Upland Nation

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.

Plus, your own suggestions on essential gear for your next hunt ... a chance to win a boot dryer, bird forecasts for Nevada and Missouri, too.
I'll share stories of how I learned many of these tricks, suggest some ways to make your hunting trips more enjoyable, memorable, safe, and productive. No shooting tips! Why would I have anything to offer there?
Brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

My boots, their ground ... I tip you to the four states that in my experience offer the best access, most wild birds, and an incredible total bird hunting experience. If you're looking for new country for this season, here's a good place to start. From bird species, general locations,terrain and habitats, towns to headquarter in, nightlife and culture too.
News on wildlife refuge hunting, pheasant numbers for Nebraska, and a chance to win a prize just for listening.
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.

Start the season with a bang ... maybe a double!
"This Land is Your Land," and this primer on finding public access hunting grounds will take you from nowhere to unexplored (by you) territory that might become your favorite spot. From online and IRL information sources, to the people and apps that can help you find walk-in land and the birds you and your dog love to pursue.
A few warnings about who you can and can't trust or don't want to piss off (bureaucrats), whether you should trust your mobile mapping app (NO) and the main reason you should exploit every information source you can.
Then, don't leave home without it: the ultimate "10 Essentials." Call it a survival kit if you like, but these must-have, must-carry lifesavers should be in every hunter's vest.
And a chance to win a Peet boot dryer too!
Brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

My recent foray to public lands near Lewistown was enlightening and exciting. A celebration of wild birds, camaraderie, and wonderful dog work, I'll give you a brief rundown on what we saw, did, and shot ... plus tips on sharpie hunting strategy and tactics, habitat and the amenities available in the area.
We'll flank quivering pointing dogs, celebrate the wildest of wild, and revel in the big sky, get practical on important details and explore the Block Management Access system.
There's news on job openings in our world, plus pheasant population guesstimates from North Dakota and Kansas.
Brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.