Published Articles
Written by Douglas E. Spale
IT’S OK TO MEET YOUR HEREOS
Quail Forever - Fall 2023
In the world of quail, bird dogs and horses there are few, if any, that can match the prestige and celebrity of Delmar Smith.
Generations of trainers, bird dogs and enthusiasts from across the globe have attended his legendary seminars. Delmar’s legacy has been well-documented by renowned journalists, photographers and novelists alike. It is my belief that Delmar is the greatest dogman ever to walk this earth. He is my hero.
While the proverbial saying warns us to never meet our heroes, it is indisputable that Delmar is the exception.
BETTER BOOTS, BURLY BUILD, FEWER ZIPS: KUIU HD FLEX WADER REVIEW
Gear Junkie - Winter 2023
KUIU’s HD Flex Waders combine an impressive boot with premium materials and useful features that meet and exceed expectations.
Chêne Gear Waders Review: Worth the Waterfowl Hype
GearJunkie - Summer 2023
Chêne Gear Waders deliver a comfortable fit, offer a range of camo patterns, and are built to withstand most elements when duck hunting.
STAYING POLISHED FOR HUNTING SEASON WITH SPORTING CLAYS
Benelli - Summer 2023
For the wing shooter, time spent at the sporting clays course throughout the long, hot days of summer will refine your shooting skills for the fall.
Garmin Alpha 200i Review: An Impressive GPS Dog Training Device
GearJunkie - Spring 2023
The Garmin Alpha 200i combines remarkable GPS technology with enhanced dog training capabilities in one reliable unit.
For me, the flowing grasslands and dominating skies of the prairies are the perfect environments for big-running bird dogs.
Duck Camp’s Contact System Review: A Hunting Setup Built for Versatility
GearJunkie - Fall 2022
Duck Camp’s Contact System is a versatile camo setup designed for a range of hunting pursuits in varying environments.
FIRST LITE TYPHA WATERFOWL SYSTEM TAKES TO THE SKY
GearJunkie - Fall 2022
A look at the First Lite early season LZ Jacket and Omen Stormshelter Pant along with the late season Refuge Parka and Refuge Bib.
BUILDING A RETRIEVER
SITKA GEAR BLOG
A remarkable devotion exists with each of my Labradors, curated around the ideal of the perfect retrieve. When I reminisce on my past, each pup has bestowed me with a great balance, all while I endeavor to provide them with the best life possible.
THE POWER OF MY FIRE
A young Labrador retriever rekindles an upland flame and a partnership
Featured in the May 2022 issue of Pheasants Forever Magazine
Snow Goose Season 22’, featured in GearJunkie
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SITKA’S NODAK SYSTEM: A GEAR REVIEW
Sitka Gear’s NODAK System is an impressive solution to the flimsy and uncomfortable disposable whites that are typically associated with the spring snow goose season. The NODAK system features the same GORE-TEX waterproof and wind protection technology included in Sitka’s other waterfowl collections.
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SNOW GOOSE HUNTING 101: GET STARTED
Spring snow goose hunting might seem intimidating. But it’s not as difficult to get started as you might think. The spring snow goose season challenges even the most experienced waterfowlers to endure dirty, rainy, and muddy fields in an effort to lure massive swirling flocks of sharp-eyed snows as they race from the southern…
A FAREWELL TOO SOON
Reflections on the short but meaningful life of a special retriever
Featured in the November 2021 issue of Ducks Unlimited Magazine
BIRD DOG IN THE CITY: A 5-PART SERIES x PHEASANTS FOREVER
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Part 1
Bird Dog in the City
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Part 2
A City Full Of Enrichment for a Young Gun Dog
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Part 3
Developing a Bird Dog Lifestyle
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Part 4
Just Add Water
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Part 5
A Nostalgic Return, A Future Reimagined
4 VERSATILE HUNTING BUMPERS FOR TRAINING YOUR GUN DOG.
Featured online, GearJunkie: Hunt & Fish
“Spale’s ability to promote hunting among city dwellers makes him a compelling pick for the leadership role at two of the nation’s most prominent upland bird hunting conservation organizations...”
— Sage Marshall, News Editor Field & Stream