Hello and welcome to Kentucky Afield.

I'm your host, Chad Miles.

Join us as we journey the Commonwealth in search of outdoor adventure.

This week, we're going to hit the Ohio River in search of catfish using a technique called bumping.

Then we're going to talk to a local veterinarian to find out what we need to know about keeping our dogs healthy this hunting season.

But first, we're hitting the field in search of a fall turkey.

Gosh, there's already a bird right there in the field.

I can't tell if it's got a beard on it yet.

Oh, yeah.

I see a beard I see a beard it definitely is a gobbler.

Definitely interested in our decoys.

We got turkeys all around us.

All right.

Here this turkey comes, it looks like it's committed to our decoys.

Oh.

That█s a gobble.

That's pretty cool.

It's coming right to us.

Not even fully daylight.

And we've got a gobbler right in our face.

Oh!

That's awesome.

We've got so many turkey behind us.

The turkey came in.

It's stayed to my far left being a right handed shooter.

I did not want to make a move.

With all the turkeys that I can hear around us right now.

We're going to get another chance.

a couple turkeys about 60 yards on our left here.

They're checking out our decoys right now.

Trying to decide what they're going to do.

I feel pretty comfortable that they may come down and take a closer look.

And they don't have to come a long way to be in range.

Those turkeys have walked into the woods.

They're actually still working this way a little bit.

They're just really cautious.

A couple more turkeys.

They're coming right up the edge.

There's a bunch of them.

It looks like they're going to come right to us.

They're already almost in range.

Just going to let them come.

They're more than ten.

I have to be really cautious to get a turkey separated so I don█t shoot two.

Whichever turkey is on the far right separates itself.

That's what I want to take.

Far right hand side.

There we go.

What an exciting morning hunt.

Let's get out here and see what we got.

Well, here's our bird.

This was a really, really incredible fall turkey hunt.

We had a bird hit the ground as early as I've ever seen a bird come off the roost, and I think it realized, hey, I'm early to this party.

We could have got that bird, but we did not want to spook it.

We wanted to make sure that we had an opportunity to hunt the rest of the morning, because we thought there'd be more birds coming in.

They were behind us.

They were carrying on their being very vocal that gobbler came up here and gobbled got off to our left and got in the woods.

We said, no big deal.

And then here comes, I don't know, ten, 13 birds marched over the hill, got right into our decoys.

I knew I had to take the bird to the extreme far right.

So I was waiting for one to separate itself, just enough to get its head up.

So I could get a very clean ethical shot.

And it happened.

We were able to put this bird down.

Looks like we're going to have turkey for Christmas in the Miles household.

I'm looking forward to it.

What I love about bumping for catfish is the fact that you have your rod and reel in hand, and you feel that catfish smash that bait.

Well, today is a day that I have really been looking forward to.

This is actually my second time out fishing with Captain Ben Goebel and last time we smoked 'em.

Yep.

We absolutely crushed the fish.

So we're actually at the exact same location.

And I've been keeping up with your Facebook posts.

You have been catching some really big fish this year.

We've had a great year.

So far.

Really couldn't ask for a better year.

Our our numbers have really been good this year.

Well, I'll tell you what.

We like to showcase some different things.

We're going to fish similar styles than we did last time.

And it's called bumping.

That's right.

And bumping.

The best way you described it to me is if you're a bass fisherman, it's like reverse dragging a jig.

Right?

That's pretty much like it.

if you guys if people like to bass fish, usually my first question when I get customers aboat: Do you like the bass fish?

And they say, yeah.

So you're going to like the way we fish, its just backwards when you're retrieving a jig or worm or Texas rig and a worm back to you.

Instead of that.

It's it's reverse.

You're walking it down the river.

I fully expect that we're going to catch some fish and big quality fish.

I've been out with you one time.

And that's that's what I've that has been my experience.

And I've watched your Facebook page and it's like my God, he did it again.

There's another 50 pounder.

It's it's amazing how you locate big fish.

Well, let's- I say we- suns coming up here.

I say we've got a beautiful day.

It's going to be a hot day.

It's going to be hot.

Let's hope the Fish are as hot as- The sunscreens on sunglasses are in the boat, I'm wearing some long sleeves try to keep the sun off me.

We got we got fresh skipjack so I say we go get after it.

let's do it.

The way I like to hook these skipjack there's a little- Yeah.

Lip right there.

