Podcasts about wingshooting

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.

Curious about learning to shoot clay targets? Thinking about trying upland or waterfowl hunting but don't know where to start? In this episode, we take you deep into one of Illinois' most accessible and underappreciated outdoor programs—the IDNR Wingshooting Program. Whether you're brand new to shotguns or looking to sharpen your skills, this program offers safe, affordable, and beginner-friendly clinics across the state. Hear from wingshooting instructors and past participants to break it all down—what you'll learn, what you'll need (hint: it's not much!), and how it connects to conservation and outdoor heritage. Firearm/Muzzleloader Deer Application Information: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer... Firearm/Muzzleloader Remaining Permit Quotas: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer... Fall Shotgun Turkey Application Information: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/turk... Dove Hunting Application Information: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/dove... IDNR Wingshooting Clinic Schedule: https://dnr2.illinois.gov/Wingshootin... IDNR Wingshooting Clinic Sponsors: https://dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/w... Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt here: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil   The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb brings together one last group of turkey stories for the season told by some of the best story tellers. Stories from custom turkey call makers Don and Sarah Clark, internet sensation Trent Ellis, “the greatest turkey hunter in the world” Med Palmer, story-teller-in-residence Andy Brown, Brother Robin Risher, up-and-coming outdoorsman Bear Newcomb ,and newcomer to Bear Grease Johnny Johnston. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian ; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST        Decorated Combat VeteranCorporate; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instrictor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current. GOD Provides / JESUS SavesPatreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZServant MilitoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gunfighter-life-survival-guns-tactical-hunting--4187306/support.

So how English is the English setter? In some ways, the answer is ‘not very much.' In terms of numbers, looks and working style the breed is now more American, more Italian, more international than it is English. However, the English setter is, and always will be, quintessentially English. Refined over time by brilliant, industrious people, the English setter, like the English language, is a practical, elegant, and highly adaptable product of a small island nation that conquered the world.

Come along as we talk about the importance of practicing shooting ahead of a bird season, taking your kids hunting and a little Texas history about the Goodnight-Loving Trail. Enjoy. Stock media provided by Artmuns / Pond5

Gone are the days of pickup trucks, dog boxes and upland enthusiasts piling into small rural towns each fall. Quite simply, quail numbers aren't what they once were and leases with huntable populations are extremely expensive. However, there is still a little slice of paradise for the upland enthusiast in Northern Mexico. My longtime friend [...]

On Ep. 95 of the WAO Podcast pres. by Harrod Outdoors and Mack's Lure, our guest is outdoor writer Brad Trumbo. We talk about his book Wingshooting the Palouse, favorite shotguns, and more. Find more about Brad and purchase his book at: Palouse Upland Media. - WAO on Facebook - WAO on Instagram Powered by HarrodOutdoors.com and MacksLure.com. If you have questions or would like us to discuss a certain topic, please send us a message on one of our social media platforms or send an email to info@harrodoutdoors.com.

This M.D. doesn't wear a lab coat. But he sure has spent a lot of time with black labs. Returning champion M.D. Johnson is back on the podcast to talk duck hunting for the modern man (or woman) and what it takes to get out in the swamps and the forest ponds hunting ducks. He reveals his favorite shotgun load and the philosophies that have sustained him for 50 seasons of hunting ducks and geese. If you want to support free speech and good hunting content in the Internet Age, look for our coffee and books and wildlife forage blends at https://www.garylewisoutdoors.com/Shop/ For more info on forage blends, click on http://baileyseed.com/products/frontier-unlimited-wildlife-mixes/We appreciate our sponsors: Nosler, Camp Chef, Warne Scope Mounts, Carson, Pro-Cure Bait Scents, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, Madras Ford, Central Oregon Shooting Sports Association, Bailey Seed and Smartz. Watch select episodes of Frontier Unlimited on our network of affiliates around the U.S. and on Hunt Channel TV or click https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gary+lewis+outdoors+frontier+unlimited 

