Birdshot Podcast

TFL Shotgun Fest 2026 is coming to central Minnesota this July, and this year two shotgun Hall of Famers are teaching the clinics. Steve Gould joins Nick to walk through the whole weekend. On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Steve Gould, creator of the Target Focused Life YouTube channel and part-owner of the Alexandria Shooting Park, to preview the second annual TFL Shotgun Fest. The event runs Friday, July 24 (development day plus VIP night) and Saturday, July 25 (the main shooting day) at the Alexandria Shooting Park in central Minnesota. The headline this year is the talent. Corey Cruz, a two-time national champion, world champion, and National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame inductee, is running sporting clays clinics. Richard Marshall Jr., a 35-time All-American and multiple Grand American winner on the trap side, is running trap clinics. Both are kept small on purpose: five shooters per session, half a day, real range time and real feedback. Del Whitman is on-site doing gun fittings. Beyond the clinics there are manufacturer demos where you can get hands-on and actually shoot a rack of different shotguns, an Upland Gun Company booth with a new RFM shotgun to see, and over $10,000 in prizes, including a custom 250th-anniversary shotgun for high overall. Then there's the unconventional stuff Steve's crew is known for: the Can Cannon Challenge, the Benelli AI Challenge, and the Wheel of Shotgun Fortune. The day closes with an Annie Oakley tournament and a social hangout. There's a thread running under all of it that matters more than the prize wall. Steve talks about how people are starved for in-person connection, and how an event like this is really about getting folks who love shotguns in the same place for a weekend. We also get into Steve's first trip to Italy and the Benelli and Perazzi factories, the Minnesota high school trap tournament that ran 7,700 kids through the range, a good stretch on barrel length and gun fit, and the ShotTracker training tool that might one day track a flushing grouse. Clinics, camping, and tickets are limited, so check the website for current availability. Chapters: 0:00 - Meet the Hall of Fame Clinic Pros 2:00 - Welcome Back: Steve Gould, Target Focused Life 2:35 - MN High School Trap and 7,700 Young Shooters 7:00 - A New Sporting Clays Course at Alexandria 8:15 - Inside Steve's Italy Trip: Benelli and Perazzi 17:15 - Shotgun Fest 2026: The Big Vision 18:30 - Clinics With Corey Cruz and Richard Marshall Jr. 19:15 - Del Whitman Gun Fittings and VIP Night 20:15 - Prizes, the 250th-Anniversary Gun, and Challenges 23:20 - Why People Are Craving In-Person Again 26:50 - How the Weekend Works: Friday and Saturday 27:50 - Manufacturer Demos: Get Hands-On With the Guns 30:20 - The RFM Venus 20ga Grouse Gun 31:30 - Barrel Length, Balance, and Gun Fit 37:00 - A New RFM Sporting Clays Shotgun

TFL Shotgun Fest 2026 is coming to central Minnesota this July, and this year two shotgun Hall of Famers are teaching the clinics. Steve Gould joins Nick to walk through the whole weekend. On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Steve Gould, creator of the Target Focused Life YouTube channel and part-owner of the Alexandria Shooting Park, to preview the second annual TFL Shotgun Fest. The event runs Friday, July 24 (development day plus VIP night) and Saturday, July 25 (the main shooting day) at the Alexandria Shooting Park in central Minnesota. The headline this year is the talent. Corey Cruz, a two-time national champion, world champion, and National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame inductee, is running sporting clays clinics. Richard Marshall Jr., a 35-time All-American and multiple Grand American winner on the trap side, is running trap clinics. Both are kept small on purpose: five shooters per session, half a day, real range time and real feedback. Del Whitman is on-site doing gun fittings. Beyond the clinics there are manufacturer demos where you can get hands-on and actually shoot a rack of different shotguns, an Upland Gun Company booth with a new RFM shotgun to see, and over $10,000 in prizes, including a custom 250th-anniversary shotgun for high overall. Then there's the unconventional stuff Steve's crew is known for: the Can Cannon Challenge, the Benelli AI Challenge, and the Wheel of Shotgun Fortune. The day closes with an Annie Oakley tournament and a social hangout. There's a thread running under all of it that matters more than the prize wall. Steve talks about how people are starved for in-person connection, and how an event like this is really about getting folks who love shotguns in the same place for a weekend. We also get into Steve's first trip to Italy and the Benelli and Perazzi factories, the Minnesota high school trap tournament that ran 7,700 kids through the range, a good stretch on barrel length and gun fit, and the ShotTracker training tool that might one day track a flushing grouse. Clinics, camping, and tickets are limited, so check the website for current availability. Chapters: 0:00 - Meet the Hall of Fame Clinic Pros 2:00 - Welcome Back: Steve Gould, Target Focused Life 2:35 - MN High School Trap and 7,700 Young Shooters 7:00 - A New Sporting Clays Course at Alexandria 8:15 - Inside Steve's Italy Trip: Benelli and Perazzi 17:15 - Shotgun Fest 2026: The Big Vision 18:30 - Clinics With Corey Cruz and Richard Marshall Jr. 19:15 - Del Whitman Gun Fittings and VIP Night 20:15 - Prizes, the 250th-Anniversary Gun, and Challenges 23:20 - Why People Are Craving In-Person Again 26:50 - How the Weekend Works: Friday and Saturday 27:50 - Manufacturer Demos: Get Hands-On With the Guns 30:20 - The RFM Venus 20ga Grouse Gun 31:30 - Barrel Length, Balance, and Gun Fit 37:00 - A New RFM Sportin

Quail habitat is the whole story. Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich spent five years following bobwhite quail across the Midwest, and the data pointed at one thing over and over: disturbed ground grows birds. On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich, two biologists who helped run one of the largest quail habitat studies in the region. From 2014 to 2018 they monitored 500 nests, radio-collared chicks, and even collared raccoons to see how predators move through cover. What came out of it is a genuinely hopeful finding: you can grow quail if you're deliberate about it. The number that anchors the conversation: 95% of their brood locations were in habitat that had been burned, grazed, or otherwise disturbed within the previous 12 months. Grassland managed with fire and cattle beat the old broken-up dairy-farm model on nest success, on survival, and on eggs per nest. The thick, idle CRP field that looks so birdy in January? The chicks can't get through it. Before the quail talk, Nick and the guys swap turkey-season stories and take on the old myth that turkeys are eating quail and grouse into decline. The short version: the timing doesn't add up, and it never did. It's a habitat problem wearing a predator's costume. Chapters: 0:00 - 95% of Broods: The Stat That Reframes Everything 2:19 - Turkey Season Recap and a Mid-Morning Tom 15:14 - Are Turkeys to Blame for Quail and Grouse? 21:57 - Inside the 5-Year Quail Study 25:40 - Usable Space and the Numbers on Nest Success 28:23 - Why Broods Live in Recently Disturbed Cover 31:18 - Prescribed Fire and Grazing at Landscape Scale 34:37 - Why Change Is Hard on Working Farms 36:35 - The Idle CRP Problem 38:40 - How Often to Disturb: Every 1, 2, or 3 Years 41:17 - One Farm for Quail, Turkeys, and Deer 42:10 - Cost Share and the Real Price of a Burn 45:26 - Building a Fire Culture and Burn Associations 46:52 - Native Grass Restoration Goes Mainstream 48:11 - Pollinator Plantings as Quail Habitat 50:08 - What Good Quail Cover Actually Looks Like 53:02 - Shrubby Escape Cover and the 10-20% Rule 54:16 - Eastern Red Cedar and When Woody Cover Helps 59:36 - Predators, Raccoons, and Why Grasslands Win Resources & Links: Land and Legacy: https://landandlegacy.tv/ Kyle Hedges: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/ Frank Loncarich: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/ How to conduct a prescribed burn for upland bird habitat (Project Upland): <a href="h

Quail habitat is the whole story. Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich spent five years following bobwhite quail across the Midwest, and the data pointed at one thing over and over: disturbed ground grows birds. On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich, two biologists who helped run one of the largest quail habitat studies in the region. From 2014 to 2018 they monitored 500 nests, radio-collared chicks, and even collared raccoons to see how predators move through cover. What came out of it is a genuinely hopeful finding: you can grow quail if you're deliberate about it. The number that anchors the conversation: 95% of their brood locations were in habitat that had been burned, grazed, or otherwise disturbed within the previous 12 months. Grassland managed with fire and cattle beat the old broken-up dairy-farm model on nest success, on survival, and on eggs per nest. The thick, idle CRP field that looks so birdy in January? The chicks can't get through it. Before the quail talk, Nick and the guys swap turkey-season stories and take on the old myth that turkeys are eating quail and grouse into decline. The short version: the timing doesn't add up, and it never did. It's a habitat problem wearing a predator's costume. Chapters: 0:00 - 95% of Broods: The Stat That Reframes Everything 2:19 - Turkey Season Recap and a Mid-Morning Tom 15:14 - Are Turkeys to Blame for Quail and Grouse? 21:57 - Inside the 5-Year Quail Study 25:40 - Usable Space and the Numbers on Nest Success 28:23 - Why Broods Live in Recently Disturbed Cover 31:18 - Prescribed Fire and Grazing at Landscape Scale 34:37 - Why Change Is Hard on Working Farms 36:35 - The Idle CRP Problem 38:40 - How Often to Disturb: Every 1, 2, or 3 Years 41:17 - One Farm for Quail, Turkeys, and Deer 42:10 - Cost Share and the Real Price of a Burn 45:26 - Building a Fire Culture and Burn Associations 46:52 - Native Grass Restoration Goes Mainstream 48:11 - Pollinator Plantings as Quail Habitat 50:08 - What Good Quail Cover Actually Looks Like 53:02 - Shrubby Escape Cover and the 10-20% Rule 54:16 - Eastern Red Cedar and When Woody Cover Helps 59:36 - Predators, Raccoons, and Why Grasslands Win Resources & Links: Land and Legacy: https://landandlegacy.tv/ Kyle Hedges: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/ Frank Loncarich: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/ How to conduct a prescribed burn for upland bird habitat (Project Upland): https://projectupland.com/h

Bird dogs come and go over a hunting life, and every new puppy is a chance to do it better than the last. Fresh off bringing home a new setter pup, Nick Larson sits down with Steve Snell of Gun Dog Supply to talk through what 50-plus dogs have taught Steve about raising the next one, from the first weeks at home to a lifetime in the field. It had been since 2018 — episode #12 — that Steve was last on the show, and a lot of ground gets covered here. The conversation opens on bird dog safety: heat and when to call a hunt, the real risk math on rattlesnakes versus ticks, and the hazard most owners underrate (porcupines, not snakes). From there it works its way through nearly every stage of a dog's life — breed selection, the first few weeks with a puppy, crate training, sound exposure, table work, and the gear that actually matters — before closing on Garmin's new TT25 beeper and why Steve runs mini flex bands on every dog he owns. A throughline keeps surfacing: the hunter's job is to make good decisions on the dog's behalf, because the dog won't make them for itself. Expect to Learn: - Why Steve sees protecting the dog as the hunter's responsibility — the dog won't protect itself. - How heat, sun, wind, and terrain change the call on whether to run a dog at all. - Why porcupines may be a bigger day-to-day problem than the rattlesnakes everyone fears. - How Steve thinks about matching a breed to where and how you actually hunt. - What Steve focuses on in a puppy's first few weeks, and why he keeps sessions to five or ten minutes. - Why he raises every dog inside the house, and how exposure to noise, crates, kids, and vehicles builds a bulletproof dog. - The only two pieces of gear Steve insists on for a new puppy — and why a drag line does so much work. - What's new with Garmin's TT25 beeper, and why Steve recommends a mini flex band for every bird dog. Frequently Asked: When should you stop hunting a bird dog in the heat? Steve uses roughly 65 degrees as his cutoff in Texas and says he'll never run a dog over 70 when it's sunny with no wind. The number isn't fixed — humidity, cloud cover, and wind all change it. His larger point: bird dogs won't quit on their own, so it's on the hunter to make the call, even when that means not hunting at all. What's the most underrated danger for a bird dog in the field? Porcupines, in Steve's experience. Snakes get treated as the boogeyman, but porcupine encounters are far more frequent, and they smell appealing to a pointing dog. The real trouble is the dog that doesn't learn its lesson — the one that goes back for revenge. He'd take a skunk encounter over a porcupine any day. How do you choose the right bird dog breed? Steve's rule is to match the breed to where and how you actually hunt

