Upland Nation

Bird hunting podcast: Trial champ says some birds, some bird dogs, sometimes? Public access hunting spot, your regrets

We dig into the "why" of dog training ... deeply ... in addition to some of the "how's" in this interview with Jordan Horak, champion spaniel field trialer, and developer of the Cato Platform.
We go from cockers versus springers, to why a dog should master skills within a 10-foot radius first. We learn how and why a dog goes off the rails when confronted with distance, birds, new environments and gunfire. What motivates a dog at various ages, why birds are not the ultimate "reward" (sometimes), and generally why being more of a "dog listener" is often a better approach to training our hunting partners.
The Upland Nation Glossary hits the letter "L," we take a road trip to Wisconsin for public-access hunting, and you tell us who you wish you'd hunted with one more time.
Please visit our sponsors:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird hunting: who trains better - men or women? Pro trainer’s insights on spaniels, ”dog whispering,” and a public access destination too!

Why women make the best bird-dog trainers ... and other wisdom from a long-time trainer, trialer, judge and hunter Jerry Ray Cacchio. He's the Gun Dog magazine "Flush" columnist, too, and we'll cover everything from thinking like a dog to why so many trials gunners wait too long to pull the trigger.
While we celebrate flushing breeds, much of what Cacchio says is valuable to any bird dog trainer and hunter. Use of e-collars, keeping a dog close, training tips and hunting advice are all part of a fascinating discussion with this spaniel guru.
The Upland Nation Glossary hits letter "K," and we cover your comments on what to do when your dog trespasses. Plus, the new "Road Trip" feature puts another public-access wild bird destination on your map.
Please visit our sponsors:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

First bird dog or next? Some gentle suggestions and observations before you write that check

"I want one just like yours!" is the most common email I get about dogs. My response might surprise you.
I've gunned for, trained with, marshalled tests for, hunted for fun and on TV, and simply hung out with hundreds of hunting dogs of most breeds. Is mine, or any other breed, right for you?
It depends. On your personality, the dog's propensities, where you hunt and what your abilities and capabilities are. I'll bring up some key points to keep in mind as you search for your first, or your next, dog. Take them as mere suggestions, but somewhere in here is an idea or two that might help you better match yourself with your next hunting companion.
We'll also talk fellowship and a way to win stuff just for taking a friend hunting ... continue our Upland Nation Glossary with "J" and find out which bird species your dog says (via you) it loves the most!
Please visit our sponsors:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird dog podcast: first aid and field care from an EMT/hunter/guide

As a firefighter/EMT Alex Langbell patched up humans for 27 years, all the while using his skills on his hunting dogs too. As a guide, TV hunting show producer, avid hunter and gun dog owner he's seen his share of trauma and created what he believes is the ultimate Field Trauma Kit. We'll unbox the kit, go through the contents and their uses, talk field first aid, and even indulge in a little hunting chat.
We also cover symptoms of the most common health and safety threats to which our dogs are vulnerable.
The Upland Nation glossary looks at the letter "I" and we put a cap on the discussion about why someone wouldn't take a newcomer hunting - your Facebook comments make some good points and there's something to learn for everyone. You also have a shot at winning a Mossberg over/under shotgun, too just for nominating your hunting mentor.
Please visit our sponsors:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
 

Versatile bird dogs since the 70’s ... this guy knows his stuff and is willing to share!

Phil Swain is a NAVHDA judge, wild bird hunter, dog trainer and all-around upland guru. He started hunting in the 1970's and still wanders the hills for chukars when his knees will cooperate! He's mentored countless hunting dog owners, judged hundreds of dogs and has plenty to say about puppy development, dog training and testing.
We also talk the importance of survival gear and knowledge, including a chilling grouse hunting experience, plus how a dog thinks, and why praise is critical to a dog's development - and not just during puppyhood. Phil shares his thoughts on the right way to use an e-collar, and we celebrate the camaraderie of the hunt.
You tell me why you will - or won't - take a newcomer hunting, and I offer a gentle suggestion for those in the "no" camp. We also arrive at "H" in the Upland Nation Glossary and offer a way for you to win an over-under shotgun.
Please visit our sponsors:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird hunting: PUPPIES! How they’re made, why, and when ... a primer on pregnancy too!

Breeder, hunter, guide Kent Shelton recounts his recent experience - still fresh - of the entire process. Whether you just got a pup, are considering one, want to become a breeder, or just want to understand the world of whelping we've got something of interest for you.
From why to breed a hunting dog, to genetic testing, to how a mom-dog cares for little ones, counting puppies in the womb and the best time to send those squirming balls of fluff to their forever home, I have the questions and Kent has the answers.
Listeners share their gripes about sportsmanship, and we also talk hunting in South Dakota: strategies, habitat, bird numbers and more. Plus, the Upland Nation Glossary gets to "G" and offer up a way to do a solid for one of your mentors.
Please visit our sponsors:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, the Ringneck Nation of Huron, SD, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, your online shotgun shopping resource; AudioCardio.com, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
 

Better bird hunting ... shoot the first bird first

Arguments for sticking to that first bird in a covey rise.

Out & About: timing is everything in fishing ...

Want better fishing? Go when the critters are feeding. Here are some examples of how cows, among others, can give you the edge.