Upland Nation

Feeling nostalgic, I wax poetic on some of the things that made last season's opener so memorable. From friends to dog work, new country and a broken bone or two, here are some recollections that might spur a few of your own.
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.

I've compiled my notes, advice from friends and a ton of pro guides' advice into a how-to, where-to, why-to tutorial on the sharptailed grouse. I'll cover the states with huntable populations, habitat, food sources, hunting strategy and tactics, and a few hunting stories.
From history (cavemen to Custer), to public access, to shooting, to which dogs are ideal (most of the time), I've got some background and suggestions. I'll explain what I consider the two differing sharptail seasons, and there's a TV story or two, and horses were involved. It's a fun and extensive look at one of the few native game birds we can still hunt!
We'll end with a grand tour of my favorite sharpie hunting regions.
In the social media segment, we trade advice on keeping a pointing dog steady in the face of wild, hinky birds.
And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
 
 

Be prepared, the Boy Scouts say. Here's your chance - with a reprise of a very popular subject:
I hope it never happens to you - that eerie silence when you hoped to hear collar tags jingling, knowing your dog is well and truly lost. Or, he limps back, bleeding. As the season gets into full swing, what better than to prepare for each of these situations?
I'll offer a four-step strategy for finding your dog, from preparation to gear, to starting your search. There may be something there that will help you, based on my own experiences over the years.
Then, what's in my dog-care kit? I'll cover the stuff I carry in my vest that will help him continue to hunt, or stabilize him for a trip to the veterinarian. It's a simple, basic set of tools that'll take care of most in-field emergencies, from cactus spines to bee stings and barbed-wire cuts.
"Handle It" is all about fueling your four-footed hunting buddy - what works for me and why (I think!). Maybe there's something in it for you and your dog.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV now airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

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.