#005 Picture the brisk San Jac River region where young John Dunaway embarks on his first duck hunt. That's where our journey begins, as we explore the deep-rooted history of hunting, painting vivid pictures of unique experiences such as an unforgettable trip to Oyster Bayou and recounting memories of a yellow lab named Nixon. We navigate through these tales and more, seeking to bring moments to life that have shaped the bond between man and dog.

We venture into uncharted waters - the life of a ship pilot, a challenging profession that requires unique skills and precision. We offer a blow-by-blow account of navigating the waters, including the famous Texas Chicken maneuver used to pass ships safely in narrow channels.

We then dive into a unique South Texas dove hunting experience. Picture a field complete with coolers, umbrellas, food, and even a mariachi band! We share insights into retriever work and even give you a sneak peek into a beach house on South Padre. It's not just about hunting, it's about the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the bonds formed. For hunting enthusiasts and dog lovers, this episode promises a blend of humor, excitement, and nostalgia. We hope you're ready for a wild ride!

Episode #004 What do you get when you mix life's unpredictability, a shared passion for gun dogs, and a sprinkle of humor? You get a riveting conversation between Clark Kennington and myself. We discuss the precision cleanliness required at a dog kennel, and draw parallels between navigating stormy weather and life's unexpected twists. 

Immerse yourself in our world of dog training as we delve into the American dream that came true for me - rising from a novice to a successful trainer and owner of my own kennel. Can't resist a heartwarming story? Clark's got you covered with an inspirational tale of a friend who trained the youngest Grand Hunting Retriever champion in sub-optimal conditions. We also tackle the tricky situation of knowing when to "puppy pass" - recognizing a pup better suited to a different trainer.

Our conversation doesn't shy away from the technical, as we debate various training methods and their merits. We highlight the importance of understanding why certain methods work, and how balanced training is key. Need some dog training tips? We've got you covered with a detailed discussion of pattern blinds and how they can be integrated into your training regimen. So sit back, relax, and join us on this enthralling journey through the world of gun dogs, and more.

Episode #003 Imagine traversing the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, from North to South, amidst the unpredictable weather and diverse cultural contrasts. My friend Geoff Irvine and I bring this experience to you, as we embark on a fascinating discussion about his homeland. We touch on the peculiarities of New Zealand's geography, the distinct hunting styles between the two islands, and the current weather patterns that are causing more rainfall than usual right in the middle of winter. Spoiler alert: I also reveal my plans to return to New Zealand to partake in some thrilling goose and duck hunting for my 40th birthday!

New Zealand is known for many things, and its world-class waterfowl and Canada geese hunting opportunities are definitely high on the list. Geoff paints a vivid picture of the different hunting seasons across the regions, the history of Canada geese in the country, and the preparation that goes into hunting these birds. He also shares the reason why Canada geese can be hunted all year round in New Zealand - a fact that you may find quite intriguing! 

But our conversation isn't limited to hunting alone. As we delve deeper, we explore the cultural contrasts in hunting and dog training across the North and South Islands. Geoff shares the journey of his dog Jess and how she has grown from a timid pup to a bold hunting companion, thanks to some training tactics that I shared during my visit to New Zealand. We also touch on different dog personalities and their impact on hunting and training abilities. We wrap up with stories from our own hunting adventures in New Zealand and the USA, while eagerly looking forward to future conversations and hunting escapades together. Join us as we take you on an international waterfowl hunting experience like no other!

Episode #002 The journey into the outdoor industry has afforded me many life-changing friendships. One of those friends is the talented Josh Raggio of Raggio Custom Calls. In this episode, Josh and I cover everything from shallow social media shade to the depths of balancing running a business with raising children. 

Josh Raggio has created a timeless brand with his custom duck calls. He explains where the beauty of each call comes from, which may be as surprising to you as it is to him! He and I also walk through the journey from our prior jobs to working within the outdoor space. 

Josh is as genuine of a guy as you’ll find, and this becomes increasingly apparent through both his duck call brand and his Raggio Mercantile shop in Raymond, MS. I hope that our conversation sheds a little light on some of the more important aspects of work-life balance as well as the things that make this journey beautiful, whether that’s ducks dropping to the sound of a call you’ve created or a crazy retrieve made by a dog you’ve trained. 

Episode #001 When I first ventured into the world of dog training and hunting, I was fortunate to meet an incredible mentor, Mark Hairfield. Together, we reminisce about our humble beginnings, Mark's 42-year career in field trials with dogs, and our shared love for gun dogs and the great outdoors. Join us as Mark imparts his wisdom on what it takes to make a dog a field champion in the AKC and his ultimate goal of qualifying dogs for national events.

We also explore the role of luck in field trials and the appeal of training level-headed British Labs and Springers. Mark shares his journey with his Springer Spaniel, Badger, whose legacy set the bar high for future generations of hunting dogs. With over 250 Open All Age points and 60 Field Champions produced from his frozen semen, Badger's incredible intelligence and skill have left an indelible mark on the dog training world.

As we celebrate the camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts and the inspiring world of gun dogs, listen in for Mark's insights on balancing competition with client support and the importance of fostering a strong sense of community. We hope you enjoy this episode and walk away with a greater appreciation for the dedication, passion, and expertise it takes to excel in the dog training and hunting world. 

Visit https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com to learn how to train your retriever.

Welcome to The Lab, a podcast focused on Gundogs, Good Times, and the Great Outdoors. Join host Barton Ramsey as he interviews outdoorsmen who have excelled in a multitude of avenues involving gundog, hunting, and business endeavors. The Lab is produced by Cornerstone Gundog Academy - online resources to help you train your retriever. Visit https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com for more information.