Upland Nation

New way of thinking, faster puppy development, better performance in the field

Change your way of thinking and you'll have a happier dog working at his peak. Alec Sparks of Snowbound Kennels has trained dogs for almost three decades and his approach has evolved with the times. His unique approach to how dogs think and how we should think as a result is worth listening to, whether you've got a new pup or an old dog you're teaching new tricks.
Using operant conditioning, marking, rewards of various types, and minimizing the traditional reliance on compulsion, he believes dogs learn faster, retain better, and thus excel in the field.
We take a look at listeners' favorite dog names, and discover a new way to scout for new hunting areas, too.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Phascinating Pheasants: a deep dive

Some things you know, some you don’t. But you will, after listening to this special edition of the Upland Nation podcast. “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it,” so the saying goes. And when it comes to this bird’s origins – and especially it’s future – the more we know, the better.
It seems like every “expert” has useful insights: guides, biologists, conservation leaders, your hunting buddy. But there are many dark, unexplored corners of the bird’s origins, lifestyle, and behavior. We’ll learn how they got here, what is being done – and not done – to help them, we’ll dig into threats to them, and the threats they pose to other birds.
With luck, you’ll pick up something that makes you a better hunter, and conservationist.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bird hunter's hacks, tips, advice, suggestions and points to ponder

Seventeen helpful observations from Scott's decades of stealing other people's ideas - from guides and outfitters, hunting friends, and strangers encountered in the field. These are ideas you can take for your own, share with your friends.
From dog training tips to shooting advice, hunting strategy and tactics, and even care and feeding of your dog and your human friends. Want the entire list? Go here.
Plus, using motion to help your dog understand you, and schmoozing the gatekeepers of public-access lands.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

That critical first 12 weeks of puppyhood, and how they impact his entire hunting life

Breeder, trainer, former field-trialer Mark Fulmer of Sarahsetter Kennels outlines his rationale for a puppy training program that begins the moment a dog's eyes open. Brain training, utilizing instinct, and some operant conditioning ideas all combine to leverage the massive growth in a pup's brain in the early weeks to make a good dog great.
An unusual tool to introduce gunfire, why feeding quail to a pup builds prey drive, unique tools and gear, and a ton of insights into the why of puppy training are all part of the discussion. The "Handle It" segment covers feeding for maximum in-field stamina, and our public access feature covers a less-known South Dakota location.
... and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Pro trainer's insights on forest grouse, dogs, shooting and how to be a good guest

Forest grouse ... in Montana? We've got the inside story on ruffs, blues, and dusky grouse and how to hunt them, no matter where you are. Strategy and tactics, how to handle a dog in the deep woods, bird behavior, it's all part of our discussion. Gear and habitat, bells or beepers, we'll cover it all.
The "Handle It" segment covers an oft-forgotten pro trainer attribute we can all emulate, and our public-access segment touches on the unsung state of Oklahoma and bobwhite quail.
.. and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner.

Scalies, bird dogs and the desert - from an expert

Orvis-endorsed wingshooting guide of the year Ryan O'Shaughnessy of West Texas Quail Outfitters takes us to school on scaled quail, bird dog training, and related topics. From handling cactus to pad health, hunting strategy and tips on communicating with your own dog, Ryan has answers to your questions.
This unique bird is on many hunters' bucket list, and Ryan pursues them all season long, from a guide's - and biologist's - perspective. With 18 dogs in his personal string, he's got practical advice on how dogs learn, care and feeding, what birds can teach them, what we should avoid doing in the field and what we should always do when working with our own dogs.
We discuss your thoughts on helping the habitat, listeners share their "beauty" shots, the "Handle It" dog training segment addresses the importance of birds in developing a young dog. In our public-access feature, we'll learn a bit about recon in our public-access feature.
.. and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner.

30 years of bird dog and hunting experience in the woods and prairies - yours for the asking!

Tracey Lieske has been guiding, hunting, and training dogs for 30 years. Take advantage of his wisdom and hard-earned advice. From finding ruffed grouse to letting birds "train" dogs, he's got insights you won't find anywhere else.
Minimalist approaches to gear, command vocabulary, and creative ways to use the e-collar are all part of our discussion. What's important to ensure a sporting shot in the woods, scouting tips, and permission to get another dog are all covered in this wide-ranging discussion.
"Handle It" answers a listener question on an average dog's mileage, and our public access segment is an argument for spending money locally.
.. and it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner.

10 questions: why your mobile mapping app might fail you; force fetch and "sit"

Listener Glenn Ainsworth asks Scott 10 questions about everything from shotgun choice to outfitting your truck, dog breeds to why great clay target shooters aren’t always great bird shooters. The answers might surprise you - especially when you learn of a fatal flaw in your mobile mapping app. Other questions that might help you including finding lodges that welcome our dogs, how to climb the chukar hills longer, why to force fetch or not. 
We touch on your own stories about sharing the hunt experience with friends and family, debate whether or not to train "sit" in pointing breeds, and learn of a new mapping tool for Nebraska hunters.
And it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection,  Dr. Tim's performance dog food; UplandNationDeals.com, Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner.