Upland Nation

30 years of wild bird hunting, hundreds of bird dogs, and 20 pounds of stuff, all critical to bird hunting success and safety. And, how to carry it all comfortably and conveniently. We start with an insider's look at the new HUNTREDI Deviate strap vest ... my new best friend.

I'll share the lessons I've learned consulting on vest design and functionality, then open every pocket and go through the gear I take chukar hunting.

From ergonomics to a dog emergency bag, to what's in my "survival kit," I'll offer suggestions on the things you might add, especially for a high-mileage western wild bird hunt.

Then, listeners share their dogs' favorite part of a hunting day, and I've got suggestions for public-access grouse ground in seven states.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Wild birds, in the wilds of Southern California. That's where we start this long-overdue discussion with the publisher of the Western Birds, a detailed, informative newsletter on all things bird hunting in the Golden State. From the "miracle of snow" to how chukars behave in winter, where quail hang to hunting strategies and tactics, Jim has advice no matter what species you chase. Jim also has tips on where to go, the critical environmental factors birds need, using a call to locate birds, other useful gear, and what happens when you bust a covey.

Listeners share their priorities for this season, and our Road Trip explores not a place, but a mindset for wild birds on public lands.

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Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Rocky Gutierrez is probably the most learned scholar in the world of upland game birds and he's here to take us to school. From hunting birds around the world, to the behavior of valley quail, this guy knows his stuff. We'll talk habitat, strategy, tactics, gear, and why you can never find those buggers where they lit when you flushed the covey. We'll cover birds from Gambel's quail to capercaillie, mountain quail to rock ptarmigan.

Rocky's academic background is rich and varied, he is a professor emeritus at the Univ. of Minnesota, and his doctoral dissertation work started with a quail hunt!

We talk about what snacks you offer your dog during a hunt, and the Road Trip goes to Sin City for wild Gambel's quail on public land.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You've seen his dog excel in the NAVHDA Invitational test on Wingshooting USA TV. In one of the most memorable and jam-packed conversations I've had, Curtis Fry walks his talk, and boy, can he talk! Versatile dog judge, champion trainer, avid upland hunter, Curtis will share his wisdom on everything from gunshyness to bird introduction, hunting strategy and dog psychology, to strategic feeding. I guarantee you will take away a heaping, steaming pile of knowledge that will make you a better dog trainer and bird hunter ... or your money back.

I asked on social media what conservation groups are doing a good job, and boy did I get an ear, er, eyefull. I'll share your opinions, without judgement, knowing your um, criticism was meant to be constructive. On our Road Trip public access segment, I share one of my favorite towns, the jumping-off point to less-well-known wild pheasant hunting spots.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Howard Vincent retires after 35 years serving the conservation groups, starting as a volunteer before his rise to the top position in 2000. The two groups have become major conservation players, the dominant upland/bird hunting group, and conserving thousands of acres per year for habitat and wildlife.

Vincent recounts his rise and the group's accomplishments, how a savvy "big tent" philosophy has brought disparate groups to the negotiating table in the interest of wildlife and habitat. He'll outline how everything from honeybees to sorghum are relevant to hunters. He'll look back on some milestones, and ahead to what's in store for him after retiring at the close of Pheasant Fest 2023.

We go to New Mexico for wild bird public access, and hit on some of the 390 dog names you haven't used yet, but hope to.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You're probably putting it on your dog wrong. His training collar, that is.

Got a question about e-collars or GPS collars? Dogtra's Pete Fischer has the answer. We'll dig deep into new technology, practical application of it, better ways to look at and use these tools in the yard and the field. Pete also suggests rules to live by in the field, how a dog thinks, and the strategy behind pressing the stim button.

You tell us if you're using a new shotgun this season and why, and we explore a public-access hunting spot in Missouri.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Trulock Chokes, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Feed for top performance, get the gear too. We talk with a couple industry insiders about the state of the businesses: hunting and dog training equipment with Terry Wilson, founder of Ugly Dog Hunting; and Karl Gunzer, director of the sporting dog group at Purina.

