Explore every episode of the podcast The Upland Social
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67: Never Give Up On A Bird Dog with James Godfrey | 02 Sep 2026 | 01:22:34 | |
Today’s guest is James Godfrey, a dog trainer, kennel manager, and hunting guide from the piney woods of the Southeast. Graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Wildlife Enterprise Management, bird dogs, habitat, and the upland lifestyle are tightly woven into the fabric of James’ life. When he’s not managing the kennel and guiding at Auburn Oaks Farm, he’s hitting the uplands with his rescue Shorthair and up and coming Boykin/Lab mix in search of the elusive, wild covey of quail in the Southeast. Topics Covered:
Connect with Godfrey Gundogs on Instagram Proud Sponsors: | |||
| 66: A Lifelong Pheasant Hunter's Journey with Ryan Mott | 26 Aug 2026 | 01:19:08 | |
Ryan Mott is a lifelong upland hunter whose roots trace back to the family farms of southeast Iowa and west-central Illinois, where he first followed American Brittanys through pheasant and quail country. A retired Master Sergeant with the Illinois State Police, Ryan has dedicated his life to service both on and off the field. Today he hunts with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Reece, and his young Weimaraner, Charlee, while volunteering as a wingshooting instructor and coaching championship-winning youth clay target teams. Whether it's bird dogs, conservation, or passing hunting traditions on to the next generation, Ryan is passionate about everything that makes the uplands special. Topics Covered:
Connect with Ryan on Instagram Proud Sponsors: | |||
| 65: Fighting Cancer and Becoming a Grouse Guide with Scott Kaminski | 19 Aug 2026 | 01:21:54 | |
Today's guest is Scott Kaminski, a lifelong Michigan bird hunter whose life changed dramatically after being diagnosed with stage four cancer and given just a year to live. After beating the odds and becoming nearly cancer-free, Scott used that journey as the motivation to pursue a longtime dream of becoming an upland bird hunting guide. Now entering his fourth season, he's helping hunters and their dogs create unforgettable experiences while proving it's never too late to chase the dreams that matter most. On top of that, Scott has pursued birds across many states and landscapes. Valuing a more traditional approach to the uplands, you’ll likely find him sporting a 16 gauge, choosing wool over synthetic fabrics, and reaching for a compass in the woods before a GPS unit. Topics Covered:
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| 64: Dove Hunting Tips, Tactics, and Strategy with Will Newell | 12 Aug 2026 | 01:28:32 | |
Today's guest is Will Newell, a lifelong North Carolinian whose passion for bird hunting started at just 13 years old and turned into a serious pursuit by the time he was 20. A 2009 Clemson graduate, he's built his life around chasing migratory birds, from ducks and geese to doves and other winged game. When he's not in the field, he serves as a Director of Development at Project Upland, bringing the same dedication to his professional life that he does to the outdoors. Today, we talk all about dove hunting; from strategy, to decoys, the social aspect, dog work, and everything in between. Topics Covered:
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| 63: Hitting The Road to Bird Hunt, Camping, and Conservation Thoughts with Rob Curtis | 05 Aug 2026 | 01:29:26 | |
Today’s guest is Rob Curtis, an upland bird hunter hailing from the Prairie State of Illinois and is no stranger to the open road and adventure. Inspired by hunting literature, Rob sets out to create his own stories. From the prairies of the West to the quail woods of the Southeast, Rob has traversed 17 states in search of the next flush and has successfully harvested 16 of the 25 species in the North American Upland Bird Slam. Today we talk upland road trips, books, why more hunters need to travel, why in his opinion bird hunting is the best type of hunting, his recent camping outfit project, and much more, all alongside his Drahthaar, Jake. Topics Covered:
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| 62: Bird Dogs, Mental Health, and Canicross with Patrick Schulze | 29 Jul 2026 | 01:17:37 | |
Today’s guest is Patrick Schulze, a bird dog owner from the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. Patrick’s path into the uplands wasn’t a straight line, but more like a meandering stream. But when his college buddy showed him what a bird dog could do, everything changed. When he’s not working as an electrician, he’s busy with his Vizsla, Maverick. Whether traveling to the far reaches of the country during bird season, training with Maverick through a program known as Canicross, or simply working on Chicago pigeons in the nearby park, Patrick is learning how to keep a bird dog engaged while living the city life. Topics Covered:
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| 61: Where The Grouse Once Drummed with Kellen Golightly | 22 Jul 2026 | 01:21:38 | |
Today's guest is Kellen Golightly from Honeyville, Utah. Kellen is an avid upland hunter, the host of Bird Camp Radio, and the author of Where the Grouse Once Drummed. Whether he's behind the microphone, writing about the uplands, or chasing birds with good dogs, he's passionate about preserving the traditions, stories, and conservation efforts that keep our sport alive. We're talking storytelling, bird hunting culture, conservation, and what inspires his work both on the page and behind the mic. Topics Covered:
