Bird dog trials and how they make you a better hunter

The National Shoot to Retrieve Association's first objective is to help members extend their hunting season ... a good reason to join! But President Bill Sumpter has a lot of other reasons you should consider as well.

And much of what makes a dog and handler excel at NSTRA trials will benefit both on a hunt too. Bill offers sage advice on scoring higher ... from obedience, to bird handling, to strategy, dogs and humans who hone their skills in a trial will likely find more birds in the field. Bill outlines the why and how, shares some hunting tips and one piece of critical gear, and then we talk Huns and sharptail hunting.

Bill goes deep to explain his passion for setters, and why he loves Hungarian partridge hunting.

You chip in with why (or why not) to feed the morning of a hunt; our "Handle It" segment covers instant energy in the field - for your dog.

It's brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School,, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, TrulockChokes, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.