Bird dogs come and go over a hunting life, and every new puppy is a chance to do it better than the last. Fresh off bringing home a new setter pup, Nick Larson sits down with Steve Snell of Gun Dog Supply to talk through what 50-plus dogs have taught Steve about raising the next one, from the first weeks at home to a lifetime in the field. It had been since 2018 — episode #12 — that Steve was last on the show, and a lot of ground gets covered here. The conversation opens on bird dog safety: heat and when to call a hunt, the real risk math on rattlesnakes versus ticks, and the hazard most owners underrate (porcupines, not snakes). From there it works its way through nearly every stage of a dog's life — breed selection, the first few weeks with a puppy, crate training, sound exposure, table work, and the gear that actually matters — before closing on Garmin's new TT25 beeper and why Steve runs mini flex bands on every dog he owns. A throughline keeps surfacing: the hunter's job is to make good decisions on the dog's behalf, because the dog won't make them for itself. Expect to Learn: - Why Steve sees protecting the dog as the hunter's responsibility — the dog won't protect itself. - How heat, sun, wind, and terrain change the call on whether to run a dog at all. - Why porcupines may be a bigger day-to-day problem than the rattlesnakes everyone fears. - How Steve thinks about matching a breed to where and how you actually hunt. - What Steve focuses on in a puppy's first few weeks, and why he keeps sessions to five or ten minutes. - Why he raises every dog inside the house, and how exposure to noise, crates, kids, and vehicles builds a bulletproof dog. - The only two pieces of gear Steve insists on for a new puppy — and why a drag line does so much work. - What's new with Garmin's TT25 beeper, and why Steve recommends a mini flex band for every bird dog. Frequently Asked: When should you stop hunting a bird dog in the heat? Steve uses roughly 65 degrees as his cutoff in Texas and says he'll never run a dog over 70 when it's sunny with no wind. The number isn't fixed — humidity, cloud cover, and wind all change it. His larger point: bird dogs won't quit on their own, so it's on the hunter to make the call, even when that means not hunting at all. What's the most underrated danger for a bird dog in the field? Porcupines, in Steve's experience. Snakes get treated as the boogeyman, but porcupine encounters are far more frequent, and they smell appealing to a pointing dog. The real trouble is the dog that doesn't learn its lesson — the one that goes back for revenge. He'd take a skunk encounter over a porcupine any day. How do you choose the right bird dog breed? Steve's rule is to match the breed to where and how you actually hunt the majority o

In this episode of Birdshot Podcast, Nick sits down with Keith Marcott to talk about woodcock hunting, bird travel, and a lifetime spent chasing upland birds across North America and overseas. Keith shares stories from hunting woodcock in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Scotland, along with memories from Wyoming, the western bird country, and the years before GPS and OnX made it easier to find cover.Keith Marcott is a retired engineer and lifelong upland hunter now based in Wyoming. After growing up bird hunting in the Northeast, he eventually built a life around western birds — Huns, chukar, sharptails, prairie grouse, and mountain hunts with Llewellin setters. Some of his most meaningful bird hunting memories, though, came from repeated trips into New Brunswick and Quebec, and later to Scotland, where woodcock hunting shaped the way he thinks about dogs, habitat, and travel.In this conversation, Keith and Nick talk about:- Woodcock hunting in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Scotland- What separates woodcock hunting from grouse hunting- How hunters found productive cover before GPS and OnX- Bird hunting travel, border crossings, and old-school camp logistics- Western bird hunting, dogs, landscapes, and the pull of woodcock countryEpisode breakdown:- [00:05:02] Keith Marcott’s background and a lifetime of bird hunting- [00:07:01] Moving west: Wyoming, huns, chukar, and prairie birds- [00:09:42] Keith’s bird hunting road trip across multiple states- [00:11:07] Camping, snake country, and hunting dogs in the West- [00:13:00] Snake avoidance training and a rattlesnake encounter in the field- [00:19:20] Western hunters, ticks, and the difference between regions- [00:27:07] The first New Brunswick woodcock trip- [00:29:27] Hunting with guide Danny Bird and chasing woodcock full-time- [00:36:47] Repeated trips into Canada and DIY hunting in Quebec- [00:42:05] Alaska, British Columbia, and border-crossing logistics with dogs and guns- [00:48:01] Finding woodcock cover before modern mapping technology- [00:49:27] Why woodcock still matter to a western bird hunterLinks:- Birdshot Podcast: https://birdshotpodcast.com- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcastSupport:- Use promo code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscripti

In this episode of Birdshot Podcast, Nick sits down with Keith Marcott to talk about woodcock hunting, bird travel, and a lifetime spent chasing upland birds across North America and overseas. Keith shares stories from hunting woodcock in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Scotland, along with memories from Wyoming, the western bird country, and the years before GPS and OnX made it easier to find cover.Keith Marcott is a retired engineer and lifelong upland hunter now based in Wyoming. After growing up bird hunting in the Northeast, he eventually built a life around western birds — Huns, chukar, sharptails, prairie grouse, and mountain hunts with Llewellin setters. Some of his most meaningful bird hunting memories, though, came from repeated trips into New Brunswick and Quebec, and later to Scotland, where woodcock hunting shaped the way he thinks about dogs, habitat, and travel.In this conversation, Keith and Nick talk about:- Woodcock hunting in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Scotland- What separates woodcock hunting from grouse hunting- How hunters found productive cover before GPS and OnX- Bird hunting travel, border crossings, and old-school camp logistics- Western bird hunting, dogs, landscapes, and the pull of woodcock countryEpisode breakdown:- [00:05:02] Keith Marcott’s background and a lifetime of bird hunting- [00:07:01] Moving west: Wyoming, huns, chukar, and prairie birds- [00:09:42] Keith’s bird hunting road trip across multiple states- [00:11:07] Camping, snake country, and hunting dogs in the West- [00:13:00] Snake avoidance training and a rattlesnake encounter in the field- [00:19:20] Western hunters, ticks, and the difference between regions- [00:27:07] The first New Brunswick woodcock trip- [00:29:27] Hunting with guide Danny Bird and chasing woodcock full-time- [00:36:47] Repeated trips into Canada and DIY hunting in Quebec- [00:42:05] Alaska, British Columbia, and border-crossing logistics with dogs and guns- [00:48:01] Finding woodcock cover before modern mapping technology- [00:49:27] Why woodcock still matter to a western bird hunterLinks:- Birdshot Podcast: https://birdshotpodcast.com- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcastSupport:- Use promo code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscription: https://onxma

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Todd Bumgardner, founder of Pack Mule Training Co., for a deep dive into physical preparation for the uplands. They discuss the shift from extreme "murder yourself" workouts to a philosophy of long-term consistency, focusing on how small, frictionless habits can pay massive dividends come September. Todd brings nearly 20 years of experience training hunters and elite military units to help upland hunters move better, stay resilient, and extend their longevity in the field. I’ve been following these principles for three years now, and the biggest change for me wasn't some fancy new gear—it was realizing that consistency is the most important variable. I used to tolerate sore shoulders and heavy legs during those first few grouse hunts, but by keeping a simple routine and rucking year-round, those opening-day miles now feel like a breeze. Todd and I dig into the "why" behind Zone 2 cardio, the efficiency of the 20% body weight ruck, and how to outsmart your own willpower by making your training environment frictionless. Expect to Learn: Why consistency over a long period is the ultimate driver for progress in the field. The "environmental design" trick of putting your gear in your way to reduce startup friction. How to use the 3-mile rucking assessment to establish your baseline aerobic fitness. Why Zone 2 training acts as your "recovery system" for handling back-to-back hunting days. The technical benefits of the Zercher squat for hunters looking to protect their spine while building strength. A simple one-minute mobility routine you can do every morning while your coffee is brewing. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:02:06] – Nick’s Turkey Season Prep and Meadow Creek Mounts Update [00:05:06] – Meet Todd Bumgardner: Founder of Pack Mule Training Co. [00:08:37] – Why Consistency is the Most Important Variable in Your Training [00:13:02] – Reducing Friction: The "Floss One Tooth" Approach to Habits [00:35:13] – Step-by-Step: The 3-Mile Rucking Assessment [00:45:10] – The Science of Zone 2 Cardio and Aerobic Efficiency [01:03:00] – Incline Training: NordicTrack at 40% vs. Stair Climbers [01:08:43] – The One-Minute Coffee-Brew Mobility Routine [01:14:00] – Nick’s Minimalist Strength Routine: Pull-ups, Zerchers, and Incline Bench [01:31:26] – Todd’s Bird Dog Search Follow The Guest, Todd Bumgardner: Website: humanpredatorpackmule.com Instagram: @packmuletrainingco Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: <

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Todd Bumgardner, founder of Pack Mule Training Co., for a deep dive into physical preparation for the uplands. They discuss the shift from extreme "murder yourself" workouts to a philosophy of long-term consistency, focusing on how small, frictionless habits can pay massive dividends come September. Todd brings nearly 20 years of experience training hunters and elite military units to help upland hunters move better, stay resilient, and extend their longevity in the field. I’ve been following these principles for three years now, and the biggest change for me wasn't some fancy new gear—it was realizing that consistency is the most important variable. I used to tolerate sore shoulders and heavy legs during those first few grouse hunts, but by keeping a simple routine and rucking year-round, those opening-day miles now feel like a breeze. Todd and I dig into the "why" behind Zone 2 cardio, the efficiency of the 20% body weight ruck, and how to outsmart your own willpower by making your training environment frictionless. Expect to Learn: Why consistency over a long period is the ultimate driver for progress in the field. The "environmental design" trick of putting your gear in your way to reduce startup friction. How to use the 3-mile rucking assessment to establish your baseline aerobic fitness. Why Zone 2 training acts as your "recovery system" for handling back-to-back hunting days. The technical benefits of the Zercher squat for hunters looking to protect their spine while building strength. A simple one-minute mobility routine you can do every morning while your coffee is brewing. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:02:06] – Nick’s Turkey Season Prep and Meadow Creek Mounts Update [00:05:06] – Meet Todd Bumgardner: Founder of Pack Mule Training Co. [00:08:37] – Why Consistency is the Most Important Variable in Your Training [00:13:02] – Reducing Friction: The "Floss One Tooth" Approach to Habits [00:35:13] – Step-by-Step: The 3-Mile Rucking Assessment [00:45:10] – The Science of Zone 2 Cardio and Aerobic Efficiency [01:03:00] – Incline Training: NordicTrack at 40% vs. Stair Climbers [01:08:43] – The One-Minute Coffee-Brew Mobility Routine [01:14:00] – Nick’s Minimalist Strength Routine: Pull-ups, Zerchers, and Incline Bench [01:31:26] – Todd’s Bird Dog Search Follow The Guest, Todd Bumgardner: Website: humanpredatorpackmule.com Instagram: @packmuletrainingco Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: <a href="

