References
Below are some very kind words from some very dear friends and clients. Some have only had one dog trained by us and others, like Mikio, have had numerous dogs over many decades trained by us. All have been a joy to work with and a blessing to know.
Mikio M. Tochioka D. D. S.
I have been asked to provide a letter of recommendation from
Steve Epps of Epps Kennels. I can sincerely, without
equivocation provide my positive experience with Steve and Walter
Epps over some forty years as cherished respected friends.
They have trained my German Shorthaired Pointer field trial and
personal hunting bird dogs over those years. Walt finished by
first Field Trial Champion and
placed her 3rd in the German
Shorthaired Pointer Club of the AKC National Championship in 1974 held in upstate New York. Steve finished two other national
caliber dogs for me as Field Trial Champions. I have
also had six personal hunting dogs trained by Walt and Steve over
the years.
My dogs always related to Steve and Walt with obvious joy and
animation on my visits in their training and field trial campaigning
that provided unspoken volumes of their happiness with them.
Their professionalism, honesty, sincerity and communication skills
impressed me from my very first gun shy dog I placed in their
training care. This dog became a wonderful upland bird hunting
partner cured of gun shyness, that brings back fond memories in the
field with her special friendship.
If you are considering professional training for your bird dog,
whether developing a puppy/derby, personal gun dog or finished
national caliber field trial dog, I can respectfully recommend Steve
and Walt Epps.
Paul Grech
I had a great experience getting my dog Mindy from Epps Kennels and
would highly recommend them. I was looking for a good hunting and
family dog. I talked with several breeders in my process to find a
dog and once I spoke with Walt and Steve Epps I knew with their
experience and great service they were the breeders I wanted to go
with. I was very impressed with their business and how they raise
their dogs. They take their time with getting to know you and making
sure you’re the right owner for the dog. I purchased a two year old
German Shorthair named Mindy who was already trained for bird
hunting. Walt and Steve walked me through all the training commands
and the various steps to assure I was comfortable working with Mindy
and she was comfortable with me. After I took Mindy home I was able
to call Walt and Steve multiple times, to ask any kind of questions.
They are very supportive and helpful. She is an absolutely gorgeous
dog and she has the best temperament. We had a fantastic and very
successful Pheasant hunting season and Mindy even at two years old
easily adapted to our home and became our family dog. Epps Kennels
is where I will continue to get my future dogs!
Bob Brugger
I have known Walter Epps for many years. Walt has the highest
quality blood line of gun dogs to be found anywhere with over 50
years of experience. He is the best professional trainer and
breeder you can get. My last three dogs are “Walter Epps dogs”
and there are none finer. Walter Epps is the only professional trainer and breeder of gun dogs I would ever think to use.
Bryan Matthews, IIII
Bighorn Aviation Resources, LLC
I
would like this statement to serve as my endorsement and
recommendation for Epps Kennels, Mr. Walter Epps and Mr. Steve Epps.
Epps Kennels has trained my personal hunting/tournament pointers and
retrievers for the past 10 years. Without their attention to detail
training and handling guidance I would not have the quality dogs and
tournament success that I have today. My appreciation goes to Epps
Kennels and would recommend their beyond compare training.
Teresa and Kevin Robison
We feel fortunate to have found Walter Epps and his training center
as our German Shorthaired Pointer was gun shy and we were afraid she
would forever be a couch potato.
Walter was able to correct the problem and now we call her our
“super dog” and it’s all because of Epps Kennels.
We’ve sent two German Shorthaired Pointers and can say that they
were returned in great shape with all the skills needed to help you
fill your limit of birds.
I would recommend Epps Kennels to anyone interested in having an
all-around hunting partner.
Thank you Walter for all that you’ve done not only for our dogs, but
us as well.
Dr. Rafael M. Gamboa
,
D. D. S.
Dear Walter:
As I turn 60, I am looking at some of the most meaningful
relationships I’ve had in my life, both those that I have had and
those I wish to continue. My relationship with Walter Epps
kennels and family certainly counts as one of the most rewarding.
