Best Navhda Podcasts (2025)

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Bird hunting debrief: South Dakota's pheasant season with Casey Weismantel 1:13:37

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2d ago1:13:37

1:13:37

Planning next season already? Got a few weeks left for this one? Here's the lowdown on hunting in the world's pheasant capital, from fellow hunter and director of the Aberdeen Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Casey Weismantel. He's an ugly dog owner and avid ringneck hunter, and nobody has more fingers on the pulse of hunting our favorite bird. We co…

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Insider on everything tie-out from how-to to why ... and roading's benefits for bird dogs 44:23

4d ago44:23

44:23

Finally, someone to help us use tie-out stakes and "chain gangs" the right way. Industry insider and avid bird hunter Brennan Landry of CableGangz Supply makes the best gear in the category (and including roading gear, training table rigs and more) and he's here to walk us through using it right. From materials and engineering to manufacturing and …

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Breaking news: new Purina formulations - Dr. RuthAnn Lobos on specs, ingredients, and who should consider them 59:30

10d ago59:30

59:30

Exclusive! We get the lowdown on new Purina dog foods the day they hit the shelves. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos (@petvetruthann), senior veterinarian at Purina will outline the rationale behind their new "Advantedge Plus" senior and digestive formulations, and why many of us should consider one or the other. We'll parse ingredients, specs, and the new produc…

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Pro bird dog trainer Jim Van Engen on retrieving for pointers and flushers 1:03:47

16d ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Why isn't he retrieving well? This time in the season, it seems like everyone is wondering what happened to their dog. From not bringing birds all the way back, dropping birds or just going hunting again, many upland dogs are just not delivering, literally, these days. Retriever Hall of Fame inductee, pro trainer, and now successfully transitioned …

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Prong Collar Vs Pinch Collar 32:47

17d ago32:47

32:47

Summary In this episode of the Companion Gun Dog Podcast, host Grayson Guyer discusses his approach to training a new lab, focusing on the importance of understanding different types of collars and their applications in dog training. He emphasizes the significance of context in training, the balance between control and freedom, and shares insights …

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Insider Scott Trulock on everything choke tubes ... manufacture, care, and what you're doing wrong 44:24

18d ago44:24

44:24

Most of us, most of the time, could use some help when it comes to the business end of our shotgun. Recently, a guide friend said most of his clients have no idea what choke tubes were in their shotgun. Scary! Bottom line? You'll shoot better with the right choke tubes. Scott Trulock of Trulock Chokes joins me to cover it all, from billet to "boom!…

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Bird hunting pro photographer on making your social posts go viral with better images 1:04:17

23d ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Make your social posts really pop with better photos. Who better than pro photographer Brian Grossenbacher to help? You've seen his images on the cover of every outdoors magazine, and he's certainly spiffed up some of my articles. He's shot for everyone from YETI to Mossy Oak, Field & Stream to Gun Dog magazines. Whether you're shooting with your p…

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Bird dog trainer says YOU need some work, and why 1:06:19

1M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Don't panic, no e-collar for you, just an argument for you getting deeper into the dog training process before, during and after you get your pup back from a pro trainer. In fact this guy says you may need more training than your four-footed partner. Talmage Smedley has suggestions on how to look - differently - at how your dog learns, then adjust …

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Insider edition: giving thanks, bird hunting version 27:47

1M ago27:47

27:47

Why we go ... what we're grateful for, and why. Listeners share their own thoughts, new and classic, and I'll help with a few reasons of my own. If you're looking for more reasons to go hunting, here they are. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge, where you'll get special freebies and gifts for every…

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New NAVHDA Gun Dog test: how, why, and why you should consider it 1:02:19

1M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Got a good hunting dog? Prove it by passing the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association's new Gun Dog Test. This is a practical exam in all things a journeyman hunting dog needs to master the field and water. NAVHDA Director of Testing Dan Wittman outlines the origins of this test, replacing the Utility Preparatory Test, explaining the com…

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Trainer, hunter, author Dr. Cartrell Cooper on motivating your dog 1:00:51

