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Explore every episode of the podcast Birdshot Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for Birdshot Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
#354 | TFL Shotgun Fest 2026: Learn From Hall of Fame Pros10 Jul 202601:00:17

TFL Shotgun Fest 2026 is coming to central Minnesota this July, and this year two shotgun Hall of Famers are teaching the clinics. Steve Gould joins Nick to walk through the whole weekend.

On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Steve Gould, creator of the Target Focused Life YouTube channel and part-owner of the Alexandria Shooting Park, to preview the second annual TFL Shotgun Fest. The event runs Friday, July 24 (development day plus VIP night) and Saturday, July 25 (the main shooting day) at the Alexandria Shooting Park in central Minnesota.

The headline this year is the talent. Corey Cruz, a two-time national champion, world champion, and National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame inductee, is running sporting clays clinics. Richard Marshall Jr., a 35-time All-American and multiple Grand American winner on the trap side, is running trap clinics. Both are kept small on purpose: five shooters per session, half a day, real range time and real feedback. Del Whitman is on-site doing gun fittings.

Beyond the clinics there are manufacturer demos where you can get hands-on and actually shoot a rack of different shotguns, an Upland Gun Company booth with a new RFM shotgun to see, and over $10,000 in prizes, including a custom 250th-anniversary shotgun for high overall. Then there's the unconventional stuff Steve's crew is known for: the Can Cannon Challenge, the Benelli AI Challenge, and the Wheel of Shotgun Fortune. The day closes with an Annie Oakley tournament and a social hangout.

There's a thread running under all of it that matters more than the prize wall. Steve talks about how people are starved for in-person connection, and how an event like this is really about getting folks who love shotguns in the same place for a weekend.

We also get into Steve's first trip to Italy and the Benelli and Perazzi factories, the Minnesota high school trap tournament that ran 7,700 kids through the range, a good stretch on barrel length and gun fit, and the ShotTracker training tool that might one day track a flushing grouse. Clinics, camping, and tickets are limited, so check the website for current availability.

Chapters:
0:00 - Meet the Hall of Fame Clinic Pros
2:00 - Welcome Back: Steve Gould, Target Focused Life
2:35 - MN High School Trap and 7,700 Young Shooters
7:00 - A New Sporting Clays Course at Alexandria
8:15 - Inside Steve's Italy Trip: Benelli and Perazzi
17:15 - Shotgun Fest 2026: The Big Vision
18:30 - Clinics With Corey Cruz and Richard Marshall Jr.
19:15 - Del Whitman Gun Fittings and VIP Night
20:15 - Prizes, the 250th-Anniversary Gun, and Challenges
23:20 - Why People Are Craving In-Person Again
26:50 - How the Weekend Works: Friday and Saturday
27:50 - Manufacturer Demos: Get Hands-On With the Guns
30:20 - The RFM Venus 20ga Grouse Gun
31:30 - Barrel Length, Balance, and Gun Fit
37:00 - A New RFM Sporting Clays Shotgun (First Look)
40:40 - Year One to Year Two: What Changed
44:50 - Small-Group Clinics and How They Work
48:10 - Annie Oakley Tournament and Awards
50:10 - Camping and Lodging in Alexandria
52:20 - Shotgun Find 2.0 and the ShotTracker Tool

Resources & Links:
Target Focused Life on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TargetFocusedLife
TFL Shotgun Fest tickets & clinic registration: https://www.targetfocused.life/shotgunfest
Alexandria Shooting Park (camping & booking): https://shootasp.com
Shotgun Find (Steve's shotgun research tool): https://shotgunfind.com

Support the show:
The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By onX Hunt.
Use code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscription.
Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/birdshot (from $5/month, and you get Birdshot can coolers and stickers as a thank-you).

Follow the show:
Instagram: @birdshot.podcast
Website: https://BirdshotPodcast.com

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIF3w6P9rkuciwX-jEMG3g


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#353 | Why 95% of Quail Broods Need Disturbed Ground26 Jun 202601:10:24

Quail habitat is the whole story. Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich spent five years following bobwhite quail across the Midwest, and the data pointed at one thing over and over: disturbed ground grows birds.

On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich, two biologists who helped run one of the largest quail habitat studies in the region. From 2014 to 2018 they monitored 500 nests, radio-collared chicks, and even collared raccoons to see how predators move through cover. What came out of it is a genuinely hopeful finding: you can grow quail if you're deliberate about it.