You have provided me with outstanding hunting dogs that have not
only performed exceptionally well on the field, but also provided me
a wonderful relationship that only a man and his hunting dog can
have. The dogs that you have trained for me have been
wonderful, both in their skill and their temperament.
Again, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank both
you and Epps kennels for what you have provided for me. If I
may ask you a tiny little favor, will you please stay in business
for another 20 – 25 years, that way, I don’t have to go look for
anyone else to train my dogs and give me advice on how to use them
to the best of their abilities. Thank you very much
Walter Johnson
Walt, Mona, and Steve,
Just wanted to give you all an update on this year's hunting season.
This Short Hair you've trained is the BEST so far. What a great
first year we've both had. Sherman has impressed me on every hunt,
even on a wild jackass he held POINT! It was a tough year losing
Special Ed, but now I have the Shermanator! I just want to thank
your family for the many years and the great dogs (Elle, Honey,
Special Ed, and Sherman Tank), I have received from your kennels.
You have not only trained the best dogs, you have also given me many
lessons along the way, in and out of the field. Thank you for being
a part of my family for the past 20+ years.
May the chukar be plentiful!
Looking forward to the next twenty years
Ted de Braga
I had Epps Kennels train a German Shorthair female that I run in
Chukar and Pheasant competition shoots. I have consistently
placed or won these events. They turn out winners.
Fallon Nevada
Jack Pomrening
Gentlemen:
Having known the Epps family for fifty odd years, I think I’m
qualified to state that they are outstanding people. Walter
and Steve have been active in breeding, training and showing dogs
successfully for many years. I personally have owned five dogs
from their kennels, from their breeding, and all have been
outstanding specimens.
I can honestly say they have been eminently trustworthy in all of my
dealings with them.
Debra Douglass
Hello, my name is Debra Douglass. Over a period of twenty-five
years, I have had Epps’ train three German Shorthair Pointers for
me. The obedience training is fantastic. The training
they receive working an area, pointing, retrieving is pure poetry in
motion.
The Epps’ work with you also. They train you how to work in
the field with your dog. If you confuse your dog by your
mistakes, they can fix you. The dog is well trained. My
current German Shorthaired Pointer was one of their own. He is
very athletic, has a perfect conformation, and very intelligent.
A wonderful dog to have.
Stacy Trivitt
President, Upland Specialty, Inc.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Walter and Steve Epps for over 20
years. I purchased my first gun dog from them in 1989
and numerous other dogs since that time. I am convinced
the Epps line of German Shorthaired Pointers is comprised of the
finest gundogs in the world. I have competed in and won
many Shoot to Retrieve Gun Dog events with these outstanding dogs.
In addition, I have hunted and bagged well over a thousand chukar
over these exceptional dogs and successfully hunted pheasant,
grouse, and quail all over the country. These dogs
always retrieve to hand from land or water, even on the Missouri
River breaks in temperatures well below zero. I have found
these dogs to be extremely biddable and lovable and very capable
family companions to my wife and three sons.
Complementing their line of hunting dogs is the vast experience
Walter and Steve have acquired through their combined years of
breeding and trialing both gun and water dogs. Their expertise
in training and understanding dog behavior is unparalleled in the
Western United States. I would, without hesitation,
recommend these remarkable men to anyone seeking to acquire a gun
dog that surpasses their expectations.
John Firpo
Longtime Nevada TV sports and news anchor
Walter Epps is a true professional. He trained my then five
month old Brittany male, Louie, in an accelerated four month program
and had him ready for the Chukar season on time. His
facilities and grounds offered every kind of environment to
duplicate hunting situations. This old cowboy knows hunting
dogs and is an expert judge of talent.
Dave Lake
My name is Dave Lake, resident of Plumas County for 41 years.
In the early 70s, Chukar hunting became a passion for my family and
me. In the early 80s I met and became a customer/client of
Walter & Steve Epps. We have been friends ever since.