1M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

From his experience as a military K9 handler, training and showing dogs of all stripes, to authoring multiple books on the topics, Dr. Cartrell Cooper knows a lot more about how a dog thinks than we'll ever know. I caught him between seminars at Pheasant Fest to explore his unique methods and thought process on everything from motivating your dog, …

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Insider: how a bird hunting lodge works - a buyer's guide 51:41

2M ago51:41

51:41

On a recent visit to Heartland Lodge in Illinois, I cornered the new-ish owner Tim Duoos, and communications manager Zach Jumps and peppered them with questions about the facility. From how they earned an Orvis endorsement, to maintaining great habitat, we'll get the lowdown from an insider's perspective. We also dig into how we should shop for, an…

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72. Grouse Camp Q&A - The Guys At Camp Answer Listener Questions 1:23:54

2M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

If you're looking to learn more about grouse and woodcock hunting from a bunch of seasoned vets who also relish giving each other a hard time, this episode is for you. Mike sat down with he crew of friends and fellow die-hard ruffed grouse and woodcock hunters to take on listener questions. Questions range from cover type, how they structure feedin…

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Season so far: bird hunting reports from the field 1:16:32

2M ago1:16:32

1:16:32

Four of my friends call in with on-the-ground reports from the upper Midwest, Arizona, Utah and Oregon. What they've learned could help you as the season progresses - from habitat to hatch reports, strategies to tactics for quail, chukars, Huns, pheasants, ruffies, blues, and woodcock. "Fix It" helps your shooting ... and listeners share their "big…

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Pro guide insights on bagging late-season pheasants from habitat to habits 1:02:23

2M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

A wealth of information ... that's the only way to describe Al Gadoury, Montana pro guide and owner of 6X Outfitters in Lewistown. I've learned from Al in the field, and you'll learn from him right here. We'll cover everything you need to know about hunting late-season pheasants. From habitat changes to food sources, strategies from blockers to unl…

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Canoe Dog Diaries; Cornwallis' Treasure Along the Banks of Abbott's Creek 25:43

2M ago25:43

25:43

Check out the article that inspired this podcast: https://fieldethos.com/sportsmans-ghost-story/ Summary In this episode of the Companion Gundog Podcast, host Grayson Guyer shares his experiences and reflections while paddling on Abbotts Creek. He discusses local history, particularly a story about General Cornwallis during the American Revolution,…

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Bird hunting insider's guide to finding your dog and getting high to shoot better 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

Not that kind of high! Instead, how altering your altitude might help you take more accurate shots. This time of the season, all your faults and flaws are piling up, including keeping track of your dog and missing birds on the wing. I know a thing or two about both and will share some of the lessons I've learned that might help you get better shots…

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71. Bode Springer - College Level Questions on Upland Hunting and Ruffed Grouse 1:16:24

2M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

Bode Springer joins the show this week to grill Mike for an upcoming college homework assignment. He is a student at UMD and studying environmental sustainability. Bode recently got his first bird dog, a springer, an apt choice given his last name and shares about his bird hunting journey thus far in addition to his thought-provoking questions. Thi…

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"Chukar culture" from the guy who coined the term 1:09:49

2M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Bob McMichael is a YouTuber, author of a new book, blogger and fanatic hunter. The "thinking man's chukar hunter," Bob brings a unique perspective to the hunt that has as much to do with the why's of hunting as the how-to. We'll jump headfirst into the rabbit holes of habitat and conservation, go beyond tailgate photos to deeper stuff, and learn wh…

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70. Nate Akey - How Following a Dog Led to Hunting Places Far and Wide and Working for onX Hunt 1:58:18

2M ago1:58:18

1:58:18

Nate Akey from onX Hunt joins the show this week to discuss his path into bird hunting and dog training, his NAVHDA Invitational run, hunting season so far, and so much more. Nate is an avid photographer who has leveraged his skill set with his degree to build a career in the hunting industry. We dive into all sorts of topics and this is the perfec…

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Grouse & woodcock guide on quality coverts, young dogs and shooting better 1:04:15

