Upland Nation

What YOU think, want to know, what you do and why ...

We take a deep dive into YOU and your fellow hunters from our social media topics and questions to my annual Upland Nation Index survey. What's important to you?
From introducing a pup to gunfire, to how COVID-19 has affected your hunting, to our favorite dog breeds, what we do in our free time, and what we plan to buy this year. We'll get a look at the most important issues we face, what we want to learn, and why.
"Handle It" covers a new "cue" to help your dog respond to commands being pioneered by the Monks of New Skete; "This Land is Your Land" looks at Goodland, Kansas' walk-in hunting opportunities, and it's all brought to you by:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; Happy Jack, FindBirdHuntingSpots.com and Gunner.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on most purchases over $200 at Dogtra with the code SLUN10 (plus sale prices on many collar-transmitter bundles); 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's performance dog food with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping for your Gunner kennel.

Make a new bird hunter: here's how, from the experts ... and why it's critical.

Marissa Jensen and Colby Kerber of Pheasants Forever share their expertise on turning your friends and family into fellow hunters - from identifying hot prospects to sustaining their interest. What motivates newbies, typical objections, great "entry points" for a discussion about hunting are all covered.  We get an update on the progress their own initiatives are making in this area, and most importantly, we learn how important it is to create new hunters - for the habitat and the sport.
There's a dog handling tip on timing of commands - what to watch for - plus the reader poll on what type of shotgun you're buying next. Our public access segment looks to Central Washington for a valley quail spot.
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.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on most purchases 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 performance dog food with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping for your Gunner kennel.

55 years of quail hunting and research ... if you don't learn something, you need to turn up the volume!

Dale Rollins, Ph.D. has spent his entire adult life pursuing quail ... 55 years of hunting, study, dogs and research, much of that time accompanied by his "Betters," a unique cross of Brittany and English Setter he co-developed. He is the executive director of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation, where he leads efforts to improve habitat and determine the limiting factors affecting bobwhite populations ... from disease to weather to predation.
Dale will share the Foundation's data, offer tips and suggestions on quail behavior and how to improve your hunting for them as a result. From a bob's daily schedule, to hunting strategy and tactics, he's got thousands of coveys of experience. He'll talk dog training and how to work most effectively with bird dogs in the field, and explain why he loves his "Better" dogs. Bonus: Dr. Rollins also has extensive experience with blue quail and we'll talk about how to hunt those elusive critters too. Learn more about the Foundation's efforts, and tap into their vast resources, here.
In the "Handle It" segment, I talk about how to stick birds once pointed, and "This Land is Your Land" touches on a western Kansas community with something for everyone, including your spouse!
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.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on most purchases 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 performance dog food with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping for your Gunner kennel.

Drive south! Snowbird hunting destinations ... and hunters' hacks to make life easy for you and your bird dog

If you're not already, many of you (and me) will soon be sick and tired of cold temperatures and snow and ice. If you're lucky, you can migrate south. I've got some suggestions on general destinations for bird hunting where the ground is clear and a light jacket might be just enough. (It's heavy on the West because that's where I go) but there should be a starting point for almost everyone.
There's also a dozen or so tips and tricks I've picked up from pro guides, seasoned hunters and dog handlers ... plus a few of my own that could save you time, money, and aggravation. From water storage to travel hacks, you might learn something of use on your next hunting trip.
I'll also offer an alternative to pricey dog boots, too, in the "Handle It" segment.
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.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on most purchases 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 performance dog food with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping for your Gunner kennel.

HO HO HO! The annual gift guide for bird hunters and their dogs with a special appearance by Santa Claus

I'm outlining the things I use that would make great gifts no matter what you celebrate: Christmas, Hanukah, Festivus or the solstice. Any size budget, for hunters with two or four legs, every one of these would make a wonderful addition - under the tree or in a stocking that's been hung with care.
Naught or nice, the list includes everyone and has been checked twice - you're on it. Have your spouse listen too - just in case! And what you and your fellow hunters think are the most critical factors affecting our sport.
Plus, more practical gifts: a guerilla tactic for hard-hunted public ground, and advice for those who own hard keepers who won't eat after a hunt.
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.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on most purchases 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 performance dog food with the code UPLANDNATION; and free shipping for your Gunner kennel.

Who doesn't need a laugh? You might find one here as I answer some listener questions with tongue planted firmly in cheek

Lighten up! Or at least try to with this (hopefully) funny take on some of the questions I get. But seriously, you'll also get some new spots to visit when the snow flies, how hand signals can confuse your dog, and your hunting reports 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.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on most purchases 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.

Shotgun buying and selling from an insider, gun care, shooting advice from a champion, bird hunting tips and hunting dog care

Shooting advice from a champion, and how to buy a new or used shotgun ... just some of the topics we'll hit on when I interview John Fournier, g.m. at Pacific Sporting Arms.
John talks high-end and low-end guns, shopping tips, red flags, shopping protocols and what differentiates good from bad shotguns. We'll also cover the care and feeding of our hunting guns, why grease is better than oil (sometimes), cleaning misconceptions, common problems and how to avoid them.
The "Handle It" dog-care segment focuses on strategic feeding; "This Land is Your Land" offers road trip advice and routines so everyone arrives rested and ready to hunt.
 
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.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on most purchases 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.

Valley quail primer: where, when, how and why to hunt them from a 30-year career chasing the little buggers!

Inspired by a recent trip, I'd like to share some insights into these little magic-makers. Lore, legend, techniques and tactics, plus where to find them. Often a bonus bird when chasing chukars, they are often the salvation for footsore hunters an dogs on the third day of a long hunt, requiring less climbing and more opportunity.
Plus, some starting points to chase them throughout the west, and taking care of your dog's pads so he's ready to roll the next day.
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 most purchases 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.