Upland Nation

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.  

Exclusive! We venture inside the Beltway to analyze the Sen. Lee land-sale debacle, look back on the victories, defeats and delays in law-making and public policy with our friends Jeff Crane (Pres./CEO) and Taylor Schmitz (Sr. VP - policy) of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. That organization roams the halls of congress and all the alphabet agencies that restrict, protect and frustrate us, advocating on our behalf with legislative staff, elected officials and bureaucrats who make the rules. We'll look ahead, too, at some critical policy and legal opportunities including the chance for a new Farm Bill - the catchall legislation that funds CRP, among other programs. We'll also learn how plain old sportsmen and women can get involved at every level to ensure our voices are heard - and heeded. 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.]

I bring three of my friends onboard to talk about birds, public access hunting, habitat, hunting success and dogs. From all around the country, these guys have put in the miles and burned the gunpowder this year, and have insights to share. Eric Thompson from Montana, Jim Millensifer from Kansas, and David Kuritzky from New York offer their take on the 2025 bird season from prairie chickens to ruffed grouse. I'll kick in on the western end. We cover habitat and how to adjust your hunting to unexpected changes, handling dogs in unfamiliar cover, bird behavior as the season progresses, even some dog training tips. Each participant shares a personal observation that might make our own hunting more successful, and how hunting helps establish personal connections via food. Each offers an essential piece of gear they never leave the truck without. "Fix It" has a gear recommendation that could save your dog's life, and listeners share stories of a dog that changed their life. 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.

Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitting is an Orvis-endorsed guide hunting the Rockies for ruffed, sooty and blue grouse. It's challenging country, different habitat, offering a new set of rules he's here to explain. Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool ruffed grouse hunter or new to the game, from the east, midwest or west, there's something in his approach of value to you and your dog. We cover what is good habitat and finding it, how to approach a covert, why a bell and beeper might be the ultimate combination. Tim shares his shooting advice ("shoot the shadow") and how to approach a bird and dog on point, we'll also learn more about what western grouse are eating.  "Fix It" has another way to remove cockleburrs, and listeners share their bad hunting buddy horror stories. 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.

Exclusive: This roundtable "insider" edition includes the entire chain from design and manufacturing to end-user. Joining me are Tim Frampton, Browning shotgun category manager, Ben Sovince, sales manager, and dealer/instructor/hunter Dave Fiedler of Mid-Valley Clays & Shooting School. We cover Browning's new product development process, how customer feedback impacts their decision-making, how target guns differ from hunting guns, what guns are selling best and buying trends. We also talk in detail about the 20-gauge version of the A5, the Browning shotgun line as a whole, how to pick the right shotgun for you, and what's coming down the pipeline in the way of new products. Fiedler offers an end-user and dealer perspective, and Sovince gives insights into how and why dealers stock the guns they carry.  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.]

Pro trainer, champion field trialer and hunter Todd Agnew of Craney Hills Kennel joins me to talk spaniels, but we get into a lot of topics relevant to any hunting dog owner. We get his take on midwestern hunting, he offers tips for traveling with a lot of dogs, and how important it is to establish a level of trust with your dog. This conversation is rich with practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it a valuable resource for dog owners.  "Fix It" offers late-season food sources for game birds you should explore; listeners share their best scenic photos from a bird hunt. The podcast is now available in video form here. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

George DeCosta entertains and educates us with training tips and techniques and the importance of forging a bond with your dog as the key to unlocking greatness in you both. We'll trade hunting stories, talk about the magic of Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, delve deep into what motivates your dog, how to "read" your dog to know when he's confused or disobedient, and why timing is everything when giving commands and corrections.  George will advise us on helping a dog that won't retrieve during a hunting situation, tell a few more hunting stories, and offer sage advice on when a hunt should be over. "Fix It" lists a few locations that may provide one more snow-free hunt, and I've polled your dogs and they're brutally honest on how you're doing this season. Get George's books here. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Exclusive industry insider edition: Not just a major retailer in the bird dog world, Steve Snell is an avid bird hunter. In our extensive interview, we go from the company's history through the transition to online retailing, then hit on some of the most-asked questions Steve gets from customers about gear and how to use it. He talks about trends in product development, why a riveted collar ID tag is crucial, get a debrief on his hunting season in several states, and some advice on hunting public land strategically.  Steve walks us through a new GPS collar coming soon from Dogtra, shares tips on traveling with dogs, and offers tips on hunting the elusive blue quail, including the importance of cutting your pointing dog some slack. Steve gives us advice on hunting through a tough season of too much, or too little rain/drought/hail and smaller bird populations. 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.]  

Start the year right - get your training act together! Legendary trainer, champion trialer and bird hunter George Hickox shares his wisdom on all things bird dogs. He'll re-define what motivates your hunting dog and how to take him to the next level. He'll change your thinking on a number of topics, and walk us through a better way to get a dog to be steady on pointed birds. We'll cover the benefits and how-to's of roading a dog, too. We'll go to bird dog summer camp, talk sharptail and Hun behavior, and learn, learn, learn. "Fix It" might help your dog's pads late in the season, and listeners share their thoughts on the benefits of hunting solo ... or with someone. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. PS: This episode is also available in video form here.

