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Training Tips
My Account

Matt Mates

Saint Johns, MI

Background

I’ve hunted upland game birds from North Dakota to Northern Maine, spending most of my time in my home state of Michigan. My love for pheasants dates back to my days as a youngster, first chasing them with our Labradors, German Shorthaired Pointers, or the occasional contact while running beagles in the winter. However, the ruffed grouse is king, and I currently raise and train my English pointers with that pursuit in mind. I spend much of my time training here in Michigan, but also spend approximately 4 weeks per year in Maine doing the same.

I’m an amateur bird dog trainer and enjoy assisting newcomers with their training inquiries. I’ll gladly spend my time afield with any well-mannered bird dog, but especially appreciate the drive and style of my English pointers.

I find it important to introduce new people to the sport, conservation of our resources, and exposing them to the joy of hunting with well-trained pointing dogs. I serve on the board and banquet committee of the Andy Ammann Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. I also field trial from time to time and thoroughly enjoy judging as well. I’m a graduate of Siena Heights University with a degree in Public Safety and Behavioral Science. Aside from my outdoor pursuits, I take a great deal of pride in doing my part to keep Michigan’s citizens safe.

Why I Use SportDOG Brand

I’ve been using SportDOG products since they have been available and have had a tremendously positive experience from the beginning. The combination of practical and reliable equipment coupled with unmatched customer service is what makes me proud to represent SportDOG.

Favorite Products

UplandHunter™ 1875.

Articles by Matt Mates

man sitting in vast wilderness looking at TEK 2.0 handheld screenman sitting in vast wilderness looking at TEK 2.0 handheld screen

TEK 2.0: Utilizing the Trip Computer

If you’ve paid attention to the reviews for the TEK 2.0 system from SportDOG Brand®, you know that hunters are really impressed with the mapping feature. Count me as one of them. While a lot of hunters and dog handlers rely on the screen’s information to help them locate a...

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Jude De’Niese

Jude De'Niese is the owner and head trainer at High Tide Retrievers, Jude has trained and competed with dogs in CKC AKC and UKC events, titling dogs for clients in Canada and the United States. Jude teaches people how to train and maintain dogs that not only work at a...

I grew up with a few bird dogs. 2 nice little Brittney Spaniels and a few very athletic German Shorthaired Pointers. After I got out of the Navy I wanted to start hunting the uplands again, but birds were scarce and my readiness for a dog was not in the...I grew up with a few bird dogs. 2 nice little Brittney Spaniels and a few very athletic German Shorthaired Pointers. After I got out of the Navy I wanted to start hunting the uplands again, but birds were scarce and my readiness for a dog was not in the...

Patrick Flanagan

I grew up with a few bird dogs. 2 nice little Brittney Spaniels and a few very athletic German Shorthaired Pointers. After I got out of the Navy I wanted to start hunting the uplands again, but birds were scarce and my readiness for a dog was not in the...

Brian has been training retrievers for more than thirty years. He is a member of and competes his dogs in the Hunting Retriever Club circuit. He has personally owned and trained 3 Grand Hunting Retriever Champions/Master Hunters, one being GR HR CH Super Shooter of Ontario MH Hall of Fame...Brian has been training retrievers for more than thirty years. He is a member of and competes his dogs in the Hunting Retriever Club circuit. He has personally owned and trained 3 Grand Hunting Retriever Champions/Master Hunters, one being GR HR CH Super Shooter of Ontario MH Hall of Fame...

Brian Szczech

Brian has been training retrievers for more than thirty years. He is a member of and competes his dogs in the Hunting Retriever Club circuit. He has personally owned and trained 3 Grand Hunting Retriever Champions/Master Hunters, one being GR HR CH Super Shooter of Ontario MH Hall of Fame...

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