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Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast — it’s been a minute! In this solo episode, host Brennan Holt catches everybody up after a crazy stretch of life, finishing out CCS Season 2, and raising two little ones. He gives an honest recap of taking Shy to the UKC World Qualifier zones in Chadwick under brutally hot, dry conditions, and then opens up about the tough decision to finally sell him — and the handling arrangement that lets Brennan still take him to hunts. From here on out, it’s all in on Little Nova (the Sticks × Xena pup). Brennan gets real about pulling out his hunting book and realizing he’s only hunted her 38 nights — not nearly enough — and lays out his plan to hunt her hard the next two to three months with the camera rolling again. He closes with the story of how he first fell in love with coon hunting, a reminder not to let social media steal that love, and the best dog-training advice he’s ever heard. 🎧 Prefer audio? The Holt Outdoors Podcast is on all major platforms. Thanks to Johnson’s Telemetry for handling all our tracking system needs. #CoonHunting #Coonhound #HoltOutdoors ___ Holt Outdoors — working hounds, told straight.                     Coon hunting, hound training, and honest stories out of the Southwest Missouri woods. We run dogs, we film it straight, and we put it all here — competition nights, young-dog struggles, and the wins that make it worth it.   What you'll find:   • The Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) — our head-to-head competition   series   • The Holt Outdoors Podcast — houndsmen, breeders, and the people who live it   • Hunts, training, and the dogs themselves                           Gear for the people who follow the dogs out: https://holtoutdoors.com      New episodes regularly. Subscribe and run with us.   ———                                                                  Shop: https://holtoutdoors.com   Instagram: https://instagram.com/holt_outdoors   TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors   Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoltOutdoors         Podcast: wherever you get podcasts    Business: [email protected] Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A while back I asked you all to help me find somebody who really knows breeding — line breeding, outcrosses, the genetics behind it. One of you sent me Chad's name. This is that episode. Chad Showalter runs Simple Man's Kennel out of Grover Hill, in northwest Ohio, and he's been putting hounds on the ground since the early 90s. He judged the UKC World Championship finals last year. And he thinks about breeding differently than most people you'll hear talk about it: his whole program runs off the females, he won't keep a loose-barking hound at any price, and he'd rather have a blue-collar dog that trees three coons every night than a dog that scores 1,200 one night and minuses out the next. The line that'll stick with you is this one — reproducers aren't made at the hunts, they're born. He'll walk you through why a female that never left the yard can throw better pups than her litter mate sister that won everything, why he judges a stud dog by his pups and not by the stud, and why there's one oddball in every litter no matter what you breed to. We also spend a good while on layup dogs — what they are, why they show you coons you walked right past, and the patience most people won't give a young hound to learn it. If you've ever gone in and pulled a young dog off a tree because you figured it couldn't work it out, that part's worth your time. It made me think about a few nights of my own. Get the notebook out for this one. There's a lot in here. Thanks to Debbie Johnson at Johnson Telemetry for keeping my tracking gear right — good people, good products. CCS Season 2 is rolling out — episodes 1 and 2 are up right now for channel members in early access. Become a member on YouTube to watch them early, and find merch + everything CCS at holtoutdoors.com. ___   Everything Chad has going on is posted to the Simple Man's Kennel page on Facebook first — every litter. It's a private page, so you'll need to ask to join. He's asked that you not send personal friend requests; message the kennel page instead. Got a female you're trying to figure out a cross for, or a young dog you think might be trying to tree layups? Drop it in the comments — I read them, and this is the kind of thing worth talking through. Run with the dogs. Learn the work. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast! This week we did something a little different and went live on Facebook to take your questions and talk through one of the most argued-about topics in coon hunting right now: babbling and barking dogs. Host Brennan Holt breaks down what the babbling rule actually is, why so many dogs bark out of excitement, when a dog should get minused, and why — at the end of the day — you just need a dog that trees coons and doesn't make mistakes. Along the way, Brennan answers a bunch of great listener questions, gives updates on Nova and Shy, shares tips for starting a young dog and breaking bad barking habits, and talks about going to competition hunts, judging, and the value of good mentors. A fun, honest, real-talk episode for the working man who just wants quality dogs. 