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Greg Maher of Meadow Creek Mounts for a conversation about the practical shift from traditional beads to optics in the turkey woods. They dig into the engineering behind rib-mounted sights, the "equalizer" effect of a red dot on gun fit, and why seeing more of the bird is a significant advantage when the shot counts. Greg Maher is an engineer and a lifer in the turkey woods with over 20 years of experience. After identifying a need for better optic placement on shotguns that weren't originally drilled and tapped, he launched Meadow Creek Mounts in 2020. Based in South Carolina, Greg is a dedicated public land hunter who has pursued turkeys in over 20 states, bringing a perspective focused on gear reliability and the "why" behind every piece of equipment in his vest. Expect to Learn: Why a red dot acts as an "equalizer" for head position and consistency in the field. The technical differences between open and enclosed reflex sights and how they handle the elements. Why mounting an optic on the rib provides a superior field of view compared to receiver mounts. A practical "one-shot" method for zeroing your optic to save on expensive TSS ammunition. How to use a bore laser and a reference sheet to ensure your zero hasn't shifted during travel. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:02:46] – Greg Maher and Meadow Creek Mounts in a Nutshell  [00:07:02] – From Beads to Red Dots: The "Aha" Moment in the Woods  [00:15:39] – The Engineering of Rib Mounts vs. Receiver Mounts  [00:21:47] – Understanding Reflex Sights, Astigmatism, and Reticle Options  [00:31:32] – Battery Life, "Shake Awake," and Avoiding "Amazon Specials"  [00:40:55] – Step-by-Step: Zeroing and Patterning for Precision  [00:50:07] – Greg’s Personal Setup: The Mossberg SA-20 and Hand-Loaded TSS  [00:56:41] – Red Dots for Wingshooting?  [01:00:27] – Perspective on "Slams" and Returning to the Spring Woods  [01:04:36] – Where to Find Greg and Closing Thoughts  Follow The Guest, Greg Maher: Website: https://meadowcreekmounts.com/  Email: [email protected]  Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website:

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Greg Maher of Meadow Creek Mounts for a conversation about the practical shift from traditional beads to optics in the turkey woods. They dig into the engineering behind rib-mounted sights, the "equalizer" effect of a red dot on gun fit, and why seeing more of the bird is a significant advantage when the shot counts. Greg Maher is an engineer and a lifer in the turkey woods with over 20 years of experience. After identifying a need for better optic placement on shotguns that weren't originally drilled and tapped, he launched Meadow Creek Mounts in 2020. Based in South Carolina, Greg is a dedicated public land hunter who has pursued turkeys in over 20 states, bringing a perspective focused on gear reliability and the "why" behind every piece of equipment in his vest. Expect to Learn: Why a red dot acts as an "equalizer" for head position and consistency in the field. The technical differences between open and enclosed reflex sights and how they handle the elements. Why mounting an optic on the rib provides a superior field of view compared to receiver mounts. A practical "one-shot" method for zeroing your optic to save on expensive TSS ammunition. How to use a bore laser and a reference sheet to ensure your zero hasn't shifted during travel. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:02:46] – Greg Maher and Meadow Creek Mounts in a Nutshell  [00:07:02] – From Beads to Red Dots: The "Aha" Moment in the Woods  [00:15:39] – The Engineering of Rib Mounts vs. Receiver Mounts  [00:21:47] – Understanding Reflex Sights, Astigmatism, and Reticle Options  [00:31:32] – Battery Life, "Shake Awake," and Avoiding "Amazon Specials"  [00:40:55] – Step-by-Step: Zeroing and Patterning for Precision  [00:50:07] – Greg’s Personal Setup: The Mossberg SA-20 and Hand-Loaded TSS  [00:56:41] – Red Dots for Wingshooting?  [01:00:27] – Perspective on "Slams" and Returning to the Spring Woods  [01:04:36] – Where to Find Greg and Closing Thoughts  Follow The Guest, Greg Maher: Website: https://meadowcreekmounts.com/  Email: [email protected]  Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website:</

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Patrick Hunter for a laid-back and insightful conversation about upland bird hunting in the Southeast. They dig into everything from family hunting traditions and first shotguns to the pursuit of elusive woodcock and what makes southern hunting so different. Patrick Hunter is an avid upland hunter and outdoorsman based in coastal South Carolina. With a background rooted in family hunting traditions, Patrick pursues a wide range of game including woodcock, quail, ducks, and wild turkeys. By day, he works as an engineer, but he has developed a growing passion for outdoor writing, contributing to publications like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Project Upland while advocating for conservation and awareness of southern bird hunting opportunities.  Expect to Learn: What makes bird hunting in the Southeast uniquely challenging and rewarding How woodcock hunting can transform both hunters and their dogs The cultural traditions behind southern hunts like dove shoots and duck hunting Insights into lesser-known species like rails (marsh hens) and their hunting styles Why spring turkey hunting is one of the most addictive and meaningful pursuits  Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Early Hunting Background [00:07:00] - First Shotguns, Bird Dogs, and Hunting Traditions [00:13:15] - Raising Kids Around Hunting and the Outdoors [00:19:26] - Duck Hunting in the Southeast and Unique Setups [00:27:08] - Seaweed, Conservation, and Writing About Bird Hunting [00:34:26] - Discovering Woodcock Hunting in the South [00:39:34] - Dove Hunting Culture and Rail (Marsh Hen) Hunting Explained [00:48:12] - Turkey Hunting Stories, Traditions, and Close Calls [00:55:54] - Public Land Hunting, Mentorship, and Sharing the Outdoors [01:11:38] - Where to Find Patrick and Closing Thoughts Follow The Guest, Patrick Hunter: Patrick Hunter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickhunter/ Website: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/ Highway 22 Outdoor Shop: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/shop Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp64d9-168IfGomYk14T_GA

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Patrick Hunter for a laid-back and insightful conversation about upland bird hunting in the Southeast. They dig into everything from family hunting traditions and first shotguns to the pursuit of elusive woodcock and what makes southern hunting so different. Patrick Hunter is an avid upland hunter and outdoorsman based in coastal South Carolina. With a background rooted in family hunting traditions, Patrick pursues a wide range of game including woodcock, quail, ducks, and wild turkeys. By day, he works as an engineer, but he has developed a growing passion for outdoor writing, contributing to publications like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Project Upland while advocating for conservation and awareness of southern bird hunting opportunities.  Expect to Learn: What makes bird hunting in the Southeast uniquely challenging and rewarding How woodcock hunting can transform both hunters and their dogs The cultural traditions behind southern hunts like dove shoots and duck hunting Insights into lesser-known species like rails (marsh hens) and their hunting styles Why spring turkey hunting is one of the most addictive and meaningful pursuits  Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Early Hunting Background [00:07:00] - First Shotguns, Bird Dogs, and Hunting Traditions [00:13:15] - Raising Kids Around Hunting and the Outdoors [00:19:26] - Duck Hunting in the Southeast and Unique Setups [00:27:08] - Seaweed, Conservation, and Writing About Bird Hunting [00:34:26] - Discovering Woodcock Hunting in the South [00:39:34] - Dove Hunting Culture and Rail (Marsh Hen) Hunting Explained [00:48:12] - Turkey Hunting Stories, Traditions, and Close Calls [00:55:54] - Public Land Hunting, Mentorship, and Sharing the Outdoors [01:11:38] - Where to Find Patrick and Closing Thoughts Follow The Guest, Patrick Hunter: Patrick Hunter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickhunter/ Website: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/ Highway 22 Outdoor Shop: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/shop Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp64d9-168IfGomYk14T_GA <

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Mike Neiduski of Ugly Dog Hunting Company for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation covering hockey, Pheasant Fest highlights, dog gear innovations, and the tools that made a difference this season. The conversation wraps with an exciting announcement, Nick is adding a new puppy to the family. Mike Neiduski is the founder of Ugly Dog Hunting Company, a Minnesota-based retailer specializing in high-quality hunting dog gear and training equipment. A passionate upland hunter and dog owner, Mike is deeply involved in the bird hunting community and regularly shares insights through the Ugly Dog Podcast. Expect to Learn: The real-world pros and cons of Garmin’s new TT25 beeper collar Why upland hunters are embracing GPS watches Smart gear upgrades that improved efficiency this season How a simple walkie-talkie can enhance group hunts Essential tools and mindset shifts for bringing home a new bird dog puppy Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Hockey Banter [00:07:06] - Analysis of Player Performances and Skills [00:13:07] - Olympic Games and USA vs Canada Showdown [00:19:46] - Player Dynamics and Team Strategies [00:25:24] - The Impact of Officiating on Game Outcomes [00:36:26] - Insights from Pheasant Fest and Gear Trends [00:45:54] - Precision in Hunting with GPS Technology [00:53:45] - Understanding GPS Data and Its Challenges [01:00:17] - The Importance of Smartwatch Integration in Hunting [01:09:00] - Finding the Right Gear for Cold Weather Hunting [01:15:24] - Innovative Communication Tools for Hunting [01:24:01] - Convenience in Hunting Gear [01:39:05] - Preparing for a New Puppy Follow The Guest, Mike Neiduski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-neiduski-75635126/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/uglydoghunting Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/uglydoghuntingco/ Tiktok (Company): https://www.tiktok.com/@uglydoghunting

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Mike Neiduski of Ugly Dog Hunting Company for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation covering hockey, Pheasant Fest highlights, dog gear innovations, and the tools that made a difference this season. The conversation wraps with an exciting announcement, Nick is adding a new puppy to the family. Mike Neiduski is the founder of Ugly Dog Hunting Company, a Minnesota-based retailer specializing in high-quality hunting dog gear and training equipment. A passionate upland hunter and dog owner, Mike is deeply involved in the bird hunting community and regularly shares insights through the Ugly Dog Podcast. Expect to Learn: The real-world pros and cons of Garmin’s new TT25 beeper collar Why upland hunters are embracing GPS watches Smart gear upgrades that improved efficiency this season How a simple walkie-talkie can enhance group hunts Essential tools and mindset shifts for bringing home a new bird dog puppy Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Hockey Banter [00:07:06] - Analysis of Player Performances and Skills [00:13:07] - Olympic Games and USA vs Canada Showdown [00:19:46] - Player Dynamics and Team Strategies [00:25:24] - The Impact of Officiating on Game Outcomes [00:36:26] - Insights from Pheasant Fest and Gear Trends [00:45:54] - Precision in Hunting with GPS Technology [00:53:45] - Understanding GPS Data and Its Challenges [01:00:17] - The Importance of Smartwatch Integration in Hunting [01:09:00] - Finding the Right Gear for Cold Weather Hunting [01:15:24] - Innovative Communication Tools for Hunting [01:24:01] - Convenience in Hunting Gear [01:39:05] - Preparing for a New Puppy Follow The Guest, Mike Neiduski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-neiduski-75635126/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/uglydoghunting Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/uglydoghuntingco/ Tiktok (Company): https://www.tiktok.com/@uglydoghuntingco</a

