Gundog Nation

EP #111 Most of us underestimate how a single decision can change everything—just like when a college baseball player chose a singing career over a future on the diamond. T. Graham Brown’s story proves that taking a leap of faith can lead to legendary encounters, including working with icons like Ralph Emory and recording soulful projects at Muscle Shoals. In this episode, you’ll discover the pivo...

EP #110 Most bluegrass banjo players sound alike—Ron Block doesn’t. Discover how his bluesy bends, staccatos, and experimentations redefined a genre that’s rooted in tradition but constantly evolving. If you’ve ever wondered how to carve out an original voice in bluegrass or the secret behind Ron’s unmistakable style, this episode reveals his unconventional approach to innovation, improvisation, a...

EP #109 Bowhunting, remote lawyering, and a Grand Slam hunter who isn’t afraid to share the misses. Lauren Brown proves you don’t need a hunting-family background—or a conventional path—to build a life around the outdoors. Kenneth Witt talks with Lauren, a Dallas-based lawyer working remotely for a New York firm, about balancing a demanding career with a packed schedule of hunts and travel. From t...

Casey Donahew built a 24-year music career without giving up ownership, control, or the right to sound like himself. In this conversation, Kenneth Witt talks with Casey about what it takes to turn songs into a lasting career in Texas country. Casey reflects on the early Texas and red dirt scene, building an underground following through word of mouth, burned CDs, and MySpace, and managing the busi...

EP #107 Tara Brown went from a first hunt in 2015 to launching Foul Lady, a brand and community for women who want to hunt on their own terms. In this conversation, Kenneth Witt catches up with Tara about getting started without a hunting background, finding her place in the waterfowl world, and turning a passion into a business. They discuss why women’s hunting gear often misses the mark, how wom...

EP #106 Could retriever sports be more welcoming to everyday handlers without losing the challenge? Kenneth Witt talks with Dave Bavero and Jennifer Henion about bringing a UK- and Europe-inspired working test format to the U.S.—a flexible, approachable alternative to traditional hunt tests and field trials. They explain what working tests involve, how they reward skills like steadiness, marking,...

EP #105 Hunting season can turn dangerous fast when heat, snakes, dehydration, or travel preparation catch you off guard. Dr. Joe Wurster breaks down what every bird dog owner should know before heading into the field. Kenneth Witt and Dr. Wurster discuss conditioning dogs for hot weather, cooling them safely, recognizing heatstroke warning signs, handling snake bites, and building a practical hun...

EP #104 A veteran pheasant hunt in North Dakota is doing more than putting birds in the bag—it’s building friendships, supporting veterans, and bringing an entire community together. Jeremy Ova and Eric Bauer share how Fallen Outdoors and the Badlands Bird Dog Club create an unforgettable hunting weekend featuring donated prizes, meals, lodging, and plenty of camaraderie. They also discuss how vet...

EP #103 Dakota Best left a career as a financial advisor to launch Blue Wing Kennels in Weimar, Texas. In this episode, he talks with Kenneth Witt about starting a retriever-training business, building a kennel from the ground up, and balancing long days with family life. Dakota explains the differences between Master National, SRS, and field trials, what makes a great retriever, and how he works...

EP #102 The upland bird hunting calendar is only as good as your habitat reading, and Tyler Webster lays out the exact playbook he uses to find sharptails, huns, sage grouse, and more across the prairie. If you want more birds, better dog work, and fewer blown opportunities, this one is packed with the kind of field-tested advice that changes how you hunt. Kenneth Witt sits down with Webster, host...

EP #101 West Texas isn’t just cotton country - it’s one of the most underrated waterfowl and crane hunting hubs in the country. Cody Puller and Hannah share what it really takes to build CNH Outfitters, chase geese and cranes across Texas, South Dakota, and Arkansas, and turn a new hunting business into a legacy. Cody and Hannah pull back the curtain on the real work behind an outfitting life that...

A 100th episode milestone turns into a discussion on why Gundog Nation works, who it reaches, and how one podcast became a real reference library for dog people. Kelly Curry surprises host Kenneth Witt with a heartfelt breakdown of what makes the show resonate - from training and hunt tests to health, youth involvement, women in hunting, and the kind of stories that stick with listeners long after...