2M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Author (Building a Grouse Dog), trainer, breeder, grouse guide and avid hunter, Craig Doherty is uniquely qualified to help us navigate the woods. We'll cover what we can do to help young dogs on early hunts, the right mental approach to dog behaviors, and where grouse and woodcock live during hunting season in the northeast. We'll cover food sourc…

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Insider edition: bird hunter's field guide to rural America 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Bear with me. Maybe you'll learn something. Or stop doing something. Or start doing something else. Bottom line is, to get along in flyover country where most of us hunt, there are some unwritten rules, protocols, and common-sense stuff we should be aware of. Get along "out there," and good things happen. Insider editions are brought to you by Cabl…

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69. Mitch Skatter - Creating the Upland Path, Starting on YouTube, and The Importance of Coaching and Mentoring. 1:31:12

3M ago1:31:12

1:31:12

Mitch Skatter joins the show this week to share more about his journey starting Upland Path, a new YouTube Channel aimed at sharing helpful tips and tricks for upland bird hunters. He also dives into how he got into bird hunting, what he's learning from his first dog, and why mentorship and giving back is so important to him. Enjoy! This episode is…

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Randy Newberg on how big game makes him a better bird hunter, public-access strategy & tactics, e-scouting hints 1:09:29

3M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

By Scott Linden

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68. Marc Musselman & Jonny Serrano - Alclair Outdoors and Why Hearing Protection Should Be a Normal Part of Your Kit 1:15:11

3M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Marc Musselman and Jonny Serrano join the show this week to talk about Alclair Outdoors and the importance of high quality hearing protection. If you do any kind of dog training or bird hunting hearing loss is an under-discussed issue. Medical research is starting to highlight the impact hearing loss has on community and brain health as one ages an…

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Pro bird hunting guide on prairie birds, Mearn's, and why a composed dog is a steady dog 1:07:52

3M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Trevor Walz of Western Prairie Outfitters joins me for a deep dive into prairie bird habitat and hunting strategies. From the importance of shade, to scouting new ground, this guy has some useful insights. We dabble in Mearn's quail as well, as his outfit also guides Arizona in winter. We'll cover some of the early steps you can take to help your d…

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Training Insights with Nate Czarnota 1:59:11

3M ago1:59:11

1:59:11

Summary In this conversation, Nate Czarnota and Grayson Guyer explore various aspects of dog training, focusing on behavioral principles, the Keeler Method, and the importance of mentorship. They discuss the significance of building drive in dogs, the role of pressure in training, and the ethical considerations that trainers must navigate. The conv…

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Insider: the ultimate guide to public-access hunting ground 45:40

3M ago45:40

45:40

Sure, you know the "usual suspects" when it comes to publicly-accessible ground ... walk-in, forest service, BLM. But there are dozens of other patches of real estate managed by nameless, faceless agencies on our behalf, and many are open to hunting. I'll tell a few hunting stories that took place on some of these lesser-known parcels, and provide …

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67. Roy Ames - A Dive Into The NAVHDA Gun Dog Test and a Montana Recap 1:20:55

3M ago1:20:55

1:20:55

Roy Ames joins the show again this week to share a bit about our recent trip to Montana, the sometimes frustrating learning curve of puppies, and take a look into the first year of NAVHDA's Gun Dog Test. Announced this January at the NAVHDA Annual Meeting, the Gun Dog Test is a revision of the Utility Prep Test with the goal of increasing member pa…

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A rooster's day, from a pro bird hunter/biologist's viewpoint 1:05:20

3M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

What's a rooster do all day? If you know, you'll be a better hunter. So I asked Pheasants Forever's resident guru Sabin Adams to take us to school on the subject and boy did I learn a lot. From feeding to roosting to loafing, he clocks the bird's movements so you can be in the right place at the right times. Sabin talks food sources, the importance…

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Pro dog trainer, author, Charlie Jurney's unique take on training during early season hunts, retrieving, steadiness 1:22:04

3M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

He sounds like your favorite coach, teacher or Scoutmaster ... understanding where you (or your dog) are, and where you want them to be. Charlie Jurney is a multi-champion dog trainer, hunter, and author. You've seen his byline in many dog magazines, and on his book Finished Dog. We'll roam the field and water, uplands and marshes while we talk abo…

