Upland Nation

Re-visit Tom and absorb his wisdom ... The joy of a first hunt with a young dog - that moment when the light bulb flickers on for the first time. Drones, the origins of his legendary Dead Fowl Trainer, training the human after training the dog ... we'll cover it all in this extensive interview with notable hunting dog trainer Tom Dokken. From getting the most from flushing breeds in the uplands to the most important commands, how to ensure your dog's peak performance in the field and must-have training tools, Tom has decades of experience and he's willing to share. Then, listeners share critical gear they carry in the field - bet you'll add something to your vest after hearing their suggestions. And "Road Trip" recalls a recent lesson I learned - again - that you'll want to consider. Please visit our sponsors: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns,, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, FurFeathersFriends Joy Dog Food and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Orvis-endorsed outfitter Rick Watson joins me for a wide-ranging discussion on all things grouse and woodcock. We'll nail down good coverts and bird behavior, shooting techniques, and dog handling ideas.  We dig deeper into the mystique of ruffies, why setters are his chosen breed, and why "steadiness" is relative. There's a short trip to Georgia and Scotland, and one indispensable item he never leaves home without. Our social segment shares some training gear you might want to try, and "Fix It" has a shotgun tip. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Feeling nostalgic, I wax poetic on some of the things that made last season's opener so memorable. From friends to dog work, new country and a broken bone or two, here are some recollections that might spur a few of your own. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

I've compiled my notes, advice from friends and a ton of pro guides' advice into a how-to, where-to, why-to tutorial on the sharptailed grouse. I'll cover the states with huntable populations, habitat, food sources, hunting strategy and tactics, and a few hunting stories. From history (cavemen to Custer), to public access, to shooting, to which dogs are ideal (most of the time), I've got some background and suggestions. I'll explain what I consider the two differing sharptail seasons, and there's a TV story or two, and horses were involved. It's a fun and extensive look at one of the few native game birds we can still hunt! We'll end with a grand tour of my favorite sharpie hunting regions. In the social media segment, we trade advice on keeping a pointing dog steady in the face of wild, hinky birds. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.    

Be prepared, the Boy Scouts say. Here's your chance - with a reprise of a very popular subject: I hope it never happens to you - that eerie silence when you hoped to hear collar tags jingling, knowing your dog is well and truly lost. Or, he limps back, bleeding. As the season gets into full swing, what better than to prepare for each of these situations? I'll offer a four-step strategy for finding your dog, from preparation to gear, to starting your search. There may be something there that will help you, based on my own experiences over the years. Then, what's in my dog-care kit? I'll cover the stuff I carry in my vest that will help him continue to hunt, or stabilize him for a trip to the veterinarian. It's a simple, basic set of tools that'll take care of most in-field emergencies, from cactus spines to bee stings and barbed-wire cuts. "Handle It" is all about fueling your four-footed hunting buddy - what works for me and why (I think!). Maybe there's something in it for you and your dog. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV now airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Phil Puckorius and Dominic Grossi are avid hunters and the chief and assistant chief instructors for the National Sporting Clays Association ... who better to help us hit more birds? They've got theory and practice to share ... from "reading" the bird in flight to shotgun fit, foot position to a version of "follow-through" that actually works. We go into the deep woods for shooting tactics on ruffies and woodcock, and sit in a duck blind for a bit. Phil and Dom offer practice strategies for bird hunters at the range, too. Where does a mirror fit into your shooting success? You'll have to listen. "Fix It" helps you take control once a bird is pointed, and listeners and viewers chime in on their longest road trips. You can watch the video version of this podcast on Field & Stream TV Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. eastern/7:30 p.m. Pacific on any smart TV, Roku, and other streaming services. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, ClayCopter, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. 

