Gundog Nation

#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...

#69 In this episode of the Gundog Nation podcast, host Ken Witt interviews Leah Spivey and her young friend Jack, discussing their experiences in dog training, hunting, and the importance of community in the sport. Leah shares her journey with her dog Kane, her achievements in the SRS, and her aspirations for the future. The conversation highlights the significance of youth involvement and the rol...

Send us a text #68 A German Wirehair at the HRC Grand? That’s where this story turns heads. Trainer Landon Poplin walks us through how Harker, a versatile dog bred to point, track, and retrieve, made history by earning a Grand title in a retriever-first arena. We dig into steady-at-the-line expectations, the brutal pass rates, and the mindset it takes to keep going after breaks, pops, and blown pl...

Send us a text #67 A small mountain town asks a big question—why not us? That spark turns into a blueprint for culture, community, and a band that’s suddenly everywhere. We sit down with Tim Parks, Manchester’s tourism director and manager of The Creekers, to unpack how a tight-knit team moved from free hometown shows to major festival lineups without trading in their roots. Think practical strate...

Send us a text #66 A great bird dog doesn’t happen by accident. We sit down with NSTRA president Scott Townsend and competitor Chad to unpack how a walking field trial can shape complete dogs—steady on birds, snappy on the retrieve, sharp in the wind, and polite around bracemates. If you’ve ever wondered what judges actually score, how backing decides tight finishes, or why a clean to-hand retriev...

Send us a text #65 What if your choke isn’t what’s holding you back—but how you understand it is? We sit down with Jimmy Muller of Muller Chokes, a master toolmaker and elite shooter who went from aerospace and defense machining to reinventing shotgun performance. Jimmy pulls back the curtain on why two “modified” chokes can pattern wildly differently, how taper, parallel, surface finish, and conc...

Send us a text #64 The map looks different when your dog disappears into the tundra and points white birds against white sky. Kenneth sits down with Brett Browning to trace a wild loop through Alaska, Idaho, South Dakota, Montana, and Arizona—breaking down the birds, the terrain, and the dog work that ties it all together. From 40-covey days on ptarmigan above Nome to blue grouse that vanish into...

Send us a text #63 A great hunt starts long before the first flight. We sit down with Matt McCormick and Brady Davis of Flying V to unpack how a forged bird knife, smart dog choices, and year-round ranch management turn big plans into clean birds and reliable shoots. From Bozeman to fast water on the Yellowstone, this one moves from craft to habitat to dogs with zero fluff and plenty of grit. Firs...

Send us a text #62 A well-trained dog that hunts with composure doesn’t happen by accident. Kenneth sits down with trainer and preserve manager Dan Ihrke to map out a clear path from puppyhood to polished gun dog, connecting genetics, early foundations, and fair pressure to performance that holds up in real blinds. Dan explains why the HRC Grand is his north star—it fuses technical concepts with r...