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From creek beds to the country music spotlight, Tanner Horton shares the remarkable rise of The Creekers in this intimate conversation about authentic music, rural roots, and overnight viral success.

The gravel in Tanner Horton's voice matches the authenticity of his story—a tale of musical passion born in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky, nurtured through family traditions, and suddenly thrust into the spotlight through a viral TikTok video. As lead guitarist and vocalist for The Creekers, Tanner offers listeners a rare glimpse into the band's organic formation around 2020, when they played their first gig at a small Tennessee bar for just $150.

What makes this episode particularly special is hearing the backstory of songs like "Hidin' Kentucky" and "River Rat" directly from their creator, including the poignant moment when Tanner performs an acoustic version of "River Rat" exclusively for the podcast. His musical journey winds through formative years at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music, where legends like Bobby Osborne helped shape his distinctive sound—a sound that caught fire when The Creekers' "Tennessee Song" exploded across social media platforms.

Beyond music, Tanner reveals the balancing act of maintaining his horseshoeing work while fielding calls from major record labels and booking increasingly prestigious venues. His aspirations remain refreshingly grounded: a piece of land for hunting and raising cattle, and a good saddle mule—dreams that reflect the authentic rural values permeating The Creekers' sound. As the band prepares to record their next album in Nashville, this conversation captures a pivotal moment in their ascent, documenting how genuine storytelling and musical craftsmanship can still cut through the noise in today's digital landscape.

Ready to discover your next favorite band before they become household names? Listen now and be among the first to experience The Creekers' authentic country sound that's rapidly winning hearts across America.

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Adrian Jackson shares his extraordinary dual career as a championship bird dog trainer and youth mentor at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in Texas. His insights reveal the surprising parallels between training high-performance field trial dogs and helping at-risk youth overcome trauma and build successful lives.

• Vice President of Home Life at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch for nearly 29 years, overseeing care for 116 children with capacity for 430
• Cal Farley's is privately funded with an independent school district on campus, taking children ages 5-16 from across the United States
• Won multiple national field trial championships with dogs including Poker Straight Flash, Nemaha Butterfly, and Poker Straight Jet Star
• Judges national championships across many breeds including Brittanys, German Shorthairs, English Setters and Pointers
• Discovered parallels between dog training and youth care through understanding the "survival brain" response in both
• Both disciplines require sequential training, predictable routines, and patience for development
• Co-authored chapters in three New York Times bestselling books in the Impact Influence series
• Currently writing "A Purpose Driven Youth Care Worker" about maintaining focus while working with challenging youth
• Runs Poker Straight Kennel providing training services with regular video updates for clients through social media
• Emphasizes the importance of patience in developing both dogs and young people, warning against culling promising talent too early

Please visit calfarley.org to learn more about the Boys Ranch program or contact Adrian through Poker Straight Kennel on Facebook.

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#45 Summer Reynolds has hunting in her blood. From childhood nights spent howling alongside her father to call in coyotes, to building a nationally-renowned hunting dog supply store in tiny Quitman, Arkansas (population 765), Summer's life revolves around dogs that chase, tree, and track.

During our conversation, Summer takes us through her remarkable hunting journey, starting with foxhound traditions that are gradually disappearing. "Friday night we'd get, Dad would come home from work and of course I would be ready to go hunting," she recalls, describing nights spent on the hood of a truck, eating cupcakes and listening to hounds run until daylight. From foxhounds, she expanded to deer dogs (her beloved "regals" – redbone crosses), squirrel dogs, and eventually coon hounds, gaining expertise across the spectrum of chase hunting.

What makes Dog and Hunt Supply extraordinary isn't just the impressive inventory – though Summer ensures they're never out of anything a customer might drive hours to purchase. It's her authentic connection to the hunting community and commitment to service. Rather than redirecting customers with broken tracking collars to manufacturers, Summer troubleshoots and repairs equipment herself. "I mean there's a lot of people out there that don't know what to do," she explains, "It's just a lot easier for me to say just bring it up here and I'll fix it for you."