The number that anchors the conversation: 95% of their brood locations were in habitat that had been burned, grazed, or otherwise disturbed within the previous 12 months. Grassland managed with fire and cattle beat the old broken-up dairy-farm model on nest success, on survival, and on eggs per nest. The thick, idle CRP field that looks so birdy in January? The chicks can't get through it.

Before the quail talk, Nick and the guys swap turkey-season stories and take on the old myth that turkeys are eating quail and grouse into decline. The short version: the timing doesn't add up, and it never did. It's a habitat problem wearing a predator's costume.

Chapters:
0:00 - 95% of Broods: The Stat That Reframes Everything
2:19 - Turkey Season Recap and a Mid-Morning Tom
15:14 - Are Turkeys to Blame for Quail and Grouse?
21:57 - Inside the 5-Year Quail Study
25:40 - Usable Space and the Numbers on Nest Success
28:23 - Why Broods Live in Recently Disturbed Cover
31:18 - Prescribed Fire and Grazing at Landscape Scale
34:37 - Why Change Is Hard on Working Farms
36:35 - The Idle CRP Problem
38:40 - How Often to Disturb: Every 1, 2, or 3 Years
41:17 - One Farm for Quail, Turkeys, and Deer
42:10 - Cost Share and the Real Price of a Burn
45:26 - Building a Fire Culture and Burn Associations
46:52 - Native Grass Restoration Goes Mainstream
48:11 - Pollinator Plantings as Quail Habitat
50:08 - What Good Quail Cover Actually Looks Like
53:02 - Shrubby Escape Cover and the 10-20% Rule
54:16 - Eastern Red Cedar and When Woody Cover Helps
59:36 - Predators, Raccoons, and Why Grasslands Win

Resources & Links:
Land and Legacy: https://landandlegacy.tv/
Kyle Hedges: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/
Frank Loncarich: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/
How to conduct a prescribed burn for upland bird habitat (Project Upland): https://projectupland.com/hunting-conservation/how-to-conduct-a-prescribed-burn-for-upland-bird-habitat/

Support the show:
The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By onX Hunt.
Use code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscription.
Use code BSP10 to save 10% at Meadow Creek Mounts.
Use code BS10 to save 10% at Trulock Chokes.

Follow the show:
Instagram: @birdshot.podcast
Website: https://BirdshotPodcast.com


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#345 | Hearing the Flush Without Losing Your Hearing with Marc Musselman23 Jan 202601:25:25

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Marc Musselman, CEO at Alclair Audio, to discuss the intersection of bird hunting and hearing protection. From nostalgic stories of Nebraska pheasant hunts to embracing Minnesota winters and late-season grouse excursions, the conversation evolves into a deep dive on the science and user experience behind custom digital hearing protection. Marc shares his journey through the hearing industry, the challenges of adoption among upland hunters, and why hearing protection should be as common as boots and a bird vest.


Marc Musselman is a lifelong upland hunter and audio innovator based in Minnesota. Originally from Nebraska, his passion for bird hunting, especially grouse and woodcock, runs deep. Through Alclair, Marc has made it his mission to help hunters protect their hearing while staying tuned into the natural world, combining decades of engineering expertise with a hunter’s instinct.


Expect to Learn:

  • How Marc’s childhood pheasant hunts shaped his upland hunting journey

  • What goes into making custom digital hearing protection for hunters

  • The difference between hearing enhancement and noise suppression in the field

  • How to properly acclimate to digital hearing protection for upland hunting

  • What’s next for hearing protection innovation and Alclair’s mission


Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

  • [00:00:00] - Introduction and recent hunts in snowy Minnesota

  • [00:08:30] - The joys and trials of late-season grouse and woodcock hunting

  • [00:18:00] - Dog talk: Oscar’s progress and the next setter

  • [00:25:00] - From Nebraska to Minnesota: Marc’s hunting roots and evolution

  • [00:37:00] - Camper life and cross-country bird hunting dreams

  • [00:46:42] - How Alclair got started in music and moved into hearing protection

  • [00:50:52] - Understanding digital hearing protection: features and challenges

  • [01:08:00] - Tips for adjusting to and maximizing Alclair EXP Pro

  • [01:21:00] - Final Thoughts 


Follow the Guest, Marc Musselman

Follow the Host Nick:

Listening Links:

SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#261 | Utah Forest Grouse Research with Logan Clark01 Mar 202401:09:50

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 - clarklog95@gmail.com - @clark_log


READ | Utah Forest Grouse in the Fall


LEARN MORE | “Dusky Grouse Population Ecology and Thermal Landscape Ecology in the Great Basin Ecosystem” - Stephanie Landry PhD


LEARN MORE | "Forest Grouse Ecology and Management in the Bear River Range Northern Utah" - Skyler Farnsworth


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#260 | Part Two of Grouse and Grouse Hunting with Mark Parman23 Feb 202400:54:48

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 Parman


READ | Among the Aspen and A Grouse Hunter’s Almanac


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#259 | Grouse and Grouse Hunting with Mark Parman Part 116 Feb 202400:56:03

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 | @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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#258 | Quail Hunting, Bird Dogs and more with Mike Sheffer09 Feb 202401:18:01

Joined by vagabond upland hunter Mike Sheffer, we discuss his history as a bird hunter, bobwhite quail, bird dogs and more.


Show Highlights:


ENTER to WIN | onX Hunt Pheasant Fest Giveaway


SAVE 20% | Use code “birdshot” | Lone Duck Force Fetch 


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#257 | Lone Duck Outfitters & Kennels with Bob Owens02 Feb 202401:25:34

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 Giveaway


SAVE 20% | Use code “birdshot” | Lone Duck Force Fetch 


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#256 | Vintage Doubles and Side by Side Shotguns with Doug Stewart26 Jan 202400:58:42

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 20% with onX Hunt


The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#255 | Winter Reading and the Birdshot Podcast Inbox with Nick Larson19 Jan 202400:47:52

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:


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#254 | Double Guns and Upland Field Wear with Cody Simons12 Jan 202401:04:49

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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#253 | Bird Dogs, Double Guns and Western Wings with Cody Simons05 Jan 202401:00:54

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 Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt


The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#252 | Grouse Dog Conversation with Kyle Warren22 Dec 202301:39:17

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 | @paintriversetters


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Memoriam — Reload #183 | Good Reads with Glen Blackwood18 Jan 202601:02:48

From the Ruffed Grouse Society:“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the broader conservation community he served so passionately.” (continue reading at ruffedgrousesociety.org)


Obituary: https://www.grcremation.com/obituaries/glen-blackwood


Episode Highlights (from the original recording):

  • Barn parties and popping for bass

  • Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society update

  • Upland anthologies

  • Books for various upland species

  • Glen’s recommendations for some good reads

Listen back to this conversation with Glen Blackwood of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction to the episode.

[01:27] – Tribute to Glenn Blackwood.

[06:26] – Glen’s conservation work with RGS and AWS.

[07:24] – Glen’s background and journey into upland hunting.

[11:35] – Early bird hunting memories with family.

[17:06] – A teenage fishing story with a lesson from his father.

[25:08] – Conservation projects and habitat work in Michigan.

[28:15] – Favorite books and key sporting literature titles.

[41:20] – Reflections on rereading and gaining perspective.

[49:49] – Dogless grouse hunting and lesser-known authors.

[56:09] – Glen’s top bird hunting book picks by species.

[59:02] – Signs of a strong bird season and closing thoughts.


Become a Patreon Support | 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.


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#251 | Ruffed Grouse and Grouse Cover with Kyle Warren15 Dec 202301:20:41

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 | 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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#250 | Trap Awareness and Safety with Tate Abler and Rich Wong08 Dec 202301:27:20

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:


CONNECT | @wisc_me_nord / @tateabler / @sustainedoutdoors


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#249 | From Your Imagination to the Field with Upland Gun Company01 Dec 202301:09:45

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:


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#248 | Grouse Tracking Bird Dogs from Patreon Bonus Episode24 Nov 202300:39:36

On a segment from a recent Patreon bonus episode we discuss a grouse pointing and tracking sequence from a recent hunt.


Show Highlights:

  • A couple Black Friday deals
  • Tracking and relocating ruffed grouse
  • One negative of 30” barrels…
  • Truck birds
  • Relocating ability versus development?
  • When one is enough…
  • Two grouse and a snowshoe hare?!


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#247 | Grouse and Grouse Dog Q & A with Fritz Heller Part 217 Nov 202301:05:33

Fritz Heller returns to the show for a grouse season update and a listener Q & A session on all things grouse hunting and grouse dogs.


Show Highlights:

  • Size and confirmation preference in Frtiz’s labs
  • “You’ve got to park the truck in the right spot!”
  • First scent to flush, reading the dog
  • Hunting more than one dog at a time
  • Patterning ruffed grouse
  • Time of the day and ruffed grouse
  • Dude Wipes now get top recommendations - The Essentials
  • Upland hunting pants


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#246 | Grouse and Grouse Dog Q & A with Fritz Heller Part 110 Nov 202300:59:10

Fritz Heller returns to the show for a grouse season update and a listener Q & A session on all things grouse hunting and grouse dogs.


Show Highlights:

  • Stick in the eye… ouch!
  • Ranger shooting glasses (Phantom 2.0)
  • Should I get off the trail with my dog?
  • How do I keep my flushing dog from ranging too far
  • Functionally steady and whistle sits
  • Don’t over handle your young grouse dog
  • Can I slow my dog down?
  • The American cocker 


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#245 | Grouse Camp Cast with Bill Calfee and Nick Adair Part 203 Nov 202301:02:48

Bill Calfee and Nick Adair join the show for part two of our round table conversation from grouse camp.


Show Highlights:

  • @gundogityourself ‘s camper set-up
  • Hitting mid-season form
  • Woodcock versus grouse cover
  • Developing woodsmanship
  • Hunt logs and journals - Day One Journal App
  • Hand loads and nickel plating


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#244 | Grouse Camp Cast with Bill Calfee and Nick Adair Part 127 Oct 202301:11:52

Bill Calfee and Nick Adair join the show from grouse camp to discuss southern grouse hunting, grouse dogs and more.


Show Highlights:

  • A grouse hunting mentor
  • “Old Timer Bill”
  • Bill’s first grouse
  • Learning the habitat
  • Tennessee ruffed grouse
  • Sliding through Mountain-laurel
  • Bill’s thoughts on grouse dogs


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#243 | Shotgun Talk with Phil Bourjaily20 Oct 202301:20:50

Shotgun Editor at Field and Stream, Phil Bourjaily, joins the show to discuss shotgun and wingshooting technology, innovation, history and more.


Show Highlights:

  • Dove hunting 101
  • How Phil became a shotgun writer
  • 28 gauges are neat! Magic or myth…
  • The joys of a lightweight 12 gauge - R.F.M. Venus
  • Value in vintage 12 bores
  • Phil loves late season pheasant hunting
  • “As bore size increase, so does pattern efficiency”
  • Shotgun noise / decibel study
  • Thoughts on hearing protection
  • Phil’s gun fitting with Del Whitman


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#242 | Bird Dog of the Day13 Oct 202301:17:02

Seth Patterson and Mike Yashko of Bird Dog of the Day join the show to discuss cultivating and inspiring a community of bird dog lovers.


Show Highlights:

  • Bells for the grouse woods
  • A quick grouse woods report
  • TPLO surgeries and recovery…
  • A brief history of Bird Dog of the Day
  • Fostering a community of bird dog lovers
  • It’s all about the feeling behind the images…
  • Picardy Spaniels


FOLLOW | @birddogoftheday


GEAR UP | www.birddogoftheday.com


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


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#344 | Weather, Puppies, and the Reality of a "Rough" Grouse Year with Fritz Heller02 Jan 202601:21:42

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Fritz Heller, a dedicated upland hunter, to discuss the 2025 hunting season, dogs, grouse hunting, and much more. Fritz shares insights into the challenges of the season, including heat waves and the impact on bird numbers, as well as his experience training new puppies. The conversation also gets into Fritz's plans for the future, including his search for a camper for hunting trips and his thoughts on managing bird populations and hunting conditions.


Fritz Heller is an upland bird hunter, dog trainer, and dedicated outdoorsman from Michigan. He has been actively involved in training dogs and hunting for many years, sharing his knowledge of the sport with others. Fritz is passionate about the welfare of wildlife, managing habitats, and improving bird populations, and has a wealth of experience hunting grouse, pheasants, and other upland species.

Expect to Learn

  • The impact of weather conditions on the 2025 hunting season

  • Heat waves and their effects on bird numbers, especially in the early season

  • The importance of habitat regeneration and the role of different species, like blackberries, in grouse hunting

  • How puppy training can vary by breed, and how Fritz is raising his new Labrador and Cocker Spaniel puppies

  • Fritz's thoughts on taxidermy and the importance of commemorating hunting memories

  • The search for a camper and how Fritz is researching the best setup for his future hunting trips
    Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

