Upland Nation

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.