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride ... Huron plays second fiddle to many of the marquee pheasant hunting towns in South Dakota. But that's one reason it should be on your shopping list: less attention means fewer hunters. Add a mixed bag and massive number of public-access acres, and you might want to take a look Here's my admittedly-biased perspective on a town I've visited a lot, hunting for work and play.  Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

He runs twice as far as you walk ... and he does it barefoot. Taking care of your bird dog's feet ensures a great day in the field and a long, problem-free season. I'll share advice from veterinarians and my own and friends' experience preparing our dog's feet for hunting season. I'll offer my personal perspective on "toughening" pads, and what to use for "boots." And once you're out there, I'll outline some things you should do before, during and after the hunt to keep him firing on all eight cylinders and all four paws. Identifying injuries, when to call it a day, what to watch for, how to fix common problems are all on the table. We'll talk about keeping pads supple, nail trimming, and more. Viewers and listeners share the mileage they'll drive on their first-day-of-the-season hunt, and "Fix It" shows you where to look if you want to hit more birds in the field.  And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Get ready now - listen again to this hard-won advice: Knot-tying to breaking up a dog fight ... these are essential capabilities you will be glad you have at some point in your hunting career. You might know some of them, but probably not all of them. Or, if you DO, this is your nudge to teach them to someone else! Taking photos, staying warm, getting found (or not getting lost!), this knowledge comes in handy every day. "Road Trip" covers two pheasant states without "Dakota" in their name. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & BraMid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From the deep woods to the dusty desert, Mark Nissen knows game birds. Orvis-endorsed guide of the year, he and his Classic Bird Hunts outfitting team chases ruffies, woodcock, and all three desert quail in Wisconsin and Arizona. In our wide-ranging chat, Mark covers best habitat, bird behavior, and relates an inspiring highlight from last season.  We also talk strategies for elusive scaled quail, shooting advice for grouse hunters, and helping your dog adjust to a new type of cover and bird species. We'll get the latest information on bird populations, and learn about a lesser-known bird-hunting state he's exploring for his guide clients. What are we doing wrong when you shoot at a grouse? Mark will tell us. Shopping for a good guide? He'll have tips. What essential aren't you carrying in your vest? He's got a suggestion.  You'll enjoy every aspect of this motivating conversation with a sincere, knowledgeable pro whose goal in life is ensuring we have a good time on a hunt. "Fix It" helps you put wood to wood when shooting, and listeners and viewers share their own retrieving bumper ideas and suggestions. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

If you're still planning your big trips for the season, I've got some suggestions. Here's a list and brief reasons why you might want to consider these five states for your destination.  I've weighed my personal experience, quality of walk-in and public land access, number of acres available to bird hunters, and a few other criteria to assemble a "top five" list. Yours may be different, but if you're looking for a new place, new bird species, or different terrain here are some starting points. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You want more, you got it in this reprise of a highly-rated interview: Grouse, woodcock, training during the hunt, and a short history of Gordon Setters ... those are the topics in my conversation with Stephen Faust, pro grouse and woodcock guide, dog trainer and breeder, and avid hunter. We'll also cover a typical guide's day in the field, how we can be better guide clients, and dog training tips.  We'll track a woodcock's day - where it hangs, what it eats and even how professionals like Stephen tag chicks in the spring. We'll look at habitat and habits, and dog handling for these wily birds. Then, into the grouse woods for insights into some lesser-known prime food sources, cover types, and habitat needs from opening day to winter.  "Fix It" offers a useful web source for finding birds, and listeners (a lot of them) weigh in on "Do beeper collars scare birds?" You'll take something useful away from that discussion! And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Orvis-endorsed guide Michael Browning of Grouse Haven Wing-Shooting takes us into the Maine woods for a tutorial on all things ruffies and timberdoodles. From the birds' daily schedule to good habitat types, he's got decades of experience in the deep woods. Well, not so deep. That's one thing we'll learn about habitat. We also explore how to handle our dogs in the forest, being a good guide client, bird behavior, finding public ground, and get a few dog-training insights. "Fix It" reminds us of another important date for walk-in hunters, and listeners share their "lightbulb people" ... the ones who started their bird-hunting adventure and why. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

