The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

PRO Outfitters in Montana has always attracted characters, and Owner Brandon Boedecker keeps it that way on purpose. For about a decade, one of those characters was a young Simon Perkins, who guided hunters and anglers under Brandon before eventually becoming President of The Orvis Company. In this conversation, the two old friends look back at the culture Brandon built, the dogs and places that defined it, and the stories that remain legendary.

Ryan Lynton, host of The Upland Social Podcast, joins Reid to talk about his journey into upland hunting as an adult-onset hunter from Indiana.Ryan Lynton, host of The Upland Social Podcast, joins Reid to talk about his journey into upland hunting as an adult-onset hunter from Indiana. He covers early experiences with elk and rabbits, the dog that got him into birds, and how he's using his platforms to build community and advance conservation.

Reid sits down with Simon Rood, Shooting Services Manager at Loyton Sporting, one of the UK's premier driven shoot providers. Simon has spent years at the center of British sporting culture, including time at Purdey's, and he's the right person to walk you through what driven shooting actually looks like from the ground up. Fine guns, technique, etiquette, and why at Loyton it all comes back to whether the guests are having a good time. More at www.loyton.com.

Christian Zeron is a watch dealer, marketing executive, and newly minted hunter whose Instagram platform, @Theoandharris, has earned him a remarkably warm reception from the hunting community. A New Jersey native with no hunting background, Christian caught the bug hard after his first duck hunt and has been documenting the journey ever since. Reid sits down with him to explore what's drawn so many people to follow along, what genuinely excites a newcomer to upland and waterfowl hunting, and what this world looks like when you're seeing it for the first time.

Reid reflects on the loss of a dog, responsibility for the animals who trust us, and the inevitability of their decline. All of this reflected in a story about a long-ago day woodcock shooting with a friend in southern Vermont. Read the entire piece "Thanksgiving" at reidbryant.com; it was initially published in Gundog Magazine.

Reid welcomes back Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello to discuss new guns in the Orvis arsenal, some standout consignment guns, and what has been happening at Orvis Sandanona. Unbelievably, it's been about a year since Greg was on the Podcast, and a whole lot has happened in that time!

Reid is joined by Anthony Licata, editor of Cowboys & Indians magazine (www.cowboysindians.com), for a look inside the world of outdoor print media from someone who has  been to the big leagues. For much of his career, Licata worked for Bonnier Corp. from its Park Avenue offices, eventually becoming Editor in Chief of Field & Stream and Editorial Director of Bonnier's Lifestyle Group, which included titles such as Outdoor Life. In this conversation, he reflects on the glory days, when bar carts and generous expense accounts were part of the job, and shares stories about balancing hunting travel, a love of more humble outdoor pursuits, and life in the middle of Manhattan. It is a conversation about magazines, media, and the strange and wonderful experience of building an outdoor life from the middle of the city.

Tom Rosenbauer, longtime Orvis employee, writer, and host of the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, joins Reid for a wide-ranging conversation about his nearly 50 years with the company. They talk about the early days at Orvis, the great outdoor writers who shaped the culture around Manchester, Vermont, and how a lifelong fly fisherman found his way, occasionally, behind a shotgun. Along the way Tom shares stories, history, and a perspective on the outdoors that few people still carry.

Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of PF/QF, joins Reid for an inspiring conversation about her work and life. Marilyn describes a rural childhood in North Dakota, a journey into upland hunting through her husband's Sharp Shooter's Kennel, and her winding path to leadership of a prominent Conservation org. Along the way she digs into thoughts on leadership, organizational culture, and why we should be hopeful about the future of the uplands. Marilyn is a force, and an inspiration.   Learn more at www.pheasantsforever.org and see Marilyn in action at The Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Minneapolis Feb 20-22!