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Doug Stewart, an avid upland bird hunter, author, and expert on traditional side-by-side shotguns. Doug shares his deep passion for bird hunting, the stories behind his favorite guns, and offers plenty of advice for anyone interested in the world of vintage shotguns. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting to explore, Doug’s wealth of knowledge will leave you inspired and eager to get out in the field. Doug is the author of two books about traditional side-by-side shotguns: The Traditional Side-by-Side and its sequel. With decades of experience under his belt, he offers a unique perspective on the craftsmanship, history, and performance of these iconic firearms.  Expect to Learn: The stories behind Doug's hunting adventures and his approach to the sport. Why side-by-sides are more than just guns – they’re part of a tradition. How to choose the right side-by-side shotgun for your hunting style. Doug’s personal tips on hunting gear and the joy of being out in the field. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Welcome & Introduction [00:01:02] - Chasing Birds in Colorado, Nebraska & New Mexico [00:05:57] - The Grouse Camp Tradition [00:10:13] - How Doug’s Wife Became an Upland Hunter [00:12:11] - Doug's TV Habits: True Crime and History [00:13:07] - Hunting with Vintage Guns [00:19:57] - Barrel Length and Gun Fit [00:28:14] - The Importance of Gun Balance in the Field [00:31:13] - Sporting Clays vs Upland Bird Guns [00:40:21] - Vintage Shotguns: What to Look For [00:51:15] - Starting Out with Side-by-Sides [01:07:57] - Doug's Upcoming Book: What's Next? [01:12:11] - The Joy of the Hunt Follow The Guest, Doug Stewart: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougstewartauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doug_stewart_author Website: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/ The Book: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book The Book Part II: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book-part-ii Follow the Host Nick:

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Doug Stewart, an avid upland bird hunter, author, and expert on traditional side-by-side shotguns. Doug shares his deep passion for bird hunting, the stories behind his favorite guns, and offers plenty of advice for anyone interested in the world of vintage shotguns. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting to explore, Doug’s wealth of knowledge will leave you inspired and eager to get out in the field. Doug is the author of two books about traditional side-by-side shotguns: The Traditional Side-by-Side and its sequel. With decades of experience under his belt, he offers a unique perspective on the craftsmanship, history, and performance of these iconic firearms.  Expect to Learn: The stories behind Doug's hunting adventures and his approach to the sport. Why side-by-sides are more than just guns – they’re part of a tradition. How to choose the right side-by-side shotgun for your hunting style. Doug’s personal tips on hunting gear and the joy of being out in the field. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Welcome & Introduction [00:01:02] - Chasing Birds in Colorado, Nebraska & New Mexico [00:05:57] - The Grouse Camp Tradition [00:10:13] - How Doug’s Wife Became an Upland Hunter [00:12:11] - Doug's TV Habits: True Crime and History [00:13:07] - Hunting with Vintage Guns [00:19:57] - Barrel Length and Gun Fit [00:28:14] - The Importance of Gun Balance in the Field [00:31:13] - Sporting Clays vs Upland Bird Guns [00:40:21] - Vintage Shotguns: What to Look For [00:51:15] - Starting Out with Side-by-Sides [01:07:57] - Doug's Upcoming Book: What's Next? [01:12:11] - The Joy of the Hunt Follow The Guest, Doug Stewart: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougstewartauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doug_stewart_author Website: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/ The Book: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book The Book Part II: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book-part-ii Follow the Host Nick:

In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan, a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunting, wildlife photography, and conservation. He shares rich stories from his time in the field, thoughts on aging gracefully, and timeless lessons passed down through generations of hunters and mentors. Tim Flanigan is a celebrated upland bird hunter, retired game warden, and author of books such as Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life and the Night Killers series. Known for his evocative writing, wildlife photography, and depth of field knowledge, Tim has become a treasured voice in the hunting community.  Expect to Learn:  Why life truly begins at 40, especially for outdoorsmen The value of mentorship and passing on hunting traditions Tales from the field: from poachers to unforgettable first grouse hunts Insights into Tim’s books, including Grouse & Woodcock and Turkey Man How aging changes a hunter’s priorities from the kill to the memories Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Welcome & Turning 80 with Tim Flanigan [00:02:56] - Life Begins at 40 [00:05:30] - What inspired you to write an article? [00:14:43] - Chasing Grouse and Outlaws: A Game Warden’s Story [00:19:43] - Grouse, Woodcock, and the Joy of Observation [00:41:58] - What do you look at when you’re shooting? [00:53:09] - The grouse's morning stretching routine [01:12:39] - Photo Tim wants to capture [01:28:17] - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts Follow The Guest, Tim Flanigan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimFlanigan.NatureExposure/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timflanigan418/?hl=en  Book#1:https://www.wildriverpress.com/product/grouse-woodcock-timothy-c-flanigan-wild-river-press/ Book#2:Poacher Pursuit: Game Warden vs Wildlife Killers Book #3:Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: <a href="htt

In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan, a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunting, wildlife photography, and conservation. He shares rich stories from his time in the field, thoughts on aging gracefully, and timeless lessons passed down through generations of hunters and mentors. Tim Flanigan is a celebrated upland bird hunter, retired game warden, and author of books such as Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life and the Night Killers series. Known for his evocative writing, wildlife photography, and depth of field knowledge, Tim has become a treasured voice in the hunting community.  Expect to Learn:  Why life truly begins at 40, especially for outdoorsmen The value of mentorship and passing on hunting traditions Tales from the field: from poachers to unforgettable first grouse hunts Insights into Tim’s books, including Grouse & Woodcock and Turkey Man How aging changes a hunter’s priorities from the kill to the memories Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Welcome & Turning 80 with Tim Flanigan [00:02:56] - Life Begins at 40 [00:05:30] - What inspired you to write an article? [00:14:43] - Chasing Grouse and Outlaws: A Game Warden’s Story [00:19:43] - Grouse, Woodcock, and the Joy of Observation [00:41:58] - What do you look at when you’re shooting? [00:53:09] - The grouse's morning stretching routine [01:12:39] - Photo Tim wants to capture [01:28:17] - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts Follow The Guest, Tim Flanigan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimFlanigan.NatureExposure/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timflanigan418/?hl=en  Book#1:https://www.wildriverpress.com/product/grouse-woodcock-timothy-c-flanigan-wild-river-press/ Book#2:Poacher Pursuit: Game Warden vs Wildlife Killers Book #3:Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: <a href="https://www

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Marc Musselman, CEO at Alclair Audio, to discuss the intersection of bird hunting and hearing protection. From nostalgic stories of Nebraska pheasant hunts to embracing Minnesota winters and late-season grouse excursions, the conversation evolves into a deep dive on the science and user experience behind custom digital hearing protection. Marc shares his journey through the hearing industry, the challenges of adoption among upland hunters, and why hearing protection should be as common as boots and a bird vest. Marc Musselman is a lifelong upland hunter and audio innovator based in Minnesota. Originally from Nebraska, his passion for bird hunting, especially grouse and woodcock, runs deep. Through Alclair, Marc has made it his mission to help hunters protect their hearing while staying tuned into the natural world, combining decades of engineering expertise with a hunter’s instinct. Expect to Learn: How Marc’s childhood pheasant hunts shaped his upland hunting journey What goes into making custom digital hearing protection for hunters The difference between hearing enhancement and noise suppression in the field How to properly acclimate to digital hearing protection for upland hunting What’s next for hearing protection innovation and Alclair’s mission Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction and recent hunts in snowy Minnesota [00:08:30] - The joys and trials of late-season grouse and woodcock hunting [00:18:00] - Dog talk: Oscar’s progress and the next setter [00:25:00] - From Nebraska to Minnesota: Marc’s hunting roots and evolution [00:37:00] - Camper life and cross-country bird hunting dreams [00:46:42] - How Alclair got started in music and moved into hearing protection [00:50:52] - Understanding digital hearing protection: features and challenges [01:08:00] - Tips for adjusting to and maximizing Alclair EXP Pro [01:21:00] - Final Thoughts  Follow the Guest, Marc Musselman Marc Musselman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-musselman-b733a68/  Alclair LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alclair-audio/  Aclair’s Website:

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Marc Musselman, CEO at Alclair Audio, to discuss the intersection of bird hunting and hearing protection. From nostalgic stories of Nebraska pheasant hunts to embracing Minnesota winters and late-season grouse excursions, the conversation evolves into a deep dive on the science and user experience behind custom digital hearing protection. Marc shares his journey through the hearing industry, the challenges of adoption among upland hunters, and why hearing protection should be as common as boots and a bird vest. Marc Musselman is a lifelong upland hunter and audio innovator based in Minnesota. Originally from Nebraska, his passion for bird hunting, especially grouse and woodcock, runs deep. Through Alclair, Marc has made it his mission to help hunters protect their hearing while staying tuned into the natural world, combining decades of engineering expertise with a hunter’s instinct. Expect to Learn: How Marc’s childhood pheasant hunts shaped his upland hunting journey What goes into making custom digital hearing protection for hunters The difference between hearing enhancement and noise suppression in the field How to properly acclimate to digital hearing protection for upland hunting What’s next for hearing protection innovation and Alclair’s mission Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction and recent hunts in snowy Minnesota [00:08:30] - The joys and trials of late-season grouse and woodcock hunting [00:18:00] - Dog talk: Oscar’s progress and the next setter [00:25:00] - From Nebraska to Minnesota: Marc’s hunting roots and evolution [00:37:00] - Camper life and cross-country bird hunting dreams [00:46:42] - How Alclair got started in music and moved into hearing protection [00:50:52] - Understanding digital hearing protection: features and challenges [01:08:00] - Tips for adjusting to and maximizing Alclair EXP Pro [01:21:00] - Final Thoughts  Follow the Guest, Marc Musselman Marc Musselman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-musselman-b733a68/  Alclair LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alclair-audio/  Aclair’s Website: https://

From the Ruffed Grouse Society:“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the broader conservation community he served so passionately.” (continue reading at ruffedgrousesociety.org) Obituary: https://www.grcremation.com/obituaries/glen-blackwood Episode Highlights (from the original recording): Barn parties and popping for bass Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society update Upland anthologies Books for various upland species Glen’s recommendations for some good reads Listen back to this conversation with Glen Blackwood of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction to the episode. [01:27] – Tribute to Glenn Blackwood. [06:26] – Glen’s conservation work with RGS and AWS. [07:24] – Glen’s background and journey into upland hunting. [11:35] – Early bird hunting memories with family. [17:06] – A teenage fishing story with a lesson from his father. [25:08] – Conservation projects and habitat work in Michigan. [28:15] – Favorite books and key sporting literature titles. [41:20] – Reflections on rereading and gaining perspective. [49:49] – Dogless grouse hunting and lesser-known authors. [56:09] – Glen’s top bird hunting book picks by species. [59:02] – Signs of a strong bird season and closing thoughts. Become a Patreon Support | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is presented by onX Hunt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the Ruffed Grouse Society:“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the broader conservation community he served so passionately.” (continue reading at ruffedgrousesociety.org) Obituary: https://www.grcremation.com/obituaries/glen-blackwood Episode Highlights (from the original recording): Barn parties and popping for bass Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society update Upland anthologies Books for various upland species Glen’s recommendations for some good reads Listen back to this conversation with Glen Blackwood of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction to the episode. [01:27] – Tribute to Glenn Blackwood. [06:26] – Glen’s conservation work with RGS and AWS. [07:24] – Glen’s background and journey into upland hunting. [11:35] – Early bird hunting memories with family. [17:06] – A teenage fishing story with a lesson from his father. [25:08] – Conservation projects and habitat work in Michigan. [28:15] – Favorite books and key sporting literature titles. [41:20] – Reflections on rereading and gaining perspective. [49:49] – Dogless grouse hunting and lesser-known authors. [56:09] – Glen’s top bird hunting book picks by species. [59:02] – Signs of a strong bird season and closing thoughts. Become a Patreon Support | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is presented by onX Hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Fritz Heller, a dedicated upland hunter, to discuss the 2025 hunting season, dogs, grouse hunting, and much more. Fritz shares insights into the challenges of the season, including heat waves and the impact on bird numbers, as well as his experience training new puppies. The conversation also gets into Fritz's plans for the future, including his search for a camper for hunting trips and his thoughts on managing bird populations and hunting conditions. Fritz Heller is an upland bird hunter, dog trainer, and dedicated outdoorsman from Michigan. He has been actively involved in training dogs and hunting for many years, sharing his knowledge of the sport with others. Fritz is passionate about the welfare of wildlife, managing habitats, and improving bird populations, and has a wealth of experience hunting grouse, pheasants, and other upland species. Expect to Learn The impact of weather conditions on the 2025 hunting season Heat waves and their effects on bird numbers, especially in the early season The importance of habitat regeneration and the role of different species, like blackberries, in grouse hunting How puppy training can vary by breed, and how Fritz is raising his new Labrador and Cocker Spaniel puppies Fritz's thoughts on taxidermy and the importance of commemorating hunting memories The search for a camper and how Fritz is researching the best setup for his future hunting tripsEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:10:57] - 37 Degrees and Snow depth [00:19:57] - Fritz’s Week Trip this Year [00:36:13] - Different Color Phase [00:43:23] - Discussing the puppy’s first season [00:51:37] - Pippa: A Hunting Dog and the difference from a Lab [01:01:40] - Puppy walks [01:13:04] - Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Spring [01:17:28] - Camper, Truck and Rig [01:20:52] - Closing and upcoming plans for the next hunting season Follow the guest, Fritz: How to Hunt Ruffed Grouse with a Flushing Dog: https://projectupland.com/grouse-species/ruffed-grouse/how-to-hunt-ruffed-grouse-with-a-flushing-dog/   Follo