A helpful perspective, to say the least ... worth another listen: Back to Pheasant Fest for an in-depth tutorial on everything from dog training to sharptail hunting from two guys who hunt hard and often: Trevor Walz and Tom Dombroski of LandTrust.com. For fun, to scout new properties, a little guiding, and to work a long string of dogs, these guys are on the ground all season and have a couple lifetimes of experience. We'll cover habitat, tactics, dog care and more. "Handle It" touches on the importance of collecting dead birds ... and listeners chime in on how important a limit is to them and why. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Orvis-endorsed bird hunting guide Ryan Aune of Wyoming Wings & Waters knows wild birds, and he really knows Wyoming wingshooting. He guides clients on a mixed bag of prairie and forest grouse, Huns, and pheasants in the Cowboy State and knows how to find public-access bird hunting spots. Twice a finalist for Orvis Wingshooting Guide of the Year, this guy scouts deep in the boondocks to find unmolested birds, and we can all learn from his experience when we seek new birds on new ground. We'll cover everything from food sources to habitat requirements, handling dogs on hinky birds and early steadiness training. We cover finding birdy spots, essential habitat components, and even wax philosophically about why we hunt. We delve deep into bird behavior and what makes good cover for all the bird species he hunts. We'll touch on essential gear, best practices when approaching a pointed dog, and handling running birds. "Fix It" has a suggestion for coping with public access spots that have been hammered, and listeners share their pup's first bird stories.  And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

It's puppy season and who couldn't use some encouragement for those late nights ... or advice on maximizing your new dog's mental and physical development? Steve Snell, owner of Gun Dog Supply, knows dogs, and especially young ones. A recent email from Steve prompted me to follow up on his seven tips for puppy owners. Turns out, many of the tips are just as relevant to owners of not-so-young dogs, too. From picking a breeder to buying a pup, a Texas hunting story or two, to the importance of putting hands on a pup and crate training essentials, Steve gives us the most important things a pup and its owner should be doing early in their relationship.  Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

If you're in search of new bird hunting ground, I've got a panel for you from the departments that acquire and manage the walk-in programs in three bird-rich states. Wes Sowards of Kansas, Michael Peyton of South Dakota and Greg Lemon of Montana offer their tips on how their programs work for wingshooting, and more importantly, how to take full advantage of them. We talk about how land is acquired and managed, why ground-truthing is critical, who pays for the walk-in programs, each state's quirks, and how to maximize your time and effort by finding less-hammered ground. They'll give you some starting points in their state for several bird species, and each guest also offers a tip and some helpful hacks that could help you find more birds next season while avoiding the crowds. After that, it's up to you. "Fix It" helps you introduce nail clipping to your new pup, and listeners offer advice on introducing gun fire to a young dog. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, ClayCopter, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.  

Enjoy this trip into the field - maybe you need a hunting fix about now. Buckle up for a first-hand report on a recent wingshooting road trip in search of quail and chukars ... and better weather. We'll be hunting Nevada and California and learning a lot. Some astounding dog work and fascinating observations on bird behavior and habitat, especially in the Golden State. Strategies need adjusting in the high desert of California, where cactus is king and rattlesnakes roam all year ... even finding birdy places requires a different point of view. "Fix It" covers some practical pre-hunt tips and listeners share some fascinating dog and bird hunting trivia. You get a chance to enter to win a pair of Pyke Gear Dakota pants (value $230) in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, too, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Thanks to those avid wingshooting fanatics who requested this one at Pheasant Fest. I've done some homework (maybe too much), dug deep to give you a picture of America's favorite game bird. From habits to habitat, life history to some of the threats, a bit of politics, and a lot of fun facts and trivia. Hopefully, something in here is of value to you.  And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

