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In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Long, a Missouri coon hunting veteran with over 50 years of experience in the timber. Jeff shares a lifetime of wisdom on dog training, starting with his first Walker hound bought from the legendary Russell Beck. If you are a hound hunter looking to refine your competition coon hunting strategy or just starting a young dog, Jeff’s insights on "Brains and Heart" are essential viewing.

Jeff breaks down the evolution of the Walker hound, explaining why modern dogs are faster and more independent than those of 30 years ago. We dive into a detailed profile of his current standout dog, Dirt, exploring his pedigree (Three Blank Joker x Kenneth Johnson's Wild) and how a natural hunting style leads to hound performance in the woods. From the "10-coon rule" for building confidence to the biggest mistakes parents make when introducing youth to the sport, this episode is packed with value for the modern coon dog enthusiast.

Inside this episode:

The Starting Process: How Jeff and partner Keith Palmer divide the work of starting vs. finishing young hounds.

Accuracy vs. Speed: Why Jeff prefers a dog that can work any track over a "hot-nosed ambush" dog.

The Youth Mistake: Why an experienced "meat dog" is better than a puppy for keeping kids interested in hunting.

Correcting Empties: Why Jeff believes "Brains and Nose" are the only real fixes for a slick-treeing dog.

Legends of the Past: Memories of the original Stage Coma, Triple Tough Luke, and Domino.

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#CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #DogTraining #WalkerHounds #HoundHunting #HuntingPodcast #GarminAlpha #MissouriOutdoors #JeffLong

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In this high-value episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we are joined by Brody Julien, a Missouri native and U.S. Army veteran, to break down the critical role of terrain navigation in hound training. From the "sand hills" of North Carolina to the deep creek ditches of Northern Missouri, Brody explains how different environments shape a coon dog's ability to strike and tree. If you're looking to improve your competition coon hunting score, understanding how dogs "pocket" coons in varied timber is a game-changer.

We also tackle one of the most controversial topics in the sport: the coonhound market. Brennan and Brody dive into the reality of buying and selling dogs on Facebook, debating whether a world-class pedigree actually "stacks the odds" or if raw hunting experience is the ultimate deciding factor. You'll hear about the "150-coon philosophy"—why patience and consistent time in the woods outrank the shock collar every time. Whether you use a Garmin Alpha 200 Plus to track your Walker hounds or are searching for a naturally independent female, this episode provides the "by-the-book" insights every coon hunter needs to find and train a winner.

Inside this episode:

Army Airborne to the Timber: How military discipline translates to mastering complex competition rules.

Terrain Shock: Why dogs from the Ozarks struggle with Northern Missouri's deep creek ditches.

The Market Reality: Honest talk on finding value in unproven lines and avoiding "bad apples" online.

The Ground Game: The unusual story of a yearling Josie Wales pup catching coons on the fly.

Consistency as a Trait: Why predictability is more valuable than a "freak show" dog that lacks consistency.

Support the Show: Hit the JOIN button on our YouTube channel for exclusive access to the CCS Series, live hunts, and member-only content!

#CoonHunting #HoltOutdoors #HoundTraining #GarminAlpha #MissouriHunting #DogTraining #HuntingPodcast #ShaiTheDog #NorthMissouriHunting

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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
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🎧 Listen to the Holt Outdoors Podcast:
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In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we are joined by Missouri native and lifelong coon hunter, Kim Barker of Osage Fork Kennels. With nearly 65 years of experience in the woods, Kim shares incredible stories from his childhood spent in the back of his grandfather's truck to his time serving in the U.S. Army and returning home to the hound hunting community. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in competition coon hunting and the heritage of the Walker hound.

Kim provides a unique perspective on the evolution of coon dogs, comparing the "packing" hounds of the past to the faster, more independent competition dogs of today. He discusses his most famous hounds, including the legendary Smoke, and his experiences hunting alongside the original Stage Coma. Beyond the technical aspects of dog training and Garmin GPS tracking, Kim emphasizes the importance of family, sharing heartwarming stories about his grandsons discovering the sport. Whether you’re looking for advice on accurate coon dogs or just want to hear great hunting stories, Kim Barker’s wisdom on hound performance and consistency is invaluable for every coon hunter.

Inside this episode:

Life at Osage Fork: Growing up on a family cattle farm and the early days of dog trading.

The Modern Coon Dog: Why Kim believes today's breeding has created faster and better dogs than ever before.

Competition Mindset: Winning the Missouri Federation and why fun should always be the priority.

Training for Success: The importance of consistency, vet checking, and the "quality over quantity" approach to hunting.

Passing the Torch: Why taking the next generation hunting is more rewarding than any trophy on the wall.

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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