  • [00:00:00] - Introduction

  • [00:10:57] - 37 Degrees and Snow depth

  • [00:19:57] - Fritz’s Week Trip this Year

  • [00:36:13] - Different Color Phase

  • [00:43:23] - Discussing the puppy’s first season

  • [00:51:37] - Pippa: A Hunting Dog and the difference from a Lab

  • [01:01:40] - Puppy walks

  • [01:13:04] - Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Spring

  • [01:17:28] - Camper, Truck and Rig

  • [01:20:52] - Closing and upcoming plans for the next hunting season


Follow the guest, Fritz:

Follow the Host Nick:

Listening Links:

SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot

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#241 | Ugly Dog Hunting Company with Mike Neiduski06 Oct 202301:09:47

Mike Neiduski returns to the show as the new owner of Ugly Dog Hunting to discuss the company and bird dogs, bird hunting and more.


Show Highlights:

  • Prairie chicken hunt on the horizon
  • A quick grouse woods report
  • Ruffed Grouse Society Grouse Camp
  • Ugly Dog Hunting Company
  • Even pretty dogs can be “ugly dogs”, a lesson on de-skunking your bird dog


FOLLOW | @uglydoghuntingco and @mneiduski


GEAR UP | uglydoghunting.com


BUY | Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Control Shampoo


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


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#240 | Grouse and Woodcock Hunting with Ann Jandernoa Part 229 Sep 202301:19:01

Ann Jandernoa joins the show for part two of our 7th annual grouse and woodcock habitat and hunting conversation.


Show Highlights:


MAP | with Scout N Hunt


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


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#239 | Grouse and Woodcock Hunting with Ann Jandernoa Part 122 Sep 202301:12:28

Ann Jandernoa joins the show for part one of our 7th annual grouse and woodcock habitat and hunting conversation.


Show Highlights:

  • Winter, spring and summer conditions for grouse
  • Too many damn mosquitoes!
  • A favorite episode for many listeners…
  • Training dogs to handle running ruffed grouse
  • Do your dogs self-relocate?
  • Binge listen to Ann on grouse and woodcock:
  • 2017 - Episode #7
  • 2018 - Episode #42
  • 2019 - Episode #76
  • 2020 - Episode #115
  • 2021 - Episode #150
  • 2022 - Episode #190


MAP | with Scout N Hunt


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


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#238 | Why Upland Hunters Miss with Chris Batha15 Sep 202301:17:12

Acclaimed gun fitter and wingshooting instructor Chris Batha joins the show to discuss common reasons why upland hunters miss.


Show Highlights:

  • A poorly fitted gun delivers poor results
  • Your gun mount is critical!
  • Slow is smooth and smooth is fast
  • Gauges and chokes?
  • Practice, practice, practice


LEARN MORE | Chris Batha Shooting Solutions


READ | The Instinctive Shot - A Practical Guide to Modern Wingshooting


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


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#237 | “I Had a Wolf Encounter with My Bird Dog”08 Sep 202302:21:45

Various ruffed grouse hunters join the show to recount their experience encountering wolves with their bird dogs.


Show Highlights:

  • Ted Koehler wolf encounter in Wisconsin
  • Joe Parpala wolf encounter in Minnesota
  • Mike Amman wolf encounter in Wisconsin
  • Ted Sommer wolf encounter in Wisconsin
  • A follow up interview coming next week on the GDIY podcast


Special thanks to Keith Crowley, former guest of the show (Episode #218), for providing the photograph for this episode post.


LEARN MORE | Wolves in Wisconsin


WISCONSIN | Wolf Depredation Reports and Maps


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


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#236 | onX Hunt Updates with Ben Brettingen01 Sep 202301:01:06

Ben Brettingen of onX Hunt joins the show to talk bird dogs, scouting for sharptails, onX Hunt updates and more.


Show Highlights:

  • Favorite month in Minnesota?
  • A new English setter pup…
  • Cover dogs and cover dog trials
  • onX Hunt updates
  • Scouting for sharptails and huns


WATCH | How To Find Sharp-tailed Grouse & Hungarian Partridge - onX Hunt


FOLLOW | @benbrettingen and @onxhunt


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


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#235 | A Break in the Action with Ryan Doughty25 Aug 202301:18:10

Ryan Doughty, host of the A Break in the Action Podcast, joins the show to talk shotguns, solo camping adventures and more.


Show Highlights:


LISTEN | What is the best shotgun for grouse hunting? - ABITA Podcast


FOLLOW | @abreakintheaction


GET FIT | with Human Predator Packmule


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


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#234 | Fitness for Humans (and Bird Dogs) with Jordan Wilcher18 Aug 202301:44:32

Jordan Wilcher returns to the show to talk about a new bird dog addition and to continue our conversation fitness for upland hunting.


