Gun Dog It Yourself

05/02/2025

Delmar Smith is a name that carries weight in two distinct worlds: bird dogs and rodeo. At 97 years old, he remains a legend, known for his practical, hands-on approach to dog training and his lifelong ties to cowboy culture. His innovative methods reshaped how handlers and hunters work with their dogs, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the field.

But Delmar’s story is more than techniques and accolades—it’s a life built on experience, determination, and a commitment to doing things the right way. From rodeo arenas to open fields, his journey blends the ruggedness of cowboy life with the precision and patience needed to train exceptional bird dogs.

This documentary explores the life of a man whose contributions to both traditions run deep. Featuring conversations with those closest to him and insights from Delmar himself, it paints a portrait of a humble icon whose influence transcends generations.

Practical, hardworking, and deeply rooted in tradition—**DELMAR SMITH | A Bird Dog & Rodeo Icon** tells the story of a man who lived his passion and left an indelible mark on two unique worlds.
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https://2ly.link/23cHN

Delmar Smith is a name that carries weight in two distinct worlds: bird dogs and rodeo. At 97 years old, he remains a legend, known for his practical, hands-...

04/02/2025

Hear more of the backstory on Delmar Smith in todays episode!

More Than a Dog Trainer: The World of Delmar Smith

Join us as we explore the life of Delmar Smith, a 97-year-old figure in the bird dog world. We spent several days with Delmar in Oklahoma, gaining insights i...

03/02/2025

Come follow along and get to know Mr. Delmar Smith. A true pioneer and living legend within the bird dog realm. It was a true pleasure getting to hang out and pick his brain for a couple of days.

Delmar Smith | Bird Dog & Rodeo Icon

Find it on YouTube (premiering 2/3 at 7pm CST)

31/01/2025

Trulock Chokes

Spreader Chokes: The Wing Shooting Upgrade You Didn't Know You Wanted!

Catch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/NXyKcavwuGcWant to elevate your shotgun game? Start by adjusting your choke! There’s a unique choke for every o...

23/01/2025

https://youtu.be/vubAtU1sc3A

Catch the FULL conversation | https://youtu.be/vxVsbaUlV2oYou may hear a lot that today's dogs are too soft! Are they? What exactly is a SOFT dog anyway?...

22/01/2025

Monday | Feb 3 | 7pm cst

Subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don’t miss it!

10/12/2024

Some things simply cant be taught. They have to be experienced. This is as true for our dogs as it is for ourselves.

Nate Czarnota Iron Oak Dog Company

When it comes to dog training, some things are simply experiential. No matter the method or information source, sometimes you just have to put hands on the ...

09/12/2024

What happens when you get a group of dog nerds together at Grouse camp? They talk a lot....

New Episode with Iron Oak Dog Company, Liberty Canine - LLC, and Lost Highway Kennels is live now on Youtube!

Mickey Walgreens Charles G Guyer Nate Czarnota

Every hunt camp is different depending on the people. Some camps are more focused on hunting while others are more social and relaxed in nature. This camp ...

22/11/2024

Whether you can hunt with a dog or not, get out there and go!

You’ll gain experience and education which will only serve you later down the road.
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Is it better to hunt WITH or WITHOUT a dog?

Hunting without a bird dog compared to eventually hunting with a bird dog. The evolution of a Ruffed Grouse Hunter with Nick Larson of the Birdshot Podcast....

20/11/2024

Looking back on some prairie prizes.

Upland Gun Company LLC
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19/11/2024

Listener feedback like this truly means everything. It’s truly humbling everytime I receive a message such as this and it keeps me driven to continue offering valuable content that helps others with their dogs.

Next week is Thanksgiving but I reckon I’ll kick it off early and just say thanks to all my listeners. I appreciate you guys bearing with me throughout the years!

12/11/2024

I stopped off while on my way up to the Northwoods for a few weeks with Jordan Horak of Cato Outdoors . We hung out and ran some dogs through a few drills then sat down to record this conversation in which we talk about some hurdles or challenges for a lot of folks wanting to train their own bird dogs.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/bJGREJXAL6Q

-The impact of wild bird populations on how we train
-You don’t need land and birds everyday to train a bird dog
-Develop a language with the dog
-Find the highest common denominator
-Keeping sessions short and incremental. For both kids and dogs!
-Avoid being a greedy trainer
-Develop the dogs like a kid but don’t TREAT them like a kid
-The dog worlds getting better about timelines and drive management
-Theres no ribbons given out for training
-Starting with a win
-Eventually you may have to push them through
-Sometimes they have to do it. Other times, do we really care?
-Pull away just one nuggets from these podcasts
-Small adjustments and building the toolbox
-You have to be able to adjust and not stick to just one way
-It should be FUN! ENJOY the process

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Presented By:
Standing Stone Kennels Supply | Check out their step by step Online Courses and Use Code ‘GDIY’ to save 15%
onX Hunt | Use Code ‘GDIY20’ to save 20%
Sweet Briar Farm Pet Transport | Call (317) 513-4481 for your free quote today!
Upland Gun Company LLC | Check out their online gun builder and construct your dream gun today!
Marsh Wear Clothing | Use Code ‘GDIY15’ to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save even more)
Trulock Chokes | Use Code ‘GDIY10’ to save 10%
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Other Partners:
BPRO Kennels
Eukanuba Sporting Dog [What I Feed My Dogs: Premium Performance 30/20]
Bird Dog Society

07/11/2024

Terry Ann Fernando joins me to talk about why she favors trialing over testing and hunting. Having spent years in each activity with her Vizsla, Zara, Terry Ann offers valuable insights into what she enjoys about each one and what sets them apart.

