In this episode of The Lab, Barton Ramsey sits down with UK field trialer and judge Simon Capstick for an in-depth conversation on retriever training, trialing, and the traditions behind British gun dogs.

Simon shares his journey into Labradors through the legendary Drakeshead kennels owned by his Aunt, Sandra Halstead. They discuss how he learned the foundations of training and how his philosophy has evolved over the past decade. The conversation explores UK field trials, judging across Europe, the importance of picking up, and what truly prepares a dog for championship-level work.

They also break down Simon’s recent run at the IGL Retriever Championship, discussing difficult retrieves, scenting conditions, and the fine margins that separate success and failure at the highest level of the sport.

This episode offers valuable insight for anyone interested in advanced retriever training, game finding, and how British trialing traditions shape reliable, capable gun dogs.

Learn more about Simon and Gunnerspeg Labradors at this website: https://www.gunnerspeglabradors.com/

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#027 Step into the rich heritage of the American West as Clay Forst shares the remarkable story of Stewart Ranch, Oklahoma's oldest continuously family-owned ranch dating back to 1868. As the sixth generation steward of this legacy, Clay offers a fascinating glimpse into modern ranching life while explaining how his family has adapted their traditional cattle operation to thrive in today's world.

Clay walks us through the fascinating journey of how a calf becomes the steak on your plate, changing hands up to six times over 18-24 months. Meanwhile, his 70-year-old mother Terry (affectionately known as "Miss T") continues to ride daily, breed performance quarter horses, and display remarkable resilience—even recovering from being trampled by cattle to brand calves just weeks later.

The conversation shifts to Clay's development of Stewart Ranch Outfitters, which he's built from humble beginnings in 2009 to a premier hunting destination. We explore his decision to construct an extraordinary hunting lodge rather than a utilitarian facility, revealing how this calculated risk represents an investment in future generations. "It really boils down to legacy," Clay explains. "What can I leave for my boys in the next generation to grab ahold of and make their own?"

Along the way, Clay shares hilarious stories about his Lab, Choctaw, including a memorable moment when he accidentally tried to command someone else's dog during a goose hunt. These lighter moments perfectly balance the deeper discussions about faith, family, and purposeful risk-taking that have sustained this remarkable operation for over 150 years.

Whether you're fascinated by the cowboy lifestyle, interested in conservation and land management, or simply appreciate stories of family businesses adapting to changing times, this episode offers authentic insight into an American tradition that continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Subscribe now and join us for more conversations with passionate outdoors people who are creating their own legacies.

#026 Remember when social media wasn't just about mindless scrolling? When photograph quality mattered more than viral potential? When online connections regularly turned into real-life friendships? Barton and his guest Reagan Renfroe take us back to what they call "the golden age" of outdoor social media—that sweet spot between 2013-2017 when platforms were still about genuine community.

Reagan shares the origin story of the once-legendary Sitka Gear Fanatics Facebook group that connected thousands of outdoor enthusiasts before algorithm changes and corporate interests transformed the digital landscape. Their conversation reveals how a small circle of content creators—photographers pushing the boundaries of outdoor imagery—built an ecosystem where everyone benefited from shared exposure and authentic engagement.

The episode takes hilarious turns, including Reagan's memorable fainting spell at Blue Canoe restaurant after hearing Barton's graphic medical story, and chronicles how their friendship evolved through hunting adventures and shared values. Most powerfully, Reagan opens up about founding Purpose Hunt—an annual gathering where men can be vulnerable about struggles in business, fatherhood, and faith while pursuing outdoor traditions.

When their conversation turns to extreme weather hunts and "traditions over conditions," you'll feel the camaraderie that develops when people push through challenges together. What emerges is a thoughtful examination of how meaningful connections form and endure even as platforms change.

Whether you're nostalgic for social media's simpler days or looking to build more authentic community in today's digital landscape, this conversation offers both entertainment and wisdom from two friends who've witnessed the transformation firsthand. Check out Reagan's work at Renfroe Creative to see how he's bringing the same authenticity to brand storytelling that he brought to outdoor photography.

#025 Ever wondered what drives someone to completely reinvent an essential product that everyone takes for granted? Meet Addison Edmonds, the visionary founder of Gunner, who transformed dog travel safety by refusing to accept the status quo.

Addison's journey began with his beloved chocolate Lab, Gunner, and a simple frustration: why don't travel kennels actually protect dogs? From humble beginnings at Ole Miss to bootstrapping a revolutionary product design, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of building a brand that's saved countless canine lives. You'll hear the raw emotion as Addison recalls the loss of his best friend and how that pain fueled his determination to create something meaningful.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is the unfiltered look at entrepreneurship alongside fatherhood. While developing crash-tested kennels that could withstand forces no other product could handle, Addison and his wife were also raising four children under four years old. The parallels between nurturing a growing business and a growing family create a relatable narrative about pursuing passion while maintaining perspective.

Whether you're a dog lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates seeing a problem solved through grit and determination, this conversation delivers authentic insights about building something that matters. From working directly with customers to managing a team of nearly 40 employees, Addison shares the challenges of scaling without sacrificing the soul of what makes Gunner special.

Ready to be inspired by what happens when someone cares enough to fix what's broken? Listen now and discover how one man's love for his dog created an entire category of products that pet owners never knew they needed – until they couldn't imagine living without them.

#024 What happens behind the scenes when champion Labradors are bred? Dr. Lee Payne, one of the most sought-after reproductive veterinarians in the Labrador world, pulls back the curtain on the science, skill, and precision required to maintain top-quality working dog genetics.

From his unexpected journey into veterinary medicine to becoming the go-to expert for breeders across the Southeast, Dr. Payne shares invaluable insights on health testing that every prospective Lab owner should understand. He breaks down the differences between testing methodologies like OFA, PennHIP, and BVA, explaining why technique matters just as much as the results themselves.