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| Episode 60: I Bird Hunt Because Of A Dirt Bike with Trey Murphy | 15 Jul 2026 | 01:29:01 | |
Today's guest is Trey Murphy, a lifelong Pennsylvania hunter whose upland journey started with one unexpected trade. Back in his mid-20s, his best friend Garrett sold a dirt bike, found a good deal on a Brittany, and unknowingly changed the direction of Trey's hunting life. Not long after, Trey got his first Brittany, Finley, and began traveling the country chasing birds and building a bird dog family that now includes five dogs alongside his girlfriend, Bethany. From the grouse woods of northcentral Pennsylvania to pheasant country in the Dakotas and quail country in Kansas, Trey has become a passionate upland hunter, conservation volunteer, and guide. Today we're talking bird dogs, grouse, road trips, conservation, and the friendships that make the upland community so special. Topics Covered:
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| Episode 59: Covey Kits with Geoffrey Greiner | 08 Jul 2026 | 01:17:31 | |
Today's guest is Geoffrey Greiner, a retired punk rocker turned passionate bird hunter who made his way from Massachusetts to Arizona by way of Colorado. Although he didn't grow up in a hunting family, Geoffrey found his path into the uplands through his fascination with bird dogs, eventually becoming devoted to the Braque du Bourbonnais breed and chasing Gambel's, scaled, and Mearns quail across the Arizona desert. He's the founder of Covey Kits, a company dedicated to providing practical, field-tested canine first aid kits built by hunters for hunters. When he's not working as a swimming pool repair technician or guiding bird hunts with Stagecoach Pointers, Geoffrey serves as Habitat Chair for his local Quail Forever chapter, helping conserve the landscapes and wildlife that have become such an important part of his life. Today, we're talking bird dogs, desert quail, canine first aid, conservation, and the winding path that led him into the hunting world. Topics Covered:
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| Episode 58: Cackle Clothing Company | 01 Jul 2026 | 01:07:19 | |
This week's guests are Brooks Maurer and Skyler Wenninger, two Minnesota educators, coaches, bird hunters, dog owners, and entrepreneurs who have turned a shared passion into a growing outdoor brand. Brooks grew up hunting behind retrievers across central Minnesota and now balances life as a PE teacher, coach, husband, father, and bird hunter in Luverne. Skyler, a former college baseball player and fellow educator, came into hunting from a different path but has become equally passionate about the upland lifestyle. As brothers-in-law married to sisters, the two teamed up to launch Cackle Clothing Company in 2024, blending their love of hunting, dogs, storytelling, and creative design into a unique brand. From raising pheasants and chukars for dog training to filming hunts and building a business together, they're creating a community centered around birds, dogs, and the outdoors. Topics Covered:
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| Episode 57: Decades of Wingshooting Media with Scott Linden | 24 Jun 2026 | 01:27:57 | |
Today’s guest is Scott Linden, one of the most recognizable voices in the world of wingshooting and bird dogs. Scott is the creator and host of Wingshooting USA, an award-winning outdoor television series, longtime outdoor writer, seminar speaker, and author of What the Dogs Taught Me. From teaching fly fishing and directing school bands to producing some of the outdoor industry’s most respected media, Scott has spent a lifetime helping people connect with the outdoors, bird dogs, and the sporting life. Topics Covered:
Listen to Scott's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P9RqbZDokwazreisUL6Xg Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 56: Bird Hunting From Horseback with Matt Fruge | 17 Jun 2026 | 01:28:00 | |
Matt Fruge is a cattle feedlot consulting veterinarian who’s built a life around both livestock and the landscapes they depend on. Raised in southwest Louisiana and now rooted in the West after nearly a decade in Nebraska, Matt balances a busy family life with a deep obsession for upland hunting. Whether it’s chasing prairie grouse on horseback across big country or traveling state to state in pursuit of bobwhites, blue quail, and dusky grouse, he’s all in on the experience. When he’s not working cattle or raising two young kids alongside his veterinarian wife, you’ll likely find him somewhere wide open, bird dog in front, chasing that next flush. Topics Covered:
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| Episode 55: Wingshooting In The Northeast with Chris Ingram | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:19:16 | |
Chris Ingram is a Vermont-based storyteller and sportsman dedicated to capturing the authentic connections between people, place, and the outdoors. A communicator by trade—working across government, nonprofits, and media—Chris brings a thoughtful, boots-on-the-ground perspective to conservation and community. He’s deeply involved in organizations like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Delta Waterfowl, volunteers as a hunter education instructor, and spends his free time chasing game across New England, picking bluegrass mandolin, and training his young treeing feist. At his core, Chris is all about building bridges—through stories, mentorship, and time in the field. Topics Covered:
