Matt Mates
Saint Johns, MI
Background
I've hunted upland game birds from North Dakota to Northern Maine, spending most of me time in me home state of Michigan. Me love for pheasants dates back to me days as a youngster, first chasing 'em with our Labradors, German Shorthaired Pointers, or the odd chance while running beagles in the winter. But, the ruffed grouse is king, and I currently raise and train me English pointers with that pursuit in mind. I spend heaps of me time training here in Michigan, but also spend about 4 weeks a year in Maine doing the same.
I'm an amateur bird dog trainer and enjoy helping newbies with their training questions. I'll happily spend me time afield with any well-behaved bird dog, but particularly value the drive and style of me English pointers.
I find it important to introduce new people to the sport, conservation of our resources, and getting 'em to experience 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 really enjoy judging as well. I'm a graduate of Siena Heights University with a degree in Public Safety and Behavioral Science. Aside from me outdoor pursuits, I take a great deal of pride in doing me bit to keep Michigan's citizens safe.
Why I Use SportDOG Brand
I've been using SportDOG products since they've been available and have had a tremendously positive experience from the start. The combination of practical and reliable gear coupled with unmatched customer service is what makes me proud to represent SportDOG.
Favourite Products
UplandHunter™ 1875.
Other Senior Prostaff
David Siple
Dave's been training dogs with SportDOG Brand® remote trainers for over 6 years. He's trained heaps of labs for upland and waterfowl hunting.
Ethan Kimmince
Ethan began his career in the zoo-keeping industry, spending nine years as a tiger handler at Australia Zoo. His expertise extends beyond big cats, having worked in Canada with bears, wolves, and cougars. After leaving the zoo world, he founded Wolf Within Dog Training, applying his deep understanding of animal behaviour, operant conditioning, and training science. In just five years, Wolf Within has become one of Queensland’s top-rated dog training companies, renowned for helping owners build stronger, more harmonious relationships with their beloved pets.
Mike Tracy
Mike Tracy was born into the Field Trial World. Starting at the early age of 7, barely as tall and certainly not as powerful as the English Pointer male named Andy he handled, he took second place in a local Amateur Derby stake. At age 10, Mike won the Pennsylvania...