Show Highlights:

  • A new English setter
  • Snakes and trail running
  • Bird dog fitness
  • The benefits of rucking
  • What’s the deal with zone 2 heart rate training?


FOLLOW | @thekidmule and @humanpredatorpackmule


GET FIT | with Human Predator Packmule


GIVE | Habitat & Harmony with Trampled by Turtles


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#233 | Dusky Grouse Hunting with Noah Davis11 Aug 202301:14:38

Noah Davis, a Montana-based bird hunter, joins the show to discuss the basics of hunting Dusky aka “blue” grouse in the western mountains.


Show Highlights:


FOLLOW | @n.davis21


GET FIT | with Human Predator Packmule


GIVE | Habitat & Harmony with Trampled by Turtles


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#232 |  More Setter Talk with Jeremy Moore04 Aug 202301:06:51

Jeremy Moore of Dog Bone Hunter returns to the show for more setter talk along with his entry into the world of pointing dogs.


Show Highlights:

  • First pointing dog stuff
  • GPS tracking your pointing dog
  • The value of a bell beyond your GPS collar
  • The setter’s first hunting season
  • Some things we’ve learned from Jerry and Jerry!


LEARN MORE | Dog Bone Hunter


FOLLOW | @dogbonehunter


WATCH | Dog Bone Hunter on YouTube


GIVE | Habitat & Harmony with Trampled by Turtles


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#343 | Shotguns, Shotshells, and Smarter Pheasant Hunting with Phil Bourjaily19 Dec 202501:12:51

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird populations, and offers tips on hunting pheasants with pointing dogs. He also talks about how habitat loss affects bird numbers, the role of public and private land hunting, and how hunting conditions vary season to season. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into upland bird hunting, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and experience.


Phil Bourjaily is a Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream, where he covers topics ranging from bird hunting to gun reviews and outdoor traditions. He’s a seasoned upland bird hunter with a wealth of experience hunting pheasants, grouse, and other upland species. His love for bird dogs and his deep understanding of hunting habitats make him a valuable resource for bird hunting enthusiasts.

Expect to Learn

  • How habitat loss impacts pheasant and quail populations

  • The importance of public and private land in upland hunting

  • Tips for hunting pheasants with pointing dogs, especially during late-season hunts

  • The best weather conditions for pheasant hunting and how snow can affect bird behaviour

  • The best shotgun set-up for pheasant hunting, including the right gauge and choke combinations
    Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

  • [00:00:00] - Introduction

  • [00:04:40] - Armadillos

  • [00:10:29] - Public vs. Private Land Access

  • [00:16:56] - Short Hairs vs. Other Dogs

  • [00:24:58] - Zeke's Hunting Behavior - Moving, Tracking, and Following

  • [00:29:00] - Discussion on Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting

  • [00:48:05] - Weight and Balance in Pheasant Guns

  • [00:58:09] - Bismuth Pricing

  • [01:11:18] - Find More of Phil’s Published Work


Follow the Guest Phil:

Follow the Host Nick:

Listening Links:

SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot

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#231 | Setters and Partridge Hunting Part 1 with Jeremy Moore28 Jul 202300:51:31

Jeremy Moore of Dog Bone Hunter returns to the show to talk about his shared passion for ruffed grouse hunting and his entry into the world of pointing dogs.


Show Highlights:


LEARN MORE | Dog Bone Hunter


FOLLOW | @dogbonehunter


WATCH | Dog Bone Hunter on YouTube


GIVE | Habitat & Harmony with Trampled by Turtles


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


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#230 | A Ruffed Grouse Thrill Ride with Nick Adair21 Jul 202300:31:13

In this excerpt from a recent Patreon exclusive bonus episode, we talk shotguns and an exceptionally thrilling ruffed grouse contact with Nick Adair.


PLEASE FILL OUT | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Show Highlights:

  • Adjusting length of pull with slip-on recoil pads
  • Turkey guns and Larson’s first grouse gun
  • The trail bird debacle
  • Approaching points in the grouse woods
  • The thrill of hunting ruffed grouse


WATCH | the clip @birdshot.podcast


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#229 | A Millionaire’s Dream with Bret Wonnacott14 Jul 202301:16:51

Author and avid upland hunter Bret Wonnacott joins the show to discuss his novel A Millionaire’s Dream, English setters, shotguns and more.