Her measured approach to social media – focusing on quality demonstrations rather than daily content – has built a devoted following. The annual Customer Appreciation event has evolved from a simple sale into what Summer describes as "a huge houndsman reunion," drawing 3,000-3,500 visitors from across the country.

Whether you're a dedicated houndsman or simply appreciate authentic businesses built on genuine expertise, this conversation offers a refreshing glimpse into a world where passion, community, and tradition still thrive. Check out dogandhunt.com or download their app to experience Summer's remarkable hunting dog emporium for yourself.

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#44 When disaster strikes in the field, are you prepared to save your dog's life? 

Josh Parvin of Cornerstone Gundog Academy and Retriever Training Supply shares the harrowing story that led to creating their best-selling First Aid Kit after his retriever hit a barbed wire fence at full speed during a Kansas hunt. That close call transformed his approach to emergency preparedness and sparked a mission to help fellow gundog owners be ready for anything.

The conversation explores the fundamental difference between training methodologies in the retriever world. As Josh explains, "My dog does this because it gets to do it, not because it has to do it." This distinction highlights why the Cornerstone approach resonates with so many hunting dog owners who want their companions to work from enthusiasm rather than obligation. We discuss how this philosophy sometimes creates a culture clash between different segments of the gundog community.

The most exciting revelation? A high school teacher has established what may be the first official gundog team at a public school in Georgia. Students who previously had little outdoor experience are now handling spaniels and retrievers in AKC hunt tests, creating a model that could revolutionize youth engagement with hunting dogs. Kenneth shares his mission to support this groundbreaking program and calls on listeners to help provide resources for these students.

Throughout the episode, one truth emerges from conversations with top trainers worldwide: consistency trumps intensity. Whether you're aiming for a hunting companion or field trial champion, showing up consistently over time delivers better results than sporadic intense sessions. Josh's insights from working with Cornerstone members across the country reveal that family-friendly, consistent training protocols create dogs that owners can genuinely be proud of.

Ready to join a movement that's preserving our gundog heritage? This episode offers practical wisdom for both new and experienced handlers while celebrating the community that makes Gun Dog Nation more than just a podcast.

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#42 Have you ever wondered why some dog sports offer substantial cash prizes while others only provide ribbons and titles? In this fascinating conversation with Trevor Wade, Coonhound Program Manager at United Kennel Club (UKC), we uncover the remarkable economics of coonhound competitions that have created a thriving circuit where handlers compete for serious money.

Trevor pulls back the curtain on UKC's Tournament of Champions, which offers a jaw-dropping $250,000 purse with $50,000 going to the winner. Unlike many dog sports that rely heavily on corporate sponsorship, this system is primarily funded through clever structuring of entry fees and a $5 per-dog contribution at local events. The brilliance lies in how they've created a qualification system requiring dogs to win five local competitions before advancing to championships, simultaneously supporting grassroots clubs while building excitement for major events.

We also explore the mechanics of coonhound trials, where dogs compete in "casts" of four, earning points for both striking trails and treeing raccoons. Trevor explains the scoring system, the strategies handlers employ, and how competitions unfold from local events to prestigious championships like Autumn Oaks and the World Championship. His insights into the community aspects—from youth programs that are successfully attracting young women into the sport to the geographic concentration primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern United States—paint a complete picture of this unique sporting tradition.

Whether you're involved in retrievers, pointing dogs, or any other canine sporting discipline, there are valuable lessons to be learned from how the coonhound world has created financially rewarding competitions that honor tradition while adapting to contemporary needs. Join us for an eye-opening discussion that might just change how you think about competitive dog sports!

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#42 Dave Bavero opens a window into the nuanced world of British Labs, sharing insights from his 25-year journey with these remarkable gundogs. As the founder of Waterstone Labradors in Bernie, Texas, Dave has created more than just a breeding program – he's established a vital cultural bridge between American hunters and the centuries-old traditions of British and Irish retriever work.

What sets Dave's approach apart is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. Rather than simply importing dogs, he regularly travels to Ireland and the UK, forging relationships with elite trainers and breeders, observing field trials firsthand, and selecting dogs that embody the qualities he values most: calm temperament, natural ability, good structure, and that magical balance of being able to "turn off and turn on" – relaxed at home but dynamite in the field.

