Upland Nation

Bird dog training and performance: Are you overtraining? How to get the most from your dog in the yard and the field.

Author of the classic book Absolutely Positively Gundog Training, Robert Milner talks philosophy and practical applications of his minimalist-positive-science based approach to training.
Milner founded Wildrose Kennels, "retired," then founded www.duckhillkennels.com, where he trains British Labradors in ways you may not know about yet or even agree with! A student of "horse whisperer" Ray Hunt, Milner talks about the right number of training days per week and times per day to get maximum performance from your dog. He outlines why "punishment" or "correction" are superfluous if you read your dog well and reward the expected behavior, and what types of reward work.
Creating neural pathways that create "right" behaviors, from the very start, ignoring misbehavior, and how B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning research can be applied to dogs ... all are part of a wide-ranging discussion that only scratches the surface.
Milner gives us mini-lessons in recall, retrieve, and steadiness to wing-shot-fall, suggests the one most important command, and offers solutions to the problems his clients' dogs have most often.
Milner was a pioneer in importing British-style Labradors to the U.S., and he'll also outline how those dogs differ from American-style retrievers, and how English field trials work.
Plus, my own tip on a slightly-different way to look at public land access and information, a hard-earned lesson in yard training, gear discounts and a chance to win a Pointer shotgun. All brought to you by these sponsors - check out their deals:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; 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 financing on your Gunner Kennel.

Bird hunting podcast: flushers vs. pointers ... the "debate" begins - all in good fun!

What’s your fave? Callers and Facebook commenters extol the virtues of their favorite hunting dog style. From pointing-and flushing - Labs to staunch shorthairs, you love your dogs and we’ll find out why. We celebrate our relationship with our hunting dogs every podcast, but this podcast is particularly close to the heart for all of us.
Is it the mystery and magic of a quivering point? The rollicking excitement of a hard-charging field-bred cocker? Or both, paired, working as a team?
Ebullience, hunting range, personality … are females more “biddable” that males? Is the energy level different from breed to breed or flusher to pointer? Training tips from a Canadian pro and her take on the “debate.” And how you should “never give a dog a chance to fail.”
Plus: Why you should keep your young dog from jumping up or down … the effects on “growth plates.”
You also get dog training tips, another publicly-accessible place to hunt, gear discounts and a chance to win a Pointer shotgun. And it's all brought to you by these sponsors - check out their deals:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; 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 financing on your Gunner Kennel.

Bird dog training and chukar hunting tips from a pro: Jeff Funke of Three Devils Kennel

On this bird hunting podcast, wisdom and insights from a breeder/trainer with 30 years’ experience. Jeff Funke of Three Devils Kennel of Nampa, Idaho, is my wirehair supplier, for good reason. His dogs are biddable, birdy, and beautiful. A chukar hunting fanatic, Funke has firm beliefs, interesting training strategies and a world of expertise on the hunting side.
A test judge, clinician, and successful breeder of champion dogs, Jeff answers question on picking a pup, what you should and shouldn’t do with that young dog, he gives us background on a number of dog training/testing groups he’s been deeply involved in, and tells the backstory on why some of the principle founders of NAVHDA formed another group.
Why a new “federation?” And another “alliance?” What are the benefits of each? Jeff offers up his own three “golden rules” that form a great hunting dog … why resilience is the key to puppy development and formal training, and how to breed/pick good versatile hunting dogs. He outlines the difference between training a field-trial dog and a hunting dog … and how wild birds train the dog.
Jeff also offers chukar hunting strategies and tactics, including some that will surprise you that flaunt the conventional wisdom on these “devil birds.”
You also get dog training tips, another publicly-accessible place to hunt, gear discounts and a chance to win a Pointer shotgun. And it's all brought to you by these sponsors - check out their deals:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; 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 financing on your Gunner Kennel. May 1-4, you also get $75 off your new Gunner!

Pro bird hunting guide Mark Nissen on all things grouse, dogs ... and a few woodcock, too!

Orvis wingshooting guide of the year for 2018, Mark Nissen of Classic Bird Hunts guides hunters in Wisconsin for ruffed grouse and woodcock, then travels to Arizona for quail and doves when the snow flies. Fifty years in the woods, 40 of them guiding, he knows a bit about the sport, the dogs, and how to help you become a better hunter.
We discuss everything from puppy's most important early lessons to safety in the woods. Strategy and tactics for both bird species from a guide's perspective, beeper-versus-bell, must-take stuff you probably forgot, and shooting tips for those pesky trunks and branches.
Mark also helps us train our dogs for all types of birds, provides insights on working with a pro guide, tipping etiquette and (drum roll, please) ... a great woodcock recipe.
You also get dog training tips, another publicly-accessible place to hunt, gear discounts and a chance to win a Pointer shotgun. And it's all brought to you by these sponsors - check out their deals:
Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; 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; wing a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and financing on your Gunner Kennel.