Watch: https://youtu.be/8vkHdwZ0eu0

* A positive experience at a JR Hunt Test results in the Accidental Bird Dog
* What appeals to Terry Ann more about trialing and testing?
* Do we lose any “hunt”by focusing on competing?
* The dogs know the difference between hunting and competing
* The learning curves for new hunters
* Are tests and trials the only real way to bring in new hunters in the South?
* Walking entry for horseback trials
* Trials or tests preference?
* Trials are just as welcoming as tests
* The way to appeal to younger and newer people is to actually act like want them to show up!
* Can you compete at a high level while focusing on hunting?
* Does it hurt to have a generalist dog as opposed to a specialist?
* Different context for each type of event
* Playing non bird dog events just for fun!
* Remember what its like to be the new person
* The motivation to write the book, The Accidental Bird Dog
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Presented By:
Standing Stone Kennels Supply | Check out their step by step Online Courses and Use Code ‘GDIY’ to save 15%
onX Hunt Maps | Use Code ‘GDIY20’ to save 20%
Sweet Briar Farm Pet Transport | Call (317) 513-4481 for your free quote today!
Upland Gun Company LLC | Check out their online gun builder and construct your dream gun today!
Marsh Wear Clothing | Use Code ‘GDIY15’ to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save even more)
Trulock Chokes | Use Code ‘GDIY10’ to save 10%
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Other Partners:
BPRO Kennels
Eukanuba Sporting Dog [What I Feed My Dogs: Premium Performance 30/20]
Bird Dog Society
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05/11/2024

I spent a week bouncing around Montana hunting and camping on public land with Randall Lykens (Liberty Canine - LLC) and his brother Cory Lykens. We talk about everything in this one to include hunt stories, gear talk, and lessons learned. You don’t want to miss this one!

Be sure to catch it on Youtube as there are some extra footage sprinkled throughout ➡️
https://youtu.be/MUQxrXWfBsA

Highlights:
-Why did we come to Montana?
-Taking client dogs on hunt trips
-Linking the training field with the wild bird field for inexperienced dogs
-Paying attention to context clues
-Some dogs find birds. Some dogs happen upon them.
-Some trips are simply just unlucky!
-From the rattlesnakes to the habitat
-Our mobile camping rig setups
-Water, Power, & Fuel
-Truck bed Air Conditioning for the dogs
-Everyones favorite and least favorite moments of the trip
-Cory’s Sage Grouse experience
-Quinn’s retrieve refusal and how did I handle it?
-Lucy wins for the best impersonation of LEROY JENKINS!!!
-Porcupines, porcupines, and MORE porcupines!
-First impressions from hunting with our Upland Gun Company shotguns!
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Presented By:
Standing Stone Kennels Supply | Check out their step by step Online Courses and Use Code ‘GDIY’ to save 15%
onX Hunt maps | Use Code ‘GDIY20’ to save 20%
Sweet Briar Farm Pet Transport | Call (317) 513-4481 for your free quote today!
Upland Gun Company LLC | Check out their online gun builder and construct your dream gun today!
Marsh Wear Clothing | Use Code ‘GDIY15’ to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save even more)
| Use Code ‘GDIY10’ to save 10%
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Other Partners:
BPRO Kennels
Eukanuba Sporting Dog [What I Feed My Dogs: Premium Performance 30/20]
Bird Dog Society
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31/10/2024

The dog work takes it to the next level!
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This clip is pulled from GDIY Episode #291
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28/10/2024

Watching puppies and young dogs find the light bulb moments makes for great and memorable outings. Sometimes the day calls for a run with the older experienced dog though.

Rachel still putting in the work after a full decade of chasing the king in the Northwoods.
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22/10/2024

Riding a horse to chase bird dogs across the prairies of North Dakota will be one of the experiences that sticks with me for quite a while. Kenton Bryant, David Stover II , and Will Dun join me to discuss everything about the tradition of horseback field trials.

Watch: https://youtu.be/p2qF2EFhRsw

-History of horseback hunting in the United States
-Horseback field trials in the United States
-Impact of diminishing bird numbers
-American Field Trial is a lifestyle
-Trial dogs versus “hunting dogs”
-Superior independence on the edge of chaos
-Importance of mentorship
-Range and capability of dogs
-Breeds and qualities in a field trial dog
-Horses and the nostalgia
-Ricky Bobby of the uplands
-Developing versus training
-Point ‘em or knock ‘em
-Pigeons on a pole… and horses?
-Can high caliber trial dogs be house dogs too?
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Presented By:
Standing Stone Kennels Supply | Check out their step by step Online Courses and Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15%
onX Hunt | Use Code 'GDIY20' to save 20%
Sweet Briar Farm Pet Transport | Call (317) 513-4481 for your free quote today!
Upland Gun Company LLC | Check out their online gun builder and construct your dream gun today!
Marsh Wear Clothing | Use Code 'GDIY15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save even more)
Trulock Chokes | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10%
Furvor Bone Broth | Use Code 'GDIY2&1' to buy 2 bottles and get the 3rd free (Valid for 1 time usage) usde 'GDIY10' to save 10% on future orders
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Other Partners:
BPRO Kennels
Eukanuba Sporting Dog [What I Feed My Dogs: Premium Performance 30/20]
Bird Dog Society