In Part 2, Erik Rhodin continues the conversation with Derek Hall, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s hunting community.

From state regulations to public perception, they explore how hunters can take an active role in education, outreach, and responsible dog work — ensuring that the traditions we value continue to thrive for generations to come

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Derek also shares insights into the mission behind the Arizona Working Dog Alliance, a group dedicated to promoting ethical hunting practices and protecting the future of hunting with dogs in the United States.

Highlights include:

📜 The impact of hunting regulations and policy changes

🐾 Promoting responsible and ethical dog hunting

🎯 Education and outreach for future hunters

🌵 Arizona Working Dog Alliance — goals and mission

🤝 Collaboration across the global hunting community

🔊 Preserving traditions through knowledge and respect

An insightful conclusion to a two-part discussion that bridges perspectives, connects communities, and celebrates the hunters and dogs who carry these traditions forward.

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In Part 1 of this conversation, Erik Rhodin sits down with Derek Hall to explore the world of hunting with dogs — from the deserts of Arizona to the forests of Scandinavia.

They dive into what defines a good hunting dog, how different breeds excel in different regions, and the cultural contrasts that shape how hunters around the world view their craft.

This first part sets the stage for a powerful discussion about unity, education, and respect for the traditions that connect hunters across continents.

Highlights include:

🐕 The wide range of hunting dogs and their strengths

🌎 Cultural contrasts between American and Scandinavian hunting

🎯 Training philosophies and breed adaptations

⚖️ How local environments shape hunting styles

🤝 Respect and shared understanding among hunters

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In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik and Adam open up about the emotional highs and lows that come with life as hunters and dog owners. From the joy of the chase to the heartbreak of losing a trusted companion, this conversation dives deep into the bond between humans, dogs, and the wild.

They reflect on the recent moose hunting season, the transition to copper bullets, and the lessons learned while training young dogs in the field. It’s an honest look at what makes hunting more than just a pursuit — it’s a way of life built on patience, respect, and connection.

Highlights include:

🐾 The heartbreak and joy of dog ownership

🎯 Transitioning to copper bullets

🦌 Reflections on the moose hunting season

🧠 Learning from success and failure

🤝 The deep bond between hunter and dog

🌲 Hunting as a lifelong teacher

A grounded, emotional, and honest conversation about the real life behind the hunt — where every trail, every loss, and every victory carries a lesson worth sharing.

#HuntingLife #NordicTalesAndAmericanTrails #LaikaHunting #HuntingDogs #MooseHunting #CopperBullets #HuntingCommunity #DogTraining #ScandinavianHunting #LifeWithDogs #TheHuntingBond

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In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik sits down with Thomas Cole from Colemine Kennels in Michigan.

Thomas shares his journey into hound hunting — from starting later in life to building a kennel of driven bear dogs and traveling across the U.S. in pursuit of adventure.

The conversation dives into what drives houndsmen, the ethics of baiting, breeding for purpose, and the powerful bond between hunter and dog.

From Michigan’s thick forests to the swamps of North Carolina and the rugged terrain of the West, Thomas brings stories of challenge, learning, and passion for the chase.

Highlights include:

🐾 Building Colemine Kennels and the drive behind it

🏔️ Hunting bears from Michigan to the mountains out West

🦴 The role of baiting and terrain in modern bear hunting

🤝 Community and unity among houndsmen

🔊 Dog training, instinct, and reading the bark

🍖 The overlooked quality of black bear meat

⚖️ Ethics, respect, and managing hunting conflicts

📱 How technology is shaping today’s hunting world

🌲 Hunting as a connection to nature — not just a harvest

A heartfelt look into the life of a houndsman and the traditions that keep hunting culture alive across generations.

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In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik sits down with Darren in the hills of Kentucky to talk bear hunting, hounds, and the deep traditions that bind hunters together.

From training versatile dogs to navigate tough mountain terrain to understanding the patchwork of state hunting laws, Darren shares what it takes to succeed in one of the South’s most challenging and rewarding pursuits.

Their conversation explores the heart of hound hunting — patience, breeding, camaraderie, and the love for dogs that drives it all.

Highlights include:

🐾 Training versatile dogs for bear and other game

🏔️ Hunting black bears in Kentucky’s rugged country

⚖️ Navigating different state hunting regulations

🧬 The impact of breeding on dog performance

🤝 Camaraderie and shared purpose among hunters

🎯 Putting dogs in the right position to succeed

💪 The physical and mental demands of mountain hunting

🏡 The importance of family and tradition in hunting

🌍 How regional hunting cultures shape the experience

🌲 Hunting as more than the harvest — it’s about connection and respect

A grounded and heartfelt conversation about the challenges, lessons, and values that define life with hounds in the Appalachian woods.