In my survey, you tell me most of you have, or will, pay to hunt. So why not get your money's worth, whether it's a day trip to a local farm, or that trip-of-a-lifetime to a fancy resort? I've been to a hundred hunting and fishing lodges to make TV shows, and have seen it all. I'll share my experiences, and help you navigate the dangerous waters of booking, pricing, expectations, habitat and lodging options. You'll have a better idea of what you can do, what you'll pay, how to tip your guide, and why pen-raised birds can be great, okay and dismal. Just like buying a new truck, much of your experience is dependent on you - from inquiring about a place, to negotiating price, to what your guide should (and shouldn't) do. Listen carefully and somewhere in here is a tip or two you'll be glad you heard. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Here's your chance to get caught up on chukar hunting basics, reprised from September, 2023: I've fielded so many questions over the years, I decided it was time to offer up a primer on hunting these fascinating, mystifying game birds. I've asked the dumb questions to smart hunters, learned a few things the hard way, and spent more than a few nights puzzling over their habits and habitat. If you've ever wondered where to find them, how to prepare, get your dog trained up, successful strategies and tactics from shot size to e-collar tricks, here's your starting point. Then, start walking. Uphill. Listeners tell us where they're going on opening day, and "Road Trip" offers some alternative information sources to get you on public-access land. And it's all brought to you by: Pointer shotguns,  Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

The Smith family name is legendary in dog-training circles and among bird hunters for good reason. From Delmar and Ronnie Sr. to the next generation, Rick and Ronnie, and now Ronnie's wife Susanna, most modern training methods started in their yards and fields. We'll cover "training to the mind" of the pup, and why setting a mental agenda in a dog are primary goals in their training. How to observe a dog, think before you act, and keeping in mind what's important to a dog ... how to balance training with a dog's ability to focus ... and channeling prey drive to benefit you both, are some of the topics we cover.  Special thanks to Pyke Gear for hosting the Upland Nation podcast in their booth! And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Here's a take on chukar hunting worth re-visiting from January, 2024 ... Wild chukars, Huns, sharptails and sage grouse are Ryan Aune's domain, roaming the uplands of Wyoming as an Orvis-endorsed wingshooting guide. He and his string of 10 dogs (setters, shorthairs and a springer) take clients into some of the roughest, most challenging terrain in the West, and he's got a few lessons for us. We cover the relative merits of setters versus shorthairs, learn about bird behavior, habitat, and he'll share his strategies and tactics for getting closer to birds. We'll talk conditioning dogs, training and pad care too. "Handle It" offers a new in-field energy supplement for dogs, and listeners share their own training goals for 2024. And it's all brought to you by: Pointer shotguns, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

If you haven't watched his YouTube videos from chukar country (and more), you're missing out. This guy takes DIY bird hunting - and video - to a whole 'nother level. You'll learn from Eric Forrester this week as he joins me after a rollicking season of new species, new states and fascinating challenges. From new dogs, to tough conditions, low bird numbers to spectacular vistas, Eric takes us on a fulfilling and challenging journey around the West in search of chukars, Huns, sharptails, and scaled quail. We learn how to find new places to hunt, strategies and tactics, habitat types, even get some shooting suggestions. Eric bursn the boot leather and puts in the miles so you don't have to. And should you decide to climb the hills for devil birds or any other species, his advice is priceless. "Fix It" is a heads-up for those planning to visit another state next season - caution! And listeners show their comedy-writing chops with a caption for one of my photos. You decide if they're worth a laugh or two. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

In this Insider edition, Purina's Karl Gunzer joins me from the Pyke Gear booth at Pheasant Fest with a wide range of fascinating and helpful insights. Former field trialer and avid hunter, he has suggestions on everything from feeding for performance to new Purina products. He'll also touch on the value of field trials for bird hunters, what he's learned in the field from the biggest names in gun dog training, and then answers a lot of the questions you have about dog food and care. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Kneel at the foot of bird-dog wisdom. Here's a reprise episode that will turn you into a better dog handler. Hunter, dog trainer, nutritional guru, magazine writer, an Upland National treasure ... Bob West of Purina joins me for a wide-ranging discussion full of reminiscences. Besides talking about his fellow legends, Bob's backstory might just prove he was the first "influencer" in our world ... back when TV was still made on magnetic tape and in 4:3 screen ratios! Bob is semi-retired but still a fixture at bird-dog events where you can bend his ear about fueling a hunting dog, training it, and hunting it. His insights, built on a foundation of trials and tests, are invaluable for anyone with a bird dog. We'll learn why trials and tests are a critical part of hunting-dog training, find out why sometimes giving up is the best strategy with a recalcitrant dog (at least temporarily), how important "wins" are on the training table, what the "three action introduction" is and why it's integral to a dog's performance in the field and at a hunting test. But there's more: pad care and what we miss, how a dog's G.I. tract is really affected by food during a hunt, the best reason yet for NOT feeding the morning of a hunt, and one man's opinion on whether or not dogs can "reason." "Handle It" covers some home-made training gear, and listeners laud their dog-training and hunting mentors. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Who couldn't use a few more bucks in his pocket? Saving a dollar here or there could mean another road trip this season, or a longer one, or one farther away. I've compiled all the lessons I've learned into one long list ... something on it might help you buy better beer or more ammo! From planning your trip, to traveling to your destination, savings at your hunting spot, I've got dozens of suggestions. "Fix It" offers a boot care tip, and listeners tell us their definition of a "steady" bird dog, and why. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

