Shows
Gundog NationDan Kremers - How the Rising Popularity of Pudelpointers Could Change the Hunting World#84 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt speaks with Dan Kremers, a passionate advocate for the Pudelpointer breed. They discuss the breed's rising popularity, unique personality traits, and the importance of responsible breeding practices. Dan shares insights into the Pudelpointer's versatility in hunting, comparing it to other breeds, and highlights the significance of training and testing standards. The conversation also touches on the history of the breed, community engagement in hunting events, and personal anecdotes from Dan's experiences as a breeder and hunter.Gundog Nation is proudly sponsored by:Purina Pro...
2026-04-221h 25Gundog NationJason Williams - Duck Hunts, Devotionals, and Faith#81 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt talks with Jason Williams, who shares his unique background as a duck hunter in New York and the challenges he faces. They delve into hunting techniques, adaptability, and the inspiration behind Jason's book, 'Committed to the Call,' a devotional for waterfowl hunters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and personal transformation, encouraging listeners to connect with their own experiences and the deeper meanings behind their passions. In this conversation, Jason Williams and Ken Witt explore the profound themes of faith, community, and personal growth. They...
2026-04-011h 24Gundog NationJason Williams - Duck Hunts, Devotionals, and Faith#81 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt talks with Jason Williams, who shares his unique background as a duck hunter in New York and the challenges he faces. They delve into hunting techniques, adaptability, and the inspiration behind Jason's book, 'Committed to the Call,' a devotional for waterfowl hunters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and personal transformation, encouraging listeners to connect with their own experiences and the deeper meanings behind their passions. In this conversation, Jason Williams and Ken Witt explore the profound themes of faith, community, and personal growth. They...
2026-04-011h 24Gundog NationJohn and Nina Halsted - Brocklebank Labradors, Halsted Gundog Academy#80 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, Ken Witt speaks with John and Nina Halsted about their extensive experience in dog training, particularly with Labrador retrievers. They discuss the Halstead family's legacy in the field, their connections to royalty, and the evolution of dog training and hunting in the UK. The conversation also touches on the challenges of competition, the importance of breeding, and the changing landscape of hunting regulations. Throughout, the Halsted's share valuable insights and advice for aspiring trainers, emphasizing the need for passion, dedication, and a focus on the dog's attitude.Gundog Nation...
2026-03-251h 19Gundog NationJohn and Nina Halsted - Brocklebank Labradors, Halsted Gundog Academy#80 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, Ken Witt speaks with John and Nina Halsted about their extensive experience in dog training, particularly with Labrador retrievers. They discuss the Halstead family's legacy in the field, their connections to royalty, and the evolution of dog training and hunting in the UK. The conversation also touches on the challenges of competition, the importance of breeding, and the changing landscape of hunting regulations. Throughout, the Halsted's share valuable insights and advice for aspiring trainers, emphasizing the need for passion, dedication, and a focus on the dog's attitude.Gundog Nation...
2026-03-251h 19Gundog NationSami Strutz - Genetics vs Training: What Really Builds a Great Gundog?#79 In this episode of Gundog Nation, Ken Witt and Sami Strutz discuss their shared passion for hunting and dog training. Sami shares her journey from growing up in a hunting family to becoming a dog trainer and advocate for women in the hunting community. They explore various dog breeds, the importance of quality breeding, and the different dog sports Sami has introduced to her community. The conversation also highlights the unique experiences of owning a Dalmatian and the significance of inclusivity in hunting culture. In this engaging conversation, Sami and Ken discuss the intricacies of dog training, focusing on...
2026-03-181h 46Gundog NationSami Strutz - Genetics vs Training: What Really Builds a Great Gundog?#79 In this episode of Gundog Nation, Ken Witt and Sami Strutz discuss their shared passion for hunting and dog training. Sami shares her journey from growing up in a hunting family to becoming a dog trainer and advocate for women in the hunting community. They explore various dog breeds, the importance of quality breeding, and the different dog sports Sami has introduced to her community. The conversation also highlights the unique experiences of owning a Dalmatian and the significance of inclusivity in hunting culture. In this engaging conversation, Sami and Ken discuss the intricacies of dog training, focusing on...