We talk the rise of the .410 shotgun as an all-around waterfowl and turkey slayer. And we talk new .410 shotguns and #9 Tungsten for long-range shooting on mallards. Then we remember how many times we have been fooled by the wolf introduction advocates. Some of us have to have long memories. Sykes Mitchell is proprietor of Duck Creek Outfitters in Saskatchewan, hunting snow geese in the spring, waterfowl and upland in the fall and providing legendary wingshooting and hospitality. Visit https://www.duckcreekoutfitters.com/ If you want to support free speech and good hunting content in the Internet Age, look for our coffee and books and wildlife forage blends at https://www.garylewisoutdoors.com/Shop/ For more info on forage blends, click on http://baileyseed.com/products/frontier-unlimited-wildlife-mixes/We appreciate our sponsors: Nosler, Camp Chef, Warne Scope Mounts, Carson, Pro-Cure Bait Scents, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, Madras Ford, Central Oregon Shooting Sports Association, Bailey Seed and Smartz. Watch select episodes of Frontier Unlimited on our network of affiliates around the U.S. and on Hunt Channel TV or click https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gary+lewis+outdoors+frontier+unlimited

Join hosts Jeff, Carson, and Brad as they welcome Anna V, a true Southern gem hailing from small-town Georgia, to the Save it for the Blind podcast. In this captivating episode, Anna shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery through shotgun sports, faith, and chasing dreams that resonate deep within her soul. Through heartfelt conversation, Anna opens up about her upbringing and the pivotal moments that shaped her into the resilient woman she is today. From the backwoods of Georgia to the bright lights of success, Anna's story is one of perseverance, faith, and the unwavering belief in oneself. Listeners will be inspired as Anna delves into her passion for shotgun sports and the art of wingshooting. She shares insights from her acclaimed webinar "Women of Wingshooting," where she empowers others to embrace their skills and pursue their passions fearlessly. But that's not all—tune in as Anna reveals her expertise as a bird dog trainer, offering invaluable advice for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. With anecdotes and wisdom aplenty, Anna leaves no stone unturned as she shares her love for the great outdoors and the joy of connecting with nature. So, grab your headphones and join Jeff, Carson, Brad, and the incomparable Anna V for an episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and a whole lot of Southern charm. Get ready to be uplifted and encouraged as you listen to Anna's story of finding faith and fowl in the most unexpected of places.

Steve Rogers is the owner of Orkney Shooting Holidays - North East of the Scottish mainland. Although he's been chasing birds with a shotgun since he was a young nipper... it wasn't until an extremely close-call changed his life, shifting his priorities back to the feathered creatures he always loved to chase. It's here on the beautiful island of Orkney Island that Steve spends as many days as he can getting his clients under the geese.Thanks again Steve for being so open with his stories, and for all the tips and tricks around everything wingshooting!Follow Steve and Orkney shooting holidays on Facebook and Instagram...Check out everything they have to offer and get in touch at Orkneyshootingholidays.com.-----------------You can also follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook... episodes and videos on YouTube soon.Share this podcast with a friend — help us grow!

Join us on this captivating episode of the HerUpland Podcast as we journey with Jessie Janowski from the snow-covered landscapes of Alaska to the heart of HerUpland's community and events. Hosted by Amanda Ponti, a member of the HerUpland Board of Directors and the co-director of the Regional Coordinator program, this episode delves into the empowering experiences, shared camaraderie, and unforgettable adventures that define the HerUpland spirit.  Jessie, a passionate advocate for women in the outdoors and a devoted upland hunting enthusiast, shares her enriching experiences from attending all three event types offered by HerUpland. From the precision and camaraderie at a Michigan wingshooting clinic to the strategic bird dog training in Montana, and the thrilling quail hunts in Arizona, Jessie's journey is a testament to the transformative power of community and the outdoors.  Through her adventures with her two German Shorthaired Pointers, Olive and Bruce, Jessie reveals the valuable lessons learned, the joy of connecting with like-minded women, and the growth she's experienced as a hunter and a dog trainer. Her story is not just about the events but about finding a supportive community that values advice, encouragement, and growth over judgment. Amanda and Jessie also offer an exclusive sneak peek into HerUpland's 2024 event schedule, promising even more opportunities for women to explore, learn, and thrive in the uplands. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone curious about stepping into the field, this episode is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the strength, adventure, and community waiting for you in the uplands.  Tune in to hear Jessie's compelling narrative, learn about the upcoming HerUpland events, and discover how you, too, can join this vibrant community of women hunters and bird dog enthusiasts. It's an invitation to explore, connect, and grow—both in the field and within yourself.  Connect with Jessie and Amanda on Instagram Checkout HerUpland's 2024 Schedule of Events Photo by: Tara Griffin ---- This Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt "The #1 GPS Hunting App"  Boss Shot Shells "Superior-grade, American-made, Copper-plated Shot Shells" Syren USA "Shotguns for Women. No More Compromises" Toyota "The Leading Motor Vehicle Manufacturer Worldwide" Dakota283 "Unparalleled Pet Protection" Purina Pro Plan "Nutrition That Performs" ---- HerUpland Community Network Instagram Facebook YouTube HerUpland Website  

