
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.
Favourite Products
UplandHunter™ 1875.
Other Senior Prostaff

Vern Nowell
Vern is an accomplished outdoorsman living in Alaska since the age of 18. He has an eclectic background; he has been an Alaskan guide for small game, large game, and upland bird hunting. He has also made a living from training his own dog (a French Brittany) for his guide...

Next Generation Gundog Training
Andrew Barbouche and business partner Adam Levy own Next Generation Gundog Training in southern Minnesota. Next Generation Gundog Training is a full-service retriever training facility focusing on AKC hunt tests and gundog training. We train retrievers for hunt tests, tournament hunting and for high-end gundogs. Andrew has...

Tracy Hayes
Tracy Hayes has lived a lifetime with gundogs. His first two dogs were a gift from a family friend he received when he was 9 years old. Coming from a bird dog family, his youth was filled with pointing dogs, quail, grouse and pointing dog field trials. In his early...

