Nordic Tales & American Trails

Robin Tangen is back — fresh home from West Virginia and with a brand-new chapter added: importing a dog from the U.S. to Norway.

In this Christmas episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, we sit down to talk hunting, dogs, and the shared traditions that connect Sweden, Norway, and the United States. Robin shares stories from his recent trip to the U.S., what it’s like hunting and traveling over there, and the realities of bringing an American dog into a Scandinavian hunting life.

We get into hound hunting and breed diff...

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Austin Marcum of Wild Country Kennels for an honest conversation about coon hunting, hound work, and what it truly takes to build reliable hunting dogs.

They talk about how hounds are started, tested under pressure, and selected forward in serious programs — and why not every dog makes the cut. The discussion also compares American coon hunting culture with hunting dogs in Scandinavia and Europe, showing that while the game and systems differ, the core values of dog work remain the same.

Whether you run hounds, Laikas, or...

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Swedish hunter, tracker, and lifelong Laika man Mikael Kronstrand for a deep dive into dog work,

training philosophy, and what truly separates a good dog from a great one.

They explore the mindset behind building reliable wounded-game trackers,

the differences between East and West Siberian Laikas, and why Scandinavian dog culture operates so differently from what we see in North America.

From bark tempo and species reactions to real-world tracking challenges, this conversation goes far beyond the surface

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In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Swedish hunter, tracker, and lifelong Laika man Mikael Kronstrand for a deep dive into dog work,

training philosophy, and what truly separates a good dog from a great one.

They explore the mindset behind building reliable wounded-game trackers,

the differences between East and West Siberian Laikas, and why Scandinavian dog culture operates so differently from what we see in North America.

From bark tempo and species reactions to real-world tracking challenges, this conversation goes far beyond the surface

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In Episode 66, Darren and Erik sit down to talk about what hunting really means — far beyond the success of the shot.

They dive into why the harvest itself is only a small piece of the puzzle, and how the journey, the lessons, and the time spent in the wild shape us far more than the outcome ever could.

From sustainability and ethics to the stories and community that bind hunters together, this episode digs into the heart of what keeps us coming back season after season.

Highlights include:

🌲 Why the hunt...

In this part 2 we continues the discussion with James Edwards, expanding into global hunting traditions, land management, and the future of working dogs.

We dive into the cultural importance of moose hunting, the challenges of modern wildlife laws, and how different regions shape the dogs they breed. They also touch on coyote hunting, the rise of new hunters, and the ethics that guide today’s hunting communities.

Highlights include:

🌲 Hunting traditions and land management

🫎 Cultural significance of moose hunting

🐺 Coyote hunting and field stories

⚖️ Ethics...

In Part One, Erik sits down with James Edwards of JJlivestockUK to dig into the heritage of British working dogs and how the UK’s hunting culture has changed over time.

We explore the history of the Smithfield cattle dog, the role of dogs both on farms and in the field, and how the Hunting Act of 2005 reshaped long-standing traditions. The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding UK hunting laws, the loss of natural predators, and the growing divide between rural life and urban opinion.

Highlights include:

🐕 Smithfield cattle dog h...

In Part 2, Erik Rhodin continues the conversation with Derek Hall, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s hunting community.

From state regulations to public perception, they explore how hunters can take an active role in education, outreach, and responsible dog work — ensuring that the traditions we value continue to thrive for generations to come

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Derek also shares insights into the mission behind the Arizona Working Dog Alliance, a group dedicated to promoting ethical hunting practices and protecting the future of hunting with dogs in the United States.

High...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Erik Rhodin sits down with Derek Hall to explore the world of hunting with dogs — from the deserts of Arizona to the forests of Scandinavia.

They dive into what defines a good hunting dog, how different breeds excel in different regions, and the cultural contrasts that shape how hunters around the world view their craft.

This first part sets the stage for a powerful discussion about unity, education, and respect for the traditions that connect hunters across continents.

Highlights include:

🐕 The wide range of hunti...

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik and Adam open up about the emotional highs and lows that come with life as hunters and dog owners. From the joy of the chase to the heartbreak of losing a trusted companion, this conversation dives deep into the bond between humans, dogs, and the wild.

They reflect on the recent moose hunting season, the transition to copper bullets, and the lessons learned while training young dogs in the field. It’s an honest look at what makes hunting more than just a pursuit — it’s a way...

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik sits down with Thomas Cole from Colemine Kennels in Michigan.

Thomas shares his journey into hound hunting — from starting later in life to building a kennel of driven bear dogs and traveling across the U.S. in pursuit of adventure.

The conversation dives into what drives houndsmen, the ethics of baiting, breeding for purpose, and the powerful bond between hunter and dog.