If you want to support free speech and good hunting content in the Internet Age, look for our coffee and books and wildlife forage blends at https://www.garylewisoutdoors.com/Shop/ For more info on forage blends, click on http://baileyseed.com/products/frontier-unlimited-wildlife-mixes/We appreciate our sponsors: Nosler, Hoodoo Ski Area, Camp Chef, Warne Scope Mounts, Columbia River Knife & Tool, Carson, Pro-Cure Bait Scents, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, TS&S Madras Ford, Central Oregon Shooting Sports Association, Bailey Seed and Smartz. Watch select episodes of Frontier Unlimited on our network of affiliates around the U.S. and on Hunt Channel TV or click https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gary+lewis+outdoors+frontier+unlimited 

Suppose one found themselves reading a newspaper in 1912. The headlines may have read, “New Mexico, Arizona Admitted as 48th and 49th States,” “Titanic Sank on its Maiden Voyage,” and “First Stop Light Invented in Detroit.” Between articles, you might have spotted a Winchester Repeating Firearms announcement for its new shotgun, the Winchester Model 1912. Its sales team coined it “the perfect repeater.”  The pump-action shotgun is a staple in the world of American wingshooting. The Winchester Model 12 is among the shooting world's cast of popular models, and it was bested only by the Remington Model 870 in production numbers. Four years earlier, the unique Remington Model 10 was the first-ever bottom ejector introduced to the market, with over 275,000 produced until 1929.  The Winchester Model 1912, or simply the Model 12, was the American manufacturer's first hammerless shotgun. Nearly two million of them were produced between 1912 and 1962. It saw action in four wars: World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. 

“Why on earth would anyone want to hunt crows?” I often get asked that question when people learn that I am an avid crow hunter during the whitetail off-season. Many hunters wonder whether or not American crow hunting is worth their time and if there is any benefit to it. My short answer to that is “Yes, absolutely!” But why? How is crow hunting beneficial and why should hunters spend their time in the off-season chasing these pesky black birds?

Sprinkled here and there throughout the sporting literature of the 19th century are references to Russian Setters. Despite the references and the fact that there were a number of dogs listed as Russian Setters entered into studbooks in England and the U.S., such a breed never actually existed. Be that as it may, for a while, sportsmen did breed and hunt over dogs that they called Russian Setters. From writings of the time, we can form a fairly clear picture of what those dogs were like.  In terms of appearance, everyone agrees that dogs called Russian Setters had long, rough coats and facial furnishings. Edward Laverack once said that he once saw “a magnificent type of the Russian Setter buried in a coat of a very long floss silky texture; indeed he had by far the greatest profusion of coat of any dog I ever saw.” 

Shoot better simply by paying attention ... to this champion. Anthony Matarese Jr. joins me to talk shooting techniques, styles, and the things that vex us in the field and on the range. From foot position to lead, practice strategy to gun mount, this guy knows his stuff. In 2014 Anthony became the youngest shooter in history to be inducted into the National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame.  In 2016 Anthony became the first American to win the World Sporting Clays Championship.  In 2020 Anthony became the first person win all 4 major titles during his shooting career: The US Open, National Championship, World Sporting Clays Championship, and the World FITASC Championship.   We'll also look at your winter hunting photos, and your dog's holiday presents. Okay, you can play with the box! And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.  

For many of us in the northern snow-covered hills of the United States, hunting season is shortly coming to an end—if not already. Green rolling pastures have now been replaced by a tundra; the woodcock have all traveled down to warmer, worm-filled bayous; and the grouse are retreating to the treetops. Now entering your home, you will likely be met by familiar eyes: your hunting dog staring back at you for a sign that you are gearing up for a hunt. As your dog realizes that you are settling in for the evening, you can see its disappointment. Soon it slinks to its bed in protest, curling into a ball with a dejected sigh, resigning to the fact that there has been a change in the routine. A feeling of guilt fills your soul as your dog was at its happiest pursuing birds for you, so, of course, you head to the cookie jar to let Ol' Red know just how sorry you are. Your once chiseled athlete has de-evolved into somewhat of a bratwurst shape. Ol' Red—now more affectionately known as “Mr. Weeble Wobble”—needs more than a little attention to get back down to his fighting weight.

