Step into the fascinating world of champion coon hunting dogs with J.R. Gray, owner of what many consider the most successful stud dog in America today. Gray's Rack Em Willie boasts an unprecedented collection of titles – UKC World Night Hunt Champion, PKC Hunt Champion, AKC Supreme Grand Night Champion – all earned before his fourth birthday when Gray made the strategic decision to retire him for breeding.

Willie has since sired approximately 1,800 puppies, with many becoming champions themselves. Gray shares the unconventional wisdom that's made his program so successful: "Picking a pup is like a lottery ticket," he explains, and when it comes to breeding, "You never know what female is going to throw the best dogs." This refreshing honesty reveals why Gray has thrived while others struggle.

The conversation ventures into the practical aspects of maintaining elite hunting dogs – from nutrition (Gray swears by Purina ProPlan) to combating tick diseases that plague coon dogs. "That's probably 50% of the game now with coon dogs," Gray notes. "Fighting ticks, keeping them right, keeping them healthy." His insights on recognizing subtle health changes before they become serious problems demonstrate the deep connection between handler and dog.

We journey through the competitive circuit where events can pay $10,000 or more to winners, explore the regional strongholds of the sport (Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio), and even follow Gray's adventures bear hunting in West Virginia. Throughout, his passion for working dogs shines through: "I could care less about a coon. I just like watching the dog work."

Whether you're an experienced coon hunter or simply fascinated by the bond between humans and working dogs, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a world where heritage, skill, and passion intersect.

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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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In this engaging conversation, Kenneth Witt interviews Declan Boyle, a renowned gundog trainer from Ireland. Declan shares his journey into the world of gundogs, discussing the structure of national gundog teams, the importance of obedience in training, and the various competitions held across Europe. He also delves into the practices of hunting with retrievers, the regulations surrounding firearms in the UK, and his experiences as a judge in gundog competitions. Declan concludes by reflecting on his breeding career and the current state of his kennel. In this conversation, Kenneth Witt and Declan Boyle discuss various aspects of dog training and field trials, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right dog, the challenges of breeding, and the nuances of training and handling dogs for competitions. They share personal experiences, insights on what traits to look for in a field trial dog, and the significance of community engagement through charity events. The conversation also touches on the experiences of interacting with royalty in the gundog world and the cultural differences in dog trials between the UK and the US.

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In this engaging conversation, Kenneth Witt interviews Jeremy Moore of DogBone Training, a seasoned dog trainer and entrepreneur, who shares his journey from training his first hunting dogs to developing innovative products for dog training. The discussion covers the evolution of dog training, the growth of shed hunting as a sport, and the transition from retrievers to upland hunting. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of understanding dog behavior, the traits of a great hunting dog, and the significance of patience in training. He also explores the versatility of different dog breeds, particularly wirehaired breeds, and their unique capabilities in various hunting scenarios. In this conversation, Jeremy and Kenneth discuss various aspects of dog training, breeding, and nutrition. They explore the differences between retrievers and bird dogs, the evolution of dog breeding practices, and the importance of flexibility in training methods. Jeremy shares his experiences with breeding and raising puppies, as well as insights into dog nutrition and the supplements he uses to maintain their health. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding individual dog needs and adapting training and care accordingly.

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In this conversation, Kenneth Witt interviews Jay Lowry, the owner of Ryglen Gundogs, who specializes in importing UK Cocker Spaniels. Jay shares his journey into the world of gundogs, discussing the appeal of Cocker Spaniels, the challenges of importing dogs, and the importance of training and socialization. He also touches on breeding practices, kennel management, and the impact of government regulations on dog imports. The conversation highlights Jay's experiences with Wildrose Kennels and his future plans for his training facility. In this engaging conversation, Kenneth Witt and Jay Lowry delve into the world of hunting dogs, particularly focusing on Cocker Spaniels. They discuss the unique traits of Cockers, the importance of genetics and breeding, and share insights on training and temperament. The conversation highlights the joy of dog ownership and the learning experiences that come with training different breeds. Jay emphasizes the significance of understanding a dog's drive and the need for fair training methods to foster a strong bond between the dog and owner.

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In this episode of Gundog Nation, host Kenneth Witt interviews Eric Byrd, a national channel manager for Kinetic Performance Dog Food. They discuss the nuances of quail hunting in Florida, the importance of dog nutrition, and the characteristics that make English pointers a preferred breed for hunting. Eric shares his journey into the dog food industry, emphasizing the need for high-quality nutrition for working dogs. The conversation also touches on the use of GPS technology in tracking dogs, the impact of weather on hunting, and the growing popularity of Cocker Spaniels in the hunting community. Eric's insights into dog training and nutrition provide valuable information for dog owners and enthusiasts alike. In this conversation, Kenneth Witt and Eric Byrd delve into the intricacies of dog nutrition, feeding practices, and the profound bond between hunting dogs and their owners. They discuss the importance of understanding a dog's natural instincts and how humanization can negatively impact their health. The conversation also highlights the launch of the Kinetic Hunting Ops page, aimed at connecting hunting dog enthusiasts. Ultimately, they emphasize the joy of hunting with dogs and the critical role of proper nutrition in enhancing a dog's performance and well-being.

