Upland Nation

Bird hunting podcast: ex-guide shares the joys of hunting ”for fun,” Mearns quail tips and tricks, picking a new dog, your regrets

Fascinating Mearn’s quail strategies from a former Arizona pro guide are the starting point, and from there we cover the waterfront!
Phil Wechsler shares why he left the pro guiding world ... the joys of hunting “for fun.” From the benefits to young dogs, to finding new places, there is a freedom to not guiding. Time of year to hunt, habitat and terrain, bird behavior … Gambel’s, scaled, Mearn’s. Why he loves Mearns the best. Hint: it involves bird dogs. In fact, they may be the perfect quail for steady pointing dogs.
Phil offers tips on developing young dogs, and the value of their bumping a covey, and how without paying guests every day is a training day. We discuss finding the “good spots,” how to take care of a kennel full of dogs, picking dogs, why he likes smaller dogs, the value of hunting each area just once, with a caveat.
Phil describes his “best year” of hunting … last season … not for the birds or dogs but for the friends he shared a hunt with. And, the best tip he ever got from a guide client.
You share how far you drive for a hunt, share your “regrets” and how we can all learn from them, a chance to win a Chief Upland hunting vest, and it's brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird hunting advice from a fly fishing guide who knows ... blue grouse tips & tactics; why we hunt, win a vest!

He's a pro fishing guide, but this guy knows upland birds ... way upland. From snipe to blue grouse, Michael Salamone is in the woods and alpine valleys chasing some of those "bucket list" birds we covet all on public land. He'll offer strategy and tactical advice, habitat and behavior, and equip us for our first mountain hunt.
We'll go down some rabbit holes talking chukars and fishing, but the bottom line is, you'll want to climb higher and walk farther for these big birds, aka sooty or dusky grouse.
You'll also get a chance to win a Chief Upland hunting vest, and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

At the feet of the master guide: Steve ”Grouseman” Grossman shares his secrets; let‘s go on a chukar hunt; what you‘ve learned this season

One of your favorite guests returns for a summary of his seasons so far: prairie grouse, ruffies, and pheasants in some of the best coverts anyone has! Steve Grossman offers insights into bird populations, the drought's effects, tactics and strategy plus dog care advice learned the hard way.
The best way to approach a pointing dog? Steve has the lowdown. And the "problem" with cocker spaniels in the grouse woods. Plus, the importance of a "tailgate exam."
Scott takes everyone on a chukar hunt with a happy ending, and social media friends offer up their best lessons learned so far this season on everything from the wisdom of dogs, to second shots and gas prices!
You'll also get a chance to win a Chief Upland customizable vest, and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

Dog-killing heat and how to cope: a guide‘s tricks and tips and your suggestions too

Hard experience and close calls from the field led my guest Tom Fiumarello to suggest we do a show on how dogs are affected by hot weather. Tom is a pro guide and shooting instructor who has seen the risks and indications of a dog verging on life-threatening heat illness.
We'll cover symptoms, preventive care, products that could help, and what you should watch for in the field. I asked listeners to chime in too, and got some creative and hard-won advice from how to cool off a dog, to where to put alcohol (not in your mouth, silly - rubbing alcohol!).
Tom shares his sporting-clays course design experience and advice, relates recent ruffed grouse hunts too.
Hunting stories, dazzling dog work described, a chance to win a Peet boot dryer, and it's brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird hunting podcast: Southwest quail pro guide and trainer Rashawn Gordon trades wild bird stories

Consummate quail chaser Rashawn Gordon joins me to explain his opening weekend philosophy, the current state of bird populations in Arizona, and to talk all things Southwest: his past and current season's high- and low-lights, dog and shooting safety, strategy, the habitat and scenery. We share camaraderie in the field, training, share some predator stories, and revel in the incredible world we dwell in: following dogs into the fields and forests.
Is there a place for "baby talk" in dog handling? We'll answer that question too. I'll also share your own insights on what you learned last weekend ... opening weekend for many. From your hunting buddy to bird behavior.
You'll also get a chance to win a Peet boot dryer, and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And if you're so inclined to support the podcast and get in on some marvelous perks, investigate our Patreon page.

Bird hunting podcast: Dez Young of ”Hunting with Hank” in this reprise episode. Plus, Nevada chukar spots.

One of the pioneers of bird hunting television and good friend Dez Young joins me in this remastered episode from way back when nobody was listening - yet. You'll enjoy his insights on puppy raising, get behind-the-camera insights, and learn more about his fascinating multi-dimensional life.
I'll also clue you into a place in Nevada with plenty of public access for chukars and valley quail, and give you a shot at winning a Peet boot dryer in the "Upland Nation Puzzler" quiz (message me at Facebook with your answer).
Brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, Pointer shotguns, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird hunting podcast: Wild chukars in Northern Nevada opening weekend! How dogs ”talk,” and your own opener in words & pictures

My music-school buddy Dave and I debrief our opening weekend in Northern Nevada ... wild chukars and valley quail, rugged ground, some pretty good dog work, and better shooting than usual from this guy! We talk habitat, tactics, eye-melting scenery, strategies, and keep our music insider chat to a minimum :)
You'll also get a chance to win a Peet boot dryer, find out how dogs warn us - sort of, and everyone chimes in on their own opening weekend - if they had one!
Brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird hunting podcast: 30 years‘ experience on the road ... what to bring, why, and how important it is to stop and smell the wild roses

Plus, your own suggestions on essential gear for your next hunt ... a chance to win a boot dryer, bird forecasts for Nevada and Missouri, too.
I'll share stories of how I learned many of these tricks, suggest some ways to make your hunting trips more enjoyable, memorable, safe, and productive. No shooting tips! Why would I have anything to offer there?
Brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food, RuffLand performance Kennels; HuntHuronSD.com, UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.