One Track Mind – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the One Track Mind podcast, we speak with Mick Hager and discuss the fascinating world of canine leak detection, particularly in the oil and gas industry. Mich shares insights into the processes involved in leak detection, the challenges faced, and the importance of detecting pinhole leaks. The conversation also delves into the public perception of pipeline work, the selection and training of detection dogs, and the creative methods used to prepare dogs for real-world scenarios. Mich emphasizes the need for rigorous training and adaptability in detection work, highlighting the unique capabilities of dogs compared to technology in finding leaks.

In this engaging conversation, Mich shares her insights on dog training, the journey of her business Chewy Pawz, and the emotional connections formed through tracking work. The discussion highlights the importance of creativity in training, the challenges faced in the dog training and detection industry, and the unique experiences that come with working closely with dogs. Michaela also addresses the controversies surrounding the antler industry and shares memorable stories from her detection work, emphasizing the dedication and hard work required to succeed in this field.

Mich has graciously offered a 10% discount to One Track Mind listeners. The following link has the discount automatically applied: https://chewypawz.com

One Track Mind is Proudly Presented by ⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠

This is part three of a three part series on tick-born illnesses as it relates to trackers, dogs, and hunters. 

In this episode of the One Track Mind podcast, Dr. Shawn Naylor, founder of The Sound Clinic, discusses his journey into functional medicine, the challenges of diagnosing and treating tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease, and the importance of a holistic approach to health. He emphasizes the need for better testing methods, the variability of symptoms, and the significance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Listeners gain insights into the complexities of tick-borne illnesses and the importance of finding specialized care.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIG GAME RECOVERY⁠⁠

⁠⁠TIME HONORED MEDIA

We have some wild tracking stories to share with you this week! Our guest Ron Slifer with Slifer’s Bloodhound Service shares with us his personal journey into blood tracking. He recounts his passion for tracking dogs and the unbreakable emotional bond he formed with his dog Dio. He tells us about an unfortunate hunting accident followed by a casual car jacking on the mean streets of St. Louis. 

Ron talks about some of his most memorable tracks and offers some valuable insight for new trackers. We cover topics like drone usage in Illinois, the legal aspects of blood tracking, and how his favorite dog Dio got his little gray patch on his muzzle. 

Ron tells us an amazing rock and roll story featuring none other than Mr. Ted Nugent himself. He also opens up about the loss of an amazing dog and the effect that had on him and those close to him. 

We’re grateful for Ron coming on and sharing some of his amazing stories with us! It was a rollercoaster of equal parts laughter and quiet introspection. 

Silfer’s Bloodhound Service

https://www.facebook.com/sliferhounds

Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery

www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org

Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/344223976211356

Time Honored Media

www.timehonoredmedia.com

This week we’re excited to bring you our conversation with Andy Bensing. Andy is the Director of Testing for UBT. He shares his extensive experience in blood tracking and talks about the founding of UBT. He discusses the challenges of legalizing blood tracking across various states, including the 16 year journey to legalization in his home state of Pennsylvania. We do a deep drive into the esoteric world of tracking leads. The conversation delves into training philosophies for blood tracking dogs and the evolution of testing within UBT. He highlights some of the challenges faced in updating the UBT evaluations and provides us with details on the changes to the UBT testing process. The discussion also touches on the future of blood tracking, the growing community, and the cultural shifts within hunting practices.

Connect with Andy

AndyBensing@outlook.com

United Blood Trackers

www.unitedbloodtrackers.org

United Blood Trackers Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/unitedbloodtrackers/

Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery

www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org

Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/344223976211356

Time Honored Media

www.timehonoredmedia.com

We’re honored to bring you this conversation with Mr. Gary Huber of Deer Search. Gary shares his extensive experience with Deer Search, detailing its origins, the evolution of tracking dog training, and the importance of community relationships in hunting. Gary had a close relationship with John Jeannaney and offers some insight into what he was like as a tracker and more importantly who he was as a person. 

Gary shares with us how he was inducted into the New York State Outdoorsman Hall of Fame and what that means to him to share that honor with his tracking mentor John. 

He discusses the challenges of educating hunters, the trends in tracking and hunting, and shares unique stories from his tracking experiences, including tracking an ostrich and assisting with poaching cases. He emphasizes the mission of Deer Search to promote humane recovery of wounded game and the ongoing need for education in the hunting community. 

Gary emphasizes the need for trust in one's dog and the significance of family support in the tracking community. Gary also reflects on the legacy of Deer Search and the future of blood tracking, highlighting the rewarding nature of helping hunters recover their game.

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/gary.huber.334

DEER SEARCH

https://deersearch.org/

UNITED BLOOD TRACKERS

https://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIG GAME RECOVERY

https://www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org/

TIME HONORED MEDIA

https://www.timehonoredmedia.com/

PELICAN K9 BLOOD TRACKING FILM

TRACKIN9: A K9 Film

We’re very excited to bring you this conversation with Kenny Mullins with the American Blood Trackers Association. In this episode Kenny shares his extensive experience in tracking and dog training, discussing various techniques, the importance of dog breeds, and the role of the handler in tracking. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship and community in the tracking world, as well as common mistakes made by new trackers. Kenny also delves into the science behind a dog's nose, the impact of weather on tracking, and the use of technology such as GPS collars and e-collars. He provides valuable insights into training techniques for both high and low drive dogs, and the importance of consistency in training. We dive into the intricacies of dog training, particularly focusing on the proper use of e-collars, the importance of handler training, and the role of tracking dogs in hunting. We discuss the implications of recovery rates, the influence of social media on hunting practices, and the significance of building a supportive tracking community. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and collaboration among handlers to enhance their skills and improve the overall effectiveness of tracking dogs. Additionally, we discuss the evolving standards in testing and certification within the tracking community.