2026-03-181h 46Gundog NationAddyson Walker - Mossy Pond and the Next Generation of Gundog Trainers#77 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Addyson Walker, a young and passionate dog trainer from Georgia. Addyson shares her experiences working at Mossy Pond, her journey in dog training, and her aspirations in the hunting world. The conversation highlights the supportive nature of the dog training community, the increasing presence of women in hunting, and the importance of conservation efforts. Addyson discusses her goals for her dog Roxy, her experiences in competitions, and the balance between college life and her passion for hunting. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of hunting...
2026-03-0449 minGundog NationAddyson Walker - Mossy Pond and the Next Generation of Gundog Trainers#77 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Addyson Walker, a young and passionate dog trainer from Georgia. Addyson shares her experiences working at Mossy Pond, her journey in dog training, and her aspirations in the hunting world. The conversation highlights the supportive nature of the dog training community, the increasing presence of women in hunting, and the importance of conservation efforts. Addyson discusses her goals for her dog Roxy, her experiences in competitions, and the balance between college life and her passion for hunting. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of hunting...
2026-03-0449 minGundog NationGage Witt - Hunting, Music, Sports & More#76 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, Ken Witt shares his extensive hunting experiences, including a memorable sea duck hunt in Alaska, and discusses the challenges and triumphs of hunting in various locations across the U.S. He is joined by his son, Gage Witt, who provides insights into their family connection and shared passion for hunting. The discussion also touches on future podcast goals, the importance of community in the hunting world, and the desire to broaden the podcast's topics to include more music and sports figures.
2026-02-251h 03Gundog NationGage Witt - Hunting, Music, Sports & More#76 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, Ken Witt shares his extensive hunting experiences, including a memorable sea duck hunt in Alaska, and discusses the challenges and triumphs of hunting in various locations across the U.S. He is joined by his son, Gage Witt, who provides insights into their family connection and shared passion for hunting. The discussion also touches on future podcast goals, the importance of community in the hunting world, and the desire to broaden the podcast's topics to include more music and sports figures.
2026-02-251h 03Gundog NationAdam Campbell - What Makes a Great Lab Today?#075 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, Ken Witt and Adam Campbell delve into the world of dog training, hunting, and the challenges of balancing family life with professional commitments. They discuss the importance of hard work and passion in training dogs, the evolving traits of Labrador retrievers, and the significance of respect and love in the trainer-dog relationship. Adam shares insights on breeding elite dogs, his favorite hunting styles, and the dynamics of participating in competitions like the Master National. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of being a dog trainer and hunter, while also emphasizing...
2026-02-181h 39Gundog NationAdam Campbell - What Makes a Great Lab Today?#075 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, Ken Witt and Adam Campbell delve into the world of dog training, hunting, and the challenges of balancing family life with professional commitments. They discuss the importance of hard work and passion in training dogs, the evolving traits of Labrador retrievers, and the significance of respect and love in the trainer-dog relationship. Adam shares insights on breeding elite dogs, his favorite hunting styles, and the dynamics of participating in competitions like the Master National. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of being a dog trainer and hunter, while also emphasizing...
2026-02-181h 39Gundog NationBret Abner - The Story Behind Winged Retriever#074 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt introduces Bret Abner, the founder of Winged Retriever, a company specializing in high-quality custom retrieving collars for dogs. The conversation begins with Ken discussing his location in Texas and thanking his sponsors, which include various dog-related businesses. Brett shares his journey into the dog collar industry, inspired by his passion for hunting and the need for durable, reliable collars. He emphasizes the quality and craftsmanship of his products, which are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty, setting them apart from typical collars found in...
2026-02-1153 minGundog NationBret Abner - The Story Behind Winged Retriever#074 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt introduces Bret Abner, the founder of Winged Retriever, a company specializing in high-quality custom retrieving collars for dogs. The conversation begins with Ken discussing his location in Texas and thanking his sponsors, which include various dog-related businesses. Brett shares his journey into the dog collar industry, inspired by his passion for hunting and the need for durable, reliable collars. He emphasizes the quality and craftsmanship of his products, which are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty, setting them apart from typical collars found in...