Just come up there.

Come right out the nose.

All right.

What type of flow you think we got today?

Miles per hour?

We're.

We're looking here pretty good.

You want me to go on ahead and give her- make it happen?

Yeah just drop straight down.

All right.

How deep are we fishing today?

We're going to be enough.

30 to 60.

All right, now.

I just felt the bottom.

Yep.

And then.

And then remember when you want to let it out, you just let it out as you're coming up with your bump.

Something just tapped my- Yeah, I got one tap on mine too.

Got a fish on?

Think it came off.

Now he might still be.

most important fish of the day.

That's right.

Number one.

He found him a little treat today didn't he?

Kind've a little morning pop tart this morning.

He found a trick, and a treat.

Here he is.

There you go.

Five pounder.

I'll tell you what- Right there Nice fish.

That's what you want to take home and eat right there.

That's perfect eater fish right there.

And then you can range from 5 lbs on that big of a piece of bait to 100 huh?

Yeah, he just this one, this little guy is just get going.

So, going back, and get our bait on them Oh, yeah.

I see your rod tip going there.

Yeah.

Here you go.

Little better fish.

Here you go.

I saw that rod tip bouncing.

Come over on this side, Chad.

You got it loose?

Yeah, I'm loose.

Okay.

Let me tell you, I'm.

I'm out there about to the boat ramp.

Need a net?

No, I don't think so.

Let's see what you got here.

This is a. You think only about 15 lbs, you say?

Yeah he's- You called it.

10, 12.

You called it.

About ten.

You know, this fish here, he's been fighting a little bit, just a little spot on him from from spawn.

And you see his mouth a little bit, but very healthy Fish.

That is a good fish.

Hey, you doubled from fish one to fish two.

We're steadly just getting up so- and just a beautiful fish here, the sun on him like that and then it just never gets old catching them.

I don't even care for this size right here.

Just all colors on him.

Starting to hit that bottom.

It's just like knocking on the door.

Yep.

You're using six ounces of lead.

You'd think it would happen really quick and easy, but when you got a flow like we got.

Yeah.

It's like you think you find it right away, but when you- You do feel it, there's no doubt.

Okay, there you go.

There we go.

Good job.

Uh oh, here we go.

You got one, too?

Oh, now it's on.

I don't think he's there, its a small bite.

We about made her a double.

Yep.

It was a small bite.

This one might be more like eight or eight or nine pounder.

Yeah, right there.

There you go.

You get more fish than you get the bait.

Tell you what, still such a huge fight.

You think you want to come out here everybody goes "I want to catch a 50 pounder."

You might change your mind when you get him hooked up.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, he's probably six.

he's eight 8 lbs?

Yeah.

You start looking at the length of that fish and you go, well, okay, that fish probably what do you think, 28 inches long or..?

Probably not quite that.

He's probably 24, probably 24 or 21.

I'll tell you what now, maybe I'm getting the hang of it.

Maybe I'll get another one here real quick.

I tell you what, being a rookie of this or only my second time doing it.

It's amazing with a little extra weight you can really.

Really, really feel it.

Oh, in reality, you know, we like to get them baits back there, but you can still catch fish up here, close to the boat.

The main thing is in order to catch fish.

You have to feel it.

Yeah.

You got to be able to feel that bottom at all times as you start getting better at it than we like- When I run trips and stuff and we lighten up your sinker as the day goes on.

Yeah, yeah, that makes sense.

There he is.

I guess what I'm all about down here at the boat ramp.

Yeah, i see him way out there.

Oh yeah, yeah.

This kind of fishing, you got all kinds of time to get the net.

Yeah.

Lollygag around, come back here.

Still 100 yards out.

We got him now.

Gave you a workout, huh?

It is.

I mean, that is a really solid quality fish.

Good and healthy.

That's a that's a really nice fish, though.

Yeah.

We're gonna get this dude back.

Here we go.

Yeah, yeah.

Right, right there.

See him right there on top of the water.

Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

He's 8, 18.

That's nice.

Got him?

Nice.

That's why you do it.

good job.

Look at that fish.

What do you notice about that fish?

Look at its eye.

Yeah.

I'll be dang.

There aint an eyeball In there.

Yeah.

He been hurt probably before.

Look, no eyeball.

It's probably been- I have.

I've only seen that one time.

That fish has been that fish has been hooked and or something the eye has been removed and it's literally healed over.