I’m television’s worst shotgunner. It’s almost a badge of honor. The most frequent compliment I hear is “You shoot worse than I do!” I gladly own it. That’s where these tips come in. They started as a sort of log – a journal – of things I’ve learned while hunting, at the range, and even dry-firing at home. Often, they were last-ditch efforts when everything else failed. Or, epiphanies from out of nowhere that saved the day. They’re no substitute for a good course of study, a shooting lesson, or careful practice. But when nothing else works or you’re ready to try a different way of looking at things, use one (or more) of these. "Handle It" this week answers Jim Smith's question on the vocabulary of a training collar's "other" functions, and listeners offer up less-common things they carry in their vest. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. And don't miss Wingshooting USA TV now airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

From the floor of the 2026 Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, Clyde Vetter joins me for a wide-ranging talk on the value of joining those groups, and all things bird dogs.  Clyde has titled more NAVHDA Utility dogs than any other trainer, and he's glad to share some of the methods he uses. We go from why composure is so important in a dog and how to create it, to helping your dog excel in test situations, why "soft" dogs aren't all bad, a new way to teach retrieving, and raising the bar with young dogs. We also learn why a desperate dog might be a creative, "birdy" dog-in-the-making. Thanks to Pyke Gear for hosting all the podcast interviews! And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Time to make plans for the upcoming season. How do you look at a road trip? A necessary evil? Means to an end? How about if there was joy and wonder in the journey as well as the destination? That's what we'll ponder on this insider edition of the podcast. Philosophy, hints, hacks, tips and tactics to make the drive more enriching, more productive and more fun. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

This guy's insights are valuable to anyone, whether they own a retriever, flusher or pointing breed. Here's your reminder ... or inspiration if you're listening for the first time. If you have a young dog or are getting one, listen carefully! Jim Van Engen's Right Start Kennel has cranked out almost 200 field trial champions thanks to his unique specialty: the first two years of a dog's life. He'll outline his overall philosophy, as well as practical tips on everything from managing a dog's range to introducing gunfire. We'll cover retrieving and steadiness, verbal commands and e-collar use, too. Jim's specialty is Labradors, but he's owned shorthairs for decades, hunting them primarily for fun but also competing in NSTRA trials, so there's something for everyone in this episode. We'll review listeners' dog breed preferences from the Upland Nation Index survey, and "Fix It" offers a shooting tactic that might add a bird to your bag once in a while. You get a chance to enter to win the Sage & Braker shotgun cleaning mat in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, too, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile,, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Let's start planning your next road trip. In the first part of this series, we'll explore (literally and figuratively) the nuts-and-bolts of finding and making the most of public access hunting grounds. From narrowing your search, to obtaining local intelligence, some practical tips on what to do in advance and once you've arrived, and how to get the most out of a general area and specific spot, I'll share my experience in hopes you don't have to learn like I did - the hard way. "Fix It" offers a puppy night-time potty tip, and listeners share their memories on great starts to a season and end of a hunt day. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Friday Fave: your guide to pheasant central is Casey. Everything you wanted to know about hunting pheasants in South Dakota, explained by a local expert. Casey Weismantel is executive director of the Aberdeen, SD Convention & Visitors Bureau, ugly dog owner and avid pheasant hunter.He's got answers to our questions about best times to go, maximizing the public-access options, planning your hunt and he'll even help us with some non-resident license hacks.  We talk best habitat, how to manage a block-and-drive hunt, why spaniels are best (sometimes), and how pheasants behave in their natural environment and why we can't find them sometimes. (Or most times.) "Fix It" has another place for you to look for "mean seeds" on your dog, and listeners offer their reasons for using hand signals in the field. And it's all brought to you by:  Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From the Pyke Gear booth at Pheasant Fest, I interview Karl Malcom and Gabe Stone of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. We cover a variety of topics from the organizations' focus, to how they cooperate with other conservation groups, to how fire, timber extraction and other "disturbances" are good, sometimes.  But hunting strategy and tactics are also on the agenda, from habitat to definition of "edge" to the importance of moisture and diversity. We get tips on shooting around trees and working with dogs in the woods, stuff to take on your hunt, and even get a few cooking tips.  And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.  