Subscribe to the AFJ https://journal.americanfield.com/subscribe/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 54: A Break In The Action with Ryan Doughty | 03 Jun 2026 | 01:22:10 | |
Ryan Doughty is the voice behind A Break in the Action, a podcast dedicated to the world of shotguns and the sporting life. What started in 2019 as a creative outlet alongside a career in commercial banking has grown into a respected platform exploring everything from fine guns to bird hunting, clays, and the people who shape the culture around them. With over 25 years spent chasing birds behind dogs and studying the craft, Ryan brings a thoughtful, curious approach to the conversation—making the nuances of shotgunning accessible whether you’re just starting out or have been at it a lifetime. Recently joining the team at Shooting Sportsman, he continues to highlight not just the gear, but the deeper experiences that define the sporting life. Topics Covered:
Connect with Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/abreakintheaction/?hl=en https://shootingsportsman.com/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 53: Tattoos, Ruffed Grouse, and Bird Dogs with Jake Maricle | 27 May 2026 | 01:19:08 | |
Jake Maricle grew up in the small town of Arcade, New York, and has spent the last 15 years honing his craft as a tattoo artist. About four years ago, he opened Old Gold Tattoo in nearby Yorkshire, building a name rooted in hard work and creativity. Outside the shop, Jake’s passion runs just as deep in the uplands—running three bird dogs, Rif, Kreek, and Brook, and chasing grouse across New York’s North Country, where he recently established “The Grouse House.” He now serves as president of the Appalachian Plateau Ruffed Grouse Society chapter and volunteers with Delta Waterfowl, all while continuing to give back to the hunting community that helped shape his journey. Topics Covered:
Connect with Jake https://share.google/XvFvn4TBMkOMqniO3 https://jake-maricle.square.site/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 52: Clays N' Wings with Stephen Biello | 20 May 2026 | 01:14:42 | |
Stephen Biello grew up in the heart of South Philadelphia, just steps from the historic Italian Market, where his love for animals—and eventually hunting—first took root. Despite not coming from a hunting family, he carved his own path into the uplands through sheer grit, mentorship from neighborhood hunters, and a deep passion for bird dogs. From chasing the last of Pennsylvania’s wild pheasants to developing standout dogs like his Drahthaar Angel and Irish Setter Sage, Stephen’s journey is built on experience, loss, and loyalty. Today, he’s a sporting clays instructor, a dedicated dog man, and working his way back to the field after a life-altering illness—all with a young Wirehaired Vizsla leading the next chapter. | |||
| Episode 51: Upland Student to Advocate with Colleen Foehrenbacher | 13 May 2026 | 01:21:12 | |
From the hardwoods and creek bottoms of Northeast Ohio to the prairies and big woods of Minnesota, Colleen Foehrenbacher found her way into hunting in a way that’s becoming more and more important to the future of our community—she came to it as an adult. Raised in a family that valued nature, wildlife, and especially birds, she spent her early years exploring outside but never pulled a trigger or knew hunters growing up. That changed during her time in outdoor education, when a hunter safety course cracked the door—and one pheasant hunt blew it wide open. Now over a decade into her hunting journey, Colleen is all in—chasing everything from grouse and pheasants to elk and waterfowl, all alongside her three bird dogs. But what really sets her apart is her commitment to bringing others along. As a Minnesota DNR firearm safety instructor, a mentor for new hunters, and a leader in programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Pheasants Forever’s Women on the Wing, she’s helping shape the next generation of hunters—especially women—one first hunt at a time. | |||
| Episode 50: Bird Hunter Supply with Joe Palmer | 06 May 2026 | 01:23:07 | |
Not everyone who becomes a bird hunter grows up in a hunting family. For Joe Palmer, it started with a Scoutmaster who took the time to introduce a 13-year-old kid to Hunter’s Ed and his very first bird hunt behind dogs. That experience stuck. Even though he didn’t hunt much again until he turned 18 and bought his first shotgun, the spark was there for Joe. Today he’s the co-owner of Bird Hunter Supply, a business that’s been around for over a decade. After ten years of simply selling products, he and his wife realized something was missing: purpose. That realization led to a major shift in the company’s mission. Now a portion of every purchase is donated to a conservation organization chosen by the customer—at no additional cost—helping ensure the future of bird hunting and wild places. He and his wife are raising four kids in Idaho, where upland hunting opportunities are abundant. Three of their kids already love chasing birds alongside their parents, and the family has made a tradition of it. In fact, the first bird each of his kids—and even his wife—ever harvested was a sage grouse. Between sage grouse, sharptails, ruffed and dusky grouse, Huns, pheasants, and plenty of ducks and geese, bird hunting has become more than a pastime—it’s a family way of life. Topics Covered:
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| Episode 49: Reid Bryant of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast | 29 Apr 2026 | 01:41:05 | |
