Nordic Tales & American Trails

In part two of Bjorn to Be Wild, Erik sits down again with Wayne Dixon to continue the real-time journey of developing a West Siberian Laika into a solo bear dog.This episode shifts the focus toward bonding and expectations — the foundation that everything else is built on. Wayne explains why primitive breeds require a strong relationship from day one, and how patience, repetition, and steady leadership shape a young dog’s mindset long before serious hunting begins.We talk about puppy development stages, realistic goals for different ages, and why rushing progress can create long-term setbacks. The conversation also touches on progressive exposure to game, pack mentality, breeding influence, and the balance between instinct and obedience.This isn’t about quick results. It’s about building something that lasts.Highlights include:🐾 Bonding as the foundation of training 🎯 Managing expectations by age and experience 🐻 Preparing for future solo bear work 🧬 Breeding influence vs. daily effort 🧠 Patience and long-term developmentA continued, honest look at what it truly takes to turn potential into performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the Making of a Bear DogIn this episode, Erik sits down with Wayne Dixon to launch a new standalone series within Nordic Tales & American Trails — Bjorn to Be Wild.This series will follow the real-time journey of developing a West Siberian Laika puppy into a solo bear dog. From breeding decisions and bloodlines to early socialization and first introductions to game, we explore what it truly takes to build a reliable working dog from the ground up.Wayne shares his philosophy on intentional breeding, selecting the right traits, and why effort, patience, and consistency matter more than hype or shortcuts. We discuss pack dynamics, confidence building, and the role of calm leadership in shaping a young dog’s mindset.The conversation moves beyond techniques and into something deeper — expectations. What does it really mean to commit to developing a big game dog? How do you balance instinct and obedience? And how do you stay steady when progress isn’t linear?This isn’t a finished-dog story. It’s the beginning of a process.Over the coming episodes, we’ll follow the successes, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way — documenting the path from fuzzy puppy to working bear dog.Highlights include:🐾 Intentional breeding and bloodline selection 🐕 Early socialization and confidence building 🎯 Effort vs. genetics in developing a top dog 🐻 Training toward solo bear work 🧠 Leadership, patience, and long-term mindset 🌲 The realities of developing a big game dogA grounded and ongoing conversation about breeding, training, and the long road of turning potential into performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik sits down with Björn Sundgren from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management to take a closer look at moose management and the foundations of Swedish wildlife conservation.We explore how Sweden built one of the world’s most recognized wildlife management systems — from rebuilding game populations after historical declines to today’s data-driven approach shaped by hunters, landowners, and science working together.Björn shares insights into moose population trends over time, how harvest strategies are adapted, and why the balance between quantity and quality is central to long-term sustainability. The conversation also highlights the role of hunters in data collection, public trust, and why the Swedish model relies heavily on responsibility at the local level.But beyond systems and numbers, this episode also centers on something deeper — hunting as culture. From the role of dogs in Swedish hunting traditions to the connection between hunters, land, and wildlife, we reflect on what makes this system work in practice.Highlights include:🫎 Moose management & population trends 📊 Hunter-led data and local responsibility 🌲 Rebuilding wildlife populations in Sweden 🐕 Hunting with dogs and cultural traditions ⚖️ Balancing harvest, quality, and sustainability 🤝 Public trust and the role of huntersA grounded and experience-based conversation about moose, management, and how hunting, science, and tradition come together in the Swedish system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik and Darren sits down with Chris Sundström to explore the origins, breeding, and working style of plot hounds in both the United States and Sweden.We begin with the background of the breed and how plot hounds have developed across different regions, shaped by terrain, game, and hunting traditions. Chris shares his experience working with both Scandinavian and North American dogs, and why lineage, pedigree, and proven ability still matter when building reliable hunting dogs.The conversation also dives into the differences between track hunting and free casting, and how regulations, land structure, and hunting pressure influence how dogs are used in Sweden today.We also touch on the growing role of plot hounds in Swedish bear hunting, and the challenges of importing dogs across continents while trying to maintain their original traits.Highlights include:🐾 The origins and development of plot hounds 🧬 The role of lineage and working ability 🐻 Plot hounds in Swedish bear hunting 🌲 Track hunting vs. free casting ⚖️ Regulations shaping dog work ✈️ Importing and adapting dogsA grounded conversation about breeding, dog work, and the systems that shape them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik sits down with Daniel Ligné from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management to explore the history and foundations of wildlife management in Sweden.We begin by looking back at how hunting rights and wildlife conservation evolved over the past two centuries, including the societal changes that followed the French Revolution, which reshaped land ownership and hunting rights across Europe.Daniel explains how Sweden rebuilt wildlife populations that were once nearly gone — including the Eurasian beaver, wild boar, and the now world-famous moose population. Today Sweden holds one of the densest moose populations in the world, largely thanks to a system built on hunter participation, research, and long-term stewardship.The conversation also explores the structure behind Swedish hunting — from wildlife monitoring and research to the organization of moose hunting teams, land ownership traditions, and how hunters collect data that supports wildlife management.We also discuss public acceptance of hunting, the cultural importance of moose hunting in Swedish society, and how hunters balance ethics, conservation, and responsibility in the modern landscape.Highlights include:🦌 The origins of Swedish wildlife management 📊 Hunters and wildlife data collection 🌲 The recovery of species like beaver and wild boar 🫎 The structure and culture of moose hunting in Sweden 🤝 Public trust and the hunter’s role in conservationA thoughtful conversation about history, stewardship, and the system that helped build one of the world’s most recognized wildlife management models. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with David Scallan, Secretary General of FACE — Europe’s largest hunting federation, representing over 7 million hunters across 37 countries.David explains how EU legislation, conservation policy, and public perception are actively reshaping the future of hunting in Europe, and why hunter engagement has never been more important.We talk about real, current issues affecting European hunters today: lead ammunition, wolf and large carnivore management, dog welfare, bird conservation, invasive species, and the ongoing battle against misinformation and anti-hunting narratives. David also shares how FACE works directly with EU policymakers, conservation partners, and national hunting organizations to protect hunting rights while promoting science-based, sustainable wildlife management.With examples from Ireland, Sweden, and across the EU, this conversation highlights how organized hunting communities play a crucial role in biodiversity, land stewardship, and long-term conservation success.Highlights include: 🏛️ How FACE works inside the EU political system 🌍 Hunting, conservation, and policy across Europe 🦌 Wildlife management, large carnivores, and biodiversity ⚖️ Social acceptance, communication, and misinformation 🤝 Why unity among hunters matters more than everA timely and important episode for anyone who hunts — or cares about the future of hunting — in Europe. Understanding the policy landscape is no longer optional; it’s part of protecting our traditions for generations to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Erik Rhodin sits down with Josh and Dallin from Snowy Mountain Bear Dogs for a deep dive into hunting culture, Karelian Bear Dogs, and what it really takes to build functional, hard-working hunting dogs in today’s world.This conversation moves from personal hunting journeys to the realities of breeding, training, and selecting dogs for real-world predator work. We explore the unique characteristics of the Karelian Bear Dog, the versatility of Spitz-type breeds, and how breeding philosophies differ between North America and Scandinavia.Josh and Dallin share insights on decoying coyotes, bear hunting in harsh mountain terrain, managing heat and injuries in the field, and the importance of self-preservation instincts in a true working dog. We also discuss wildlife management strategies, including hazing bears to reduce human–wildlife conflict, and how climate and environment shape both predator behavior and hunting opportunity.This episode blends culture, conservation, and practical dog work🐻 The role of Karelian Bear Dogs in bear hunting and wildlife management 🐕 Breeding standards and selecting for grit vs. self-preservation 🌲 Cultural differences between Scandinavian and North American hunting traditions 🧬 The future of Karelian breeding practices 🐺 Decoying coyotes and predator control strategies 🔥 Managing heat, injuries, and survival in rough country ⚖️ Hunting regulations and how they shape dog work 🌎 Climate impact on wildlife populations and hunting seasons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this epiosde Erik Rhodin and Darren Petty sit down with Travis Bader — Canadian outdoorsman and host of the Silvercore Podcast — for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges hunting cultures across the Atlantic.Travis shares his experiences hunting in Sweden, his time at the Norma Academy, and his perspective on how hunting traditions, regulations, and community differ between North America and Scandinavia.We talk about the role of hunters in wildlife management, the importance of community, and why understanding different hunting cultures matters more than ever.Highlights include: 🦌 Hunting in Sweden vs. North America 🎓 Experiences at the Norma Academy 🌍 Cultural differences in hunting traditions 🤝 Community and collaboration in hunting 🐕 The role of dogs in hunting 🌱 Hunters and conservation responsibilityA grounded and thoughtful conversation about