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Insider re: Sen. Lee ... knowledge (and money) are power - we've got both ... now, use it for good 37:45

3M ago37:45

37:45

In light of the incredible reaction to Sen. Lee's recent proposal to sell public lands, I'm adding fuel to the fire with information and motivation to keep you poised for the next battle. "Knowledge is power" and knowing from where the money comes and where it goes, arms us better than a 10-gauge street sweeper with a 50-round drum magazine. Until …

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66. Waylon Lunn - Hunting the Upstate, The Art of Jump-Shooting Ducks, and Raising a Family Outdoors 1:26:32

4M ago1:26:32

1:26:32

Waylon Lunn joins the show this week to share his journey in bird dogs from New York City to the Upstate and now traveling across the country with his family for birds. He describes his journey searching for and developing a "purpose built bird dog". He also shares some of his keys to success for jump shooting ducks, he dives into the Northeast's f…

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Summer camp! Bird hunter, trainer, trialer on how they complement the other, plus travel tips, steadiness, and porcupines! 1:01:54

4M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Summer camp! Nope, not braiding lanyards and making s'mores. Out on the prairie, it's all about dogs and wild birds and Mel Leuck joins me from her camp to give us the lowdown on what really happens there. What's a day look like? Why drive so far? She'll have the answers. We also cover important training topics including steadiness on birds, keepin…

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Land grab debrief ... now what? Policy pro's crystal ball, what we can do ... oh, and some public-access advice 1:12:59

4M ago1:12:59

1:12:59

The smoke has cleared and yes, we won on that proposal of Sen. Mike Lee's to sell off public lands. My guests from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership are Michael O'Casey and Tristan Henry, and we'll look back on what happened and how, and more importantly what bird hunters can do NOW to prevent another land grab. From "all politics are…

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Insider: the ultimate upland checklist - don't leave home without this stuff 33:55

4M ago33:55

33:55

If you've ever left the dog behind, forgotten your license or bought a new sleeping bag enroute to your bird camp, this Insider episode is dedicated to you. Over the years, and with help from many of you, we've compiled a comprehensive list of just about anything you'll need on a bird hunt. Here's your reminder. Here is the link (all lists are in t…

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65. Marilyn Vetter - Priorities for The Habitat Organization, Planning for Hunting Season Ahead, and Keeping Up The Fight For The Birds. 1:14:38

4M ago1:14:38

1:14:38

Marilyn Vetter is the CEO and President of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. She joins the show this week to share some wins for the year as well as a handful of the many challenges ahead. Additionally, she lays out a bit about how she's planning for the hunting season ahead, having a new puppy in the house, and reminds listeners we all have a r…

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Pro bird hunting guide's strategies, tactics for grouse & woodcock, Gordon Setters and being a good client 1:20:27

4M ago1:20:27

1:20:27

Grouse, woodcock, training during the hunt, and a short history of Gordon Setters ... those are the topics in my conversation with Stephen Faust, pro grouse and woodcock guide, dog trainer and breeder, and avid hunter. We'll also cover a typical guide's day in the field, how we can be better guide clients, and dog training tips. We'll track a woodc…

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Bird hunting questions & conundrums, answered 52:52

4M ago52:52

52:52

Hey, some of the answers might be right ... and helpful! Listeners ask a lot of questions, and I'm tackling them all on this episode. From pad care to finding new spots to hunt, feeding your dog to finding a shooting instructor, I've dug deep to provide useful starting points - and points to ponder - for a couple dozen questions. (Have your own? Se…

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Insider edition: bird hunters' one-pound survival kit 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

It's the time of year when you're assembling this and searching for that, getting your gear together with an eye toward opening day and adventures to come. Here's one piece of gear that you truly shouldn't leave home without - a survival kit. It doesn't need to be big or heavy - this one weighs just over a pound - but its contents could save your l…

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Pro spaniel trainer on retrieving, quartering, breeding and more 1:04:30

