#329 | A discussion on started dogs, training, bird hunting and more with Mark Dinsmore

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Wilderness, Hobbies, Science, Nature, Leisure, Sports

4.6 • 936 Ratings

🗓️ 22 August 2025

⏱️ 92 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Mark Dinsmore, an experienced bird dog trainer and upland hunting enthusiast. Mark shares his story of becoming an adult-onset hunter, transitioning from no prior bird dog experience to developing a very accomplished French Brittany in the country. They discuss Mark’s journey with his bird dogs, particularly Vern, and explore topics such as gun conditioning, breeding, and field trials. The conversation also covers the challenges of owning multiple dogs, the differences between American and French Brittanys, and the importance of training dogs to be steady and reliable in the field. Mark Dinsmore is an avid bird hunter and dog trainer with decades of experience working with Epagneul Breton. Mark’s journey into bird hunting began when he was 46, with no prior experience, but his dedication to the breed and passion for upland hunting led him to train and compete with his dogs at a high level. His dog Vern became one of the most well-known and accomplished French Brittanys in the United States. Mark is also known for his deep understanding of dog behavior and training, and he has had extensive experience working with multiple breeds, including several European and American lines. Expect to Learn Mark’s journey into bird hunting and how he started training dogs at 46 years old. The significance of Vern, his first French Brittany, and how he became an award-winning field dog. The differences between French Brittanys and American Brittanys, and how they are trained for upland hunting. The importance of gun conditioning, field trials, and training dogs to remain steady. Insights into the challenges and rewards of owning multiple dogs, including the process of evaluating and choosing a "started dog." Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction to Mark Dinsmore [00:09:28] - Mark’s Background [00:13:45] - Mark landing on Epagneul Breton [00:23:07] - What Sets Vern Apart [00:32:18] - What does it take to be considered a French Brittany [00:44:47] - Choosing a Started Dog vs. a Puppy [01:03:42] - Option for Clients to do a Started Dog or Puppy [01:05:44] - Taking Pups Out for Exposure [01:27:24] - Closing Thoughts and How to Connect Follow the Guest: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/mark.dinsmore.7965 Company’s Facebook:https://web.facebook.com/ebretons Follow Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshotUse Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	One of my favorite things about hunting sharp-tailed grouse is hunting the topography. And one of the best ways I have found to do that more effectively and efficiently is with Onyx Hunt's 3D map view. The next time you're scouting from your living room, the roadside, or when you're in the field hunting it, fire up the Onyx Hunt app and turn on the 3D map view to get an up close and in detail look at the topography of any piece of property.
0:22.8	Whether it's a gentle, rolling piece of terrain or a truly elevated and mountainous landscape,
0:27.4	you can use the exaggeration slider to fine-tune your view and highlight the topographical features you're looking for.
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0:47.3	Download the hunt app today and know where you stand with OnX Hunt.
0:52.9	When it comes to shotguns, it seems every upland bird hunter has a slightly different vision
0:57.4	of what their ideal wing-shooting shotgun is, which is exactly the kind of thinking we welcome
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1:32.0	and try out our web and 3D gun builders to begin crafting your ideal Upland shotgun today.
1:38.2	You had listened to something or read something about started dogs versus puppies, and that's a
1:42.5	common thing that comes up in some of the
1:44.5	avenues that somebody would find themselves considering a started dog. What are some of the
1:48.8	misconceptions and maybe define what a started dog is? And then we'll go from there. Well,
1:53.6	defining what a started dog is depends. And that depends on the person you're talking to. But I
1:59.3	think that there's some things that it should absolutely
2:02.0	have. First off, gun conditions. Secondly, introduction to birds. Most people don't have access to a
2:08.6	quail or a chucker to introduce them to the bird the first time. They don't have access to
2:14.1	large tracts of land to let the dog run to what its potential is. But to me,
2:19.8	the person you're getting a started dog from, you need to talk to them and find out exactly
	...

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