EP #99 Tyler Cofield of Marlen Gundogs breaks down how he went from having zero retriever background to running a thriving kennel in Mississippi, and why that outsider start may be exactly what shaped his approach. If you want a dog that can fit family life, hunt a handful of days a season, and still be highly trainable in the field, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways. Tyler also...

EP #98 Discover how expert predator hunter Nathan Smith intricately manages coyote populations in Texas—using innovative tactics, top gear, and deep knowledge of animal behavior. Even if you're new to predator control, Nathan’s insights on hunting techniques, equipment selection, and the critical importance of patience will revolutionize your approach—and help you stay one step ahead of these craf...

EP #97 Imagine going from city streets to the wild, chasing deer with a crossbow at 31, and building a life rooted in hunting, trapping, and landownership—all while inspiring others along the way. Paige Bauer’s story is one of transformation, proving that it’s never too late to find your true calling and that passion can change everything. In this episode, Paige, a former military woman and city g...

EP #96 What does it take to breed a dog that controls cattle with finesse, style, and enough bite to handle the toughest herds? Michael Moura, founder of Moura Stock Dogs, reveals how decades of experience and a unique bloodline—developed specifically for Brazil’s fierce Zebu cows—shape his approach to training and breeding. From avoiding the pitfalls of modern trialing to maintaining full working...

EP #95 Most dog trainers won’t tell you this — mastering the art of fieldwork and understanding your dog’s mind is what transforms good trainers into legends. Ronnie and Susanna Smith, renowned guiding and training pioneers, reveal how the real secret lies in their unmatched ability to read a dog in seconds, unlocking true potential — and it’s not what you think. For over four decades, these legen...

EP #94 Most dog lovers and hunters underestimate the genius of the Gordon Setter—until now. Dean Fries reveals the secret sauce behind this majestic breed, breaking down how they’re uniquely built for wild, rugged grouse habitat. If you've ever wondered why these dogs excel in thick, challenging cover and what makes them the perfect partner for passionate hunters, this episode is your game changer...

EP #93 Discover the truth behind hunting, dogs, and what it takes to be a true master in this electrifying episode! Andy Shaver, a seasoned guide and dog trainer, drops undeniable wisdom that will reshape how you see waterfowl hunting forever. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a dedicated outdoorsman, this episode unlocks proven secrets that elevate your game — from decoy setups to training nuan...

Most people dream of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—but what if you could relive it repeatedly in a place that feels like home? Ken Witt takes us on a wild, raw journey from the heart of South Africa to the deep bonds of hunting and community. This isn’t just a trip—it's an immersion into an experience that will challenge your perspective, ignite your passion, and redefine what true adventure mean...

EP #91 Most duck hunters would give anything for Keith Westlake’s success story — from a young boy tossing rocks in Cedar Creek to sinking Master titles in just over a year. His journey isn't just about dogs and decoys; it's a testament to relentless obsession, patience, and the magic that happens when you combine passion with precision. Keith's story will ignite your fire — he shares how a chance...

EP #90 Discover how a country music singer and bird dog trainer found a powerful second act that rocked his world — blending soulful melodies with the passion for field trials and hunting. Ben Garcia’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and pure authenticity. When burnout and heartbreak hit, he pressed pause — only to explode back onto the scene with a fresh perspective, new music, and a ren...

EP #89 Clark Kennington, a seasoned pro with over 150 grand passes, unveils the secrets to building a legacy in the dog world. From intense grand trials to launching a revolutionary training facility in Mississippi, Clark shares insights that will transform your approach to training, breeding, and running a kennel. Discover how to elevate your dogs’ performance with tactics honed over 20+ years, i...

#88 Most dog enthusiasts overlook just how much the world of squirrel hunting is evolving—and Vance Plante reveals why size, drive, and intelligence are the game-changers you can't afford to ignore. He shares behind-the-scenes truths about breaking breed standards, the explosive rise of the American Feist, and the future of high-dollar squirrel dog breeding. This episode isn’t just about dogs—it’s...

#87 Join us as we explore Brandy Elrod's inspiring journey from overcoming a limb difference to becoming a Team USA shotgun team member. Discover how she empowers women in hunting and shooting, turning personal challenges into strengths. This episode is a call to action for anyone feeling underrepresented in the outdoors, offering insights into building confidence and community. Brandy's story is...