Nick Adair is the host of the Gun Dog It Yourself podcast where he discusses all aspects of gun dog training with his guests.

Nick recently came through Minnesota on the way to Montana and we recorded an episode swap. This is the first installment, Mike's chance to interview Nick, and the second, Nick interviewing Mike, will come out in a few weeks.

This episode includes Nick's backstory, how he got into upland hunting and bird dogs, and why he focused in so much on training. Additionally Nick shares the most important things he's learned talking to some of the nations best trainers.

This just might be the episode that spurs some new training opportunities with your dog. Enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Brooke & Jake Bartells are bound for the NAVHDA Invitational with their Epagneul Bretons and this is their story. While Jake has been many times, this is Brooke's first trip handling her first bird dog, Rushie. One she's trained and hunted over from day one, including early wake ups, long-distances traveled, and learning from a long list of mentors. Brooke and Jake also share a few hunting stories and an honest assessment from a late August training session on where they're at in preparation. Lastly, Brooke shares about her commitment to conservation and where you might get your hands on some of her famous cookies come spring. 

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Rhys Haugen is the founder of High Plains Gear, a upland hunting vest company committed to American made materials and manufacturing for all their products.

Rhys shares his motivation and journey in starting an upland hunting vest company, how he got started in bird dogs, and his experiences hunting and finding a dog while stationed overseas. Additionally, they discuss how Rhys coupled his experiences bird hunting, philosophies about gear from the Marine Corps, and a relentless pursuit for better to make his products.

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Amanda Ponti dove head first into bird dogs and now there is no looking back. She currently works for Sporting Lead Free and serves on the board of HerUpland.

Amanda and Mike discuss her entry into bird dogs, why she chooses to give back so much, why you should consider switching ammo to lead-free options, and how bird hunting inspired a transformational physical fitness journey.

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Jerry Havel runs Pineridge Grouse Camp and is a co-founder of Upland Gun Company. Jerry and Mike take a dive into how the ruffed grouse numbers are looking in Minnesota, how he develops a grouse dog, and why folks should consider a side by side from Upland Gun Company.

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Tyler Webster is the host of the Birds, Booze, and Buds Podcast and we sat down to discuss those exact things. Join Mike and Tyler for a post dinner & drinks conversation that covers the legitimacy of the 28 gauge, getting outside the comfort zone when hunting, choosing the right amount of drive in a dog based on lifestyle on hunting opportunities, and much much more.

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Erin Kalpin from Rockcreek Kennels joins the show this week. Erin's father, Scott, started Rockcreek almost 30 years ago and Erin has been along for the ride since. She shares how her dad kept her interested all these years, what it was like transitioning from a career outside dogs back into training full time, and how she's raising her own girls to love the dogs and the outdoors. Additionally, Erin and Mike take a dive into writing, sharing about their processes, inspiration, etc. Erin also gives a preview of what she expects from this year's NAVHDA Invitational and advice based on lessons learned from her previous attempt at a VC. 

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Misty Klug is the owner and operator of Muddy Paws Kennel. She has bred German wirehairs for over a decade focusing on temperament and wild bird hunting. We also discuss her training philosophy around pressure and development. Additionally, she shares the importance of trusting your training and how to reduce nerves on test day.

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Rich Wong is a photographer, vizsla lover, and wild bird hunting fanatic. Rich and I talk his best tips for tailgate photos, how he came into vizslas, and the differences between his 2 dogs thus far. We also talk about puppy development, the downsides to overhandling, and the importance of a bird dogs first season. Lastly, we cover Rich's tips to find sharpies and huns, some great memories of his first dog, Hunter, and much more. Enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.