#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.

Send us a text

#39 From sporting clays champion to bird dog maven, Anna V's journey exemplifies the transformative power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities in the outdoor world. Her story begins with a short-haired pointer in 2014 and quickly accelerates into a whirlwind adventure through competitive hunting tournaments, championship sporting clays, and eventually mastery of both pointing and flushing dogs.

What makes Anna's narrative particularly compelling is how she navigated these worlds as often the only woman in the field, balancing motherhood with competition while her young daughter tagged along with a box of John Deere tractors and her Ducks Unlimited seat. With disarming honesty, Anna recounts showing up to sporting clay courses in blaze orange vests while others sported custom Krieghoffs, and heading into Kansas CRP fields without understanding the necessity of GPS collars for her dogs.

The podcast reveals the incredible mentorship that shaped her journey, from shooting instructor Demas who recognized her competitive spirit to the legendary Smith family who welcomed her into the pointing dog world. Anna's achievements accumulated rapidly – becoming certified as a sporting clay instructor with a perfect score, traveling as the first Purdy Shotguns ambassador in the United States, representing CZ Shotguns, and eventually dominating the Bird Dog Challenge World Championship in 2021 by taking first through third places in flushing and first and third in pointing categories.

But beyond the trophies and accolades lies a more profound story of personal transformation. Anna shares how bird dogs helped her rediscover herself during a difficult life period, providing direction and purpose. When she eventually lost her entire social media platform – years of documented experiences and connections – she faced an identity crisis that ultimately led to a clearer mission: empowering women in wing shooting.

Today, Anna has built partnerships with prestigious institutions like Griffin and Howe, organizes women's hunting trips across the country and internationally, and continues sharing knowledge through her podcast. Perhaps most touching is how she's passing this legacy to her daughter, who became a state champion shooter at age 11 and exhibits the same passion for dogs and hunting.

Whether you're a seasoned bird dog handler or someone curious about entering the field, this conversation offers invaluable insights about the hunting community, the special bond between handlers and dogs, and how saying "yes" to new challenges can lead to extraordinary places. Connect with Anna's women's wing shooting community at AnnaVOutdoors.com or on Instagram at AnnaVOutdoors_.

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.

Support the show

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

Purina Pro Plan

Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Retriever Training Supply

Migra Ammunitions

Waterstone Labradors

PhoLicious Foods

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 plans—because that road wasn’t straight, and the lessons are the gold.

We get specific on handling and training. Landon unpacks how to fix “popping” without frying a careful dog’s confidence: close the distance, add presence, give a clear cast, then rerun with purpose. He explains why some dogs are methodical by nature, why that’s an asset, and how to protect it during pressure. We talk breeding strategy with a working lens—prioritizing the dam’s record, why a Grand title signals steadiness under pressure, and how vocalization can be a hard genetic stop for high-level work. For versatile breeds, Landon respects the German testing system yet insists on real-world proof: show the good, bad, and ugly in training and hunting, not just a highlight reel.

Field time ties it all together. Landon announces a western wild-bird program across North Dakota, Montana, Utah, and Colorado, built to give dogs and owners the reps you can’t fake on pen-raised birds. We compare covers and dog choices—labs and cockers hammer cattails and corn where birds run, while pointing dogs shine on prairie and edge. You’ll leave with a realistic timeline for Grand readiness, practical fixes for common handling issues, and a renewed belief that patience and clarity win more than pressure and hurry.

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend who trains, and leave a quick review so more dog folks can find us.

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.

Support the show

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

Purina Pro Plan

Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Retriever Training Supply

Migra Ammunitions

Waterstone Labradors

PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text

What happens when a Geek Squad technician with an obsessive personality meets a college-educated bird hunter? For Ethan and Kat of Standing Stone Kennels, this unlikely combination sparked a remarkable journey from amateur dog owners to renowned German Shorthair Pointer breeders and trainers.

Their story begins with pure passion. After acquiring their first GSP in 2009, Ethan's meticulous nature took over—watching videos, reading books, working with dogs at every opportunity, even staying unpaid hours at a training facility just to absorb more knowledge. What started as curiosity evolved into opportunity when they moved to Kansas, intending for Ethan to manage grocery stores while training dogs as a hobby. Within months, demand for their training skills transformed their side gig into a thriving full-time business.

What truly sets Standing Stone Kennels apart is their crystal-clear vision: producing "family-oriented versatile hunting companions." Unlike traditional approaches where hunting dogs might be viewed primarily as tools kept in outdoor kennels, Standing Stone prioritizes dogs that excel in both field performance and home life. This philosophy shapes everything from their breeding selections to training methods, creating GSPs that can seamlessly transition from pointing birds to relaxing with family.

