Best Recruiting Conundrum Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

1d 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…

1
Insider: the ultimate upland checklist - don't leave home without this stuff 33:55

1d 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…

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

7d 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…

1
Bird hunting questions & conundrums, answered 52:52

14d 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…

1
Insider edition: bird hunters' one-pound survival kit 29:58

18d 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…

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

21d 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…

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

30d 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…

1
Insider edition: puppy gear for that first year 39:16

1M 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…

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

1M 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…

1
Instructor, bird hunter: shooting better, simplified ... starting with gun fit 1:05:19

1M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

BE A BETTER SHOOTER with these insights from NSCA Level 3 instructor and bird hunter Dave Fiedler. My friend Dave has a different take on becoming a better shooter ... simplify, shed a bad habit (or maybe two), and soon you'll be yelling "Fetch!" Dave will take us through a lesson just as he teaches at Mid Valley Clays & Shooting School with an emp…

1
Insider edition: eclipse birds 38:10

2M ago38:10

38:10

In this deep-dive bonus edition, I'll take you to one of my favorite hunting spots. It was the day of the annular eclipse, where the moon completely obscures the sun, leaving a ring of fire around a black orb. Did that celestial event impact our hunt? You decide. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo c…

1
E-collar tutorial from Dogtra pro trainer Pete Fischer 1:14:18

2M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

Let's all go back to e-collar school with Pete Fisher. A consultant to Dogtra, the collar company, he's also an award-winning pro trainer and avid hunter. He gives a tutorial on all the critical uses from steadiness to retrieving, covers introducing a collar to young dogs, and reminds us that timing really is everything. We'll learn when and when n…

1
Bird hunter Eric Forrester: chukars, wirehairs, what's not to like? 1:00:51

2M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

We climb the hills and get dirty in this interview with YouTube personality Eric Forrester. Trainer, breeder, avid bird hunter, road warrior, we'll get advice on all of that, and more. From what motivates him, to his training philosophy, we've got insights. You'll also learn about his minimalist bird camp, surprises he's found in the field, the joy…

1
Insider: West's (sorta) best public pheasant hunting 28:54

2M ago28:54

28:54

It's not the Dakotas ... but if you're desperate and have a few hours or days, there may be a ringneck in your future in some of these western U.S. public-access locales. At the 30,000 foot level, I'll give you starting points in all the western states that harbor ringnecks. Whether you find any is up to you and your dog! Insider editions are broug…

1
Chukar hunter, pro wirehair trainer-breeder on everything you need to excel at both 1:23:00

2M ago1:23:00

1:23:00

Just like a chukar hunt ... long and covering a lot of ground. That's today's interview with avid devil-bird chaser and pro dog trainer Jeff Funke of Three Devils Kennel. We'll take a deep dive into a wide variety of topics from breeding German Wirehaired Pointers, to the Versatile Hunting Dog Federation's testing program, to the reasons conformati…

1
Pro trainer three-fer! Ronnie & Susanna Smith, Tom Dokken on all things dogs 1:03:38

2M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

You'll need a moment after all the wisdom coming from this Pheasant Fest interview. First, Ronnie and Susanna Smith on puppy development, behavioral tips and tricks to maximize performance for your bird dog. Then, Tom Dokken explains control, solves your training problems and discusses praise in all its dimensions. "Fix It" helps keep your dog's bo…

1
Insider: Flow chart to better bird shooting from TV's worst shotgunner 30:13

3M ago30:13

30:13

Because I need all the help I can get, I've studied shotgun shooting with some of the best. Their wisdom is best consumed in a lesson with them, but until then I've distilled it into a series of check lists - a flow chart - with basic steps you can take to connect on more shots. Somewhere in these dozens of suggestions may be one that puts another …

1
Industry heavyweights on apparel, vests, shotguns 1:01:11

3M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

From Reno, Nevada to Kansas City, we venture into the minds of two industry leaders: Brent Pike, founder of Pyke Gear, and Andy McCormick, president of Legacy Sports and Pointer Shotguns. We'll learn why and how Pyke Gear is designed and what's coming in the future. McCormick will give us a tour of the new FT12 semi-auto shotgun and relate some hun…

1
Insider info from PF/QF prez Marilyn Vetter; Clyde Vetter on puppies, dog training and hunting strategies 1:06:31

3M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Yep, a two-fer! A bird-hunting power couple if you ever saw one, president Marilyn provides insights and news from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, conservation advice and some hunting tips. Clyde, probably the winningest NAVHDA trainer, offers advice on everything from picking a pup to steadiness training and everything in between. He shares h…

1
Insider: our regrets, so we don't have so many next season 31:53

3M ago31:53

31:53

Come along on a journey, with input from many listeners and readers, on the lessons we've learned. Sometimes later than sooner, but all apply this coming season. We'll also touch on a few practical aspects you'll want to consider, lessons learned the hard way so you don't have to. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (1…

1
Chukar hunter & author takes us to school on devil birds 1:06:52

3M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

"High intensity" is how author and passionate chukar hunter describes his chosen sport. He should know, he's been doing it long enough to acquire a unique perspective and plenty of wisdom which he shares with us all. He's the author of A Chukar Hunter's Companion, the definitive book on the topic, and roams the high desert all season in search of, …

1
Bird hunter, mentor with a season debrief, advice on e-scouting, Montana walk-ins, lessons learned in the field 1:00:51

3M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

My friend Eric Thompson moved to Montana for one thing: bird hunting. We benefit from his experiences since, with advice on finding new places to hunt, and a few strategies and tactics for the field. We learn about the highs and lows of owning - and losing - dogs, and how to help newcomers explore our sport. We'll debrief Eric's past season in mult…

1
Insider: 5 things to do after the point to be a better shooter 33:49

3M ago33:49

33:49

"It ain't over 'til it's over" ... so said baseball player-philosopher Yogi Berra. It's true in bird hunting, too. Once your dog stands a bird, there are a lot of things you can do right - or wrong - to conclude the transaction successfully with a bird on the ground. It's what you want, but just as important, it's what your dog wants, isn't it? I'l…

1
Tina Dokken on recruiting women bird hunters, dog training, teaching and motivation 1:06:23

4M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

The talented team of Tom and Tina Dokken is well-known for dog training expertise and the iconic Dead Fowl Trainer, but Tina has an additional calling: bringing more women into bird hunting. She offers advice on everything from how women learn differently than men, and what we can do as spouses or partners to motivate and educate newcomers. We'll g…

1
Senior test judge on training steadiness, retrieving, water work, praise ... and Mearns quail hunting 1:05:12

4M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Ruth Weiss is a senior judge in the NAVHDA testing system as well as an active handler with 74 dogs tested including two versatile champions. She's seen it all and will share her insights on everything from steadiness to retrieving (advice for all levels), introducing a pup to water, and how and when to use praise. She's also an avid bird hunter an…

1
Insider: Going solo, and why you should, at least once this season 36:43

4M ago36:43

36:43

Here's the third episode of the new, bi-weekly bonus programs doing a deep dive into single topics, inspirational stories, hunting adventures and special people. Delving deep, we philosophize about the value of hunting by yourself. Okay, with your dog, of course, but nobody else. Free, unencumbered, and a chance to explore your inner self. I'll wei…

1
Field & Stream's Phil Bourjaily: insider observations on shotguns, dogs, hunting 1:08:18

4M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

Are pricey bespoke guns worth their stratospheric prices? My friend and Field & Stream's shotgun editor Phil Bourjaily has an answer and he should know. He's been writing on the subject for decades and now we get the lowdown. Phil also shares what he looks for (and so should we) when buying any shotgun, the joys and limitations of heavy and light g…

1
Dog training O.G. Bob West tells hunting stories, what we don't train hard enough, Chinese field trials? 1:01:56

4M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Bob West is one of the legends in bird dog training, a writer, hunter, and all-around font of wisdom when it comes to hunting dogs. He joins me for reminiscences about what's changed in dog training,and how different today's trainers are from the old timers. Bob suggests what we should be doing differently in our own training, his choice for hardes…

1
Insider edition: Yes, you can afford that road trip 29:16

4M ago29:16

29:16

Here's the second episode of the new, bi-weekly bonus programs doing a deep dive into single topics, inspirational stories, hunting adventures and special people. This one is a list of ways to save money so you can wring out an extra day, buy more shells, or drink better beer on a road trip. I've compiled a bunch of suggestions, ideas and advice fr…