2026-02-1153 minGundog NationAustin Koile - ReKoile Outdoors: Revolutionizing Dog Vests#73 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Austin Koile, the founder of ReKoile Outdoors, a company specializing in innovative dog vests. Austin shares the inspiration behind creating the vest, which stemmed from his need for a better-fitting product for his Boykin Spaniel. The conversation delves into the features of the vest, including its adjustability, materials used, and the importance of customer feedback in the design process. Austin emphasizes the significance of caring for dogs as family members and discusses future aspirations for the company, including the development of upland vests. The episode highlights the...
2026-02-041h 10Gundog NationAustin Koile - ReKoile Outdoors: Revolutionizing Dog Vests#73 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Austin Koile, the founder of ReKoile Outdoors, a company specializing in innovative dog vests. Austin shares the inspiration behind creating the vest, which stemmed from his need for a better-fitting product for his Boykin Spaniel. The conversation delves into the features of the vest, including its adjustability, materials used, and the importance of customer feedback in the design process. Austin emphasizes the significance of caring for dogs as family members and discusses future aspirations for the company, including the development of upland vests. The episode highlights the...
2026-02-041h 10Gundog NationRyan Tucker - From Friday Night Lights of West Texas to Super Bowl Champion#072 In this episode of the Gun Dog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt welcomes former NFL player Ryan Tucker, a Super Bowl champion, to discuss his journey from high school football in Texas to the professional league. The conversation begins with a light-hearted introduction, where Ken expresses his admiration for Ryan's athleticism and recounts their first meeting at a CrossFit gym. Ryan shares his experiences growing up in a football-centric culture, particularly in Midland, Texas, where high school football is a community event. He reflects on the intense rivalries and the passion surrounding the sport, especially against teams like Permian...
2026-01-281h 29Gundog NationRyan Tucker - From Friday Night Lights of West Texas to Super Bowl Champion#072 In this episode of the Gun Dog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt welcomes former NFL player Ryan Tucker, a Super Bowl champion, to discuss his journey from high school football in Texas to the professional league. The conversation begins with a light-hearted introduction, where Ken expresses his admiration for Ryan's athleticism and recounts their first meeting at a CrossFit gym. Ryan shares his experiences growing up in a football-centric culture, particularly in Midland, Texas, where high school football is a community event. He reflects on the intense rivalries and the passion surrounding the sport, especially against teams like Permian...
2026-01-281h 29Gundog NationLeah Spivey - Youth, Women, and the Heart of SRS#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...
2026-01-081h 08Gundog NationLeah Spivey - Youth, Women, and the Heart of SRS#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...
2026-01-081h 08Gundog NationBrett Browning - How A Pointer And A Map Opened A World Of Ptarmigan, Grouse, And QuailSend 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-y...
2025-12-031h 24Gundog NationBrett Browning - How A Pointer And A Map Opened A World Of Ptarmigan, Grouse, And QuailSend 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-y...
2025-12-031h 24Gundog NationDan Ihrke - How Early Training And Smart Pressure Create Steady, High-Drive RetrieversSend 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...
2025-11-191h 36Gundog NationDan Ihrke - How Early Training And Smart Pressure Create Steady, High-Drive RetrieversSend 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...
2025-11-191h 36Gundog NationDr. RuthAnn Lobos - From Marathoner To Vet: Gut Health, Joints, And Safer Training For Bird DogsSend 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...
2025-10-281h 30Gundog NationDr. RuthAnn Lobos - From Marathoner To Vet: Gut Health, Joints, And Safer Training For Bird DogsSend 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...
2025-10-281h 30
MF Bois OutdoorsMF Bois Outdoors Podcast: Ep 9; Kenneth Witt w/ Gun Dog NationSend a textOn this episode, Blaine and Morgan are speaking to Kenneth Witt of Gundog Nation. We discuss all things regarding Gundogs. Including retrievers, pointers, and treeing dogs. We also discuss hunt tests and how they can be more challenging than an actual hunt.Checkout The Gundog nation podcast on all platforms. Check out their instagram @gundog_nation. Kenneth posts lots of helpful tips and tricks for all things gundogs.Thanks for listening!As always, check out our sponsors: MÜLLER chokes, Use code MFBOIS10 @ checkout for 10% off.E...
