Your Absolute Guides
Matt Bauer
Matt killed his first pheasant when he was 7; his first banded goose when he was 9. Today, the tradition of hunting to feed the family in Matt’s house continues. He enjoys guiding because he meets new folks, with different attitudes and viewpoints on things. “I love to see the reaction of hunters to our birds and the good dog work. A lot of guys don’t get to see that every day. Flushing dogs keep things lively. When that body language shifts into high gear you better move up and get ready. Plus we hunt a lot of different ground and it changes as the season progresses. So every day is different. We never know quite what to expect. I like that.”
The North Dakota weather won’t stop Matt and it won’t stop your hunt. “Pheasant season runs through January so I’ve hunted birds at 20 and 30 below. All I need is an extra layer or two of clothes and I’m happy. It feels good to be outside. The birds hold tight when it’s that cold. I guess you can’t blame them. But I’ll take those early season hunts in shorts and t-shirts too! In any case, whatever a client wants to do, that’s what we’ll do. It’s their hunt. I like to learn people’s expectations and we go from there. However they want to do it, birds in the bag are what it’s all about.”
Tyler Mowder
Tyler is a North Dakota native. He was marching around with his dad when he was far too young to carry a gun, recalling the cattails towering over him. When he came of age his dad gifted him a single shot .410. He remembers holding up in a deer blind waiting in the silence-totally frozen, and loving it. The first bird he killed was a sharp-tail grouse at nine years old. “Hunting is in my blood. It’s a big part of who I am.”
For Tyler, guiding a North Dakota hunt is about being out on the land, getting some exercise, enjoying the companionship of the dogs, and new-found friends. He also understands the importance of putting clients in positions of opportunity. Tyler is an avid waterfowl hunter and will be out setting up those decoys in the early morning hours. He’ll do his best to ensure a great spread that catches the attention of those ducks and geese. “Hunting is my passion” he says. “It’s a North Dakota tradition. I know most of the bird’s tricks, although you never quit learning. As a guide I’ll work as hard as you want to work to make sure my guys get their shots. The dogs and I will get birds up in gun range. The rest is up to the hunters.” Having guided all manner of hunters with a wide array of experience and skills he takes pride in tailoring his hunts accordingly- a couple of hours easy walking, or an all day hunt if that’s what his folks are up for. “I’m up for anything. So are the dogs. The idea is to put birds up in front of folks. And we’re pretty good at it.”