The conversation dives deep into the technical aspects of versatile gun dog training, exploring the significant differences between American-bred GSPs and German imports (DKs), socialization practices that create mentally stable dogs, and the critical balance needed between consistency and variety in training. Their insights reveal how thoughtful breeding and proper training create dogs with ideal temperament—high drive in the field with an "off switch" at home.

Ready to apply Standing Stone's methods with your own dog? Visit their YouTube channel for free training videos, check out their comprehensive online courses, or browse their curated selection of training equipment at standingstonesupply.com. Better yet, consider attending one of their in-person seminars to experience their balanced training approach firsthand. Your bird dog—and your family—will thank you.

Support the show

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

Purina Pro Plan

Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Retriever Training Supply

Migra Ammunitions

Waterstone Labradors

PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text

In this episode of Gun Dog Nation, host Ken Witt and guest Shane Kendrick discuss the preparation needed for hunting season, including tips for training dogs, maintaining their health, and ensuring they are ready for the field. They cover essential first aid for dogs, the importance of nutrition, and the role of hunt tests in training. Shane shares insights on selecting the right dog and breeder, as well as the significance of socialization and training in different environments. The conversation emphasizes the continuous learning process in dog training and the importance of community support.

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.

Support the show

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

Purina Pro Plan

Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Retriever Training Supply

Migra Ammunitions

Waterstone Labradors

PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text

In this episode of Gundog Nation, Kenneth Witt and Landon Poplin discuss Landon's impressive journey in dog training, focusing on his experiences with wirehaired breeds, particularly his dog Harker. They explore the unique qualities of wirehaired breeds, the challenges of transitioning from hunting to competition, and the training techniques that have led to Landon's success, including achieving a Grand Pass with Harker. The conversation also touches on the differences between various dog breeds, including labs and cockers, and their respective training and hunting styles. In this segment, Landon Poplin and Kenneth Witt discuss various aspects of dog training, particularly focusing on hunting dogs. They explore the challenges of training dogs to be steady, the rising popularity of English Cockers in the South, and the criteria for selecting the right dog for training. The conversation also touches on the unique case of mixed breed hunting dogs, the experience of hunting cranes, and insights into professional dog training. Additionally, they discuss the offerings at George High Plantation and the importance of choosing the right gear for hunting. In this engaging conversation, Kenneth Witt and Landon Poplin discuss various topics related to outdoor activities, including the durability of footwear for rugged terrains, the beauty of photography in nature, and the intricacies of dog breeds, particularly the Drathar. They also touch on the unique St. Hubert's Field Trial, a competition for hunting dogs, and share insights on the differences between wirehaired and shorthaired pointers. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, education, and the joy of connecting with others who share a passion for the outdoors and hunting.

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.

Support the show

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

Purina Pro Plan

Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Retriever Training Supply

Migra Ammunitions

Waterstone Labradors

PhoLicious Foods

Send us a text

#56 A life built around dogs doesn’t happen by accident—it’s earned in pre‑dawn loadouts, long tracks through brush, and quiet choices at the tree. We sit down with guide Roe Reynolds, who turned a youth of coonhounds into seasons guiding black bears in Idaho and brown bears and moose in Alaska, all while building spec homes back in Arkansas. Roe explains how he rigs from the box, why spring baits and fall fruit orchards require different strategies, and what makes a balanced bear pack: cold nose to start, speed to push, heart to stay, and just enough standoff to come home in one piece.

We explore how hounds create fair chase clarity. When a bear trees, the team can confirm sex, check for cubs, and coach new hunters—often kids—into steady, ethical shots. Roe shares practical insights on lion and bobcat tracks, why some gritty lines don’t belong on a 400‑pound boar, and the real risks of wolves cutting into a race. Then we move north, where Alaska’s salmon-fueled brown bear hunts and slow-burn moose days test mental toughness in fly‑in camps powered by hot wire and determination.

Back home, deer dogs and named crossings keep community alive, and we get candid about public land pressure, boat-ramp chaos, and staying safe during turkey season. Roe also pulls back the curtain on his world-level Olympic trap background—reading angles and wind at 80 mph—and how that discipline informs the way he reads tracks, terrain, and time. Throughout, the theme stays rooted: preserve heritage, mentor youth, and use dogs to make hunting more ethical and more human.

If you care about hounds, fair chase, and keeping our hunting culture strong, hit play, share this with a friend who loves dogs, and leave a review so more folks can find the show. Subscribe for weekly tips on training, health, nutrition, and real-world tactics from Gundog Nation.

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.

Support the show

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

Purina Pro Plan

Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Retriever Training Supply

Migra Ammunitions

Waterstone Labradors

PhoLicious Foods