When it comes to gun dogs, issues such as pointing, retrieving,
behavior, maintenance and even injuries are facts of life. The
Epps family operates an outstanding, professional kennel and dog
training program. Perfection is their goal. Care and
concern for their dogs and clients does not end at point of sale, it
continues through the life of the animals and beyond. The
family atmosphere of the Epps operation is a bonus to the joy
experienced afield when hunting. Dogs are truly man's best
friend. Walter and Steve know dogs. Hundreds upon
hundreds of successful matches, dogs with men have been engineered
by these professionals. It is my pleasure to recommend these
gentlemen.
Dillon Alegre
If someone were to ask me where they should have their dog trained,
I would instantly say "Epps". When I got my lab, George, he was an
80 pound pup. I couldn't get him to listen at all. I never thought
that George would be a dog that I could hunt behind or win field
trials with. When I got my dog back from Epps it was a complete
change. He went from being a worthless pup to a great hunting dog
and a major competitor in the field trials. I have won dog trials
with my dog. One thing that I notice at all the dog trials I go to
is that an Epps dog always places. In my mind Epps training is the
best.
Darrin Alegre
I bought my English pointer, Bud, as a gun trained 2 year old dog
from Epps. I was skeptical about buying an older dog because I
thought he wouldn't work well for me. I have been completely
satisfied and impressed that I have a dog who listens to and obeys
my commands just as if I had raised him from a pup. I can't say
enough good things about Epps Kennels - an Epps trained dog is
awesome to hunt behind and the training doesn't stop when you get
your dog back – The Epps' are always just a phone call away to help
you keep your dog working well.
Ken Elordi
Epps Kennels: The most professional dog trainer`s before,
during, and after your training sessions!! Bar None!! I hunt a
couple of English Pointers bred and trained by Epps Kennels, both
are no nonsense, hard hunting, and absolutely a joy to be in the
field with!! If you have any questions on this establishment please
call 1-775-532-8306 or 8043. Ask for Ken
Tracy Mayes
2011 Update - Here is just an update and pictures of Kalypso (Kaly) and how she is doing. Look at the pictures in sequence to see how far she has come. Tim and I happened on this covey of quail at the end of an unsuccessful chukar hunt. Patch is doing great also. He is the champ of chukar. Just thought you'd like to know how your girl is doing. She is an absolute joy to have around. In the off season we stay fit by hiking and going to the lake. She has been to Mt. Rose Peak twice and loves Washoe Lake (I think she was a duck dog in a former life). Hope all is going well with you both. We are staying busy here as always.
2010 -
We first used Walter to train "Dyna" a 1/2 English Pointer.
She proved to be amazing in her ability to find and retrieve birds
even if it was at greyhound speed. We then brought Walter our
new German Shorthair "Patch" for training. He went from a
blundering puppy to a dog who knows his job and does it well.
He is trustworthy in his pointing. He scents the birds far off
and works his way to the birds, often waiting for extended periods
of time for us to make our way to him. He is a solid retriever
when we are lucky enough to hit the birds. The proof of the
training was shown when we hunted with his brother who received no
professional training. I cannot even begin to tell you the
difference.
After "Dyna" was killed unexpectedly, we received another German
Shorthair, this one a female from Walter's bloodlines. She has
just finished her second hunting season and has given me, by her
training, ample opportunity to get birds. She has fun doing
her job and has surprised me again and again with her hunting
ability, and is a retrieving fanatic.
Walter has a well-honed ability to get the most out of the dogs.
He has high expectations and this is evident in the way that they
hunt. He also has the ability to make this fun for the dogs.
"Patch" and "Kaly" love hunting and they are amazing hunters due to
Walter's master touch.
Bing Wesner- 2010
My name is Bing Wesner from Lovelock, NV. I would like to tell you
about Epps Kennels and the job they have done for me training my
dogs. I compete in Gundog Competitions all across the country which
enables me to see dogs that are trained by many different trainers.