Both are hard-core hunters and dog trainers, so their experience and knowledge is hard-won. We cover everything from what's new in e-collars to woodcock hunting tips, to why feeding before a hunt is a bad idea. We cover supply chain issues and new products, and what each pro wouldn't leave home without.

You chip in with thoughts on the importance of shooting a limit, and we look at some public-access ground in Arizona.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

A good buddy and I take a lesson with champion shooters, instructors and bird hunters Vandy and Dave Fiedler of Mid-Valley Clays and Shooting School in Gervais, Oregon. What we learned was you don't have to change your entire shooting style, just a few careful tweaks will make you move-mount-shoot better. If you'd like an extra bird or two in the bag, listen carefully to what they have to say.

We head for North Dakota again in our public access "Road Trip," and share some of your advice on what you never leave home without on a hunting trip ... you may be surprised!

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, KAMO's Burt County Bird Bounty, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

What they learned the hard way, we don't have to. That's our goal this week as listeners and Facebook friends share our worst mistakes so you won't make them. From forgotten stuff (and dogs) to where you'll never hunt again, we've got some doozies.

Scott Trulock of Trulock Chokes will share the dramatic impact (pardon the pun) of choke choice on our hunting success, and gives some insights on the state of the industry and technology.

We go to North Dakota for some tested public hunting grounds, and the Upland Nation Glossary stops on the letter W this week.

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Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, KAMOInc.org, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

My friend Eric Thompson joins me in studio (sorry about the goofy audio in the main section!) for a wide-ranging discussion about chukars, dogs, strategy and tactics. We cover how and why to bring new hunters into the sport, why Huns are on the upswing, make some predictions on this season, and share some good times.

The Upland Nation Glossary stops at the letter "V", and we have a public access spot you might want to visit this winter. Listeners chip in on the new places they hope to hunt this season, too.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Ruth Weiss is an avid wild quail hunter, pro trainer, NAVHDA judge ... and soon, will run her dog in the NAVHDA Invitational test, the pinnacle of hunting dog tests. Her insights on everything from hunting strategy to socializing young dogs will benefit anyone with a shotgun or a bird dog.

We talk training philosophy and practical tips, the value of "Yes" versus "good dog," Mearns quail habitat and tactics ... training for tests and why it makes a better hunting dog, how dogs adjust to other dogs and new bird species.

The Upland Nation Glossary stops at the letter "U" and we find a new wild bird/public access spot in Cajun country. Listeners share their hunt-trip plans - you might get an idea or two.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Join us at the feet of a master: grouse hunter, dog trainer, field trial judge and passionate hunter. Frank Jezioro's byline has appeared in virtually every issue of Pointing Dog Journal, he's written three books, and is sharing decades of hard-won experience with us on today's episode.

We go from where Frank loves to hunt, dog training and breeding insights to practical hunting tips, what he won't leave camp without to defining a good grouse dog. Frank talks about puppy development, what's impacting woodcock populations, and offers a wealth of observations no matter your bird or dog of choice.

The Upland Nation Glossary touches on "T" and listeners chime in with how they'd handle someone else's out-of-control dog in the field.

Our public-access suggestion is in Texas this week.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You won't find this stuff in the ads, the magazines or anywhere else: fresh, unadulterated, honest observations by two leaders in the industry: Midway USA founder Larry Potterfield starts us off with his bird hunting experiences, the genesis of his own American Dream of a business venture, where the industry is going, his commitment to the next generation of shooters, consumer-oriented advice and wisdom from decades in the business.

Caesar Guerini USA's Wes Lang focuses on his own peak hunting experiences, shooting advice (he's a world-class sporting clays champion), insights into Italian shotgun manufacturing and distribution, and advice on what to look for in a high-end gun.

The Upland Nation Glossary stops at the letter "S," and we venture to New Mexico for a public access suggestion. Plus, listeners' hopes for the next week in dog training.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Upland Nation listeners are a fount of information, opinions and advice, so I'm going to share some of the best on this episode. From common courtesies during a hunt to ground sluicing, sharing hunting spots to spoiling your dog we've got some insights and food for thought.