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Fritz Heller, a dedicated upland hunter, to discuss the 2025 hunting season, dogs, grouse hunting, and much more. Fritz shares insights into the challenges of the season, including heat waves and the impact on bird numbers, as well as his experience training new puppies. The conversation also gets into Fritz's plans for the future, including his search for a camper for hunting trips and his thoughts on managing bird populations and hunting conditions. Fritz Heller is an upland bird hunter, dog trainer, and dedicated outdoorsman from Michigan. He has been actively involved in training dogs and hunting for many years, sharing his knowledge of the sport with others. Fritz is passionate about the welfare of wildlife, managing habitats, and improving bird populations, and has a wealth of experience hunting grouse, pheasants, and other upland species. Expect to Learn The impact of weather conditions on the 2025 hunting season Heat waves and their effects on bird numbers, especially in the early season The importance of habitat regeneration and the role of different species, like blackberries, in grouse hunting How puppy training can vary by breed, and how Fritz is raising his new Labrador and Cocker Spaniel puppies Fritz's thoughts on taxidermy and the importance of commemorating hunting memories The search for a camper and how Fritz is researching the best setup for his future hunting tripsEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:10:57] - 37 Degrees and Snow depth [00:19:57] - Fritz’s Week Trip this Year [00:36:13] - Different Color Phase [00:43:23] - Discussing the puppy’s first season [00:51:37] - Pippa: A Hunting Dog and the difference from a Lab [01:01:40] - Puppy walks [01:13:04] - Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Spring [01:17:28] - Camper, Truck and Rig [01:20:52] - Closing and upcoming plans for the next hunting season Follow the guest, Fritz: How to Hunt Ruffed Grouse with a Flushing Dog: https://projectupland.com/grouse-species/ruffed-grouse/how-to-hunt-ruffed-grouse-with-a-flushing-dog/   Follow the Ho

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird populations, and offers tips on hunting pheasants with pointing dogs. He also talks about how habitat loss affects bird numbers, the role of public and private land hunting, and how hunting conditions vary season to season. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into upland bird hunting, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Phil Bourjaily is a Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream, where he covers topics ranging from bird hunting to gun reviews and outdoor traditions. He’s a seasoned upland bird hunter with a wealth of experience hunting pheasants, grouse, and other upland species. His love for bird dogs and his deep understanding of hunting habitats make him a valuable resource for bird hunting enthusiasts. Expect to Learn How habitat loss impacts pheasant and quail populations The importance of public and private land in upland hunting Tips for hunting pheasants with pointing dogs, especially during late-season hunts The best weather conditions for pheasant hunting and how snow can affect bird behaviour The best shotgun set-up for pheasant hunting, including the right gauge and choke combinations Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:04:40] - Armadillos [00:10:29] - Public vs. Private Land Access [00:16:56] - Short Hairs vs. Other Dogs [00:24:58] - Zeke's Hunting Behavior - Moving, Tracking, and Following [00:29:00] - Discussion on Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting [00:48:05] - Weight and Balance in Pheasant Guns [00:58:09] - Bismuth Pricing [01:11:18] - Find More of Phil’s Published Work Follow the Guest Phil: Field and Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/phil-bourjaily  Top 10 best shotguns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/shotguns/best-pheasant-hunting-shotguns  Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birdshot.p

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird populations, and offers tips on hunting pheasants with pointing dogs. He also talks about how habitat loss affects bird numbers, the role of public and private land hunting, and how hunting conditions vary season to season. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into upland bird hunting, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Phil Bourjaily is a Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream, where he covers topics ranging from bird hunting to gun reviews and outdoor traditions. He’s a seasoned upland bird hunter with a wealth of experience hunting pheasants, grouse, and other upland species. His love for bird dogs and his deep understanding of hunting habitats make him a valuable resource for bird hunting enthusiasts. Expect to Learn How habitat loss impacts pheasant and quail populations The importance of public and private land in upland hunting Tips for hunting pheasants with pointing dogs, especially during late-season hunts The best weather conditions for pheasant hunting and how snow can affect bird behaviour The best shotgun set-up for pheasant hunting, including the right gauge and choke combinations Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:04:40] - Armadillos [00:10:29] - Public vs. Private Land Access [00:16:56] - Short Hairs vs. Other Dogs [00:24:58] - Zeke's Hunting Behavior - Moving, Tracking, and Following [00:29:00] - Discussion on Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting [00:48:05] - Weight and Balance in Pheasant Guns [00:58:09] - Bismuth Pricing [01:11:18] - Find More of Phil’s Published Work Follow the Guest Phil: Field and Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/phil-bourjaily  Top 10 best shotguns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/shotguns/best-pheasant-hunting-shotguns  Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birdshot.podcast

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Minnesota upland hunter Isaiah Osborne to talk pheasants, sharptails, German shorthaired pointers, and growing up hunting without a bird dog. Isaiah shares his journey from discovering wild birds with friends in high school, to serving in the Marine Corps, to learning bird dogs from professional trainers in Arizona. The conversation covers pheasant behavior, Gambel’s quail, tracking vs. true dogs, winter pheasant strategies, and building a reliable upland hunting truck setup. Isaiah Osborne is a dedicated upland hunter from New Ulm, Minnesota. Raised in a large family with no dogs allowed, he eventually found his way into upland hunting, served in the Marine Corps, trained with Gordon’s Gun Dogs in Arizona, and now hunts behind two German shorthaired pointers across Minnesota and the Great Plains. Expect to Learn How Isaiah grew up pheasant hunting without dogs and how bird dogs changed everything What he learned training quail dogs in Arizona with professional handlers The difference between true dogs and tracking dogs in upland hunting Why pheasants run early season and hold tight after snowfall How Isaiah hunts Gambel’s quail, sharptail grouse, and Minnesota pheasants Tips for public land hunting, dog handling, and winter bird behavior Details of his truck, kennel, and gear setup for multi-dog upland hunting Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction and winter conditions [00:03:26] - Growing up in New Ulm and discovering pheasant hunting [00:06:11] - Bird-hunting article and Isaiah’s background [00:12:15] - Hunting Gambel’s quail with and without dogs [00:15:52] - How many birds did they walk past without dogs [00:18:05] - Tracking dogs vs. true dogs in pheasant country [00:26:14] - Snow conditions and birds holding tight [00:32:27] - Ideal pheasant hunting weather [00:40:08] - Sharptail grouse hunting in North Dakota [00:40:51] - Adjusting pheasant dogs to big running prairie birds [00:44:56] - Isaiah’s bird dog training setup with pigeons [00:52:13] - Truck setup: F-150, topper, Decked drawers, Ruff Land kennels [01:02:24] - Favorite shotguns and 28-gauge pheasant loads [01:03:15] - Closing thoughts and hunt-swap idea Follow the Guest Isaiah:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isai

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Minnesota upland hunter Isaiah Osborne to talk pheasants, sharptails, German shorthaired pointers, and growing up hunting without a bird dog. Isaiah shares his journey from discovering wild birds with friends in high school, to serving in the Marine Corps, to learning bird dogs from professional trainers in Arizona. The conversation covers pheasant behavior, Gambel’s quail, tracking vs. true dogs, winter pheasant strategies, and building a reliable upland hunting truck setup. Isaiah Osborne is a dedicated upland hunter from New Ulm, Minnesota. Raised in a large family with no dogs allowed, he eventually found his way into upland hunting, served in the Marine Corps, trained with Gordon’s Gun Dogs in Arizona, and now hunts behind two German shorthaired pointers across Minnesota and the Great Plains. Expect to Learn How Isaiah grew up pheasant hunting without dogs and how bird dogs changed everything What he learned training quail dogs in Arizona with professional handlers The difference between true dogs and tracking dogs in upland hunting Why pheasants run early season and hold tight after snowfall How Isaiah hunts Gambel’s quail, sharptail grouse, and Minnesota pheasants Tips for public land hunting, dog handling, and winter bird behavior Details of his truck, kennel, and gear setup for multi-dog upland hunting Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction and winter conditions [00:03:26] - Growing up in New Ulm and discovering pheasant hunting [00:06:11] - Bird-hunting article and Isaiah’s background [00:12:15] - Hunting Gambel’s quail with and without dogs [00:15:52] - How many birds did they walk past without dogs [00:18:05] - Tracking dogs vs. true dogs in pheasant country [00:26:14] - Snow conditions and birds holding tight [00:32:27] - Ideal pheasant hunting weather [00:40:08] - Sharptail grouse hunting in North Dakota [00:40:51] - Adjusting pheasant dogs to big running prairie birds [00:44:56] - Isaiah’s bird dog training setup with pigeons [00:52:13] - Truck setup: F-150, topper, Decked drawers, Ruff Land kennels [01:02:24] - Favorite shotguns and 28-gauge pheasant loads [01:03:15] - Closing thoughts and hunt-swap idea Follow the Guest Isaiah:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah_osbor

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson welcomes back Ted Koch, for an important conversation on prairie grouse conservation, grassland loss, ranching, and the future of upland habitat across North America. Ted also shares unforgettable elk-hunting stories, ruffed grouse parallels, and urgent insights into habitat fragmentation and the decline of gamebird populations. Ted Koch is a retired endangered species biologist and CEO of the North American Grouse Partnership. With decades of experience in western wildlife conservation, Ted works directly with ranchers, agencies, and conservation partners to protect prairie grouse species, including sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chickens, lesser prairie-chickens, and sage-grouse. Expect to Learn Why prairie grouse populations are collapsing across North America How grassland loss and fragmentation impact sharptails, prairie-chickens, and sage-grouse Why ranching is essential to upland bird habitat How public-land and private-land management affect upland hunting access What hunters can do to support prairie conservation and rangeland stewardship Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:04:36] - What’s keeping Ted Busy [00:19:20] - Storytelling, memory, and the hunt [00:20:42] - Introduction to the North American Grouse Partnership [00:25:18] - Private-land rangelands and public perception [00:37:05] - How Conservation Practices Create Real Value for Wildlife and Habitat [00:43:37] - Rangelands, Cattle Production and Food Output [00:56:12] - Comparing The Approach with CRP [01:00:50] - National Grasslands Conservation Act and Its Role in Farm Bill Funding [01:04:40] - Learn More about The North American Grouse Partnership and Membership Follow the Guest Ted Website: grousepartners.org  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrousePartners  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na_grouse_partnership/?hl=en  Saving Ranching to Save Wildlife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxM6vvEoRgc Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birdshot.podcas

