Upland Nation

Bird dog trainer: say no to whoa and other better ideas

He's probably trained or handled more NAVHDA Prize 1 Utility dogs than anyone at his Sharp Shooter's Kennel; Clyde Vetter is a dog trainer with a different way of thinking about his passion: creating elite hunting dogs. He's created a training philosophy used by many of his fans and followers that sometimes flies in the face of conventional wisdom. But as his email signature says, "Let Success Make The Noise," not self-promotion. His test records are his success. The noise comes from his legion of dedicated friends and customers.
In a wide-ranging discussion, we cover the lure of prairie grouse, how to recruit more conservationists, how he uses training birds, and his unique way of training steadiness ... without "whoa." We cover retrieving as well, including why for some pups tug-of-war is a good thing. There's hunting advice, some unique items he carries in his vest (and why), and when you're done I guarantee you'll see dog training differently.
Listeners share advice on introducing a new dog to your pack, and "Handle It" is a primer on hunting dog pad care from my personal experience.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV starting now airing 1 on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Hunter, conservationist, CEO: Ben Jones updates us on the RGS/AWS re-organization

A lot of water under the bridge since we last talked: pandemic lockdown, a major restructuring of his organizations, and a new puppy. Ben Jones is CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, and we've got a lot of ground to cover. We'll get an update on the new strategic direction and how it's affected the groups' operations and funding, jump into the groups' works on the ground and politically, and talk habitat, conservation and ... puppies.
Ben has some tips for ruffed grouse and woodcock hunters, puppy training advice, and shares the most important items in his hunting vest, and listeners offer advice on hunting a brace of dogs in our "Handle It" segment.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV starting now airing 1 on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Bird hunter, dog trainer, PF/QF CEO charts a new course including reintroducing birds, stopping the plow on grasslands

She's had more than a year to get her footing and boy has she! Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever CEO Marilyn Vetter is guiding the 40-year old organization through a time of major strategic transitions and a new era of accountability and metrics-based policy. We talk about the group, its goals, measuring their progress and of course, dogs and hunting.
An avid bird hunter and skilled dog trainer, Vetter covers a wide variety of topics from reintroducing wild birds to newly-rehabilitated habitat, to alliances that may not make sense ... until she explains them. Key aspects of the upcoming Farm Bill, including an effort to compensate grasslands owners for not plowing the ground are also on the table. Dog training suggestions, what she carries in her hunting vest, and more are all on the agenda.
Listeners chime in with odd things they've found on their hunts, and "Handle It" caps off our retrieving series with last-ditch desperation moves to get the bird out of your dog's mouth and into your vest.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV starting now airing 1 on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

BONUS: getting into the back-of-beyond ... tips, tricks, hacks and hints ... and why you should go

In this episode I outline some of the practical and philosophical reasons to go deeper, risk a blown tire, and possibly your health. I share some of the lessons I've learned walking miles of wilderness for wild birds that you can apply in your own adventures.
If you're up for the drive, the walk, and the risk, there is massive reward at the end of the trek. See if you don't agree.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
Don't forget to watch Wingshooting USA TV on five networks, local stations and regional sports networks! Find out where it airs in your area, here.

Pro pheasant guide tramples a few myths; you'll be a better bird hunter for it

Wild pheasants in Big Sky country ... with advice from a seasoned guide and friend, Al Gadoury of 6X Outfitters. Al will take us to school on ringnecks, along the way dispelling some myths about habitat and wild bird behavior. He'll also offer advice on the right way to employ blockers (not what you think), and his method for pairing a flushing dog with a pointing dog. We'll get dozens of tips on tactics and strategy, dog care too, and Al answers a listener question, too.
Listeners share their thoughts on when to start a youngster, and "Handle It" focuses on reining in a big-running dog, with advice from me (and some much better qualified listeners!).
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And don't miss the Wingshooting USA TV starting now airing 1 on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Chukar guide dispels myths and dispenses tips; meet the Cesky Fousek

Is cheatgrass really the magic potion for chukar hunters? Pro chukar guide Grant Richie addresses some long-held notions about this bucket-list bird, from habitat and feed, to proven tactics and strategies. Grant runs hunts in the legendary Hell's Canyon region, some of the most rugged chukar terrain in the U.S. He offers tips and advice on finding birds, handling dogs on the running devils, and shares some of the more unusual places he's found them.
Grant also shares his love of the Cesky Fousek dog breed, offering insights on their hunting style and heritage. Four game bird species in a day, rescuing dogs from traps, running gnarly whitewater in pursuit of chukars? All in a day's work for this expert hunter and boatman.
Find out  how fellow hunters get in shape for hunting season (hint: "Pear" is NOT a shape), and in "Handle It" listeners offer tips on finishing the retrieve ... achieving a flawless delivery to hand.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
And don't miss Wingshooting USA TV now airing on local stations, sports networks and national TV networks. Learn more here.

Champion trainer takes us to school on steadiness from A-Z; retrieving from A-around T or thereabouts

Jake Bartells re-joins us to share his hard-won wisdom on training dogs to the highest level. His bonafides include multiple NAVHDA Versatile Champions and a 12-year-old daughter who's learned enough to have her own dog entered in the Invitational Test this year.
You want help with your dog's steadiness, well Jake's got a step-by-step tutorial you can take to the bank ... er, podium. We'll get a good start on retrieving too. The ideas, background and rationale may sound a little different from what you're used to, but the methods (instilled by his mentor, master trainer Clyde Vetter of Sharp Shooter's Kennel) work.
"Handle It" address listener questions about do-it-yourself check cords: their assembly and why I love a certain kind of material. And listeners tell us what their bucket list bird is for this season ... you may be surprised.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.
Don't forget to watch Wingshooting USA TV on five networks, local stations and regional sports networks! Find out where it airs in your area, here.

BONUS: bird hunting destination ... western Kansas. Where, when, why and how

I'm recounting one of my many visits to this incredible state, often overlooked by passionate pheasant hunters hell bent on one of the Dakotas. Take three days, in three different places, that may offer an alternative to the usual spots for this year's road trip.
We'll explore public and walk-in habitats in the midst of pheasant country, Kansas style.
And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.