The Ugly Dog Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

If you're looking to learn more about grouse and woodcock hunting from a bunch of seasoned vets who also relish giving each other a hard time, this episode is for you. Mike sat down with he crew of friends and fellow die-hard ruffed grouse and woodcock hunters to take on listener questions. Questions range from cover type, how they structure feeding schedule, how to be a better shot, and tips for taking your first trips to the northwoods. There is a ton to be learned from this episode. Enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Bode Springer joins the show this week to grill Mike for an upcoming college homework assignment. He is a student at UMD and studying environmental sustainability. Bode recently got his first bird dog, a springer, an apt choice given his last name and shares about his bird hunting journey thus far in addition to his thought-provoking questions.

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Emily Julin joins the show this week to share her journey from fearing dogs as a child to having a whole pack of them now. She is now both a NAVHDA and NAHRA judge and dives a bit into the testing differences in this conversation. Additionally, Emily shares the importance of finding a good club with shared values and helpful members in reaching her bird dogs potential. This episode covers a lot of bases and you're sure to enjoy it! 

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Ben Brettingen from onX Maps joins the show this week to cover the current movement in the Senate to sell public lands (speaking of, have you called your Senator yet?), and share his journey from filming hunts in college to a career in marketing in the hunting industry. He also shares how he got started in bird dogs, fell head first into drahthaars and has since transitioned into pointers and setters in cover dog trials. There are tons of gems in this episode, including onX tips and learning to escout, versatile dogs vs. cover dogs, and pheasants vs. ruffed grouse. 

Enjoy! 

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Your public lands could be for sale soon if your Senator doesn't help torpedo a specific part of the budget reconciliation bill. Call them and let them know that CANNOT happen.

Call: 202-224-3121

Ask for your Senator's office. 

Adapt this script to your voice (remember, be polite): 

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m from [place]. I am one of your constituents. I hunt, fish, bike, hike and explore the many public land opportunities we have here in the United States. I’m calling to strongly oppose Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to sell off millions of acres of public land as part of the budget reconciliation bill.

These lands are where I train my dogs, hunt upland birds, and enjoy the outdoors with my family. Selling them off to developers or private interests is a permanent loss to hunters and anglers, wildlife, and future generations.

Please vote NO on any bill that includes forced public land sales. This matters deeply to me and thousands of other hunters and outdoorspeople across the country. Thank you.”

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

This episode is the audio of a presentation Mike did at the 2025 NAVHDA Annual Meeting in Montana. He covers his tips and tricks to plan and execute a long distance road trip including pre-planning, checklist making, and some helpful pro-tips to keep you out of trouble when it inevitably finds you. If you have any follow up questions, feel free to reach out to Mike directly at the email mentioned in the intro, or our social media channels. Enjoy! 

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Tanya Caram joins the show this week to share how she fell in love with Wirehaired Vizlas, her journey to having the first VC WHV, spending extended time in Hungary, and working to develop the breed here in North America. Tanya also shares some unique insights about her journey along the way, including challenging doubters and tirelessly pursuing her goals. Tanya is an excellent trainer and a wealth of information, particularly for WHV's. Enjoy!! 

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Matt Sather and Jason Rice join the show this week to share Matt's journey into NAVHDA and hunting with a versatile dog. Jason discusses connecting Matt with the Track2Wing Project and Matt reflects honestly on how much of the world has opened up to him and his dog now that he has a track chair. These two go back and forth with ribbing and heartfelt stories of experiences hunting and training together. Enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Ted Wentink joins the show this week to share his never-ending love for Spinoni Italiani. He shares candidly about his journey with dogs throughout the years, making an effort to show his dogs form and function, and his experiences attending hunt tests in Italy and England. He also dives into the importance of learning to train the dog in front of you and taking things slow sometimes instead of charging ahead. Ted is a host of knowledge and story, and this episode highlights both. 

Enjoy! 

This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunting Co. Shop now at UglyDogHunting.com.

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

For a little something different this week Mike sits down with his mother, Ellen, on Mother's Day to discuss their family history in pets. Ellen shares her decision and commitment to having a well-trained family dog and a variety of lessons she learned along the way. She also taps into the power of working with a trainer part time to develop confidence in not only the dog, but herself as a trainer and the dividends this effort provides years later. 

Music used under Creative Commons -Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.