Reid Bryant is a writer, editor, and storyteller who believes deeply in the lasting power of the written word. Living along the Mettawee River in Dorset, Vermont, Reid has built a life around the outdoors, bird dogs, and the traditions of upland hunting. A former farmer and teacher, Reid now works with Orvis on their hunting and shooting programs and serves as Editor at Large for Shooting Sportsman. His work has appeared in publications like Gray’s Sporting Journal, Covey Rise, Gundog, and The Fly Fish Journal. He’s also the author of several books including The Orvis Guide to Upland Hunting. His website, reidbryant.com is where you can connect with Reid and his reputable work. Reid also hosts the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, where he spends his time exploring stories, skills, and the people who make the sporting life so rich. Topics Covered:
Connect with Reid: Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 48: Wild Game Cook with John Wallace | 22 Apr 2026 | 01:13:35 | |
John Wallace has spent nearly two decades building a life around conservation, wild game, and family. Married for almost 20 years and a proud dad to three kids — two teenage boys and a 12-year-old daughter — John balances time in the field with time in the stands at ball games. With a degree in Fish and Wildlife, he built a 17-year conservation career working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever, and Delta Waterfowl, dedicating his professional life to habitat, wildlife, and the future of hunting. In 2023, John took a leap and turned his passion into his full-time focus, launching Wild Game Cook, where he hosts private cooking and wild game processing events and creates digital content for brand partners. In 2025, he expanded his impact even further by starting Kestrel Prescribed Fire Solutions, bringing his conservation background full circle through hands-on land stewardship. When he’s not cooking, hunting, or fishing, you’ll likely find him restoring cast iron, digging through garage sales for vintage cooking tools, or working his chocolate Lab, Ronda, in the field. Topics Covered:
Connect with John: Kestrel Prescribed Fire Solutions Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 47: A Lifetime of Bird Hunting and Storytelling with Keith Crowley | 15 Apr 2026 | 01:19:48 | |
Keith Crowley is an award-winning outdoor journalist and photographer with more than four decades in the field, and a bird hunter since he first followed his father through the grouse woods of Minnesota in pursuit of “King Ruff.” While ruffed grouse remain close to his heart, Keith has become a passionate generalist, with a deep affinity for the birds of America’s grasslands and prairies. His work has appeared in Shooting Sportsman, Covey Rise, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Journals, Gun Dog, Covers, Sports Afield, and Field & Stream, as well as mainstream outlets like The Times of London and The Wall Street Journal. He is the award-winning author of a biography on Wisconsin writer Gordon MacQuarrie and the book Pheasant Dogs, both recognized with national honors. A life member of the Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society, Keith has spent more than 30 years assisting with sharptail lek surveys. He splits his time between northern Wisconsin and the Sky Islands of southeastern Arizona, following his English setters, Ruby and Pepper, in pursuit of grouse, woodcock, and desert quail — always with a camera or notebook close at hand. Topics Covered:
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| Episode 46: The Outdoor Calling with Blayten Winters | 08 Apr 2026 | 01:18:31 | |
Blayten Winters grew up in northwest Iowa, where trapping with his dad and chasing pheasants sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors. From running beaver sets for the county to hunting over farm-raised retrievers, bird hunting always had a strong pull. After a few years away from the field due to heavy work travel, he found his way back to pheasants, coyote calling, and fishing around the Des Moines area — and began sharing the journey through a YouTube channel originally created to keep his dad in the loop. Today, Blayten runs a two-year-old Pudelpointer named Piper from Paladin Gun Dogs. With a NAVHDA Natural Ability test and a Started HRC title already under her belt, they’re continuing to train, test, and travel in pursuit of birds — embracing both the process and the adventure along the way. Topics Covered:
Connect with Blayten: The Outdoor Calling Youtube Channel The Outdoor Calling Instagram Page Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 45: Ballad of the Bird Dog with Jared Anderson | 01 Apr 2026 | 01:14:46 | |
Today’s guest is Jared Anderson, the founder of Ballad of the Bird Dog in Brenham, Texas. Jared’s journey started with a bird dog named Skeet—not just a hunting partner, but a best friend who walked beside him through college, traveled the world with him, and ultimately taught him lessons of loyalty, patience, and simplicity. Skeet showed Jared what bird dogs have shown their masters for generations: that instinct, hard work, and devotion can create moments that last forever. Those lessons became the heartbeat of Ballad of the Bird Dog, a brand built on tradition and heritage, yet designed with a modern, thoughtful approach. From well-made, dependable goods to a community you can trust, Jared and his team are carrying forward a story of loyalty, simplicity, and connection—values that resonate far beyond the fields and into everyday life.
