How Bird Dogs Really Work | Upland Hunting, Field Secrets, and Training

Watching a good bird dog work is one of the most addicting experiences in hunting. The intensity on point. The handler reading subtle cues. The flush, the shot, the retrieve—every piece matters. In this episode of The Next Ridge, hosts John Fontaine and Austin Johnson sit down with Suzanne Mensik, an Air National Guard veteran, professional upland guide, and pointing dog handler, to break down how bird dogs actually work—and how hunters can build better dogs by becoming better handlers.