American Blood Trackers (ABTA)
by American Blood Trackers Association
This is the official podcast of the American Blood Trackers Association. We discuss all things related to blood tracking / blood trailing wounded game. We mainly discuss the use of tracking dogs, which many guests track deer, bear, hogs, elk, and many exotic species.
Episodes
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From Hunter to Handler to YouTuber- Guests Jim Gast & Anthony Beck
From hunting to handling tracking dogs and now creating content, Jim Gast and Anthony Beck join hosts Kenny Mullins and Matt Burger to share their journey. Jim has been on both sides of the blood trail—calling in trackers when he needed help, and running his own dog when the time came. Now, as…
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The Art of Tracking: Understanding Breeds and Styles
This conversation delves into the world of tracking, focusing on the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and understanding different breeds' tendencies. The speakers discuss the nuances of on-lead versus off-lead tracking, the influence of handlers on tracking styles, and the significance of...
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It's a tool, not a weapon.
The conversation explores the multifaceted impact of social media on the tracking and hunting community, discussing both the positive aspects such as education, community building, and advocacy, as well as the negative consequences including misinformation, irresponsible posting, and the…
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Unlocking the Secrets of the TRAKR App
This conversation delves into the Tracker App, a tool designed to connect hunters with trackers efficiently. The discussion covers the app's evolution, the importance of data collection and analytics, user experience, the role of drones, and the vetting process for trackers. The speakers…
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Tracking into the Future: ABTA's Vision
Summary The conversation covers the excitement of the preseason for tracking, the organizational realignment of the ABTA to better serve its growing membership, the launch of a nationwide mentorship program, an overhaul of educational events, and the development of judges. The discussion also...
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Conservation Through Tracking: The Iowa Experience
Summary The conversation revolves around the establishment and evolution of the Iowa Blood Trackers Association, focusing on the legal status of tracking in Iowa since 2020, the challenges posed by EHD on deer populations, and the importance of community and education in tracking. The speakers...
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Deer Hunting and Tracking with Dale Techel of Michigan Deer Hunters
Summary This conversation explores the intricacies of deer hunting and tracking, emphasizing the importance of community, conservation, and education. Dale, a prominent figure in the Michigan deer hunting community, shares his experiences and insights from the ABTA event, highlighting the...
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What is Success?
Summary In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of tracking success, emphasizing that true success is not solely defined by the recovery of a deer. They discuss the importance of understanding the dynamics between the handler and the dog, the psychological aspects of...
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American Blood Trackers Michigan Event Recap
Summary The ABTA Tuesday Night Live event provided a platform for trackers of varying experience levels to share insights and experiences from the recent Michigan event. The conversation highlighted the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the tracking world....
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Are You The Right Team For The Track!
Summary In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of knowing when to take a tracking call and the dynamics of teamwork in tracking. They emphasize self-awareness, mentorship, and community collaboration as key factors in successful tracking. Real-life stories illustrate the…
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The Wounded Mind- Decoding Deer Psychology for K9 Trackers
In this conversation, the speakers delve into the psychology of wounded deer, exploring how their behavior changes after being injured. They discuss the importance of understanding the mindset of these animals, the survival instincts that kick in, and how various factors like pressure and terrain...
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Minds Changed, Dogs Challenged
Summary This conversation covers a live event recap focusing on dog tracking, featuring participants sharing their experiences from a recent PA event. The discussion includes insights on training techniques, the importance of anatomy knowledge for tracking, and the realism of testing scenarios....
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Backup Tracking Devices for Your Dog
Summary In this episode of the American Blood Trackers Association podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of tracking dogs in hunting, share experiences from recent events, and delve into the technology behind GPS systems for tracking dogs. They emphasize the need for backup systems and share...
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Mind Over Mud - Real-World Problem Solving for Trackers & Dog
In this episode, hosts Kenny Mullins and Matt Burger sit down with Colorado-based tracker Lauren Smanik. Lauren is an experienced member of the Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery Association, where she plays a critical role in locating wounded or lost game animals using trained tracking dogs. Tune…
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Are you mentally conditioned for a well managed track?
Summary This conversation delves into the often-overlooked topic of mental fatigue in dog handlers, particularly in the context of tracking. The speakers discuss the importance of mental preparedness, the impact of fatigue on decision-making, and the emotional toll that tracking can take on...
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Is Your Tracking Dog Mentally Tough Enough?
Summary This conversation delves into the intricacies of dog training, focusing on the upcoming PA event, the importance of dog intelligence, mental stamina, and the handler's role in training. The speakers discuss various aspects of dog behavior, including recognizing mental fatigue and…
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Collar Up, Find 'Em Up: GPS Collar Tech & Tactics
In this conversation, the hosts discuss various tracking systems, focusing on Garmin and Dogtra. They explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each system, including GPS and GLONASS tracking, battery life, durability, range, and user experience. The discussion also touches on advanced...
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From Leash to Liberation in Wounded Game Recovery
Joined by trackers, Perry Lowrance, Brian Alberda, and Darrell Maggert, , this live stream dives deep into the methods and mindset behind training your tracking dog to work effectively and safely off-lead where legal. We'll discuss foundational on-lead skills, the crucial steps for a smooth...
