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#39 From sporting clays champion to bird dog maven, Anna V's journey exemplifies the transformative power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities in the outdoor world. Her story begins with a short-haired pointer in 2014 and quickly accelerates into a whirlwind adventure through competitive hunting tournaments, championship sporting clays, and eventually mastery of both pointing and flushing dogs.

What makes Anna's narrative particularly compelling is how she navigated these worlds as often the only woman in the field, balancing motherhood with competition while her young daughter tagged along with a box of John Deere tractors and her Ducks Unlimited seat. With disarming honesty, Anna recounts showing up to sporting clay courses in blaze orange vests while others sported custom Krieghoffs, and heading into Kansas CRP fields without understanding the necessity of GPS collars for her dogs.

The podcast reveals the incredible mentorship that shaped her journey, from shooting instructor Demas who recognized her competitive spirit to the legendary Smith family who welcomed her into the pointing dog world. Anna's achievements accumulated rapidly – becoming certified as a sporting clay instructor with a perfect score, traveling as the first Purdy Shotguns ambassador in the United States, representing CZ Shotguns, and eventually dominating the Bird Dog Challenge World Championship in 2021 by taking first through third places in flushing and first and third in pointing categories.

But beyond the trophies and accolades lies a more profound story of personal transformation. Anna shares how bird dogs helped her rediscover herself during a difficult life period, providing direction and purpose. When she eventually lost her entire social media platform – years of documented experiences and connections – she faced an identity crisis that ultimately led to a clearer mission: empowering women in wing shooting.

Today, Anna has built partnerships with prestigious institutions like Griffin and Howe, organizes women's hunting trips across the country and internationally, and continues sharing knowledge through her podcast. Perhaps most touching is how she's passing this legacy to her daughter, who became a state champion shooter at age 11 and exhibits the same passion for dogs and hunting.

Whether you're a seasoned bird dog handler or someone curious about entering the field, this conversation offers invaluable insights about the hunting community, the special bond between handlers and dogs, and how saying "yes" to new challenges can lead to extraordinary places. Connect with Anna's women's wing shooting community at AnnaVOutdoors.com or on Instagram at AnnaVOutdoors_.

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#38 Master gundog trainer Mick Walsh takes us on a journey through his remarkable 35-year career developing champion spaniels across Ireland and the United Kingdom. From his humble beginnings hunting with terriers as a seven-year-old boy to becoming one of the most accomplished competitive handlers in Europe, Walsh shares the wisdom that has helped him train an astounding 20 champion dogs, including 12 international champions.

Walsh offers rare insights into what truly separates champion dogs from the merely good ones. "The real good ones are good from the day they're born," he explains, detailing how he evaluates puppies by introducing them to game at a young age to see which ones have that special "fire" and natural enthusiasm. His ability to recognize championship potential early has been key to his success in both Springer and Cocker Spaniel competitions.

Perhaps most fascinating is Walsh's comparison between these two spaniel breeds. Though primarily known for his work with Springers, Walsh reveals why he'd personally choose Cockers for hunting—their smaller size allows them to navigate thick cover with less physical punishment. He also notes their remarkable psychological differences: "Cockers will hold a grudge. If you upset them, they don't forget it," offering valuable advice for anyone training these sensitive yet capable hunting companions.

The conversation explores the critical distinction between pace and drive in hunting dogs, the importance of dam lines in breeding, and Walsh's training regimen that he maintains while working full-time as a carpenter. We also hear his concerns about the future of gundog sports as fewer young people enter the tradition-rich activity that has defined his life.

Whether you're a competitive handler, a weekend hunter, or simply fascinated by working dogs, this conversation with one of the world's most accomplished gundog trainers offers invaluable knowledge from decades of experience and a passion for excellence that transcends borders.

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#37 The journey from novice to expert in the world of upland hunting is paved with lessons often learned the hard way. In this captivating conversation, Kenneth Witt welcomes Greg Blair, a senior specialist with Purina's Sporting Dog Group, who brings three decades of pointing dog wisdom to Gundog Nation.