Connect with Ballad of the Bird Dog : Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 44: Saving Lesser Prairie Chickens with NAGP | 25 Mar 2026 | 01:15:32 | |
The North American Grouse Partnership is on a mission to ensure a future where all 12 grouse species not only survive—but thrive—across the continent. Through science-driven conservation, smart policy, and strong partnerships, they’re working to protect and restore the habitats these birds depend on. With a special focus on prairie grouse, they’re tackling one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world: our grasslands. Backed by a powerhouse team of scientists and conservation leaders, their work is grounded in real data and real results—turning strategy into meaningful impact on the ground. Today, we visit with Ted Koch, Executive Director and Taylor Linder, The Lesser Prairie-Chicken Landowner Alliance Coordinator to discuss the organization, grasslands, and the critical status of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. Topics Covered:
Join The North American Grouse Partnership: https://www.grousepartners.org/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 43: Woodcock Hunting And Raising Kids In The Outdoors With CJ Moore | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:10:23 | |
CJ Moore is a Georgia outdoorsman whose hunting roots run deep in family tradition and a lifelong love for working dogs. A lifelong resident of west-central Georgia, CJ is married to his high school sweetheart, Kasey, and together they’re raising two boys, Lukas and Layne. These days, much of his time outdoors is shaped by fatherhood, sharing the same woods and fields with his sons that first shaped him as a young hunter. CJ was introduced to hunting at an early age by his dad, who loved chasing deer and running rabbit dogs. His first experiences behind hounds came listening to beagles work a track, and that sound never left him. As a teenager, CJ’s focus shifted to turkey and deer hunting, but he always kept rabbit dogs until life changed with the birth of his oldest son. A few years ago, he discovered woodcock hunting — and it lit a fire that hasn’t gone out since. Today, CJ brings a deep appreciation for tradition, dogs, and passing the hunting heritage down to the next generation.
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| Episode 42: The Wonder of Woodcock Migration with Sara Cerv | 11 Mar 2026 | 01:03:50 | |
Serving as the Forest Conservation Director for the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont Region, Sara Cerv brings a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable forestry and wildlife habitat management through the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Inspired by the strong conservation ethic upheld by RGS & AWS, she joined the organization to advance science-based forest stewardship across some of the East’s most ecologically diverse landscapes. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a background in forestry, she has worked as a forestry consultant and is actively involved with the Appalachian Society of American Foresters. Her career has centered on balancing working forests with healthy wildlife habitat, ensuring that both landowners and wild birds benefit from thoughtful, active management. Topics Covered:
Connect with and join Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/ https://www.instagram.com/ruffedgrousesociety/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 41: Healing Through Faith, Bird Dogs, and Art with Tony Mullinax | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:07:38 | |
Tony Mullinax is a South Carolina outdoorsman, artist, and man of deep faith whose life has been shaped by family, loss, and a lifelong connection to the land. Raised in Cherokee County, where he still lives with his wife, Tony is the proud father of three grown children and grandfather to two. Many of his best days are spent hunting and fishing with his sons, continuing traditions first passed down by his uncles and grandfather after he lost his father in a tragic hunting accident at a young age. The outdoors became both a place of remembrance and refuge for Tony, while art offered an early outlet for processing grief and anger — a journey that ultimately led him to lasting healing through faith in Christ. He grew up in the heyday of Southern quail hunting, remembers when woodcock were dismissed as “trash birds,” and carries a deep appreciation for the changing landscape of upland hunting. After years without a dog, art unexpectedly helped open the door for working dogs to return to his life. Today, he hunts behind Grim, a black Lab, and Creek, an English Setter, blending tradition, storytelling, and a heartfelt perspective on the role of dogs, faith, and family in the outdoors. Topics Covered:
Connect with Tony: https://www.instagram.com/tonymullinaxart/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 40: Overcoming Upland Obstacles with Evan Moak | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:13:34 | |