The Upland Glossary gets to "R," and Rehan Nana of Garmin clues us in to new products and some clever fixes to common e-collar and GPS collar problems. Our public-access suggestion is in Nebraska this week.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Versatile hunting dog, bird hunting and Pudelpointer guru Bob Farris joins me for a wide-ranging discussion about the most successful NAVHDA versatile breed, bird dog genetics and their importance when choosing a pup, and why raising the bar on dog performance benefits hunters like us.

Bob recounts some incredible dog work over the years, explains why Pudelpointers are such water-work stars and takes us to the Bird Dog Hall of Fame.

We hit on his method for introducing a pup to water, teaching steadiness on birds, and a few chukar hunting secrets.

Our new "industry insider" feature has Andy McCormick, Senior Executive Vice President of firearms importer Legacy Sports, who will talk supply chain issues and more. The Upland Nation Glossary is up the letter "Q" and I'll take you to some public access starting points in the Midwest.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Sharon Potter may be best known for her byline alongside Rick Smith in Pointing Dog Journal, where they pen a monthly column on dog training. She runs Red Branch Kennels in Wisconsin, where she trains all hunting breeds. An avid bird hunter, her insights go beyond basics to deeper, fundamental rules that serve a dog for its entire life.

We cover bird contact, instructional basics that we often ignore, puppy development, our biggest goofs in the field and critical gear. The Upland Nation Glossary hits "P," there's a public access destination and listeners confess their worst in-field habits.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

One of the "first couples" of dog training ground us in a different way of looking at dogs: how they think, why they do what they do, and how to motivate them. Ronnie and Susanna work side-by-side every day and share a common vision of building each bird dog up to be the best possible hunting dog.

They do this from a dog's first day in the kennel or home, with sound socialization, bird introduction, and an over-arching focus on how a dog thinks.

We'll get practical tips and insightful advice, wisdom from decades of guiding, training, and seminars from half of the HuntSmith Silent Command System team, using methods developed by Ronnie Junior's dad and his uncle Delmar Smith.

The Upland Glossary hits the letter "O" and we'll look at another public access spot. Plus, your (family-friendly) names for those ^$%#%^&'in birds that you missed.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Orvis-endorsed Montana outfitter Tim Linehan has been guiding in the grouse woods for more than 30 years. The deep, dark forest is his bailiwick, unusual for a Montana guide, most of whom roam the prairie. His wisdom is of value no matter where one chases forest grouse.

We cover habitat, what each species needs to survive, their habits. From being a good client to why bells don't scare birds ... strategies and tactics. We look at every aspect of a high-country hunt for blue, ruffed and spruce grouse including the mystique of these elusive birds, specific dog training tips he's picked up and why setters are his preferred dog. Tim offers some insightful shooting advice as well.

The Upland Nation Glossary hits the letter "N," we take a road trip to South Dakota for public-access hunting and a raccoon encounter, and you tell us some of the unwritten rules your fellow hunters might want to follow.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Want to put more birds in your vest this season? Shut the heck up. Stealth isn't just for big game and turkey hunters - so here are 15 tips that will get you closer to birds and better shots.

From handling your dog quietly to managing all the stuff on your vest, I've put together all the great advice I've picked up over the years working with pro guides, elk hunters and others who, like me, learned their lessons the hard way.

The Upland Nation Glossary stops at the letter "M," we visit some of your special places shared in photos and videos and I'll hit one one of my favorite public-access regions.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

We dig into the "why" of dog training ... deeply ... in addition to some of the "how's" in this interview with Jordan Horak, champion spaniel field trialer, and developer of the Cato Platform.

We go from cockers versus springers, to why a dog should master skills within a 10-foot radius first. We learn how and why a dog goes off the rails when confronted with distance, birds, new environments and gunfire. What motivates a dog at various ages, why birds are not the ultimate "reward" (sometimes), and generally why being more of a "dog listener" is often a better approach to training our hunting partners.

