Upland Nation

Bird dog training - on a hunting trip? Why not? Here's how.

If you're like me, the um, standard of excellence you expect from your dog (and he from you) has devolved since opening day. That got me thinking: why can't we train our dogs during a hunt, or a hunting season? Well, you can. You may not do as much, or as frequently, but there are a ton of things you can do to help your dog stay on his "A" game during a hunt. I'll offer some suggestions.
I'll also get a bunch of related observations and suggestions off my chest that might help you finish the hunting season on a high note. Simple stuff, things you haven't thought about for a while, or never knew.
"Handle It" might help your dog avoid a broken toe; and we find out who does and doesn't wear eye and ear protection in the field.
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 Wingshooting USA TV airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Pro bird dog trainer "re-shapes" our thinking on how dogs think, use of e-collars

Talmage Smedly joins me for an in-depth conversation on why dogs do what they do and how we can guide them. He calls on his horse training experience as well as a different perspective on how e-collars and commands in general can be used. If you're looking for a new way of working with your dog, he's got it.
We'll cover his views on how to use an e-collar, what instincts shape a young dog, using a leash and checkcord, and the advantages of "positive punishment," among other things. He'll help us fix some of our steadiness and retrieving problems too.
Listener Keith Friel offers another reason to run two dogs together in the field, and "Handle It" is a plea for more leashes, tie-out stakes and crates.
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.

Thanksgiving reflections from you on birds, dogs, friends, family and beautiful places ... and a tech tip

You are one lucky so-and-so. Great dog, friends in the field, tolerant spouse, incredible hunting spots. This soon-to-be annual podcast celebrates it all as we give thanks for everything to do with bird hunting.
Your comments, ideas, photos, add to the season's wonderment, warm feelings, and fuel our constant state of gratitude. But I'll also offer a tech tip that might be of use to you on your next road trip.
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 Wingshooting USA TV airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

30-year pro grouse guide on what makes him smile, beautiful places and the joy of newness

Tim Linehan guides forest grouse hunters ... in Montana. He's been an Orvis-endorsed outfitters for over 30 years chasing ruffies, duskies, blues, sooties ... or whatever they're calling the critters these days. He'll share strategies, including how to start a hunt; tactics when a dog points; shooting advice and habitat types for each species. We also share stories on the joys of bird hunting from good shots to young dogs, and the real reasons we hunt.
Great tips from a couple listeners on dog emergencies and how to avoid them; "Handle It" covers a question from Neil Higgins of Minnesota on a young dog's steadiness.
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 Wingshooting USA TV airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Bird hunting "Industry Insiders" spill the beans on boots and choke tubes

We talk with two leaders in their categories: Scott Trulock of Trulock Choke Tubes and Mark Strickland of Crispi US about their products, new gear in the pipeline, trends in their space, and the care and feeding of our boots and shotguns. Whether you're shopping for new stuff or simply want to take better care of your current gear, they've got advice.
We'll also look at some of your beautiful photos from the field and in "Handle It" I'll offer a way to warm up your pup after a cold day in the field.
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 Wingshooting USA TV airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Bottle & Mic edition: chukar opener debrief from the field ... 3 friends, 3 dogs and a few more birds

Join my friends Dave and Tom on our somewhat-annual gathering in the desert of southeast Oregon for the chukar and valley quail season opener. In what's become an informal reunion of new and old friends we reminisce on old dogs, an epic opening weekend, some foibles and incredible hunting. Trigger warning: there's a lot of philosophizing, too. 
But somewhere among the joking and joshing are lessons on why we hunt, what dogs do to us - and for us - and even a tip or two.
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 Wingshooting USA TV airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

BONUS: Hunt like a Ninja with 30 tips on stealth & sneakiness for public-access birds

BONUS EPISODE: How's your season going? Not finding - let alone hitting - enough birds? Well I've compiled a pile of suggestions and observations that might help, especially if you're hunting walk-in and public ground. Often, being a bit sneakier, subtle and deliberate will get you closer to a better shot. From pre-hunt preparation to approaching a dog on point, here are 30 or so things I've learned the hard way so you don't have to.
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 Wingshooting USA TV airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Pro guide & trainer on chukar hunting, gear, training and tactics

My former neighbor and current friend Tim Curry of Central Oregon Sporting Dog brings me up to speed on neighborhood news and a lot of practical advice on dog training and chukar hunting. From introducing gun fire, to introducing birds to a pup, what chukars really eat and where they go, to introducing an electronic training collar the right way, he's got things figured out.
Tim also has some hard-won advice on getting a dog in the "Handle It" segment, and listeners offer tips on what to bring in your truck on a hunting trip.
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 Wingshooting USA TV airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.