🐕 Dogs mentioned: Nova (Moss Hill Picking Up Sticks × Rackem Up Xena), Shy (Redneck Backwoods Shack × Insane Hannah) 🎧 Prefer audio? The Holt Outdoors Podcast is on all major platforms. 👉 Become a member for early access to CCS Season 2! 👉 Subscribe & hit like! Thanks to Johnson's Telemetry for handling all our tracking system needs. #CoonHunting #Coonhound #HoltOutdoors ___ Holt Outdoors — working hounds, told straight.                     Coon hunting, hound training, and honest stories out of the Southwest Missouri woods. We run dogs, we film it straight, and we put it all here — competition nights, young-dog struggles, and the wins that make it worth it.   What you'll find:   • The Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) — our head-to-head competition   series   • The Holt Outdoors Podcast — houndsmen, breeders, and the people who live it   • Hunts, training, and the dogs themselves                           Gear for the people who follow the dogs out: https://holtoutdoors.com      New episodes regularly. Subscribe and run with us.   ———                                                                  Shop: https://holtoutdoors.com   Instagram: https://instagram.com/holt_outdoors   TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors    Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoltOutdoors            Podcast: wherever you get podcasts     Business: [email protected] Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast! This week, host Brennan Holt sits down with Brandon Gaines — a lifelong coon hunter, welder, and English dog man from Oklahoma who's spent years breeding, raising, and competing with his own line of dogs. Brandon's current dog, "Ears" (Crown G Music to My Ears), is a crossbred out of his old Rowdy dog and a Wipeout Walker female, and he's running around 90% accuracy for the year — including a stretch of 78 straight trees without a slick. Brandon opens up about how he got hooked at 14, why he built his line on natural ability and consistency, the outcross that took his English dogs to another level, and how to start a young pup and set it up for success. He also shares two great stories about "Ears" that drive home his biggest lesson: most of the time, it ain't the dog — it's the handler. Tons of real, practical advice in this one for the working man who wants quality dogs. 🐕 Featured dogs: Ears, Rowdy, Diesel, Nova, "Plan B" ___ Holt Outdoors — working hounds, told straight.                     Coon hunting, hound training, and honest stories out of the Southwest Missouri woods. We run dogs, we film it straight, and we put it all here — competition nights, young-dog struggles, and the wins that make it worth it.   What you'll find:   • The Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) — our head-to-head competition   series   • The Holt Outdoors Podcast — houndsmen, breeders, and the people who live it   • Hunts, training, and the dogs themselves                           Gear for the people who follow the dogs out: https://holtoutdoors.com      New episodes regularly. Subscribe and run with us.   ———                                                                  Shop: https://holtoutdoors.com   Instagram: https://instagram.com/holt_outdoors    TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors     Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoltOutdoors             Podcast: wherever you get podcasts    Business: [email protected] Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast! Host Brennan Holt sits down with Tyler Jackson of Berda, Arkansas — a full-time working dad who proves you don't have to hunt every night to have a champion-caliber coon dog.  Tyler and his platinum champion "Xena" recently came just one cast away from the finals of the $200,000 Jarvis Sanford Memorial Hunt, and he walks us through the whole run. We get into balancing a 40-hour week and family life with chasing dogs across the country, Tyler's turkey-hunting obsession and his push toward the 49-state slam, why "Xena" is such a special natural tree dog, and his best advice for anyone wanting to get into competition hunting or just get more out of their pleasure dog. This one's for the average guy who works hard and hunts harder. If you enjoy the show, become a member for early access to CCS Season 2 (out July 14) and a bunch of exclusive content. Check out the newly revamped website for merch, hats, and everything Holt Outdoors. 🎧 New episodes every week. 📌 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Rocky Ridge Ammo Company (hand-rolled TSS turkey & waterfowl loads) Johnson's Telemetry (tracking systems) PKC / UKC competition coon hunting Jarvis Sanford Memorial Hunt 👉 Become a member & shop merch: holtoutdoors.com #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #HoundHunting ___ Holt Outdoors — working hounds, told straight.                     Coon hunting, hound training, and honest stories out of the Southwest Missouri woods. We run dogs, we film it straight, and we put it all here — competition nights, young-dog struggles, and the wins that make it worth it.   