From Michigan’s thick forests to the swamps of North Carolina and the rugged terrain of the West, Thomas brings stor...

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik sits down with Darren in the hills of Kentucky to talk bear hunting, hounds, and the deep traditions that bind hunters together.

From training versatile dogs to navigate tough mountain terrain to understanding the patchwork of state hunting laws, Darren shares what it takes to succeed in one of the South’s most challenging and rewarding pursuits.

Their conversation explores the heart of hound hunting — patience, breeding, camaraderie, and the love for dogs that drives it all.

Highlights include:

🐾 Trainin...

In Part 2, Erik and Darren continue the conversation with Joe Kondelis, shifting focus toward the world of dog hunting, hunter unity, and what the future of bear management looks like when science, tradition, and passion come together.

They dive into the role of dogs in both Sweden and North America, the challenges from anti-hunting movements, and how cooperation between hunters worldwide can strengthen conservation for generations to come.

Highlights include:

🐾 The joy and art of hunting with dogs

🤝 Unity among hunters across borders

🚫 Anti-hunting groups and public perceptio...

In this first part of our two-episode conversation, Erik and Darren sit down with Joe Kondelis, President of the American Bear Foundation, to talk about bear hunting, management, and culture — from Scandinavia to the Rocky Mountains.

They explore how bears are managed differently across continents, why bear meat deserves more respect, and how hunters can help shape a better public understanding of conservation.

Highlights include:

🐻 The mission and growth of the American Bear Foundation

🇸🇪 Bear management — Sweden vs the USA

🥩 The value of bear meat and changing perceptions

🌍 Wildlife man...

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik and Adam sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, dog training, and the challenges of modern life. From the importance of disconnecting from social media to the deep bond between handler and dog, they share honest reflections on the ups and downs of life in the woods.

Highlights include:

📵 Stepping away from social media to enjoy the hunt

🐾 Bonding with your dog as the foundation for training

💪 Overcoming setbacks with patience and positivity

🧬 Breeding and selecting the right dogs f...

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, Erik is joined by new co-host Darren Petty from Indiana.

Together, they dive into the world of dog training — from handling aggression and working with protection breeds, to the responsibilities of dog ownership and the instincts that make hunting dogs tick.

Darren shares his experience training aggressive breeds, while Erik brings in the European perspective on laws, liability, and traditions.

Highlights include:

🐕 Training aggressive breeds — where mistakes come from

🧠 Building confidence vs. correcting behaviors

🛡️ What it takes to own a person...

This second part dives deeper into the cultural differences in hunting between the U.S. and Europe

from predator management on estates and in the field to the role of social media in shaping hunting culture.

Peter shares his unique perspective on adapting to new traditions while staying true to his own hunting roots.

Highlights include:

🇸🇪 Cultural shocks of hunting in Sweden

🐺 Predator management on hunting estates

🤝 Hunting etiquette: U.S. vs EU

🦊 The evolution of terrier work

🐾 Choosing the right dog

📜...

In this episode Erik and Adam sit down with Peter “Loghead Terriers,” a terrierman from the U.S. now living in southern Sweden.

Peter shares his journey into hunting with Patterdale Terriers, the culture shock of moving overseas, and how hunting traditions differ between the U.S. and Europe.

From chasing nutria in Louisiana to hunting badgers with terriers in rural Skåne, this conversation blends two worlds of hunting, dogs, and adaptation.

Highlights include:

Life in Sweden: Weather and culture

Nutria hunting in Louisiana

Th...

In this short episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, hosts Erik and Adam share recent hunting stories, focusing on dog training, hound traditions, and the excitement of returning to their roots with beagles.

Highlights include:

🐾 The joy of hunting with dogs

🔙 Nostalgia of returning to beagles

🎯 First-time hunting experiences

⏳ Patience in dog training

👨‍👩‍👧 Hunting as a family tradition

A quick but heartfelt conversation about the bonds between hunters, dogs, and family.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 52 of Nordic Tales and American Trails for a dose of hunting roots and...

In this episode, we welcome back Wayne Dixon, board member of the American Bear Foundation and fellow Laika hunter. Wayne first joined us in Episode 12, and we’re excited to have him return for another deep dive into the world of bear hunting and conservation. 🐻🎙️

From the traditions of hunting with dogs in the U.S. to reflections on time spent in Sweden and Norway, we explore the cultural perspectives that shape how hunters across the world approach this pursuit. Wayne shares insights on:

This week on Nordic Tales & American Trails, we sit down with 📸 Scott Allan of SA Fieldsports Photography — a UK-based hunter and photographer whose lens has followed working dogs from the sand dunes of Africa 🌍 to the woods of America 🌲 and the coursing fields of Europe 🐾

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Scott’s story starts at home 🏡, where changes in UK hunting laws pushed him from running his own dogs into capturing hunts through photography. What began with ferreting and lurchers soon grew into a global pursuit — from boarhounds 🐗 and Galgos 🐕 to leopard 🐆 and bobcat 🐈‍⬛ hunts.

We dig into:

🔹 The journey from hunter...

In this episode of Nordic Tales and American Trails, we sit down with Joe Saylor, a Kentucky-based hunter who grew up running Walkers and English hounds — but has now fully shifted over to West Siberian Laikas.

We follow Joe’s journey from picking up her first Laika pup to building a capable hunting dog, covering the challenges, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments along the way. From the first squirrel treed to developing steady tracking skills, Joe shares how the breed’s intelligence and instincts set it apart.

🐾 What makes a Laika different from traditional hounds

🎧 This week, we're re-releasing our full conversation with Torkel Norling, one of Sweden’s most experienced and respected tracking and predator hunters.

Originally split into two parts, this complete episode brings together over 30 years of field experience in one uninterrupted conversation — packed with insight for anyone passionate about Laikas, wounded game tracking, and predator hunting.

With 250+ tracking assignments per year, Torkel has been on the front lines of wounded moose recoveries, wildlife collisions, and predator hunts involving brown bear and lynx. He’s also a prolific writer on tracking and an active voice within the Swedi...

In Part Two of our deep-dive with Darren Petty, we continue exploring what it really takes to build, train, and understand a serious hunting dog. This time, the spotlight is on Kylo – one of Darren’s standout dogs – and the lessons learned from raising, hunting, and handling a dog built for real work.

We dig into:

🔹 The role of genetics, socialization, and selecting the right breed for the job

🔹 Wild boar and brown bear hunting – and the adjustments dogs (and handlers) must make

🔹 Pack mentality, dog aging, and keeping your team balanced

It’s been one full year since Nordic Tales and American Trails launched — and what a journey it’s been! 🥂🎧

To celebrate, we’re reuploading Episode 1, where it all began. In this episode, we introduced the idea behind the podcast — bridging the gap between hunting cultures in the U.S. and Northern Europe, and telling real stories from the dog men and women in the field.

So… have we stayed true to that mission?

This anniversary episode is a chance to reflect, look back at how far we’ve come, and say a huge thank you...

This week, we sit down with Darren Petty – a seasoned dogman, hunter, and returning guest who’s spent decades working with hounds, Laikas, and terriers across the U.S.

In Part One of this two-part conversation, we dive into a wide range of dog talk — from hands-on training advice to bigger-picture questions about behavior, temperament, and what makes a breed tick.

We dig into:

🔹 Are Laikas aggressive as a breed?

🔹 Off-season conditioning and mental prep

🔹 How Darren evaluates dogs for drive, balance, and biddability

🔹 What separates a handler from a t...

We’re back with Heath Hyatt for Part Two of our deep-dive into the world of working dogs — from the mountains to the street.

With decades of experience in hunting and law enforcement, Heath unpacks what it really means to read, train, and build a dependable dog.

This episode is full of straight talk and sharp insights for anyone serious about the craft.

We dig into:

🔹 The journey from hunting to professional K9 work

🔹 Patience, pressure, and timing – core training principles that never go out of style

🔹 E-colla...

This week, we sit down with Heath Hyatt – professional dog trainer, law enforcement K9 handler, and lifelong hunter – for the first of a two-part deep dive into dog work, training philosophy, and bear hunting in the U.S.

Heath brings a rare perspective from both sides of the leash. With decades of experience working police dogs and hounds, he shares how the same core principles – patience, timing, and reading behavior – apply across both worlds.

We talk:

🔹 What makes a good trainer (and why it starts with mindset)

🔹 Bear behavior and what it takes...

In Part Two of our conversation with George Lambert from Mountain Music and Mules, we go deeper into his life of hunting with dogs, mules, and grit.

George brings decades of hard-earned experience to the mic, sharing stories that span generations, bloodlines, and state lines. 🐾🐻

This episode covers:

🐶 How George sees the differences between American and European hunting dogs

🌍 Comparing breeds like Feists, Laikas, and hounds – what matters in the field

🌲 Real talk on terrain, tracking, and the demands of bear and boar hunting

🧠 The mindset of a dogman – patien...

Episode 42: George Lambert – Mules, Hounds & Mountain Lessons (Part 1)

In Part One of our conversation with George Lambert of Mountain Music and Mules, we dig deeper into the rugged bond between man, mule, and hound. George reflects on what mules have taught him about dog training—and how those lessons shaped his approach in the woods.

This episode covers:

Positive vs. negative training – and why timing and tone matter

E-collars and communication – using tools, not shortcuts

How George’s time with mules made him a sharper, m...

This week, we’re doing something a little different.

