Upland Nation

You know him as the editor emeritus of Gun Dog magazine, but Rick Van Etten has an alter ego: novelist. And his new novel's protagonist has one too: murder-for-hire, when he's not bird hunting. This new book has something for everyone: dog lovers, hunters, mystery fans. Get the full story here, plus advice on helping your older gun dog, from an expert.
 
The "Handle It" segment asks if mandated face masks confuse your dog ... our public access feature targets Idaho sharptailed grouse. And there's a chance to win a Pointer shotgun.
 
All brought to you by these sponsors:
 
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and financing on your Gunner Kennel.

Former pro football player, strength and conditioning coach, hunter, Lab owner, Mark Paulsen now devotes his considerable energy to WildernessAthlete.com. His supplements and other products were originally conceived to help hunters perform better under the stresses they encountered in the field.
Now, he's helping our four-footed friends achieve peak performance, too. From hydration to nutrition, exercise to performance psychology, Mark has advice of all types for those of us who put one foot in front of the other in pursuit of game birds - and bird dogs.
We cover the two critical exercises for bird hunters, timing of supplements and what to look for in nutritional products, how they work, how you and your dog can better recover for a second-day hunt.
Plus, "This Land is Your Land" helps you narrow down your chukar-hunting search, and in the "Handle It" segment, how where you train is as important as what you train, and of course, a chance to win a Pointer shotgun.
All brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and financing on your Gunner Kennel.

Kelly Jobes of Bone Point Kennels has been breeding, training, testing and hunting German Wirehaired Pointers for two decades, living the chukar hunting life even longer! His hard-earned advice will help you become a better hunter no matter what kind of bird you're chasing.
From puppy care and socialization to physical fitness for the both of you, shooting tips, and where to start your chukar hunt, Kelly knows of what he speaks. Save yourself time, effort, frustration and energy with some of his tips.
Plus, when to give a command or praise and why, and travel tips that could help you keep your dog "found" and of course, a chance to win a Pointer shotgun.
All brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping on your Gunner Kennel.
 

Andy McCormick, executive vice president of marketing and sales at Legacy Sports brings us up to speed on why the firearms business is booming - and what might change that. Tips on buying, trends, what's hot in shotgun gauges and styles ... all from a guy with 40 years' experience in the industry.
Legacy's brands include Pointer shotguns and Howa rifles, among others.
We also talk hunting dogs and valley quail, the most common gun-care problem his warranty department gets, and how the current virus and political situation might affect our hunting season.
Plus, why sunglasses might put a kibosh on your dog training success, public-access hunting in New Mexico and of course, a chance to win a Pointer shotgun.
All brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and financing on your Gunner Kennel.

Your calls on the joys, trials and tribulations of a new hunting partner ... from feeding and training, to care and of course PUPPY BREATH.
I'll talk with first-time puppy owners, seasoned veterans, pro breeders, and get some positive, upbeat stories from owners of cuddly, cute Weimaraners, Setters, spaniels, shorthairs and even a Lab cross!
Plus advice on jump-starting your dog-training regimen, planning your public-land, DIY hunt, and of course, a chance to win a Pointer shotgun.
All brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping on your Gunner Kennel.

Brian Koch is the founder of UltimateUpland.com, a website dedicated to upland hunting and even some philosophical matters related to dogs, birds, hunters, and conservation. He'll share his thoughts on a variety of topics, some of which need sayin' even if they're not quite PC. WARNING: If you're an REI member, bird watcher or fan of birdie body piles, prepare to be butt-hurt.
Plus, a short primer on snowcock hunting, some fitness advice, and as always, a public-access "catalog" of lesser-know spots, advice on dog training and simulating game bird behavior with your pigeons, and of course, a chance to win a Pointer shotgun.
All brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping on your Gunner Kennel.

In this edition of the bird hunting podcast, I go pocket-by-pocket through my own hunting vest. Somewhere in that mess is something you forgot, wish you had, gotta get, or never thought to bring. Take it all, and 1) you'll soon be in better shape because it's heavy; 2) you'll hunt harder, longer, safer, and so will your dog.
From ammo to zippers and everything in between, here's the stuff I take on every hunt ... and why. Plus, some of the hard-earned lessons on why I bring that gear now, and wish I had in years past.
Plus, a public-access hunting spot or two in Texas, advice on thinking like a dog to train better, and of course, a chance to win a Pointer shotgun.
All brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and financing on your Gunner Kennel.

I'll address two of the most-discussed topics I hear from YOU, offering tips and advice from hard-won personal experience and experts who've been there and done that. From a hasty search for your dog, to preventive tactics you can use to keep your hunting buddy found ... some tried-and-true methods are outlined.
New hunters are critical to the survival of the sport ... and the resource. Find out why, then let's talk about how to identify and recruit newcomers. (Hint: the best prospects are just like you.) Many of you already take a newcomer hunting every season, so thank you. For those who don't - yet - here are some ways to make it easy and fun for both parties.
In the "This Land is Your Land" segment, learn a few ways to save money on public-access, D-I-Y road trips. And in the "Handle It" segment, learn why pointing and steadiness is only instinctive for a moment ... then it's your responsibility!
All brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); win a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and financing on your Gunner Kennel.