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In this engaging conversation, Kenneth Witt interviews Kali Parmley, the editor of GUN DOG Magazine and host of the Wild Upland TV show. They discuss Kali's journey into the outdoor industry, her experiences with hunting, the challenges of filming a hunting show, and her passion for training hunting dogs. Kali shares insights on the importance of physical preparation for hunting, the impact of her athletic background, and her personal experiences with her dogs, including her first hunting dog, Lincoln. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of hunting and the deep connection between hunters and their dogs. They explore various aspects of hunting, including the impact of human activity on bird populations, the thrill of pheasant hunting across different states, and international hunting experiences in places like Argentina. They discuss the importance of different dog breeds in hunting, share insights on shooting techniques, and reflect on their future hunting plans. The conversation also touches on unique waterfowl hunting experiences in Salt Lake and the challenges of black bear hunting in Canada. In this conversation, Kenneth Witt and Kali Parmley discuss the world of gundogs, the role of social media in hunting, advocacy for gun dog owners, and the importance of engaging the next generation of hunters. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the hunting community, emphasizing the need for mentorship and the preservation of hunting traditions.

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In this episode, country music artist Mo Pitney shares his deep passion for hunting, bird dogs, and the emotional connections that come with them. He reflects on his upbringing in Illinois, the challenges of bird populations, and the importance of involving youth in hunting traditions. Mo also discusses his musical journey, the influence of bluegrass on his work, and his recent mission trips that have shaped his faith and purpose. The conversation highlights the intersection of hunting, music, and spirituality, emphasizing the need for conservation and community involvement. In this conversation, Mo shares his transformative journey from a musician to a passionate advocate for survivors of human trafficking through the establishment of Rahab House. He discusses the divine encounters that led him to this mission, the importance of community support, and how he integrates his love for music, woodworking, and hunting into a lifestyle brand. The conversation also touches on the significance of storytelling and the legacy of reclaimed materials in his projects, culminating in a discussion about recording music in Johnny Cash's cabin.

https://mopitney.com/
https://www.rahabhouse.com/

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In this episode of Gundog Nation, Kenneth Witt and Landon Poplin discuss Landon's impressive journey in dog training, focusing on his experiences with wirehaired breeds, particularly his dog Harker. They explore the unique qualities of wirehaired breeds, the challenges of transitioning from hunting to competition, and the training techniques that have led to Landon's success, including achieving a Grand Pass with Harker. The conversation also touches on the differences between various dog breeds, including labs and cockers, and their respective training and hunting styles. In this segment, Landon Poplin and Kenneth Witt discuss various aspects of dog training, particularly focusing on hunting dogs. They explore the challenges of training dogs to be steady, the rising popularity of English Cockers in the South, and the criteria for selecting the right dog for training. The conversation also touches on the unique case of mixed breed hunting dogs, the experience of hunting cranes, and insights into professional dog training. Additionally, they discuss the offerings at George High Plantation and the importance of choosing the right gear for hunting. In this engaging conversation, Kenneth Witt and Landon Poplin discuss various topics related to outdoor activities, including the durability of footwear for rugged terrains, the beauty of photography in nature, and the intricacies of dog breeds, particularly the Drathar. They also touch on the unique St. Hubert's Field Trial, a competition for hunting dogs, and share insights on the differences between wirehaired and shorthaired pointers. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, education, and the joy of connecting with others who share a passion for the outdoors and hunting.

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In this engaging conversation, Kenneth Witt interviews Rody Best, the owner of Best Retrievers, who shares his extensive experience in dog training, particularly with hunting dogs. Rody discusses his early experiences with hunting, the transition to professional dog training, and the importance of building strong relationships with dogs. He highlights his achievements in various competitions, including the Super Retriever Series, and the challenges faced in training and competing with multiple dogs. Rody also emphasizes the significance of setting realistic expectations for clients and the balance between hunting and training. Additionally, he introduces the unique whelping service offered by Best Retrievers, which helps clients breed their dogs without the hassle of managing a litter themselves. In this conversation, Rody Best and Kenneth Witt delve into the intricacies of dog breeding, training, and competition. They discuss the satisfaction derived from breeding and training dogs, the complexities of the Super Retriever Series (SRS) and Master National events, and the evolution of amateur competitors in the field. The conversation also highlights the impact of live streaming on dog training visibility and the excitement of exploring new breeds, particularly the English Cocker Spaniel, in hunting scenarios.

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