The heart of our conversation reveals Dave's distinctive training philosophy, which challenges many conventional American methods. His patient, pressure-free approach emphasizes obedience foundations before retriever work begins. He shares fascinating techniques like using food bowls instead of bumpers for young puppies, extensive place board training, and his commitment to training without electronic collars. "There's a bond between you and your dog that's the most important thing," Dave explains, noting that dogs trained in the traditional British style often display more enthusiasm and style than their heavily-pressured counterparts.

Whether you're considering a British Lab, curious about alternative training methods, or simply fascinated by different gundog traditions, this episode offers valuable perspectives that might transform your approach to dog training. Dave's parting wisdom resonates powerfully: focus on finding a dog that truly fits your lifestyle, invest in consistent training, and prioritize the bond with your canine companion above all else.

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#41 The journey to build a stronger connection with your hunting dog goes far beyond basic commands and whistle blows. Bob Owens, founder of Lone Duck Outfitters and Kennels, takes us deep into what he calls "the unspoken bond" – that magical connection between handler and retriever that transforms good dogs into exceptional hunting partners.

Bob's path from college rugby player to respected professional trainer offers a masterclass in pursuing passion against the odds. Starting with just a yellow Lab named Buck and a dream to help others train their own dogs, he built a thriving community around the shared joy of working with retrievers. His candid stories of sleeping in tents at hunt tests while selling gear from his trailer reveal the grit behind building a reputation in the gundog world.

The conversation delivers practical wisdom for handlers at every level. Bob breaks down the differences between hunt test venues, offers a fascinating glimpse into the elite Super Retriever Series competitions, and shares what to look for when selecting your next retriever prospect. His philosophy of being "overprepared and underwhelmed" when entering competitions serves as a powerful mantra for success in both training and hunting scenarios.

What truly sets this episode apart is Bob's commitment to community building. Through his Patreon hunts, training seminars, and online courses, he's created spaces where gun dog enthusiasts form lasting friendships while improving their training skills. As he recounts stories of diverse groups from across the country bonding over shared passions, it becomes clear that the gundog world offers something increasingly rare – authentic connection through shared purpose.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just beginning your journey with your first retriever, this episode provides both practical training advice and a reminder of why we're drawn to working with these remarkable animals in the first place. Check out Bob's online force fetch course with code GDN20 for 20% off, and explore his community at patreon.com/loneduckoutfitters.

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#40 Ever wondered how professional athletes pursue their outdoor passions between seasons? In this captivating conversation, Kenneth Witt welcomes Chicago Cubs Triple-A catcher Caleb Knight to Gundog Nation, revealing the fascinating intersection of professional baseball and duck hunting.

Caleb shares his journey from small-town Oklahoma to professional baseball, while maintaining his deep connection to waterfowl hunting and retriever training. Growing up in Chakotah (population 3,500), Caleb developed parallel passions that now define his life - baseball during the season and duck hunting every possible day during the off-season. His unique schedule provides the perfect opportunity to pursue serious waterfowling from October through January.

What truly stands out is Caleb's commitment to training his own retrievers. Starting with a Labrador at age 16 using only the classic "Water Dog" book as his guide, he's now hunting with a Golden Retriever named Rosie. His thoughtful comparisons between the breeds offer invaluable insights - describing Labs as possessing "wild drive" while Goldens bring a "methodical efficiency" to the field. His philosophy centers on consistency and building trust: "If you just get that dog to respect you and fully trust you, you can make it do about anything you want."

Caleb's approach to hunting mirrors his dedication to baseball - he's primarily a DIY hunter tackling public lands rather than guided experiences, finding satisfaction in the complete process of scouting, hunting, and working with his dog. As he puts it: "When I go hunt, I don't care about shooting, I don't care - my favorite thing is having my dog by my side, just watching her work."

Follow Caleb's adventures on Instagram at @caleb_night13 or check out his outdoor content at @the_bullpen_outdoors to see how he balances his professional sports career with his passion for retrievers and waterfowl hunting.

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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.

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.

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Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

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