Episode #56 Bird Dog Boot Camp: Conversation with Nate Istrate

We catch up with Nate Istrate and get real about what changes when you send a bird dog to a serious trainer. We trade stories from the field and lay out a simple rule that makes every new hunter and dog handler better: only give commands you can enforce.• Nate’s English pointer Sam and what a refresher tune-up looks like• Dropping off a dog at boot camp with Guy Molicone Sr. in Sierra Vista• Building a reliable whoa and why timing matters• How steadiness to release changes quail hunting• Why pros get fast results and the horse training connection• Living with an older dog and balancing family life• Thinking through a future dog, breeds, and household compromises• Using planted birds for offseason reps and where to start in Arizona• First Mearns quail hunt recap and what tough days teach• Arizona Game and Fish Commission meetings and uncertainty around rule changesTo help further our work, please consider making a tax-deductible gift. Visit us online at azquailtoday.com and be sure to follow us on social media for the latest information and updates.Connect with us: Email us at [email protected] —we'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday