#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.