Today i sit down with someone who truly serves as the physical interconnectivity in the slowly virtualizing space we all have come to love. Jim Gebhart is someone who is truly "bringing sexy back" through his creation: On The Fly Magazine. OTFM prides itself in being marketed to wingshooters and fly fishermen alike, it truly serves as an excellent table piece that carries stories and true texas heritage.

This gun has versatility and reliability for the price. That above all is why I would recommend it to any new hunter out there. This is not a specialty shotgun, but when used correctly it can be good at anything to which it is applied. If it were a gun dog, it would certainly fall into the versatile breed category. The interchangeable chokes, standard since 1986, will allow you to explore various upland game and also the beloved wild turkey. Its ability to swap out barrels allows you to add a slug barrel for big game hunting and open sights.

On this episode of The Journey Within Podcast, Mark Peterson is joined by Brian Heywood. Brian is the newest addition to the Worldwide Trophy Adventures consultant team primarily covering all things wingshooting both in the US and internationally. He has helped Mark on his South America Waterfowl Slam and is working on a new slam with Mark that is coming soon. Enjoy listening about how Brian got to where he is today. Enjoy your journey!  Partners and Promo Codes in this Episode Dominate the Skys on Your Next Wingshooting Adventure with a Benelli Shotgun- Benelliusa.com Leupold Optics and Performance Eyewear - leupold.com  Travel Insurance for your next Adventure with Global Rescue - worldwidetrophyadventures.com Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvpeterson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkPeterson... TikTok: tiktok.com/@markvpeterson Web: http://markvpeterson.com/ This podcast is a part of the Waypoint TV Podcast Network. Waypoint is the ultimate outdoor network featuring streaming of full-length fishing and hunting television shows, short films and instructional content, a social media network, Podcast Network. Waypoint is available on Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, IoS devices, Android Devices and at www.waypointtv.com all for FREE! Join the Waypoint Army by following them on Instagram at the following accounts @waypointtv @waypointfish @waypointhunt @waypointpodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each hunting season, I can be found trudging across public land in Missouri and Kansas in pursuit of my favorite game bird: bobwhite quail. Anyone who has ever had a covey rise from beneath their feet can attest to the distinct sound made by the explosion of these small brown and white birds. It's a sound I've heard hundreds, maybe thousands of times, but it never gets old. For some hunters, public land is their only opportunity to experience the thrill of a covey rise. Wild bobwhite quail can be found from Texas, north to portions of South Dakota, east to Maryland, south to Florida, and within most states that lie inside that box. They live in various habitats across their broad range, making them the most widespread of the six huntable quail species in the United States. These states vary in the amount of public land available to quail hunt, but every state within the bobwhite's range has some publicly accessible coveys for die-hard uplanders to pursue. 

When hunting solo on a large expanse of CRP, time-tested logic will tell you to “hunt the edge.” Pheasants are birds of edge habitat. Roosters are likely to be hiding right where tall grass adjoins a picked corn field. So when faced with a daunting quarter-section of native grass one should skirt the edge, right? Not this day, my friend!

Duck blinds are both simple and complicated. They represent a combination of utility and magic, providing function in the field while also facilitating tradition among duck hunters. At its core, a duck blind is a tool made to hide the duck hunter, the duck dog, and the tools of waterfowlers during the hunt. First and foremost, concealment from the wary eyes of passing ducks is absolutely critical to the success of any duck hunt. Beyond its usefulness as a hunting tool, duck blinds also offer a place of solace, a place of spirituality, and their own kind of enchantment. We witness sunrises, take part in fellowship, and develop our hunter's hearts all from within the confines of a duck blind.  In recent years, portable, A-frame style blinds have grown quickly in popularity as well as availability. What is an A-frame blind and why is it so popular? Let's take a look.

