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#53 A well-trained dog can turn hard work into wonder—and few people know that better than Jeff Stanfield of The Big Honker. We sit down at his North Texas lodge to unpack the real engine behind successful seasons: patient scouting at first light, guides who still love the grind, a kitchen that feels like a town square, and clear rules that keep hunts safe and fair for everyone. From puddle ducks and dove weekends to pheasants, quail, and deer, Jeff lays out how weather, habitat, and access shape what flies and what’s possible.

We go deep on dogs—legendary retrievers that fetched tens of thousands of birds, the truth about cranes and why most dogs should sit those hunts out, and how first-aid kits and seasoned vets can save a bad day. You’ll hear the stories that stick: a mile-and-a-half blind retrieve with a wing over the eyes, a skunk-loving lab named Hacksaw, and the tough calls outfitters make when one unruly dog can derail a blind full of paying hunters. It’s equal parts practical and personal, with a lot of laughter in between.

We also talk shop about the shows that matter (Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, Delta Waterfowl, SquadFest), why some expos lost their way, and how a podcast built in a waterfowl lodge grew by talking to everyone from Emmy-winning sound pros to coyote men and priests. Most importantly, Jeff shares a standing invitation: the Gold Star Hunt, a free weekend for kids who lost a military or first-responder parent—complete with helicopter hog hunting, dove shoots, a new Mossberg, and more support than they expect.

If you care about gun dog training, waterfowl hunts, youth access, and keeping hunting culture alive with humor and honesty, this conversation is for you. Listen, share it with a friend who loves dogs and good stories, and leave a review so more hunters can find the show.

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