hunting, culture, and the shared values that connect hunters worldwide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two, we continue our conversation with Filip Örnerkrans, diving deeper into the broader cultural, ethical, and economic realities surrounding hunting.We talk about trophy hunting from a Scandinavian perspective, how hunting helps fund conservation, and why public perception of hunters can differ so much between countries.We also discuss the importance of education, transparency, and why hunters need to stand confident in their traditions at a time when hunting is often misunderstood.Filip reflects on hunting as a lifelong learning process and why valuing wildlife is key to protecting it for future generations.Highlights include:🌍 Bow hunting’s cultural role in Sweden🦌 Trophy hunting — respect, memory, and meaning💰 Hunting’s role in funding conservation📚 Education and public understanding of wildlife management⚖️ Ethics across borders and hunting cultures🔥 Why hunters shouldn’t be ashamed of their passionA thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about responsibility, conservation, and the future of hunting — told from a Swedish perspective with global relevance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this New Year’s special episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik and Adam sit down with Jimmy Vegas to talk about getting into hunting later in life — and getting completely hooked.Jimmy shares how a casual interest turned into a full-blown passion, from his very first hog hunt to traveling, hunting with dogs, and experiencing the camaraderie that keeps pulling people deeper into the hunting world. We talk about learning the ropes as a newcomer, safety and regulations, and that moment when hunting stops being about curiosity and becomes part of who you are.This episode is about discovery, growth, and seeing hunting through fresh eyes — the excitement of the first hunt, the connection to nature, and the community that comes with it.Whether you’ve hunted your whole life or are just starting to feel the pull, this conversation captures why so many of us wish we’d started sooner.Highlights include: 🐗 First hog hunt experiences 🐕 Hunting with dogs for the first time 🌲 Finding connection with nature 🎯 Learning safety, rules, and responsibility 🤝 Community, mentorship, and shared passion 🧭 Looking ahead to future hunts and goalsA relaxed, story-driven New Year episode about how hunting finds you — no matter when you start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Austin Marcum of Wild Country Kennels for an honest conversation about coon hunting, hound work, and what it truly takes to build reliable hunting dogs.They talk about how hounds are started, tested under pressure, and selected forward in serious programs — and why not every dog makes the cut. The discussion also compares American coon hunting culture with hunting dogs in Scandinavia and Europe, showing that while the game and systems differ, the core values of dog work remain the same.Whether you run hounds, Laikas, or simply appreciate real working dogs, this episode focuses on the mindset, patience, and evaluation behind consistent dog work.Highlights include:🐾 Coon hunting and hound culture in the U.S. 🐕 Training, testing, and selecting hunting dogs 🌍 American vs. Scandinavian dog culture 🔥 Dog work over harvest 🧭 What separates good dogs from great onesA grounded conversation about dogs, tradition, and why the process matters more than the outcome.#NordicTalesAmericanTrails #CoonHunting #Hounds #WorkingDogs #HoundCulture #Dogmen #HuntingPodcast #ChaseOverKill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 66, Darren and Erik sit down to talk about what hunting really means — far beyond the success of the shot.They dive into why the harvest itself is only a small piece of the puzzle, and how the journey, the lessons, and the time spent in the wild shape us far more than the outcome ever could. From sustainability and ethics to the stories and community that bind hunters together, this episode digs into the heart of what keeps us coming back season after season.Highlights include:🌲 Why the hunt is about the journey — not just the result 🎯 Success vs. experience: what truly matters 🤝 Community, camaraderie, and the stories that connect us 🌿 Sustainable and ethical hunting practices 🧭 Lessons nature teaches us along the way 🔥 How hunting shapes us long after we leave the fieldA reflective, grounded conversation about the mindset behind responsible hunting — and why the freezer being full is only one part of the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part One, Erik sits down with James Edwards of JJlivestockUK to dig into the heritage of British working dogs and how the UK’s hunting culture has changed over time.We explore the history of the Smithfield cattle dog, the role of dogs both on farms and in the field, and how the Hunting Act of 2005 reshaped long-standing traditions. The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding UK hunting laws, the loss of natural predators, and the growing divide between rural life and urban opinion.Highlights include:🐕 Smithfield cattle dog history and purpose📜 How the Hunting Act changed UK hunting🦡 Badger management — conservation vs control🌾 Dogs in farming and daily rural work🐾 Evolution of working-dog breeds🔥 Why dog work matters more than the killA grounded introduction to British dog culture and wildlife management — setting the foundation for Part Two’s broader global perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.