Gundog Nation

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...

#86 Join Corey Lucas, master decoy carver, as he transforms simple wood into timeless masterpieces that capture memory, legacy, and art. Discover how a childhood gift sparked his lifelong passion, leading to decoys revered as American art and family heirlooms. Corey shares secret techniques, the surprising world of antique decoy collecting, and the emotional stories embedded in each piece. This ep...

#85 Ever wondered how American retriever standards compare to Irish and UK styles? This episode shatters the borders—exploring differences in training, dog tone, and hunting culture across the pond. Get ready for a magnetic conversation that dives deep into the subtleties of dog sports, with insights from trainers, hunters, and international bloodlines. Discover what sets American retrievers apart...

#84 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt speaks with Dan Kremers, a passionate advocate for the Pudelpointer breed. They discuss the breed's rising popularity, unique personality traits, and the importance of responsible breeding practices. Dan shares insights into the Pudelpointer's versatility in hunting, comparing it to other breeds, and highlights the significance of tra...

#83 Join six inspiring women as they break barriers in bird dog sports, transforming their confidence and building a strong community. From thrilling competitions to mentorship in a male-dominated world, these women reveal how hunting empowers them and fosters resilience, leadership, and camaraderie. This episode is an invitation to explore adventure, challenge stereotypes, and find your passion....

#82 Join Carlie as she shares her journey from a first-generation hunter to a passionate educator and social media influencer. In this episode, Carlie discusses her experiences in duck hunting, dog training, and teaching safety on lakes and land. Her story is filled with insights into the world of hunting and the unique bond between handlers and their dogs. Discover how a summer camp in South Caro...

#81 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt talks with Jason Williams, who shares his unique background as a duck hunter in New York and the challenges he faces. They delve into hunting techniques, adaptability, and the inspiration behind Jason's book, 'Committed to the Call,' a devotional for waterfowl hunters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and...

#80 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, Ken Witt speaks with John and Nina Halsted about their extensive experience in dog training, particularly with Labrador retrievers. They discuss the Halstead family's legacy in the field, their connections to royalty, and the evolution of dog training and hunting in the UK. The conversation also touches on the challenges of competition, the importa...

#79 In this episode of Gundog Nation, Ken Witt and Sami Strutz discuss their shared passion for hunting and dog training. Sami shares her journey from growing up in a hunting family to becoming a dog trainer and advocate for women in the hunting community. They explore various dog breeds, the importance of quality breeding, and the different dog sports Sami has introduced to her community. The con...

#78 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, Joseph Carter, known as the 'Mink Man', shares his unique approach to training mink for pest control and hunting. He discusses the challenges of working with wild animals, the integration of dogs in his pest control efforts, and the fascinating stories from his most infested jobs. Joseph's extensive background in animal training, including horses a...

#77 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Addyson Walker, a young and passionate dog trainer from Georgia. Addyson shares her experiences working at Mossy Pond, her journey in dog training, and her aspirations in the hunting world. The conversation highlights the supportive nature of the dog training community, the increasing presence of women in hunting, and the i...

#76 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, Ken Witt shares his extensive hunting experiences, including a memorable sea duck hunt in Alaska, and discusses the challenges and triumphs of hunting in various locations across the U.S. He is joined by his son, Gage Witt, who provides insights into their family connection and shared passion for hunting. The discussion also touches on future podca...

#075 In this episode of the Gundog Nation Podcast, Ken Witt and Adam Campbell delve into the world of dog training, hunting, and the challenges of balancing family life with professional commitments. They discuss the importance of hard work and passion in training dogs, the evolving traits of Labrador retrievers, and the significance of respect and love in the trainer-dog relationship. Adam shares...

#074 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt introduces Bret Abner, the founder of Winged Retriever, a company specializing in high-quality custom retrieving collars for dogs. The conversation begins with Ken discussing his location in Texas and thanking his sponsors, which include various dog-related businesses. Brett shares his journey into the dog collar industry, inspired b...

#73 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Austin Koile, the founder of ReKoile Outdoors, a company specializing in innovative dog vests. Austin shares the inspiration behind creating the vest, which stemmed from his need for a better-fitting product for his Boykin Spaniel. The conversation delves into the features of the vest, including its adjustability, materials...

#072 In this episode of the Gun Dog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt welcomes former NFL player Ryan Tucker, a Super Bowl champion, to discuss his journey from high school football in Texas to the professional league. The conversation begins with a light-hearted introduction, where Ken expresses his admiration for Ryan's athleticism and recounts their first meeting at a CrossFit gym. Ryan shares his...

#071 Want proof that access changes everything? Laurel and Jaycey, the duo behind Sisterhood of the Hunt, join Ken to share how a women-led community is rewriting the on-ramp into the outdoors. We talk about clear safety standards, trusted outfitters, and the confidence that comes from traveling with a vetted group—whether you’re chasing your first doves or flying to a remote island for sea ducks....

#070 We head to Heartland Lodge in Pike County, Illinois, where waterfowl and whitetails share a map, guides wear many hats, and the camp runs on safety, skill, and serious hospitality. From coffee at 4 a.m. to breakfast in a floating blind, we break down how the Mississippi dictates tactics—changing water levels, ice, and barge traffic—and why a smart setup matters. Duck call maker insights, mixe...