The Upland Nation Glossary hits the letter "L," we take a road trip to Wisconsin for public-access hunting, and you tell us who you wish you'd hunted with one more time.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Why women make the best bird-dog trainers ... and other wisdom from a long-time trainer, trialer, judge and hunter Jerry Ray Cacchio. He's the Gun Dog magazine "Flush" columnist, too, and we'll cover everything from thinking like a dog to why so many trials gunners wait too long to pull the trigger.

While we celebrate flushing breeds, much of what Cacchio says is valuable to any bird dog trainer and hunter. Use of e-collars, keeping a dog close, training tips and hunting advice are all part of a fascinating discussion with this spaniel guru.

The Upland Nation Glossary hits letter "K," and we cover your comments on what to do when your dog trespasses. Plus, the new "Road Trip" feature puts another public-access wild bird destination on your map.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

"I want one just like yours!" is the most common email I get about dogs. My response might surprise you.

I've gunned for, trained with, marshalled tests for, hunted for fun and on TV, and simply hung out with hundreds of hunting dogs of most breeds. Is mine, or any other breed, right for you?

It depends. On your personality, the dog's propensities, where you hunt and what your abilities and capabilities are. I'll bring up some key points to keep in mind as you search for your first, or your next, dog. Take them as mere suggestions, but somewhere in here is an idea or two that might help you better match yourself with your next hunting companion.

We'll also talk fellowship and a way to win stuff just for taking a friend hunting ... continue our Upland Nation Glossary with "J" and find out which bird species your dog says (via you) it loves the most!

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

As a firefighter/EMT Alex Langbell patched up humans for 27 years, all the while using his skills on his hunting dogs too. As a guide, TV hunting show producer, avid hunter and gun dog owner he's seen his share of trauma and created what he believes is the ultimate Field Trauma Kit. We'll unbox the kit, go through the contents and their uses, talk field first aid, and even indulge in a little hunting chat.

We also cover symptoms of the most common health and safety threats to which our dogs are vulnerable.

The Upland Nation glossary looks at the letter "I" and we put a cap on the discussion about why someone wouldn't take a newcomer hunting - your Facebook comments make some good points and there's something to learn for everyone. You also have a shot at winning a Mossberg over/under shotgun, too just for nominating your hunting mentor.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Phil Swain is a NAVHDA judge, wild bird hunter, dog trainer and all-around upland guru. He started hunting in the 1970's and still wanders the hills for chukars when his knees will cooperate! He's mentored countless hunting dog owners, judged hundreds of dogs and has plenty to say about puppy development, dog training and testing.

We also talk the importance of survival gear and knowledge, including a chilling grouse hunting experience, plus how a dog thinks, and why praise is critical to a dog's development - and not just during puppyhood. Phil shares his thoughts on the right way to use an e-collar, and we celebrate the camaraderie of the hunt.

You tell me why you will - or won't - take a newcomer hunting, and I offer a gentle suggestion for those in the "no" camp. We also arrive at "H" in the Upland Nation Glossary and offer a way for you to win an over-under shotgun.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Breeder, hunter, guide Kent Shelton recounts his recent experience - still fresh - of the entire process. Whether you just got a pup, are considering one, want to become a breeder, or just want to understand the world of whelping we've got something of interest for you.

From why to breed a hunting dog, to genetic testing, to how a mom-dog cares for little ones, counting puppies in the womb and the best time to send those squirming balls of fluff to their forever home, I have the questions and Kent has the answers.

Listeners share their gripes about sportsmanship, and we also talk hunting in South Dakota: strategies, habitat, bird numbers and more. Plus, the Upland Nation Glossary gets to "G" and offer up a way to do a solid for one of your mentors.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Arguments for sticking to that first bird in a covey rise.

Want better fishing? Go when the critters are feeding. Here are some examples of how cows, among others, can give you the edge.

So many questions from my Pheasant Fest visit ... and as it's training season I thought sharing some of my observations, suggestions, tips and advice might, just might, be of use to you and your dog. From better hand signals to what a dog hears "down there," to when to give commands, here are some things that most other seminars, books and videos don't cover.

We also arrive at "F" in the Upland Nation Glossary and offer up a way to do a solid for one of your mentors.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Who pays for conservation? The answer may surprise you, and that's what the new organization Outdoor Stewards of Conservation is all about: hunters, anglers and target shooters. Executive director Jim Cucuruto outlines the creative and inclusive ways his new group are spreading the word ... and helping even more.