2025-10-071h 32Gundog NationKenneth Laird - How a Beagle Owner Became a Gundog ArtistSend us a text#49 The seemingly predestined connection between Kenneth Laird and gundog artistry unfolds in this captivating conversation that weaves together shared Southern roots, childhood hunting experiences, and artistic evolution. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee with a natural gift for art and a passion for rabbit hunting with beagles, Laird's journey from commercial illustrator to acclaimed gundog artist reveals the intersection of talent and authentic passion.Despite formal art education and a successful 30-year career in commercial design, Laird found himself creatively unfulfilled until a transformative challenge from a fellow artist: "If you could...
2025-09-251h 24Gundog NationKenneth Laird - How a Beagle Owner Became a Gundog ArtistSend us a text#49 The seemingly predestined connection between Kenneth Laird and gundog artistry unfolds in this captivating conversation that weaves together shared Southern roots, childhood hunting experiences, and artistic evolution. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee with a natural gift for art and a passion for rabbit hunting with beagles, Laird's journey from commercial illustrator to acclaimed gundog artist reveals the intersection of talent and authentic passion.Despite formal art education and a successful 30-year career in commercial design, Laird found himself creatively unfulfilled until a transformative challenge from a fellow artist: "If you could...
2025-09-251h 24Gundog NationRonnie Cowan - Engaging Youth in Gundogs and HuntingSend us a text#48 In this conversation, Kenneth Witt and Ronnie Cowan discuss the importance of outdoor recreation advocacy, particularly focusing on youth programs in Tennessee that aim to engage young people in hunting and conservation. Cowan shares insights on the innovative approaches taken to introduce youth to gun dogs and hunting, the funding and support for these programs, and the significance of teaching hunting skills as part of wildlife management. They also touch on the challenges of dog training, the role of gun dogs in outdoor education, and the upcoming Outdoor Enthusiasts Expo, which a...
2025-09-231h 18Gundog NationRonnie Cowan - Engaging Youth in Gundogs and HuntingSend us a text#48 In this conversation, Kenneth Witt and Ronnie Cowan discuss the importance of outdoor recreation advocacy, particularly focusing on youth programs in Tennessee that aim to engage young people in hunting and conservation. Cowan shares insights on the innovative approaches taken to introduce youth to gun dogs and hunting, the funding and support for these programs, and the significance of teaching hunting skills as part of wildlife management. They also touch on the challenges of dog training, the role of gun dogs in outdoor education, and the upcoming Outdoor Enthusiasts Expo, which a...
2025-09-231h 18Gundog NationAdrian Jackson - Breaking Points: How Training Methods Connect Troubled Youth and Bird DogsSend us a textAdrian Jackson shares his extraordinary dual career as a championship bird dog trainer and youth mentor at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in Texas. His insights reveal the surprising parallels between training high-performance field trial dogs and helping at-risk youth overcome trauma and build successful lives.• Vice President of Home Life at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch for nearly 29 years, overseeing care for 116 children with capacity for 430• Cal Farley's is privately funded with an independent school district on campus, taking children ages 5-16 from across the United States• Won multiple national field...
2025-09-161h 14Gundog NationSummer Reynolds - Dog and Hunt Supply: From Foxhounds to RetailSend us a text#45 Summer Reynolds has hunting in her blood. From childhood nights spent howling alongside her father to call in coyotes, to building a nationally-renowned hunting dog supply store in tiny Quitman, Arkansas (population 765), Summer's life revolves around dogs that chase, tree, and track.During our conversation, Summer takes us through her remarkable hunting journey, starting with foxhound traditions that are gradually disappearing. "Friday night we'd get, Dad would come home from work and of course I would be ready to go hunting," she recalls, describing nights spent on the hood of a...
2025-09-111h 07Gundog NationJosh Parvin - Gundog Training, Health, and HeritageSend us a text#44 When disaster strikes in the field, are you prepared to save your dog's life? Josh Parvin of Cornerstone Gundog Academy and Retriever Training Supply shares the harrowing story that led to creating their best-selling First Aid Kit after his retriever hit a barbed wire fence at full speed during a Kansas hunt. That close call transformed his approach to emergency preparedness and sparked a mission to help fellow gundog owners be ready for anything.The conversation explores the fundamental difference between training methodologies in the retriever world. As Josh e...