Planning next season already? Got a few weeks left for this one? Here's the lowdown on hunting in the world's pheasant capital, from fellow hunter and director of the Aberdeen Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Casey Weismantel. He's an ugly dog owner and avid ringneck hunter, and nobody has more fingers on the pulse of hunting our favorite bird.  We cover the season's highs and lows, some weather and habitat anomalies, and geat a few insider tips on maximizing the value of your ten-day license. Casey has advice on pheasant habits and habitat, hunting strategies for early and late season. We discuss "pheasantnomics" and the importance of local knowledge (and how to get it), and what constitutes ethical and legal "road hunting" in South Dakota. Casey has ammo recommendations, walks us through public-access and walk-in strategies, and shares his evolution from novice to seasoned hunter. "Fix It" dispels some late-season hunting myths, and listeners share their mentorship stories. 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.

Finally, someone to help us use tie-out stakes and "chain gangs" the right way. Industry insider and avid bird hunter Brennan Landry of CableGangz Supply makes the best gear in the category (and including roading gear, training table rigs and more) and he's here to walk us through using it right. From materials and engineering to manufacturing and the right way to hammer stakes into and out of the ground.  Brennan is a big believer in roading bird dogs so he'll explain why, and how, to get the most out of the miles. 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.]

Exclusive! We get the lowdown on new Purina dog foods the day they hit the shelves. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos (@petvetruthann), senior veterinarian at Purina will outline the rationale behind their new "Advantedge Plus" senior and digestive formulations, and why many of us should consider one or the other. We'll parse ingredients, specs, and the new product development process from a researcher's notion to stocking retail shelves. We'll cover why and how dogs "choose" favorite foods, when our dog actually becomes a "senior" citizen, indications of a dog's aging, and find out what ingredients go into the new formulations and why. Dr. RuthAnn talks about why we shouldn't feed prior to a hunt, how Purina "taste tests" new foods, and defines a healthy physique for a sporting dog. "Fix It" keeps your dog warm after a cold wet hunt, and listeners tell us what they're giving their dog for Christmas or Hannukah. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Why isn't he retrieving well? This time in the season, it seems like everyone is wondering what happened to their dog. From not bringing birds all the way back, dropping birds or just going hunting again, many upland dogs are just not delivering, literally, these days. Retriever Hall of Fame inductee, pro trainer, and now successfully transitioned into pointing breeds, Jim Van Engen of Right Start Kennel has answers to our pressing questions. Simply put: force fetch. He'll hit the critical points in a dog's retrieving training whether flusher or pointer, and how to teach those important steps. Of course, we'll talk all things hunting and hit some of the high points of this new phase in his training career. Listeners sound off on safety practices in the field, and "Fix It" has a suggestion when the walk-in spot looks crowded. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Most of us, most of the time, could use some help when it comes to the business end of our shotgun. Recently, a guide friend said most of his clients have no idea what choke tubes were in their shotgun. Scary! Bottom line? You'll shoot better with the right choke tubes. Scott Trulock of Trulock Chokes joins me to cover it all, from billet to "boom!" We'll get advice on materials and engineering, care and selection, patterning the right way, and how steel can turn your removable choke tube gun into a fixed-choke gun (yikes). Scott tells a little about how tubes are designed and made, and why a little old company in Wigham Georgia makes over 3,000 varieties of chokes. 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.]

Make your social posts really pop with better photos. Who better than pro photographer Brian Grossenbacher to help? You've seen his images on the cover of every outdoors magazine, and he's certainly spiffed up some of my articles. He's shot for everyone from YETI to Mossy Oak, Field & Stream to Gun Dog magazines. Whether you're shooting with your phone or a fancy SLR, we'll cover ways to tell a better story with your photos, simple tips on making each picture more engaging to the eye and the heart. Brian will show us one easy way to make your dog (and human) photos stand out, and offer alternatives to the cliche' tailgate photo even non-hunters will love.  "Fix It" helps you differentiate between good Hun cover and sharptail habitat, and listeners chip in with how much water they carry and why.  And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Don't panic, no e-collar for you, just an argument for you getting deeper into the dog training process before, during and after you get your pup back from a pro trainer. In fact this guy says you may need more training than your four-footed partner. Talmage Smedley has suggestions on how to look - differently - at how your dog learns, then adjust your training approach accordingly. A look inward wouldn't hurt, either. Open your mind, ask yourself a few questions, and your dog might perform as well in the middle of the season as he did when you brought him home from the trainer. Listeners share their unique takes on early-season hunts, and in "Fix It" we help a listener find training birds. 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.  

Why we go ... what we're grateful for, and why. Listeners share their own thoughts, new and classic, and I'll help with a few reasons of my own. If you're looking for more reasons to go hunting, here they are. 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.]

Got a good hunting dog? Prove it by passing the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association's new Gun Dog Test. This is a practical exam in all things a journeyman hunting dog needs to master the field and water. NAVHDA Director of Testing Dan Wittman outlines the origins of this test, replacing the Utility Preparatory Test, explaining the components and why it's become so popular in its first year. We'll cover every aspect, and how it differs from other tests in the NAVHDA system, then delve into some hunting and training tips. We'll cover some warm-weather dog care tips, talk a little sharptail and desert quail, too. "Fix It" suggests a solution to what you might consider an obedience problem in the field (it's not), and listeners share their post-hunt celebrations. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From his experience as a military K9 handler, training and showing dogs of all stripes, to authoring multiple books on the topics, Dr. Cartrell Cooper knows a lot more about how a dog thinks than we'll ever know. I caught him between seminars at Pheasant Fest to explore his unique methods and thought process on everything from motivating your dog, to how and why he reacts to everyday behaviors we exhibit and situations he'll encounter from gunfire to birds. "Fix It" offers a water-finding tip for your online mapping app, and listeners tell us where they're going on opening day. 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.