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

I have been a waterfowl hunter since a young age. Growing up in farm country in south central Minnesota with the family yellow lab.

Starting with small pond hunts and now big water for those diver ducks.

Just after high school I joined the Dokken Family at Oak Ridge Kennels in Northfield...

Mike Wieben

I have been a waterfowl hunter since a young age. Growing up in farm country in south central Minnesota with the family yellow lab. Starting with small pond hunts and now big water for those diver ducks. Just after high school I joined the Dokken Family at Oak Ridge Kennels in Northfield...

Owning Labrador Retrievers since the age of 9 has given Lynne a rare opportunity. She learned to listen to her dogs. They have taught her more than she has taught them, and to think any differently would be an error on her part, according to Lynne.

She has had the pleasure...

Lynne Frady

Owning Labrador Retrievers since the age of 9 has given Lynne a rare opportunity. She learned to listen to her dogs. They have taught her more than she has taught them, and to think any differently would be an error on her part, according to Lynne. She has had the pleasure...

Ed started Gold Creek Farms in 1985 and it has become one of the premier pheasant hunting farms in Ontario, Canada. Farmer Gold Creek Farms offers a wide variety of hunting and dog training. Ed has over 20 years of bird dog training to offer to his clients. Gold Creek...

Ed Bolton

Ed started Gold Creek Farms in 1985 and it has become one of the premier pheasant hunting farms in Ontario, Canada. Farmer Gold Creek Farms offers a wide variety of hunting and dog training. Ed has over 20 years of bird dog training to offer to his clients. Gold Creek...