Coon Dogs vs. Bird Dogs: The Impressive Technical Differences in Nose & Hunting Style

Coonhound Reality Check: Shy, Nova & the PKC Leash Lock Rule Explained!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/fan_mail/new] We're back! After a little time off — a move, welcoming our second daughter, and some extra days in the NICU — the Holt Outdoors Podcast is officially back, and we're picking the pace back up with a podcast every week. In this episode, Brennan gives an honest update on his two dogs: Nova, a young, naturally independent pup, and Shy, a streaky but talented competition dog with 3 UKC cast wins and a PKC cast win under his belt. We talk through the real highs and lows of raising and competing coonhounds — and why being honest about your dog matters more than excuses. Plus: a full breakdown of the PKC leash lock rule being removed from all events, what it actually meant, and how it could change the way competition coon dogs are bred going forward. Big thanks to our sponsor, Johnson's Telemetry, for handling all my Garmin needs. 🐾 CCS Season 2 drops soon — members get early access. Keep an eye out! 🛒 Merch, info, and everything Holt Outdoors: https://holtoutdoors.com ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Welcome back — where we've been 1:03 Sponsor: Johnson's Telemetry (Garmin) 1:18 CCS Season 2 + early access for members 1:57 New website & merch at holtoutdoors.com 3:17 Life update: moving + welcoming our second daughter 6:18 Tonight's topic: my two dogs 7:23 Nova's story — breeding, independence & first trees 14:42 Shai's story — cast wins and the ups and downs 19:33 Riding the highs and lows + being honest about your dog 23:30 PKC leash lock rule removed — what it was, explained 27:53 Could this change how coon dogs are bred? 30:41 What's coming: weekly podcasts, Coonhound Chronicles & GoPro hunts 💬 Sound off in the comments: How do you think dropping the leash lock will change the way dogs are bred? 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don't miss CCS Season 2. #coonhunting #coonhound #HoltOutdoors #PKC #UKC #competitionhunting #houndsman #treeingwalker #dogtraining #hunting ___ Holt Outdoors — working hounds, told straight.                     Coon hunting, hound training, and honest stories out of the Southwest Missouri woods. We run dogs, we film it straight, and we put it all here — competition nights, young-dog struggles, and the wins that make it worth it.   What you'll find:   • The Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) — our head-to-head competition   series   • The Holt Outdoors Podcast — houndsmen, breeders, and the people who live it   • Hunts, training, and the dogs themselves                           Gear for the people who follow the dogs out: https://holtoutdoors.com      New episodes regularly. Subscribe and run with us.   ———                                                                  Shop: https://holtoutdoors.com   Instagram: https://instagram.com/holt_outdoors  [confirm handle]   TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors  [confirm handle]   Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoltOutdoors  [confirm]               Podcast: wherever you get podcasts  [add Spotify/Apple links if live]   Business: Holtoutdoors@gmail.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/support]

Saved By Faith & Coonhounds: The Jason Pratt Story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we are joined by Jason Pratt, shipping lead at Southern Missouri Container and a deacon at Passion Assembly of God. Jason shares his incredible journey from a "stubborn Bootheel boy" struggling with a 20-year addiction to methamphetamine and a 15-year prison sentence to finding complete redemption through the Adult & Teen Challenge program. If you have ever felt like you were at "rock bottom" or are interested in the intersection of faith and the outdoors, Jason’s story is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to turn your life around. Brennan also provides an update on the kennel, including a bittersweet move from his 40-acre farm to a new 65-acre training ground in Missouri. We discuss the transition from working with Shy to starting HBK’s Midnight Nova, an 8-month-old female out of powerhouse lineages (Stix x Zena). Whether you’re interested in hound performance, technical dog training tips, or the healing power of chasing Walker hounds in the middle of the night, this episode offers a unique look at how the woods can serve as a place for both hound training and spiritual therapy. Inside this episode: A Life Redeemed: Jason’s raw account of surviving prison, overcoming addiction, and serving in Springfield ministries. The "Bootheel" Style: A look at the diverse hunting grounds of Southern Missouri, from the Ozarks to the Cypress swamps. Starting Nova: Brennan’s plan for his new pup and why he values a "natural start" without over-exposure to cage coons. Ministry in the Woods: Why Jason considers running his dog Boon to be his primary "therapy" and time with God. Support Systems: Advice for families of those struggling with addiction on how to set boundaries and find recovery resources. #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #RedemptionStory #FaithAndHunting #DogTraining #MissouriHunting #HoundHunting #ShaiTheDog #AdultTeenChallenge #GarminAlpha ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/support]