I'm not sure if it was the trendiness of chukar hunting on social media or the fact that 2020 had everyone stuck at home and thinking of new things to try, but it sure seemed like chukar hunter numbers were at an all-time high this season in my neck of the woods. That even includes me, since this was my first season of seriously targeting chukar instead of just going a few times as a change of pace from quail or ducks. If we are truly serious about hunter recruitment and increasing hunter numbers, this growth in interest is great news! Even so, there's always a sharp pang of disappointment when you arrive at your favorite spot to find another hunter already there…even for the most enthusiastic supporters of R3 efforts. With the influx of upland bird hunters ought to come an influx of discussions about hunter etiquette while in the field. I make no claims of being an expert, neither in bird hunting nor in consistently good etiquette. I am sure that I have unintentionally done things that have annoyed another hunter or affected their day afield. But along with how-to articles and photos of our time in the mountains, I believe it's our responsibility to share perspectives on good etiquette to help new (and returning) hunters navigate some of these gray areas.

The gentle “Chi-ca-go-go” in the distance caught my attention as I made my way down the rocky wash. A quick glance upward had me convinced that the birds were on the hillside, more vertical than not; a grade covered summit-to-base in loose rocks and cholla. These dang Gambel's quail were doing their best chukar impressions here in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. I crept up the wash with a watchful eye scanning for movement up ahead. While my eyes did their job, my ears added to the tale. Multiple quail were calling up ahead, with the concave shape of the hillside amplifying their quail calls toward my unwanted attention. The quail weren't the only ones keeping my ears busy, however. All around there were noise makers such as rabbits sneaking away in the undergrowth and lizards careening through the dry grass, sounding much larger than their three-inch bodies should be able to sound. It was enough to keep my head turning to distinguish friend from foe.

Truth be told, there is no foolproof method for ensuring that you never serve shot in the birds that you cook. However, there are several techniques to help reduce the chances of doing so, as well as some things to keep in mind if you're worried about dishing out a smattering of shot with your upland meals.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the federal agency responsible for managing the National Wildlife Refuge System. To manage the hundreds of refuges that expand across the United States, the USFWS establishes regulations and implements federal laws. For those unfamiliar with federal regulations or the regulatory process in general, it would help to understand the basics of what federal regulations exactly are. 

Each fall, pheasants draw attention from hunters across the country. Their parrot-like colors strike awe in any bird hunter. Thousands of these beautiful birds are harvested during the first few days of the season. Most birds packed out during opening weekend are young birds born months before the orange army started marching.  There are two reasons young birds represent the bulk of the early harvest. First, juveniles dominate the overall population. Like most upland game birds, pheasants rely on annual production to sustain the population. It's not unusual for juveniles to comprise up to 80 percent of the population after a summer of good nesting and brood-rearing success. Second, young pheasants are typically not as wary as their older relatives. However, even though these youngsters have never evaded a hunter following a bird dog, many still have enough instinct to know something isn't right.

I stood stock still, staring at the wall of ammunition behind the counter. Glancing over the multi-colored labels of flying pheasants, committed ducks, and scampering rabbits, my eyes glazed over. What did all of those numbers on the front of the boxes mean? I knew my shotgun was a 12-gauge, but beyond that I had no idea what I was doing. I was kicking myself for not asking more about the shells my mentor had handed me over the weekend. After several long moments of silence, without an attendant in sight, I lost my nerve and left empty-handed. It was a pretty rough day in my newly-fledged hunting career. Humbled, I reached out for guidance. That evening we dissected a shotgun shell from packaging label clear to the wad. Holding the pellets in my hand and seeing the gunpowder made it all click. The next time I was at the gun counter, still a bit awkward, at least I knew which box of shells I wanted.

Sometimes, hunting tidal creek marshes becomes more about fighting the terrain than it does shooting ducks. My earliest memory of losing a fight to the marsh came when I was only ten years old. I nearly drowned in a bottomless tidal pool, and if it hadn't been for my dad plucking by my coat hood, it would've been my last hunt ever. Then, there was that time in high school when the current swept away my favorite pair of mallard decoys. They became the first of nearly a dozen lost to the tides. Then, a few years later, I suffered my most humiliating loss. I will never forget it; I dropped a drake mallard, belly up, on a slick, wide mudflat right along the river bank. Sparing no time to think, I trudged out there to retrieve it and sunk in pluff mud up to my chest. In no time, I was unable to move, and the tide was coming up quick. My buddy had to toss me the bowline of his boat in a desperate rescue attempt. He revved his engine so hard that the water churned into cloudy chocolate milk. I held on for dear life as my legs and boots popped free. As I slid on my belly across the mud like a salt marsh penguin, I promised I'd never make that mistake again. 

