The Lab

In this episode of The Lab, Barton Ramsey sits down with UK field trialer and judge Simon Capstick for an in-depth conversation on retriever training, trialing, and the traditions behind British gun dogs. Simon shares his journey into Labradors through the legendary Drakeshead kennels owned by his Aunt, Sandra Halstead. They discuss how he learned the foundations of training and how his philosophy...

#027 Step into the rich heritage of the American West as Clay Forst shares the remarkable story of Stewart Ranch, Oklahoma's oldest continuously family-owned ranch dating back to 1868. As the sixth generation steward of this legacy, Clay offers a fascinating glimpse into modern ranching life while explaining how his family has adapted their traditional cattle operation to thrive in today&apos...

#026 Remember when social media wasn't just about mindless scrolling? When photograph quality mattered more than viral potential? When online connections regularly turned into real-life friendships? Barton and his guest Reagan Renfroe take us back to what they call "the golden age" of outdoor social media—that sweet spot between 2013-2017 when platforms were still about genuine comm...

#025 Ever wondered what drives someone to completely reinvent an essential product that everyone takes for granted? Meet Addison Edmonds, the visionary founder of Gunner, who transformed dog travel safety by refusing to accept the status quo. Addison's journey began with his beloved chocolate Lab, Gunner, and a simple frustration: why don't travel kennels actually protect dogs? From humb...

#024 What happens behind the scenes when champion Labradors are bred? Dr. Lee Payne, one of the most sought-after reproductive veterinarians in the Labrador world, pulls back the curtain on the science, skill, and precision required to maintain top-quality working dog genetics. From his unexpected journey into veterinary medicine to becoming the go-to expert for breeders across the Southeast, Dr....

#023 Ranar Moody takes us on an authentic journey through his remarkable path from aspiring entrepreneur to co-founder of 24.7Hunt. This conversation explores the beautiful intersection of hip-hop culture and waterfowl hunting while challenging perceptions about who belongs in outdoor spaces. Growing up in Georgia with deep family hunting traditions, Ranar shares how his college business plan evol...

#022 What happens when a phone call about a hunting dog leads to lifelong friendship, a marriage, and a thriving business? Chase White, owner of Fowl Plains Outfitters in Great Bend, Kansas, joins Barton to unpack their decade-long journey from dog trainer and client to witnessing life's most profound moments together. Chase shares the remarkable story of how his British Labrador Jet, purchas...

#021 From 3 AM boat ramp conversations to thawing frozen hands with body heat, Wade Shoemaker pulls back the curtain on what it really means to bridge the gap between the waterfowl industry and the passionate hunters who fuel it. As the driving force behind Migra Ammunition's revolutionary Boat Ramp Tour, Wade has transformed what began as simple marketing into something far more valuable – g...

#020 Our conversation explores the journey of dog training and the nuances of being a responsible dog owner. Luke Moore from Gunner shares valuable insights on training, breeding, and the reality behind the "off switch" concept in Labradors.  • Luke defines the "off switch" as a misleading term in dog training  • Importance of socialization and proper training for young dogs  •...

#019 In this episode, Josh Parvin joins Barton Ramsey as he shares the story of his recent experience with a dog named Buck, detailing the journey of bringing him from the UK to the US, the challenges faced during the importation process, and the unfortunate incident of Buck escaping shortly after his arrival. The conversation delves into the significance of field trials, the emotional investment...

#018 What if the key to unlocking your hunting dog's full potential lies in understanding its origins? Join us as we explore the fascinating contrasts between American and British Labradors with Barton Ramsey and Chris Rud. We'll unveil the historical context and practical considerations that can guide you in choosing the perfect Labrador for hunting, family life, or competitive trials....

#017 What happens when a gundog trainer, a passion for cooking, and a love for the great outdoors intersect? You get an unforgettable episode with Chris Rud, also known as "The Hunt Test Hobo." Chris unpacks his adventurous approach to hunt tests, where he embraces a budget-friendly lifestyle by camping in the back of his truck. He also shares his memorable culinary experiences, like tas...