1
Dog training, conservation, helping newbies ... oh, and behind-the-scenes look at PF/QF's inner workings 56:03

4M ago56:03

56:03

He's a fanatic bird hunter, conservationist, dog trainer and strong advocate for recruiting newbies to our ranks. Oh, he's also on the board of Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever. Douglas Spale has a unique backstory, too, and all his passions and life experiences combine to make him a fantastic interview. We'll cover everything from his own hunting o…

1
Legendary bird dog trainer Rick Smith ... finally! 1:12:35

5M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

Bird Dog Hall of Famer Rick Smith of the legendary family that includes father Delmar and cousin Ronnie, joins me from the floor of Pheasant Fest. In a wide-ranging discussion, we cover rodeo(!), essential training gear, and do a very deep dive into dog psychology and training methods. We talk about steadiness, retrieving, picking a pup, a dog's mi…

1
Bird hunting insider: bonus episode on 5 things you should do now for next season 35:25

5M ago35:25

35:25

Here's the inaugural episode of bi-weekly bonus programs doing a deep dive into single topics, inspirational stories, hunting adventures and special people. I took stock of last season, made a "to-do" list, and will share my priorities ... maybe some will become yours too. From steadiness to shooting skills, we'll touch on the stuff you can do now …

1
Bird hunting besties: Quail pro's on habitat, strategy, tactics 54:59

5M ago54:59

54:59

From the floor of Pheasant Fest: hunting for bobwhites will be a lot easier with the advice you'll get here from Frank Loncarich and Kyle Hedges of Land & Legacy. They've got boots-on-the-ground know-how based on decades of science and practical experience. We'll learn more about behavior, reproduction, and fundamentals from hunting strategy to tac…

1
Gun Dog editor from Pheasant Fest: pups, making TV and magazines, hunting season debrief 58:36

5M ago58:36

58:36

From the floor of National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic: Put down your coffee cup - you won't need any more caffeine once you feed off Kali Parmley's energy. She's editor of Gun Dog magazine, a hard core upland hunter, hosts the Wild Upland TV series, and hunts hard all season. You'll find her in the stratosphere chasing ptarmigan, and among the…

1
Season debrief: Montana sharptails, Gambel's quail ... hunting two dogs and train in the house 1:10:11

5M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Re-live your own season while listening to the stories of my friends George Gomez and Rashawn Gordon. George had an incredible Montana hunt and we'll get the highlights from him: dog work, bird numbers and other challenges. (And I share a once-in-aplifetime shot!) Rashawn trains dogs and guides in the Southwest, where he chases primarily Gambel's q…

1
Bird dog, shotgun industry insiders tip us on choke tube manufacturing, launching a new magazine 54:10

6M ago54:10

54:10

We peek behind the curtains with insights from Scott Trulock of Trulock Chokes on everything from the state of the industry to why steel quality counts, and an explanation of what TSS really is. Then Chris Ingram talks about launching a new magazine for sport dogs of all stripes (and their owners) from the United Kennel Club and American Field. Fro…

1
Bird hunters debrief: chukars to quail, dogs to habitat, your dog's injuries tallied 1:02:45

6M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Chukars to Mearn's quail, we've got you covered as the season debriefs roll on. I'm joined by two avid bird hunting friends on this edition: Lance Larson of Arizona, and Omar Alyahya of Oregon. Weather, dog work, challenges from puppies to cactus all are part of the discussion. Omar also shares his hunting upbringing in Kuwait. We'll learn about ch…

1
Bird hunter's bonus: hunting dog eye care 25:35

6M ago25:35

25:35

Now's the time to practice this - when nobody's under any pressure. I'll share the lessons I've learned the hard way about keeping your dog's eyes clean and functioning well. From teaching him to let you poke around, to getting out the crud under his eyelids, to when NOT to use eye drops. I'll outline the few tools you need, some of the methods, an…

1
Out & About: hit more chukars - slide down the hill 0:58

6M ago0:58

0:58

Shooting tip from someone who's twisted a few ankles enroute to a covey flush. Enjoy!By Scott Linden

1
Hunt debrief: No end to bird season here ... listen to these hunters' stories, recount your own, and learn something 1:03:54

