Upland Nation

Why are bobwhite numbers so dismal? What can we do? What is Quail Forever doing? Why can't we simply plant more birds? Those are some of the questions I ask Southeast Regional Director of Quail Forever, Tim Caughran.
Tim has answers to all those, and many more, as we dive deep into quail behavior and biology, habitat, and why butterfly-hugger are critical partners. Tim offers up a tip on where to find wild bobwhites on public land, what kind of cover is your best bet, how to find hidden quail hangouts, and some hunting strategies.
Plus, advice on puppy shopping and intel gathering, and where to go in a pheasant state that doesn't have the initials SD.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Listener Preston Fulmer suggested we talk about sporting literature and we got to it this week with guest Glen Blackwood. Glen authors a column for Upland Almanac magazine, reviews books for the Ruffed Grouse Society, and is a book dealer himself.
For Glen, it started on Christmas morning, when he would often find a vintage first edition under the tree.
We start comparing the psyches of fly anglers and wingshooters, then explore great writers of the past and why Glen thinks we should read them; then, on to contemporary authors who are up-and-coming, their titles, and why Glen things they’re so good.
We talk about “wildness” and why it fuels so much of our literary legacy as well as our own pursuits. We get advice on finding and buying first editions, and reasons not to. We learn why story collections are great “samplers” of genres and authors.
We also share some your best shooting tips, learn some warnings and prevention tips for your dog’s arthritis, and outline some less-common places to stay on your public-access hunting trips.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

We go behind the curtain at Upland Almanac magazine, talking with publisher John Gosselin and Tom Carney, editor. From how cover paintings are chosen, to how any good writer professional or not, can get his story in ... writing tips to the economics and mechanics of getting a magazine off the press and in your hands.
Our wide-ranging discussion also covers bird dogs and hunting, writers and artists we should follow, and a few things we three might regret!
We'll look at public-access quail in Georgia, and listeners and readers suggest gear they won't leave without, and safety equipment that could save your dog's life.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Change your way of thinking and you'll have a happier dog working at his peak. Alec Sparks of Snowbound Kennels has trained dogs for almost three decades and his approach has evolved with the times. His unique approach to how dogs think and how we should think as a result is worth listening to, whether you've got a new pup or an old dog you're teaching new tricks.
Using operant conditioning, marking, rewards of various types, and minimizing the traditional reliance on compulsion, he believes dogs learn faster, retain better, and thus excel in the field.
We take a look at listeners' favorite dog names, and discover a new way to scout for new hunting areas, too.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Some things you know, some you don’t. But you will, after listening to this special edition of the Upland Nation podcast. “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it,” so the saying goes. And when it comes to this bird’s origins – and especially it’s future – the more we know, the better.
It seems like every “expert” has useful insights: guides, biologists, conservation leaders, your hunting buddy. But there are many dark, unexplored corners of the bird’s origins, lifestyle, and behavior. We’ll learn how they got here, what is being done – and not done – to help them, we’ll dig into threats to them, and the threats they pose to other birds.
With luck, you’ll pick up something that makes you a better hunter, and conservationist.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Seventeen helpful observations from Scott's decades of stealing other people's ideas - from guides and outfitters, hunting friends, and strangers encountered in the field. These are ideas you can take for your own, share with your friends.
From dog training tips to shooting advice, hunting strategy and tactics, and even care and feeding of your dog and your human friends. Want the entire list? Go here.
Plus, using motion to help your dog understand you, and schmoozing the gatekeepers of public-access lands.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Breeder, trainer, former field-trialer Mark Fulmer of Sarahsetter Kennels outlines his rationale for a puppy training program that begins the moment a dog's eyes open. Brain training, utilizing instinct, and some operant conditioning ideas all combine to leverage the massive growth in a pup's brain in the early weeks to make a good dog great.
An unusual tool to introduce gunfire, why feeding quail to a pup builds prey drive, unique tools and gear, and a ton of insights into the why of puppy training are all part of the discussion. The "Handle It" segment covers feeding for maximum in-field stamina, and our public access feature covers a less-known South Dakota location.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Forest grouse ... in Montana? We've got the inside story on ruffs, blues, and dusky grouse and how to hunt them, no matter where you are. Strategy and tactics, how to handle a dog in the deep woods, bird behavior, it's all part of our discussion. Gear and habitat, bells or beepers, we'll cover it all.
The "Handle It" segment covers an oft-forgotten pro trainer attribute we can all emulate, and our public-access segment touches on the unsung state of Oklahoma and bobwhite quail.
.. and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner.