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 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

David’s background comes from white-tailed deer and duck hunting. He competes and judges in the North American Hunting Retrieving Association (NAHRA). David has title 1 GMHR, 2 MHR, 3 WR, and 2 SR. His dog training focus is primarily on gun dogs and retrievers.

David Combs

David’s background comes from white-tailed deer and duck hunting. He competes and judges in the North American Hunting Retrieving Association (NAHRA). David has title 1 GMHR, 2 MHR, 3 WR, and 2 SR. His dog training focus is primarily on gun dogs and retrievers.

Ashley started hunting in his early childhood years with his father and grandfather. At the age of 15 he began competing in the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Professional Kennel Club (PKC) hunting associations. Ashley has accomplished many titles in his hunting career. Included among those are four Final Four...

Ashley Hopkins

Ashley started hunting in his early childhood years with his father and grandfather. At the age of 15 he began competing in the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Professional Kennel Club (PKC) hunting associations. Ashley has accomplished many titles in his hunting career. Included among those are four Final Four...

Chris has spent 30 years, since the age of 7, in the field, hunting whitetail deer, Eastern wild turkey, dove, duck, quail, pheasant, chukar, woodcock, and ruffed grouse. His passion is split between upland bird and waterfowl hunting. He has hunted upland game birds in South Dakota, up and down...

Christopher Dunlap

Chris has spent 30 years, since the age of 7, in the field, hunting whitetail deer, Eastern wild turkey, dove, duck, quail, pheasant, chukar, woodcock, and ruffed grouse. His passion is split between upland bird and waterfowl hunting. He has hunted upland game birds in South Dakota, up and down...