In this episode, Chris and Steve interview professional Maine guide, world class award-winning taxidermist, wildlife biologist and successful Plott houndsman Mark Dufresne. Mark has won awards at the state, national and world levels for his taxidermy skills.

Growing up in the hill country of Massachusetts, Dufresne graduated high school with a class of six before attending Maine’s Unity College where he graduated at the top of his class in wildlife biology. Dufresne recounts his Alaskan days as a biologist studying the Sheefish, a large and little known species of whitefish. Dufresne relives numerous encounters with Alaska’s grizzlies while performing his work.

Dufresne discusses his early beginnings hunting bear with hounds in Massachusetts with some of the best-known Plott men of the day including WWII hero and renown Plott breeder Leroy Haug. He and Steve have a conversation about Plott bear dogs and the strains from which Dufresne’s professional pack is comprised. Dufresne reveals his opinions of the differences between Plotts and other hound breeds when used to catch bobcats and black bears that may surprise some listeners.

Dufresne is a widely talented and interesting guest that listeners will enjoy.