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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

Having started Goose Pit Kennels in 1989, Tab has 18 years of professional dog training experience. He has competed alongside his son in goose calling. He won the 2000 Idaho goose calling championship and the two-man goose calling championship in 2002. He is an area chairman for Ducks Unlimited...Having started Goose Pit Kennels in 1989, Tab has 18 years of professional dog training experience. He has competed alongside his son in goose calling. He won the 2000 Idaho goose calling championship and the two-man goose calling championship in 2002. He is an area chairman for Ducks Unlimited...

Tab Smith

Having started Goose Pit Kennels in 1989, Tab has 18 years of professional dog training experience. He has competed alongside his son in goose calling. He won the 2000 Idaho goose calling championship and the two-man goose calling championship in 2002. He is an area chairman for Ducks Unlimited...

Aaron has a long history of dog training and upland bird hunting. His passion was so great he pursued a master’s degree in Wildlife Biology. He has an education in upland game ecology and management. He has presented numerous technical papers about upland birds. Aaron was a board member for...Aaron has a long history of dog training and upland bird hunting. His passion was so great he pursued a master’s degree in Wildlife Biology. He has an education in upland game ecology and management. He has presented numerous technical papers about upland birds. Aaron was a board member for...

Aaron Robinson

Aaron has a long history of dog training and upland bird hunting. His passion was so great he pursued a master’s degree in Wildlife Biology. He has an education in upland game ecology and management. He has presented numerous technical papers about upland birds. Aaron was a board member for...

With his wife Terri, Rick co-owns and operates Perfect 10 Kennel. Their business provides boarding, grooming, and retriever training. They also breed Labrador retrievers. Rick has 30 years of experience in retriever training, participating in everything from field trials to hunt tests to upland hunting competitions.With his wife Terri, Rick co-owns and operates Perfect 10 Kennel. Their business provides boarding, grooming, and retriever training. They also breed Labrador retrievers. Rick has 30 years of experience in retriever training, participating in everything from field trials to hunt tests to upland hunting competitions.

Rick Grant

With his wife Terri, Rick co-owns and operates Perfect 10 Kennel. Their business provides boarding, grooming, and retriever training. They also breed Labrador retrievers. Rick has 30 years of experience in retriever training, participating in everything from field trials to hunt tests to upland hunting competitions.


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