With an upcoming show in Connecticut (that Reid is excited to attend) and a headliner at this year's Pheasant Fest Concert for Conservation, the time is right to revisit this 2017 conversation with Evan Felker. Evan has seen continued success and acclaim since this first aired and remains the creative force behind the anthem of the uplands, "The Bird Hunters". In this conversation he talks about bird hunting, his love for pointing dogs, and the rich hunting culture of Oklahoma. If you missed this the first time, enjoy it now; and here's an open invitation to Evan to join the podcast again for an update on life, kids, dogs, music, and whether the new A5 is as good as the original!

Reid's good friend Matt Morlock appears on the podcast to discuss all things South Dakota. Matt describes his childhood growing up as the son of a game warden and his career in conservation and stewardship. He also explains why and how South Dakota became the worldwide epicenter for pheasant hunting. Wonderful insights from a guy on the ground, and a great guy at that.

This re-post of a podcast from 2022 serves as a tribute to Glen Blackwood, whose recent passing is a tremendous loss for the upland community. Glen was a bird hunter, a fly anger, and a conservationist, but foremost a storyteller. It was a privilege to capture his voice here, and to share it.

Reid welcomes dog trainer John McIltrot for Seranoa Kennels (www.seranoakennels.com) from Roundup, MT, alongside John's training partner Taylor Todd. John is a fascinating character: bird dog trainer, falconer, mentor, animal behaviorist, and prairie philosopher. He and Taylor explore concepts of animal behavior, mentorship, how to move slowly through a training process with humility and keen observation.

In a slight departure from the norm, Reid gathers with a group of pals to debrief a pheasant hunt on a farm in Hitchcock, South Dakota. The group, spearheaded by Lyndsey Braun and Doug Duren of Sharing the Land, explores topics of land stewardship, dog work, hits and misses, and challenges faced by new hunters. It's a meandering journey with lots of voices, but some great perspectives offered. Warning: some colorful language is used. Special thanks to Can-Am, BOSS Shotshells, Savage Arms, Gunner Kennels, Matt Morlock, and Dylan Hazen.

In a slight departure from the norm, Reid gathers with a group of pals to debrief a pheasant hunt on a farm in Hitchcock, South Dakota. The group, spearheaded by Lyndsey Braun and Doug Duren of Sharing the Land, explores topics of land stewardship, dog work, hits and misses, and challenges faced by new hunters. It's a meandering journey with lots of voices, but some great perspectives offered. Warning: some colorful language is used. Special thanks to Can-Am, BOSS Shotshells, Savage Arms, Gunner Kennels, Matt Morlock, and Dylan Hazen.

Del Whitman is back to help explain shotshell pressures and how to create optimal patterns. Del puts the mystery of shot ballistics into layman's terms, describing how patterns perform and how extreme pressures destroy pattern density and pose risks to fine guns. In response to a listener query, he also digs into the magical properties of TSS and Tungsten alloys, which seem to break all the rules.

After too long a break, the podcast returns solo installment featuring a piece of written work originally published in Skydance Magazine. An essay about Reid's early days as a woodcock hunter is shared in response to some reflection about shooting woodcock, the particular frailty of the species, and the changes faced by a bird hunter as he gets a bit older. As always, rate and review the podcast, and explore more written work at www.reidbryant.com

One for the ages... Reid is joined by Stewart McIntyre, Estate Manager at Loyton Sporting (https://loyton.com/) and winner of the coveted 2023 Purdey Gold Award for Game and Habitat Conservation. Stewart pulls back the curtain and articulates the complexity of British Game Shooting, not only as an industry but as a force for stewardship and conservation. If ever you've looked at driven shooting and scratched your head, listen to this podcast. Stewart does a remarkable job explaining just why driven shooting is such a remarkable driver of sustainable land use, and also why it can be misunderstood.

Claire Hall and Jeff Niblette join Reid from far, far away to discuss bird shooting in New Zealand. Both are affiliated with Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting and Fly-fishing Lodge Poronui which offers walked up and driven pheasant hunting on  property. Claire, a longtime Poronui staffer, speaks about the place, the region, and the hunting program, while Jeff, Owner of New Zealand Gamebirds, speaks to the shooting experience and the unique shooting culture in New Zealand.

