Upland Nation

Come along on a journey, with input from many listeners and readers, on the lessons we've learned. Sometimes later than sooner, but all apply this coming season.
We'll also touch on a few practical aspects you'll want to consider, lessons learned the hard way so you don't have to.
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo code CG10) and Sage & Braker.

"High intensity" is how author and passionate chukar hunter describes his chosen sport. He should know, he's been doing it long enough to acquire a unique perspective and plenty of wisdom which he shares with us all. He's the author of A Chukar Hunter's Companion, the definitive book on the topic, and roams the high desert all season in search of, well, listen for yourself if you're in need of motivation or inspiration.
We'll explore his past season, the reasons for strong bird populations, and his "Laws of Chukar Physics," rules to live - and hunt - by. We'll talk best habitat, strategy for handling dogs and birds, and where snow fits into the equation. Pat offers how-to tips and tactics on dog care and training, what birds do on the flush, and more.
"Fix It" covers an old-school data source for wild bird hunters in search of more access; and listeners have a spirited debate on the merits and downsides of "force training" a dog to retrieve ... with some fascinating viewpoints that could change your mind.
You get a chance to win a HiViz sight or four-pack of Pointer shotguns in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.
And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

My friend Eric Thompson moved to Montana for one thing: bird hunting. We benefit from his experiences since, with advice on finding new places to hunt, and a few strategies and tactics for the field. We learn about the highs and lows of owning - and losing - dogs, and how to help newcomers explore our sport.
We'll debrief Eric's past season in multiple states, with some highlights and a few stories. "Fix It" has an unusual source of new hunting spots, and readers thank their bird-hunting and dog-training mentors.
You get a chance to win a four-pack of Pointer shotguns or HiViz sight and a range bag from Sage & Braker (value over $200 total) in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.
And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

"It ain't over 'til it's over" ... so said baseball player-philosopher Yogi Berra. It's true in bird hunting, too. Once your dog stands a bird, there are a lot of things you can do right - or wrong - to conclude the transaction successfully with a bird on the ground. It's what you want, but just as important, it's what your dog wants, isn't it?
I'll cover five places in the hunt (okay, one is before the hunt) when doing something differently - better - ups your odds. From hardware, to human software, handling to shooting, these lessons I learned the hard way may help you.
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Purina Pro Plan Sport dog food.
[Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.)

The talented team of Tom and Tina Dokken is well-known for dog training expertise and the iconic Dead Fowl Trainer, but Tina has an additional calling: bringing more women into bird hunting. She offers advice on everything from how women learn differently than men, and what we can do as spouses or partners to motivate and educate newcomers.
We'll get tips and tactics on everything from dog training to shooting, some resources for new hunters, along with insights on what NOT to do when helping a newcomer. "Fix It" suggests using stealth to become better shooters, and listeners offer one-sentence's-worth of advice to new dog trainers.
You get a chance to win a four-pack of Pointer shotguns, or a HiViz sight and Sage & Braker range bag, valued at over $200 total in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.
And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer Shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Ruth Weiss is a senior judge in the NAVHDA testing system as well as an active handler with 74 dogs tested including two versatile champions. She's seen it all and will share her insights on everything from steadiness to retrieving (advice for all levels), introducing a pup to water, and how and when to use praise. She's also an avid bird hunter and offers insights on handling a dog in the field as well as a peek into the world of Mearns quail. Her upbeat attitude is contagious and springs from a love of dogs and how they think.
"Fix It" suggests one time when praise is the wrong thing to provide, and listeners chip in with the bird species they hunted most last season.
You get a chance to win a free day of private land hunting from LandTrust.com, value $150 in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.
And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Here's the third episode of the new, bi-weekly bonus programs doing a deep dive into single topics, inspirational stories, hunting adventures and special people. 
Delving deep, we philosophize about the value of hunting by yourself. Okay, with your dog, of course, but nobody else. Free, unencumbered, and a chance to explore your inner self. I'll weigh the advantages vs. the drawbacks and hope you agree it's a worthy path to follow sometimes.
I'll also touch on a few practical aspects you'll want to consider if you go it alone.
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Purina Pro Plan Sport dog food.

Are pricey bespoke guns worth their stratospheric prices? My friend and Field & Stream's shotgun editor Phil Bourjaily has an answer and he should know. He's been writing on the subject for decades and now we get the lowdown. Phil also shares what he looks for (and so should we) when buying any shotgun, the joys and limitations of heavy and light guns, grouse hunting with a Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel, and the real reason shotguns were originally engraved.
We'll also cover Phil's hunting season, reminisce about some dogs, and get sound advice on hunting strategy. "Fix It" covers a way to dial down your dog's energy level to make training more productive, and listeners offer suggestions for our reading list in honor of World Book Day.
You get a chance to win a four-pack of Pointer shotguns or HiViz sight and a range bag from Sage & Braker (value over $200 total) in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.
And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.