Friday Faves: This guy will re-shape your thinking, period Talmage Smedly joins me for an in-depth conversation on why dogs do what they do and how we can guide them. He calls on his horse training experience as well as a different perspective on how e-collars and commands in general can be used. If you're looking for a new way of working with your dog, he's got it. We'll cover his views on how to use an e-collar, what instincts shape a young dog, using a leash and checkcord, and the advantages of "positive punishment," among other things. He'll help us fix some of our steadiness and retrieving problems too. Listener Keith Friel offers another reason to run two dogs together in the field, and "Handle It" is a plea for more leashes, tie-out stakes and crates. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From the floor of Pheasant Fest, field trialer Jordan Horak shares his thoughts on puppy development as a breeder of champion flushing dogs. Jordan won the AKC sanctioned Cocker Spaniel Field Trial Nationals in 2018 and has the experience and insights to help us, from finding the right pup for you, to developing the very young dog, he's got some very specific methods. We'll talk retrieving, teaching "gun range,"recall, the importance of paying a dog for their "work," and what a young dog considers a good payday.  Jordan is also the developer of the Cato Board - an improved version of "place boards," so we'll get insights into how he uses them and we can too. Special thanks to Pyke Gear for hosting the podcast at Pheasant Fest! And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From the floor of the 2026 Pheasant Fest, I turn the tables on Orvis' Hunting and Shooting podcast host Reid Bryant, and we talk about a wide range of topics: his past hunting season, flushing breeds in the grouse woods, book and magazine writing (his books are here), and his role vetting lodges, outfitters and guides for the Orvis Adventure program.  There are tips on shopping for a destination (he personally visits virtually all of them in the Orvis program), how to get the most out of a lodge or guide experience, shooting grouse in the deep woods, hunting advice, dog training observations and more.  Special thanks to Pyke Gear for hosting the podcast in their booth at Pheasant Fest. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