5M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Pro cocker spaniel trainer Gene Barnhardt joins me to cover all things flushing ... and more! You've seen Gene handling dogs on Wingshooting USA TV, and now we'll hear his insights into spaniels from retrieving to range, quartering to water work. Gene is also a breeder so expect insights on how to find the best pup, too. We'll talk teaching steadin…

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Whoa in the Field: Steadiness Drills for Pointing Dogs | Iron Oak Steadiness Pt. 3 40:40

5M ago40:40

40:40

WATCH on YouTube | https://youtu.be/wNS9TLk7Lno - In Part 3 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we leave the post and take your dog to the field. But not for hunting just yet. We’re drilling everything—from whoa, flush, and shot, to rewarding restraint, randomizing retrieves, and even introducing visual backing. 🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 3: ~How t…

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64. Charles Coulter - Learning to Not Care So Much, Falling in Love With Bird Dogs, and Becoming a Professional Bird Hunting Guide. 1:58:24

5M ago1:58:24

1:58:24

Charles Coulter is a bird hunting guide, bird dog trainer, and a NAVHDA Senior Judge. He sits down with Mike to share his journey into bird hunting, what it's like having his passion become his profession, and how he's learned the importance of fun over caring so much. He also shares training insights, bourbon recommendations, and how he sets up hi…

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The Method to Rule All Methods 32:51

5M ago32:51

32:51

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Training Overview 07:03 New Chapter 3 07:06 New Chapter 2 07:06 New Chapter 08:04 The Method to Rule Them All 21:47 Emulating and Playing in Dog Training 28:09 The Journey of Learning and Behavior Change 30:29 New Chapter 4 Summary In this episode of the Companion Gun Dog Podcast, host Grayson Guyer shares ins…

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Save our sport: recruit a new hunter. Experts take us to school on how & why 1:04:11

5M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

It's easy, and ultimately helps preserve the habitat and our legacy. But it's up to all of us to find and recruit the next generation of bird hunters. We'll learn how with two of the best in the business: Ashley Chance is Hunting Heritage Programs Manager for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever; Justin Morrisey oversees the National Shooting Sports…

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Insider edition: puppy gear for that first year 39:16

5M ago39:16

39:16

Here it is ... the ultimate shopping list for new puppy owners. Not just the standard stuff, but those other things you will find helpful. In addition to the things, I'll offer some uses you may not have thought about. Plus, some homemade and re-purposed stuff, freebies and cheap versions, bird substitutes from the toybox and pantry. Insider editio…

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Building the Steady Pointing Dog with WHOA! | Iron Oak Steadiness Pt. 2 44:50

5M ago44:50

44:50

WATCH on YouTube | https://linkly.link/2CGYo - The whoa post is where steadiness truly begins for Nate Czarnota of Iron Oak Dog Company.In Part 2 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we teach your bird dog exactly what “whoa” means using tactile cues, food rewards, and the belly e-collar.From first reps on the post to introducing the blank shots and …

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63. Desiree Stormont - Reflections on NAVHDA Invitational Training, Mindset, and the NAVHDA Lady Gang. 1:10:12

5M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Desiree Stormont joins the show for round 2 after her initial appearance on The Ugly Dog Podcast over a year ago. We recap some of our current NAVHDA Invitational training, mindset, mental hurdles and problem solving in addition to a host of other things. Des gives a first hand account of what it's like to judge Mike in the field, and shares honest…

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Local expert's tips on South Dakota pheasant hunting and public access 1:10:26

5M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Everything you wanted to know about hunting pheasants in South Dakota, explained by a local expert. Casey Weismantel is executive director of the Aberdeen, SD Convention & Visitors Bureau, ugly dog owner and avid pheasant hunter.He's got answers to our questions about best times to go, maximizing the public-access options, planning your hunt and he…

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BEFORE You Teach WHOA | Iron Oak Steadiness Pt. 1 59:05

5M ago59:05

59:05

WATCH on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CE7T6FtXTEY - Before you teach “whoa,” make sure your bird dog understands this. In Part 1 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we break down the foundation every pointing dog needs before formal steadiness training begins. From sight-based drills and scent cone setup to using remote bird launchers the right way, th…