Bird Dog of the Day
Hosted by Mike Yashko. A show celebrating bird dogs and the community of people who love them.
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#16 | Senior Sporting Dogs, Nutrition & the Journey to Versatile Dogs with Dr. RuthAnn Lobos
02/13/2025
#16 | Senior Sporting Dogs, Nutrition & the Journey to Versatile Dogs with Dr. RuthAnn Lobos
Dr. Ruth Ann Lobos has spent two decades in veterinary medicine, working with Purina and the sporting dog community to promote peak canine health. A lifelong athlete and an “adult-onset hunter,” she discovered the sporting dog world during COVID, eventually leading her Labrador, Finn, into the field. Now, she’s navigating the transition from a high-energy retriever to a senior gun dog while raising a new Wirehaired Pointing Griffon pup, Journey. In this episode, we cover: Recovery tips for senior hunting dogs and why keeping them lean is key to longevity The signs of hidden pain in dogs—and what licking, shifting positions, and reluctance to jump can tell you The science behind high-protein, high-fat diets and how sled dog racers optimize endurance How Finn, her yellow lab found his passion in the pheasant fields Why she chose a griffon for her next bird dog and how the shift from a flushing to pointing breed changed her approach The importance of finding a trusted vet, vaccine controversies, and whether the rattlesnake vaccine is worth it Follow Dr. Ruth Ann Lobos on Instagram: @petvetruthann Check out our Griffon and Lab gift collections on www.birddogoftheday.com.
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#15 | "That one dog" with Kali Parmley
01/23/2025
#15 | "That one dog" with Kali Parmley
On today's episode we sit down with our friend, Utah-based Kali Parmley. Kali is the Editor-in-Chief of Gun Dog Magazine, Backcountry Hunter Magazine and the host of “Wild Upland” on the Outdoor Channel TV network. An avid upland hunter focused on DIY public land hunts, she currently runs two English setters, in Jones and Trek. Kali is as approachable as she is knowledgeable about upland hunting - and a true gem in the outdoor editorial space. Sit back and get ready for a good one as we discuss: The one who started it all - her beloved lab, family-dog-turned-hunter and “lifetime dog”, Lincoln The relationship between an old lab, a setter in their prime, and a setter pup Her journey into becoming a hunter (as an adult) and Editor-in-Chief at Gun Dog Magazine From saying “no” to saying “yes” to being the face of a TV show State-by-state recap of a life on the road, chasing birds with her dogs The gamebird species she loves most - and wants revenge on When a western hunter runs a bell on their setter for the first time on Northwoods grouse The special connection that upland hunters have with their gun dog The Gun Dog Mag X Bird Dog of the Day product collaboration What’s on the agenda in 2025 for Gun Dog Mag Connect with Kali on Instagram at and watch her TV, Wild Upland, . Be sure to check the Gun Dog Mag X Bird Dog of the Day collab collection on and subscribe to Gun Dog Magazine on !
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#14 | NAVHDA Complete Overview, with GSP breeder/trainer Angie Coenen
11/14/2024
#14 | NAVHDA Complete Overview, with GSP breeder/trainer Angie Coenen
On today's episode we sit down with Angie Coenen, the owner of Hurricane Kennels, and a senior judge with NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association). As a GSP breeder, trainer and judge, she gives us great perspective and detailed breakdowns of the following: The NAVHDA Natural Ability test & how it works The NAVHDA Utility Test & how it works The NAVHDA Invitational & how it works WHy she switched from Brittanys to GSPs How her first GSP changed her life and helped her start her own German Shorthair kennel As a judge, who stood out the most to her in the NAVHDA Invitiational A compelling case on why and how to get involved in your local NAVHDA chapter Connect with Angie here: Facebook: Website: Instagram: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware (which includes ) and more at:
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#13 | The Accidental Bird Dog with Terry Ann Fernanado
10/25/2024
#13 | The Accidental Bird Dog with Terry Ann Fernanado
On today's episode we chat with Terry Ann Fernando, author of The Accidental Bird Dog. Terry Ann’s 11 year old Hungarian Vizsla, Zara, has been famously called the Accidental Bird Dog. Terry Ann’s initial plans for Zara, were simple: a loyal running partner and companion with no intention of hunting. But when Zara unexpectedly earns perfect scores at her first hunting test, Terry Ann discovers a hidden talent that changes everything. Soon after, Terry Ann decided she wanted to train her to a more advanced level and that began a long journey that has taken her places she never imagined. Zara also went on to become the oldest Vizsla to win a champion designation at NAVHDA at over 9 years old. In this episode, Terry Ann shares her story of being an adult-onset hunter, recruited by her own naturally gifted bird dog. She shares so many great informational resources she’s created for people new to the hunt test/field trial world, that help figure out the best way forward with their dog so they can be successful and enjoy seeing their dog do what it was bred for. Connect with Terry Ann here: Instagram: Website: Book: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware (which includes and more at:
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#12 | Calling Ducks & Hunting Utah's Uplands with 4 English Setters, with Brett Wonnacott
