Upland Nation

Better bird hunting photos - your buddy and your dog will thank you; find mountain quail, check his pads

Renowned hunting and fishing photographer Brian Grossenbacher joins me this week, sharing insider tips and secrets from shooting sporting photography around the world. Hair-raising stories from the jungle, inspiring dogs, and beautiful places are the stuff of his life and this podcast.
If you're looking for one tip to make better images on your next hunt, Brian has a bunch. He also shares his secret for world-class dog photos - heck, even I can do some of them! From lighting to composition to staying safe when you're armed with a camera and everyone else has shotguns, this podcast is full of ideas and suggestions that will make your hunts memorable long into the future - because of the great pictures you took!
If you're looking for an alternative to the "tailgate body pile," Brian has some ideas. Plus, I'll direct you to the best public mountain quail hunting in the west, and explain why taking care of your dog's pads is critical - and how to do it.
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.

Required listening: 40 years of bird hunting advice from a pro outfitter, public-access hunting, and tailgate exam, part 1

Steve "Grouseman" Grossman offers 40 years of hitting it hard ... ringnecks, prairie grouse, ruffies, dog training, and even some advice on being a good client of a pro guide. Orvis-endorsed wingshooting outfitter and proprietor of The Grouse Lodge and Wild Prairie Lodge, he logs hundreds of hunting miles in the woods and grasslands every year.
If you don't learn something today, you need to turn up the volume!
We'll cover critical habitat and strategies to find birds in each, birds' evasive behaviors, how to work better with your own or a guide's dog, shooting tips and tricks.
Even guide tipping protocol is covered in this extensive interview that also includes ensuring peak performance with care and feeding hard-working dogs, how to introduce a collar bell to your dog, faux pas we commit on a guided hunt, and how to hit grouse in the thick stuff.
Scott and Steve collaborate on aspects of a "tailgate exam" for your dog, Scott shares a walk-in destination in Montana, and we look at photos of your favorite hunting spots.
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 any purchase 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.
 

Wild food: simple tips, ideas, suggestions and cautions to ensure a feast, not a flop.

Wild food is: the culmination of a hunt; a celebration of our natural world; a way to introduce non-hunters to our sport; a sensual experience. Jennie Nguyen-Wheatley and husband Rick Wheatley are passionate about taking us from field to feast. They share their knowledge at their blog, and this week, with all of us!
We'll talk wild bird and public-access hunting, why it resonates with them, then jump right into the stuff you can use this season: care of game after the shot, "hanging," storage in fridge or freezer to ensure the highest quality dining experience. Then, simple ways to dazzle your friends and family with easy dishes - often simply substituting game birds for other meats.
We also cover cooking do's and don'ts, essential cooking gear and spices, and easy ways to avoid "gamey" and "fishy" tasting game bird dishes.
Hey! Stop drooling!
We also cover a walk-in sharptail hunting spot; and suggestions on influencing your dog's search pattern.
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 any purchase 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.

Dog-training monks and revelations about e-collars - a new paradigm for bird dog trainers

The Monks of New Skete revolutionized dog training with their million-selling books The Art of Raising a Puppy, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, and Let Dogs Be Dogs. Their newest book is The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar. Co-authored with Marc Goldberg, it may take hunting dog training to the next level. The insightful way the monks are using e-collars will change your thinking - for the better.
I have the first and only interview in the bird-dog world, with authors Brother Christopher and Marc Goldberg. The book debuted last week, and is now available wherever books are sold.
We'll also cover everything from how a dog thinks, week-by-week "lessons," why dogs do what they do, critical commands and what we should all do - and not do - when training.
There's a suggestion for walk-in public hunting in Central Kansas, 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 Kennels.
Take advantage of great deals from many of our sponsors: 10% off and free shipping on any purchase 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.

The nationwide effort to boost pheasant numbers; hunting tips and tactics from an expert

The National Wild Pheasant Conservation Plan has existed since 2016 ... administered by Pheasants Forever and coordinator Scott Taylor, Ph.D. So, how's it working? Scott reports on the current status of the plan, wins and losses, challenges to its implementation, and what's in store for the future of this mega-project.
But Scott also knows pheasants inside and out, and offers advice and suggestions on bird behavior, good and lesser-known habitat types we should explore, how to hunt hard-pressured ground, tactics and strategies to help you become a better hunter.
There's also a public-access tip for late season, and hard-won advice on what you train your dog for and why.
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 any purchase 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.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and how bird hunters fit in ... challenges to the Great American Outdoors Act

Threats to the recently-enacted Great American Outdoors Act and how they would affect wild bird hunters ... just one of the topics as I interview Land Tawney, president & CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, one of our newest conservation groups. We dig into the Act, how it will benefit bird hunters, why it was such a watershed for public lands, and the access it will provide hunters to new and existing publicly-owned lands.
We talk about the fast-growing group, their goals, accomplishments, challenges, how "experienced" hunters are informally mentoring younger members, and why bird hunters fit the "backcountry" definition.
There's also some public-access suggestions for Northeastern grouse hunters, and a real-life reason to use your hands for good, not discipline, on your dog.
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 any purchase 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.

Hunting hacks and saving a buck ... your suggestions, and time-tested ideas from thousands of miles on the road

Keep more money in your wallet for the important stuff: ammo, dog food, fuel, beer! Our Facebook friends, hunting buddies and my own recollections are on the table, with the goal of saving you money this weekend.
You'll get tips for travel, lodging, gear, and hunting hacks that might save you enough for an extra trip. Plus, the first step toward a successful "tailgate inspection," and the one thing we probably neglect when it comes to staying safe in the field.
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 any purchase 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.

50 hunting travel tips from 30 years in 26 states hunting public land and lodges

30 years, public land, wild birds, lodges and walk-in hunting in 26 states ... I've learned a bit about traveling for a hunt, and share much of it here. From organizing gear, to dog care and feeding, to finding public access, let me save you from frustration, make things more productive and fun.
From getting along in hunting country, what to take and why, where to "air" your dogs, and how being a nice guy in a country store might pay off ... it's all in this podcast. There are easily 50 tips that will come in handy for you or your dog ... or your hunting friend.
Plus, the gear I carry in my vest for my dog; and how to drive considerately in the country.
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 any purchase 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.