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