The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In the second installment of the Lulu Chronicles, Reid explores the progress of his English Springer, Lulu, reflecting on her summer's work with Deanna and Jim Keller of Wildwind Kennels. The group discusses Lulu's progress, troubleshoots some issues, and explores the finer points of bringing a flushing spaniel to the point of steadiness to wing, shoot, and fall.

In a long and winding conversation, Reid catches up with Durrell Smith of The Gundog Notebook Podcast. The two cover a range of topics including Durrell’s work digging into field trial history in the South, opportunities for greater inclusivity in the hunting space, and the work Durrell has done to explore the experience of being both a person of color and a passionate upland hunter. Reid and Durrell also explore Durrell’s recent inception of the non-profit Minority Outdoor Alliance. Enjoy!

Reid joins LD McCaa, Manager of Westley Richards Agency, U.S.A. in a conversation about fine guns, British doubles, and the remarkable innovations that have made Westley Richards one of history’s most beloved gunmakers. Having spent a lifetime in the fine firearms business, LD speaks to the finer points of Westley guns and rifles, and the history of the company’s storied success. Reid and LD discuss iconic designs like the droplock and the gold name, and they even dig into the longstanding misperceptions about quality difference between London and Birmingham gunmakers. LD is a font of knowledge and experience, and a great guy to spend an hour with. Enjoy!

Reid goes transatlantic to spend some time with Vincent Chapuis and Pierre Laurent Faure of Chapuis-Armes. Known to many Americans for their robust yet graceful double rifles, Chapuis has a long tradition in the manufacture for fine double shotguns. Orvis began a partnership with Chapuis several years ago to build a proprietary SXS shotgun offering, and the resulting shotguns are truly unique. Vincent Chapuis discusses his family’s 100 year history in gunmaking, and he is joined by Pierre Laurent Faure, who heads up international sales. A great chance to get to know the Chapuis brand a bit better.

In this episode Reid spends some time with Field & Stream Shotguns Editor Phil Bourjaily. In a career that spans several decades, Bourjaily is one of the most revered contemporary experts on guns and shooting, and his body of work writing on the subject is remarkable. As he will attest, though, he is foremost a hunter. Phil and Reid discuss writing, print media, hunting in Phil’s home state of Iowa, and a somewhat serendipitous entry into the world of gun writing.

Reid spends some time catching up with his friend Aaron Schroder of Double A Gundogs in Lyons, Nebraska. The two explore the challenges of starting a training and outfitting business, the long and winding path that got Aaron back to his boyhood home in the rural Midwest, and why one should never order the conch chowder in Omaha. An interesting and honest take on pursuing one’s dream. Enjoy!

Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello add yet another installment to the series on iconic shotguns, this time exploring the Browning Citori. The much-loved Citori was conceived as a lower-priced, Japanese-made alternative to its Belgian cousin the Superposed, but over time found widespread favor among hunters and target shooters alike. It remains one of the most beloved double guns of all time, and one that finds itself in regular use in the field and on the course. Enjoy the story of this classic double gun.

Reid takes the opportunity to share another story, this one originally published in Gray's Sporting Journal. The story is a bit of a tribute and a bit of a reflection on people and place, and a now-gone relative with a devilish way about her. Hopefully it will provide you all with a nice escape during these uncertain and strange times. Enjoy!