The conversation dives deep into the reproductive science that serious breeders need to master. Dr. Payne explains progesterone testing with remarkable clarity, walking through the hormonal cycles that determine optimal breeding windows for different methods. His practical approach to timing—whether for natural breeding, chilled semen, or frozen semen—reveals why successful reproduction is truly a numbers game.

Working dog handlers will find practical guidance on managing pregnant females, maintaining healthy stud dogs, and preventing potentially deadly heat stroke. Dr. Payne shares his wealth of experience on breed-specific tendencies, noting that British Labs typically show more elbow issues while American lines struggle more with ACL tears—knowledge that can save owners thousands in veterinary bills.

Whether you're a professional breeder, a competitive handler, or simply a dedicated Lab enthusiast, this episode provides rare access to specialized knowledge that typically requires years in the field to acquire. Ready to understand what makes breeding programs successful and how to maintain the health of your working retriever? This conversation is an essential addition to your education.

#023 Ranar Moody takes us on an authentic journey through his remarkable path from aspiring entrepreneur to co-founder of 24.7Hunt. This conversation explores the beautiful intersection of hip-hop culture and waterfowl hunting while challenging perceptions about who belongs in outdoor spaces.

Growing up in Georgia with deep family hunting traditions, Ranar shares how his college business plan evolved into a visionary outdoor brand that's reshaping the culture. Rather than joining his father's successful construction business, he took calculated risks—selling his house and moving his family into an apartment—to pursue his passion for duck hunting and filming. The sacrifice and dedication behind building 24.7Hunt reveals a powerful story of persistence that transcends the typical hunting narrative.

The discussion delves into the complex relationship between Black communities and hunting traditions in the South, examining how cultural shifts through generations have affected participation rates. Ranar eloquently articulates why representation matters: "I get a lot of friends of mine and people that aren't that hit me up all the time wanting to go hunting. I don't think they're against it—I think it's just so foreign and removed now." Through 24.7's authentic content, he's created an inviting pathway for new participants to connect with waterfowl hunting.

Beyond business, Ranar shares heartfelt stories about his beloved Labrador, Pete, who became the face of the brand and his constant companion from college through marriage. Their bond exemplifies the profound connections formed through hunting experiences. The conversation also explores 24.7's commitment to public land hunting, partnerships with premium outdoor brands, and their unique contributions through music that celebrates hunting culture without explicit lyrics.

Ready to experience the cultural bridge Renar is building in the outdoor world? Listen now and discover how authenticity, hard work, and staying true to your roots can create meaningful change in unexpected places.

#022 What happens when a phone call about a hunting dog leads to lifelong friendship, a marriage, and a thriving business? Chase White, owner of Fowl Plains Outfitters in Great Bend, Kansas, joins Barton to unpack their decade-long journey from dog trainer and client to witnessing life's most profound moments together.

Chase shares the remarkable story of how his British Labrador Jet, purchased from Southern Oak Kennels, became the foundation for both his professional guiding career and his personal life. When Chase needed a steady, reliable hunting companion, he reached out to Barton—beginning a friendship that would see them through proposals, weddings, and the birth of Chase's son. The conversation reveals how retrievers create connections that transcend typical business relationships.

Through candid storytelling, we explore the world of waterfowl outfitting from an insider's perspective. Chase details how Fowl Plains builds its reputation not just on hunting success, but on creating a "home away from home" experience that keeps clients returning year after year. His philosophy of "controlling the controllables" offers valuable insight for anyone in the service industry or building a passion-based business.

The episode takes a poignant turn as Chase discusses the recent DC plane crash that claimed the lives of several Fowl Plains clients returning from a hunt. In the face of devastating loss, the waterfowl community demonstrated extraordinary solidarity, raising over $230,000 for affected families. This tragedy underscores Chase's message that hunting is about people and relationships—not pile pictures or social media validation.

Whether you're a dedicated waterfowler, considering a guided hunt, or simply appreciate authentic stories of friendship and community, this conversation reminds us that the best memories in the field often have little to do with the number of birds harvested. Ready your retriever, pull up a seat by the fire, and join us for a heartfelt discussion about what truly matters in the hunting world.

#021 From 3 AM boat ramp conversations to thawing frozen hands with body heat, Wade Shoemaker pulls back the curtain on what it really means to bridge the gap between the waterfowl industry and the passionate hunters who fuel it. As the driving force behind Migra Ammunition's revolutionary Boat Ramp Tour, Wade has transformed what began as simple marketing into something far more valuable – genuine connection in an increasingly fragmented outdoor community.

Wade shares his remarkable journey from youth pastor to railroad manager to waterfowl industry insider, revealing the unexpected parallels between ministry and his current role. The conversation takes a particularly poignant turn when discussing the challenges of balancing intensive seasonal travel with family life. "When I am home, I'm home," Wade emphasizes, describing how he makes every moment count with his young sons during the brief respites between trips.

Parents who hunt will find Wade's candid advice on introducing children to waterfowling particularly valuable. Beyond the practical tips – never forget the heater or blind snacks – he offers something more profound: permission to prioritize your child's experience over the hunt itself. His story of warming his son's painfully cold hands against his stomach during a frigid morning hunt exemplifies the lengths great hunting parents will go to ensure positive first experiences.

The Boat Ramp Tour itself emerges as a fascinating case study in authentic marketing. What began as simple shell handouts has evolved into a powerful conduit between brands and their consumers, with Wade and his team serving as trusted intermediaries. Perhaps most remarkably, these pre-dawn conversations at public access points are helping to resurrect something many believed lost – the cooperative spirit that old-timers remember from duck hunting's "heyday."