10/10/2024
#12 | Calling Ducks & Hunting Utah's Uplands with 4 English Setters, with Brett Wonnacott
On today's episode we chat with Brett Wonnacott. Brett is an avid bird hunter from northern Utah, or more specifically - a hardcore waterfowler turned upland hunting extraordinaire. He has competed in the world duck calling contest in Stuttgart, won awards in field trials and NASTRA - along with his 4 English Setters. He’s a passionate storyteller, an author of a bird hunting book and a friend to many in the bird hunting community. Sit back and listen as we cover his story out west, including: Why his passion transformed from hunting ducks to hunting upland His journey to competing on the World's Duck Calling Contest When his setter Tick chased a cougar What upland hunting in northern Utah looks like The challenge of hunting ptarmigan on film at 12,000 feet His thoughts on the Idaho GSP (owned by his friend) that was shot by a coyote hunter Brett's fictional bird dog book, "A Millionaire's Dream" Connect with Brett here: Instagram: @brettwonnacott Website: Book: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware (which includes Brett’s favorites, , and more at:
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#11 | Northwoods Grouse Camp & Gordon Setters with Jake Perry
10/03/2024
#11 | Northwoods Grouse Camp & Gordon Setters with Jake Perry
On today's episode we sit down with Jake Perry, the owner of Superior Upland. Jake runs a working man’s Grouse Camp in the famed Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he guides ruffed grouse and woodcock hunts and trains bird dogs. He specializes in grouse contacts in the Northwoods. He runs Gordon Setters, a GSP, a Bracco, plus has a few older labs back at home. We met Jake at Pheasant Fest in Sioux Falls this year, along with his young Gordon setter, Gordy - and he’s one of the kindest guys we've met. Sit back for a talk that will have you chomping at the bit to hunt with Jake at his storybook Grouse Camp in Michigan’s “UP”. In this episode, we cover: The difference between Gordon Setters, Braccos and a GSP in the grouse woods. What a day at his historic Grouse Camp looks like Taking in a rescue dog (a gordon) from a bad situation and turning it into a fine grouse dog Gordy the Gordon - the ideal grouse dog The elusive “UP Slam” (Upper Peninsula upland combo) Ruffed grouse and woodcock season outlook for Michigan’s UP The reason grouse hunters talk about grouse contacts over birds harvested The better investment: a $5k bird dog or a $5k shotgun Wolves - precautions for Northwoods bird hunters Connect with Jake at the links below or email him directly at . Facebook: Instagram: and Website: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware (which includes Jake’s favorites, , , ) and more at:
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#10 | Hunting Griffs & Partnering with your Bird Dog, with George DeCosta Jr.
09/26/2024
#10 | Hunting Griffs & Partnering with your Bird Dog, with George DeCosta Jr.
On today's episode we sit down with the inspirational and experienced bird dog trainer, Griffon breeder and author, George DeCosta Jr. George is a fantastic storyteller, a class act and the author of a few 5-star rated books, including “Tips and Tales: On Training your Bird Dog”. He focuses on enhancing the bond and partnership between man and dog and using whatever technique helps the dog understand. His joy and passion for helping dogs and people is immediately apparent when you hear him speak. His brand new book, Tales with Tails: From the Heart of a Man who Loves Life and Bird Dogs is a must read. It will bring tears to your eyes. Get ready for a thorough and informative listen as we sit across the kitchen table at Mike’s place and discuss: His entry into dogs started with pig-hunting ranch dogs in Hawaii Why George will always have a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Cota, his dog of a lifetime (a Griff) How to create an incredible bond and work together with you dog Using whatever technique helps your dog understand Training tips: wing on a string, intro to gunfire Common mistakes in training (hint: it's not the dog) Top-ranked traits to consider when selecting a puppy Connect with George here and learn more in his books: Facebook: Website: Books on Amazon: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware (which includes , George's favorite) and more at:
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#9 | Respecting Gamebirds via Immaculate Photography with Steve Oehlenschlager
09/24/2024
#9 | Respecting Gamebirds via Immaculate Photography with Steve Oehlenschlager
On today's episode we sit down with Minnesota-based outdoor photographer Steve Oehlenschlager. Steve's photography specialty is his passion: bird dogs, upland gamebirds and when it's not too wet or cold, waterfowl. His immaculate work has graced the covers of many magazines (Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Covey Rise, Shooting Sportsman, Wildfowl, etc). He currently owns a pair of pointing labs that hunt birds from Minnesota to North Dakota with him all fall. He also raises prairie chickens, ruffed grouse and other gamebirds for fun, which gives him a unique edge in understanding these birds. Buckle up as we discuss: Steve's photography KPIs: Average Shots Taken on a Hunt, Batting Average - (useable shots / total shots taken), how many days/year he spends deleting photos, and more! The keys to getting immaculate photographs of your gamebirds and bird dogs in the field The importance of showing respect for your gamebird post-harvest The best pointing dog he hunted with (hint: 1980s, 1500 wild birds to hand, a 30 min point) Setting and achieving upland photography goals Differences in photographing upland vs waterfowl Thoughts on carrying a gun vs camera in the field Connect with Steve on Instagram at and check out his photography at: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware (which includes (Steve's favorite), , , and more) at:
