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From carving wooden decoys in Ontario to guiding hunts beneath dancing Northern Lights in Saskatchewan, Steve Strongman's waterfowling journey embodies the rich heritage of Canadian hunting traditions. As co-owner of The Waterfowl Dispatchers outfitting company, Steve offers a rare window into what makes Saskatchewan arguably the world's premier waterfowl destination.

What makes this conversation truly compelling is Steve's parallel journey as a first-time dog owner and trainer. Having never owned a dog before, Steve and his wife—a Florida transplant who traded sunshine for Canadian winters—decided to dive headfirst into the retriever world with their high-drive Fox Red Lab. Their training adventures with what Steve affectionately calls their "problem child" will resonate with anyone who's struggled with a challenging but promising hunting companion.

The episode explores fascinating contrasts between hunting traditions in different Canadian provinces, the remarkable diversity of Saskatchewan waterfowl, and how outfitting has evolved to accommodate dog-focused hunts where working retrievers takes priority over shooting limits. Steve shares captivating stories about hunting beneath the Northern Lights and creating once-in-a-lifetime photographs that capture the magic of dogs, wild places, and hunting heritage.

Whether you're interested in international hunting opportunities, training retrievers through structured programs, or simply enjoy listening to authentic conversations between passionate dog people, this episode delivers genuine insights from someone who bridges the Canadian and American hunting communities. Ready to experience the allure of prairie waterfowling or learn how structure and community can transform dog training challenges? This conversation might just inspire your next hunting adventure.

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