Greg's passion for bird dogs began in the 1990s, evolving from casual hunting over a springer spaniel to campaigning a Hall of Fame English Pointer. With refreshing honesty, he describes himself as "an amateur who knows enough to be dangerous," yet his insights reveal a deep understanding of what makes pointing dogs tick. When Greg speaks about following a bell-collared dog through Wisconsin's northern forests, you can almost hear the cadence of the bell and feel the anticipation when it suddenly goes silent - signaling a dog frozen on point.

The conversation flows naturally through essential topics for anyone interested in pointing breeds. Greg's approach to gun breaking dogs emphasizes the importance of bird exposure before introducing gunfire, stating with conviction that "most gun-shyness is man-made." His explanation of how to properly develop a steady pointing dog offers practical wisdom that could save handlers years of frustration. The discussion about ruffed grouse hunting in the popple stands of Wisconsin paints a vivid picture of one of North America's most challenging and rewarding upland pursuits.

Perhaps most valuable is Greg's advice for newcomers: find a mentor, join a club like NAVHDA, and prepare for a "roller coaster" of training highs and lows. His perspective on the false dichotomy between field trial dogs and hunting dogs challenges conventional wisdom, asserting that well-bred, properly trained dogs can excel in both venues. Whether you're considering your first pointing dog or looking to refine your training approach with your current companion, this episode offers genuine, field-tested knowledge that will enhance your understanding of these remarkable sporting dogs.

Join our community at patreon.com/gundognation for monthly open forums where you can ask questions and learn from fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for preserving our gundog heritage.

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#36 Wade Skeen takes us deep into the changing landscape of American waterfowl hunting, revealing how agricultural practices have dramatically shifted migration patterns away from traditional southern flyways. The owner of Skeen Gundogs and Outfitters in south central Kansas explains why the Midwest has become a duck hunting paradise: drought-resistant seed varieties pushing corn production northward, no-till farming leaving billions of bushels of waste grain in fields, and significantly less hunting pressure than traditional destinations like Arkansas and Louisiana.

Drawing from his journey from Mississippi through military service to establishing his Kansas outfitting business, Wade shares how his dog training philosophy evolved from working with high-drive American Labs to the more methodical British retrievers. His personal transformation as a trainer culminates in wisdom that resonates for handlers at any level: "Embrace the process. Don't worry about outcomes. Judge each day individually, and when the process is complete, your dog will exceed expectations."

The conversation explores the unique aspects of Kansas hunting seasons, with Wade focusing his guiding efforts on December and January when waterfowl patterns are most reliable. Unlike many outfitters, he encourages clients to bring their own retrievers, understanding the special bond between hunters and their dogs while ensuring safety and hunt quality remain priorities. Whether targeting mallards on the river or setting up for massive feeds of lesser Canada geese in dry fields, his approach emphasizes versatility and adaptation to conditions.

Ready to experience the Kansas waterfowl advantage? Wade still has limited dates available for the upcoming season. Listen now to understand why serious duck hunters are looking westward and how embracing the training process will transform your gundog experience.

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#35 What does a 300-year-old family business have to teach us about passion, quality, and preserving our gundog heritage? Ben Skinner, the seventh-generation leader of Skinner's Dog Food, takes us on a fascinating journey from his family's 1688 windmill to their current position as a beloved dog food manufacturer in the UK.

The remarkable story unfolds as Ben shares how his grandfather Stanley operated a traditional grain milling business that was facing bankruptcy when his father Roger, at just 15 years old, was pulled from school to join the struggling company. The pivotal moment came when a customer requested a ton of dog food, leading Roger to create a formula that dogs loved and offered better profit margins than their traditional products. From this humble beginning – literally driving around with bags of dog food in his car – Roger built a reputation for quality that still defines Skinner's today. Their unwavering commitment to formulation over price and direct relationships with customers has earned them devoted followers throughout the gundog community.

Beyond manufacturing dog food, Skinner's has become a cornerstone of the gundog world through their support of competitions like the International Gundog League Field Trial and their own Skinner's World Cup. This prestigious international working test attracts teams from across Europe, most recently held on the Windsor Crown Estate with permission from King Charles III. Ben shares delightful stories of royal connections, including his father accidentally placing his beer in Queen Elizabeth II's spot at lunch, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the UK gundog community.

