The Nose Knows Game Recovery

Tj Reily
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Our podcast dives into real deer recovery stories from the field, told by trackers and their dogs who put in the work when the shot isn’t perfect. Every episode brings raw, honest hunts, lessons learned, and the bond between hunter, hound, and the trail. 

Episodes

  1. Sep 14

    Blood Tracking Crash Course: Common Terms & Why You Need a Local Mentor

    Welcome back to a solo episode of The Nose Knows Game Recovery! Today, I’m flying solo to tackle a bunch of the questions I’ve been getting from you all lately. We are taking a step back to break down some common tracking knowledge, define everyday terms, and get back to the basics of handling.While I love putting out these videos and podcasts, I have to be completely honest with you: consuming blanket content online will only get you so far. Every single dog and handler team is entirely unique, meaning you both need different things and tailored guidance to succeed.In this episode, I break down why getting out to tracking seminars and networking with local handlers will do infinitely more for your tracking game than just listening to me talk. Finding a real-life mentor in your area who can actually stand behind you and watch your dog work is the ultimate key to building a successful team.

  2. Aug 28

    Two Dogs Can Track Completely Differently - Lisa Gargulak - Bluff Country Deer Recovery

    In this episode of The Nose Knows Game Recovery, host TJ Reily sits down with handler Lisa Gargulak to talk through the practical realities of training and working deer-tracking dogs. They dive deep into comparing handling styles across different dog drives, designing training tracks that build real-world confidence, and learning when to step back and trust your dog in the field.What we cover in this episode:Adapting to the Dog: Comparing high-drive winding dogs with line-disciplined trackers (Lisa's Tuka & Mia; TJ's pit bull & young hound).Building Confidence Through Challenge: Setting up tough practice tracks using wind, cover changes, scent breaks, and deliberate distractions.Overthinking as a Handler: Recognizing when environmental factors shift and avoiding the temptation to pull a dog off a productive line.Real-World Recovery Lessons: Navigating double-backs, property boundaries, bad weather, and unpredictable deer behavior that practice tracks can't replicate.Humility & Growth: Learning from non-recoveries, staying honest with hunters, and balancing tracking season with family and work.Connect with The Nose Knows Game Recovery:Listen on Spotify & Apple PodcastsFacebook: [The Nose Knows Game Recovery](Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with fellow handlers!)

  3. Aug 5

    Buck Falls Through Frozen Pond?!? \ Dat Spotted Dog Big Game Recovery 

    The Art and Science of Tracking Dogs with Al Sherman What makes a truly exceptional tracking dog? According to veteran tracker Al Sherman, it comes down to experience, patience, and learning to trust the dog at the end of the lead. In this episode, Al shares the lessons he's learned since beginning his tracking journey in 1982. From his early days working with Catahoulas to decades of recovering wounded game in challenging conditions, he explains why no two tracks are ever the same and why real-world experience is the greatest teacher for both dogs and handlers. The conversation explores the science behind scent, how weather, terrain, water, wind, and changing environmental conditions influence a track, and why understanding your dog's behavior is often more important than trying to outthink the trail. Al also discusses handling difficult recoveries involving deer and bears, recognizing false trails, building confidence in young dogs, and creating training that prepares them for real hunting situations instead of perfect practice scenarios. Throughout the episode, Al returns to a few guiding principles that have shaped his approach over the years: never say never, never say always, and above all, trust your dog. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in obedience, keeping training enjoyable, and allowing dogs to develop the confidence and independence needed to solve problems on their own. Whether you're new to tracking or have spent years behind a tracking lead, this conversation is packed with practical advice, memorable stories, and hard-earned wisdom from someone who has seen just about every situation the woods can present. If you're looking to become a better tracker, build a more capable dog, or simply gain a deeper appreciation for the art and science of trailing wounded game, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

