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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

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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

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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.

Send us a text

The Worst Night of Coon Hunting I've Had In Years!

Join Brennan Holt as he recounts a disastrous night of coon hunting that tested his limits, his gear, and his trust in his instincts. With temperatures in the low 20s and snow on the ground, the night started with a bad feeling—and quickly got worse.

In this episode, you'll hear the full story of:

Our dogs, Shy and Heist, are getting loose and running miles deep into a massive conservation area with ZERO cell service.

The tension of tracking a lost dog toward a state highway and onto locked private property.

Why I believe in the "Less than 30°F Rule" for coon hunting, and how it came true.

The crucial protocol that saved the night: Calling the local Sheriff's office for help to access private land and retrieve a lost dog.

The shocking, freezing riverbank rescue where we finally found Shy fighting a coon under a massive root ball.

Ultimately, this was a difficult, freezing night that proved the importance of trusting your gut and doing the right thing.

What do you think about the 30° rule for coon hunting? Let us know where you hunt in the comments below!

Shoutouts & Links
Johnson's Telemetry: Big thanks for supporting the podcast and setting us up with the Garmin Alpha 200 Plus system. Give them a call for all your Garmin needs! ⬇️

Johnsonstelemetry.com

CCS Hunts: Learn more about the Coonhound Championship Series hunts. Click the join button below to get access!

Jesus and Hounds Hunt: Check out the Facebook page for this fellowship hunt happening on January 10th, 2026.
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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.

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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Join host Brennan Holt for an incredible conversation with co-owners Zac Boring and Eddie Green, the men behind the legendary Bluetick Coonhound, Zeke!

Zeke recently made PKC history, surpassing Big Country to become the all-time winningest Bluetick in PKC history. Zac and Eddie walk us through Zeke's journey, from being a young dog with deer and possum issues to conquering major hunts. They share the dedication—and trial and error—it took to mold Zeke into an accurate, straight-up coon dog that rarely misses.

The trio discusses the high-stakes world of $10,000 entry hunts, the importance of teamwork, and the feeling of winning over $22,000 in a single weekend. They also address the current state of Blue Tick breeding and the philosophy of the "working-class guys" who prove that passion and persistence can succeed at the highest level of the sport.

Learn the full story of this once-in-a-lifetime hound and his path to becoming a true champion!
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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.

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

Send us a text

In this episode, host Brennan Holt welcomes Josh Muncy of @boneyardoutdoors6304 to discuss the unvarnished reality of coon hunting and content creation. Josh details his journey from deer hunter to successful digital houndsman, sharing the obstacles faced while running Boneyard Outdoors and balancing a full-time job and family. The core of the conversation centers on dog training philosophy, specifically the critical mistake of letting unrealistic expectations (fueled by watching top PKC and UKC dogs) destroy the joy of hunting a good dog. Josh explains why he regrets selling a great dog named Nitro and the importance of finding a hound that suits your hunting style. The discussion concludes with detailed advice on starting and training pups, focusing on Bolt, his promising Wipeout/Sackett Jr. cross pup. This includes handling tips, recall training, and lessons learned from Bolt's sickness (Strangles).

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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.

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

Send us a text

In this 20th edition of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we welcome special guest Bailey Bernal, daughter of Gary Magnus. Bailey gives us the modern perspective of a hound woman, sharing her journey from training duck dogs to establishing a life dedicated to coon hounds. She provides fantastic insights on the emotional bond with hunting dogs, the process of starting young pups like her new Shack-blood pup, Max, and her exciting new venture, Coon Dog Outfitters. But stick around for the closing story as Bailey finally recounts a hilarious family legend: The Texas Emu-Tiger Confusion, detailing the night a faulty light and an unexpected animal sent her father, Gary Magnus, into a panicked footrace!
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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.

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

Send us a text

Host Brennan Holt celebrates his first strategic victory in the Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) against Josh Cowden! Brennan reveals he bought his new male dog, Mox, because he was "fed up with Shy" and his lack of progress following treatment for Ehrlichia.

This raw episode addresses the harsh reality many handlers face: When do you quit on a dog you believe in?

CCS Breakdown: Get a candid look at the strategic victory, where Shy's lucky break and strategic play secured the 1-0 start.

Ehrlichia & Recovery: Brennan confirms Shy's nose only improved three to four weeks after finishing doxy, offering hope to listeners dealing with tick-borne diseases.

The Future: Brennan discusses the looming choice between the calm, sensible Mox and the wilder, maturing Shy.

Don't Miss the Next CCS Hunt!
The Coonhound Championship Series episodes are released every two weeks! Become a Holt Outdoors YouTube Channel Member to see all the remaining CCS matches, live streams, extra content, and more! Your membership helps us bring you the best coonhound content. Click to Join today! ⬇️

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join

___

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.

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