#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 insights on breeding elite dogs, his favorite hunting styles, and the dynamics of participating in competitions like the Master National. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of being a dog trainer and hunter, while also emphasizing the importance of family and personal values. In this engaging conversation, Ken Witt and Adam Campbell explore various aspects of dog training, particularly focusing on hunting dogs and their lineages. They discuss the beauty of nature, the challenges of training Floyd pups, and the differences between British and American labs. The conversation also touches on the impact of college football on communities, with a special emphasis on the influence of Nick Saban's coaching philosophy. Throughout the dialogue, the hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, creating a rich tapestry of experiences related to dogs and sports.

#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 by his passion for hunting and the need for durable, reliable collars. He emphasizes the quality and craftsmanship of his products, which are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty, setting them apart from typical collars found in stores.

As the discussion progresses, Brett recounts his personal experiences with his dog Ivy, who lost her eye due to a rare airborne disease. He highlights the importance of awareness regarding this condition and shares how Ivy has adapted remarkably despite her challenges. The episode concludes with Brett discussing future plans for Winged Retriever, including new product lines and a commitment to giving back to the community. Listeners are encouraged to check out the Winged Retriever website and the inspiring YouTube video showcasing Ivy's journey.

#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 used, and the importance of customer feedback in the design process. Austin emphasizes the significance of caring for dogs as family members and discusses future aspirations for the company, including the development of upland vests. The episode highlights the commitment to quality and the community built around dog care and hunting.

#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 experiences growing up in a football-centric culture, particularly in Midland, Texas, where high school football is a community event. He reflects on the intense rivalries and the passion surrounding the sport, especially against teams like Permian High School.

As the discussion progresses, Ryan delves into his college football career at TCU, where he transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle due to injuries on the team. He recounts the challenges he faced, including a torn ACL that impacted his draft prospects. Despite these setbacks, Ryan was drafted in the fourth round by the St. Louis Rams, where he played alongside notable players like Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk. The episode also touches on Ryan's coaching experience and his current life, balancing family and retirement from professional sports, while maintaining a passion for football. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Tucker and Ken Witt delve into their experiences with family, military life, and the joys of hunting. Ryan shares insights about his son in the military, emphasizing the dedication and readiness that comes with military service. The discussion shifts to their own childhoods, where both men reflect on their upbringing and the contrasting paths their children have taken. They bond over their love for dogs, particularly discussing the Presa Canario breed and their personalities, highlighting how dogs often mirror their owners' temperaments. As the conversation progresses, they explore their shared passion for hunting, recounting memorable experiences and the challenges they face in the field, including encounters with wildlife and the intricacies of training hunting dogs.

The dialogue also touches on personal health journeys, with Ryan discussing his knee surgery and the impact it has had on his activity levels. Both men express a desire to return to hunting and outdoor activities, sharing tips and experiences that resonate with their love for nature. The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange about humility and the values instilled in them from their respective upbringings, showcasing the camaraderie and respect they have for each other as they navigate their lives post-military and post-retirement.

#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. It’s practical and personal: deposits that protect the group, realistic expectations about weather and birds, and smart coaching like “pick one bird and stay with it” when a tornado of cranes swirls your way.

The stories stick with you. A terminally ill hunter who dreamed of a crane hunt found joy, strength, and peace in West Texas, reminding everyone why this heritage matters. We get into dog work too—labs like Rio that light up in the field—and the tradeoffs of training, traveling, and keeping standards high without gatekeeping. You’ll hear how late-start hunters thrive with mentorship, why turkey season still steals their hearts, and how Sisterhood balances small, remote trips in Alaska with larger dove weekends where first-timers often leave with near-limits and new friends.

We also widen the lens: defending hunting rights, supporting wetlands conservation, and showing up at NWTF, Delta Waterfowl, and other industry touchpoints to grow a welcoming network. If you’ve wondered how to start hunting as a woman, how to find safe, beginner-friendly trips, or where to aim for a turkey slam, this conversation maps the path—clear, honest, and full of momentum.

Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of dogs, birds, and community. Share this with someone who needs an invite to the blind, and leave a rating to help others discover the show.

#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, mixed-bag mornings, and a young lab’s first boat retrieve capture the thrill of river hunting that never repeats the same way twice.

Then it’s into the deer woods where bluffs, hollows, and river country create natural funnels and stand diversity. We dig into ladder stands, hang-ons, ground and tower blinds, and the move to single-shot straight-wall rifles alongside tried-and-true slug guns. The result is ethical range with smart control, guided by locals who grew up reading this ground. We also talk lodge rhythm—clear itineraries, hot meals, and a staff that hunts—plus the new owner’s plans for a pro shop, taxidermy centerpiece, and shared space that keeps stories rolling after last light.

Dogs tie it all together. Trainers walk through practical steps from obedience and e-collar conditioning to boat ramps, blinds, and delivery to hand. Upland days bring pointing breeds into the spotlight, while conservation partners and Orvis endorsement keep standards high. With ATVs for the off-season and flexible combo hunts that pivot with weather, Heartland becomes a year-round home base for hunters who want more out of a trip than a tag. Subscribe, share this episode with your hunting crew, and leave a review to help more folks find the campfire.

#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 role of women in dog sports, as well as the challenges and joys of training and competing. Leah emphasizes the importance of pre-run routines and the mental aspects of handling dogs in competitions, while Jack shares his enthusiasm for the sport and his goals for the future.

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#42 Have you ever wondered why some dog sports offer substantial cash prizes while others only provide ribbons and titles? In this fascinating conversation with Trevor Wade, Coonhound Program Manager at United Kennel Club (UKC), we uncover the remarkable economics of coonhound competitions that have created a thriving circuit where handlers compete for serious money.

Trevor pulls back the curtain on UKC's Tournament of Champions, which offers a jaw-dropping $250,000 purse with $50,000 going to the winner. Unlike many dog sports that rely heavily on corporate sponsorship, this system is primarily funded through clever structuring of entry fees and a $5 per-dog contribution at local events. The brilliance lies in how they've created a qualification system requiring dogs to win five local competitions before advancing to championships, simultaneously supporting grassroots clubs while building excitement for major events.

We also explore the mechanics of coonhound trials, where dogs compete in "casts" of four, earning points for both striking trails and treeing raccoons. Trevor explains the scoring system, the strategies handlers employ, and how competitions unfold from local events to prestigious championships like Autumn Oaks and the World Championship. His insights into the community aspects—from youth programs that are successfully attracting young women into the sport to the geographic concentration primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern United States—paint a complete picture of this unique sporting tradition.

Whether you're involved in retrievers, pointing dogs, or any other canine sporting discipline, there are valuable lessons to be learned from how the coonhound world has created financially rewarding competitions that honor tradition while adapting to contemporary needs. Join us for an eye-opening discussion that might just change how you think about competitive dog sports!

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