This episode contains mild adult language that may be offensive to some.   Dave Brown, owner/operator of Dave Brown Outfitters, joins the podcast to describe the life of a professional wild bird guide. For several decades, Dave has been outfitting fly anglers and bird hunters from the Mexican border into Canada, and his perspective on the guide's life is informed by years and miles. Dave always brings a unique and considered perspective to issues of conservation, private land access, a nomadic pursuit of the seasons, and a whole lot more.

On this episode of the podcast, Reid provides a quick update, talks about what the season has in store, and reads a short reflection called "Things That Get Away", first published in Ginkgo Magazine. Recorded on Sept 2, the he bird season has opened in several places across North America. It always sneaks up on us!

Lars Anderson, Sales Customer Service Manager at Crispi US, joins the podcast to discuss all things boot-related. Lars is an avid outdoorsman and hunter who was instrumental in developing Crispi's upland-specific boot, the Upland Pro. He and Reid discuss Crispi's rise in the hunting space, the technical aspects of a mountain-style boot, boot care, and break-in, and all that makes Crispi special.

Del Whitman returns to the Podcast to discuss the ways in which gunsmiths finish shotgun butts. He describes different choices and techniques, and further discusses his unique process of selecting, sizing, and fitting a recoil pad

Ben Jones, President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society, joins Reid in a discussion about the great work being done on the ground at RGS, and the work that still needs attention. The duo digs into the work of listening to and coalescing the wants and needs of different groups to the ultimate good of grouse, woodcock, and ecosystems. A great conversation with one of the great voices in conservation. Learn more at https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/

Zander Ault of Patagonia, AZ joins Reid to discuss what it's like to live and build a business in one of bird hunting's most iconic destinations. Not a  hunter himself, Zander (and his partner Heidi) landed in Patagonia for the extraordinary gravel cycling, but soon found that the region was ground zero for desert quail hunters. Having opened and owned several businesses in town, Zander explores the tension of being a newcomer in a small, rural town, the challenge of keeping natural resources undiminished while cultivating a tourist economy, and some unique observations about the bird hunting community. Learn more about Zander and Hedi at www.thegravelhouse.com ...

In this episode, we visit Orvis Hill Country Shooting Grounds in Blue Ridge Summit, PA, where General Manager Jeremy Mays is joined by new property owner and tech entrepreneur Ben Wallace. While Orvis continues to manage day-to-day operations, Ben brings fresh investment and bold ideas to elevate the facility. Together, they share their vision, recent upgrades, and what's next for this impressive shooting destination. Learn more: orvis.com/orvis-hill-country.html

Bringing back a favorite episode from 2019, Reid digs deep into shot-shell development with two members of the Winchester Ammunition Team-- Mike Stock and Ben Frank. This episode explores all facets of shotgun shells including performance, construction, and the different materials that impact both. It's a great chance to "nerd out" on the nuances of shotgun ammunition with two industry pros.

2025 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year Tyson Tabler chats with Reid about wingshooting in Saskatchewan, building an outfitting business in western Canada, and what keeps him coming back to guiding year after year. Tyson, a Colorado native, built his business Feathered Fowl Outfitters to deliver exceptional waterfowl and upland hunts on the Canadian prairie. In 2025, a tally of Orvis customer reviews singled out Tyson as the Guide of the Year, an accolade for which he deserves a big congratulations.

Reid has a chat with Connor Carson, Orvis in-house Gunsmith. Orvis has employed a full-time gunsmith (or 3) for nearly half a century, and Connor continues that tradition of repairing, maintaining, evaluating, and customizing fine guns for Orvis customers. Calling in from his bench at Orvis Sandanona, Connor discusses some favorite guns, some interesting repairs, and the path he took to wind up in this unique role at the company. Learn more about Orvis Gunsmithing Services at https://www.orvis.com/gunsmithing-services.html

Vermont Game Warden Kyle Isherwood joins the podcast to revisit the topic of the Vermont Warden Service. For any interested in learning more about what goes into becoming a Game Warden, and what our Warden Service does day-to-day, this is a great conversation with a great guy. Kyle discusses his personal path into the service, and also explores some thoughts around how to have positive interactions with Game Wardens, even when a game law has been violated.