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In Part 2, Erik and Darren continue the conversation with Joe Kondelis, shifting focus toward the world of dog hunting, hunter unity, and what the future of bear management looks like when science, tradition, and passion come together.

They dive into the role of dogs in both Sweden and North America, the challenges from anti-hunting movements, and how cooperation between hunters worldwide can strengthen conservation for generations to come.

Highlights include:

🐾 The joy and art of hunting with dogs

🤝 Unity among hunters across borders

🚫 Anti-hunting groups and public perception

🐕 Dogs in bear deterrence and tracking

🇺🇸 Florida’s black bear hunt — lessons learned

🔬 The importance of science-based management

🌲 Proactive conservation for future generations

🌍 Learning from global hunting cultures

Two powerful episodes that bridge continents — reminding us that while laws and landscapes differ, our respect for wildlife, dogs, and the hunt connects us all.

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In this first part of our two-episode conversation, Erik and Darren sit down with Joe Kondelis, President of the American Bear Foundation, to talk about bear hunting, management, and culture — from Scandinavia to the Rocky Mountains.

They explore how bears are managed differently across continents, why bear meat deserves more respect, and how hunters can help shape a better public understanding of conservation.

Highlights include:

🐻 The mission and growth of the American Bear Foundation

🇸🇪 Bear management — Sweden vs the USA

🥩 The value of bear meat and changing perceptions

🌍 Wildlife management, ethics, and education

📈 Population control and sustainability challenges

🧭 Hunters as advocates and stewards of wildlife

⚖️ Legislation and science-based management

A thoughtful conversation about conservation, responsibility, and how culture shapes our view of predators — setting the stage for Part 2, where the discussion turns toward hunting dogs, unity among hunters, and the future of wildlife management.

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In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik and Adam sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, dog training, and the challenges of modern life. From the importance of disconnecting from social media to the deep bond between handler and dog, they share honest reflections on the ups and downs of life in the woods.

Highlights include:

📵 Stepping away from social media to enjoy the hunt

🐾 Bonding with your dog as the foundation for training

💪 Overcoming setbacks with patience and positivity

🧬 Breeding and selecting the right dogs for your hunting style

❤️ How emotions shape a dog’s performance in the field

🎯 Quality hunting experiences over quantity for young dogs

✅ Positive reinforcement and confidence building

🌲 Looking ahead to the coming hunting season

A thoughtful mix of personal stories, training insight, and anticipation for the hunts to come — Episode 56 is all about the balance between tradition, modern life, and the timeless bond between hunters and their dogs.

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In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik is joined by new co-host Darren Petty from Indiana.

Together, they dive into the world of dog training — from handling aggression and working with protection breeds, to the responsibilities of dog ownership and the instincts that make hunting dogs tick.

Darren shares his experience training aggressive breeds, while Erik brings in the European perspective on laws, liability, and traditions.

Highlights include:

🐕 Training aggressive breeds — where mistakes come from

🧠 Building confidence vs. correcting behaviors

🛡️ What it takes to own a personal protection dog

🌍 Dog laws and liability across borders

🐾 Hunting dogs: guiding instincts, not fighting them

🐑 Herding and barn hunts as outlets for energy

🏆 Competition hunting vs. everyday hunting

🤝 The bond between handler and dog

A wide-ranging discussion on responsibility, instinct, and the joy of working with dogs — blending practical training insights with stories from both sides of the Atlantic.

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This second part dives deeper into the cultural differences in hunting between the U.S. and Europe

from predator management on estates and in the field to the role of social media in shaping hunting culture.

Peter shares his unique perspective on adapting to new traditions while staying true to his own hunting roots.

Highlights include:

🇸🇪 Cultural shocks of hunting in Sweden

🐺 Predator management on hunting estates

🤝 Hunting etiquette: U.S. vs EU

🦊 The evolution of terrier work

🐾 Choosing the right dog

📜 Reputation and pedigree in terrier breeding

📱 Social media’s impact on hunting culture

🌍 Respecting traditions across continents

Part 2 rounds out Peter’s story with valuable lessons on adaptation, respect, and the future of hunting dogs.

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In this episode Erik and Adam sit down with Peter “Loghead Terriers,” a terrierman from the U.S. now living in southern Sweden.

