November 2024 All-Star: Nickey Hale

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“To be one of the best at something, you’ve got to be willing to put in the extra work!” These words define Nickey Hale, our final Joy All-Star of 2024. Known as one of the most accomplished competition coonhunters in recent memory, Nickey has dedicated his life to the sport he loves. Here’s how Nickey’s journey brought him to Joy Dog Food, the trusted fuel behind his success.

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Nickey Hale grew up in a family that lived for hunting with dogs. However, it wasn’t until his teenage years that coonhunting became his true passion. At just fifteen, he entered his first UKC competition hunt—a smaller event near his home—and claimed first place. “After that,I was hooked on it,” Nickey says.

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Over the years, his love for coonhunting evolved into a lifelong pursuit. Known for his competitive spirit, Nickey still hunts three to four times a week. Beyond coonhunting, he’s also participated in other gundog sports, including running beagles and squirrel hunting. Last year, Nickey took his enthusiasm for squirrel hunting to the competition level with the United Squirrel Dog Council (USDC).

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For Nickey, hunting is more than a sport—it’s a family tradition. He’s proudly passed his passion on to his children and grandchildren, frequently sharing the woods with his grandson. Nickey also credits his faith in God for his success. “If it wasn’t for the Lord, we wouldn’t have any of this.” he says.

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Nickey’s career is nothing short of remarkable. He has won nearly every major coonhunting competition during his time in the sport. Notable achievements include:

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● Winning a 2012 truck hunt
● Competing in the PKC World Finals
● Claiming victory at the CHKC Championship
● Earning a night win at the prestigious Russ Meyer Invitational

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Nickey also acknowledges the role his friends and partners—Pete Olivia, Jim Carvill, and Tom White—have played in his success.

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Nickey’s partnership with Joy Dog Food began when his friend, Josh Michaelis, joined Joy as the host of the Fueled by Joy Podcast. Intrigued by Joy’s impact on coonhunters, Nickey decided to give it a try. “I’ve fed just about every dog food, and Joy is one of the best! I tell people all the time,” he shares.

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Today, Nickey feeds his dogs Joy High Energy 24/20, trusting it to keep them performing at their peak during competitions and hunts. Joy Dog Food is proud to be the top choice for competition hunters like Nickey Hale. With formulas like Adult Performance 26/18, High Energy 24/20, and Super Meal 30/20, we deliver the nutrition active dogs need to succeed.

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To fuel your hunting companion with the best, check out our dealer locator or call us at (800) 245-4125 to find Joy Dog Food near you!

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