PLEASE FILL OUT | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Show Highlights:

  • Fishing with English setters…
  • More English setter talk
  • Shotguns new and old
  • Value in vintage 12 bores
  • A Millionaire’s Dream


READ | A Millionaire’s Dream


FOLLOW | @bretwonnacott


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#228 | A Target Focused Life with Steve Gould07 Jul 202301:09:14

Steve Gould of the Target Focused Life YouTube channel joins the show to discuss shotguns, shooting and how we can all be more target focused.


PLEASE FILL OUT | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Show Highlights:


WATCH | Upland Gun Company on TFL


FOLLOW | @targetfocusedlife


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#227 | Flushing Dog Talk with Jeremy Moore30 Jun 202302:00:54

Jeremy Moore of Dog Bone Hunter joins the show to talk about his labrador retrievers and training flushing dogs for upland hunting.


PLEASE FILL OUT | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Show Highlights:

  • British and American Labrador retrievers
  • “If I don’t F*** this up I won’t have to fix it”
  • What Keith Richards taught us about dog training…
  • Flushing dogs for upland hunting
  • A flushing dog’s first year, building the foundation.


LEARN MORE | Dog Bone Hunter


FOLLOW | @dogbonehunter


WATCH | Dog Bone Hunter on YouTube


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#226 | Introducing The Method with Sonny Piekarz23 Jun 202301:13:33

Professional Trainer Sonny Piekarz joins the show to answer listener questions and introduce The Method dog training system.


PLEASE FILL OUT | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Show Highlights:

  • The Method bird dog training system
  • “Start with the end in mind.”
  • Developing calm and composed bird dogs
  • A dog with boundaries and structure is more content
  • Listener Q&A


LEARN MORE | The Method Dog Training System


ABOUT | Sonny Piekarz and Hay Creek Kennel


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#225 | Ahead of The Game with Keith Coyle16 Jun 202301:16:34

Shooting instructor Keith Coyle returns to the show to talk simulated driven shooting, shotgun shooting fundamentals and more.


PLEASE FILL OUT | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Show Highlights:

  • Simulated driven shoots
  • What length barrels should I use?
  • “A clever idea by a simple man…”
  • A proper gun mount
  • Shotgun shooting fundamentals


SAVE 15% | Only Perfect Practice Makes Perfect - Use code: Birdshot15


CONTACT | Keith Coyle


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#224 | Setters, Scandinavia and more with Kevin Erdvig09 Jun 202301:18:35

Bird hunter and freelance filmmaker, Kevin Erdvig joins the show to talk English setters, Scandinavian upland hunting and more.


PLEASE FILL OUT | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Show Highlights:

  • Turkey talk…
  • First bird dog and English setters
  • Spring training and light bulb moments for bird dogs
  • Bird hunting video games
  • Upland hunting in Sweden


WATCH | Through The Trees - A Project Upland Film


FOLLOW | @kevinerdvig


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#223 | Forest Conservation and Management with Scott Johnson02 Jun 202301:07:54

Forest conservation coordinator with the Ruffed Grouse Society, Scott Johnson, joins the show to discuss current forest management projects, forest wildlife openings, pollinators and more.


Show Highlights:

  • Lots of grouse and lots of mosquitoes!
  • Age class diversity in forests
  • Forest stewardship agreements on national forests
  • Log landings and forest wildlife openings
  • Pollinator needs and habitat in the forest


Learn more | ruffedgrousesociety.org


Follow | @ruffedgrousesociety


Survey | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Become a Patreon Support | 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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#222 | Shooting Shotguns with Andy Duffy26 May 202301:10:21

Hall of fame clay shooter, Andy Duffy, returns to the show to discuss more shooting fundamentals, clays versus birds and much more.


Show Highlights:

  • The mental side of shotgun shooting
  • Whiffing on the last pair…
  • Action focus versus result focus
  • What can we learn from rabbit style clay targets?
  • Practice your shotgun mount!


About | Andy Duffy

“Andy began shooting sporting clays in 1983, like many other avid shotgun shooters, as a way to improve his wingshooting. Since that time he has been on the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) All-American Team 17 times, Team USA 20 times and has over 130,000 Lifetime Targets. He has claimed the NSCA National Championship title 3 times, winning it first in 1994, successfully defending the title in 1995 and claiming it again in 2002. In 2005, Andy was honored by being inducted into the NSCA Hall of Fame.”


