The Holt Outdoors Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast — happy Halloween! In this solo episode, host Brennan Holt opens with a reminder to coexist and show respect as deer season ramps up, then digs into where things stand with Little Nova. She’s the only dog at the house now, and Brennan keeps it real about the good nights and the bad ones, hunting through a full moon, her being a true loner, and why he’s refusing to rush her into a hunt before she’s truly ready.

From there he gets reflecti...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast — it’s been a minute! In this solo episode, host Brennan Holt catches everybody up after a crazy stretch of life, finishing out CCS Season 2, and raising two little ones. He gives an honest recap of taking Shy to the UKC World Qualifier zones in Chadwick under brutally hot, dry conditions, and then opens up about the tough decision to finally sell him — and the handling arrangement that lets Brennan still take him to hunts.

From here on out, it’s all in on Little N...

Send us Fan Mail

A while back I asked you all to help me find somebody who really knows breeding — line breeding, outcrosses, the genetics behind it. One of you sent me Chad's name. This is that episode.

Chad Showalter runs Simple Man's Kennel out of Grover Hill, in northwest Ohio, and he's been putting hounds on the ground since the early 90s. He judged the UKC World Championship finals last year. And he thinks about breeding differently than most people you'll hear talk about it: his whole program runs off the females, he won't ke...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast! This week we did something a little different and went live on Facebook to take your questions and talk through one of the most argued-about topics in coon hunting right now: babbling and barking dogs. Host Brennan Holt breaks down what the babbling rule actually is, why so many dogs bark out of excitement, when a dog should get minused, and why — at the end of the day — you just need a dog that trees coons and doesn't make mistakes.

Along the way, Brennan answ...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast! This week, host Brennan Holt sits down with Brandon Gaines — a lifelong coon hunter, welder, and English dog man from Oklahoma who's spent years breeding, raising, and competing with his own line of dogs. Brandon's current dog, "Ears" (Crown G Music to My Ears), is a crossbred out of his old Rowdy dog and a Wipeout Walker female, and he's running around 90% accuracy for the year — including a stretch of 78 straight trees without a slick.

Brandon opens up about how he got hooked at 14, why...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast! Host Brennan Holt sits down with Tyler Jackson of Berda, Arkansas — a full-time working dad who proves you don't have to hunt every night to have a champion-caliber coon dog. 

Tyler and his platinum champion "Xena" recently came just one cast away from the finals of the $200,000 Jarvis Sanford Memorial Hunt, and he walks us through the whole run.

We get into balancing a 40-hour week and family life with chasing dogs across the country, Tyler's turkey-hunting obsession and his push toward the...

Send us Fan Mail

Shy did it. After more losses than wins, he won a UKC Regional Qualifying Event in Chadwick, Missouri — and punched his ticket to the World Hunt. It came down to the last 15 seconds, with a 150-minus mistake of my own making nearly costing us the whole thing. That's the real side of it, good and bad, like always.

I walk through the whole cast — a rough draw against titled dogs, climbing the side of a mountain to get to a tree, a kitten coon hanging in a snag, and the call I bo...

Send us Fan Mail

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 be...

Send us Fan Mail

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 th...

Send us Fan Mail

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 wh...

Send us Fan Mail

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...

Send us Fan Mail

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...

Send us Fan Mail

In this solo edition of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, I dive deep into a recent PKC $35 open event to break down exactly how the cast went with my dog, Shy. Competition coon hunting is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and this episode offers a raw, honest look at the technical mistakes and strategy shifts that happen in the woods. From miscalculating scores in my head to being "leash locked" by a competitor, I share the hard lessons learned during a night of den trees and tough circle point decisions.

The...

Send us Fan Mail

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 ar...

Send us Fan Mail

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...

Send us Fan Mail

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...

Send us Fan Mail

🚨To Apply, Head To Youtube & follow the steps! 🚨

In this special edition of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we discuss the future of the Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) and provide vital instructions for CCS Season 2. As competition coon hunting continues to grow, we are looking back at the success of our first season and detailing how you, the audience, can get involved. We’ve developed a custom CCS rule set designed to prioritize the hound's performance over the handler's tactics, ensuring the best coon dog wins every night. 

Brennan and Trey dive...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we dive deep into coon dog independence and hound training strategies for competition coon hunting. Brennan Holt shares a detailed breakdown of a recent pleasure hunt and mock cast with his dog, Shai, alongside Max and Heist. If you are looking to improve your dog's performance in the woods, understanding the difference between a "dead loner" and an independent hound is essential for any coon hunter looking to win.

Brennan addresses common hurdles like slick trees, "doggy" behavior, and how to...

Send us Fan Mail

Looking back at 2025: Gear, Growth, and the Future of Holt Outdoors! 🌲🐾

In this special end-of-year episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt reflects on a milestone year and dives deep into a comprehensive gear review. Whether you are a seasoned competition hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with honest, unsponsored insights on the equipment and dog food that actually stood up to the test of the woods over the last two years.

