Episodes
In this episode we take a walk through some woodcock cover in hopes of banding spring chicks with Lindsey Shartell, board member of Woodcock Minnesota. Show Highlights: Meeting Lindsey Shartell of Woodcock Minnesota What makes a good woodcock banding dog? Where do we find woodcock broods? Turkey hunt updates from Lindsey Guess the age of this clear cut Grouse point! Woodcock surveys Locating and banding woodcock broods VOLUNTEER | Prairie Creek WMA: Koester Prairie Hands-On...
Published 05/24/24
In this episode we catch up with the editor of the Quail Forever Journal to discuss his passion for upland birds and the outdoors along with some spring turkey hunting as well. Show Highlights: Meet editor of the Quail Forever Journal Ryan Sparks An early introduction to quail Fishing, hunting and traveling far and wide Ryan’s thesis paper on quail of the Platte River Valley Spring turkey hunting in Minnesota and Nebraska Locating and prospecting for gobblers Walking and calling...
Published 05/17/24
In this episode we continue our basic turkey hunting tips and tactics conversation with Jacob Myers of the Southern Outdoorsman Podcast. Show Highlights: “Run and gun” versus setting up and blind calling? Gobblers coming in silent What about when he’s gobbling his head off? Soft calling and watching the bird’s behavior Calling jakes to pull in the tom Favorite locate calls and when to use them Types of calls, yelping, purring, cutting and more WATCH | How to CALL TURKEYS like the...
Published 05/10/24
In this episode we talk basic turkey hunting tips and tactics with Alabama turkey hunter Jacob Myers of the Southern Outdoorsman Podcast. Show Highlights: How to miss a turkey Should I use a red dot sight? Turkey hunting safety precautions Where to hunt turkeys Understanding turkey behavior What is “covert calling”? Scratching leaves, going silent and more WATCH | How to CALL TURKEYS like the OLD SCHOOL PROS! Turkey Calling Demo with Ron "Coach" Watters - EP. 574 of The Southern...
Published 05/03/24
In this episode we catch up with Jim Gerchy, grouse hunting guide at Pineridge Grouse Camp, to talk grouse hunting, bird dogs, shotguns and more. We also preview the Midwest Double Gun Classic at Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake, MN. Show Highlights: Jim's Perfect Margarita Recipe Fishing Adventures and Spring Pursuits Jim's Journey into Bird Hunting and Guiding The Art of Crow Hunting Guiding Grouse Hunters and Dog Training Philosophy Developing a Young Setter in the Field A Close...
Published 04/26/24
In this episode we cover more upland bird hunting and dog training as well as overcoming shooting challenges with seasoned hunting guide and dog trainer, Matty Rawlinson. Additionally, we cover the significance of gun fitting for wing shooting success, sharing insights into how a custom-fitted gun can enhance shooting accuracy. The episode also details Matty’s eye dominance discovery in shooting, revealing how switching shooting shoulders improved performance. Moreover, it introduces a new...
Published 04/19/24
An in-depth discussion with Matty Rawlinson of Heritage Gundogs and Outfitters, a dog trainer, hunting guide, and upland hunter from California, covering his extensive experience in bird hunting and dog training across challenging environments, notably South Texas. The conversation spans the importance of field trials, adaptation strategies for dogs in tough terrains, and intricacies of working with pointing dogs and flushers. Rawlinson also shares compelling stories from his adventures,...
Published 04/12/24
This podcast episode features an in-depth discussion with Craig Koshyk, a bird hunter, lover of hunting dogs and the author of 'Pointing Dogs Volume 1 and 2'. The conversation covers the origins, evolution, and nuances of pointing dogs, shedding light on the differences between European and North American practices. Craig recounts his extensive research and travels, offering insights into the history, breed traits, and nuances of hunting with pointing dogs. Furthermore, the episode delves...