We’re bringing back one of our earlier conversations — both parts of our interview with Jeremiah Gracie of Gracie Tracking Service, now reuploaded as one full episode.

Jeremiah is a passionate outdoorsman from the U.S. with a strong interest in wounded game recovery, trapping, and working dogs. He runs a Norwegian Elkhound named Trapper, and while still fairly early in his tracking journey, Jeremiah has already built up valuable experience — both in the field and through trial and error.

In this episode, we talk...

This week, we sit down with none other than Rasmus Boström – one of Sweden’s most experienced and recognized brown bear hunters.

We cover everything from checking wounded bears by helicopter in Norway (on behalf of the government!) to the dogs he uses for bear hunting and other predator hunting in Sweden.

Rasmus also shares his unique experiences hunting mink in the Swedish archipelago and dives deep into what it really takes to develop a reliable bear dog.

We also discuss how to start young dogs and the importance of ti...

This week, we head underground—literally.

Erik and Adam sit down with Jan Gustavsson, better known as Trapperlodge, one of Sweden’s most experienced den hunters and a finalist at this year’s Jaktgalan (Hunting Gala). Jan takes us deep into the world of fox and badger hunting with terriers, where precision, grit, and trust in your dog are everything.

We talk about:

– How Jan got started with Patterdales and the evolution of den work in Sweden

– What to do when a dog gets stuck underground

– Tools, tactics, and...

Episode 38 – Ask Hyldgaard

This week, we sit down with Ask Hyldgaard – a Swedish wounded game tracker, former professional cowboy (yep, really), and one of the very few people in Sweden running a Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Ask’s journey is unique. He started with German Shepherds and a background in cowboy life, but now he’s all-in on tracking wounded wild boar, moose and deer with his Catahoula – a breed far from common in Scandinavia. His dog comes from the same bloodlines as those used by Adam and Dominic of Bayou Outlaws, but Ask’s training a...

In this laid-back episode, Erik and Adam sit down to recap the last four episodes and dive into some deeper dog talk.

We explore the age-old debate: breeding vs. training – what really makes a good hunting dog?

We also talk:

What breeds Adam is eyeing for his next dog

Heat stroke and staying safe in the field

Wild boars, Laikas, hounds – and everything in between

Grab a cup, kick back, and join us for a real dogman-style conversation.

Tune in now to Nord...

This week, we sit down with Chris Powell – founder, host, and driving force behind the Houndsman XP podcast. With a lifetime of experience as a hunter, houndsman, and conservation officer, Chris brings deep insight into the American hunting tradition and the importance of preserving wildlife and wild places.

We talk about:

– The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

– Chris’ decades as a game warden with the Indiana DNR

– His passion for hound hunting and working dogs

– What inspired him to launch Houndsman XP

– The role of hunters as ste...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Per Kristensen, also known as PK Hunting. Per is a Swedish hunter and content creator, part of the Wild Jaeger crew, who discovered bowhunting a few years ago—and it’s taken him far beyond Sweden.

We talk about: – Growing up in Sweden’s traditional almogejakt culture with hunting dogs

– Hunting without dogs and finding your own way in the woods

– The spot-and-stalk hunting style and how it differs between Europe and the USA

– His trips to the USA, Denmark, and Latvia to pursue...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dominic Brown, co-owner of Bayou Outlaws alongside our host Adam Vu.

Dominic is a passionate and experienced hunter who runs a mixed pack of dogs including Black Mouth Curs, Catahoula Curs, and West Siberian Laikas, with a strong focus on wild boar hunting.

We dive into: – Hunting wild boars in the American South

– The strengths and roles of different breeds in his pack

– His experience with Laikas and how they compare across continents

– Cultural and practical differences between hunting in the USA...

🎙 Episode 33 – Mikael Kronstrand (Part 2) 🐾

In part two of our conversation with Mikael Kronstrand, we dive deep into the world of Swedish hunting trials. Mikael shares how he became a hunting trial judge and what it takes to evaluate dogs in a system built to test real hunting skills.

We also circle back to Laikas and other spitz breeds—comparing their traits and discussing how different breeds perform in trials. Mikael talks about his experience competing in the Swedish Wild Boar Championship with one of his East Siberian Laika females and what that journey looked like. 🐗🏆<...

We kick off this episode by diving into the training of wounded game tracking dogs—how to build them up, challenge them, and keep their drive sharp.

Mikael Kronstrand shares how his tracking journey started, eventually leading him to lay blood trails in some unexpected places... like an IKEA parking lot

From there, we get into Mikael’s work with East Siberian Laikas—his experiences breeding and hunting with them. We also explore the differences between East and West Siberian Laikas, and how they compare to Norwegian and Swedish Elkhounds in both hunting style and me...