Brennan shares his personal journey of finding "the one"—the dog that has fina...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt dives deep into a busy week of competition hunting with his dog, Shy. From a small PKC hunt to the high-stakes Western English Association double-header in Seneca, MO, Brennan shares the highs, the lows, and a critical "tough love" lesson learned from a World Champion handler about the importance of being decisive in the woods.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Competition Breakdown: Brennan recaps three different casts from the past week, including specific scoring situations and do...

Send us Fan Mail

The Worst Night of Coon Hunting I've Had In Years!

Join Brennan Holt as he recounts a disastrous night of coon hunting that tested his limits, his gear, and his trust in his instincts. With temperatures in the low 20s and snow on the ground, the night started with a bad feeling—and quickly got worse.

In this episode, you'll hear the full story of:

Our dogs, Shy and Heist, are getting loose and running miles deep into a massive conservation area with ZERO cell service.

Send us Fan Mail

Join host Brennan Holt for an incredible conversation with co-owners Zac Boring and Eddie Green, the men behind the legendary Bluetick Coonhound, Zeke!

Zeke recently made PKC history, surpassing Big Country to become the all-time winningest Bluetick in PKC history. Zac and Eddie walk us through Zeke's journey, from being a young dog with deer and possum issues to conquering major hunts. They share the dedication—and trial and error—it took to mold Zeke into an accurate, straight-up coon dog that rarely misses.

The trio discusses the high-stakes worl...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, host Brennan Holt welcomes Josh Muncy of  @boneyardoutdoors6304 to discuss the unvarnished reality of coon hunting and content creation. Josh details his journey from deer hunter to successful digital houndsman, sharing the obstacles faced while running Boneyard Outdoors and balancing a full-time job and family. The core of the conversation centers on dog training philosophy, specifically the critical mistake of letting unrealistic expectations (fueled by watching top PKC and UKC dogs) destroy the joy of hunting a good dog. Josh explains why he regrets selling a great dog named Nitro a...

Send us Fan Mail

In this 20th edition of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we welcome special guest Bailey Bernal, daughter of Gary Magnus. Bailey gives us the modern perspective of a hound woman, sharing her journey from training duck dogs to establishing a life dedicated to coon hounds. She provides fantastic insights on the emotional bond with hunting dogs, the process of starting young pups like her new Shack-blood pup, Max, and her exciting new venture, Coon Dog Outfitters. But stick around for the closing story as Bailey finally recounts a hilarious family legend: The Texas Emu-Tiger...

Send us Fan Mail

Host Brennan Holt celebrates his first strategic victory in the Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) against Josh Cowden!  Brennan reveals he bought his new male dog, Mox, because he was "fed up with Shy" and his lack of progress following treatment for Ehrlichia.

This raw episode addresses the harsh reality many handlers face: When do you quit on a dog you believe in?

CCS Breakdown: Get a candid look at the strategic victory, where Shy's lucky break and strategic play secured the 1-0 start.

Ehrlichia & Recovery: Brennan confirms S...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt discusses his new dog following the sale of Ruby and provides an update on Shy's health as the cooler weather arrives. Brennan then welcomes fellow hunter Dustin Burdine to tackle a question every coon hunter faces: How do you know when you've got a dog worth investing time in?

Dustin shares his story as a hunter from Jasper, Arkansas and reveals his connection to the current competition phenom, Tin Cup, who has won over $200,000 and multiple trucks. Dustin talks about...

Send us Fan Mail

In this special edition of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt sits down with producer Trey to recap a major personal milestone: Trey's first buck ever with a bow, taken on his first arrow shot at a deer. The conversation delves into Trey's 17-year "misfortune" arc, including past hunting mishaps and the low expectations leading into this successful hunt. 

Brennan and Trey discuss the importance of reading a deer's behavior, the role of the moon phase in the hunt, and the high-stress moment of executing the shot on a mature, 144...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt catches up on his own struggles with Shy and Ruby before sitting down with one of the sport's rising stars: 15-year-old Bo Kelley. Bo shares his journey from a pleasure hunter to a dedicated competitor with several big wins under his belt. 

He discusses his winning philosophy for coonhounds and provides a detailed breakdown of his three-year-old female, Faith, including her pedigree (out of Full Throttle Bigfoot) and her recent performance in major hunts like the J Oklahoma four-wheeler hunt. B...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Holt Outdoors Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, Brennan and Trey make a HUGE announcement — the launch of the Coonhound Championship Series (CCS) 🐾. This brand-new league will feature six handlers, a unique competition format, and top-tier filmed hunts that are both entertaining and educational.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:

How the CCS league will work (regular season + postseason).

Rules, format, and prize breakdown.

