FREE SHIPPING on orders over $89
800.275.6797
Training Tips
My Account

Matt Mates

Saint Johns, MI

Background

I’ve hunted upland game birds from North Dakota to Northern Maine, spending most of my time in my home state of Michigan. My love for pheasants dates back to my days as a youngster, first chasing them with our Labradors, German Shorthaired Pointers, or the occasional contact while running beagles in the winter. However, the ruffed grouse is king, and I currently raise and train my English pointers with that pursuit in mind. I spend much of my time training here in Michigan, but also spend approximately 4 weeks per year in Maine doing the same.

I’m an amateur bird dog trainer and enjoy assisting newcomers with their training inquiries. I’ll gladly spend my time afield with any well-mannered bird dog, but especially appreciate the drive and style of my English pointers.

I find it important to introduce new people to the sport, conservation of our resources, and exposing them to the joy of hunting with well-trained pointing dogs. I serve on the board and banquet committee of the Andy Ammann Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. I also field trial from time to time and thoroughly enjoy judging as well. I’m a graduate of Siena Heights University with a degree in Public Safety and Behavioral Science. Aside from my outdoor pursuits, I take a great deal of pride in doing my part to keep Michigan’s citizens safe.

Why I Use SportDOG Brand

I’ve been using SportDOG products since they have been available and have had a tremendously positive experience from the beginning. The combination of practical and reliable equipment coupled with unmatched customer service is what makes me proud to represent SportDOG.

Favorite Products

UplandHunter™ 1875.

Articles by Matt Mates

man sitting in vast wilderness looking at TEK 2.0 handheld screenman sitting in vast wilderness looking at TEK 2.0 handheld screen

TEK 2.0: Utilizing the Trip Computer

If you’ve paid attention to the reviews for the TEK 2.0 system from SportDOG Brand®, you know that hunters are really impressed with the mapping feature. Count me as one of them. While a lot of hunters and dog handlers rely on the screen’s information to help them locate a...

Other Senior Prostaff

I've had passion for duck hunting and dog training since a young age. I trained my first duck dog at 17 years old. I've been fortunate enough to turn a hobby into a career, and in 2008, I went to work for Webb Footed Kennel in Jonesboro, AR. I started...I've had passion for duck hunting and dog training since a young age. I trained my first duck dog at 17 years old. I've been fortunate enough to turn a hobby into a career, and in 2008, I went to work for Webb Footed Kennel in Jonesboro, AR. I started...

Brett Copeland

I've had passion for duck hunting and dog training since a young age. I trained my first duck dog at 17 years old. I've been fortunate enough to turn a hobby into a career, and in 2008, I went to work for Webb Footed Kennel in Jonesboro, AR. I started...

Fred Hassen is the founder and originator of the Sit Means Sit dog training system – a studied, tested, proven, specialized approach that shows immediate results in the dog’s ability to maintain focus to the task at hand even around distractions in a non-confrontational way. Fred has presented seminars to pet...Fred Hassen is the founder and originator of the Sit Means Sit dog training system – a studied, tested, proven, specialized approach that shows immediate results in the dog’s ability to maintain focus to the task at hand even around distractions in a non-confrontational way. Fred has presented seminars to pet...

Fred Hassen

Fred Hassen is the founder and originator of the Sit Means Sit dog training system – a studied, tested, proven, specialized approach that shows immediate results in the dog’s ability to maintain focus to the task at hand even around distractions in a non-confrontational way. Fred has presented seminars to pet...

My father was a passionate bird hunter and amateur dog trainer, and I grew up around dogs. I’ve worked with various hunting breeds for more than 50 years, including pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs. My father imported a Brittany female from France in 1958, and I fell in love with...My father was a passionate bird hunter and amateur dog trainer, and I grew up around dogs. I’ve worked with various hunting breeds for more than 50 years, including pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs. My father imported a Brittany female from France in 1958, and I fell in love with...

Kirk Moffitt

My father was a passionate bird hunter and amateur dog trainer, and I grew up around dogs. I’ve worked with various hunting breeds for more than 50 years, including pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs. My father imported a Brittany female from France in 1958, and I fell in love with...

Gear The Way You'd Design It