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson welcomes back Ted Koch, for an important conversation on prairie grouse conservation, grassland loss, ranching, and the future of upland habitat across North America. Ted also shares unforgettable elk-hunting stories, ruffed grouse parallels, and urgent insights into habitat fragmentation and the decline of gamebird populations. Ted Koch is a retired endangered species biologist and CEO of the North American Grouse Partnership. With decades of experience in western wildlife conservation, Ted works directly with ranchers, agencies, and conservation partners to protect prairie grouse species, including sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chickens, lesser prairie-chickens, and sage-grouse. Expect to Learn Why prairie grouse populations are collapsing across North America How grassland loss and fragmentation impact sharptails, prairie-chickens, and sage-grouse Why ranching is essential to upland bird habitat How public-land and private-land management affect upland hunting access What hunters can do to support prairie conservation and rangeland stewardship Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:04:36] - What’s keeping Ted Busy [00:19:20] - Storytelling, memory, and the hunt [00:20:42] - Introduction to the North American Grouse Partnership [00:25:18] - Private-land rangelands and public perception [00:37:05] - How Conservation Practices Create Real Value for Wildlife and Habitat [00:43:37] - Rangelands, Cattle Production and Food Output [00:56:12] - Comparing The Approach with CRP [01:00:50] - National Grasslands Conservation Act and Its Role in Farm Bill Funding [01:04:40] - Learn More about The North American Grouse Partnership and Membership Follow the Guest Ted Website: grousepartners.org  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrousePartners  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na_grouse_partnership/?hl=en  Saving Ranching to Save Wildlife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxM6vvEoRgc Follow the Host Nick: Instagram:

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson reconnects with Jimmy Lewis, a passionate bird hunter and overlanding expert, for a deep dive into the world of upland hunting and the overlanding rigs that make it all possible. Jimmy talks about his transition back into guiding, his updated overlanding setup, and the challenges of hunting in varying conditions. From rooftop tents and truck bed caps to bird dogs and family adventures, this episode covers it all. Jimmy Lewis is an experienced bird hunting guide, outdoor enthusiast, and expert in overlanding rigs. After years of guiding in Montana and beyond, he recently transitioned back into full-time teaching while juggling his passion for guiding, bird hunting, and overlanding. His thoughtful approach to creating the ideal hunting and camping setup makes him a go-to resource for anyone interested in taking their outdoor adventures to the next level.  Expect to Learn: How overlanding rigs can be built for upland hunting, including his latest truck setup for guiding. The importance of a reliable vehicle and why Jimmy switched from a Dodge Ram to a Toyota Tundra. The advantages of rooftop tents and what to look for when selecting one for your overlanding setup. Tips for keeping your bird dogs safe and comfortable while traveling, including kennel ventilation and temperature management. How camping in varying conditions (from extreme heat to snow) enhances the outdoor experience. The mental and physical benefits of getting outside in different seasons, from early autumn hunts to late-season adventures.  Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:07:48] - Season in Montana [00:14:28] - Jimmy’s Dog Blake [00:23:22] - Old Rig and the Transition [00:30:38] - Gen-Three Toyota Tundra and upgrades [00:43:55] - Smart Cap and Overlanding Modifications [00:53:58] - Advice for Setting Up Your Own Overlanding Rig [00:58:44] - Roof-Top Tents [01:14:47] - The Cooler vs. Fridge Tipping Point [01:24:19] - Bumper Replacement Details for the Gen-Three Tundra Build [01:27:45] - How to Reach Jimmy for Rigs or Guiding Follow the Guest Jimmy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmylewismt/  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/finsandfeathersoverland/?hl=en  <br

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson reconnects with Jimmy Lewis, a passionate bird hunter and overlanding expert, for a deep dive into the world of upland hunting and the overlanding rigs that make it all possible. Jimmy talks about his transition back into guiding, his updated overlanding setup, and the challenges of hunting in varying conditions. From rooftop tents and truck bed caps to bird dogs and family adventures, this episode covers it all. Jimmy Lewis is an experienced bird hunting guide, outdoor enthusiast, and expert in overlanding rigs. After years of guiding in Montana and beyond, he recently transitioned back into full-time teaching while juggling his passion for guiding, bird hunting, and overlanding. His thoughtful approach to creating the ideal hunting and camping setup makes him a go-to resource for anyone interested in taking their outdoor adventures to the next level.  Expect to Learn: How overlanding rigs can be built for upland hunting, including his latest truck setup for guiding. The importance of a reliable vehicle and why Jimmy switched from a Dodge Ram to a Toyota Tundra. The advantages of rooftop tents and what to look for when selecting one for your overlanding setup. Tips for keeping your bird dogs safe and comfortable while traveling, including kennel ventilation and temperature management. How camping in varying conditions (from extreme heat to snow) enhances the outdoor experience. The mental and physical benefits of getting outside in different seasons, from early autumn hunts to late-season adventures.  Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:07:48] - Season in Montana [00:14:28] - Jimmy’s Dog Blake [00:23:22] - Old Rig and the Transition [00:30:38] - Gen-Three Toyota Tundra and upgrades [00:43:55] - Smart Cap and Overlanding Modifications [00:53:58] - Advice for Setting Up Your Own Overlanding Rig [00:58:44] - Roof-Top Tents [01:14:47] - The Cooler vs. Fridge Tipping Point [01:24:19] - Bumper Replacement Details for the Gen-Three Tundra Build [01:27:45] - How to Reach Jimmy for Rigs or Guiding Follow the Guest Jimmy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmylewismt/  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/finsandfeathersoverland/?hl=en  </

In this episode, host Nick Larson is joined by Andrew Lowles and Mark Symes of Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada, as they discuss the state of grouse and woodcock hunting in Atlantic Canada. They cover their unique experiences managing land for upland birds, their passion for conservation, and what makes hunting in their regions special. From forest management practices to the challenges and rewards of bird hunting in the varied landscapes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Andrew and Mark share their wealth of knowledge, offer advice to hunters, and highlight the exciting potential for growth within the Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada. Expect to Learn: The diverse forest types in Eastern Canada and how they contribute to grouse and woodcock habitats. The role of the Ruffed Grouse Society Canada in promoting habitat management and conservation in the region. How hunters can use modern tools like OnX to plan their hunts on Crown land and private property. The unique challenges and opportunities of hunting in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, including woodcock flight patterns and grouse cycles. Insight into how the Ruffed Grouse Society Canada is growing and how members can get involved in local conservation efforts. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] - Podcast Introduction and Welcoming Andrew and Mark from  [03:40] - Andrew’s Background and Journey into Grouse Hunting [07:53] - Mark’s Path from Moose Hunting to the Uplands [09:24] - Managing Forest Lands for Upland Birds in Atlantic Canada [11:30] - Public Land and Crown Land Access in Nova Scotia [14:40] - Old Farmsteads, Wild Apples, and Hidden Grouse Habitat [19:43] - Defining Good Grouse Cover and Forest Types in New Brunswick [25:15] - Private Land Regulations and Trespass Law Differences [33:01] - Regional Differences in Habitat Across Canada [35:46] - Softwoods, Christmas Trees, and Grouse Habitat Impacts [37:00] - The Mission and Growth of Ruffed Grouse Society Canada [43:03] - Habitat Projects and Access Initiatives [52:53] - Exploring New Covers and Hunter Observations [57:08] - Training Dogs and Transitioning to Pointing Breeds [01:05:00] - Hunting as a US Visitor and Guide Requirements [01:10:35] - Promoting Awareness and Conservation Opportunities [01:17:14] - Closing Remarks and Episode Wrap-Up Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birdsh

In this episode, host Nick Larson is joined by Andrew Lowles and Mark Symes of Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada, as they discuss the state of grouse and woodcock hunting in Atlantic Canada. They cover their unique experiences managing land for upland birds, their passion for conservation, and what makes hunting in their regions special. From forest management practices to the challenges and rewards of bird hunting in the varied landscapes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Andrew and Mark share their wealth of knowledge, offer advice to hunters, and highlight the exciting potential for growth within the Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada. Expect to Learn: The diverse forest types in Eastern Canada and how they contribute to grouse and woodcock habitats. The role of the Ruffed Grouse Society Canada in promoting habitat management and conservation in the region. How hunters can use modern tools like OnX to plan their hunts on Crown land and private property. The unique challenges and opportunities of hunting in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, including woodcock flight patterns and grouse cycles. Insight into how the Ruffed Grouse Society Canada is growing and how members can get involved in local conservation efforts. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] - Podcast Introduction and Welcoming Andrew and Mark from  [03:40] - Andrew’s Background and Journey into Grouse Hunting [07:53] - Mark’s Path from Moose Hunting to the Uplands [09:24] - Managing Forest Lands for Upland Birds in Atlantic Canada [11:30] - Public Land and Crown Land Access in Nova Scotia [14:40] - Old Farmsteads, Wild Apples, and Hidden Grouse Habitat [19:43] - Defining Good Grouse Cover and Forest Types in New Brunswick [25:15] - Private Land Regulations and Trespass Law Differences [33:01] - Regional Differences in Habitat Across Canada [35:46] - Softwoods, Christmas Trees, and Grouse Habitat Impacts [37:00] - The Mission and Growth of Ruffed Grouse Society Canada [43:03] - Habitat Projects and Access Initiatives [52:53] - Exploring New Covers and Hunter Observations [57:08] - Training Dogs and Transitioning to Pointing Breeds [01:05:00] - Hunting as a US Visitor and Guide Requirements [01:10:35] - Promoting Awareness and Conservation Opportunities [01:17:14] - Closing Remarks and Episode Wrap-Up Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birdshot.pod

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Brad Trumbo, business owner at Palouse Upland Media. Brad shares his journey from big-game hunting in the East to his deep love for upland bird hunting in the West. They discuss the unique landscapes of Eastern Washington, the challenges of hunting various upland birds, and Brad’s approach to bird dogs and land management. Brad Trumbo: A biologist, bird hunter, and author, Brad's experience spans from fish passage research to working in public land management. His passion for upland hunting, especially in the Palouse, has inspired him to write about both the birds and landscapes he loves. Expect to Learn: How Brad transitioned from big-game hunting to upland birds Insights into hunting in the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho The challenges of hunting valley quail, pheasant, and Hungarian partridge Brad’s approach to bird dog training and management How to understand and enjoy the landscapes while hunting Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Podcast Introduction and Welcoming Brad Trumbo [00:02:53] - Defining the Palouse Region's Landscape and Ecology [00:04:03] - Brad's Path from Biology and Fisheries to Upland Hunting [00:06:25] - The Transition from Big Game to a Passion for Bird Hunting [00:07:01] - The Story Behind Getting the First Bird Dog [00:08:59] - On Dog Breeds, Aging, and Adapting Hunts for Senior Dogs [00:15:35] - Breakdown of Washington's Upland Bird Seasons [00:21:17] - A Hunting Anecdote: The Giant Whitetail and the Covey of Huns [00:23:06] - The Challenges of Archery and Ethical Hunting Considerations [00:28:30] - How a Dog's Health Issue Catalyzed a Writing Career [00:31:57] - The Journey to Publishing "Wing Shooting the Palouse" [00:34:03] - Blending Natural History and Personal Narrative in Writing [00:39:50] - Habitat and Strategies for Hunting Western Ruffed Grouse [00:44:10] - Hunting for the Love of Landscape Over Bird Tally [00:54:20] - Public Land Access and Hunter Programs in Washington [01:02:10] - The Appeal of Covey Birds and Hunting Valley Quail Follow the Guest Brad Trumbo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailfeathers_upland/ Website:

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Brad Trumbo, business owner at Palouse Upland Media. Brad shares his journey from big-game hunting in the East to his deep love for upland bird hunting in the West. They discuss the unique landscapes of Eastern Washington, the challenges of hunting various upland birds, and Brad’s approach to bird dogs and land management. Brad Trumbo: A biologist, bird hunter, and author, Brad's experience spans from fish passage research to working in public land management. His passion for upland hunting, especially in the Palouse, has inspired him to write about both the birds and landscapes he loves. Expect to Learn: How Brad transitioned from big-game hunting to upland birds Insights into hunting in the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho The challenges of hunting valley quail, pheasant, and Hungarian partridge Brad’s approach to bird dog training and management How to understand and enjoy the landscapes while hunting Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Podcast Introduction and Welcoming Brad Trumbo [00:02:53] - Defining the Palouse Region's Landscape and Ecology [00:04:03] - Brad's Path from Biology and Fisheries to Upland Hunting [00:06:25] - The Transition from Big Game to a Passion for Bird Hunting [00:07:01] - The Story Behind Getting the First Bird Dog [00:08:59] - On Dog Breeds, Aging, and Adapting Hunts for Senior Dogs [00:15:35] - Breakdown of Washington's Upland Bird Seasons [00:21:17] - A Hunting Anecdote: The Giant Whitetail and the Covey of Huns [00:23:06] - The Challenges of Archery and Ethical Hunting Considerations [00:28:30] - How a Dog's Health Issue Catalyzed a Writing Career [00:31:57] - The Journey to Publishing "Wing Shooting the Palouse" [00:34:03] - Blending Natural History and Personal Narrative in Writing [00:39:50] - Habitat and Strategies for Hunting Western Ruffed Grouse [00:44:10] - Hunting for the Love of Landscape Over Bird Tally [00:54:20] - Public Land Access and Hunter Programs in Washington [01:02:10] - The Appeal of Covey Birds and Hunting Valley Quail Follow the Guest Brad Trumbo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailfeathers_upland/ Website: <a href=

In this reload episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson delves into a lively Q&A session with a loyal listener, Brady Martin. As Brady embarks on his first season of serious grouse hunting with his new bird dog, he shares the challenges, questions, and experiences he’s encountered. Together, they explore everything from scouting, bird cover, and hunting techniques to managing expectations for new hunters and bird dogs. Brady Martin is a first-time grouse hunter getting serious about the sport with his young bird dog. From his background in law enforcement and K-9 handling to his transition into upland bird hunting, Brady brings a unique perspective on both the joy and the challenges of pursuing ruffed grouse and woodcock. With a strong curiosity and desire to learn, he’s asking all the right questions as he embarks on this new adventure. Expect to Learn How to effectively scout and assess grouse hunting spots using e-scouting tools Why early-season grouse hunting can be particularly challenging How Brady is training his young bird dog and what he’s learning in the process Tips for understanding the nuances of grouse and woodcock cover The importance of adjusting your approach based on bird behavior and cover changes  Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Thank You to Patreons [00:08:57] - Poodle Pointer [00:16:39] - Nick’s Journey [00:18:14] - First Question: Scouted Spots You Drive Past [00:28:52] - Is It Just Grouse or Woodcock Too? [00:32:35] - Early Season Challenges: Leaves, Food, or Scattered Birds? [00:52:25] - Hazel Brush [00:57:14] - Good Grouse Cover: White Pine, Hazel, and Swamps [01:17:29] -  Personality and Patience in Hunting and Fishing [01:28:05] - Handling a Dog on Point: Whoa or Let Them Learn? [01:32:57] - Last Question: Dog Training Helping a Dog Hunt Out of Sight Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.c

In this reload episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson delves into a lively Q&A session with a loyal listener, Brady Martin. As Brady embarks on his first season of serious grouse hunting with his new bird dog, he shares the challenges, questions, and experiences he’s encountered. Together, they explore everything from scouting, bird cover, and hunting techniques to managing expectations for new hunters and bird dogs. Brady Martin is a first-time grouse hunter getting serious about the sport with his young bird dog. From his background in law enforcement and K-9 handling to his transition into upland bird hunting, Brady brings a unique perspective on both the joy and the challenges of pursuing ruffed grouse and woodcock. With a strong curiosity and desire to learn, he’s asking all the right questions as he embarks on this new adventure. Expect to Learn How to effectively scout and assess grouse hunting spots using e-scouting tools Why early-season grouse hunting can be particularly challenging How Brady is training his young bird dog and what he’s learning in the process Tips for understanding the nuances of grouse and woodcock cover The importance of adjusting your approach based on bird behavior and cover changes  Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Thank You to Patreons [00:08:57] - Poodle Pointer [00:16:39] - Nick’s Journey [00:18:14] - First Question: Scouted Spots You Drive Past [00:28:52] - Is It Just Grouse or Woodcock Too? [00:32:35] - Early Season Challenges: Leaves, Food, or Scattered Birds? [00:52:25] - Hazel Brush [00:57:14] - Good Grouse Cover: White Pine, Hazel, and Swamps [01:17:29] -  Personality and Patience in Hunting and Fishing [01:28:05] - Handling a Dog on Point: Whoa or Let Them Learn? [01:32:57] - Last Question: Dog Training Helping a Dog Hunt Out of Sight Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson welcomes back entrepreneur, conservationist, and upland hunter Greg Cronkhite. The discussion ranges from early-season grouse hunting challenges to Greg’s remarkable journey through conservation-focused land management and the launch of Habitat One, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing wildlife habitat. Whether you're a public lands enthusiast, private landowner, or upland hunter, this episode combines stories from the field with practical strategies for preserving and enhancing the land we all love. Greg Cronkhite is a lifelong outdoorsman, successful entrepreneur, and founder of Habitat One. Known for transforming 3,000 acres of farmland into a thriving wildlife habitat in South Dakota, Greg brings hands-on experience and innovative thinking to habitat development. Now focused on helping others improve wildlife landscapes, Greg’s new mission is to make conservation accessible, effective, and financially viable for landowners across the country.  Expect to Learn The realities of early-season grouse hunting and how warm weather affects bird movement Greg’s personal transition from owning private land to exploring public lands and the joy of learning new terrain Why he started Habitat One and how it fills a crucial gap in conservation funding Barriers landowners face when considering habitat projects and how Habitat One helps them say “yes” Opportunities to get involved: from volunteering to donations and joining as a Landowner Benefit Advocate Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction [02:41] -  Warm Weather & Slow Grouse Hunts [13:30] - Trading Familiarity for Adventure [20:41] - From Retirement to Re-Focus [27:21] - The CRP Aha Moment [31:10] - Starting Habitat One [36:38] - Join the Mission: Landowner Benefit Advocates [40:39] - Ongoing Projects [46:50] - Challenges and barriers with CRP [49:43] - The Habitat One Vision. Follow the Guest Greg:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-cronkhite-b6131613/  Website: https://habitat-one.org/  Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: ww

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson welcomes back entrepreneur, conservationist, and upland hunter Greg Cronkhite. The discussion ranges from early-season grouse hunting challenges to Greg’s remarkable journey through conservation-focused land management and the launch of Habitat One, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing wildlife habitat. Whether you're a public lands enthusiast, private landowner, or upland hunter, this episode combines stories from the field with practical strategies for preserving and enhancing the land we all love. Greg Cronkhite is a lifelong outdoorsman, successful entrepreneur, and founder of Habitat One. Known for transforming 3,000 acres of farmland into a thriving wildlife habitat in South Dakota, Greg brings hands-on experience and innovative thinking to habitat development. Now focused on helping others improve wildlife landscapes, Greg’s new mission is to make conservation accessible, effective, and financially viable for landowners across the country.  Expect to Learn The realities of early-season grouse hunting and how warm weather affects bird movement Greg’s personal transition from owning private land to exploring public lands and the joy of learning new terrain Why he started Habitat One and how it fills a crucial gap in conservation funding Barriers landowners face when considering habitat projects and how Habitat One helps them say “yes” Opportunities to get involved: from volunteering to donations and joining as a Landowner Benefit Advocate Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction [02:41] -  Warm Weather & Slow Grouse Hunts [13:30] - Trading Familiarity for Adventure [20:41] - From Retirement to Re-Focus [27:21] - The CRP Aha Moment [31:10] - Starting Habitat One [36:38] - Join the Mission: Landowner Benefit Advocates [40:39] - Ongoing Projects [46:50] - Challenges and barriers with CRP [49:43] - The Habitat One Vision. Follow the Guest Greg:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-cronkhite-b6131613/  Website: https://habitat-one.org/  Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdsh

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Ann Jandernoa, a revered grouse hunting expert, dog trainer, cartographer, and founder of Northwind Enterprises. From her years of field experience and understanding of grouse behavior, Ann shares techniques, habitat insights, and the role of precise mapping in upland bird hunting. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting, this episode offers learning from a master of the craft. Ann Jandernoa, known for her legendary knowledge of ruffed grouse habitat and behavior, creates custom habitat maps, trains hunting dogs, and educates hunters through her podcasts and videos. She brings a scientific yet highly practical lens to upland hunting. Expect to Learn How to read and interpret grouse habitat from aerial maps The relationship between food sources, cover, and grouse movement Tips on training and reading your bird dog in different cover types The importance of sound when navigating the woods and locating birds How to evaluate mapping tools and navigate public land more efficiently Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:06:19] - Last year's season observations  [00:14:26] - Predator pressure [00:21:32] - Thimbleberry yield and drought effects [00:25:44] - Dog Bells and Preferred Sound for Hunting [00:30:54] - Avoiding Wolf Encounters with Dogs [00:57:50] - Allowing Range for a Young Setter in Training [01:06:38] - Field Trial Differences in Europe [01:20:03] - Scouting for Grouse Without Aspen Cuts [01:27:51] - Aspen Cut Value for Birds After Leaves Fall [01:40:37] - Adapting Hunting Approach for Different Times of the Season [01:47:33] - Advice for Finding Grouse in Appalachia [01:50:24] - Where to Find Maps and Learn More about Ann Follow the Guest Ann:  Website: https://mobilehuntingmaps.com/ Fifty-Five Years a Grouse Hunter: https://amzn.to/4oinwqD Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Ann Jandernoa, a revered grouse hunting expert, dog trainer, cartographer, and founder of Northwind Enterprises. From her years of field experience and understanding of grouse behavior, Ann shares techniques, habitat insights, and the role of precise mapping in upland bird hunting. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting, this episode offers learning from a master of the craft. Ann Jandernoa, known for her legendary knowledge of ruffed grouse habitat and behavior, creates custom habitat maps, trains hunting dogs, and educates hunters through her podcasts and videos. She brings a scientific yet highly practical lens to upland hunting. Expect to Learn How to read and interpret grouse habitat from aerial maps The relationship between food sources, cover, and grouse movement Tips on training and reading your bird dog in different cover types The importance of sound when navigating the woods and locating birds How to evaluate mapping tools and navigate public land more efficiently Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:06:19] - Last year's season observations  [00:14:26] - Predator pressure [00:21:32] - Thimbleberry yield and drought effects [00:25:44] - Dog Bells and Preferred Sound for Hunting [00:30:54] - Avoiding Wolf Encounters with Dogs [00:57:50] - Allowing Range for a Young Setter in Training [01:06:38] - Field Trial Differences in Europe [01:20:03] - Scouting for Grouse Without Aspen Cuts [01:27:51] - Aspen Cut Value for Birds After Leaves Fall [01:40:37] - Adapting Hunting Approach for Different Times of the Season [01:47:33] - Advice for Finding Grouse in Appalachia [01:50:24] - Where to Find Maps and Learn More about Ann Follow the Guest Ann:  Website: https://mobilehuntingmaps.com/ Fifty-Five Years a Grouse Hunter: https://amzn.to/4oinwqD Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: <a hre