We also cover recruitment of new bird hunters, from how to invite someone on a hunting trip to what's required afterwards.

You also get to the letter "D" in our Upland Nation Glossary ... and a chance to honor one of your hunting mentors and improve their hearing in a new contest.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

How was your season? My friend Ben Warner and I talk about our days afield, and we review some of your recollections too. Wild Hun, quail and chukar spots and how to find them, the joys of running multiple dogs simultaneously, how to share spots without spoiling the adventure ... we cover it all. We'll also talk puppy development, and the road to the NAVHDA Invitational test.

There's news, and the Upland Nation Glossary explores the letter "C."

And it's all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Dave Fiedler owns Mid-Valley Clays and Shooting School in Gervais, Oregon. He is a high level instructor, champion shooter and hunter. He offers us all tips on becoming better hunters, from gun mount to which clay target games we should practice and why.

Dave has insights and advice on cross-dominance, our biggest shooting mistakes and how to avoid them, transferring clay target skills to the field, and how to help a beginner start off on the right foot. And we continue our journey through the alphabet in the Upland Nation Glossary. Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Mark Fullmer of Sarahsetter Kennels outlines his proven theories on building a pup's brain power starting on Day One, and how that turns dogs into bird finding machines. From why he feeds a puppy raw quail, to e-collar use, to positive and negative reinforcement, he'll turn your own thinking around and help you become a better trainer.

We talk training methods for everyone, bird introduction, and clicker training. And then, Scott introduces the first Upland Nation Glossary word, and we lick our wounds, literally, when you tell us how your dog was injured last season and where.

And it's all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From dogs to habitat, tactics and strategies, Travis Warren has advice for anyone pondering pursuit of these diabolical birds. He spends considerable time in chukar country ... right outside his yard!

We'll trade notes, discuss gear, and everyone will learn something about how and where to hunt them, dog training and tactics, habitat, gun, choke and shot selection and more.

We take a look at your photos of the awesome views you found last season, and you could win a Scott Linden Signature Series Comfort Collar in our Upland Nation Puzzler question, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Now that the season is finally over, you tell me your highest priority is taking your dog to the next level. I'm with ya there!

So, let's begin the journey to canine excellence with a look at what a dog wants from you, why he works for you, and how you can become a better trainer/handler. I'll offer a few suggestions and observations that might not be in your bag of tricks yet.

Plus, we'll find out what else is on your "to-do" list for the off season, you could win a Scott Linden Signature Series Comfort Collar in our Upland Nation Puzzler question, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

With the season winding down, it's time to look ahead to training ... and thinking about how our dogs think. Anticipating a third printing of my book What the Dogs Taught Me in May (new title: Training and Hunting Bird Dogs: How to Become a Better Hunter and Dog Owner - available now on Kindle), let's take a look at some of the less-common tips and tactics.

From how a dog thinks, to little changes that have big impact, training methods and hunting strategies, we'll survey a number of subject areas, all with the goal of cultivating a better relationship between you and your dog.

You'll also have a chance to win a rare Signature Series Real Bird Bumper, and we find out why some of you are still out there slogging around in pursuit of birds and the dogs we love.

And it's all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

I met Joe Augustine in Montana, walked a few fields with him, and learned way more than I should have! Now, so can you. Author, athlete, and passionate public-lands hunter, Joe has learned a lot while covering thousands of miles on foot and driving there!

Joe has learned the hard way: hunting tactics, to dog care, packing advice, how to shoot better photos, conditioning dogs for heat, to "best practices" for learning how to find and access walk-in properties and public land. He'll talk about some of his favorite spots, too.

We'll also cover your own travel plans, and you'll have a chance to win a Scott Linden Signature Series Real Bird Bumper in our Upland Nation Puzzler question, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Todd Agnew, pro spaniel trainer at Craney Hill Kennel, shares his decades of hunting and training experience, starting with "why spaniels?" and going through a litany of tips and tactics to help us train virtually any dog breed.