On this episode of The Journey Within Podcast, Mark Peterson is joined by Matt Gindorff. Matt is the Worldwide Trophy Adventures Consultant who has helped Mark arrange many of his big hunting slam adventures. Now Matt and Mark talk through all the challenges of Mark's recent adventure, The New Zealand Wingshooting Slam. Was it easy? Not at all. Listen in! Follow Mark's New Zealand Wingshooting Slam

Have you ever returned to a quail hunting spot later in the season and failed to find the birds that provided such a great hunt just weeks before? Whether it's a public wildlife area, a Walk-In Hunting Area (WIHA) in Kansas, or any other type of publicly accessible property in whatever state, there are definitely strategies that hunters should consider, especially when pursuing bobwhite quail.  Fellow wildlife biologist Frank Loncarich and I spend many days afield together each year chasing quail, and most of our trips involve some type of public land. Over the course of our lives, we have hunted thousands of hours, conducted years of research, and observed enough birds to create a pattern that guides our hunts. We often get questions regarding hunting strategy from folks that see or hear about good bird numbers, but then spend several days afield that end with empty or light game bags. Or, hunters that saw birds early in the season but struggle as winter takes hold. 

“Woodcock are neither the hardest nor the easiest bird to shoot.” I am not sure I can sum up woodcock shooting better than those words of George Bird Evans, author of Upland Shooting Life. Over 35 years have passed since I shot my first woodcock, and I have learned from others and my own errors how to get better or at least improve my woodcock shooting skills.  While the American woodcock can fly upwards of 30 mph through impossibly thick cover, they are also capable of some of the slowest flights recorded of a bird. Woodcock are an unusual bird to wingshoot; their erratic and unpredictable flight patterns have coined them the nickname mudbats. There will be moments where they seem to float to the canopy with their head turned, those big eyes looking back at you, almost convincing you to reach out and try to catch it with your hands. You may ask yourself, “How could I miss that shot?” 

To my delight, my time spent on Duolingo, a popular language-learning application, came in handy while reading Craig Koshyk's Pointing Dogs Volume I: The Continentals. Although I am an utter noob with hunting dogs specifically, I cherished a dog breed encyclopedia as a child. As a result, I was familiar enough with French dogs to know breeds like French Brittanies and Papillons exist. However, I had never heard of the gorgeous Épagneul Français (aye-pan-YUL fran-SAY) or French Spaniel. “I don't know what it is about the French Spaniel,” writes Koshyk, “but every time I try to capture that ‘special some-thing' about the way they look and the way they move, I feel that I come up short.” It's easy to see where Craig is coming from. His images depict gleaming, feathery-coated dogs with bright eyes, balanced features, and fluid movements. Although his photos are still, I can only imagine how visually pleasing this hard-working bird dog is when working in the field or bringing a bird to hand.

I worked part-time at a gun shop during my college years, which offered me the privilege of handling hundreds of used shotguns. As I stepped behind the gun counter one day to start an afternoon shift, I spied a unique 20-gauge side-by-side on the rack. Etched on the side of the left barrel I read, “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY.” Stamped on the right barrel was “B-S/S SPECIAL STEEL 20 GA.” I was instantly intrigued and, after breaking it open to be sure it wasn't loaded, swung it on an imaginary covey rise of bobwhites. I was abruptly awakened from my dream by Paul the veteran gun salesman barking at me, “You're too late, kid, your buddy Fritz already bought it.” Fritz was the nickname of my colleague and friend who had, in fact, purchased it two hours prior to my arrival after it had been taken in on trade. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's bird gun. But covet it I did. More of that story later…