What truly distinguishes this conversation is Ben's humility and genuine passion for both the family business and the working dog community. Despite regular buyout offers, Skinner's remains fiercely independent because, as Ben explains, "to us it's more than a business, it's a way of life." His vision for preserving gundog heritage while introducing younger generations to the sport resonates powerfully with our mission at Gundog Nation.

Ready to learn more about the fascinating intersection of history, quality nutrition, and gundog tradition? Subscribe to our podcast and join our community of people united to preserve our heritage of gundog ownership. Visit www.gundognation.net to join our email list for newsletters from trainers, vets, and breeders that will help you become a better gundog owner.

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#34 The journey to developing an extraordinary hunting retriever demands more than just basic obedience—it requires a training philosophy built on understanding, patience, and fair expectations. In this captivating conversation with Barton Ramsey of Southern Oak Kennels, we explore the nuanced approach that has established him as one of America's premier British Labrador breeders and trainers.

Barton takes us deep into his training methodology, emphasizing the critical difference between British and American training philosophies while revealing how he's crafted a hybrid approach tailored to American hunting conditions. His perspective challenges conventional wisdom: "That dog didn't wake up today and decide to ruin your day," he shares, highlighting how most training failures stem from inadequate teaching rather than willful disobedience.

What truly sets this episode apart is Barton's masterclass on group steadiness training—his signature technique for developing dogs that remain calm and controlled while others work. Unlike traditional methods where dogs are worked individually and kenneled immediately after, Barton's approach teaches retrievers to self-regulate their excitement, a skill that proves invaluable in real hunting scenarios, particularly in his beloved flooded timber settings.

The conversation weaves through practical considerations like seasonal nutrition adjustments, health management for working dogs, and the complementary relationship between professional training programs and DIY methods like Cornerstone Gundog Academy. Barton's insights into reading canine behavior reveal the profound communication happening between handler and dog that most owners miss entirely.

Whether you're a seasoned handler or contemplating your first retriever, you'll leave this episode with transformative insights about the relationship-centered approach that produces not just skilled hunting companions, but dogs with the steadiness, versatility, and joy that make them exceptional partners in the field and at home. Connect with Barton through Southern Oak Kennels and Cornerstone Gun Dog Academy to discover how his methods can transform your training journey.

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#33 What does it take to become one of retriever training's rising stars at just 30 years old? Luke Cour reveals the mindset and methods behind his remarkable success as we explore his journey from rodeo competitor to SRS Crown Champion.

Growing up as the son of a successful pointer trainer, Luke developed an appreciation for working dogs from an early age. His natural intensity and competitive spirit found an outlet first in rodeo, then in retriever training after purchasing his first Lab to help recover lost doves on hunting trips. Eight and a half years spent learning under renowned trainer Rody Best provided the foundation for what would become his own training philosophy.

Luke offers fascinating insights into what he looks for in promising puppies—with work ethic topping his list. "If they don't have work ethic, it probably automatically means they're not going to be a field champion," he explains. His assessment of a dog's water attitude provides a window into how he identifies potential, while his breeding philosophy emphasizes the importance of quality females over fashionable sires.

What separates this conversation from typical training discussions is Luke's refreshing humility despite his accomplishments. Having won the SRS Crown Championship at just 25 and secured SRS Team of the Year honors for three consecutive years, he still approaches training with a learner's mindset. "Don't be afraid to get educated," he advises aspiring trainers, revealing the character that underlies his success.

Whether you're interested in field trials, hunt tests, or simply developing a better hunting companion, Luke's practical wisdom applies across the spectrum of retriever training. His seasonal migration to North Dakota for summer training and insights into handling both retrievers and pointers round out this compelling look at what it takes to excel in the competitive dog world.

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#32 When your beloved gun dog is miles from civilization with a medical emergency, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Joe Wurster, known throughout the bird dog community as "the bird dog vet," we dive into the specialized world of hunting dog medicine that many urban veterinarians rarely encounter.

Dr. Wurster reveals why he became a veterinarian after a career change from political science – his passion for bird dogs and the hunting community drove him to medicine. This unique perspective allows him to understand both the medical needs of working dogs and the practical realities hunters face in the field. His expertise has earned him the trust of renowned trainers like Ronnie and Susanna Smith, who consider him their go-to veterinarian for their valuable dogs.

