Nordic Tales & American Trails

In this episode, Erik and Adam catch up as a new hunting season begins in Sweden. They discuss what they're looking forward to in the months ahead, upcoming hunts, podcast plans, and the projects they've been working on behind the scenes.The conversation also marks the launch of the Nordic Tales & American Trails Merch Store. After months of planning, designing, and testing, we finally share the story behind the collection, why we decided to create it, and how every purchase helps support the podcast and future episodes.Along the way, we talk about preparing for a new hunting season, gear, permits, and the excitement that always comes with turning the calendar to another year in the woods.Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or just found the podcast, this is a chance to catch up with us before another season of hunting adventures begins.Highlights include:🦌 Preparing for the new hunting season🎙️ Upcoming podcast plans and future guests🧢 The launch of the Nordic Tales & American Trails merch store🌲 Behind the scenes of creating our first collection🦮 Hunting plans and projects for the months ahead🤝 Supporting the podcast and helping us grow🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrails🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of our conversation with Mikael Kronstrand, we continue our discussion by diving deeper into the equipment, technology, and practical decisions that shape modern hunting.From rifles and optics to GPS systems, dog boxes, and hunting vehicles, Mikael shares what has changed over the years, what equipment has proven itself in the field, and where hunting technology is heading next. We also discuss how different terrain, weather, and hunting regulations influence the gear hunters choose in Sweden compared to North America.The conversation also explores the balance between tradition and innovation. Has technology made us better hunters, or simply changed the way we hunt? We discuss how GPS tracking, digital mapping, and modern equipment have improved safety and efficiency while still emphasizing that good dogs, experience, and sound decision-making remain the foundation of successful hunting.Highlights include:🔫 Rifles, calibers, optics, and modern hunting equipment🛰️ GPS tracking systems and the future of hunting technology🚙 Hunting trucks, dog boxes, and practical field setups🌨️ Adapting equipment to snow, weather, and challenging terrain🐗 Wild boar hunting in Sweden compared to North America🌍 Technology, regulations, and how they influence modern hunting🦌 Planning future hunts, breeding programs, and international hunting opportunitiesA conversation about hunting equipment, technology, and how modern tools continue to shape the future of hunting while keeping working dogs at the heart of the tradition.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episodeChris Sundström returns for a conversation focused on importing and exporting hunting dogs between Europe and North America.Drawing from years of experience on both sides of the Atlantic, Chris shares the realities of moving hunting dogs across borders, navigating regulations, and helping dogs adapt to new environments, game species, and hunting styles.We discuss common mistakes, paperwork challenges, close calls during transport, and what hunters should know before considering an international dog purchase.The conversation also explores Chris' experiences bringing Swedish-bred Plott Hounds to the United States, participating in American Plott events, and the growing connection between Scandinavian and North American dog hunters.Highlights include:✈️ Importing and exporting hunting dogs📋 Regulations, paperwork, and common pitfalls🐕 Adapting dogs to new hunting environments🇺🇸 Hunting experiences in the United States🦝 Swedish-bred Plotts at American events🧬 Breeding, bloodlines, and dog development🌍 Differences between European and American hunting cultureA practical conversation about hunting dogs, international travel, and the realities of building working dogs across borders.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik sits down with Andreas Gering to discuss his journey with hunting hounds, importing American Bluetick Coonhounds to Sweden, and the challenges of developing and hunting these dogs in a very different environment.Andreas shares his experiences hunting in both Sweden and the United States, comparing hunting traditions, dog culture, training methods, and the regulations that shape how hunters operate on each side of the Atlantic.The conversation covers breeding, puppy development, and the importance of early exposure when building confident hunting dogs. We also discuss the growing interest in American hounds in Sweden, the future of Blueticks, and how changing regulations continue to influence hunting with dogs.Highlights include:🐶 Importing American Blueticks to Sweden🌍 Differences between Swedish and American hunting traditions🧬 Breeding, genetics, and developing hunting dogs🐾 Early exposure and confidence building in young dogs🛰️ Eseek – a new GPS tracking system for hunting dogswww.eseek.se 🦌 Hunting regulations and their impact on dog work🇺🇸 Andreas' hunting experiences in the United StatesA wide-ranging conversation about hounds, hunting culture, and what happens when American dog traditions meet Scandinavian hunting.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re re-uploading both parts of our conversation with George Lambert from Mountain Music and Mules as one complete episode. 