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In this unique episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we step away from the night timber to explore the high-performance world of upland bird dogs with Tim Baker, president of the Missouri Hunting Spaniel Club. If you are a coon hunter accustomed to the "mystery" of a night trail, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the technical differences in how various breeds use their nose. Tim breaks down the "scent cone" and the "dramatic snap" of a Springer Spaniel compared to the traditional trailing style of a coon dog.

Tim shares his 40 years of experience developing Amateur Field Champions and explains why a "bond-first" approach can outperform the high-pressure use of an e-collar. We dive into the versatility of flushing dogs—from retrieving doves and river ducks to navigating the thickest Missouri briars for Woodcock. Whether you are interested in hound performance, advanced dog training, or just want to see how the "other side" of hunting dogs operates, this episode provides deep value on the genetics, obedience, and unbreakable connection required to make a top-tier hunting partner.

Inside this episode:

Trailing vs. Flushing: A deep dive into the mechanics of how different breeds dissect a thicket and produce game.

The Invisible Handle: Why Tim trains for obedience and relationship over authoritarian pressure.

Ozarks Strategy: Why pointing dogs often struggle in the same thick cover where flushing spaniels excel.

Field Trial Reality: Behind the scenes of a weekend AKC trial involving 74 entries and 400 pheasants.

The Quail Debate: An honest look at why Missouri’s wild quail populations have declined and the habitat changes needed to bring them back.

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Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content!

#BirdHunting #HoltOutdoors #SpringerSpaniel #DogTraining #UplandHunting #MissouriOutdoors #HoundHunting #FieldTrials #HuntingPodcast #GarminAlpha

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In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we address a listener-submitted question from Jordan Thompson about how to transition from pleasure hunting to competition coon hunting. Whether you are starting with a registered Blue Tick pup or a seasoned Walker hound, entering your first PKC or UKC-sanctioned hunt can be daunting. Brennan Holt breaks down the essentials into three critical categories: the gear, the mindset, and the dog.

We dive deep into the necessary dog training equipment, from trusted tracking systems like the Garmin Alpha 200 Plus to the importance of high-quality hunting lights and chaps. Brennan also discusses the mental shift required for a cast, emphasizing why you must know the rules and your dog’s unique voice before spending money on an entry fee. From understanding "leash lock" and scoring strategy to the "150-coon rule" for building hound performance, this episode is the ultimate roadmap for any coon hunter looking to enter the competition circuit.

Inside this episode:

The Gear Checklist: What is a necessity (quality tracking and lights) vs. what you can live without (thermals and squallers).

Mindset & Knowledge: Why reading the rulebook and doing "mock hunts" with buddies is the best preparation.

The Competition Dog: The five traits a winner must have, including independence, hustle, and the "150-coon" base.

The Golden Rule: Why "having coons in the tree" is the only metric that truly matters for winning casts.

Support the Show:
Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content!

#CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #CompetitionHunting #DogTraining #GarminAlpha #PKCHunt #UKCHunting #HoundHunting #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

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🎧 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

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In this solo edition of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, I dive deep into a recent PKC $35 open event to break down exactly how the cast went with my dog, Shy. Competition coon hunting is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and this episode offers a raw, honest look at the technical mistakes and strategy shifts that happen in the woods. From miscalculating scores in my head to being "leash locked" by a competitor, I share the hard lessons learned during a night of den trees and tough circle point decisions.

The core of today's discussion focuses on hound accuracy and the frustrating reality of slick treeing. Shy has treed over 80 coons for me in less than a year, but the struggle for consistent hound performance continues. I propose the "150-coon rule" and ask for your feedback: is a 60% accurate dog a "gambler" for life, or can more time in the woods fix a man-made trait? I also discuss my future plans for the kennel, including my search for a naturally independent female with a proven Wipeout pedigree to expand our breeding options.

Inside this episode:

Cast Breakdown: A play-by-play of the PKC open event, including strike and tree point distribution.

The Scoring Trap: Why I am switching to a notebook system to stop miscalculating scores under pressure.

Accuracy Debate: Discussing the difference between a "unicorn" dog and a reliable ambush-style hound.

Future Prospects: Why I’m looking for a special cross from a known dog man to take the kennel to the next level.

Support the Show: Enjoying the transparency? Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content!

#CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #DogTraining #ShaiTheDog #HoundHunting #GarminAlpha #PKCHunt #WipeoutHounds #MissouriHunting

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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

Support the show