check. Tune in and learn how to sharpen your skills, avoid common mistakes, and find success in the wilds of Texas or wherever predators roam. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #97 Imagine going from city streets to the wild, chasing deer with a crossbow at 31, and building a life rooted in hunting, trapping, and landownership—all while inspiring others along the way. Paige Bauer’s story is one of transformation, proving that it’s never too late to find your true calling and that passion can change everything. In this episode, Paige, a former military woman and city girl from Detroit, shares her remarkable journey into the hunting world. From her unlikely start in trapping raccoons, her first deer kill at 31, to building her dream log cabin in Alabama, Paige reveals how she embraced a lifestyle full of adventure, community, and self-discovery. Discover how she navigates the challenges of learning new skills like coyote trapping and waterfowl hunting—and how social media turned her into a trusted voice in the outdoor community. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #96 What does it take to breed a dog that controls cattle with finesse, style, and enough bite to handle the toughest herds? Michael Moura, founder of Moura Stock Dogs, reveals how decades of experience and a unique bloodline—developed specifically for Brazil’s fierce Zebu cows—shape his approach to training and breeding. From avoiding the pitfalls of modern trialing to maintaining full working capability, Michael shares the provable principles that produce dogs you can trust in the real world, no matter the country or livestock. You’ll discover the essential qualities in a high-performance stock dog, why Brazil’s cattle industry demands dogs with both grit and brains, and the myths behind trial-winning dogs versus working dogs. Michael also explains the science behind the “Brazilian border collie,” along with the training philosophy that prioritizes drive, confidence, and controlled power over early obedience. The result is a dog built for real ranch work, not just the competition ring. Michael’s journey is just as compelling as his dogs: from poverty in Brazil to building a thriving business in America, he’s created a reputation for quality, consistency, and lifetime support. Trusted by ranchers, hunters, and handlers across the globe, his approach shows what’s possible when breeding, training, and work ethic all align. If you care about true working dogs, this conversation will change how you see stock dog performance. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #95 Most dog trainers won’t tell you this — mastering the art of fieldwork and understanding your dog’s mind is what transforms good trainers into legends. Ronnie and Susanna Smith, renowned guiding and training pioneers, reveal how the real secret lies in their unmatched ability to read a dog in seconds, unlocking true potential — and it’s not what you think. For over four decades, these legends in the field have guided wild bird hunts for presidents, astronauts, and hunting enthusiasts alike, while perfecting the craft of breeding, training, and connecting with their dogs on a profound level. They break down how guiding in tough terrains like South Texas and West Texas shaped their approach, emphasizing resilience, focus, and that delicate balance between obedience and drive. You’ll discover: Ronnie and Susanna share their revolutionary methods, from the importance of exposing puppies to stressors to developing a dog’s instinct without overdoing it. They reveal how their “three-level” seminar system empowers you to train your dog — from foundation to mastery — with real-world tips on e-collar training, puppy imprinting, and reading your dog like a pro. Learn why understanding a dog's personality is the key to breeding and producing versatile, resilient companions. This episode is a game-changer for seasoned trainers and passionate hobbyists alike. If you’re serious about taking your dog’s performance and connection to the next level — this is your blueprint. Don’t miss their insights on adapting to today’s indoor, pet-oriented breeds without sacrificing grit or instinct. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s all designed to make you a better handler, and your dog a true champion. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #94 Most dog lovers and hunters underestimate the genius of the Gordon Setter—until now. Dean Fries reveals the secret sauce behind this majestic breed, breaking down how they’re uniquely built for wild, rugged grouse habitat. If you've ever wondered why these dogs excel in thick, challenging cover and what makes them the perfect partner for passionate hunters, this episode is your game changer. Dean, a true breed insider, shares the captivating history of the Gordon Setter— from Scottish roots to the American Kennel Club recognition— and why they’re more than just beautiful. He dives into the three distinct types: show, dual, and field, revealing why the athletic, lean, and driven field dogs dominate the wild woods. Discover how genetics, size (40-50 pounds), and temperament all come together to create a dog that can hunt tirelessly, handle rough terrain, and stay both steady and stylish on point. You’ll learn practical tips on training these soft yet intelligent dogs, the importance of habitat management, and how to read their movement to maximize your hunt. Dean discusses everything from the subtle influence of European imports to the special training techniques that unlock their natural retrieving instinct—even touching on how to use bells effectively without spooking the birds. Plus, get exclusive insights into their lifespan and health—making these a lifetime partner in the field. Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Dog and Hunt Supply https://www.dogandhunt.com Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org

EP #93 Discover the truth behind hunting, dogs, and what it takes to be a true master in this electrifying episode! Andy Shaver, a seasoned guide and dog trainer, drops undeniable wisdom that will reshape how you see waterfowl hunting forever. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a dedicated outdoorsman, this episode unlocks proven secrets that elevate your game — from decoy setups to training nuances and the gritty realities of guiding every day. You’ll discover how patience transforms dog training, the power of routine in guiding Waterfowl, and insider tips on how top pros choose gear and ammo that truly work. Andy shares astonishing stories about waterfowl populations, shifts in migration patterns, and the critical importance of understanding wind, weather, and terrain to outsmart even the wariest birds. Plus, insights from a veteran guide about hunting crains, ducks, and geese — with strategies that could make your next trip legendary. This episode isn’t just about hunting — it’s a masterclass in discipline, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Andy’s raw, authentic perspective will fire you up to sharpen your skills, respect the craft, and get the most out of every hunt. Perfect for aspiring trainers, seasoned hunters, bird dogs lovers, or anyone craving true outdoor mastery. Why settle for good when you can hunt like a legend? Hit play, learn from the best, and step into the relentless world of waterfowl with confidence. Because greatness is earned in the details — and this episode delivers them all. Bonus: With years of guiding experience, Andy’s insights on dog development, gear choices, and hunting strategies are pure gold. Don't miss out on the secrets that turn good hunters into extraordinary ones! Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan https://www.purina.com/pro-plan Migra Ammunition https://migraammunitions.com Waterstone Labradors https://www.waterstonelabradors.com PhoLicious Foods https://www.pholicious.net Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Dog and Hunt Supply https://www.dogandhunt.com Cable Gangz https://cablegangz.com National Shoot to Retrieve Association https://www.nstra.org