Team Giver Profiles

Scott a.k.a.The Captain
Known for being the pit boss while in goose fields and while out in the duck blinds. Scott is one of the founding members of Team Giver’ (U.S. division) from back in 2005. He is known as the guy to call the shots during the crew’s hunting excursions. He is one of 2 waterfowl callers in the group with an emphasis on precision duck calling. Scott is also the proud owner of the original Team Giver’ retriever “Rio”, as well as one of the latest additions to the retriever team, “Sprig”. Scott is a provider of one of the duck hunting rigs that doubles as a fishing boat in the summer to provide year ’round fun for the team. While playing a major role in the success (or lack thereof) of the Team Giver’ shooting team, he has undoubtedly fallen off of his normal pace in this most recent season. It’s probably due to his old, aging body.

Matt a.k.a. The youngest old man ever
Known for his use of an old man bathroom bag, slippers, and cigars. Also known as the “Cheap” one in the group. Matt is also one of the founding members of Team Giver’ (U.S. Division). While he is not known for his decoy set-ups or his masterful calling abilities, He has become the anchor of Team Giver’s flagging squad. This has resulted in many successful hunts in the past. Matt made the smartest move ever, by marrying into a great family from Canada, ultimately resulting in what is now known as “The Giver’ Lodge”. He also made the sacrifice by purchasing a cabin up on “the lake” for Team Giver’ to use when there are absolutely, positively, no other waterfowling opportunities available for that particular weekend. Thanks, Matt! He has been seen sneaking ponds or chasing roosters while shooting his “fine, classic double” shotgun and toting a fine cigar. Matt has developed a knack for missing out on fantastic goose/duck hunts, as well as some fine upland hunting. The jury is still out on whether he is, indeed, a bad luck charm…. Missing those hunts could also be attributed to his re-ignited flame for big game hunting.

Chad a.k.a. The Gear Guy
Known for having too many decoys and not a big enough trailer, also known for wearing 4 layers of clothes and still being cold, and maybe for being the best smelling guy in the group. Chad is the last of the founding U.S. members. Known as the goose hunter of the group, he can be short-sighted when it comes to seeing opportunities in other areas of waterfowling. Thankfully, the other members of the group are able to talk some sense into him when the need arises. Working on his goose call and teaming up with Scott, has resulted in hundreds of goose fatalities over the years. Chad also houses the goose decoy spread, e-caller, and the trailer to haul the gear. He is also the owner/trainer of Lexi, the only non-black lab, Team Giver’ canine hopeful.

Kent a.k.a. Fargas
Kent is the fourth member of the U.S. division. In recent years, Kent has become the team photographer. Thousands of dollars have been invested in preserving the memories and stories of Team Giver’. Kent is the owner/trainer of the remaining dog in Team Giver’s black lab retrieving trio, Deke. He also provides the second boat necessary to haul Team Giver’ to and from the duck blinds and fishing holes. He also uses his Chevy diesel truck to tow the various toys and trailers around to various events and outings. Kent splits his time in a ground blind in the middle of a goose field between photography and working as the second flagger in our flagging tandem.

Dusty a.k.a. The Youngster, or The Sober Cab
Known for his famous rescues of the elder Team Giver’ members who can be pretty dumb sometimes. Dusty (the fifth member of the U.S. division) is the son of Kent, the photographer. He has been known to shoot clay targets so quickly that they appear to still be on the thrower when they disintegrate. What he may lack in experience he more than makes up for with pure speed and power. Dusty runs very hot and very cold while on the clays courses. You’re never quite sure what you’regoing to get from him. However, in the past couple of seasons he has had a dominating presence on the Team Giver’ shooting team. Dusty was present during the famous Canada Goose Grind of 2007 in Annandale, MN. Remember that time we shot a limit of honkers?!?! Sorry, Matt. Dusty was able to make several trips to Canada to visit and work on the Giver’ Lodge and meet the Racz family.