  4. Feb 10

    Beehive Attack Ends Epic Track! | The Huntwrights --- Podcast #3

    Join host Tj from The Nose Knows Game Recovery Podcast for an in-depth conversation with Billy - The Huntwrights, a central Wisconsin deer tracker running a Labrador Retriever (Daisy) and a Wirehaired Dachshund (tackle/weiner dog backup).Billy shares:His all-time favorite track involving a 13-year-old hunter, a neighbor finishing the buck, and pure neighborly kindnessThe midnight beehive disaster that stopped him 10 feet from a 170"+ buck (and how another team finished the job)Why he added a dachshund puppy as backup (and how the little guy crushes public tracks at 7 months old)Crazy stories: jumped deer in snowstorms, shoulder shots that go forever, rut zombies that live for weeks, and moreTraining philosophy: hoof-only tracks, meeting dogs where they're at, prong collars, restarts, and why 80% of success is handler-basedBalancing family, work, pheasant hunting, FAST CAT racing, and now drone plans to become a full dog + drone teamReal talk on marginal shots, ethical hunting, and why deer are tougher than we think (double-lung does walking 300+ yards!)If you're into blood-tracking dogs, K9 deer recovery, Labrador vs. hound/dachshund behavior, or just love raw hunting recovery stories — this one's packed with laughs, lessons, and heart.Subscribe to The Huntwrights for real recovery footage, training tips, and more:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehuntwrightsFacebook: The HuntwrightsLike, comment your favorite tracking story or question for future guests, and subscribe to The Nose Knows Game Recovery for more real tracker interviews!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Billy's intro (Lab + Dachshund team)~05:00 – How Billy got into tracking~09:00 – Favorite track (youth hunter + neighbor finish)~32:00 – The beehive nightmare track (so close to a giant!)~45:00 – Puppy dachshund crushing early tracks~1:00:00+ – Training advice, breed differences, rut challenges, and lessons from lost deer#DeerTracking #BloodTrackingDog #K9Recovery #DeerRecovery #WisconsinHunting #TrackingDogs #LabradorRetriever #WirehairedDachshund #HuntingPodcast

  5. Jan 31

    Podcast #2 - Rest Easy Tracking Deer Recovery

    In this episode of The Nose Knows Game Recovery Podcast, we sit down with another experienced deer tracking team that specializes in using trained tracking dogs to recover wounded whitetail deer for hunters. This is a real, honest conversation about what actually happens after the shot — the good, the bad, and everything in between.We dive deep into real-life deer tracking stories, including successful recoveries, tough losses, and the hard decisions handlers and hunters have to make in the field. We talk about blood trailing vs. dog tracking, how scent behavior changes based on shot placement, weather, terrain, pressure, and time, and what hunters should realistically expect when calling in a tracking dog.This episode also covers working dog behavior and training, including how tracking dogs read scent, body language clues handlers watch for, and how different dogs work tracks differently. Whether you’re interested in deer tracking dogs, hunting dog training, or just want to understand how dogs are used to ethically recover wounded game, this conversation offers real insight from people who do it regularly.We also discuss:What makes a good deer tracking dogCommon mistakes hunters make after the shotWhen to call a tracking dog and why timing mattersNight tracking vs. daytime trackingLeash work, line handling, and handler-dog communicationHow tracking dogs help recover deer with little to no bloodEthical recovery and respect for the animalTraining young tracking dogs vs. experienced dogsReal-world scenarios hunters don’t see on social mediaThis podcast is for whitetail hunters, bowhunters, gun hunters, dog handlers, and anyone interested in wounded deer recovery using trained dogs. No highlight reels, no exaggeration — just honest conversations about tracking deer the right way and learning from real experiences in the field.If you hunt whitetails, enjoy listening to hunting stories, or are curious about how tracking dogs work on wounded deer, this episode is for you.👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help support ethical deer recovery and the working dogs that make it possible.deer tracking dog, deer recovery dog, wounded deer recovery, whitetail deer tracking, blood tracking deer, tracking dogs for deer, hunting dogs, working dogs, bowhunting whitetail, deer hunting podcast, hunting podcast, tracking wounded deer, deer recovery stories, ethical hunting, game recovery, scent tracking dogs, tracking dog training, deer dog, whitetail recovery

  6. Jan 31

    Podcast #1 - Smelly Benelli Wounded Game Recovery - Joshua Gunn

    In this very first episode of The Nose Knows Game Recovery Podcast, I sit down with Joshua Gunn of Smelly Benelli – Wounded Game Recovery to talk all things deer tracking with dogs, blood tracking dogs, and real-life wounded deer recovery stories from the field. Joshua shares how he got started with tracking whitetails, training Benelli, lessons learned from tough tracks, long nights in the woods, and tips for new deer trackers who want to get better at reading their dog, following blood sign, and staying patient after a hit.This episode is packed with hunting stories, shot placement discussions, tracking strategies, dog behavior, scent work, and what really happens on a track when the trail gets cold and the deer keeps pushing. We talk about high-odds recoveries, heartbreaking losses, adrenaline-filled finds, and how a good dog can turn a hunter’s worst moment into their best day.If you’re into deer hunting, blood trailing, wounded deer recovery, whitetail season, game recovery teams, tracking dogs, hound work, and listening to real trackers talk about real recoveries, you’ll love this episode. Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or just curious about starting your first tracking dog, this conversation offers working knowledge, entertainment, and a look into the bond between man, dog, and the game we chase. Hit play, kick back, and enjoy some great tracking talk with Smelly Benelli.

  • 6 Episodes

About

Our podcast dives into real deer recovery stories from the field, told by trackers and their dogs who put in the work when the shot isn’t perfect. Every episode brings raw, honest hunts, lessons learned, and the bond between hunter, hound, and the trail. 

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