I cornered Dr. RuthAnn Lobos of Purina (@petvetruthann) on the floor of the recent Pheasant Fest and asked her how we avoid late-night, long-distance, and simply annoying reasons we need to rush our dog to the veterinarian. She rattled off a long list of first-aid and dire medical situations, and how to handle them until we can get to a vet. Then, she shared ways we can avoid most of those trips (and expenses) with preventive care. From torn nails to diet, eye injuries to barbed-wire cuts, she covers it all. Thanks to Pyke Gear for hosting the podcast at Pheasant Fest! Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Friday Faves: If you're looking for new ground, stop here for a reprise episode from one of the gurus Down to brass tacks we go with writer, editor, publisher Jim Matthews. He's been helping desert hunters find publicly-accessible game birds since the nineties, and he'll dial us in to finding some of the spots, strategies and tactics we need for valley and Gambel's quail, chukars, and the occasional mountain quail. Jim will take us from habits to habitat, what to look for when scouting (we could all do more of this, he says), and where to look when a place is "shot out." Jim also keys us to his four-step bird-finding formula, how rain, snow, wind, cold and heat affect bird hunting, and suggests a couple pieces of gear most of us don't carry but should. "Handle It" helps Jon Schwedler slow down his setter and use her nose better; and listeners share the length of their hunting trips - see where you stand! And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV now airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Geometry, physiology, gravity, physics, anatomy ... all have an impact on your dog's performance. And the guy to drive home that point is Jared Deutsch, Director of Conformation for the Versatile Hunting Dog Federation. He'll take us from nose to tail-tip, explain how each bit of your dog's body affects everything from scenting ability to avoiding pad tears.  An avid hunter, Jared applies his knowledge every day in the field, and his insights will help anyone shopping for a pup, or trying to get the most from their adult dog. We'll cover the reasons why many injuries - and even the length of their life - are affected by their physical make-up. After all, we want our dogs to live long, productive, pain-free lives, right? "Fix It" offers a few hacks for shooting downhill, and listeners share the new bird species they hunted last season. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Sage & Braker, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Favorites Friday: A different take on quail conservation by a respected authority ... this is worth listening to again, from February, 2023. Dr. Kelly Reyna is Director of the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research and Principal Investigator of the Quail Research Laboratory at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He's a bit of an optimist, and conducting leading-edge research on "untaming" pen-raised birds, how wild birds really react to predators, and habitat ... including how cattle and quail can get along. Kelly is also an avid bird hunter so he looks at the practical as well as the academic challenges hunters face. His research dispels some notions that we've accepted as fact and helps us find more birds. From where to stand when you shoot, to what a dog actually smells when he scents a covey, to the best habitat for quail hunting, he's got suggestions. We'll explore bird behavior and where birds go when they flush, "weird quail" and how to hit more birds on the wing. "Handle It" covers training your dog for doctoring, and listeners share their shooting problems ... and some solutions. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Okay, just getting it off my chest, and by saying these out loud maybe I'll work on them myself.  Here are five areas of concentration that you've brought up frequently in the past few weeks. They're so common, I thought I'd write them down (to help me) and share them (to help you?). Focus on them - or any one of them - and you'll probably get better at something next season.  Listeners saw the photo and took the test on social media, and many passed with flying colors. I'll have the results. "Fix It" helps you hit hard crossing birds and clay targets when all else has failed. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You don't have to venture to the People's Republic of California to hunt the elusive valley (aka California) quail. They mutter and flutter throughout the West, and I'll share some thoughts on these wily game birds based on my three decades of chasing the little buggers. I'll outline typical and atypical habitats, bird behavior, hunting tactics and a few western towns that can serve as jumping-off points for your next hunt. I'll share my observations on their daily routine, and some less-common places you might find them. The rest is up to you. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]

Favorites Friday: In this reprise, a guy who's forgotten more than we'll ever know. Here's your chance to learn from him if you missed this interview from July, 2024 ... Wild pheasants in Big Sky country ... with advice from a seasoned guide and friend, Al Gadoury of 6X Outfitters. Al will take us to school on ringnecks, along the way dispelling some myths about habitat and wild bird behavior. He'll also offer advice on the right way to employ blockers (not what you think), and his method for pairing a flushing dog with a pointing dog. We'll get dozens of tips on tactics and strategy, dog care too, and Al answers a listener question, too. Listeners share their thoughts on when to start a youngster, and "Handle It" focuses on reining in a big-running dog, with advice from me (and some much better qualified listeners!). And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV starting now airing 1 on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