Vern a.k.a. The Man!
Known for coining the term “Giver’!”. Vern, senior member of the Canadian division, is the eldest (and shortest) member of Team Giver’. Along with his wife, Charlene, they provided and maintain the Giver’ Lodge. As Matt’s father-in-law, he has to deal with a lot of crap from his son-in-law and his crazy friends. Vern, due to his relationships with the people in the area, has been the link to many goose/duck feeds over the years and he is learning the ins and outs of true waterfowling. While the U.S. division tries to teach Vern the finer points of waterfowling, Vern has taken it upon himself to teach the American city boys a thing or two about farming (did you know barley comes in 2 row AND 6 row versions?!?!) Vern has been known to hang out in the camper and put down a liter (or 2) of Crown or Black Velvet with the crazy American division. Vern’s skills with a shotgun have improved dramatically over the years and he is knocking birds down with the best of ‘em, and earning himself an anchor position on the end of the firing line.

Darren a.k.a. The Dealer
Darren can be hit or miss during hunting excursions to Canada. One never knows if he will be able to make the trip or not. Usually, he storms in, shoots a bunch of birds, eats a quail egg and a piece of Melba toast, then cruises away not be seen again until the following year. Darren has been seen watching the U.S. division prepare for a hunt and just shaking his head and snickering at their insanity. He has tried on several occasions to uphold the hunting standards of Team Giver’ in the absence of the U.S. division, however with limited success.

Rio (Female Black Lab)
Rio is the original hunting dog of Team Giver’. At a petite 55 lbs., one would think that retrieving some of the heavy Canada geese might pose a problem. Not for Rio. She will retrieve them with the best of ‘em. She has been hunting with the crew since before Team Giver’ even existed. Her training was a learning experience for most of the members of Team Giver’ and she has turned into a very fine hunting dog. While having a low-key personality, she knows when to turn it up for hunting. Fully whistle/hand signal trained, she has been the reason Team Giver’ has lost so few birds over the years. She has had so much success that Scott decided to breed her and keep one of the male pups (Sprig). Also, Kent was so impressed with her ability and performance, that he also got a male pup of hers (Deke). Much to Chad’s dismay, Scott decided not to breed her a second time, and now just enjoys hunting over her.

Sprig (Male Black Lab)
Sprig is the son of Rio and was also trained by Scott. Weighing in at 60 lbs., he has demonstrated a superior nose and a drive to hunt that is second to none. He can be a little high strung at times, which differs from his mother, but after a little “training” from Scott, he gets it under control. Sprig is still a young dog and if he continues to develop at his current pace will be one of the best dogs Team Giver’ may ever hunt over. There is no doubt that when Team Giver’ heads out to the goose or pheasant fields, Sprig will do his part if the gunners do thiers.

Deke (Male Black Lab)
Deke, weighing in at 64 lbs.,is also one of Rio’s pups. Kent purchased him from Scott after hunting over and helping to train Rio. Deke, like Sprig, has shown a superior nose and game finding ability. Deke seems to be a little lower key than his brother, Sprig, but has no problems when it’s time to get to work. Deke spends a lot of time with Kent in the truck and in the field, and is no stranger to training fields. Kent and Dusty have done a fantastic job developing Deke during the off season. Deke has had great success in the field as wells as the training grounds, and as a result if his hard work, Team Giver’ has lost far fewer birds than most groups. Team Giver’ is very lucky to have 3 dogs of this caliber to hunt over, and it has been a pleasure to watch them develop.

Lexi (Female Yellow Lab)
Lexi is the newest, and reddest member of the Team Giver’ retrieving corps. At one year old, as of August of ’09, her training is coming along nicely. While she will get to see her first hunting season this year, her work will be limited to very easy retrieves and very controlled situations. It should be entertaining to watch her first encounters with actual hunting situations and birds. No different than the 2 males in our group, Rio was the inspiration for Chad to go and purchase her from Wildrose Kennels in Mississippi.

Darby (Black Lab)

Newest member of Team Giver. Darby has an excellent pedigree and we have high hopes for him.