The "Natural Start" Strategy: Why I Chose an 8-Month-Old Pup Over a Weaned Puppy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/fan_mail/new] In this major update of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt drops two pieces of massive news: the addition of a new high-caliber female pup and a move to a new 65-acre training ground. Meet HBK’s Midnight Nova, an 8-month-old female out of two powerhouse competition coon hunting dogs: Chris Collins’ Stix ($100k winner) and Tyler Jackson’s Zena (PKC Nationals Top 7). Brennan discusses why he specifically looked for a pup with a "natural start"—one that hadn't been over-exposed to drags or caged coons—and how her track-minded instinct is exactly what he wants for long-term hound performance. Beyond the new addition to the kennel, Brennan shares the bittersweet details of leaving his current 40-acre farm for a larger 65-acre property deeper in the country. This new location will serve as the primary dog training grounds for both Nova and Shai, who is still a "project with unfinished business." Brennan also gives a raw look at Nova’s first solo drops, her reaction to her first cage coon, and his plan to build her confidence without developing bad habits like running deer. With a second child on the way and a big move in progress, this episode covers the reality of balancing life, family, and the pursuit of elite hound hunting. Inside this episode: The Breeding Breakdown: Why Stix and Zena represent the "stacking of odds" for future winners. The 10-Minute Timer: Brennan’s simple test to see if a young pup has the drive to leave the truck and hunt solo. Track vs. Tree: Why Brennan prefers a pup where treeing comes last in the developmental cycle. Moving Logistics: A quick update on a potential lapse in the podcast schedule during the real estate transition. HBK Brand: A shoutout to the "special ladies" who support the all-night grind of coon hunting. Support the Show: Enjoying the journey? Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Season 2 developments and behind-the-scenes content! #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #NovaTheDog #DogTraining #HoundHunting #GarminAlpha #PKCNationals #WalkerHounds #MissouriOutdoors #CCSSeason2 ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/support]

Coon Dogs vs. Bird Dogs: The Impressive Technical Differences in Nose & Hunting Style

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/fan_mail/new] In this unique episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we step away from the night timber to explore the high-performance world of upland bird dogs with Tim Baker, president of the Missouri Hunting Spaniel Club. If you are a coon hunter accustomed to the "mystery" of a night trail, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the technical differences in how various breeds use their nose. Tim breaks down the "scent cone" and the "dramatic snap" of a Springer Spaniel compared to the traditional trailing style of a coon dog. Tim shares his 40 years of experience developing Amateur Field Champions and explains why a "bond-first" approach can outperform the high-pressure use of an e-collar. We dive into the versatility of flushing dogs—from retrieving doves and river ducks to navigating the thickest Missouri briars for Woodcock. Whether you are interested in hound performance, advanced dog training, or just want to see how the "other side" of hunting dogs operates, this episode provides deep value on the genetics, obedience, and unbreakable connection required to make a top-tier hunting partner. Inside this episode: Trailing vs. Flushing: A deep dive into the mechanics of how different breeds dissect a thicket and produce game. The Invisible Handle: Why Tim trains for obedience and relationship over authoritarian pressure. Ozarks Strategy: Why pointing dogs often struggle in the same thick cover where flushing spaniels excel. Field Trial Reality: Behind the scenes of a weekend AKC trial involving 74 entries and 400 pheasants. The Quail Debate: An honest look at why Missouri’s wild quail populations have declined and the habitat changes needed to bring them back. Support the Show: Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content! #BirdHunting #HoltOutdoors #SpringerSpaniel #DogTraining #UplandHunting #MissouriOutdoors #HoundHunting #FieldTrials #HuntingPodcast #GarminAlpha Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/support]

What You Need To Start Competition Coonhunting!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we address a listener-submitted question from Jordan Thompson about how to transition from pleasure hunting to competition coon hunting. Whether you are starting with a registered Blue Tick pup or a seasoned Walker hound, entering your first PKC or UKC-sanctioned hunt can be daunting. Brennan Holt breaks down the essentials into three critical categories: the gear, the mindset, and the dog. We dive deep into the necessary dog training equipment, from trusted tracking systems like the Garmin Alpha 200 Plus to the importance of high-quality hunting lights and chaps. Brennan also discusses the mental shift required for a cast, emphasizing why you must know the rules and your dog’s unique voice before spending money on an entry fee. From understanding "leash lock" and scoring strategy to the "150-coon rule" for building hound performance, this episode is the ultimate roadmap for any coon hunter looking to enter the competition circuit. Inside this episode: The Gear Checklist: What is a necessity (quality tracking and lights) vs. what you can live without (thermals and squallers). Mindset & Knowledge: Why reading the rulebook and doing "mock hunts" with buddies is the best preparation. The Competition Dog: The five traits a winner must have, including independence, hustle, and the "150-coon" base. The Golden Rule: Why "having coons in the tree" is the only metric that truly matters for winning casts. Support the Show: Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only podcast content! #CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #CompetitionHunting #DogTraining #GarminAlpha #PKCHunt #UKCHunting #HoundHunting #HuntingPodcast ___ Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips and tactics to help you be more successful in the outdoors. We bring you authentic, genuine outdoor content — just as nature intended. 🔗 Stay Connected & Gear Up New Website & Merch: www.holtoutdoors.com Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1f2TpJvF__PNYtWrlpx6w/join 🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holt-outdoors-podcast/id1823288020 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vxPYgdS2XT9MA9YDdYS3Q?si=e8513b0767f14a94 📲 Follow us on social media for even more outdoor adventures! ⬇️ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@holt_outdoors Facebook: @Holt Outdoors Instagram: @Holt_Outdoors Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2514840/support]