2025-09-091h 14Gundog NationJosh Parvin - Gundog Training, Health, and HeritageSend us a text#44 When disaster strikes in the field, are you prepared to save your dog's life? Josh Parvin of Cornerstone Gundog Academy and Retriever Training Supply shares the harrowing story that led to creating their best-selling First Aid Kit after his retriever hit a barbed wire fence at full speed during a Kansas hunt. That close call transformed his approach to emergency preparedness and sparked a mission to help fellow gundog owners be ready for anything.The conversation explores the fundamental difference between training methodologies in the retriever world. As Josh e...
2025-09-091h 14Gundog NationTrevor Wade - Inside UKC's Lucrative Coonhound CircuitSend us a text#42 Have you ever wondered why some dog sports offer substantial cash prizes while others only provide ribbons and titles? In this fascinating conversation with Trevor Wade, Coonhound Program Manager at United Kennel Club (UKC), we uncover the remarkable economics of coonhound competitions that have created a thriving circuit where handlers compete for serious money.Trevor pulls back the curtain on UKC's Tournament of Champions, which offers a jaw-dropping $250,000 purse with $50,000 going to the winner. Unlike many dog sports that rely heavily on corporate sponsorship, this system is primarily funded through clever...
2025-09-041h 21
The Big Honker PodcastEpisode #1009: Kenneth WittJeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Kenneth Witt, host of the Gundog Nation podcast.An avid bird hunter and dog trainer, Kenneth works with retrievers, bird dogs, and even protection dogs, all while balancing his career as a landman in the oilfields of Midland, Texas.The guys dive into dog nutrition, Kenneth’s vision for Gundog Nation, the differences between coon dog and retriever tournaments, what life as a landman really entails, and the unmatched bond and power of a great hunting dog.
2025-09-031h 59Gundog NationDave Bavero - Waterstone Labradors, Breeding and Training British LabsSend us a text#42 Dave Bavero opens a window into the nuanced world of British Labs, sharing insights from his 25-year journey with these remarkable gundogs. As the founder of Waterstone Labradors in Bernie, Texas, Dave has created more than just a breeding program – he's established a vital cultural bridge between American hunters and the centuries-old traditions of British and Irish retriever work.What sets Dave's approach apart is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. Rather than simply importing dogs, he regularly travels to Ireland and the UK, forging relationships with elite trainers and breeders, observing fi...
2025-09-021h 05Gundog NationBob Owens - Lone Duck Outfitters: What Makes a Great GundogSend us a text#41 The journey to build a stronger connection with your hunting dog goes far beyond basic commands and whistle blows. Bob Owens, founder of Lone Duck Outfitters and Kennels, takes us deep into what he calls "the unspoken bond" – that magical connection between handler and retriever that transforms good dogs into exceptional hunting partners.Bob's path from college rugby player to respected professional trainer offers a masterclass in pursuing passion against the odds. Starting with just a yellow Lab named Buck and a dream to help others train their own dogs, he bu...
2025-08-281h 18Gundog NationCaleb Knight - Major League Baseball, Waterfowl and Hunting DogsSend us a text#40 Ever wondered how professional athletes pursue their outdoor passions between seasons? In this captivating conversation, Kenneth Witt welcomes Chicago Cubs Triple-A catcher Caleb Knight to Gundog Nation, revealing the fascinating intersection of professional baseball and duck hunting.Caleb shares his journey from small-town Oklahoma to professional baseball, while maintaining his deep connection to waterfowl hunting and retriever training. Growing up in Chakotah (population 3,500), Caleb developed parallel passions that now define his life - baseball during the season and duck hunting every possible day during the off-season. His unique schedule provides the...
2025-08-2659 minGundog NationCaleb Knight - Major League Baseball, Waterfowl and Hunting DogsSend us a text#40 Ever wondered how professional athletes pursue their outdoor passions between seasons? In this captivating conversation, Kenneth Witt welcomes Chicago Cubs Triple-A catcher Caleb Knight to Gundog Nation, revealing the fascinating intersection of professional baseball and duck hunting.Caleb shares his journey from small-town Oklahoma to professional baseball, while maintaining his deep connection to waterfowl hunting and retriever training. Growing up in Chakotah (population 3,500), Caleb developed parallel passions that now define his life - baseball during the season and duck hunting every possible day during the off-season. His unique schedule provides the...