🐾🐴This conversation dives into hunting dogs, mule work, mountain hunting culture, and the lessons that come from a lifetime spent working animals in tough country.We discuss:🐶 Dog training, patience, and communication🐴 What mules can teach us about handling dogs🌍 American vs. European hunting dogs🐻 Bear hunting, tracking, and mountain terrain🧠 The mindset behind developing good working animalsGeorge brings decades of experience and a grounded perspective shaped by hounds, mules, and hard country. Whether you run Laikas, hounds, feists, or just appreciate working dogs and hunting culture, there’s something in this one for you.🎥 You can also find George on YouTube under Mountain Music and Mules.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Mikael Andersson for a focused and experience-based conversation on wounded game hunting, blood tracking, and wild boar pen work in Sweden.We dive into what happens after the shot — when responsibility truly begins. Mikael shares real-world insights into tracking wounded game, reading dog behavior under pressure, and preparing young dogs for controlled exposure in boar pens.The discussion moves between breed traits, scent imprinting, recall challenges, and the ethical use of training tools. We also touch on protective vests, gear development, and why equipment should always be tested in realistic scenarios before entering the field.At its core, this episode centers on responsibility, preparation, and the partnership between handler and dog when situations become serious.Highlights include: Blood tracking and wounded game recovery Wild boar pen training and evaluation Reading and managing dog behavior Ethical use of training tools Protective gear and field preparationA grounded conversation about dog work, ethics, and the realities of hunting beyond the first shot.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down to reflect on a Erik's recent journey to the USA— a trip that blended hunting, culture, food, and landscape into one shared experience.We explore what it’s like to see American nature through Scandinavian eyes — from the Smoky Mountains and the Natchez Trace Parkway to Louisiana swamps and backroads. The conversation moves between scenic drives, national parks, and small towns, highlighting how terrain, habitat, and scale shape both wildlife and hunting traditions.Erik shares his impressions of American small game hunting, including running beagles on rabbits, navigating different terrain, and observing how land use and habitat management differ from Sweden. We also touch on turkey hunting culture, predator balance, and how wildlife management systems reflect broader societal values.Beyond hunting, the episode reflects on lifestyle contrasts — housing, land ownership, driving culture, and how Americans and Swedes prioritize space, nature, and outdoor life.Food becomes part of the story as well, from crawfish boils and sweet tea to regional traditions that say as much about culture as they do about taste.But beyond comparisons, this episode centers on something deeper — perspective. How travel reshapes understanding. How different systems can pursue similar goals. And how hunters, regardless of country, are connected by shared experiences in the field.Highlights include:🌄 Scenic routes through the Smoky Mountains and Southern landscapes🐕 Beagle rabbit hunting and terrain differences🌿 Habitat and wildlife management comparisons🦃 Turkey hunting culture in the U.S.🐊 Louisiana wetlands, airboats, and wildlife encounters🍽️ Regional food traditions and cultural exchange🌍 Swedish vs. American approaches to land and lifestyle🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik sits down with Heath Hyatt — dog trainer, hunter, and law enforcement professional — for a wide-ranging conversation about the deeper foundations of dog training and hunting culture.We explore Heath’s journey into hunting and working dogs, and how his experience in law enforcement shaped his philosophy around patience, consistency, and long-term development. Rather than chasing quick results, Heath emphasizes building a strong foundation — mentally and practically — that allows dogs to succeed across disciplines.The conversation moves between hunting camps, K9 units, and everyday training sessions, highlighting how principles of communication, structure, and clarity remain the same regardless of the environment.Heath shares insights on breed selection, the role of genetics, and the traits that separate an average dog from a truly exceptional one. We also discuss pack dynamics, mixed breeding, tracking work, and the importance of understanding canine behavior rather than simply controlling it.Beyond technique, this episode reflects on something larger — expectations. From the impact of social media on training culture to the growing divide between short-term results and long-term success, we examine what it really takes to develop reliable, confident working dogs.The discussion also touches on hunting regulations, wildlife management, cultural differences between the U.S. and Sweden, and the responsibility that comes with working dogs in modern society.Highlights include:🐕 Foundation and patience in dog training 🎯 Long-term development vs. quick results 🐾 Breed traits, genetics, and selection 📡 Tracking dogs and scent imprinting ⚡ The e-collar — tool or crutch? 🌎 Cultural differences in hunting practices 🦌 Population management and conservation 🤝 The evolving relationship between hunters and dogsA grounded and experience-based conversation about dogs, discipline, hunting culture, and the mindset required for long-term success — whether in the woods or in uniform.