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Tracking Data & How to Use It- Guest Terry Folts
In this conversation, Matt Burger and Kenny Mullins discuss the importance of tracking data in hunting, featuring guest Terry Folts, who shares his experiences and insights on developing a tracking journal. The discussion covers various aspects of tracking, including data collection, shot...
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Trusting Your Dog with guest Larry Beckom
Summary In this engaging ABTA live stream, the hosts discuss the importance of trusting your tracking dog, sharing insights from validation days and the upcoming Alabama event. They explore the balance between trusting a dog's instincts and the need for verification, emphasizing the role of...
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Tracking Talk with Michigan Tracker Allen Perry
Summary This conversation with Kenny Mullins, Matt Burger, and Allen Perry dives deep into the world of tracking, particularly focusing on the experiences and insights of seasoned trackers. The speakers discuss their journeys into tracking, the importance of communication with hunters, the...
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Testing Protocols and Livestream Viewer Q&A
Summary The conversation delves into the intricacies of testing and judging in the context of tracking dogs, emphasizing the importance of guiding principles, ethical practices, and the role of handlers. It discusses the structure of testing levels, the significance of realism in assessments, and...
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Training Series Part 3- How to Train a Blood Tracking Dog
This conversation delves into the intricacies of dog training, particularly focusing on tracking and scent work. The speakers (Matt Burger, Kenny Mullins, and Ethan Young) discuss foundational concepts, the importance of the handler's role, and various techniques for training dogs, including…
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Training Series Part 2- Scent on the Trail
In this conversation, Matt Burger and Kenny Mullins delve into the intricacies of tracking dogs, focusing on the science behind scent detection and the practical applications for training. They discuss the importance of understanding how dogs perceive scents, the role of bacteria in scent trails,...
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Training Series Part 1- The Overview
Summary The conversation between Matt Burger, Kayla Tyer, and Kenny Mullins covers various aspects of tracking dog training, including a recap of a recent Florida event, the activities of the ABTA committees, and the introduction of member benefits. The speakers discuss the importance of proper...
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Vital Signs with Brian Johnson- The Anatomy Hunter
In this episode of the American Blood Trackers Association podcast, hosts Matt Burger and Kenny Mullins discusses various topics related to tracking wounded game with Brian Johnson, known as the Anatomy Hunter. They cover updates within the ABTA, including new member benefits and the recent…
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2/25/25 Livestream with guests Kayla Tyer and Ethan Young
Summary In this episode of the American Blood Tracker Association podcast, the hosts recap the recent Devol's event, discuss the upcoming Florida Blood Trackers Jamboree, and delve into the intricacies of the testing process for tracking dogs. They highlight the importance of community…
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Deep Dive into the ABTA
In this episode of the American Blood Trackers Association podcast, co-host Matt Burger interviews co-founder Kenny Mullins about the origins, mission, and future of the ABTA. They discuss the importance of conservation in tracking, the structure of the organization, and the role of testing in...
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Livestream with Guest Matt Burger
In this episode of the American Blood Trackers Association podcast, hosts Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett welcome Matt Berger, a tracker from Southern Michigan. The conversation delves into the journey of tracking, focusing on the development and progress made over the years, the importance of...
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American Blood Trackers Live 2/4/25 with Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennet
The conversation covers various aspects of the tracking community, including the transition into seminar and testing season, upcoming events, the importance of community engagement, addressing controversial practices in tracking, and innovations in tracking equipment. The speakers emphasize the...
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Opening Weekend Recap with Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett
In this episode, Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett discuss their recent experiences in tracking deer, sharing stories of challenging tracks, unexpected outcomes, and the importance of mentorship in the tracking community. They emphasize the significance of practice and preparation for hunters, as...
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Tracking Season Prep- Guest Chris Moffett
In this episode of the American Blood Tractors Association podcast, hosts Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett discuss various aspects of tracking and hunting with special guest Chris Moffett. The conversation covers preparation for the upcoming tracking season, the importance of updating tracking...
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Pre Track Interview & Instructions- Geoff Still
In this conversation, Geoff Still shares his experience of hunting and tracking a deer after a challenging shot, as part of an American Blood Trackers Association Finished Level Test. He discusses the importance of understanding the shot placement, the role of tracking dogs in recovering the…
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Improving the Odds of Recovery- Guest Mark Williams
This conversation delves into the intricacies of using tracking dogs for hunting recovery, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and understanding the tracking process. The speakers discuss common mistakes hunters make, the significance of waiting times, and the impact of...
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Episode 2- The business side of tracking deer with guest Kyle Tolbert
In this podcast episode, hosts Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett interview special guest Kyle Tolbert, a deer tracker from North Alabama. They discuss Kyle's tracking experience, the dogs he uses, and the camaraderie among trackers in their respective states. They also touch on topics such as...
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ABTA Episode 1- 8/27/24 Livestream w/ Special Guest Matt Burger
Hosts Kenny Mullins and Ralph Bennett. The conversation starts with some technical difficulties and small talk before diving into the main topics. The guests introduce themselves and discuss their experiences with tracking. They emphasize the importance of mentorship and learning from experienced...
About this show
This is the official podcast of the American Blood Trackers Association. We discuss all things related to blood tracking / blood trailing wounded game. We mainly discuss the use of tracking dogs, which many guests track deer, bear, hogs, elk, and many exotic species.
Hosted by
American Blood Trackers Association
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