2025-08-2659 minGundog NationAnna V - Finding Purpose in Wingshooting and GundogsSend us a text#39 From sporting clays champion to bird dog maven, Anna V's journey exemplifies the transformative power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities in the outdoor world. Her story begins with a short-haired pointer in 2014 and quickly accelerates into a whirlwind adventure through competitive hunting tournaments, championship sporting clays, and eventually mastery of both pointing and flushing dogs.What makes Anna's narrative particularly compelling is how she navigated these worlds as often the only woman in the field, balancing motherhood with competition while her young daughter tagged along with a box of John...
2025-08-221h 39Gundog NationMick Walsh - Training Champions Across the Pond, Cockers vs. SpringersSend us a text#38 Master gundog trainer Mick Walsh takes us on a journey through his remarkable 35-year career developing champion spaniels across Ireland and the United Kingdom. From his humble beginnings hunting with terriers as a seven-year-old boy to becoming one of the most accomplished competitive handlers in Europe, Walsh shares the wisdom that has helped him train an astounding 20 champion dogs, including 12 international champions.Walsh offers rare insights into what truly separates champion dogs from the merely good ones. "The real good ones are good from the day they're born," he explains, detailing...
2025-08-151h 00Gundog NationGreg Blair - Purina, Pointing Dogs, Field TrialsSend us a text#37 The journey from novice to expert in the world of upland hunting is paved with lessons often learned the hard way. In this captivating conversation, Kenneth Witt welcomes Greg Blair, a senior specialist with Purina's Sporting Dog Group, who brings three decades of pointing dog wisdom to Gundog Nation.Greg's passion for bird dogs began in the 1990s, evolving from casual hunting over a springer spaniel to campaigning a Hall of Fame English Pointer. With refreshing honesty, he describes himself as "an amateur who knows enough to be dangerous," yet his...
2025-08-081h 20Gundog NationGreg Blair - Purina, Pointing Dogs, Field TrialsSend us a text#37 The journey from novice to expert in the world of upland hunting is paved with lessons often learned the hard way. In this captivating conversation, Kenneth Witt welcomes Greg Blair, a senior specialist with Purina's Sporting Dog Group, who brings three decades of pointing dog wisdom to Gundog Nation.Greg's passion for bird dogs began in the 1990s, evolving from casual hunting over a springer spaniel to campaigning a Hall of Fame English Pointer. With refreshing honesty, he describes himself as "an amateur who knows enough to be dangerous," yet his...
2025-08-081h 20Gundog NationWade Skeen - Skeen Gundogs & OutfittersSend us a text#36 Wade Skeen takes us deep into the changing landscape of American waterfowl hunting, revealing how agricultural practices have dramatically shifted migration patterns away from traditional southern flyways. The owner of Skeen Gundogs and Outfitters in south central Kansas explains why the Midwest has become a duck hunting paradise: drought-resistant seed varieties pushing corn production northward, no-till farming leaving billions of bushels of waste grain in fields, and significantly less hunting pressure than traditional destinations like Arkansas and Louisiana.Drawing from his journey from Mississippi through military service to establishing his Kansas...
2025-08-011h 19Gundog NationBen Skinner - Skinner's Dog Food: From Post Mill to Performance Dog FoodSend us a text#35 What does a 300-year-old family business have to teach us about passion, quality, and preserving our gundog heritage? Ben Skinner, the seventh-generation leader of Skinner's Dog Food, takes us on a fascinating journey from his family's 1688 windmill to their current position as a beloved dog food manufacturer in the UK.The remarkable story unfolds as Ben shares how his grandfather Stanley operated a traditional grain milling business that was facing bankruptcy when his father Roger, at just 15 years old, was pulled from school to join the struggling company. The pivotal moment...
2025-07-251h 02Gundog NationBarton Ramsey - British vs American Training Methods, Group Steadiness, SOKSend us a text#34 The journey to developing an extraordinary hunting retriever demands more than just basic obedience—it requires a training philosophy built on understanding, patience, and fair expectations. In this captivating conversation with Barton Ramsey of Southern Oak Kennels, we explore the nuanced approach that has established him as one of America's premier British Labrador breeders and trainers.Barton takes us deep into his training methodology, emphasizing the critical difference between British and American training philosophies while revealing how he's crafted a hybrid approach tailored to American hunting conditions. His perspective challenges conventional wi...
2025-07-191h 29