Founder-Started at Five

My grandfather started taking me on squirrel hunts at five years old. We’d sit at the base of a tree and he wouldn’t let me move a muscle. I didn’t realize until years later he was training me less for squirrels, and more for deer. He taught me to turn my head slower than a sloth when scanning the woods. We’d walk deer trails to the next spot, reading tracks along the way. He always said deer take the path of least resistance — the best travel through the woods.
The dogs were always there too. As a kid I’d grab strays in the neighborhood and convince myself I was training them. I read every dog book the library had. I had the encyclopedia memorized — every sporting breed, every description, every photo. I loved those dogs before I ever owned one.

The Ray Hickerson Years

Around twelve I got my first GSP from my uncle’s breeding. But before that dog ever came home, I’d already read every Richard Wolters book I could find. I called a local trainer named Ray Hickerson — found him in the phone book, didn’t know him at all — and asked if I could help with his dogs. He said sure.
I trained with Ray for years. Horseback, running Pointers, Setters, Brittanys, Shorthairs, retrievers. By sixteen I was breeding my own Shorthairs. I had Shorthairs for nearly 30 years.

Why Drahthaars

In my late 20s I bought a duck boat and started thinking about a Chessie or Lab, even though I used my Shorthairs for warmer weather duck hunts. My strategy was to call breeders who had both breeds so I could get the real scoop.
On one call a breeder told me: “If you want the best waterfowl dog get a Chessie, but they’re hardheaded, get bored with training, and not as good in the field as the Lab. If you want a dog you can throw dummies to all day, hunt ducks and upland, get a Lab. But if you want the best all-around dog that does everything, get a Wirehair.” I didn’t even know he had them. I was sold.
I got into Drahthaars after the breeders I was getting my Wirehairs from both retired. I’d trained with the Draht guys for years and gotten several friends into Drahts before I got one myself. Took me a while to work through all the dogs I had before I added a Draht to the pack.
I couldn’t be more pleased with the Drahts. I still have big love for Shorthairs, Wirehairs, and a lot of other breeds. I lost my last Wirehair in 2023. Who knows — I may add another Shorthair or Wirehair someday. But I’ll always have a Draht or three in the pack. I love ’em all!!!!

We started DRAHT COMPANY because we wanted to do more than sell gear. We wanted to inspire hunters and trainers to get their dogs in the field and keep them there. Too many great dogs never get the opportunity to do what they were bred for.

We wanted to change that.

Our mission is simple: find gear that makes you and your dog more efficient, more capable, and more connected. And give you every reason to train and hunt, no matter your experience as a handler or where your dog is in its development.

Built With Purpose

We’re still growing, and we’re intentional about what we put our name on. DRAHT COMPANY wasn’t built to pump out products just to fill a catalog. Every piece of gear or apparel we add has to earn its place — in the training field, the marsh, the uplands, and everyday life with dogs.

If it doesn’t hold up for real hunters, real training, and real dog work, we’re not interested in selling it.

We’re building this company the same way good dogs are made — with patience, consistency, and a long-term mindset. One piece at a time.

At DRAHT COMPANY, we believe your gear should work as hard as your dog. It should handle briars at dawn, long training days, muddy boat ramps, and still look right grabbing breakfast after the hunt.

We’re not interested in trendy outdoor wear made for social media. We make apparel for the people living this life year-round and anywhere you go when you're not in the field— the guys training dogs before work, running drills in July heat, and chasing birds when the weather turns nasty or out to diner.

When you wear DRAHT COMPANY, you’re representing a commitment to the dogs, the work, and the lifestyle that comes with it.

Whether you’re running finished dogs or working with your first pup, DRAHT COMPANY is for you. From the marsh to the uplands, from the training field to opening day — we’ve got you covered.

We believe in meeting hunters and their dogs where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.

Train Hard. Hunt Easy.

It's not just a tagline — it's the mindset behind everything we do. The early mornings, the repetition, the sweat equity you put into your dog during the off-season — that's what makes the hunt look effortless. We're here to support that journey every step of the way. The off-season matters. Good hunts start months before opening day

Thank you for being part of the DRAHT COMPANY community! Now get out there and train!