We sat on the tailgate of my pickup overlooking a cover we had just hunted on a late October day as the sunset. The whistling sound of woodcock wings began while the sky still held mute signs of the sun hidden behind the mountains. We counted the birds with excitement. One after another, a tangle of “there is another” and “here comes two” was complemented by big smiles. It did not take long to debate whether they were moving to eat or to migrate. I relish this end-of-hunt tailgate tradition each autumn when the woodcock migration begins. I love woodcock. Relying on unfrozen ground to eat, woodcock are a fascinating species that migrates from parts of Canada to the southern United States each fall. They are a low barrier of entry for young pointing dogs and new hunters. They provide the best opportunities to train superior grouse dogs in the off-season. When one speaks of the dark arts of the woodcock migration, it is with great debate as they have alluded, defied, and fascinated both hunters and scientists alike for generations. Alternatively, as George Bird Evans said, “You know where to expect them and almost when, but when they show up is something else.”  The fall woodcock migration coincides with their hunting season. We try to predict the moment of their arrival, and more often than not, we are surprised by the vanishing and reappearance of these wonderful upland game birds. From early classics like The Book of the American Woodcock by William Sheldon, published in 1967, over 38 studies according to the U.S Fish and Wildlife between 1927 and 1978, and more recently, the ongoing Eastern Woodcock Migration Research Cooperative (EWMRC), we have taken leaps and bounds to understand how, why, and when woodcock migrate. 

A decade ago I wrote a book, The Urban Deer Complex. Growing up just outside of Boston, I was fascinated by the idea of whitetail deer being able to adapt so well to human environments. It inspired a whole section of the book I labeled “The Science of Fear.” Through rapid evolution accelerated by an encroaching urbanized environment, whitetails were able to pass down behavior that would allow them to distinguish between non-threatening and threatening human behavior. That ideology would subsequently put many a deer on my dinner table over the years, and although it is more complex than the summary here, I never thought it could apply to ruffed grouse.  At the time, I had yet to read the classic New England Grouse Shooting, written in my hometown by William Harden Foster. Foster made a clear indication to the increasing evasive nature of ruffed grouse and their responses to human pressures. He even credits this intelligence to the reason ruffed grouse survived the early market hunting days of New England while their cousins the Heath Hen fell victim, unable to adapt.

Upland hunting, for me, is as much about enjoying the outdoors as it is about hunting. For this reason, I tend to hunt very quietly, speaking to my dogs only as much as necessary. I don't run a bell for the most part, though I will on windy days to keep better tabs on them.  Being from the northeast, wind storms can drive birds away from primary feeding areas towards more protected grounds such as conifers. Both woodcock and grouse rely heavily on conifers for their survival. On windy days, woodcock tend to tuck themselves under planted pines or protective thickets. They also are more inclined to run before taking flight, whereas grouse are quick to take flight, retreating to the security of the treetops at the first sign of trouble. Due to the dense covers we hunt, we depend on hearing wing beats to gain directionality on escaping birds. Wind can make this very difficult, particularly in the early season when the leaves are still clinging to their branches. 

It was the same story each time we visited the Olathe Gun Shop in Kansas. As soon as he entered through the front door, my father would walk towards the over-under shotguns. There, neatly displayed upright, were a variety of stacked barrels. To the upland bird hunter shopping for a new shotgun, there were plenty to choose from. However, for my father there was only one that stood out: the Ruger Red Label. This time, his hands would carefully grab the shotgun's forend to admire it one more time before taking it home. He had been saving for months. The time had come to purchase his first over-under. It was the mid-90s and my father had a few options when it came to choosing his first “double”. After many years, he would tell me that the Ruger Red Label stood out against all the others. It was the lustrous metal receiver that had grabbed his attention. Its simple, yet sleek design set the 12-gauge apart from the others in my father's eyes.

After 35 years of bird hunting, I have been fortunate enough to harvest nearly 90 percent of the readily huntable gamebird species in the lower 48 (please don't @ me, Himalayan snowcock hunters). While each species is special, one bird in particular holds a special place in my heart, a bird I hold above all others: the greater prairie chicken.  A lot of this comes from studying prairie chickens in the Kansas Flint Hills for my Masters degree. I also spent seven years trapping and translocating greater prairie chickens for my job as a wildlife biologist. But there's more to it than that; the bird itself is something of an enigma. They are actively retreating from their original strongholds of Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa and making a stand in the far western fringe of their once vast range. In these fringes, they eschew trees and humans. It seems like they just want to be left alone.

There are three species of teal in North America: the blue-winged teal, the green-winged teal, and the cinnamon teal. Telling them apart is pretty easy because, long ago, someone was smart enough to name them based on their looks. 

When I first started cooking, I had no idea what a bird tenderloin was, let alone where to find it. Then I thought it was along the back—but every big game hunter knows that's where you find the loin, not the tenderloin. But after several years of butchering birds, I have come to believe that not only is a bird's tenderloin very easy to locate and remove, but it's something worth doing every time you breast out a bird.