What you'll find:   • The Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) — our head-to-head competition   series   • The Holt Outdoors Podcast — houndsmen, breeders, and the people who live it   • Hunts, training, and the dogs themselves                           Gear for the people who follow the dogs out: https://holtoutdoors.com      New episodes regularly. Subscribe and run with us.   ———                                                                  Shop: https://holtoutdoors.com   Instagram: https://instagram.com/holt_outdoors    TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors    Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoltOutdoors               Podcast: wherever you get podcasts     Business: [email protected] Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Shy did it. After more losses than wins, he won a UKC Regional Qualifying Event in Chadwick, Missouri — and punched his ticket to the World Hunt. It came down to the last 15 seconds, with a 150-minus mistake of my own making nearly costing us the whole thing. That's the real side of it, good and bad, like always. I walk through the whole cast — a rough draw against titled dogs, climbing the side of a mountain to get to a tree, a kitten coon hanging in a snag, and the call I botched that you can learn from. Then I break down the UKC closed-tree rule in plain talk so you don't repeat my mistake, and answer a couple of your questions on starting young dogs. Thanks to Debbie Johnson at Johnson Telemetry for keeping my tracking gear right — good people, good products. CCS Season 2 drops Tuesday, July 14 — channel members get early access. Become a member on YouTube for the early look, and find merch + everything CCS at holtoutdoors.com. Got insight on that UKC rule — or know someone who really knows breeding (line breeding, outcrosses, the genetics)? Drop a comment or message the Holt Outdoors page on Facebook. I want to talk to the right person. Run with the dogs. Learn the work. #coonhunting #coonhound #UKC #treeingwalker #houndsmen #worldhunt #RQE #HoltOutdoors #huntingdogs #dogtraining ___ Holt Outdoors — working hounds, told straight.                     Coon hunting, hound training, and honest stories out of the Southwest Missouri woods. We run dogs, we film it straight, and we put it all here — competition nights, young-dog struggles, and the wins that make it worth it.   What you'll find:   • The Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) — our head-to-head competition   series   • The Holt Outdoors Podcast — houndsmen, breeders, and the people who live it   • Hunts, training, and the dogs themselves                           Gear for the people who follow the dogs out: https://holtoutdoors.com      New episodes regularly. Subscribe and run with us.   ———                                                                  Shop: https://holtoutdoors.com   Instagram: https://instagram.com/holt_outdoors     TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors   Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoltOutdoors  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail We're back! After a little time off — a move, welcoming our second daughter, and some extra days in the NICU — the Holt Outdoors Podcast is officially back, and we're picking the pace back up with a podcast every week. In this episode, Brennan gives an honest update on his two dogs: Nova, a young, naturally independent pup, and Shy, a streaky but talented competition dog with 3 UKC cast wins and a PKC cast win under his belt. We talk through the real highs and lows of raising and competing coonhounds — and why being honest about your dog matters more than excuses. Plus: a full breakdown of the PKC leash lock rule being removed from all events, what it actually meant, and how it could change the way competition coon dogs are bred going forward. Big thanks to our sponsor, Johnson's Telemetry, for handling all my Garmin needs. 🐾 CCS Season 2 drops soon — members get early access. Keep an eye out! 🛒 Merch, info, and everything Holt Outdoors: https://holtoutdoors.com ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Welcome back — where we've been 1:03 Sponsor: Johnson's Telemetry (Garmin) 1:18 CCS Season 2 + early access for members 1:57 New website & merch at holtoutdoors.com 3:17 Life update: moving + welcoming our second daughter 6:18 Tonight's topic: my two dogs 7:23 Nova's story — breeding, independence & first trees 14:42 Shai's story — cast wins and the ups and downs 19:33 Riding the highs and lows + being honest about your dog 23:30 PKC leash lock rule removed — what it was, explained 27:53 Could this change how coon dogs are bred? 30:41 What's coming: weekly podcasts, Coonhound Chronicles & GoPro hunts 💬 Sound off in the comments: How do you think dropping the leash lock will change the way dogs are bred? 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don't miss CCS Season 2. #coonhunting #coonhound #HoltOutdoors #PKC #UKC #competitionhunting #houndsman #treeingwalker #dogtraining #hunting ___ Holt Outdoors — working hounds, told straight.                     Coon hunting, hound training, and honest stories out of the Southwest Missouri woods. We run dogs, we film it straight, and we put it all here — competition nights, young-dog struggles, and the wins that make it worth it.   