In another solo installment, Reid shares a story first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. He explores old friendships, memory, and the threats to both while telling a story of a long-ago waterfowl hunt in Northern Vermont.

Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing returns to the podcast to explore the challenge of finding the right gunsmith for your needs. Del and Reid dig into the question, and provide some thoughts on how to best assess the issues that need attention, the level of execution desired, the time and money a customer is willing to dedicate to a gunsmithing project, etc. From there, they give a few tips on how to locate the gunsmith that will be best prepared to serve you.

Reid is joined by @birddogvet Seth Bynum to discuss the common field injuries that impact gundogs, and how t deal with them. Seth goes on to detail what he takes in the field with him for a first-aid kit, what protective gear he recommends, and how to complete a through tailgate check of your dog post-hunt. He also describes his journey as a hunter and a veterinarian, and highlights his new platform https://hunt.vet/ which helps connect hunters with gundog-savvy veterinarians in their region

This show was originally posted on Januaryt 21, 2022. Wade Truong of Elevated Wild joins Reid for an hour discussing food. Wade and his partner Rachel Owen built Elevated Wild as a platform to discuss hunting, fishing, foraging, mentorship, and game cooking. Wade, a Virginia native, describes his career in commercial kitchens and his journey into the outdoors, using the natural landscape as a means of sourcing food. He also provides unique insights into food culture, why Americans eat the way they do, and how wild food informs both a dietary regime and a way of life. Learn more about Wade and Rachel·s work at https://elevatedwild.com/

Mark McConnell, Asst. Professor of Upland Birds at MS State, joins Reid to discuss Gentleman Bob, his distribution, habitat needs, and history in North America. Mark is a biologist and hunter who has been drawn to bobwhite quail research for his entire career, and he speaks to the different habitat types that sustain bobwhites, and the ways in which land use practice has impacted their range.

Orvis product developer Jesse Haller returns to the podcast to chat about hunting, bird dogs, and gear. He and Reid swap questions in back and forth that explores favorite pieces of gear, most dreamt-about places to visit, and grail guns,

Reid chats with Grant Ritchie of Minam, Oregon, about hunting the Hells Canyon area by raft. Grant has a long family history in the region and has been guiding cast-and-blast trips on the Snake and Salmon Rivers out of his Oregon-based Minam Store. Grant discusses his family history, his personal return to the area to become an outfitter and guide, and the remarkable bird hunting experience available there. Grant's float trips regularly produce a mixed bag that includes chukar, valley quail, huns, ruffed grouse, mountain quail, and even turkeys. More on Grant's business at https://www.orvis.com/product/minam-store-outfitters/3LAT.html

Reid welcomes Friis Arne Petersen and Andreas Peter Wilhelmsen of Denmark to the podcast to discuss their innovative new shooting device, the TrapMaster. In short, the TrapMaster is an electronic device that presents clays that are spun much like ZZ Birds, but that can be launched from a handheld device. The podcast explores the evolution of his unique shooting tool/game, the culture of shooting in Denmark, and the story of this father/son duo that created what may be the greatest innovation in shotgun target shooting of the last 50 years. Learn more at  https://nordicclays.com/

Dave Perkins joins Reid to talk a bit about the Orvis Endorsed partnership of Wingshooting Lodges, Hunting Grounds, Guides, and Outfitters. As an Owner, Board Member, and former Executive of the Company, Dave has long been committed to the idea of providing customers opportunities to have their own experiences in the field. He talks about how facilitating experiences in the outdoors remains a core part of his family's ethos, and how he was able to make it part of Orvis' offering

Terry Wieland, longtime Gun Editor at Gray's Sporting Journal, joins Reid to discuss 40 years as a freelance gun writer, the roots of his love for journalism, and the Golden Age of Spanish gunmaking. Terry is the author of numerous books, Spanish Best among them, and this study of the Spanish trade remains the definitive work on the topic.

