American Blood Trackers (ABTA)

From hunting to handling tracking dogs and now creating content, Jim Gast and Anthony Beck join hosts Kenny Mullins and Matt Burger to share their journey. Jim has been on both sides of the blood trail—calling in trackers when he needed help, and running his own dog when the time came. Now, as the voice behind The Wild Game on YouTube, he’s telling stories, sharing lessons, and bringing hunting, t...

This conversation delves into the world of tracking, focusing on the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and understanding different breeds' tendencies. The speakers discuss the nuances of on-lead versus off-lead tracking, the influence of handlers on tracking styles, and the significance of scent science. They also explore health considerations for various breeds, particularly bloodhounds...

The conversation explores the multifaceted impact of social media on the tracking and hunting community, discussing both the positive aspects such as education, community building, and advocacy, as well as the negative consequences including misinformation, irresponsible posting, and the potential for damaging community standards. The speakers emphasize the importance of responsible engagement and...

This conversation delves into the Tracker App, a tool designed to connect hunters with trackers efficiently. The discussion covers the app's evolution, the importance of data collection and analytics, user experience, the role of drones, and the vetting process for trackers. The speakers emphasize the significance of user feedback in shaping the app's features and the future directions for...

Summary The conversation covers the excitement of the preseason for tracking, the organizational realignment of the ABTA to better serve its growing membership, the launch of a nationwide mentorship program, an overhaul of educational events, and the development of judges. The discussion also highlights the importance of member involvement, plans for 2026, a refresh of the ABTA website, and the co...

Summary The conversation revolves around the establishment and evolution of the Iowa Blood Trackers Association, focusing on the legal status of tracking in Iowa since 2020, the challenges posed by EHD on deer populations, and the importance of community and education in tracking. The speakers discuss the need for quality training for trackers, the significance of proper wait times after a shot, a...

Summary This conversation explores the intricacies of deer hunting and tracking, emphasizing the importance of community, conservation, and education. Dale, a prominent figure in the Michigan deer hunting community, shares his experiences and insights from the ABTA event, highlighting the significance of collaboration among hunters and trackers. The discussion delves into the science of scent trac...

Summary In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of tracking success, emphasizing that true success is not solely defined by the recovery of a deer. They discuss the importance of understanding the dynamics between the handler and the dog, the psychological aspects of training, and the common pitfalls that can lead to breaking a good dog. The conversation also clarifies the d...

Summary The ABTA Tuesday Night Live event provided a platform for trackers of varying experience levels to share insights and experiences from the recent Michigan event. The conversation highlighted the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the tracking world. Demonstrations on scent theory and grid search techniques were particularly impactful, emphasizing the need for t...

Summary In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of knowing when to take a tracking call and the dynamics of teamwork in tracking. They emphasize self-awareness, mentorship, and community collaboration as key factors in successful tracking. Real-life stories illustrate the lessons learned in the field, highlighting the significance of making informed decisions based on the situati...

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the psychology of wounded deer, exploring how their behavior changes after being injured. They discuss the importance of understanding the mindset of these animals, the survival instincts that kick in, and how various factors like pressure and terrain influence their movements. The conversation also highlights real-life tracking stories, emphasizing th...

Summary This conversation covers a live event recap focusing on dog tracking, featuring participants sharing their experiences from a recent PA event. The discussion includes insights on training techniques, the importance of anatomy knowledge for tracking, and the realism of testing scenarios. Participants reflect on challenges faced during the event and their future training plans, emphasizing t...

Summary In this episode of the American Blood Trackers Association podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of tracking dogs in hunting, share experiences from recent events, and delve into the technology behind GPS systems for tracking dogs. They emphasize the need for backup systems and share personal stories of lost dogs, highlighting the emotional toll and the community's response. The ep...

In this episode, hosts Kenny Mullins and Matt Burger sit down with Colorado-based tracker Lauren Smanik. Lauren is an experienced member of the Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery Association, where she plays a critical role in locating wounded or lost game animals using trained tracking dogs. Tune in as we dive into the challenges, techniques, and stories from the field that come with the pursuit of...

Summary This conversation delves into the often-overlooked topic of mental fatigue in dog handlers, particularly in the context of tracking. The speakers discuss the importance of mental preparedness, the impact of fatigue on decision-making, and the emotional toll that tracking can take on handlers. They share personal experiences and insights on how to manage mental fatigue, including training t...

Summary This conversation delves into the intricacies of dog training, focusing on the upcoming PA event, the importance of dog intelligence, mental stamina, and the handler's role in training. The speakers discuss various aspects of dog behavior, including recognizing mental fatigue and developing problem-solving skills. They emphasize the need for progressive training and varied environments...

In this conversation, the hosts discuss various tracking systems, focusing on Garmin and Dogtra. They explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each system, including GPS and GLONASS tracking, battery life, durability, range, and user experience. The discussion also touches on advanced features and training functionalities, providing insights for potential users in the hunting and outdoor c...

Joined by trackers, Perry Lowrance, Brian Alberda, and Darrell Maggert, , this live stream dives deep into the methods and mindset behind training your tracking dog to work effectively and safely off-lead where legal. We'll discuss foundational on-lead skills, the crucial steps for a smooth transition, safety considerations, and expert tips to maximize your success in the field. This conversat...

In this conversation, Matt Burger and Kenny Mullins discuss the importance of tracking data in hunting, featuring guest Terry Folts, who shares his experiences and insights on developing a tracking journal. The discussion covers various aspects of tracking, including data collection, shot placement, and the significance of historical data. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper training a...

Summary In this engaging ABTA live stream, the hosts discuss the importance of trusting your tracking dog, sharing insights from validation days and the upcoming Alabama event. They explore the balance between trusting a dog's instincts and the need for verification, emphasizing the role of patience and positive reinforcement in building a strong handler-dog relationship. The conversation also...

Summary This conversation with Kenny Mullins, Matt Burger, and Allen Perry dives deep into the world of tracking, particularly focusing on the experiences and insights of seasoned trackers. The speakers discuss their journeys into tracking, the importance of communication with hunters, the techniques and tools used in tracking, and the challenges faced during tracking missions. They also share mem...

Summary The conversation delves into the intricacies of testing and judging in the context of tracking dogs, emphasizing the importance of guiding principles, ethical practices, and the role of handlers. It discusses the structure of testing levels, the significance of realism in assessments, and the value of feedback for improvement. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on the tes...

This conversation delves into the intricacies of dog training, particularly focusing on tracking and scent work. The speakers (Matt Burger, Kenny Mullins, and Ethan Young) discuss foundational concepts, the importance of the handler's role, and various techniques for training dogs, including collar conditioning and socialization. They emphasize the significance of establishing a baseline for t...

In this conversation, Matt Burger and Kenny Mullins delve into the intricacies of tracking dogs, focusing on the science behind scent detection and the practical applications for training. They discuss the importance of understanding how dogs perceive scents, the role of bacteria in scent trails, and the physiological aspects of a dog's nose. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of pr...

Summary The conversation between Matt Burger, Kayla Tyer, and Kenny Mullins covers various aspects of tracking dog training, including a recap of a recent Florida event, the activities of the ABTA committees, and the introduction of member benefits. The speakers discuss the importance of proper training techniques, upcoming events, and the significance of community engagement in the tracking dog c...