Listen | Andy Duffy on episode #62


Survey | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Become a Patreon Support | 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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#342 | Winter Birds, Running Roosters & the Making of a Dog Handler with Isaiah Osborne12 Dec 202501:04:00

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Minnesota upland hunter Isaiah Osborne to talk pheasants, sharptails, German shorthaired pointers, and growing up hunting without a bird dog. Isaiah shares his journey from discovering wild birds with friends in high school, to serving in the Marine Corps, to learning bird dogs from professional trainers in Arizona. The conversation covers pheasant behavior, Gambel’s quail, tracking vs. true dogs, winter pheasant strategies, and building a reliable upland hunting truck setup.

Isaiah Osborne is a dedicated upland hunter from New Ulm, Minnesota. Raised in a large family with no dogs allowed, he eventually found his way into upland hunting, served in the Marine Corps, trained with Gordon’s Gun Dogs in Arizona, and now hunts behind two German shorthaired pointers across Minnesota and the Great Plains.

Expect to Learn

  • How Isaiah grew up pheasant hunting without dogs and how bird dogs changed everything

  • What he learned training quail dogs in Arizona with professional handlers

  • The difference between true dogs and tracking dogs in upland hunting

  • Why pheasants run early season and hold tight after snowfall

  • How Isaiah hunts Gambel’s quail, sharptail grouse, and Minnesota pheasants

  • Tips for public land hunting, dog handling, and winter bird behavior

  • Details of his truck, kennel, and gear setup for multi-dog upland hunting

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

  • [00:00:00] - Introduction and winter conditions

  • [00:03:26] - Growing up in New Ulm and discovering pheasant hunting

  • [00:06:11] - Bird-hunting article and Isaiah’s background

  • [00:12:15] - Hunting Gambel’s quail with and without dogs

  • [00:15:52] - How many birds did they walk past without dogs

  • [00:18:05] - Tracking dogs vs. true dogs in pheasant country

  • [00:26:14] - Snow conditions and birds holding tight

  • [00:32:27] - Ideal pheasant hunting weather

  • [00:40:08] - Sharptail grouse hunting in North Dakota

  • [00:40:51] - Adjusting pheasant dogs to big running prairie birds

  • [00:44:56] - Isaiah’s bird dog training setup with pigeons

  • [00:52:13] - Truck setup: F-150, topper, Decked drawers, Ruff Land kennels

  • [01:02:24] - Favorite shotguns and 28-gauge pheasant loads

  • [01:03:15] - Closing thoughts and hunt-swap idea


    Follow the Guest Isaiah: 

Follow the Host Nick:

Listening Links:

SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#221 | Introducing the Alpha 300i and TT 25 from Garmin19 May 202301:02:52

Rehan Nana and Sean Hayes, media specialist and engineering developer respectively at Garmin, join the show to introduce the latest and greatest in GPS track and train technology in the Alpha 300i handheld and TT 25 collar.


Show Highlights:

  • The evolution of dog tracking and training collars
  • Battery power for days!
  • USB-C what?
  • A new one-size-fits-all GPS collar
  • Dynamic tracking, field replaceable flexbands and more!


Learn More | Alpha 300i and TT 25


Follow | @garminfishhunt


Survey | Take the Birdshot Podcast listener survey!


Become a Patreon Support | 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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#220 | Turkey Hunting with The Southern Outdoorsman05 May 202301:39:15

Jacob Myers and Andrew Maxwell of The Southern Outdoorsman Podcast join the show to share some of their insights and experiences from the turkey woods.


Show Highlights:

  • Wolves, hogs and snakes oh my!
  • Turkeys and topography
  • I found a strut zone, now what?
  • He’s gobbling behind me, what should I do?
  • Thoughts on calls and calling turkeys


Follow | @thesouthern_outdoorsman


Watch | The Southern Outdoorsman


Listen | The Southern Outdoorsman on Birdshot Podcast - Episode #196


Become a Patreon Support | 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


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#219 | Road Trip Recap with Justin Berkley28 Apr 202301:41:05

Justin Berkley returns to the show to recap his upland season on the road hunting in Montana, Michigan and Arizona.


Show Highlights:

  • Michigan turkey hunting
  • Do U.P. sharptails have an accent?
  • Truck life 2.0
  • Highlights and lowlights
  • Wild birds make a bird dog.


Follow | @northern_forest_gundogs


Watch | Northern Forest Gun Dogs


Listen | Justin Berkley on Birdshot Podcast - Episode #187


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Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt


The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company


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