Peter shares his journey into hunting with Patterdale Terriers, the culture shock of moving overseas, and how hunting traditions differ between the U.S. and Europe.

From chasing nutria in Louisiana to hunting badgers with terriers in rural Skåne, this conversation blends two worlds of hunting, dogs, and adaptation.

Highlights include:

Life in Sweden: Weather and culture

Nutria hunting in Louisiana

The journey into terrier hunting

Training and handling dogs: U.S. vs Sweden

The challenges of rural dog training

Artificial dens and terrier training in Sweden

The evolution of hunting techniques

The diversity of hunting practices

A unique mix of Southern grit and Scandinavian tradition, Part 1 sets the stage for a deep dive into hunting culture across continents.

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In this short episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, hosts Erik and Adam share recent hunting stories, focusing on dog training, hound traditions, and the excitement of returning to their roots with beagles.

Highlights include:

🐾 The joy of hunting with dogs

🔙 Nostalgia of returning to beagles

🎯 First-time hunting experiences

⏳ Patience in dog training

👨‍👩‍👧 Hunting as a family tradition

A quick but heartfelt conversation about the bonds between hunters, dogs, and family.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 52 of Nordic Tales and American Trails for a dose of hunting roots and fresh adventures.

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In this episode, we welcome back Wayne Dixon, board member of the American Bear Foundation and fellow Laika hunter. Wayne first joined us in Episode 12, and we’re excited to have him return for another deep dive into the world of bear hunting and conservation. 🐻🎙️

From the traditions of hunting with dogs in the U.S. to reflections on time spent in Sweden and Norway, we explore the cultural perspectives that shape how hunters across the world approach this pursuit. Wayne shares insights on:

• Training and performance of hunting dogs, with a spotlight on the Mountain Feist breed 🐕
• The role of the American Bear Foundation in education and conservation 🌲
• Breeding strategies and responsible practices for hunting dogs
• The importance of proper field care to maintain meat quality 🍖
• Stories from bear hunts that highlight patience, skill, and respect for the animal

Whether you’re an experienced hunter or simply curious about the traditions and challenges of bear hunting, this episode offers a unique look into the strategies, conservation efforts, and deep respect for nature that define the hunting culture.

American bear foundations new website - https://americanbearfoundation.org/

🎧 Tune in to Nordic Tales and American Trails for Episode 51, as we reunite with Wayne Dixon and bring together experiences from both sides of the Atlantic to celebrate the future of bear hunting.

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This week on Nordic Tales & American Trails, we sit down with 📸 Scott Allan of SA Fieldsports Photography — a UK-based hunter and photographer whose lens has followed working dogs from the sand dunes of Africa 🌍 to the woods of America 🌲 and the coursing fields of Europe 🐾

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Scott’s story starts at home 🏡, where changes in UK hunting laws pushed him from running his own dogs into capturing hunts through photography. What began with ferreting and lurchers soon grew into a global pursuit — from boarhounds 🐗 and Galgos 🐕 to leopard 🐆 and bobcat 🐈‍⬛ hunts.

We dig into:

🔹 The journey from hunter ➡️ international hunting photographer

🔹 Stories from hunts across continents 🌍

🔹 Boarhounds, Galgos, terriers — and the wide variety of working dogs 🐾

🔹 How modern regulations & “anti” pressure shape hunting in the UK 🇬🇧

🔹 The power (and risks) of social media 📱

🔹 Scott’s upcoming book 📖 — will one volume be enough?

Through Scott’s eyes 👀, we see not just the dogs at work, but the culture, tradition, and challenges surrounding them. From coursing in Spain 🇪🇸 to an upcoming bobcat hunt in Texas 🤠, his images carry the same grit and honesty we celebrate on this show.

🎧 Tune in for Episode 50 of Nordic Tales & American Trails — where Scott Allan takes us behind the camera, into the field, and across the world of hunting dogs.

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In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, we sit down with Joe Saylor, a Kentucky-based hunter who grew up running Walkers and English hounds — but has now fully shifted over to West Siberian Laikas.

We follow Joe’s journey from picking up her first Laika pup to building a capable hunting dog, covering the challenges, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments along the way. From the first squirrel treed to developing steady tracking skills, Joe shares how the breed’s intelligence and instincts set it apart.

🐾 What makes a Laika different from traditional hounds

🎯 Tips for nurturing natural hunting instincts from a young age

🌲 How Laikas adapt to game, terrain, and style of hunt

🤝 The bond between handler and dog in the field

Whether you’re a hound hunter curious about Laikas or already working with the breed, this is a down-to-earth, real-world look at raising and training these remarkable dogs.

