In Part 2 of our Labrador history series, host Nathan Ratchford, co-host John Gordon, and special guest Craig Koshyk—a dog historian, photographer, and author of Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals—continue their discussion with a focus on the breed’s development in the United Kingdom. They examine how selective breeding refined the Labrador into a capable and reliable gun dog, the role of the British aristocracy in shaping early bloodlines, and how the breed began to gain popularity quickly across the United Kingdom.

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It’s the off season and you’re thinking about a new retriever. Mike Stewart, owner and operator of Wildrose Kennels, joins Chris Jennings to discuss the Wildrose process. There’s a lot more to picking out a new hunting partner than showing up and picking a dog from a litter, and Stewart brings his decades of experience to the show to discuss the best ways to approach picking a puppy.

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Dr. Lisa Kercher, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Kayci Messerly for a lesson in Virology 101 and an update on the hunt for genetic changes in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Learn about the process of reassortment, how it produces new viruses, and how these changes influence the evolving risks of HPAI. Dr. Kercher also shares stories from her mobile testing lab (BIRDWATCH), including experiences and anxious days in the field with duck researchers and banding crews and how her work is accelerating the detection of HPAI and viral changes in wild ducks. Listen in for a deeper understanding of the avian influenza virus and how hunters can continue playing a vital role.

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Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds, and while ducks and geese have long been a bright spot, their lights are dimming. On this co-branded episode, join Ramsey Russell of "It's Duck Season Somewhere," as he interviews Dr. Mike Brasher and breaks down bird declines by major groupings and explains why birds are disappearing—some faster than others. Also discussed are the challenges of celebrating successes without become complacent and a reminder that hunter-funded conservation matters now more than ever. Amid these declines, what can be done to bring them back?

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Download the report: https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/

Tom Dokken, owner of Dokken’s Oak Ridge Kennels, joins the DU Podcast to talk about exciting new products from SportDOG Brand. Dokken brings more than 45 years of retriever training experience to the podcast and he discusses the changes in training over that span.

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In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Nathan Ratchford and co-host John Gordon welcome special guest Craig Koshyk, a passionate dog historian, photographer, and author of Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals. Together, they trace the early origins of the Labrador Retriever—from the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland to its journey across the Atlantic. Craig brings his deep knowledge of sporting breeds to the conversation, unpacking the breed’s original purpose, key historical figures, and the environmental conditions that shaped one of the most iconic hunting dogs of all time.

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Host John Gordon returns with a chance encounter turned memorable episode, featuring field trial trainer Hunter Hastings. Their story starts at a gas station in Crockett, Texas, where a shared love of retrievers sparked a connection. In this episode, they talk about off-season training—how to keep your retriever in shape, avoid heat stress, and stay ready for fall. Whether you're training for the field or just keeping your pup active, you’ll find useful advice and a great conversation rooted in the DU community spirit.

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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels to discuss retriever training during the peak of summer heat. Stewart brings to light several training, nutrition, and health tips to keep your retriever in shape and safe from heat stroke.

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Hosts Dr. Jerad Henson and Nathan Ratchford welcome back Dr. Jason Robinson for a deep dive into cold-weather safety during hunting season. This Ducks Unlimited Podcast episode focuses on how to prevent hypothermia, recognize cold-related injuries like limber tail, and keep your retriever warm, conditioned, and ready in the blind all season long.

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In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon is joined by Paul McKinnon from Prince Edward Island to dive into the profile of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Paul shares his experiences training his dog, Jaxie. The conversation highlights the bond between a handler and their dog, the importance of solid training, and the joy of learning together. Tune in to hear insights about this remarkable breed and the dedication that goes into training them.

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