Long-time Artemis host and friend of the podcast Ashley Chance returns this week to talk about upland birds. As the new hunting heritage program manager at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Ashley is working to conserve upland bird habitat and recruit and retain new hunters. She introduces us to a new film series called How to Hunt Upland Birds, and also tells us about the Hunter Mentor pledge, which has some sweet prizes attached to it this year. (Pssst... want more bird stuff? Check out past episodes with the grouse lady, Ashley Peters, and an episode on bobwhite quail with Brittney Viers.) 2:00 Wingshooting in wild weather - an Artemis event goes on undeterred 6:00 New town, new job, new childcare... but same passions 8:00 Deerhide in the freezer = endless possibilities 10:00 Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever - working to put more birds on the ground through habitat conservation 11:00 Minority Outdoor Alliance 14:00 Getting into upland bird hunting behind a dog named Rocky in high school 17:00 Road trip adventures with a bird dog buddy (in this case, a pudelpointer nicknamed Leo) 20:00 Registered dog names that make a statement 23:00 The thrill of finding quail in unlikely places 25:00 Steep decline in quail habitat with the rise of mechanization in agriculture 30:00 Development and suburban sprawl is a huge threat to upland bird habitat 32:00 How to Hunt Upland Birds course, like 'upland bird hunting for Netflix,' filmed and produced by Modern Carnivore 39:00 The video series portrays a variety of hunters, hunting cultures, and birds 41:00 Hunting with babies and kids - do what works for you 44:00 "Approaching hunting in the way that felt right for me was a revelation that's been valuable moving forward." 47:00 From the Artemis archives on hunting while pregnant and/or with kids: Motherhood and Traditional Bow Hunting with Beka Garris; Melody Haege on Traditional Bow Hunting with Kids; and Hunting While Pregnant with Emily Ledergerber and Kyla West 49:00 Access is a big barrier for new hunters (or new-to-a-place hunters), especially in states with lots of private land 51:00 "What if there was a lease that was all women? That would be cool" - introducing the private hunting lease in Tennessee that Ashley worked on and secured (with A LOT of sheer tenacity and letter-writing) 55:00 Food plots vs. baiting 59:00 Consider taking the Hunter Mentor Pledge at Pheasants Forever - take a new hunter in the field, snap a pic, and be entered to win a guided upland bird hunt for two Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you think of yourself as fashionable? Probably not, and most of the bird hunters I know would agree with you. For us, fashion is a four-letter word and as appealing as watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians. But that doesn't mean we're immune to fashion-like whims. Like any group, we have things that are in (Gunner Kennels), things that are out (beeper collars), and things that were out but are now kind of in (smoking a pipe—I guess). We have hip gadgets (Garmin fēnix watches), trendy dogs (Wirehaired Pointing Griffons), and fads (34-inch barrels). For several decades now, the over-under has been the double-barrel for us to carry. In fact, O/Us are so popular that until about a decade ago, new, affordable side-by-sides ceased to be sold in the United States. Today, a few are around; but compared to over-unders, the total numbers hardly matter. In the grouse woods, on skeet fields, and across sporting-clay courses, if you're shooting a double, you're shooting an O/U. As one gunmaker told me  in 2019, “the side-by-side is dead.”

There are a few things that serve as reminders that fall has officially arrived – and dove season is one of them. Taking the time to plan a successful dove hunt can be easy if hunters do a few simple things when they locate the ideal dove field. Here are three dove hunting hacks that can be utilized in the early season when doves are naïve and easier to shoot, as well as for hunters who venture out in the late season when doves are skittish. New to dove hunting? Read: A Complete Guide to Dove Hunting

While many people associate the mourning dove with quiet suburban neighborhoods, perhaps perched on a utility line or visiting a backyard birdbath, dove hunting is a very popular pursuit for many across the country. But if you haven't gone before, how would you know where to go? Surely, you can't hunt in someone's suburban backyard, right? If you fit into that bucket of understanding, here are some tips for identifying mourning dove habitat in different regions, so maybe you can try your hand at it this season.

Mark Peterson grew up in Michigan, working the orchards and chasing birds when he finished his chores. That work ethic formed both of his career paths. Mark and his Dad took their upland hunting to a level most will only dream about. Together in one season the traversed North America with their dogs and hunted every species of upland game. The people, places, dogs and birds made this the trip of a lifetime.