Scott Linden Outdoors

The Duck commander speaks!

His trademark beard, legendary face camo and magical abilities to tempt mallards to their imminent death are some of the reasons he’s called the “Duck Commander.” Phil Robertson may not spend much time chasing pointing dogs in the uplands, but he knows birds. Listen to a conversation we had at a recent SHOT Show: Phil Robertson and Scott Linden at SHOT

You may recognize his name, his iconic methods for dog training, or even his voice. Evan Graham keeps coming up in conversations I have with pointer and retriever folks when it comes to force fetch training, so I just had to call him.

Expert or novice you’ll likely find something of use in our conversation: Evan Graham on force fetching

Brian Zanghi is a research scientist with Nestle Purina with a wealth of information for bird dog owners. My interview is a bit long (30 minutes) but well worth listening to. He covers the latest “best practices” in supplements, probiotics, timing and composition of food, as well as enlightens us on the difference between human and canine metabolisms. This is especially eye-opening when you consider giving your dog carbohydrates during the hunt! Enjoy! Brian Zanghi/Nestle-Purina on dog diet

Say what you will about the guy, he’s an outspoken, and well-spoken, advocate for hunting and gun-ownership. So when Ted Nugent calls, I pick up.He’s always got great talking points, arming us for the battles with anti-hunters, vegetarians, animal rights nuts, and their co-conspirators. Bombastic? Possibly. On point? Always. Belligerent? Sure – you gotta problem with that?

I was at my desk a while back, just minding my own business when, well, you’ll hear how it turned out. Enjoy the two-part discussion by clicking here: ted 1

And then, if you’re still alive, click here … ted 2

Part memoir, part history, Guy de la Valedene’s brand-new book The Fragrance of Grass stands as a testament to his deep love of and abiding respect for the natural world. Started as an homage to the Grey Partridge, the book morphed into an autobiographical journey through the life stages of a passionate hunter and lover of life. It is his first book in a decade.

Guy talks about the origins of the book, it’s decade-long creation, his passions, friends, and the writing process itself. He roams the discussion just as he does his Florida farm: from recipes to hunting tips, exploration of his shooting skills and evolving priorities in the field as well as his inspirations.

Most notable is his admission that this will be his last book on birds, dogs and hunting. What’s next? Listen carefully for the next chapter in this remarkable man’s life.

Guy de la Valdene was born and raised in France. Earlier books include “or a Handful of Feathers and Making Game: An Essay on Woodcock. He also authored a novel, Red Stag. His articles have appeared in Sports Afield and Field & Stream.

Sit back, pour yourself a single malt, and enjoy this far-reaching and enlightening discussion recorded March 21, 2011. Click on the link: In the Author’s Voice: Guy de la Valdene