And there is no eye.

there's a skin.

Just skin.

But you know what?

These fish, they work so much on scent and smell.

this fish is still very healthy and living his life.

No eyeball.

check that out.

Oh, one eyed fish.

The one eyed fish.

You got a fish?

Yeah, that a good one?

I don't know.

He's staying down.

Oh, yeah.

We got a little drag here.

No, he's not wanting me to see him.

he's going to be a nice fish.

There you go.

Let's see here.

Oh, you got him.

Nice fish.

Upper upper 20.

That's the ones we're after, right there.

Yeah.

That's right.

Right there.

Beautiful fish.

Man.

Look how much when they once they get about the length of the last one they just for a while start getting really thick, look how wide and thick that fish is.

All right, let's see what he weighs.

Right at 28, 28 lbs.

I mean, that's just a typical trophy blue cat right there.

I mean.

What a beautiful, beautiful fish.

We're gonna we're going to get him.

Get him released here.

You got him?

Same old size today.

12, 13 pounder.

That's the slot today.

Seems like.

just a beautiful fun fish that will for most for most people unless you are an avid cat fisherman that sized fish believe it or not in this current.

Oh yeah.

Will absolutely give you all the fight you want.

Yeah.

12 lbs And if you hook into a 40 or 50 pounder, you might be done for the day.

Yeah.

So, wow, I'll tell you what, you, you, you've.

You've never let me down.

I've been down here and done this with you twice.

And every single time we come down here, we get plenty of bites.

Obviously.

Yeah, there's bigger fish.

Obviously we catch bigger fish, but some days it's just tough.

You know, today we got a big south wind, if you know what you're doing.

And you know, from April all the way through October, November, a guy can come out here and catch fish.

No doubt about it.

Many of the hunting seasons that hunters utilize dogs are right around the corner.

Now's a good time to check in on your dog's health.

Well, if you're a fan of Kentucky Afield, it will be no surprise to you that we love to hunt using dogs.

I personally own dogs and that makes the experience so much more exciting to be in the field with a dog.

So today I have a professional with me who is a semi-retired veterinarian, as well as a dog trainer, and you just have spent a lifetime around dogs.

Dr.

Heye, how are you doing today?

I'm doing great.

So many people own dogs.

But if you're a hunter and you have a dog, there's certain things you need to know about your dog's health and conditioning and nutrition.

So let's talk a little bit about how you should manage that hunting dog, both in season and out of season.

Yeah, it's really important for them to be as healthy as possible, especially during the season.

So you want to keep them that way throughout the year.

About three things that you can really do to help is, feed them well and feed them a good plan of nutrition.

It's well worth the money to use dog food that's been researched and developed by companies that know about and work with sporting dogs.

Another important aspect is maintain their level of activity and keep them in good shape.

You can do that a number of different ways throughout the year, because when it gets to be hunting season, you want them in top flight shape to enjoy the hunt with them.

One way I do it is train them year round and also compete in field trials and hunt tests.

And there's a number of different activities for almost every breed of dog, a sporting dog.

It's fun for the dog and for the family to participate in.

I encourage people to do whatever they're interested in, including especially beagles.

Keep them in shape and if possible, compete with them.

Beagles can put on some weight, especially older beagles.

If you keep feeding them the exact same amount, they can put some weight on pretty fast.

Yeah, well, you have to be careful with that.

The food intake and you might have to reduce it during the off season.

And feed restricted amount and try to maintain their weight.

And there's other things you can take them for walks and swim.

I had a beagle and he swam all the time with my other dogs.

So that's important even in the off season to maintain their weight and throughout their life, that's going to help them live a better life and be able to enjoy the hunt.

The third aspect of maintaining would be the health, and prevention of disease processes, including ticks and fleas, heartworms, internal parasites, and vaccinations are all extremely important to help the dog throughout its life.

I think it's a good idea to visit your veterinarian on a yearly basis and make sure they have a heartworm check and their own heartworm prevention and flea and tick control.

And most of the heartworm medications take care of internal parasites also.

Some of the disease processes when I first started practicing have almost been completely eliminated because people are vaccinated.

But it's also important to check the dog and make sure there's no other problems.

When you get them vaccinated.

Check the heart, check the skin.

You know, check the ears and eyes, and teeth.

That's important.

As well as getting the vaccine.

There's a lot of ways to handle fleas and ticks.