"Grouseman" Steve Grossman is joined by his son Travis as we get a pro-guide two-fer. These guys know ruffies, sharpies, Huns and prairie chickens from decades guiding in both South Dakota and Minnesota. We'll cover habitat and habits, less-common food sources and their importance, and what really matters on a hunt. Both talk dog handling, broaden our definition of "edge cover," discuss pairing cockers with pointing breeds, and share lore and legend from the grouse woods and vast prairies. "Fix It" is a primer on e-collar considerations for young dogs, and listeners answer the question "Do you trial or test, and why?" And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Favorites Friday: This reprise of Clyde's interview is worth another listen ... He's probably trained or handled more NAVHDA Prize 1 Utility dogs than anyone at his Sharp Shooter's Kennel; Clyde Vetter is a dog trainer with a different way of thinking about his passion: creating elite hunting dogs. He's created a training philosophy used by many of his fans and followers that sometimes flies in the face of conventional wisdom. But as his email signature says, "Let Success Make The Noise," not self-promotion. His test records are his success. The noise comes from his legion of dedicated friends and customers. In a wide-ranging discussion, we cover the lure of prairie grouse, how to recruit more conservationists, how he uses training birds, and his unique way of training steadiness ... without "whoa." We cover retrieving as well, including why for some pups tug-of-war is a good thing. There's hunting advice, some unique items he carries in his vest (and why), and when you're done I guarantee you'll see dog training differently. Listeners share advice on introducing a new dog to your pack, and "Handle It" is a primer on hunting dog pad care from my personal experience. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV starting now airing 1 on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

From the depths of America's deepest canyon, pro guide Grant Ritchie takes us on chukar hunting adventures that often end uphill in ruffed grouse habitat. His outfit floats the Snake River in search of devil birds, putting clients in virtually unhunted territory where every bird is earned in boot leather and sweat. Grant runs Minam Store Outfitters, an Orvis-endorsed guide service in eastern Oregon. He runs Cesky Fousek dogs, and has a generations-long acquaintance with the wildest canyon in the Pacific Northwest. We talk about the importance of conditioning (human and dog), chukar habits and habitat (not always what you think), and some unusual food sources for these elusive birds. We also walk the draws so to speak, encountering valley and mountain quail, ruffed and blue grouse, and even turkey. We'll talk about shooting strategies and dog training, too. "Fix It" offers a puppy-acquisition primer, and our social media survey invites you to join the discussion if you're going to Pheasant Fest. I'll be doing podcast interviews and might just invite you to be part of the show! I'll be doing interviews with the leaders in our world Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Pyke Gear booth, #1121 near the Public Lands stage. (I'll also be on a panel of podcasters on that stage Sat. 3 p.m.) And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

“Experience is the comb Mother Nature gives us … after we’re bald.” But who wants to wait?  Here's a compendium of 29 tips on everything from caring for your dog to shooting better. They're compiled from conversations with pro guides, hunting partners' advice, friends' suggestions, and my own hard-won experience (I'm not bald, though from all the lessons, I should be).  Somewhere in here is something you never knew, should have done, could do next season, or might share with someone else. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge, where you'll get special freebies and gifts for every booking (learn more here). [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]

You know him as author of three volumes of the book Endless October, or his blog A Bird Hunter's Thoughts. Randy Schultz spends most of his fall on the hunting road, and has forgotten more about birds, habitat, strategy and dogs than we'll ever know. I'll pick his brain for help on all of the above, plus the value of field trials for hunters, how books are created (and recorded), public access strategy and more. We'll get a full debrief on his season in a number of states, with info on bird numbers, habitat conditions and hunting success. "Fix It" helps you hit hard crossers, and listeners contribute fond memories of beloved dogs ... and photos too.  And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

He's trained over 100 field champion retrievers and is a Retriever Hall of Fame inductee ... and now in retirement he's running a wirehair and a pointer. Of course we'll talk about why! But we'll also get Mike Lardy's take on all things retrieving, from how to introduce it to how to refine it.  Mike shares his early exposure to dogs and hunting, highlighting his journey as a professional retriever trainer since 1981. He reflects on the highlights of his career, including training exceptional dogs and the joy of seeing them succeed in the field. The conversation delves into the intricacies of dog training, particularly focusing on retrieving techniques and the importance of positive reinforcement. Mike emphasizes the need for patience and understanding in training, especially when working with young dogs. He also discusses his recent experiences with pointing dogs, sharing insights on the differences between training retrievers and pointers. The episode concludes with Mike offering valuable advice on maintaining a mentor-mentee relationship with dogs, underscoring the significance of setting them up for success rather than relying solely on coercion. And why does he hunt now, for fun, with pointing breeds? Well, we'll find out. "Fix It" helps motivate you to a New Year's resolution, and listeners tell us what time of day they start a hunting and why. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.