In the yard and in the field, taking good care of your dog is critical to a successful hunt. After all, you probably go hunting to watch him work. So keeping him healthy is a high priority, and there's nobody better to help us than the "Gun Dog Doc," Joe Spoo, DVM. A hunter, elite athlete and veterinarian, Joe knows more than a bit about canine first aid and related topics.

We'll explore the nooks and crannies of our dogs: up their noses, into their armpits, deep into lacerations, and poking into their eyes (not literally). Joe will dispel some myths about surgical staplers and rattlesnake vaccine, help us get our dogs back in the hunt with in-field first aid, and fuel him correctly for a full season of peak performance. We'll cover essential tools and supplies for your dog-care kit, too.

"Handle It" answers a question from Ben Watters on dogs fighting over a retrieve; and listeners offer shotgunning tips.

And it's all brought to you by: Pointer Shotguns, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You're the first to hear it ... a pilot episode that may become a series. I've been doing a short-form feature on satellite radio for over two years and much of the material is probably of use to you and your family, so here it is. It's a work in progress, but here's your chance to make suggestions on what you like, length, topics, and format.

Your feedback welcome in the comments, or at [email protected].

I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks,

Scott

If you don't learn something that makes you a better shooter, well, the Olympic shooting team has an opening. Don Currie is a bird hunter and the chief instructor of the National Sporting Clays Association. His instructional DVD “Focus – Movement – Faith” is the #1 rated sporting clays DVD on Amazon.com. And he's here to help you hit more birds and clay targets.

"You kill birds with your eyes, not your gun," Don says. From practice techniques to gun fitting for DIY-ers, buying youth guns to foot position and gun mount, Don has tips for any level of shotgunner. But first, we travel to South Africa, where he's hunting big game and a number of waterfowl and upland birds.

"Road Trip" offers some practical tips on vehicles and safe stopping places for your dog, and listeners offer their best gun-care advice.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

A peek into the operations of a leading choke tube maker, and insights into the need for a new non-profit to help bird dogs - and their owners. This week in our periodic "Industry Insider" series, Scott Trulock of Trulock Chokes joins us to delve deep into their manufacturing process, materials, engineering, and he previews the company's newest project - a classic .22 cal. rifle. Scott also talks choke tube selection for various birds, matching choke size to non-toxic ammo, and offers shooting tips.

Then Jim Burris, founder of the Bird Dog Society explains why there's a need for his relatively new organization. Filling unfilled niches, and helping dogs and their owners lead richer, more fulfilling lives together is the overall goal. But there's much more to this growing group, including a clever, more-inclusive and fun field trial format plus help with a number of topics not addressed by other groups.

"Road Trip" answers a listener question on finding places to hunt where motorized traffic is minimized; and we find out how many of you hunted out of state last season.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

The "first couple" of bird dog training joins us from the floor of the 2024 Pheasant Fest: Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love cover all things puppy development, from mindset to introducing birds, getting pup ready for gunfire and introducing steadiness. They have some fascinating insights into how a dog thinks and how we should alter our own thinking as a result when training these "little domestic predators."

Then, for older dogs, we talk retrieving, more steadiness work, and why they don't teach "sit." We'll get the reasoning behind whoa posts and flank collars, from these incredible trainers, hunting guides, and all-around wonderful people.

The "Handle It" segment answers a question from Tim Wright on why his young dog was startled by birds - and what to do about it; and we total up the number of dog breeds we've hunted with over the years ... your count and mine!

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Peek inside the workings of Gun Dog magazine ... courtesy of its editor-in-chief, Kali Parmley, then we go afield where she takes us to incredible locations, hunting a wide variety of bird species. Kali offers hunting tips and strategy, insights into owning multiple dogs and older dogs, training too. Kali tells us how a TV show works, shares the rigors of hunting Texas with Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love, explains why she hunts, and shares the joys of our sport.

"Road Trip" goes to a small western Kansas town surrounded by walk-in hunting ground, and listeners describe some of the exotic places they've hunted.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Back to Pheasant Fest for an in-depth tutorial on everything from dog training to sharptail hunting from two guys who hunt hard and often: Trevor Walz and Tom Dombroski of LandTrust.com. For fun, to scout new properties, a little guiding, and to work a long string of dogs, these guys are on the ground all season and have a couple lifetimes of experience. We'll cover habitat, tactics, dog care and more.

"Handle It" touches on the importance of collecting dead birds ... and listeners chime in on how important a limit is to them and why.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

What is the meaning of death? Gotcha! You thought I'd ask the meaning of life. Okay, we'll address both, within a hunting context, thanks to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, one of three authors (with Linda K. Miller and Capt. Keith A. Cunningham) of the new book ON HUNTING ... A definitive study of the mind, body and ecology of the hunter in the modern world.

A former U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, Dave's combat experience, experience training military and tactical teams, and as a hunter combine in this book that will make you think about why we do what we do. He and his writing team's take on hunting is comprehensive and thought-provoking, addressing why we hunt, how our dogs fit into the equation, and why hunting is perhaps more important in this "civilized" world than ever before.

Ever think of yourself somewhere besides the top of the food chain? Dave explains why we aren't, and how it affects everything we do in the field, under pressure, and in life.

Anti-hunter in the family? Vegetarian at your dinner table? Dave has suggestions on how to carry on a conversation with them as you take pride in your chosen passion.

Listeners share their best hunt of the season and why it was spectacular, and the "Handle It" feature tips you to calming your dog for better training.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From the national conclave of the Club Epagneul Breton: foundation breed, growing in popularity here in the States, the Epagneul Breton (French Brittany) has earned a reputation as an energetic, vest-pocket-sized bird dog. We'll trace the history on both sides of the Atlantic with Fred Overby, the unofficial historian of the Club Epagneul Breton USA. From um, prosaic and practical beginnings to the present, we'll get the details on everything from genetics to performance.

Todd Farris' hunting club grounds were the setting for our interviews, and he joins me to talk about how great habitat is created, his introduction of valley quail in Oklahoma, and even some bird hunting advice!

A new "Field Test" feature reviews an affordable power station, and listeners share their memories of the best hunt of last season.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ESPAmerica,Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

It's training season ... all those new year's resolutions, promises to your buddy or your dog ... you've told me what you want to work on and we'll cover it with some tips and suggestions. Steadiness, recall, retrieving are the main points you've asked about, but we'll also address some other things YOU should do before Opening Day to make next season stellar.

"Road Trip" covers some birdy beer towns, and listeners share photos of their tricked-out hunting rigs - you're sure to find something you'll want to do to your own.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From "Quail Alley" in Texas, Orvis 2023 Guide of the Year Jon Hubble enlightens us on quail hunting and habitat, tactics, and dog handling. Jon's Premier Wingshooting is in country that still looks - and hunts - like the old days, with oaks, native grasses and plenty of water.

We'll also cover how to handle bad scenting conditions, why it's better not to shoot sometimes, and how he handles a cocker-pointer combination. Jon also gives us the definitive way to use inner-tube dog boots. We also peek in his vest for must-carry gear.

Listeners share the strange and cool things they found on a hunt (not counting hunting partners), and "Handle It" may help you avoid a vet visit.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ESPAmerica,Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.