Upland Nation

Don't panic, no e-collar for you, just an argument for you getting deeper into the dog training process before, during and after you get your pup back from a pro trainer. In fact this guy says you may need more training than your four-footed partner. Talmage Smedley has suggestions on how to look - differently - at how your dog learns, then adjust your training approach accordingly. A look inward wouldn't hurt, either.
Open your mind, ask yourself a few questions, and your dog might perform as well in the middle of the season as he did when you brought him home from the trainer.
Listeners share their unique takes on early-season hunts, and in "Fix It" we help a listener find training birds.
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.
 

Why we go ... what we're grateful for, and why. Listeners share their own thoughts, new and classic, and I'll help with a few reasons of my own.
If you're looking for more reasons to go hunting, here they are.
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge, where you'll get special freebies and gifts for every booking (learn more here).
[Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]

Got a good hunting dog? Prove it by passing the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association's new Gun Dog Test. This is a practical exam in all things a journeyman hunting dog needs to master the field and water.
NAVHDA Director of Testing Dan Wittman outlines the origins of this test, replacing the Utility Preparatory Test, explaining the components and why it's become so popular in its first year. We'll cover every aspect, and how it differs from other tests in the NAVHDA system, then delve into some hunting and training tips.
We'll cover some warm-weather dog care tips, talk a little sharptail and desert quail, too.
"Fix It" suggests a solution to what you might consider an obedience problem in the field (it's not), and listeners share their post-hunt celebrations.
And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

From his experience as a military K9 handler, training and showing dogs of all stripes, to authoring multiple books on the topics, Dr. Cartrell Cooper knows a lot more about how a dog thinks than we'll ever know. I caught him between seminars at Pheasant Fest to explore his unique methods and thought process on everything from motivating your dog, to how and why he reacts to everyday behaviors we exhibit and situations he'll encounter from gunfire to birds.
"Fix It" offers a water-finding tip for your online mapping app, and listeners tell us where they're going on opening day.
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. 
 

On a recent visit to Heartland Lodge in Illinois, I cornered the new-ish owner Tim Duoos, and communications manager Zach Jumps and peppered them with questions about the facility. From how they earned an Orvis endorsement, to maintaining great habitat, we'll get the lowdown from an insider's perspective.
We also dig into how we should shop for, and what our expectations should be from, a hunting lodge. Whether you're heading for an entry-level preserve or planning for the trip-of-a-lifetime, you'll be better prepared after our talk.
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge, where you'll get special freebies and gifts for every booking (learn more here).
[Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]

Four of my friends call in with on-the-ground reports from the upper Midwest, Arizona, Utah and Oregon. What they've learned could help you as the season progresses - from habitat to hatch reports, strategies to tactics for quail, chukars, Huns, pheasants, ruffies, blues, and woodcock.
"Fix It" helps your shooting ... and listeners share their "big trip" memories and photos.
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.

A wealth of information ... that's the only way to describe Al Gadoury, Montana pro guide and owner of 6X Outfitters in Lewistown. I've learned from Al in the field, and you'll learn from him right here. We'll cover everything you need to know about hunting late-season pheasants. From habitat changes to food sources, strategies from blockers to unloading the truck, Al has wisdom built on a foundation of thousands of miles in the field. 
We'll cover dog health and safety in the cold, shooting advice and more on this must-listen episode for everyone chasing upland birds.
"Fix It" answers Brett's question about a dog that won't give up a retrieved bird, and listeners share their photos of beautiful places - one of the reasons we hunt. If you want to see those photos, go here.
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.

Not that kind of high! Instead, how altering your altitude might help you take more accurate shots. This time of the season, all your faults and flaws are piling up, including keeping track of your dog and missing birds on the wing.
I know a thing or two about both and will share some of the lessons I've learned that might help you get better shots and find your dog in the distance or underbrush ... no mind-altering substances allowed!
And because so many asked, here again is the link (all lists are in this master list): Ultimate Upland Checklist
Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo code CG10) and Heartland Lodge (goodies, check-in gifts, early bird specials ... details here.)