As far as I am concerned Epps Kennels with Walter and Steve Epps
gives me the dogs with the ability and training to compete with the
best tournament dogs in the country and win. Instead of giving you
any more of my opinion I will just list the accomplishments of my
dogs and let that speak for itself. I am sure that I will miss some
wins as there has been so many but I will highlight the greatest.
Myself as a player won 2008 Runner-up Player of the Year for Bird
Dog Challenge Tournament Hunter and for 2009 finished fourth.
Currently going into the Nationals in the 2010 standings sitting
number one.
Jack is a 4 year old English Pointer. Just won 2010 Dog of the Year
for Bird Dog Challenge which is a huge honor for me betting dogs
from all over the country. Jack finished third for 2009 but was
Region 4 High Point Dog. He was High Point Dog for the Northern
Nevada series for 2008 and 2009. Jack has won two Super Majors and
seven Majors along with many other shoots that are not part of the
BDC series. On several occasions he has won both the Singles and
Doubles on the same weekend. He has made the Finals at every Worlds
and Nationals that he has been too. Last Sept he won The Wild West
Shootout which brought 52 dogs from all across the country to run
for the biggest payout we have had in the West. He won just under
$7300 for the big win. Besides being a great gundog he is my
constant companion and house dog.
Sage is a 7 year old English Pointer. He won Dog of the Year in the
Northern Nevada series in 2007 and finished second to Jack in 2008.
He has won one Super Major and one Major along with many other
shoots not part of the BDC series. Sage has finished second to Jack
many times.
Sierra is a 7 year old Chocolate Lab. She won High Point Flusher for
Region 4 in 2008 and 2009. She won 2009 High Point Dog for the
Northern Nevada Series for the flushers. She has won two Super
Majors and two Majors in the BDC. She is the dog I have let down the
most as it seems like we always miss for her when she could have
won. Still she has placed many times just should have won more.
Rusty is a 4 year old German Shorthair that is owned by Walter Epps
but I have the pleasure of being able to campaign him all across the
country with my dogs. He finished 4th in the points race for the BDC
in 2009 right behind Jack. Rusty has won four Majors in the
BDC and many others not part of that series. Rusty shines when
conditions are poor. He will find birds when other dogs are
struggling. His retrieves are second to none as he is full speed to
the bird and all the way back till he sticks the bird in your lap.
Jill is a 23 month old English Pointer that is just turning into a
Super Star. She missed winning Puppy of the Year by two points for
2009 but has really started to shine in 2010. She started at The
Western Nationals in Dec by winning the Pointing Doubles beating
Jack by 6 minutes. Jack won second. She won second in the puppies at
Thunder Hill in CA and also made the finals in the Top Gun. Then we
went to the Classic, a Super Major in Nebraska, where she won the
puppies. She won the Ace High Top Gun in March and should have won
the puppies also but I let her down with my worst shooting
performance ever. Then it was of to Nebraska again where she
won third in the puppies. Next stop Bird Dog Challenge National
Finals and boy did she put together some runs. First in the
puppies she won third. Should have made the doubles finals but
partner had some shooting problems. Then to the Top Gun where she
put together two good runs to make the finals. Her greatest
performance then started as she ran a 6:07 and a 7:47 to place
third. Watch out Jack she is getting good. She now has a big lead
for 2010 Puppy of the Year for the BDC.
Buddy is the newest addition and he is a 11 month old yellow lab.
His first event was The Western Nationals where he was third in his
field in the prelims not bad for first event going against the big
dogs. Next was The Big Meadows Upland Bird Championships a Super
Major where he finished third the Top Gun singles again against the
old dogs and he was only 9 months old then and finished second in
the puppies. Then off to the Western States Chukar Classic in CA.
where he won the Top Gun Flushing event by 3 minutes against the big
dogs again.
Besides all these dogs doing very well at the tournaments they are
also great wild bird finders. They are always easy to handle and a
joy to hunt behind. Anything I have wanted my dogs to do Walter and
Steve have been able to get them to do it and do it well. I highly
recommend them for all your training needs.