Kenny Mullins Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kmullins80

American Blood Trackers Association

https://americanbloodtrackers.org

American Blood Trackers Association Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/663509081885659

Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery

https://www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org/

Time Honored Media

https://www.timehonoredmedia.com/

Pelican Blood Tracking Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdkzEaMTPW0&themeRefresh=1

Takeaways

• Kenny has been tracking for over 25 years.

• He emphasizes the importance of training dogs on lead first.

• Understanding dog behavior is crucial for effective tracking.

• Mentorship programs are essential for new trackers.

• Common mistakes include over-talking to the dog during tracking.

• Training should focus on the dog's natural instincts and drive.

• Using hoof tracks can be more effective than blood in training.

• Dogs can detect temperature changes, aiding in tracking.

• Consistency in commands helps dogs understand expectations.

• Technology like GPS collars enhances tracking efficiency. Training should start early, ideally at eight weeks.

• E-collars should be used as training aids, not punishment.

• Recovery rates can be misleading and should be interpreted carefully.

• Tracking dogs are crucial for safety during hunts.

• Social media can influence hunting practices and perceptions.

• Building a community is essential for the growth of tracking.

• Handler training is just as important as dog training.

• Video analysis can help handlers learn from their dogs.

• Community support enhances the tracking experience.

• Certification is not the sole indicator of a good tracking dog.

We’re delighted to bring you this conversation with our good friend and mentor Scott Gillespie. He’s the founder and current president of Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery. We sat down with Scott at the Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City. He shares his journey from getting his first tracking dog to the founding of Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery. He gives hard earned advice on how hunters can maximize their chance of recovering an animal, both with a dog and without. He discusses the importance of training tracking dogs, the emotional rewards of helping hunters recover their animals, and the legal aspects of tracking in various states. Scott emphasizes the need for hunters to understand their equipment, the significance of marking blood trails, and the community aspect of tracking. The conversation also touches on the future of tracking and the growth of our community. Enjoy!

Scott’s Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/scott.gillespie.758

Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/344223976211356

Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery Website

https://www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org

Time Honored Media

https://www.timehonoredmedia.com

Pelican K9 Blood Tracking Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdkzEaMTPW0&t=15s

We're excited to bring you this amazing conversation with Al Sherman! He's often referred to as the " Godfather of blood tracking", though Al may disagree with that. He shares his extensive experience in tracking deer and bears with dogs. He discusses his journey from being an Air Force pilot to becoming a renowned tracker, emphasizing the importance of dedication, the bond between dogs and their handlers, and the evolving techniques in tracking. Al also addresses the impact of technology, particularly drones, on tracking practices and offers valuable advice for newcomers to the field. His insights highlight the challenges and rewards of blood tracking, making it clear that while it requires hard work, the passion for tracking is what drives success. In this engaging conversation, Al shares his insights on tracking with dogs, emphasizing the importance of the bond between handler and dog, the satisfaction of successful tracks, and the unique experiences that come with the journey. He recounts memorable stories, including a ghostly encounter during a tracking session, and discusses the evolution of the tracking community. Al also offers advice on choosing the right dog for tracking and encourages newcomers to embrace the journey and enjoy the process. Please enjoy this fascinating conversation and thank you for listening!

DAT SPOTTED DOG FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/DatSpottedDog

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIG GAME RECOVERY

www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org

UNITED BLOOD TRACKERS

www.unitedbloodtrackers.org

TIME HONORED MEDIA

www.timehonoredmedia.com

PELICAN K9 BLOOD TRACKING FILM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdkzEaMTPW0&t=10s

In this episode, co-hosts Lyndsey Knudtson and Matt Gagnon introduce their podcast focused on blood tracking and working dogs. They discuss the lack of resources available for those interested in blood tracking, share their personal journeys into the field, and highlight the emotional rewards of successful animal recoveries. The conversation also covers training techniques, the challenges of non-recoveries, and the importance of building trust with working dogs. They emphasize the need for community engagement and resources for aspiring trackers, while also announcing upcoming events where listeners can connect with them.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIG GAME RECOVERY

https://www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org/

UNITED BLOOD TRACKERS

https://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/

TIME HONORED MEDIA

https://www.timehonoredmedia.com/

PELICAN BLOOD TRACKING FILM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdkzEaMTPW0&t=465s

One Track Mind is Proudly Presented by ⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠

This is part two of a three part series on tick-born illnesses as it relates to trackers, dogs, and hunters. 

In this episode of the One Track Mind podcast, Dr. Julie Stegeman, a veterinary internal medicine specialist, shares her journey into veterinary medicine and her expertise in tick-borne illnesses affecting dogs. She discusses the importance of understanding these diseases, their diagnosis, treatment options, and preventative measures. Dr. Stegeman also emphasizes the significance of pet insurance and how pet owners can advocate for their pets' health. The conversation provides valuable insights for dog owners, especially those who spend time outdoors with their pets.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIG GAME RECOVERY⁠

⁠TIME HONORED MEDIA