Upland Nation

Phil Puckorius and Dominic Grossi are avid hunters and the chief and assistant chief instructors for the National Sporting Clays Association ... who better to help us hit more birds? They've got theory and practice to share ... from "reading" the bird in flight to shotgun fit, foot position to a version of "follow-through" that actually works.
We go into the deep woods for shooting tactics on ruffies and woodcock, and sit in a duck blind for a bit. Phil and Dom offer practice strategies for bird hunters at the range, too. Where does a mirror fit into your shooting success? You'll have to listen.
"Fix It" helps you take control once a bird is pointed, and listeners and viewers chime in on their longest road trips.
You can watch the video version of this podcast on Field & Stream TV Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. eastern/7:30 p.m. Pacific on any smart TV, Roku, and other streaming services.
And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, ClayCopter, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com. 

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride ... Huron plays second fiddle to many of the marquee pheasant hunting towns in South Dakota. But that's one reason it should be on your shopping list: less attention means fewer hunters. Add a mixed bag and massive number of public-access acres, and you might want to take a look
Here's my admittedly-biased perspective on a town I've visited a lot, hunting for work and play. 
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

He runs twice as far as you walk ... and he does it barefoot. Taking care of your bird dog's feet ensures a great day in the field and a long, problem-free season. I'll share advice from veterinarians and my own and friends' experience preparing our dog's feet for hunting season.
I'll offer my personal perspective on "toughening" pads, and what to use for "boots."
And once you're out there, I'll outline some things you should do before, during and after the hunt to keep him firing on all eight cylinders and all four paws. Identifying injuries, when to call it a day, what to watch for, how to fix common problems are all on the table. We'll talk about keeping pads supple, nail trimming, and more.
Viewers and listeners share the mileage they'll drive on their first-day-of-the-season hunt, and "Fix It" shows you where to look if you want to hit more birds in the field. 
And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Get ready now - listen again to this hard-won advice:
Knot-tying to breaking up a dog fight ... these are essential capabilities you will be glad you have at some point in your hunting career. You might know some of them, but probably not all of them. Or, if you DO, this is your nudge to teach them to someone else! Taking photos, staying warm, getting found (or not getting lost!), this knowledge comes in handy every day.
"Road Trip" covers two pheasant states without "Dakota" in their name.
And it's all brought to you by:
Sage & BraMid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From the deep woods to the dusty desert, Mark Nissen knows game birds. Orvis-endorsed guide of the year, he and his Classic Bird Hunts outfitting team chases ruffies, woodcock, and all three desert quail in Wisconsin and Arizona. In our wide-ranging chat, Mark covers best habitat, bird behavior, and relates an inspiring highlight from last season. 
We also talk strategies for elusive scaled quail, shooting advice for grouse hunters, and helping your dog adjust to a new type of cover and bird species. We'll get the latest information on bird populations, and learn about a lesser-known bird-hunting state he's exploring for his guide clients. What are we doing wrong when you shoot at a grouse? Mark will tell us. Shopping for a good guide? He'll have tips. What essential aren't you carrying in your vest? He's got a suggestion. 
You'll enjoy every aspect of this motivating conversation with a sincere, knowledgeable pro whose goal in life is ensuring we have a good time on a hunt.
"Fix It" helps you put wood to wood when shooting, and listeners and viewers share their own retrieving bumper ideas and suggestions.
And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

If you're still planning your big trips for the season, I've got some suggestions. Here's a list and brief reasons why you might want to consider these five states for your destination. 
I've weighed my personal experience, quality of walk-in and public land access, number of acres available to bird hunters, and a few other criteria to assemble a "top five" list. Yours may be different, but if you're looking for a new place, new bird species, or different terrain here are some starting points.
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.] with additional support from USA Clay Target League, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You want more, you got it in this reprise of a highly-rated interview:
Grouse, woodcock, training during the hunt, and a short history of Gordon Setters ... those are the topics in my conversation with Stephen Faust, pro grouse and woodcock guide, dog trainer and breeder, and avid hunter. We'll also cover a typical guide's day in the field, how we can be better guide clients, and dog training tips. 
We'll track a woodcock's day - where it hangs, what it eats and even how professionals like Stephen tag chicks in the spring. We'll look at habitat and habits, and dog handling for these wily birds. Then, into the grouse woods for insights into some lesser-known prime food sources, cover types, and habitat needs from opening day to winter. 
"Fix It" offers a useful web source for finding birds, and listeners (a lot of them) weigh in on "Do beeper collars scare birds?" You'll take something useful away from that discussion!
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.

Orvis-endorsed guide Michael Browning of Grouse Haven Wing-Shooting takes us into the Maine woods for a tutorial on all things ruffies and timberdoodles. From the birds' daily schedule to good habitat types, he's got decades of experience in the deep woods.
Well, not so deep. That's one thing we'll learn about habitat. We also explore how to handle our dogs in the forest, being a good guide client, bird behavior, finding public ground, and get a few dog-training insights.
"Fix It" reminds us of another important date for walk-in hunters, and listeners share their "lightbulb people" ... the ones who started their bird-hunting adventure and why.
And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.