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Jon Steigerwaldt, a Forest Conservation Director for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Jon talks about the critical habitat work happening in the Driftless Region and northeast Iowa, highlighting the challenges facing ruffed grouse populations, the impact of forest management, and ongoing conservation efforts. From habitat restoration to dealing with invasive species, this conversation covers key conservation strategies while also touching on Jon’s experiences hunting and training his bird dog, Hazel. Jon Steigerwaldt is a dedicated conservationist and upland bird hunter with a deep background in forestry and forest ecology. With a focus on sustainable forest management, Jon works with multiple states across the Upper Midwest to improve habitats for ruffed grouse, woodcock, and other species. In his role with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, Jon is directly involved in large-scale projects to restore forest ecosystems and support wildlife populations in the Driftless Region and beyond. Expect to Learn The importance of forest management for ruffed grouse and other upland species How dynamic forest restoration blocks help improve habitat for grouse populations Challenges faced by forest management in the Driftless Region, including parcelization and topography The role of invasive species like multiflora rose and honeysuckle in disrupting habitat Jon's insights into training bird dogs like his setter, Hazel, and the role of dogs in upland hunting Current efforts to revitalize grouse populations in northeast Iowa and other parts of the Midwest Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction [04:00] - Nick’s First Ruffed Grouse Hunt of the Year [10:22] - Jon’s Bird Dog, Hazel, and How She’s Developed Over the Years [11:32] - Jon’s First Big Dog [13:33] - Jon’s Career and Education [23:01] - Parcelization and Landowner Challenges in Logging [35:51] - Invasive Species and Their Impact on Forest Ecosystems [44:50] - Forest Management After Natural Disasters [50:13] - Stewardship Agreements and Reinvestment Into Forests [57:28] - Upcoming Events and Community Management Follow the Guest Jon: Ruffed Grouse Society: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Jon Steigerwaldt, a Forest Conservation Director for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Jon talks about the critical habitat work happening in the Driftless Region and northeast Iowa, highlighting the challenges facing ruffed grouse populations, the impact of forest management, and ongoing conservation efforts. From habitat restoration to dealing with invasive species, this conversation covers key conservation strategies while also touching on Jon’s experiences hunting and training his bird dog, Hazel. Jon Steigerwaldt is a dedicated conservationist and upland bird hunter with a deep background in forestry and forest ecology. With a focus on sustainable forest management, Jon works with multiple states across the Upper Midwest to improve habitats for ruffed grouse, woodcock, and other species. In his role with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, Jon is directly involved in large-scale projects to restore forest ecosystems and support wildlife populations in the Driftless Region and beyond. Expect to Learn The importance of forest management for ruffed grouse and other upland species How dynamic forest restoration blocks help improve habitat for grouse populations Challenges faced by forest management in the Driftless Region, including parcelization and topography The role of invasive species like multiflora rose and honeysuckle in disrupting habitat Jon's insights into training bird dogs like his setter, Hazel, and the role of dogs in upland hunting Current efforts to revitalize grouse populations in northeast Iowa and other parts of the Midwest Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction [04:00] - Nick’s First Ruffed Grouse Hunt of the Year [10:22] - Jon’s Bird Dog, Hazel, and How She’s Developed Over the Years [11:32] - Jon’s First Big Dog [13:33] - Jon’s Career and Education [23:01] - Parcelization and Landowner Challenges in Logging [35:51] - Invasive Species and Their Impact on Forest Ecosystems [44:50] - Forest Management After Natural Disasters [50:13] - Stewardship Agreements and Reinvestment Into Forests [57:28] - Upcoming Events and Community Management Follow the Guest Jon: Ruffed Grouse Society: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson welcomes Tom Carpenter, aka Carp, back to the show for a discussion on prairie grouse hunting and sharp-tail grouse hunting. Fresh off a couple of hunting trips, Tom shares his expertise and experiences in the Great Plains, hunting sharp-tails, prairie chickens, as well as the unique challenges of these beautiful birds. Carp also reflects on the joy of hunting with dogs and the importance of understanding grassland habitat for both the hunter and the bird. Tom Carpenter, affectionately known as Carp, is a seasoned bird hunter, author, and long-time advocate for prairie grouse. With decades of experience, Tom is passionate about hunting sharp-tails, prairie chickens, and other upland game birds across the Great Plains. He’s spent countless days hunting with his bird dogs and has become a prominent voice in the upland hunting community, especially when it comes to prairie grouse. Expect to Learn Tom's experiences hunting prairie chickens in Minnesota and sharp-tails across the Midwest The best hunting strategies and terrain for finding prairie grouse Insights into managing a bird dog for prairie grouse hunting Tips on dog training during sharptail hunts and what makes prairie grouse hunting unique The importance of native grasses and proper grazing for the sharp-tailed habitatEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:06:18] - Success of hunting prairie chickens [00:10:01] - How prairie chickens differ from other upland birds  [00:14:09] - Difference between ankle-high grass, calf-high grass, and knee-high grass [00:22:15] - Have you ever put a snowberry in your mouth? [00:30:56] - How to train a bird dog [00:39:51] - Popcorn flushing  [00:42:49] - Breakdown of hills and wind direction [00:53:09] - Hunting in thick cover vs thinner hills [01:05:49] - Favorite sharp-tail recipe [01:16:42] -The pheasants forever journal [01:17:40] - Wrapping up the episode Follow the Guest Tom:  Tom as an Editor of Pheasants Forever: https://pheasantsforever.org/Newsroom/2018-April/Changing-of-the-Guard-Pheasants-Forever-Promotes-T.aspx  Company’s Website: https://www.pheasantsforever.org  Company’s Facebook: https://www.f

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson welcomes Tom Carpenter, aka Carp, back to the show for a discussion on prairie grouse hunting and sharp-tail grouse hunting. Fresh off a couple of hunting trips, Tom shares his expertise and experiences in the Great Plains, hunting sharp-tails, prairie chickens, as well as the unique challenges of these beautiful birds. Carp also reflects on the joy of hunting with dogs and the importance of understanding grassland habitat for both the hunter and the bird. Tom Carpenter, affectionately known as Carp, is a seasoned bird hunter, author, and long-time advocate for prairie grouse. With decades of experience, Tom is passionate about hunting sharp-tails, prairie chickens, and other upland game birds across the Great Plains. He’s spent countless days hunting with his bird dogs and has become a prominent voice in the upland hunting community, especially when it comes to prairie grouse. Expect to Learn Tom's experiences hunting prairie chickens in Minnesota and sharp-tails across the Midwest The best hunting strategies and terrain for finding prairie grouse Insights into managing a bird dog for prairie grouse hunting Tips on dog training during sharptail hunts and what makes prairie grouse hunting unique The importance of native grasses and proper grazing for the sharp-tailed habitatEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:06:18] - Success of hunting prairie chickens [00:10:01] - How prairie chickens differ from other upland birds  [00:14:09] - Difference between ankle-high grass, calf-high grass, and knee-high grass [00:22:15] - Have you ever put a snowberry in your mouth? [00:30:56] - How to train a bird dog [00:39:51] - Popcorn flushing  [00:42:49] - Breakdown of hills and wind direction [00:53:09] - Hunting in thick cover vs thinner hills [01:05:49] - Favorite sharp-tail recipe [01:16:42] -The pheasants forever journal [01:17:40] - Wrapping up the episode Follow the Guest Tom:  Tom as an Editor of Pheasants Forever: https://pheasantsforever.org/Newsroom/2018-April/Changing-of-the-Guard-Pheasants-Forever-Promotes-T.aspx  Company’s Website: https://www.pheasantsforever.org  Company’s Facebook: https://www.faceb

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with long-time bird hunter and habitat advocate Mark Reese. With decades of upland hunting experience under his belt, Mark shares deep insights on the connection between habitat work, grouse populations, and the broader hunting community. The conversation flows from hunting stories to conservation, mentorship, and how the uplands have shaped his life. Mark Reese is a passionate grouse hunter, conservation volunteer, and advocate for habitat improvement. Though not a biologist by profession, Mark has spent years in the woods doing hands-on habitat work and mentoring younger hunters. His experience spans generations of bird dogs, changing landscapes, and a deep love for the culture of grouse hunting. Mark’s voice is that of the everyday uplander who shows up, gets his boots dirty, and leads by example. Expect to Learn: What keeps a lifelong grouse hunter like Mark passionate after decades in the woods. How habitat work directly affects grouse populations and hunting opportunities. Mark’s personal history with upland hunting and what’s changed over the years. The role of volunteers and mentorship in sustaining the upland hunting community. Why bird dogs are central to the upland experience, and the stories they create. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction. [00:04:46] - A Good Ol' Fashioned Dove Hunt [00:08:35] - Meadowlarks to train dogs [00:17:23] - Trapping Season [00:22:33] - Journey of hunting and Fishing [00:36:08] - Training Dogs: Exposure vs. Specific Techniques [00:40:38] - Changes in Grouse Hunting Habitat Observations and Speculations [00:55:26] - Developing Dogs with Wild Birds and Minimal Training [01:12:08] - Escaping Distractions and the Joy of Reading a Book [01:17:17] - Closing Remarks and how to connect with Mark Follow the Guest Mark:  Email: [email protected]  Contact: (606) 723-1275 A Life’s Journey Outdoors: https://a.co/d/iJRtAm9  Kentucky Book Festival: https://kybookfestival.org/featured-author/mark-reese/#Author  Follow Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website:

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with long-time bird hunter and habitat advocate Mark Reese. With decades of upland hunting experience under his belt, Mark shares deep insights on the connection between habitat work, grouse populations, and the broader hunting community. The conversation flows from hunting stories to conservation, mentorship, and how the uplands have shaped his life. Mark Reese is a passionate grouse hunter, conservation volunteer, and advocate for habitat improvement. Though not a biologist by profession, Mark has spent years in the woods doing hands-on habitat work and mentoring younger hunters. His experience spans generations of bird dogs, changing landscapes, and a deep love for the culture of grouse hunting. Mark’s voice is that of the everyday uplander who shows up, gets his boots dirty, and leads by example. Expect to Learn: What keeps a lifelong grouse hunter like Mark passionate after decades in the woods. How habitat work directly affects grouse populations and hunting opportunities. Mark’s personal history with upland hunting and what’s changed over the years. The role of volunteers and mentorship in sustaining the upland hunting community. Why bird dogs are central to the upland experience, and the stories they create. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction. [00:04:46] - A Good Ol' Fashioned Dove Hunt [00:08:35] - Meadowlarks to train dogs [00:17:23] - Trapping Season [00:22:33] - Journey of hunting and Fishing [00:36:08] - Training Dogs: Exposure vs. Specific Techniques [00:40:38] - Changes in Grouse Hunting Habitat Observations and Speculations [00:55:26] - Developing Dogs with Wild Birds and Minimal Training [01:12:08] - Escaping Distractions and the Joy of Reading a Book [01:17:17] - Closing Remarks and how to connect with Mark Follow the Guest Mark:  Email: [email protected]  Contact: (606) 723-1275 A Life’s Journey Outdoors: https://a.co/d/iJRtAm9  Kentucky Book Festival: https://kybookfestival.org/featured-author/mark-reese/#Author  Follow Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: <a h