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In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we dive deep into coon dog independence and hound training strategies for competition coon hunting. Brennan Holt shares a detailed breakdown of a recent pleasure hunt and mock cast with his dog, Shai, alongside Max and Heist. If you are looking to improve your dog's performance in the woods, understanding the difference between a "dead loner" and an independent hound is essential for any coon hunter looking to win.

Brennan addresses common hurdles like slick trees, "doggy" behavior, and how to use a Garmin Alpha 200 Plus to track and correct your hounds during a cast. This episode covers vital dog training techniques, including when to use correction and how to reward your hound with fur to build treeing confidence. Whether you are a seasoned competition hunter or just starting out with coon dogs, these insights on Shai's journey will help you master the craft of hound hunting.

Inside this episode: Defining the "Dead Loner": Learn why some dogs actively avoid other hounds and how that impacts a cast.

The "Blown Up" Head: Brennan explains why high energy from the holidays can lead to mistakes like slick trees.

Correction Strategies: Practical tips on walking Shai off a bad tree and maintaining consistency.

The Power of the Fur: Why "knocking it out" is the ultimate reward for building a young dog's confidence.

Support the Show: Enjoying the podcast? Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series and more behind-the-scenes hunting action.

#CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #DogTraining #ShaiTheDog #HoundHunting #HuntingPodcast #GarminAlpha

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Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended.

🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up
New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com

Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join

📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors

Facebook: @Holt Outdoors

Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors

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Looking back at 2025: Gear, Growth, and the Future of Holt Outdoors! 🌲🐾

In this special end-of-year episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt reflects on a milestone year and dives deep into a comprehensive gear review. Whether you are a seasoned competition hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with honest, unsponsored insights on the equipment and dog food that actually stood up to the test of the woods over the last two years.

Brennan shares his personal journey of finding "the one"—the dog that has finally given him the confidence to compete—and discusses the hard lessons learned while transitioning from retired veterans to a new string of young hounds.

Inside this episode:
The Great Dog Food Debate: Honest experiences with Inukshuk, Joy, Extreme Dog Fuel, and Victor.

Tracking Systems: Why the Garmin Alpha 200 Plus is a game-changer and the truth about Dogtra Pathfinder reliability.

Thermal Optics: A look at the Pard TA32-25 and why "Sky Mode" is a must-have for hunting.

Essential Apparel: Reviewing LaCrosse boots (Alpha Agility vs. Alpha Lite 2) and high-quality belt packs from 4R Kennels.

2026 Preview: Vital updates on CCS Season 2 and upcoming playoff action.

Special Shoutouts:
Johnson’s Telemetry: The go-to experts for all things Garmin.
Hammer Lane Hound Supply: Supporting local hound hunters in Conway.

Support the Podcast: Enjoying the show? Hit that LIKE and SUBSCRIBE button! Consider becoming a channel member to gain exclusive access to the CCS Playoff series and more.

#CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #GarminAlpha #HoundHunting #GearReview #CoonDogs #HuntingPodcast

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Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended.

🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up
New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com

Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join

🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94

📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors

Facebook: @Holt Outdoors

Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors

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In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt dives deep into a busy week of competition hunting with his dog, Shy. From a small PKC hunt to the high-stakes Western English Association double-header in Seneca, MO, Brennan shares the highs, the lows, and a critical "tough love" lesson learned from a World Champion handler about the importance of being decisive in the woods.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Competition Breakdown: Brennan recaps three different casts from the past week, including specific scoring situations and dog performance.

Dog Development: A raw look at "Shai" and his progress in maturing through competition pressure and figuring out his hunting style.

The "World Champ" Lesson: Brennan shares a pivotal piece of advice from Cheyenne Cummings that every competition hunter needs to hear: Stop being hesitant and call your dog.

Health & Nutrition: An honest discussion about dog weight, diet, and switching feeds to keep hounds in peak performance.

CCS Season 2: Stay tuned for a major announcement on January 16th regarding the future of the Coonhound Championship Series.
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🌲 Holt Outdoors Official Links
Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended.

🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up


New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com


Become a Member Today! Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube page to get access to the CCS hunts and exclusive member-only content!

🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94

📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures!

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors

Facebook: @Holt Outdoors

Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors

Special Shout Outs:
Johnson’s Telemetry: For all your Garmin needs.
Rusty Wade: For incredible custom knives and birthday gifts.