#016 What if you could transform your passion for dogs into a rewarding career? Join us as Bob Owens of Lone Duck takes us on his inspiring journey from doodling dogs to becoming a leading figure in the world of gundog training. Bob shares how a childhood fascination, influenced by Ducks Unlimited's Water Dog TV, evolved into a thriving business encompassing training, breeding, and podcasting...

#015 Wally's seasoned insights combined with the tales of our dogs' progression from eager puppies to disciplined retrievers is a narrative that will captivate both the novice and the experienced handler. As we dissect the nuances of our training methods, you'll find yourself immersed in the complexity and dedication it takes to cultivate a gundog's potential. From the tailored...

#014 Ever wondered what it takes to turn a good gundog into a great one? Strap in for a journey through Cornerstone Gundog Academy's Member Weekend in Jasper, Alabama, where the synergy between handler and retriever takes center stage. As your guide, I'll recount the excitement and invaluable lessons from group obedience workouts to the mock hunts. We're talking precision drills for...

#013 Spring's arrival always brings back memories of cool mornings turned warm, as my son Noah and I tread softly through the awakening woods, our retrievers eager at our heels. It's a time of transition, from the quiet end of waterfowl season to the lively beginnings of summer training, and no one embraces this change more than Noah. He reminds us that the hunt isn't always about t...

#012 Join The Lab as Mississippi's own Kippy Kemp, an aficionado of dog training and field trials, brings his homespun wisdom to the mic. With stories as rich as the soil on his Brangus cattle farm, Kippy delves into the intricacies of raising champion retrievers and the community spirit found in places like Cornerstone Gundog Academy. As we swap tales of quail hunts and the changing landscap...

#011 Ever found yourself trying to perfect the sit-stay command while juggling a conference call and prepping dinner? You're not alone. I, Barton Ramsey, alongside my close pal Miles Durham from Southern Oak Kennels, get real about the tightrope walk of managing a demanding career, nurturing family life, and following our heart's call to dog training. Miles opens up about the hurdles and...

Join us on a thrilling journey with our guest, Bill Free, a seasoned duck hunter, mayor of Duckville, USA, and chairman of a waterfowl festival. Throughout his many adventures, Bill has formed a close friendship with George H. Dunklin, JR, contributed to the scientific study of duck habitats, and built an admirable rapport with his stud dogs. This lively discussion will cover everything from hunti...

Episode #009 What are British field trials like? What is it like hunting with dogs in the United Kingdom? In our latest episode, we sit down with Laura Hill of Stauntonvale Gundogs to discuss British field sports and training styles.  Laura is one of the most accomplished field trialers in the UK. She’s made up eight dogs to Field Trial Champion, a journey we discuss in-depth in this podcast.  As...

Episode #008 What if your fiercely independent but stubbornly aggressive canine companion could transform into a disciplined, well-behaved sidekick? This episode brings you face-to-face with Brady Foster, owner of K9 Gunner Tactical, as he unpacks his experiences in military service and how it shaped his approach to gun dog training. Listen as he shares the riveting journey of acquiring Waylon, hi...

Episode #007 Ever wondered how the world of outdoor adventure and entrepreneurship intersects? In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of having a heart-to-heart conversation with John David Blagg, co-founder of FowlCo Outfitters. We journeyed back to our first unexpected encounter and discussed how it influenced the dawn of FowlCo. We also touched on parenting practices, instilling a sense of c...

Episode #006  Join us as my good friend Aaron Hitchins and I revisit memorable moments of our hunting journeys, the anticipation of new seasons, and the struggles with patience that come along with it. We opened up about our experiences with the weather extremes in Canada and the US, and shared tales from our first hunting trip together, where a muddy spring snow goose hunt became a story for the...

#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...

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...