It gets down to rewards, he says. But how? We'll explore.

Plus, the last point of the season, an Upland Nation Puzzler question and prize, and your survey responses on favorite dog breeds and how to ensure there's hunting for the next generation brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Hunter and chief instructor for the National Sporting Clays Association, Don Currie teaches schlubs like us all year. He offers valuable advice on unboxing your gun, checking for straight barrels (seriously, it's a thing), and choke selection. He schools us on terminology, gun fit, how to fit in at the range, and then we go to the field.

From patterning your gun to foot position on pointed birds, Don has real-life advice, some history lessons on gun making, and how to mount your gun. You will be a better shooter - and shooting teacher - after this podcast!

You share your new year's resolutions, and you could win a Scott Linden Signature Series Real Bird Bumper in our Upland Nation Puzzler question, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Friendship, adventure, and some pretty good dog work punctuate this adventure into the wild, public ground where Hungarian partridge dwell. You'll get a tour of some less-typical habitat, shoot a few and miss a lot, and hear about some cool finds and dazzling retrieves.

Huns are on the rise in the west, so if you're intrigued by this "bonus bird," we'll offer some tips and tactics as well.

And if you think your new year's resolutions are creative, wait until you find out what your dogs are saying!

You'll have a chance to win a Scott Linden Signature Series Real Bird Bumper in our Upland Nation Puzzler question, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

For many, their bucket list includes a trip west ... for adventure, fun, and that bird specie you can't find near home. But just as in the old days, there is a "code" in the New West as well. From preparation to where to find them, how to approach the habitat and hunting strategies, we'll touch on all of it. (Want more details? Go here.)

Listeners share their challenges when finding new ground to hunt, and we'll offer up a Scott Linden Signature Series Jaeger lead in our Upland Nation Puzzler question, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Wild valley quail hunting ... with a few pheasants thrown in too. Facebook - and now, personal - friend Mark Avolio shares his experience, strategy and tactics as we debrief our recent hunt in Northeast Oregon. Mark runs setters all over the west, and a chance meeting a couple years ago in a faraway chukar spot led to our becoming regular hunting partners.

In this hunt, lush creek bottoms, bunchgrass swales, great weather and wonderful dog work were the standouts. Versatile dog work was on display, working "wrong" wind and tough retrieves in tight quarters. 

Shotgun ammo and choke recommendations for mixed-bag hunts, dog care tips and a few high points from the dogs' work are all covered in this wide-ranging talk between friends. We explore the reasons for singles without a covey rise, where shot birds go, and how to mark downed birds a little better. There's also a little nostalgia ending at an historical sheep ranch.

We'll find out how your last hunt went, and there's a chance to win a Scott Linden Signature Series Jaeger lead, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You ask some fantastic questions on my websites, social media and my weekly newsletter. I've compiled some of the best - relevant to almost everyone - and pulled together some suggestions. With any luck, they're close to correct, and helpful to you.

From buying started dogs to marking downed birds, neutering and eye care, to best first dog breed to using frozen birds, you'll find something that applies to you or your dog.

Plus, a chance to win a Scott Linden Signature Series Jaeger lead, and it's all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

ENJOY OUR NEW FORMAT! More fun and easy to listen to ... but you can decide that for yourself.

My good friend and hunting buddy Tom Jenkins knows his way around the woods, pursuing elk and deer when he's not chasing his bird dog in the chukar hills. I've learned so much from him about wild bird hunting, public access, good habitat, and how to approach a bird hunt as more than a walk behind a dog.

So I made him come on and share some of his wisdom with YOU. We talk about our  shared hunt adventures, solo hunt stories, and I even relate a couple valley quail tips from last week's hunt.

There's also your own hunting stories from last week, and a chance to win a Chief Upland vest, all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

Fascinating Mearn’s quail strategies from a former Arizona pro guide are the starting point, and from there we cover the waterfront!