What do you kind of recommend is one of the best ways for a sporting dog?

There's a number of different products on the market, including injectable medications that last six months or a year for heartworms, and flea and tick medications that are both topical and oral.

So it's the owner's choice, and many of them are excellent.

Rarely, if ever, find a live tick embedded in the skin of my dog.

Now, I might occasionally see one crawling on them, but the medicines that are available are extremely good.

One of the other things, if you take a dog out and you work that dog in the field and say it's a 3 or 4 hour hard day of work for the dog and you bring them in.

What should be your level of inspection of that dog before you put them up?

A cool-down period after the exercise is important, and let them relax and walk.

And then you look for potential problems, lameness, any cuts or abrasions, and then watch their temperament and their breathing, their food intake, their urination, defecation, all those things are important to watch for after you train them.

Pretty common that after a dog works that hard, you may get something in there paw.

A briar in their paw or they have a little cut or scratch on their ears because, man, they're all out.

I mean, you think about how I look like sometimes coming back through the woods I'm cut up too, you know, you're so focused on what you're doing and you█re enjoying what you're doing, that a little cut becomes just part of the game.

Kind of the same way for the dogs as well, but they may need your help to help tend to those wounds.

They may need some help.

And if you ever have any question, of course, whether they need additional help more than you can give them, then contact your local veterinarian and maybe even describe the problem and see if they recommend coming into the clinic.

Many of the little scratches can be cleaned up just with soap and water at home by yourself.

And, removing any of the burrs.

Or there's some weeds during the summer that produce some thistle type growths that can be dangerous to the dog too, inhaling them.

And, so that's something to be aware of also.

Any other tips for us dog hunters out there?

Things that we should consider when it comes to training our dogs, both off season and in season?

My philosophy is don't train for tomorrow.

Train for the dog.

If you have a 13 month old dog you want to train for two, three, five, seven year old.

So they learn over time.

Just like going to school, kindergarten, grade school, high school.

And, don't expect them to be perfect the first time you take them out.

It's good to take them out in a controlled situation when they're first experiencing the hunt, and you can control the situation.

So there's not ten dogs running and people shooting everywhere.

For the beagles you can control the situation and have them have good experiences.

As far as working and training a female dog during her heat cycle, is there any precautions you should take there?

Well of course, keep an eye on them.

Most of the people that I work with continue to train their dogs during the heat cycle.

Sometimes train them after training the male dogs so that there's no interference with that.

The question everybody wants to know... male or female dog?

Which one makes a better hunting dog?

Statistically, in competition, and hunt test and field trial, the males are slightly more popular than the females, but it may be just because of the heat cycle twice a year that they're not able to compete during that time period.

So you've had great both males and females?

Males and females.

Me too.

I tend to like the females, but I've had both.

Well, as a dog owner and a hunter myself, it's really great to get out here with a veterinarian and a passionate dog lover and trainer, to kind of get your take on overall dog health and what we should be looking for.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Alexandria.

Teague got out in Bell County for the youth hunt and took this nice buck.

Congratulations.

Check out this buck for Avery Cantrell.

This was our very first deer ever.

She took this buck in Harrison County.

Congratulations.

Xavier and Bentley Manes of Grant County both got their very first deer this year while hunting in Harrison County.

Nice job.

Jeffrey Wells took advantage of this nice weather and got out at Barron River Lake with his grandson, Garrett and caught some crappie.

Nice job.

Check out this beautiful striped bass that was caught at Wolf Creek Dam by Jared Debord.

Nice job.

Ten year old Blake Williams got out on the opening day of youth season and took this nice doe.

Congratulations.

Brantley Parsons is ready to do some fall bass fishing as he caught this nice three and a half pound large mouth in a private pond in Shelby County?

Nice job.

Modern firearm season for deer is right around the corner.

Now's the time to get out and check those stands and get to the range and sight in those rifles.

And remember, hunting and fishing on private property is a privilege.

Always ask permission to thank the landowner.

Until next week, I'm your host, Chad Miles, and I hope to see you in the woods or on the water.

When the leaves are starting to fall, the temperature is dropping and the deer are starting their rut.

It's time to grab your rifle because Kentucky's deer modern firearms season starts on the second Saturday in November.

Be sure you have your Hunter's orange and are up to speed on the rules and regulations.

For more information, visit fw.ky.gov or call 1-800-858-1549.