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#8 | Flying Free with Tyler Sladen
09/18/2024
#8 | Flying Free with Tyler Sladen
On today's episode we sit down with New Mexico-based falconer Tyler Sladen. Tyler is a US Army veteran, wildlife photographer, with “somewhere between 10 and 20” bird dogs (setters, pointers, vizsla, terriers and a saluki). He hunts the American west with his hawks, falcons and bird dogs with a “wild and free” style that will have you ready to road trip. An avid traveler and specialist in desert quail, Tyler’s passions are as interesting as they are unique. Get ready to learn about his wild and bold adventures as we discuss: The different hunting styles between falcons and hawks the unique relationship between his bird dogs and hawks the pros of using jagdterriers as flushers the really cool thing about having a wild hawk vs having one from a breeder the reasons falconers obsess over the weight of their bird top causes for falcon mortality how gamebirds act differently around a hawk how terrain and habitat affect falconry Connect with Tyler on Instagram at and check out his photography at: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware (which includes , gifts (Tyler’s favorite gamebird), , and more) at:
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#7 | As Good as it Gets with Levi Day
09/12/2024
#7 | As Good as it Gets with Levi Day
On today's episode we are thrilled to have someone who has spent so much time in the mountains, it's almost poetry - the way he shares his experiences. Please welcome Idaho-based Levi Day. Levi is the Conservation Leadership Programs Manager at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, where he's focused on lighting the fire in youth to gain an appreciation for conservation and the role hunters play. He has the perfect background for the task: 2 decades as a school teacher and administrative leader in the education space, who frequently scales western mountains with his bird dogs - hence his Instagram handle @backcountrylevi. Levi is as humble as he is knowledgeable about upland hunting - and a true leader in the conservation space. Sit back and be ready to get inspired as we discuss: Appreciating the different styles of hunting with his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (Margaux) and GSP (Josie) Running a bell in apex predator country Building a deep connection with your bird dog Favoring bird contacts over birds shot Traps: learning preparation tips through experience A minimalist approach to truck gear and maximizing time afield The joys of hunting with your spouse: "as good as it gets" Connect with Levi on email at or on Instagram at . The link for Pheasants Forever's Journey to Conservation Careers is: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-theme apparel and drinkware (including GSP and Griffon themed merch) at:
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#6 | Honest Storytelling in the Uplands with Dan Towsley & Josh Tatman
09/04/2024
#6 | Honest Storytelling in the Uplands with Dan Towsley & Josh Tatman
On today's episode we are delighted to welcome two very special guests in Dan Towsley and Josh Tatman. The dynamic duo from northern Wyoming are not only good friends and bird hunting partners - they're both accomplished photographers and authors with a knack for storytelling in the uplands. Their work has been featured in many prominent publications in the upland and fly fishing spaces. Dan is a ranch manager, fly fishing guide, and freelance photographer. His German Wirehared Pointer, Lefty, was raised at elevation and lives the enviable life of a bird dog, trout dog, and ranch dog. Josh is prolific writer, photographer, and self-professed Grouse Junkie with a penchant for pursuing the road less travelled and bringing audiences right along. Come fall, you can probably find him and his young Ryman setter, Ember, chasing blue grouse in some remote, picturesque mountains. Both Josh and Dan are flatlanders by birth who eventually migrated to the mountains. They are almost spiritually in tune with the land, the birds they pursue, and their bird dogs. Sit back and enjoy our conversation as we tackle the following topics: Selecting a compatible hunting partner and why "who you hunt with matters." The joys of hunting "the hard way" Ethical considerations when you find the birds The Chukar Code Upland story telling through with photos that bring the narrative alive Measuring success via adventures instead of limits Their thought process before posting hunting photos online The Grit Magazine - their new "unfiltered upland" venture. You'll enjoy Dan and Josh's unique perspective on the uplands and upland hunting. Connect with them on Instagram at , , and on their new website: Be sure to check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-theme apparel and drinkware at:
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#5 | The International Spotlight and Articulating Why We Hunt, with Britt Longoria
08/28/2024
#5 | The International Spotlight and Articulating Why We Hunt, with Britt Longoria