Published 04/05/24
Joined by Bailey Petersen of the MN DNR and Jerry Havel of Pineridge Grouse Camp and Upland Gun company, on this episode we explore the multifaceted practice of woodcock banding with pointing dogs. Learn about the challenges, and logistics of woodcock banding, including the impact of weather on migrations, the importance of choosing suitable sites, and the role of trained dogs. A brief discussion of Earl Johnson's legacy and impact on the Woodcock banding community is followed by the...
Published 03/29/24
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick and Dr. Erik Blomberg discuss the intricacies of the American Woodcock migration, based on recent research and GPS tracking. Dr. Blomberg shares insights into the Woodcock's migration patterns, stopover habitats, altitude during flights, and the impact of weather conditions on their migration. The discussion also covers the use of GPS tracking technology to understand these patterns, including the surprising site fidelity Woodcock exhibit...
Published 03/22/24
Joined by Gabe Stone and Kevin Sterling of the American Woodcock Society we discuss woodcock migration reports, woodcock hunting, favorite woodcock recipes and much more. Show Highlights: Local woodcock reports It all started with turkeys for Kevin… MOU between Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever Overlapping quail and woodcock habitat RGS’ largest forest conservation agreement ever on national forest Porcupines and self sabotage… Favorite woodcock recipes A user-generated...
Published 03/15/24
Joined by Tyler Burton and Dan Hornbaker we discuss their chance meeting on New Jersey public lands and their now mentor / mentee relationship. Show Highlights: Trap shooting and sporting clays A chance meeting in the woods New Jersey public lands Rookie mistakes and first hunts Famous last words, “if I buy another SxS…” Barrel length and shotguns trends Pheasant Fest was a great time! Who’s a better shot? Payloads, pellet counts and more… Bourbon preference ENTER TO WIN | Yeti...
Published 03/08/24
Joined by Utah State grad student and upland hunter Logan Clark, we discuss an ongoing forest grouse research project. Show Highlights: Logan’s grouse hunting grandmother An interest and passion for birds A brief stint with bobwhite quail VHF versus GPS technology for gamebird research Forest Grouse Project at Utah State Dusky and sooty grouse Building a grouse trap Reverse migration of the dusky grouse Food sources for dusky grouse CONTACT | Logan Clark - [email protected] -...
Published 03/01/24
Joined by author and avid upland hunter Mark Parman, we continue our conversation on grouse, upland literature, shotguns and more. Show Highlights: Did you say “Bong Bridge” and “High Bridge” ? The amazing capabilities of feller bunchers What about the grouse cycle? A third book from Parman in the works… New England Grouse Shooting audio book from Project Upland What’s the current state of your gun lust? Admiration for the iconic white pine tree LISTEN | Episode #45 with Mark...
Published 02/23/24
Joined by author and avid upland hunter Mark Parman, we discuss unusual winter conditions, late season grouse hunting and more. Show Highlights: El nino conditions in the grouse woods When the grouse woods fight back Do you ever remember a late season like that? Scouting with onX Hunt Smart ass tendencies Cross country skiing and biathlon  LISTEN | Episode #45 with Mark Parman READ | Among the Aspen and A Grouse Hunter’s Almanac CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us |...
Published 02/16/24
Joined by vagabond upland hunter Mike Sheffer, we discuss his history as a bird hunter, bobwhite quail, bird dogs and more. Show Highlights: Rattlesnakes and snake avoidance The Northern Bobwhite quail Quail hunting Shooting the covey rise versus singles A Brittany man for life Jack the dog of a lifetime Turkeys over pointing dogs! On Bobwhite - Fred S. Guthery Bobs, Brush, and Brittanies - Joel Vance Single shot hammer gun + hacksaw = quail gun ENTER to WIN | onX Hunt Pheasant...