Reid welcomes Trent Leichleiter, Managing Partner of Nebraska's Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club back to the podcast. On this visit, Trent discusses some tactics for late-season midwest roosters while also giving an update on KAMO Inc., the organization he started some years ago to mentor new outdoors people and also find forever homes for gundogs in need. More at www.kamoinc.org

In another chat with the great Del Whitman of D.C. Whitman Custom Gunsmithing, Reid and Del explore the proper methods for preparing guns for long-term storage. Guns left for any length of time can fall victim to moisture, oil seepage, corrosion, and a host of other ills. Del explains how to prep guns for storage in a manner that ensures their safety long-term.

Reid welcomes Mike Neiduski of Ugly Dog Hunting back to the podcast, this time to chat about his journey toward ownership of this online retail company. Mike talks about his path, his dogs, and his commitment to a lifestyle that revolves around upland pursuits.

Bob St. Pierre and Andrew Vavra of Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever join Reid to recap the 2024 Rooster Road Trip. This adventure took Bob, Andrew, and several other friends and partners of PF/QF on a journey across North Dakota hunting public lands for wild birds, with the goal of sharing thoughts on access, habitat, and the great conservation work of the Org. With Orvis as a product sponsor, Andrew and Bob discuss gear, what works, what doesn't, and what a hunter might consider when packing up to hit the prairies for roosters and sharptails.

Reid is joined by Tom Roster for an in-depth look at shotshell performance and lethality based on shot type, load, shot size, and overall ballistics. In a career that has spanned 50 years, Roster has become THE definitive resource on reloading and shotshell ballistics. His studies of non-toxic shot lethality in waterfowl have become the definitive resource on the matter, and have informed generations of waterfowl and upland hunters. Roster describes his career and his findings and also weighs in on the future of shotgunning in the US. He offers his contact for questions and communications at [email protected]

Greg Carpiniello joins the podcast again to dive into the contents of the Orvis gun racks, identifying 5 interesting guns currently for sale. Unsurprisingly, 5 guns became 7. Reid and Greg look at a few great Spanish offerings, contemporary and classic British guns, and a workhorse German O/U.

Montana native Trent Kleppen joins the podcast for a wonderful and far-ranging discussion of the bird hunter's journey, love of place, and a fascination with bird dogs. In search of wild bird and untamed country, Trent has bounced from northeast Montana to Oklahoma to South Texas. His story is reflective of his innate curiosity, consideration, and striking ability to articulate what captures the bird hunter's heart.

Reid welcomes World Sporting Clays Champion Anthony Matarese, Jr. and hunting icon Will Primos to the podcast to discuss the duo's new book Straight Shooting for Hunters. The trio discusses how clay target shooting can inform game shooting and help the upland and waterfowl hunter become more successful. Will and Anthony also discuss their unique accolades and backgrounds in the shooting space, Anthony as one of the most decorated Sporting Clays Shooters of all time, and Will as the founder of the storied hunting brand Primos.

Reid joins Doug Duren of Meateater fame and Dave Simonett, frontman of Trampled by Turtles, to discuss hunting, touring, and the creative process of writing prose and music. Dave and Doug both hail from the upper midwest, and reflect on the mystery behind all that goes into bird hunting over dogs. Moreover, they dig deep into how creative acts of storytelling inform music and writing, and perhaps how those days afield both fuel the process and provide a welcome break.

Reid welcomes Ryan Doughty, host of the Podcast "A Break in the Action". Ryan discusses his journey into podcasting, his love of double guns, and the unique opportunity he has taken to dive deep into his passions.