Evan Moak is a Washington-based upland hunter who came to bird hunting later in life and isn’t shy about the steep learning curve that came with it. Living in Puyallup (PEW ALL UP) with his wife Amber, their daughter Martha, and two dogs, Evan’s journey into the uplands truly began with Pete, his American Brittany and first bird dog. What started with preserve birds quickly grew into an obsession with chasing wild ruffed grouse in the thick cover of the Pacific Northwest. Each season has been a mix of hard lessons, struggle, and the kind of small wins that keep a hunter coming back, all shaped by the experience of figuring it out in real time rather than growing up in the tradition. Evan’s approach to bird hunting blends effort, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the dogs and landscapes that make the pursuit meaningful. He spends the off-season sharpening his wingshooting through shotgun sports, invests in good instruction, and is steadily building a 2021 Ford Bronco into a capable rig for multi-day hunting trips. Photography is becoming part of the journey, too, with a long-term goal of one day ending a hunt by picking up a camera instead of loading another shell. For Evan, bird hunting is less about limits and more about the process — the cover walked, the dog work witnessed, and the lifelong education that only wild birds can provide. Topics Covered:
Connect with Evan: https://www.instagram.com/upland_evan/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 39: Quail Hunting, Storytelling, and Permission Season with Ryan Sparks | 18 Feb 2026 | 01:09:08 | |
Ryan Sparks is a storyteller of the sporting life, using both writing and photography to capture his passions for fishing, hunting, wild food, rivers, mountains, and bird dogs. He’s the editor of Quail Forever Journal and a senior contributor to NEBRASKAland, and he previously founded and led Strung Sporting Journal. Ryan’s work has appeared in many of the most respected outdoor publications in the world, including Gray’s Sporting Journal, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, The Flyfish Journal, Sporting Classics, and Shooting Sportsman, and Meateater. As a photographer, he’s worked commercially with kennels, gunmakers, outfitters, and sporting brands across North and South America. Whether he’s behind a camera, a shotgun, or a fly rod, Ryan is dedicated to telling authentic stories about wild places, wildlife, and the people who care about them. Topics Covered:
Connect with Ryan: https://www.flywatermedley.com/ https://www.instagram.com/1.ryan.sparks.1/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 38: A Pennsylvania Bird Hunter's Life with Aaron Hepler | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:29:26 | |
Aaron Hepler has been drawn to the outdoors since he began hunting at 12 years old, a passion that also sparked his love for writing. A Pennsylvania native, he spends his free time bowhunting, chasing upland birds, fishing, camping, and hiking with his family. His relationship with God is paramount and believes that the created world is something to be cherished. He also holds that time spent outdoors builds not only better hunters and anglers, but better people. By day, Aaron works as an intensive care nurse, a demanding career that makes his time outside even more meaningful. Though he grew up around dogs, he didn’t hunt behind one until getting his first Labrador at 22. She became his trusted hunting partner for 14 seasons. After sadly losing her, Aaron and his wife welcomed two new pups into their home, including a French Brittany that introduced him to the world of pointing dogs. He’s developed a deep appreciation for the training process and the instinct-driven style of hunting behind a pointing breed. For Aaron, the outdoors is where memories are made, lessons are learned, and stories begin. Topics Covered:
Connect with Aaron: https://www.instagram.com/incamp_podcast/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 37: Elkhorn Coffee with Collin Kelly | 04 Feb 2026 | 01:08:38 | |
Collin Kelly is the founder and owner of Elkhorn Coffee, a specialty-grade coffee roaster based in Elkhorn, Nebraska. He studied exercise science at the University of Nebraska Omaha before pursuing an MBA at Colorado State University, where the idea for Elkhorn Coffee was born. Inspired by its hometown and the historic Elkhorn Ranch, where Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation ethic took shape in the Badlands of North Dakota, Elkhorn Coffee is rooted in stewardship of the land and wildlife. The brand believes coffee is the start of every day spent hunting, fishing, and living outdoors—a moment to slow down and reconnect. Elkhorn Coffee partners with wildlife conservation organizations across North America, donating $1 from every bag sold, while remaining deeply involved in fundraising and conservation leadership efforts nationwide. Proudly, Elkhorn Coffee is fueling mornings, conversations, conservation, and the future of the outdoors. Topics Covered:
Connect with Elkhorn Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/elkhorncoffee/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 36: Bobwhite Quail Research with Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich | 28 Jan 2026 | 01:23:06 | |
Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich are lifelong upland hunters and professional wildlife biologists whose careers have focused on quail, grasslands, and habitat conservation across the Midwest. Kyle was raised in southeast Kansas hunting quail with his family and later attended Kansas State University. He began his career managing more than 60,000 acres of public land at Fort Riley, Kansas, before moving to Missouri in 2000 to continue his work with the Missouri Department of Conservation, where he is nearing retirement. Frank was born and raised in southwest Missouri in a family of bird hunters. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, where he studied greater prairie chickens, and has spent more than 20 years working with bobwhite quail in Kansas and Missouri. He currently serves as MDC’s State Grassland Coordinator, helping guide grassland conservation efforts statewide. From 2014 to 2018, Kyle and Frank co-led the largest quail research project ever conducted in Missouri, radio-collaring over 1,500 quail and monitoring more than 500 nests. In addition to their agency work, they consult nationally with Land & Legacy, developing wildlife management plans for deer, turkeys, and upland birds, while continuing to hunt together across the country. Topics Covered:
Connect with Kyle and Frank: https://www.instagram.com/uplandflush/?__d=1 Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 35: Bird Hunting the Lowcountry with Patrick Hunter | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:16:22 | |
Patrick Hunter was born and raised in the Carolinas, growing up between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and his grandparents’ farm in the South Carolina Lowcountry. These two landscapes sparked his lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. A fourth-generation hunter, Patrick carries a deep-rooted legacy in the traditions of quail and duck hunting, though his favorite pursuit is spring turkeys. Over the years, he has also hunted deer, woodcock, marsh hens, and the occasional wild hog—most often alongside his constant companion, Huck Finn, a 7-year-old black Labrador Retriever. Outside of hunting, Patrick is an avid fly fisherman and fly tyer who enjoys both freshwater and saltwater angling. He is also a freelance writer and photographer, using storytelling and imagery to share his appreciation for wild places. By trade, Patrick is an environmental engineer, working to conserve the water resources, wildlife, and landscapes of the Carolinas. He lives in South Carolina with his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Jane. Topics Covered:
Connect with Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/?hl=en Read some of Patrick's work: https://projectupland.com/culture/southern-bird-hunting-etiquette/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 34: Stuff Seth Sees with Seth Owens | 14 Jan 2026 | 01:17:44 | |
Seth Owens is a wildlife and conservation photographer based in central North Dakota, where the prairies and grasslands have shaped both his life and his work. His photography focuses on the wildlife and wide-open landscapes of the Northern Plains, with a particular passion for North American grouse. To date, Seth has photographed 9 of the 12 grouse species found in North America, with plans to complete the set in the near future. At just 25 years old, Seth represents a younger voice in the photography and birding communities, bringing fresh perspective while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. Born and raised in North Dakota, he has hunted for as long as he can remember, developing an early connection to the land and the wildlife that inhabits it. Seth holds degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology and English from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, a combination that informs both his scientific understanding and his storytelling approach behind the camera. To him, photography is not a replacement for experience, but a tool to educate, inspire, and motivate others to get outside and explore the natural world for themselves. On top of that, Seth is the education and outreach coordinator for Pheasants Forever for North Dakota. He lives in Bismarck, North Dakota with his wife and their two dogs—Tanka, a red lab/golden retriever mix and his first bird dog, and Ellie, a golden retriever who prefers the comforts of the couch. Topics Covered:
Connect with Seth: https://www.instagram.com/stuff.seth.sees/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 33: Ruffed Grouse, Shooting Slumps, and Advice For New Dog Owners with Devin Rice | 07 Jan 2026 | 01:11:22 | |
Today’s guest is Devin Rice, a Michigan native whose love for the outdoors started early—baiting worm hooks and catching bluegills off his grandpa’s dock at just four years old. Like a lot of folks, the pandemic flipped a switch for Devin, and once he got his first German Shorthaired Pointer, Walker, everything changed. He did the unthinkable—hung up the bow—and became fully obsessed with chasing the king of the woods: ruffed grouse. Now running two high-octane GSPs through the uplands, Devin is a full-blown grouse and woodcock addict, even if he’ll be the first to admit he might be one of the worst wing shots you’ll ever meet—so bad it’s almost impressive he says. When he’s not in the woods, Devin is a full-time husband, father, and firefighter/paramedic, somehow squeezing in bird hunting whenever he can. He’s also a self-proclaimed cigar connoisseur and mustache maestro. Topics Covered:
Connect with Devin: https://www.instagram.com/ruffed_rice_upland/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 32: From Dogless To A First Bird Dog with West Newby | 31 Dec 2025 | 01:18:10 | |
