Gundog Nation

Most people dream of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—but what if you could relive it repeatedly in a place that feels like home? Ken Witt takes us on a wild, raw journey from the heart of South Africa to the deep bonds of hunting and community. This isn’t just a trip—it's an immersion into an experience that will challenge your perspective, ignite your passion, and redefine what true adventure means.Ken shares the honest truth about stepping into a world of breathtaking landscapes, unmatched camaraderie, and sustainable hunting that supports entire communities. From the chaos of lost luggage to the awe-inspiring mountain hunts and fiery barbecues with family, he reveals why this place is so much more than just a hunting destination. It’s a connection—both to the land and to the people who make it unforgettable.You’ll discover how trust, authenticity, and genuine relationships are the secret ingredients that turn a simple hunt into a lifelong memory. Ben and Jack Randall open up about their mission—creating safe, trusted havens for hunters seeking adventure, community, and purpose. They break down the real impact of responsible hunting and how this industry sustains far more than just athletes and animals—it feeds families and fuels a culture of conservation.This episode is a rallying cry for anyone tired of sterile, transactional encounters and craving authenticity. If you're seeking an adventure that’s rich with tradition, friendship, and purpose—listen now. Because this isn’t just about the hunt. It’s about experiencing life with passion and intention, for a lifetime of memories waiting to be made.

#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.

#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.

#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.

Send us a text#35 What does a 300-year-old family business have to teach us about passion, quality, and preserving our gundog heritage? Ben Skinner, the seventh-generation leader of Skinner's Dog Food, takes us on a fascinating journey from his family's 1688 windmill to their current position as a beloved dog food manufacturer in the UK.The remarkable story unfolds as Ben shares how his grandfather Stanley operated a traditional grain milling business that was facing bankruptcy when his father Roger, at just 15 years old, was pulled from school to join the struggling company. The pivotal moment came when a customer requested a ton of dog food, leading Roger to create a formula that dogs loved and offered better profit margins than their traditional products. From this humble beginning – literally driving around with bags of dog food in his car – Roger built a reputation for quality that still defines Skinner's today. Their unwavering commitment to formulation over price and direct relationships with customers has earned them devoted followers throughout the gundog community.Beyond manufacturing dog food, Skinner's has become a cornerstone of the gundog world through their support of competitions like the International Gundog League Field Trial and their own Skinner's World Cup. This prestigious international working test attracts teams from across Europe, most recently held on the Windsor Crown Estate with permission from King Charles III. Ben shares delightful stories of royal connections, including his father accidentally placing his beer in Queen Elizabeth II's spot at lunch, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the UK gundog community.What truly distinguishes this conversation is Ben's humility and genuine passion for both the family business and the working dog community. Despite regular buyout offers, Skinner's remains fiercely independent because, as Ben explains, "to us it's more than a business, it's a way of life." His vision for preserving gundog heritage while introducing younger generations to the sport resonates powerfully with our mission at Gundog Nation.Ready to learn more about the fascinating intersection of history, quality nutrition, and gundog tradition? Subscribe to our podcast and join our community of people united to preserve our heritage of gundog ownership. Visit www.gundognation.net to join our email list for newsletters from trainers, vets, and breeders that will help you become a better gundog owner.Support the showGundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by: Purina Pro Plan Cornerstone Gundog Academy Retriever Training Supply Migra Ammunitions Waterstone Labradors PhoLicious Foods