Published 02/09/24
Joined by Bob Owens of Lone Duck Outfitters, we discuss Bob’s journey into the world of gun dogs, training techniques, grouse hunting and more. Show Highlights: Lone Duck Outfitters & Kennels Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Bob’s love for gun dogs Common stumbling blocks for bird dog owners Setters and grouse Range, GPS, bells and more Southeastern Wildlife Expo FOLLOW | @loneduck WATCH | Lone Duck Outfitters & Kennels on YouTube ENTER to WIN | onX Hunt Pheasant Fest...
Published 02/02/24
Joined once again by author Doug Stewart, we recap hunting seasons and dive into side by side shotgun conversation. Show Highlights: Hunting a variety of upland species What about damascus barrels? A perfect upland shotgun varies by individual Vintage Doubles - Kirby Hoyt What makes a Churchill side by side unique? Ammo availability for vintage guns Doug’s thoughts on various rib styles CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save...
Published 01/26/24
A solo episode with host Nick Larson answers some listener questions from the Birdshot Podcast inbox along with pondering winter conditions for ruffed grouse and more. Show Highlights: Pondering snow roosting conditions in sub zero temps Grouse of the North Shore - Gordon Gullion Do sharp-tailed grouse snow roost? Hunting grouse without dogs New England Grouse Shooting - William Harnden Foster Grouse & Woodcock: A Gunner's Guide - Don Johnson Grouse and Grouse Hunting - Frank...
Published 01/19/24
Show Highlights: Using lighter payloads for upland hunting Getting into shotshell reloading Building and RFM Zeus shotgun Enjoying the 28 gauge Cold weather shooting gloves Dressing for the conditions Cooking upland birds with skin on CONNECT | @codyasimons CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad...
Published 01/12/24
Joined by western upland hunter and staff member at Sitka Gear, Cody Simons, we discuss bird dogs, double guns and western upland hunting. Show Highlights: First bird dog trials and tribulations Running dogs together versus individually Cody’s first ruffed grouse An unusual use for 30” barrels… An interest in side by side shotguns A vintage Fox bargain! Hill Rod and Gun Co. - Bozeman, MT CONNECT | @codyasimons CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use...
Published 01/05/24
Joined by Kyle Warren of Paint River Setters, we dive deeper into the grouse dog component of the equation and the excitement of hunting ruffed grouse. Show Highlights: Bird tracking ability in grouse dogs Tracking versus relocating… Does the pace of the dog influence how much a bird runs? Ideally, you work a track as fast as the dog can work it Thoughts on approaching points Grouse that don’t readily flush?! Kyle’s trip to Italy A new grouse hunting video series on the way CONNECT...
Published 12/22/23
Joined by Kyle Warren of Paint River Setters, we discuss some of the subtleties of hunting ruffed grouse and grouse cover as the season progresses. Show Highlights: El Nino late season conditions Cold weather scenting conditions Thoughts on grouse roosts and poop piles Exploring and scouting versus hunting known covers late season If you can see good grouse cover, you’re probably standing in grouse cover even if it doesn't look like it CONNECT | @paintriversetters CONTRIBUTE |...
Published 12/15/23
Joined by Tate Abler and Rich Wong, we discuss a trap encounter Rich had with his bird dog and gain insights into trapping and trap safety from Tate Abler. Show Highlights: Negotiating for additional hunt time with your significant other The Minnesota Wild are heating up! Rich’s preferred pheasant and quail loads Tate Abler of Sustained Outdoors Trapping The Boundary Waters Rich’s bird dog trap encounter “Good trappers know when and where not to set traps” Trap types Releasing...
Published 12/08/23
Joined by the founders of Upland Gun Company, Dan LaFond and Jerry Havel, we discuss the concept of the business, the manufacturer (R.F.M Armi) and most importantly the handcrafted shotguns. Show Highlights: Meet the founders of Upland Gun Company A fortuitous meeting with R.F.M. Armi From your imagination to the field… Double guns for waterfowl hunting The all new SK Round Body Gun fit for women The new 3D gun builder The Wad Knocker CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us...
Published 12/01/23