6M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Motivation, inspiration and savvy advice: re-live your own season as you listen to an avid hunter, and a Registered Maine Guide recount theirs. Amanda Ponti joins me for a look at hunts from Montana to New Mexico ... dog work, desert quail, camaraderie, and some useful insights on what to bring. Then Craig Morrison tells us how the the woodcock and…

1
Chasing Sasquatch: finding motivation, inspiration and new places to hunt birds next season 47:01

6M ago47:01

47:01

I've spent much of the last few seasons passing by my old standby hunting spots, instead visiting those intriguing, unexplored places that might hold bird hunting adventures. My friend Tom got me started, marking my online map like he does, with the Sasquatch icon for places that might be worth a detour. Sure, some don't pan out. Others are a bonan…

1
Re-living the season: two avid hunters offer insights and professional advice ... Bret Wonnacott & Michael Salamone 1:12:39

7M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

Two real professionals join me to share their bird seasons ... ups and downs, surprises and insights. Michael Salamone guides upland hunters in the deep woods of Colorado for forest grouse and will clue us into their mysteries. Bret Wonnacott is an author/writer and avid dog trainer and hunter. We talk chukars, dog development, including why we sho…

1
Season debrief with two pro hunters, your own season, fix those feet 1:08:51

7M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Two hardcore hunters join me to share their seasons ... highs and lows, stellar dog work, insights and observations. Jim Millensifer has hunted 14 bird species (including snowcock!) and spends more time hunting than anybody I know. We'll talk Kansas, Arizona, North Dakota and who knows where the discussion will go - from mountain tops to desert pla…

1
Road trip! Nevada and California wild birds 55:32

7M ago55:32

55:32

Buckle up for a first-hand report on a recent road trip in search of quail and chukars ... and better weather. We'll be hunting Nevada and California and learning a lot. Some astounding dog work and fascinating observations on bird behavior and habitat, especially in the Golden State. Strategies need adjusting in the high desert of California, wher…

1
Pro trainer on who's in charge & when, creating the right relationship with your dog 1:09:32

7M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

According to Garden & Gun magazine, he's one of the top five dog trainers in the South. His track record as a field trialer and hunter, proves it. Todd Agnew of Craney Hill Kennels takes us to spaniel school in this episode. Pointer fans take note: his views on dogs cross the divide, so get ready to learn as well. From teaching range for flushing d…

1
Blue sky, dry ground ... a pretty good chukar and valley quail hunt 54:58

8M ago54:58

54:58

If you haven't had your close-to-perfect hunt yet this year, re-live mine and maybe learn something. Or get inspired to do one more trip. Either way, there are tips and observations, suggestions and hints from an uphill walk in Great Basin country. "Fix It" has a cold-weather shooting tip, and listeners share their artful dead bird photos. You get …

1
Pro bird dog trainer on gun intro, retrieving, steadiness and the first two years 1:07:04

8M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

If you have a young dog or are getting one, listen carefully! Jim Van Engen's Right Start Kennel has cranked out almost 200 field trial champions thanks to his unique specialty: the first two years of a dog's life. He'll outline his overall philosophy, as well as practical tips on everything from managing a dog's range to introducing gunfire. We'll…

1
Public access bird hunting: some starting points for your next trip west or southeast 1:00:11

8M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Finding more places to hunt just got a bit easier. I'll give you some starting points for your pheasant foray out west, or bobwhite hunting in the southeast. You'll also get insights on finding places and negotiating the walk-in bureaucratic maze. There are tips on information sources, scouting hints, and even some hunting stories. I've been to mos…

1
George Hickox: legendary bird dog trainer, trialer, hunter on what dogs really want and why 1:17:59

8M ago1:17:59

1:17:59

Break out a pen and paper and get ready to take copious notes. You will learn something. Trainer/handlers of the winningest field trial dog in history, George has been helping dogs excel in the field for decades. Author, video teacher, writer, hunter, his approach to dogs' learning abilities is built on a foundation of insights and perspective. We'…

1
Chukar hunt! C'mon along on a recent foray into the wild-bird country of the Great Basin. 1:04:41

8M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Need a chukar fix? How about a few valley quail too? I'll debrief a recent hunt of mine ... sort of a bookend thing, with stunning dog work at both ends. We pull a few thousand feet of elevation, miss a few birds and connect on others. I'll talk terrain, habitat, strategy and tactics plus some pure dumb luck too. A fascinating find or two, as well.…