On June 1, 2005, Russ Pankey joined the staff of Crockett Ranch and Kennels. After 25 years of government service, Russ elected to take an early retirement to pursue his passion breeding and training fine gun dogs.

“I had a rewarding career, serving in several capacities including executive security, training academy instructor, special ops, assignments with the US Marshal’s Service, and ultimately as supervisor of the Fugitive Apprehension Unit. Spending time working dogs and hunting upland birds was my stress outlet through the years. I was fortunate to have a father that introduced me to hunting and fishing at an early age and my fondness for the great outdoors intensified as I got older and started my own family.”

Prior to retirement Russ worked as a guide for outfitters and hunting preserves. He received requests for puppies from his personal line of English Setter gundogs as well requests from clients wanting him to train and polish their own gundogs and young field trial prospects.

“By that time, I made the decision to retire early, and pursue a full time career developing gundogs and working in the high-end markets of the hunting industry.”

Prior to coming to Crockett Ranch, Russ managed the Upland Hunting Division and Horse Stable Division for a four-star Orvis-endorsed property in the mid-west. His gun dogs have been featured in several publications including Double Gun Journal, Shooting Sportsman, Midwest Outdoors and Gun Dog Magazine. He was also featured on several television shows including In Pursuit, The New American Sportsman, Midwest Outdoors and major networks such as Fox and The Outdoor Life Network. He also served as a pro staffer and seminar speaker for special events at Bass Pro Shops, Dunn’s Sporting Goods, and other specialty sporting goods stores.

“Working as a professional guide brought me a deeper appreciation for the demands of gun dog owners and field trial enthusiasts. The sporting men & women of today want a hunting companion with intelligence, good disposition, manners, above average scenting abilities and stamina. Many also want a versatile dog that can hunt birds with their family and friends through the week and compete in field trials on the weekends.”

Russ has bred and trained many breeds of sporting dogs but has a special affection for the English Setter.

“There is something about a fine setter on point, high at both ends with a gentle breeze moving his feathers that still electrifies me every time I see one down on birds. The setter also has an almost noble disposition and intelligence that can work its’ way into your heart like no other breed can. The opportunity to develop and train setters from the legacy of National Champion Johnny Crockett is a dream come true.”

Alan Heirman has been involved in wildlife for over 35 years, primarily in West Texas with the Natural Resource Conservation Service. After 35 years with the NRCC, Alan retired in January 1007, and joined Crockett Consulting. He is an expert in quail habitat and upland bird hunting.

Alan is widely respected throughout Texas for his knowledge of wildlife and habitat improvement practices. He has been honored by the Sportsmen Conservationists of Texas, the Texas Section of the Society of Range Management, the Bobwhite Brigade, and in 2005 was recognized as an outstanding leader in fire ecology. He has received 23 USDA and NRCS awards.

In addition to adults, Alan brings his hunting expertise to young people and is actively involved in the Bobwhite and Buckskin Brigades. These Texas Brigades are wildlife-focused leadership programs for high school youth. Students are introduced to habitat management and hone their communication skills while developing a land ethic. Alan and other top wildlife professionals and resource managers serve as instructors and mentors.

With the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Alan provided technical assistance to Texas landowners including wildlife census collection, wildlife harvest recommendations, range and wildlife habitat improvement practices, range monitoring, grazing systems, food plot establishment, range seeding, forage inventories, wetland development, riparian area management, and associated practices.

Alan graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1969 with a degree in Range Management and Animal Science. He went on to Texas Tech University and graduated in 1971 with a Masters in Range and Wildlife Management.