The conversation takes a sobering turn as Dr. Wurster discusses pyothorax, a life-threatening condition caused by grass awns that he considers more dangerous than rattlesnake bites. "These dogs go from off their food to dead in a matter of days," he warns, emphasizing the importance of early recognition. His practical advice extends to creating relationships with veterinarians near your hunting destinations, carrying essential medications like metronidazole and cerenia for common travel-related GI issues, and assembling an effective field first aid kit.

Beyond emergency care, Dr. Wurster offers wisdom on nutrition, debunking marketing trends like grain-free diets while advocating for scientifically-researched foods. He shares insights on heat management techniques, including the proper use of rubbing alcohol on paw pads to cool overheated dogs, and discusses the value of genetic testing and health certifications for breeding quality gun dogs.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, this episode provides invaluable knowledge to help keep your hunting companion healthy in the field and at home. Subscribe to Gundog Nation for more expert insights, and visit our website to join our community dedicated to preserving our heritage of gun dog ownership.

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#31 Unlock a fascinating world of canine adventure with Ben Leger, founder of Georgian Bay Shed Dogs and Canadian Antler Dogs, as he reveals the thriving sport of shed hunting. This growing pastime taps into dogs' natural instincts to find and retrieve shed antlers – a behavior even observed in wild wolves and coyotes.

Ben walks us through how this accessible sport has evolved from casual recreation to structured competition through the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series. With championships, titles, and even scholarship opportunities for youth participants, shed hunting has created a vibrant community of dog enthusiasts. What makes this activity particularly appealing is its inclusivity – while Labs dominate the field, Border Collies, Malinois, and even small breeds like Pomeranians can excel with proper training.

The competitive format proves both challenging and exciting: dogs and handlers navigate football field-sized courses containing five hidden antlers, with top competitors completing the challenge in under two minutes. Ben shares invaluable training insights, from avoiding constant commands that might frustrate dogs to using targeted drills that build confidence and independence. His online training program at trainasheddogcom offers structured guidance for handlers looking to develop their dogs' natural talents.

Perhaps most compelling are the heartwarming stories from the shed dog community, including Ben's 11-year-old son who recently beat him in competition by nearly a full minute with their Hall of Fame dog. These personal connections highlight why so many families are drawn to this affordable, accessible sport that strengthens the bond between handlers and their dogs.

Whether you're an experienced gundog owner or simply looking for a new activity to enjoy with your canine companion, shed hunting offers a unique blend of natural instinct, teamwork, and outdoor adventure. Check out Canadian Antler Dogs online to discover how your dog might excel in this rewarding pursuit.

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#030 Ray Voigt brings nearly three decades of retriever training expertise to this enlightening conversation about the evolution of gundog training, handling sensitive dogs, and his journey from Minnesota teenager to professional dog trainer and Purina executive.

With 53 field champions, three National Amateur Champions, and one National Open Champion to his credit, Ray offers rare insights into what separates truly exceptional dogs from the rest. "Some of the best dogs I've had were classified as sensitive, but they were extremely smart," he reveals, explaining how modern training methods have shifted toward teaching rather than pressure. Ray describes how sensitive dogs, when handled properly, often demonstrate superior problem-solving abilities in the field.

The discussion explores Ray's current role managing the retriever, spaniel, and herding segments for Purina ProPlan, where he oversees partnerships with major sporting organizations nationwide. This position keeps him constantly traveling to events—from retriever field trials to border collie competitions—building relationships and supporting the sporting dog community. Ray's lifelong loyalty to Purina stems from seeing their extensive commitment to conservation efforts and dog sports across all disciplines.

Listeners will appreciate Ray's candid assessment of current promising bloodlines in the retriever world, including descendants of Windy City's Mighty Mouse (a 2016 National Field Champion he trained), Mickey and his offspring, and the legendary Floyd the Dog. His practical advice on puppy selection emphasizes knowing not just performance qualities but personality traits that make a dog enjoyable to live with.

Whether you're training for high-level competition or developing a hunting companion, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on reading your dog, adapting your training approach, and building the partnership that leads to success in the field. Join us for this masterclass in gundog training from one of the sport's most accomplished professionals.

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