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The social heart of waterfowl hunting beats throughout this conversation with passionate duck hunter John Wagner from Fredericton, New Brunswick. With over two decades of experience chasing birds across the Maritimes, John shares why the camaraderie of duck hunting keeps him coming back season after season.
At the center of our discussion is Knox, John's remarkable 10-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. This isn't your average hunting dog story - John takes us deep into the fascinating history and unique temperament of "Chessies," a breed with origins in 19th-century market hunting. Unlike their Labrador cousins, these powerful retrievers bring an independent, headstrong nature to the blind that requires experienced handling but delivers extraordinary results in the field.
The stories John shares about Knox's abilities are nothing short of legendary - navigating class three rapids, breaking ice, and finding ducks in seemingly impossible locations. We explore the profound partnership between hunter and dog, with John emphasizing how proper training creates an unbeatable team. In one particularly memorable season, Knox's remarkable nose and determination meant they didn't lose a single duck.
Our conversation takes unexpected turns, from the shocking account of a hunting dog attacked by a great white shark during a sea duck retrieval to practical advice about shotgun selection and ammunition choices for new waterfowl hunters. John's enthusiasm for getting newcomers into the sport shines through as he discusses his experiences guiding soldiers and youth hunters on their first duck hunts.
Whether you're a seasoned waterfowl hunter, interested in working dogs, or simply appreciate authentic outdoor stories, this episode captures the essence of what makes the heritage of duck hunting so enduring. Listen in and discover why, as John puts it, "When you've got a tornado of birds coming on top of you, there's nothing like it."

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