What you'll find:   • The Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) — our head-to-head competition   series   • The Holt Outdoors Podcast — houndsmen, breeders, and the people who live it   • Hunts, training, and the dogs themselves                           Gear for the people who follow the dogs out: https://holtoutdoors.com      New episodes regularly. Subscribe and run with us.   ———                                                                  Shop: https://holtoutdoors.com   Instagram: https://instagram.com/holt_outdoors  [confirm handle]   TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors  [confirm handle]   Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoltOutdoors  [confirm]               Podcast: wherever you get podcasts  [add Spotify/Apple links if live]   Business: [email protected] Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we are joined by Jason Pratt, shipping lead at Southern Missouri Container and a deacon at Passion Assembly of God. Jason shares his incredible journey from a "stubborn Bootheel boy" struggling with a 20-year addiction to methamphetamine and a 15-year prison sentence to finding complete redemption through the Adult & Teen Challenge program. If you have ever felt like you were at "rock bottom" or are interested in the intersection of faith and the outdoors, Jason’s story is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to turn your life around. Brennan also provides an update on the kennel, including a bittersweet move from his 40-acre farm to a new 65-acre training ground in Missouri. We discuss the transition from working with Shy to starting HBK’s Midnight Nova, an 8-month-old female out of powerhouse lineages (Stix x Zena). Whether you’re interested in hound performance, technical dog training tips, or the healing power of chasing Walker hounds in the middle of the night, this episode offers a unique look at how the woods can serve as a place for both hound training and spiritual therapy. Inside this episode: A Life Redeemed: Jason’s raw account of surviving prison, overcoming addiction, and serving in Springfield ministries. The "Bootheel" Style: A look at the diverse hunting grounds of Southern Missouri, from the Ozarks to the Cypress swamps. Starting Nova: Brennan’s plan for his new pup and why he values a "natural start" without over-exposure to cage coons. Ministry in the Woods: Why Jason considers running his dog Boon to be his primary "therapy" and time with God. Support Systems: Advice for families of those struggling with addiction on how to set boundaries and find recovery resources. #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #RedemptionStory #FaithAndHunting #DogTraining #MissouriHunting #HoundHunting #ShaiTheDog #AdultTeenChallenge #GarminAlpha ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this major update of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt drops two pieces of massive news: the addition of a new high-caliber female pup and a move to a new 65-acre training ground. Meet HBK’s Midnight Nova, an 8-month-old female out of two powerhouse competition coon hunting dogs: Chris Collins’ Stix ($100k winner) and Tyler Jackson’s Zena (PKC Nationals Top 7). Brennan discusses why he specifically looked for a pup with a "natural start"—one that hadn't been over-exposed to drags or caged coons—and how her track-minded instinct is exactly what he wants for long-term hound performance. Beyond the new addition to the kennel, Brennan shares the bittersweet details of leaving his current 40-acre farm for a larger 65-acre property deeper in the country. This new location will serve as the primary dog training grounds for both Nova and Shai, who is still a "project with unfinished business." Brennan also gives a raw look at Nova’s first solo drops, her reaction to her first cage coon, and his plan to build her confidence without developing bad habits like running deer. With a second child on the way and a big move in progress, this episode covers the reality of balancing life, family, and the pursuit of elite hound hunting. Inside this episode: The Breeding Breakdown: Why Stix and Zena represent the "stacking of odds" for future winners. The 10-Minute Timer: Brennan’s simple test to see if a young pup has the drive to leave the truck and hunt solo. Track vs. Tree: Why Brennan prefers a pup where treeing comes last in the developmental cycle. Moving Logistics: A quick update on a potential lapse in the podcast schedule during the real estate transition. HBK Brand: A shoutout to the "special ladies" who support the all-night grind of coon hunting. Support the Show: Enjoying the journey? Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Season 2 developments and behind-the-scenes content! #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #NovaTheDog #DogTraining #HoundHunting #GarminAlpha #PKCNationals #WalkerHounds #MissouriOutdoors #CCSSeason2 ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this unique episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we step away from the night timber to explore the high-performance world of upland bird dogs with Tim Baker, president of the Missouri Hunting Spaniel Club. If you are a coon hunter accustomed to the "mystery" of a night trail, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the technical differences in how various breeds use their nose. Tim breaks down the "scent cone" and the "dramatic snap" of a Springer Spaniel compared to the traditional trailing style of a coon dog. Tim shares his 40 years of experience developing Amateur Field Champions and explains why a "bond-first" approach can outperform the high-pressure use of an e-collar. We dive into the versatility of flushing dogs—from retrieving doves and river ducks to navigating the thickest Missouri briars for Woodcock. Whether you are interested in hound performance, advanced dog training, or just want to see how the "other side" of hunting dogs operates, this episode provides deep value on the genetics, obedience, and unbreakable connection required to make a top-tier hunting partner. Inside this episode: Trailing vs. Flushing: A deep dive into the mechanics of how different breeds dissect a thicket and produce game. The Invisible Handle: Why Tim trains for obedience and relationship over authoritarian pressure. Ozarks Strategy: Why pointing dogs often struggle in the same thick cover where flushing spaniels excel. Field Trial Reality: Behind the scenes of a weekend AKC trial involving 74 entries and 400 pheasants. The Quail Debate: An honest look at why Missouri’s wild quail populations have declined and the habitat changes needed to bring them back. Support the Show: Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content! #BirdHunting #HoltOutdoors #SpringerSpaniel #DogTraining #UplandHunting #MissouriOutdoors #HoundHunting #FieldTrials #HuntingPodcast #GarminAlpha Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we address a listener-submitted question from Jordan Thompson about how to transition from pleasure hunting to competition coon hunting. Whether you are starting with a registered Blue Tick pup or a seasoned Walker hound, entering your first PKC or UKC-sanctioned hunt can be daunting. Brennan Holt breaks down the essentials into three critical categories: the gear, the mindset, and the dog. We dive deep into the necessary dog training equipment, from trusted tracking systems like the Garmin Alpha 200 Plus to the importance of high-quality hunting lights and chaps. Brennan also discusses the mental shift required for a cast, emphasizing why you must know the rules and your dog’s unique voice before spending money on an entry fee. From understanding "leash lock" and scoring strategy to the "150-coon rule" for building hound performance, this episode is the ultimate roadmap for any coon hunter looking to enter the competition circuit. Inside this episode: The Gear Checklist: What is a necessity (quality tracking and lights) vs. what you can live without (thermals and squallers). Mindset & Knowledge: Why reading the rulebook and doing "mock hunts" with buddies is the best preparation. The Competition Dog: The five traits a winner must have, including independence, hustle, and the "150-coon" base. The Golden Rule: Why "having coons in the tree" is the only metric that truly matters for winning casts. Support the Show: Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content! #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #CompetitionHunting #DogTraining #GarminAlpha #PKCHunt #UKCHunting #HoundHunting #HuntingPodcast ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this solo edition of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, I dive deep into a recent PKC $35 open event to break down exactly how the cast went with my dog, Shy. Competition coon hunting is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and this episode offers a raw, honest look at the technical mistakes and strategy shifts that happen in the woods. From miscalculating scores in my head to being "leash locked" by a competitor, I share the hard lessons learned during a night of den trees and tough circle point decisions. The core of today's discussion focuses on hound accuracy and the frustrating reality of slick treeing. Shy has treed over 80 coons for me in less than a year, but the struggle for consistent hound performance continues. I propose the "150-coon rule" and ask for your feedback: is a 60% accurate dog a "gambler" for life, or can more time in the woods fix a man-made trait? I also discuss my future plans for the kennel, including my search for a naturally independent female with a proven Wipeout pedigree to expand our breeding options. Inside this episode: Cast Breakdown: A play-by-play of the PKC open event, including strike and tree point distribution. The Scoring Trap: Why I am switching to a notebook system to stop miscalculating scores under pressure. Accuracy Debate: Discussing the difference between a "unicorn" dog and a reliable ambush-style hound. Future Prospects: Why I’m looking for a special cross from a known dog man to take the kennel to the next level. Support the Show: Enjoying the transparency? Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content! #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #DogTraining #ShaiTheDog #HoundHunting #GarminAlpha #PKCHunt #WipeoutHounds #MissouriHunting --- Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Long, a Missouri coon hunting veteran with over 50 years of experience in the timber. Jeff shares a lifetime of wisdom on dog training, starting with his first Walker hound bought from the legendary Russell Beck. If you are a hound hunter looking to refine your competition coon hunting strategy or just starting a young dog, Jeff’s insights on "Brains and Heart" are essential viewing. Jeff breaks down the evolution of the Walker hound, explaining why modern dogs are faster and more independent than those of 30 years ago. We dive into a detailed profile of his current standout dog, Dirt, exploring his pedigree (Three Blank Joker x Kenneth Johnson's Wild) and how a natural hunting style leads to hound performance in the woods. From the "10-coon rule" for building confidence to the biggest mistakes parents make when introducing youth to the sport, this episode is packed with value for the modern coon dog enthusiast. Inside this episode: The Starting Process: How Jeff and partner Keith Palmer divide the work of starting vs. finishing young hounds. Accuracy vs. Speed: Why Jeff prefers a dog that can work any track over a "hot-nosed ambush" dog. The Youth Mistake: Why an experienced "meat dog" is better than a puppy for keeping kids interested in hunting. Correcting Empties: Why Jeff believes "Brains and Nose" are the only real fixes for a slick-treeing dog. Legends of the Past: Memories of the original Stage Coma, Triple Tough Luke, and Domino. Support the Show: Enjoying the content? Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series and more behind-the-scenes hunting action! #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #DogTraining #WalkerHounds #HoundHunting #HuntingPodcast #GarminAlpha #MissouriOutdoors #JeffLong Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this high-value episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we are joined by Brody Julien, a Missouri native and U.S. Army veteran, to break down the critical role of terrain navigation in hound training. From the "sand hills" of North Carolina to the deep creek ditches of Northern Missouri, Brody explains how different environments shape a coon dog's ability to strike and tree. If you're looking to improve your competition coon hunting score, understanding how dogs "pocket" coons in varied timber is a game-changer. We also tackle one of the most controversial topics in the sport: the coonhound market. Brennan and Brody dive into the reality of buying and selling dogs on Facebook, debating whether a world-class pedigree actually "stacks the odds" or if raw hunting experience is the ultimate deciding factor. You'll hear about the "150-coon philosophy"—why patience and consistent time in the woods outrank the shock collar every time. Whether you use a Garmin Alpha 200 Plus to track your Walker hounds or are searching for a naturally independent female, this episode provides the "by-the-book" insights every coon hunter needs to find and train a winner. Inside this episode: Army Airborne to the Timber: How military discipline translates to mastering complex competition rules. Terrain Shock: Why dogs from the Ozarks struggle with Northern Missouri's deep creek ditches. The Market Reality: Honest talk on finding value in unproven lines and avoiding "bad apples" online. The Ground Game: The unusual story of a yearling Josie Wales pup catching coons on the fly. Consistency as a Trait: Why predictability is more valuable than a "freak show" dog that lacks consistency. Support the Show: Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only content! #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #HoundTraining #GarminAlpha #MissouriHunting #DogTraining #HuntingPodcast #ShaiTheDog #NorthMissouriHunting ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we are joined by Missouri native and lifelong coon hunter, Kim Barker of Osage Fork Kennels. With nearly 65 years of experience in the woods, Kim shares incredible stories from his childhood spent in the back of his grandfather's truck to his time serving in the U.S. Army and returning home to the hound hunting community. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in competition coon hunting and the heritage of the Walker hound. Kim provides a unique perspective on the evolution of coon dogs, comparing the "packing" hounds of the past to the faster, more independent competition dogs of today. He discusses his most famous hounds, including the legendary Smoke, and his experiences hunting alongside the original Stage Coma. Beyond the technical aspects of dog training and Garmin GPS tracking, Kim emphasizes the importance of family, sharing heartwarming stories about his grandsons discovering the sport. Whether you’re looking for advice on accurate coon dogs or just want to hear great hunting stories, Kim Barker’s wisdom on hound performance and consistency is invaluable for every coon hunter. Inside this episode: Life at Osage Fork: Growing up on a family cattle farm and the early days of dog trading. The Modern Coon Dog: Why Kim believes today's breeding has created faster and better dogs than ever before. Competition Mindset: Winning the Missouri Federation and why fun should always be the priority. Training for Success: The importance of consistency, vet checking, and the "quality over quantity" approach to hunting. Passing the Torch: Why taking the next generation hunting is more rewarding than any trophy on the wall. ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show