#022 What happens when a phone call about a hunting dog leads to lifelong friendship, a marriage, and a thriving business? Chase White, owner of Fowl Plains Outfitters in Great Bend, Kansas, joins Barton to unpack their decade-long journey from dog trainer and client to witnessing life's most profound moments together.
Chase shares the remarkable story of how his British Labrador Jet, purchased from Southern Oak Kennels, became the foundation for both his professional guiding career and his personal life. When Chase needed a steady, reliable hunting companion, he reached out to Barton—beginning a friendship that would see them through proposals, weddings, and the birth of Chase's son. The conversation reveals how retrievers create connections that transcend typical business relationships.
Through candid storytelling, we explore the world of waterfowl outfitting from an insider's perspective. Chase details how Fowl Plains builds its reputation not just on hunting success, but on creating a "home away from home" experience that keeps clients returning year after year. His philosophy of "controlling the controllables" offers valuable insight for anyone in the service industry or building a passion-based business.
The episode takes a poignant turn as Chase discusses the recent DC plane crash that claimed the lives of several Fowl Plains clients returning from a hunt. In the face of devastating loss, the waterfowl community demonstrated extraordinary solidarity, raising over $230,000 for affected families. This tragedy underscores Chase's message that hunting is about people and relationships—not pile pictures or social media validation.
Whether you're a dedicated waterfowler, considering a guided hunt, or simply appreciate authentic stories of friendship and community, this conversation reminds us that the best memories in the field often have little to do with the number of birds harvested. Ready your retriever, pull up a seat by the fire, and join us for a heartfelt discussion about what truly matters in the hunting world.