Upland Nation

The Monks of New Skete revolutionized dog training with their million-selling books The Art of Raising a Puppy, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, and Let Dogs Be Dogs. Their newest book is The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar. Co-authored with Marc Goldberg, it may take hunting dog training to the next level. The insightful way the monks are using e-collars will change your thinking - for the better.
I have the first and only interview in the bird-dog world, with authors Brother Christopher and Marc Goldberg. The book debuted last week, and is now available wherever books are sold.
We'll also cover everything from how a dog thinks, week-by-week "lessons," why dogs do what they do, critical commands and what we should all do - and not do - when training.
There's a suggestion for walk-in public hunting in Central Kansas, too.
It's all brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; Happy Jack, 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 for your Gunner Kennel.

The National Wild Pheasant Conservation Plan has existed since 2016 ... administered by Pheasants Forever and coordinator Scott Taylor, Ph.D. So, how's it working? Scott reports on the current status of the plan, wins and losses, challenges to its implementation, and what's in store for the future of this mega-project.
But Scott also knows pheasants inside and out, and offers advice and suggestions on bird behavior, good and lesser-known habitat types we should explore, how to hunt hard-pressured ground, tactics and strategies to help you become a better hunter.
There's also a public-access tip for late season, and hard-won advice on what you train your dog for and why.
It's all brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; Happy Jack, 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 for your Gunner Kennel.

Threats to the recently-enacted Great American Outdoors Act and how they would affect wild bird hunters ... just one of the topics as I interview Land Tawney, president & CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, one of our newest conservation groups. We dig into the Act, how it will benefit bird hunters, why it was such a watershed for public lands, and the access it will provide hunters to new and existing publicly-owned lands.
We talk about the fast-growing group, their goals, accomplishments, challenges, how "experienced" hunters are informally mentoring younger members, and why bird hunters fit the "backcountry" definition.
There's also some public-access suggestions for Northeastern grouse hunters, and a real-life reason to use your hands for good, not discipline, on your dog.
It's all brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; Happy Jack, 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 for your Gunner Kennel.

Keep more money in your wallet for the important stuff: ammo, dog food, fuel, beer! Our Facebook friends, hunting buddies and my own recollections are on the table, with the goal of saving you money this weekend.
You'll get tips for travel, lodging, gear, and hunting hacks that might save you enough for an extra trip. Plus, the first step toward a successful "tailgate inspection," and the one thing we probably neglect when it comes to staying safe in the field.
It's all brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; Happy Jack, 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 for your Gunner Kennel.

30 years, public land, wild birds, lodges and walk-in hunting in 26 states ... I've learned a bit about traveling for a hunt, and share much of it here. From organizing gear, to dog care and feeding, to finding public access, let me save you from frustration, make things more productive and fun.
From getting along in hunting country, what to take and why, where to "air" your dogs, and how being a nice guy in a country store might pay off ... it's all in this podcast. There are easily 50 tips that will come in handy for you or your dog ... or your hunting friend.
Plus, the gear I carry in my vest for my dog; and how to drive considerately in the country.
It's all brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; Happy Jack, 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 for your Gunner Kennel.

Gun Dog magazine columnist, pro dog trainer, avid hunter, and now novelist, Dave Carty has a lot to say. Getting your dog across the training finish line, to favorite dog breeds and bird species, must-have gear, why big runners aren't the be-all and end-all, he's got considered opinions based on decades of experience.
Dave's new novel, Leaves on Frozen Ground, is making waves in the world of fiction, and while it's not about bird hunting, it does feature a few dogs here and there. It's available here.
Dave has an announcement to make as well, that will be of interest to everyone who's read his magazine column ... or will read his novel! Plus, some late-season warmer publicly-accessible destinations to hunt when your own state's season is closed, all brought to you by these sponsors:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; Happy Jack, 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.

Every time I talk about chukars ... in magazines, on TV, or social media, people are intrigued. So, it's about time to drill down deep on alectoris chukar: habitat, strategies & tactics, where to hunt, dogs, culture, history. If you've ever thought about pursuing the devil bird, here's your introduction.
Cautions, hard-won advice, suggestions on shooting and dog care, what to bring and how to find them are also covered, based on my experience in five different states hunting the wildest birds in the wildest places over 30 years.
You'll also get some starting points for your own chukar odyssey, and help with getting your dog to recall better.
It's 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.

Everything you wanted to know about hunting cocker spaniels ... and much more. From insights into the devolution of old-school hunt clubs, to his experience with Richard Wolters, Hall of Famer Jerry Ray Cacchio has opinions and observations. Gun Dog magazine columnist, consultant, trainer, judge, hunter, Cacchio gives us advice on picking a dog, conformation, subtle differences between Springers and cockers, aspects of flusher training and how it's different for spaniels versus retrievers and pointers.
Critical gear, essential commands, the biggest mistakes we make, how to plant birds for flushers, and why most of us mis-use an e-collar on the little dogs are all part-and-parcel of Jerry's unique perspective.
Plus, a wild-bird-hunting challenge, 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.