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Training Tips
My Account

Matt Mates

Saint Johns, MI

Background

I’ve hunted upland game birds from North Dakota to Northern Maine, spending most of my time in my home state of Michigan. My love for pheasants dates back to my days as a youngster, first chasing them with our Labradors, German Shorthaired Pointers, or the occasional contact while running beagles in the winter. However, the ruffed grouse is king, and I currently raise and train my English pointers with that pursuit in mind. I spend much of my time training here in Michigan, but also spend approximately 4 weeks per year in Maine doing the same.

I’m an amateur bird dog trainer and enjoy assisting newcomers with their training inquiries. I’ll gladly spend my time afield with any well-mannered bird dog, but especially appreciate the drive and style of my English pointers.

I find it important to introduce new people to the sport, conservation of our resources, and exposing them to the joy of hunting with well-trained pointing dogs. I serve on the board and banquet committee of the Andy Ammann Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. I also field trial from time to time and thoroughly enjoy judging as well. I’m a graduate of Siena Heights University with a degree in Public Safety and Behavioral Science. Aside from my outdoor pursuits, I take a great deal of pride in doing my part to keep Michigan’s citizens safe.

Why I Use SportDOG Brand

I’ve been using SportDOG products since they have been available and have had a tremendously positive experience from the beginning. The combination of practical and reliable equipment coupled with unmatched customer service is what makes me proud to represent SportDOG.

Favorite Products

UplandHunter™ 1875.

Articles by Matt Mates

man sitting in vast wilderness looking at TEK 2.0 handheld screenman sitting in vast wilderness looking at TEK 2.0 handheld screen

TEK 2.0: Utilizing the Trip Computer

If you’ve paid attention to the reviews for the TEK 2.0 system from SportDOG Brand®, you know that hunters are really impressed with the mapping feature. Count me as one of them. While a lot of hunters and dog handlers rely on the screen’s information to help them locate a...

Other Senior Prostaff

Baker comes from a long background of fishing and waterfowl hunting, having grown up in the fly away in West Tennessee. He is a Delta Waterfowl committee member and West Tennessee HRC Vice President, and has competed in Super Retriever Series as an amateur. His dog Stella has qualified in...Baker comes from a long background of fishing and waterfowl hunting, having grown up in the fly away in West Tennessee. He is a Delta Waterfowl committee member and West Tennessee HRC Vice President, and has competed in Super Retriever Series as an amateur. His dog Stella has qualified in...

Baker McCool

Baker comes from a long background of fishing and waterfowl hunting, having grown up in the fly away in West Tennessee. He is a Delta Waterfowl committee member and West Tennessee HRC Vice President, and has competed in Super Retriever Series as an amateur. His dog Stella has qualified in...

Chris has 12 years of dog training experience and over 20 years of combined retriever training and hunting experience. He mostly works with Labradors, Goldens, Chessies, Spaniels, and a few pointing breeds. He is a member of the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, Hunting Retriever Club, Delta Waterfowl, and Ducks Unlimited.Chris has 12 years of dog training experience and over 20 years of combined retriever training and hunting experience. He mostly works with Labradors, Goldens, Chessies, Spaniels, and a few pointing breeds. He is a member of the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, Hunting Retriever Club, Delta Waterfowl, and Ducks Unlimited.

Chris Anders

Chris has 12 years of dog training experience and over 20 years of combined retriever training and hunting experience. He mostly works with Labradors, Goldens, Chessies, Spaniels, and a few pointing breeds. He is a member of the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, Hunting Retriever Club, Delta Waterfowl, and Ducks Unlimited.

Derek is the founder and President of Central Kentucky Hunting Retriever Association, Inc. After seeing a need for improvement of our hunting retriever breeds, he set out to educate the retriever community in Central Kentucky on common health concerns, quality retriever work, and common training practices to improve retrievers. CKHRA...Derek is the founder and President of Central Kentucky Hunting Retriever Association, Inc. After seeing a need for improvement of our hunting retriever breeds, he set out to educate the retriever community in Central Kentucky on common health concerns, quality retriever work, and common training practices to improve retrievers. CKHRA...

Derek Beard

Derek is the founder and President of Central Kentucky Hunting Retriever Association, Inc. After seeing a need for improvement of our hunting retriever breeds, he set out to educate the retriever community in Central Kentucky on common health concerns, quality retriever work, and common training practices to improve retrievers. CKHRA...

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