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two with Chris Sundström, we shift focus toward how environment, culture, and hunting systems shape the way dogs are bred, trained, and used.We talk about what happens when dogs bred in one system are introduced into another, and the challenges that come with adapting to different terrain, game, and hunting conditions. From Scandinavian forests to North American landscapes, environment plays a major role in how a dog performs.The discussion also explores the balance between preserving breed identity and allowing for regional adaptation, and the risks of losing original working traits over time.We also touch on cultural differences in hunting traditions, and how future breeding decisions will shape the next generation of working dogs.Highlights include:🌍 Terrain and its influence on dog performance 🐕 Adapting dogs across continents 🧬 Breed preservation vs. regional adaptation ⚠️ Maintaining original traits 🌲 Cultural differences in huntingA thoughtful continuation focused on the long-term future of working dogs.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of our conversation, we continues speaking with Daniel Ligné from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management, shifting the discussion toward modern challenges in wildlife management and hunting culture.We begin by exploring hunting with dogs — including cultural differences in dog hunting traditions, pack versus solo hunting strategies, and the ethical considerations around dog welfare and hunting conditions.From there, the conversation turns toward predator management and the realities of living alongside species like the gray wolf, Eurasian lynx, and wolverine. Daniel explains how science, politics, and public perception all influence wildlife policy in Sweden.We also discuss human–wildlife conflict, wolves and hunting dogs, and how modern technology and monitoring systems are shaping wildlife research and management.Finally, the discussion looks ahead — examining how hunters contribute to ecosystem health, how public perception of hunting is evolving, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the next generation.Highlights include:🐕 Hunting with dogs and cultural differences in hunting styles🐺 Predator management in Sweden⚖️ Ethics, dog welfare, and hunting conditions📊 Wildlife monitoring and conservation science🌍 The future of hunting and wildlife managementA grounded conversation about predators, ethics, and the evolving role of hunters in wildlife conservation.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik sits down once again with James Edwards to discuss hunting culture, modern legislation, and the future of working dogs across Europe and the UK.We explore new EU animal welfare rules — including microchipping and kennel standards — and how changing laws are shaping rural life and long-standing hunting traditions. From the legacy of the UK Hunting Act to hunting experiences in UK and the United States, the conversation connects policy, culture, and real life in the field.But beyond policy, this episode centers on something deeper — the bond between hunters and their dogs, the ethics that guide responsible hunting, and the responsibility that comes with preserving tradition in a changing world. From entering young dogs and developing them the right way to long-term stewardship of land and wildlife, we reflect on how hunting adapts without losing its foundation.Highlights include:🐕 EU dog regulations & hunting culture🌍 International hunting experiences⚖️ Ethics and modern wildlife management🐾 Entering and developing young working dogs🤝 Advocacy and protecting rural traditionsA focused and honest conversation about dogs, culture, and responsibility in a changing landscape.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik and Darren sit down for an open conversation about dogs, training, and the thinking behind building functional hunting dogs over time.We talk about choosing puppies, attitude testing, breeding and generational traits, and the differences between male and female dogs. The discussion also touches on neutering and behavior, retrieving work, and how a handler’s mindset, confidence, and patience play a major role in training outcomes.This episode isn’t about presenting one “right” way. Everything discussed comes from our own experiences, and as we say in the episode, there are many different paths to the same goal. We share what has worked for us and invite others to reflect, compare, and learn from it.Highlights include: 🐕 Puppy selection and attitude testing 🧬 Breeding, genetics, and generational traits ⚖️ Male vs female dogs and behavior differences 🎯 Retrieving work and training challenges 🧠 Human mindset and confidence in dog training 🤝 Sharing knowledge within the hunting communityA grounded, experience-based conversation about dogs, learning through doing, and why open discussion matters in developing good hunting dogs.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Erik Rhodin and Darren Petty continue the conversation with Travis Bader, diving deeper into ethics, conservation, and the realities of modern wildlife management.We discuss public land access, predator–prey dynamics, hunting regulations, and the challenges hunters face in maintaining ethical standards in a rapidly changing world. The conversation also covers hunting with dogs, the bond between hunter and dog, and how technology is shaping the future of hunting.Travis shares thoughtful insight into why education, collaboration, and responsibility are key to keeping hunting traditions strong for future generations.Highlights include:⚖️ Ethics and responsibility in modern hunting🌲 Public land access and hunting regulations🐻 Predator management and human–wildlife interaction🐕 Hunting with dogs and training methods📚 Education and collaboration among hunters🔮 The future of hunting and conservationAn honest, experience-driven conversation about where hunting stands today — and where it’s heading.🎙️ Support the Podcast🛒 Official Merch Store: https://nordic-tales-american-trails.myshopify.com/❤️ Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NordicTalesAmericanTrailsFollowing the Trails. Telling the Tales. 🐾🎙️🌲 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.