On today's episode we talk with Britt Longoria about her journey into bird dogs, the international hunting spotlight and the importance of articulating to the public why we hunt. From training bird dogs with her dad in Southern Maine as a child to starting a bird hunting company in Africa, from going absolutely viral for a hunting photo to tackling the communication challenges with the general public about the perceptions of and cultural expressions in hunting. She's hunted 31 species of gamebirds and 160 individual species of big game on 6 continents. She's dedicated her careeer to educating the public on the role of hunters on legal, regulated hunting in wildlife conservation. Marvel with us as she shares her heart, soul and mind. Follow Britt on Instagram at , on her new venture as well as on her website at: Be sure to also check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-theme apparel and drinkware at:
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#4 | Sportsmen's Alliance Sues CDC on Dog Import Rule, with Todd Atkins
08/23/2024
#4 | Sportsmen's Alliance Sues CDC on Dog Import Rule, with Todd Atkins
On today's episode we talk with Dr. Todd Adkins, Vice President of Governent Affairs at Sportsmen's Alliance. We discuss the lawsuit Sportsmen's Alliance has filed against the CDC over their new dog import rule, which restricts the importation of dogs into the United States. They've also just filed a motion to halt the new rule. Although the CDC's stated reason for the action is to prevent the spread of rabies, the new rule applies to dogs coming from any country – including Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and many others which the CDC itself classifies as “low risk” or “free” of dog rabies. Dr. Adkins discusses how the new rule will not only destroy businesses like dog breeders and dog trialers, but it will impact anyone that's hunted behind a bird dog. This topic is not only important - it's also personal for both Todd and host Mike Yashko. For more information on the lawsuit, or to donate to their litigation efforts, please visit: Check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-theme apparel and drinkware, including our new collab collection with Gun Dog Magazine at:
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#3 | Getting After it with Adam Thomas and his Griff, Charlie
08/15/2024
#3 | Getting After it with Adam Thomas and his Griff, Charlie
On today's episode we talk with our good friend and the always-entertaining Alabama native Adam Thomas. We discuss southern hunters chasing wild birds out west, training Adam’s griff Charlie who qualified for the NAVHDA Invitational by age 2 and many shared experiences afield with host Mike Yashko. Adam is a big part of the Bird Dog of the Day Community serving as an ambassador for bird dogs and the people who love them! Adam and Mike first met at their local NAVHDA chapter in Georgia and became fast friends, heading west to hunt central Montana every fall with their dogs (hence, our headquarters in Lewistown, MT). Adam’s life, according to Mike, has included a series of obsessions - and the bird dog bug hit him hard. A certified financial planner at Wiregrass Wealth Management by day, Adam got his start in upland hunting later in life, but with his drive and all-out dedication he’s had tremendous success with his dog Charlie both in hunt tests and while hunting out west. Prepare to be entertained and inspired to get after it. Follow Adam on Instagram at . Check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-theme apparel and drinkware at:
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#2 | Training Pointing Dogs & Teaching People with Ronnie Smith & Susanna Love
08/08/2024
#2 | Training Pointing Dogs & Teaching People with Ronnie Smith & Susanna Love
On today's episode we talk with legendary bird dog trainers Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love about training pointing dogs and teaching people. The Smith Method of bird dog training has evolved over the past 70 years at Smith Kennels and become arguably the most renowned training program in the country for pointing dogs. Ronnie and Susanna discuss their training philosophies, the way in which our relationship with bird dogs has changed over time, and the things a well trained bird dog needs to master. Find more info on their training program at: Check out our massive collection of bird dog and gamebird-themed apparel and drinkware at:
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#1 | The Art of Bird Dogs with John Stewart Wright
08/02/2024
#1 | The Art of Bird Dogs with John Stewart Wright
On today's episode we talk with John Stewart Wright about his journey into bird dogs, ecology, and photography - and how the convergence of these worlds has given him a unique lens on what he calls "The Art of Bird Dogs". From waterfowling origins in Maine to an upland obsession in Montana, from molding field trial champions to shooting gun dog magazine covers, John is a renaissance man whose prolific works will surely entertain. John shares the photography and dog training tips he learned the hard way as a self-taught practitioner, including his top 5 phone-photography tips for getting great shots of your bird dog in the field. His experience with springers, setters, labradors, and pointers is extensive and fascinating. Marvel with us as he discusses his marriage of art and science into The Art of Bird Dogs. Follow John on Instagram at . Check out our collection of bird dog and gamebird-theme apparel and drinkware at:
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