Bird hunting podcast: What do you admire about your hunting dog?

You'll be surprised at the attributes callers cite when they tell me what they love about their dogs. From heart and drive to that special bond between human and animal, I'll bet you can relate.
Intensity? Sure. But many callers say their dog keeps them young, fit, and in stitches sometimes! Facebook messages are just as creative: mischief and comic relief, to loyalty and single-mindedness in the field. Does your dog have an on-off switch too?
Some of your friends might be on this week. Check the list: Marc Reeves, James Fritz, Matt Templeton, Ken Welsh, Jeremy Slate Smith, Mike Siebert, Linda Seick, Jim Brehm, Lance Larson, Ludell Heaton, Mark Kimbrough, Joe Omundson, Ken Welsh, Bobby Westbrook, Michael Deegan, Bob Clayton, Seth Rauch and Steve Maus all weigh in on their dogs and why they love them.
You'll also get exclusive tips on public-access, advice on pups and old dogs, breed info from insiders, a hunting dog care tip (save some money), discounts on gear, and the chance to win a shotgun.
It's all brought to you by Cabela's, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Electronic Shooters Protection, Dogtra, Dr. Tim's performance dog food; 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; wing a Pointer shotgun at FindBirdHuntingSpots.com; 30% off your first order from Dr. Tim's with the code UPLANDNATION; and financing on your Gunner Kennel.

Upland bird hunting podcast: Side-by-side vs. over-under, the virtues of a pump gun ... and the advantages of a semi-auto.

Callers share their love of shotguns ... and take us to school on the fine points. No rivalry is more rampant than this one, unless you talk pointers vs. flushers! If you're partial to a double gun, you may change your mind (I doubt it!). But you will understand the passion each aficionado has for their style.
Not only will you learn why you love your gun(s) and your friends love theirs, you'll get helpful tips on caring for your shotgun. Learn about chokes, cast-off, gun fit, and all the intangible stuff that makes guns an extension of our psyche. From grandpa's heirloom Purdey, to the most efficient Italian semi-auto, you'll get an education on the why's and wherefore's of shotguns.
Some of the stories will remind you of your own ... fathers bestowing vintage guns on sons, first birds by daughters, great dogs and wonderful friends long-gone. Take out your (unloaded) gun and listen along with callers and Facebook messagers who shared their memories and advice on shooting, ammo choices, gun fit, and gun care.
Plus, gear discounts, a chance to win a Pointer shotgun, dog training advice and Scott's bucket-list public access destination for this fall.
The Upland Nation podcast is brought to you by @cabelas @sageandbraker @espamerica @drtims and @dogtra

Keeping things positive in these wacky times: bird hunting podcast covers your favorite bird species and why - calls, messages, and opinions

We will be hunting this fall!
Inspiration and motivation from callers and Facebook messagers comes this week in the form of passion for a favorite bird species. Find out why they love their sharpies, timberdoodles, chickens and ditch parrots ... among others ... and learn something to help you this fall.
Out of some fascinating conversations came tips and techniques, hunting strategies, family traditions and touching stories of multi-generational hunts and childhood memories. Plus, what we can learn from some of the old-timers about hunting dogless, learning how birds and dogs think, and what defines a "good hunt."
Funny stories, how to stage-manage a large party pheasant drive, and finding woodcock habitat are also part of the discussion as we look downrange to the coming hunting season.
Hey @Don Mraz, @David Brebner, @DSunDet, @Gary Forrest, @John Pivetta, @Brandon Murphy, @Celia Rausch, and @Billy Turner ... you're on the show this week!
Plus, gear deals from Dogtra (10% off plus free shipping with code SLUN10), Gunner Kennels (finance your purchase), and Dr. Tim's dog food (30% off first order with code UPLANDNATION).
Also brought to you Cabela's, Sage & Braker gun care, ESP hearing protection, and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

BREAKING NEWS: Ruffed Grouse Society restructuring and it's implications for birds, members, and the conservation community as a whole

In this special edition, the organization's CEO Ben Jones joins me for an exclusive interview outlining the reasons for a massive revamping of the group's business model.
A model for every group? Jones says there are fundamental economic realities exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis that his group has addressed in sweeping actions including layoffs, new hires, and cost-savings, but primarily in a new way of funding the organization. Their approach to "entrepreneurial conservation" may prompt other organizations to look at what RGS and sister group American Woodcock Society are doing:
Replacing biologists with foresters adept at timber marketing as well as biology; utilizing the forest as a cash source; becoming more adaptable and nimble to meet the needs of both the resource and the organization's mission ... pulling ruffed grouse and woodcock back from the brink of endangered or threatened species designations.
The long-term objectives, Jones says, will be exponentially greater acreage under conservation management, a financially-stable RGS/AWS, and larger membership base ... while redoubling the group's commitment to science and member service.