Phil Wechsler shares why he left the pro guiding world ... the joys of hunting “for fun.” From the benefits to young dogs, to finding new places, there is a freedom to not guiding. Time of year to hunt, habitat and terrain, bird behavior … Gambel’s, scaled, Mearn’s. Why he loves Mearns the best. Hint: it involves bird dogs. In fact, they may be the perfect quail for steady pointing dogs.

Phil offers tips on developing young dogs, and the value of their bumping a covey, and how without paying guests every day is a training day. We discuss finding the “good spots,” how to take care of a kennel full of dogs, picking dogs, why he likes smaller dogs, the value of hunting each area just once, with a caveat.

Phil describes his “best year” of hunting … last season … not for the birds or dogs but for the friends he shared a hunt with. And, the best tip he ever got from a guide client.

You share how far you drive for a hunt, share your “regrets” and how we can all learn from them, a chance to win a Chief Upland hunting vest, and it's brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

He's a pro fishing guide, but this guy knows upland birds ... way upland. From snipe to blue grouse, Michael Salamone is in the woods and alpine valleys chasing some of those "bucket list" birds we covet all on public land. He'll offer strategy and tactical advice, habitat and behavior, and equip us for our first mountain hunt.

We'll go down some rabbit holes talking chukars and fishing, but the bottom line is, you'll want to climb higher and walk farther for these big birds, aka sooty or dusky grouse.

You'll also get a chance to win a Chief Upland hunting vest, and it's all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

One of your favorite guests returns for a summary of his seasons so far: prairie grouse, ruffies, and pheasants in some of the best coverts anyone has! Steve Grossman offers insights into bird populations, the drought's effects, tactics and strategy plus dog care advice learned the hard way.

The best way to approach a pointing dog? Steve has the lowdown. And the "problem" with cocker spaniels in the grouse woods. Plus, the importance of a "tailgate exam."

Scott takes everyone on a chukar hunt with a happy ending, and social media friends offer up their best lessons learned so far this season on everything from the wisdom of dogs, to second shots and gas prices!

You'll also get a chance to win a Chief Upland customizable vest, and it's all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

Hard experience and close calls from the field led my guest Tom Fiumarello to suggest we do a show on how dogs are affected by hot weather. Tom is a pro guide and shooting instructor who has seen the risks and indications of a dog verging on life-threatening heat illness.

We'll cover symptoms, preventive care, products that could help, and what you should watch for in the field. I asked listeners to chime in too, and got some creative and hard-won advice from how to cool off a dog, to where to put alcohol (not in your mouth, silly - rubbing alcohol!).

Tom shares his sporting-clays course design experience and advice, relates recent ruffed grouse hunts too.

Hunting stories, dazzling dog work described, a chance to win a Peet boot dryer, and it's brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Consummate quail chaser Rashawn Gordon joins me to explain his opening weekend philosophy, the current state of bird populations in Arizona, and to talk all things Southwest: his past and current season's high- and low-lights, dog and shooting safety, strategy, the habitat and scenery. We share camaraderie in the field, training, share some predator stories, and revel in the incredible world we dwell in: following dogs into the fields and forests.

Is there a place for "baby talk" in dog handling? We'll answer that question too. I'll also share your own insights on what you learned last weekend ... opening weekend for many. From your hunting buddy to bird behavior.

You'll also get a chance to win a Peet boot dryer, and it's all brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

One of the pioneers of bird hunting television and good friend Dez Young joins me in this remastered episode from way back when nobody was listening - yet. You'll enjoy his insights on puppy raising, get behind-the-camera insights, and learn more about his fascinating multi-dimensional life.

I'll also clue you into a place in Nevada with plenty of public access for chukars and valley quail, and give you a shot at winning a Peet boot dryer in the "Upland Nation Puzzler" quiz (message me at Facebook with your answer).

Brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

My music-school buddy Dave and I debrief our opening weekend in Northern Nevada ... wild chukars and valley quail, rugged ground, some pretty good dog work, and better shooting than usual from this guy! We talk habitat, tactics, eye-melting scenery, strategies, and keep our music insider chat to a minimum :)

You'll also get a chance to win a Peet boot dryer, find out how dogs warn us - sort of, and everyone chimes in on their own opening weekend - if they had one!

Brought to you by:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.