Hound Dog Network - Kentucky Thunder and Snow Bound Bears
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This episode of Creekside Chronicles, part of the Sportsmen's Empire podcast, follows host Heath Hyatt and his friend Jerry Barker on a multi-day turkey and bear hunting trip in the Bluegrass State. The narrative centers on the challenges and triumphs of a December bear hunt in heavy snow and a spring turkey hunt marked by long waits, elusive birds, and unexpected breakthroughs. The episode captures the camaraderie of hunting life, with vivid storytelling about tracking dogs, navigating treacherous terrain, and the humor of young hunters like Boone and Landon who repeatedly miss shots despite their enthusiasm. A standout moment occurs when Heath finally bags a turkey after a 47-minute wait, having held his rifle steady for nearly 40 minutes while his arms shook—highlighting the physical and mental endurance required in the field. The episode also reflects on the evolution of hunting dogs, with Heath sharing insights on training young dogs in snow as a valuable learning tool, and emphasizing the importance of relationships, patience, and experience in the outdoor lifestyle.
Patience is paramount—some hunts require waiting over an hour for a turkey to respond, and success often comes after enduring physical strain.
Snow-covered terrain, while challenging, is a powerful training tool for young hunting dogs, offering clear tracks and learning opportunities.
Young dogs (2–3 years old) are still developing; consistency and experience are best found in 4–6-year-old dogs, who are most reliable in the field.
The best hunts are often defined not by the harvest, but by the shared experience, relationships, and stories built in the woods.
Always verify the time of day for hunting regulations—Heath nearly missed a turkey because he thought the day ended at noon, not realizing it was legal all day.
Sponsor: Interstate Batteries & Anouk Shook
The episode opens with sponsor messages for Interstate Batteries and Anouk Shook dog food, highlighting reliability and performance nutrition for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Annual Trip to Kentucky: Setting the Scene
Heath introduces the annual hunting trip to Jerry Barker’s cabin in Kentucky, describing the remote location, scenic rolling hills, and the challenge of poor cell service.
Day One Turkey Hunt: The 47-Minute Wait
“I give him a big old dirt nap. And I look back at Jerry and he's looking at me, and I'm like, so it was 1252. So we said the herd to bird at 1205, it was 1252 when all that took place.”
Chasing Elusive Turkeys: The Long Walks
The second and third days involve exhausting walks through plowed fields and rugged terrain, with birds that keep moving and never respond to calls, testing the hunters’ endurance.
December Bear Hunt in the Snow: A Memorable Challenge
“It's like you've been inside a snow globe or something, you know? It's just all that snow on those trees.”
“I try to use the snow as a training tool. And again, to me, it's not about the end result, even though that is what we're after is to catch game. But I have to utilize my seasons to the benefit my dogs the best.”
“I give him a big old dirt nap. And I look back at Jerry and he's looking at me, and I'm like, so it was 1252. So we said the herd to bird at 1205, it was 1252 when all that took place.”
“You know, if you hunt with deer runners and sooner or later you're going to have dinner, it's what you're going to wind up with, you know, unless you got something that's really seasoned and, you know, it's going to be able to turn those races down that you don't want.”
Host
Guest
Heath Hyatt
person
Jerry Barker
person
Boone
person
Landon
person
Houdini
other
Lady
other
Chief
other
Briggs
other
Interstate Batteries
brand
Anouk Shook
brand
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Bird Brain Is Back: Talking Spring Turkeys with Long Branch Game Calls
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Are We Losing Touch In Hunting? w/ Tim Knight
Sportsmen's Empire - Turkey Hunting • 1h 38m • 4/7/2026
Ag Land Turkey Tactics with Matt Streim
Sportsmen's Empire - Turkey Hunting • 1h 8m • 4/7/2026
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