🎙️ Nordic Tales and American Trails — stories from both sides of the Atlantic, where dogs and hunting traditions meet.

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🎧 This week, we're re-releasing our full conversation with Torkel Norling, one of Sweden’s most experienced and respected tracking and predator hunters.

Originally split into two parts, this complete episode brings together over 30 years of field experience in one uninterrupted conversation — packed with insight for anyone passionate about Laikas, wounded game tracking, and predator hunting.

With 250+ tracking assignments per year, Torkel has been on the front lines of wounded moose recoveries, wildlife collisions, and predator hunts involving brown bear and lynx. He’s also a prolific writer on tracking and an active voice within the Swedish Laika Club, working to preserve working traits in the breed.

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, we dive into:

🐾 Male vs. female tracking dogs – is there a real difference?

🔄 Active vs. passive Laikas – and what approach holds up under pressure?

🧬 Breeding East Siberian Laikas with clear goals

🐻 The realities and ethics of hunting brown bear and lynx with dogs

📈 How to document and evaluate tracking work over time

🐕 What defines a truly great hunting dog — and how to develop one from pup to pro

Torkel doesn’t hold back — and if you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build top-tier hunting dogs, this episode is a must.

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In Part Two of our deep-dive with Darren Petty, we continue exploring what it really takes to build, train, and understand a serious hunting dog. This time, the spotlight is on Kylo – one of Darren’s standout dogs – and the lessons learned from raising, hunting, and handling a dog built for real work.

We dig into:

🔹 The role of genetics, socialization, and selecting the right breed for the job

🔹 Wild boar and brown bear hunting – and the adjustments dogs (and handlers) must make

🔹 Pack mentality, dog aging, and keeping your team balanced

🔹 The cultural divide between European and American hunting and breeding practices

🔹 What sets hunting dogs apart from police K9s – and where the overlap lies

🔹 Why staying true to a breed’s origins still matters in modern hunting

This episode is full of reflection, practical experience, and dogman-level knowledge — from breeding and training to the reality of working tough terrain with even tougher dogs.

🎧 Listen now on Nordic Tales & American Trails – wherever you get your podcasts.

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It’s been one full year since Nordic Tales and American Trails launched — and what a journey it’s been! 🥂🎧

To celebrate, we’re reuploading Episode 1, where it all began. In this episode, we introduced the idea behind the podcast — bridging the gap between hunting cultures in the U.S. and Northern Europe, and telling real stories from the dog men and women in the field.

So… have we stayed true to that mission?

This anniversary episode is a chance to reflect, look back at how far we’ve come, and say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us — from loyal listeners and guests to those who’ve shared, messaged, and followed along the trail.

We couldn’t have done it without you.

🎧 Revisit the beginning – Episode 1 is live again now

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This week, we sit down with Darren Petty – a seasoned dogman, hunter, and returning guest who’s spent decades working with hounds, Laikas, and terriers across the U.S.

In Part One of this two-part conversation, we dive into a wide range of dog talk — from hands-on training advice to bigger-picture questions about behavior, temperament, and what makes a breed tick.

We dig into:

🔹 Are Laikas aggressive as a breed?

🔹 Off-season conditioning and mental prep

🔹 How Darren evaluates dogs for drive, balance, and biddability

🔹 What separates a handler from a trainer

Whether you’re hunting with Laikas, Feists, hounds, or terriers — or just passionate about working dogs — this episode brings sharp insights and real-world experience from one of the most thoughtful voices in the game.

🎧 Tune in now to Nordic Tales & American Trails – wherever you get your podcasts.

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We’re back with Heath Hyatt for Part Two of our deep-dive into the world of working dogs — from the mountains to the street.

With decades of experience in hunting and law enforcement, Heath unpacks what it really means to read, train, and build a dependable dog.

This episode is full of straight talk and sharp insights for anyone serious about the craft.

We dig into:

🔹 The journey from hunting to professional K9 work

🔹 Patience, pressure, and timing – core training principles that never go out of style

🔹 E-collars – when to use them, how to avoid misuse

🔹 Bear hunting with hounds – the grit, the risk, and the reward

🔹 U.S. vs. Europe – cultural differences in training and breeding philosophies

🔹 Real canine psychology – motivation, compulsion, and the weight of responsibility

This one’s not just for houndsmen – it’s for anyone who trains, handles, or just wants to understand dogs on a deeper level.

🎧 Listen now on Nordic Tales and American Trails – available wherever you get your podcasts.

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