Why we’re bringing something different to the coonhound community.

How YOU can watch the first episode FREE.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt sits down with David Lewis, a seasoned coonhound hunter and trainer. David, known on social media as "Virginia Dave," shares his personal journey from hunting with blue ticks as a young boy to his return to the sport and the world of competition hunting as an adult. 

The two discuss the nuances of coonhound training, emphasizing the importance of patience, repetition, and understanding a dog's natural abilities. David talks about his own dogs, Johnny and Max, explaining why he prefers d...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt sits down with repeat guest and UKC World Championship contender, Josh Cowden. The two discuss the upcoming UKC World Championship Zones, explaining what the event is and how dogs qualify. 

Josh shares which two dogs he and his partner have qualified, before diving into the story of his young dog, Devil, who is showing great potential. He talks about Devil's breeding and how he was started, including a trip to Iowa to gain experience. The conversation then shifts to Josh's o...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt sits down with up-and-coming youth coonhunter, 13-year-old Eli Sikes. Brennan starts with a personal update on his own coondog, Shy, who has unfortunately tested positive for a tick-borne illness, a potential cause for his recent inconsistencies. 

The main event is the interview with Eli, who shares his passion for hunting, his journey into competition hunting, and the invaluable lessons he's learned from mentors. He talks about his dogs, Maggie and Blaze, his competitive drive, and his most memorable cast win. T...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt delivers a special message to his listeners, thanking them for their support. Brennan celebrates a major milestone: his coonhound, Shy, secured his first-ever competition cast win! 

Brennan gives a candid account of the win, admitting it was "not pretty" but highlighting the significance of the victory. He discusses the ongoing struggles with Shy's consistency and shares a detailed recap of both Shy and Ruby's first-ever competition casts. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the challenging and rewarding j...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt sits down with the founder of 4R Kennels, David Roscoe, for a powerful and inspiring conversation. David, a veteran who served in the Marines and Army in Iraq and Afghanistan, shares his incredible journey from a life of addiction and time in prison to being called into the ministry. He opens up about his passion for coon hunting, which he inherited from his family, and how it faded for years before being reignited when he took his son hunting.

David...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to The Holt Outdoors Podcast! In this episode, host Brennan Holt sits down with the legendary coon hunter, Ed Green. Ed shares his incredible journey, starting from when he first began hunting at 12 years old with his mentors, Wayne Rosson and Bud McCartney, in Southeast Kansas. 

We dive into how the sport has changed over the decades, from the days of hunting for $40 raccoon hides to the high-stakes world of modern competition hunting. Ed talks about the importance of patience with young dogs and the difference between hunting styles t...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with Clark Replogle, a competition coon hunter with decades of experience breeding and training championship-level dogs. Clark shares the untold stories behind his most successful dogs and reveals the training methods that have made him one of the most respected names in the sport.

What You'll Learn:
✅ The #1 trait every successful coon dog MUST have (it's not what you think)
✅ Why patience beats pressure - Clark's approach to developing young dogs
✅ The "Ratchet Method" - How one legend...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, hosts Brennan Holt and Trey West dive deep into the behind-the-scenes of filming their hunts — and they answer YOUR questions! From whether coon dogs ruin deer hunting to their wildest unposted hunts, this one’s packed with stories, laughs, and real talk about coon hunting, filming at night, and life outdoors.

👉 Drop your questions in the comments for the next Q&A episode!
___

Holt Outdoors is an online video and podcast series focused on making memories, having fun, and sharing tips an...

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode 6 of The Holt Outdoors Podcast, Brennan gives an honest, unfiltered update on Shy — his young Treeing Walker Coonhound. From his breeding and late start to his current stats, strengths, and struggles in the woods, Brennan breaks down Shy’s progress and training challenges so far.

If you’re training a young coonhound or working with a Walker dog yourself, you’ll relate to the ups and downs! Brennan shares his corrective actions, what’s working, and where Shy still needs to improve. Plus, he wants YOUR advice — drop your training tip...

Send us Fan Mail

***SPECIAL EPISODE****

Join us on this episode of The Holt Outdoors Podcast as we sit down with Justin Estep, the leading voice of a mass movement in the coonhound community, all rallying around Mirabella Ward, an 11-year-old girl, who has been struck by tragedy. 

We discuss the days of old in the coonhunting world, and more importantly, the unbreakable faith and spirit Mirabella continues to show in the face of extreme adversity. She is determined to be a light in the dark woods, and we are honored to show h...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, host Brennan Holt sits down with Arkansas hunting legend Gary Magness for an unforgettable conversation. They dive into coon hunting history, old-school dog training, and growing up with hounds in the rural South.
___

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just love a good story, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and Southern heritage. Tune in as Brennan and Gary swap tales from Missouri to Arkansas, share their passion for the outdoors, and reflect on how the hunting lifestyle has shaped their...