Today’s guest is West Newby. West is an avid upland hunter and bird dog enthusiast who’s been chasing birds since he was 17 years old. He got his start walking the woods for ruffed grouse with friends—no dogs, just miles and grit—which eventually sparked a deep passion for bird dogs and training. Before ever owning his own dog, West immersed himself in the training world, helping others work their bird dogs and learning a wide range of techniques while shaping his own approach. That journey ultimately led him to a Small Munsterlander, and from there it was full steam ahead into upland hunting and bird dog training. Since then, West has traveled across much of the United States chasing birds alongside his dog, Captain Edward Teague. We’re excited to dig into his experiences, training philosophy, and what he’s learned from a lifetime in the uplands. Topics Covered:
Connect with West: https://www.instagram.com/west_newby/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 31: Heritage, Public Lands, and Giving Back with Keng Yang | 24 Dec 2025 | 01:04:02 | |
Keng Yang is a passionate public-land hunter dedicated to chasing pheasants and waterfowl across the prairie with his trusted nine-year-old German Wirehaired Pointer, Kaiya. Starting his hunting journey later in life, Keng quickly found himself fully immersed in the pursuit — driven by a love for wild places, strong bird dogs, and the camaraderie found in the field. Today, he’s constantly exploring new open spaces and connecting with the growing community of hunters who share his values. Equally committed to giving back, Keng has led multiple hunter-education and mentorship programs in recent years, helping newcomers gain skills, confidence, and a deep appreciation for conservation. Whether he’s introducing first-time hunters to the tradition or following Kaiya into the next birdy field, Keng embodies the passion and purpose that define modern public-lands hunting. Topics Covered:
Connect with Keng: https://www.instagram.com/kengyang1/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 30: Setters, Appalachian Grouse, and Guiding with Justin Madron | 17 Dec 2025 | 01:18:18 | |
Justin Madron grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, where the outdoors were part of everyday life. He started hunting deer and bear at a young age, and his earliest introduction to hunting dogs came through hounds. Though grouse were around, they were more of an incidental opportunity than a pursuit. That all changed later in life when he discovered upland hunting and fell in love with it, especially the combination of physical effort, dog work, and the social community it creates. Justin now spends much of his fall chasing Appalachian grouse and Virginia woodcock with his Llewellin setter, Filly. He also guides in Michigan for a few weeks each season and makes a point to introduce new people to the uplands whenever he can. His professional work centers on solving tough environmental and planning challenges through geospatial data. He runs a consulting company called Farther Afield, which donates a portion of profits to upland conservation. When he’s not hunting or training dogs, he’s home between Virginia and West Virginia with his wife Tiffany and their twin boys. Topics Covered:
Connect with Justin: https://www.instagram.com/j.madron/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 29: Furvor with Kevin Bauer | 10 Dec 2025 | 01:10:01 | |
Today’s guest is Kevin Bauer, the mind behind Furvor, a company born out of a simple moment on the trail. After a hot summer hike left their two dogs, Henry and Ollie, completely worn out, Kevin discovered that adding bone broth to their water and kibble boosted recovery, energy, and mobility. That experience sparked the idea for Furvor—a brand dedicated to bringing the incredible health benefits of bone broth to our pets. After more than a year of research, blending, and testing with one of the nation’s top bone broth manufacturers, they created a first-of-its-kind topper that delivers more nutrition, more flavor, and more value for our dogs. Topics Covered:
Connect with Furvor: https://furvorpet.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq_x0xU4aCJmCOBnWXuUdPU0jJ599BQGv7mflaYnhQ0jHHD4EJO https://www.instagram.com/furvorpets/ Proud Sponsors: | |||
| #28 Tailgate Talk: Ohio Pheasant Hunting with Cameron Berrien | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:35:04 | |
Live from the Ohio pheasant fields, Cameron Berrien and I recap our hunt for some Buckeye Birds. Believe it or not, Ohio does support a huntable amount of wild pheasants. By no means does the state rival the better known western destinations, but the birds are there if you're willing to look for them. Join us as we dive in to our hunt, strategies for Ohio roosters, and more! Topics Covered:
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| Episode 27: LIVE from Hoksey Native Seeds | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:59:25 | |
Today we're joined by a team that's been restoring native prairies for nearly 40 years. Based in the heart of Iowa, Nicolas Lirio and Kent Boucher of Hoksey Native Seeds continue to carry on the legacy left by the company's founder, Carroll Hoksbergen. Their mission is to produce high quality native grasses and wildflower seeds that help farmers and landowners across the Midwest from Illinois to South Dakota bring the prairie back to life. Topics Covered:
https://hokseynativeseeds.com/ Connect with The Prairie Farm Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BcIjPg6wE0A8JU3lAmwsC?si=6c6d6eccd7b74c58 Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 26: New Adventures And A Rare Bird Dog with Cameron Berrien | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:13:37 | |
Cameron Berrien is a 24-year-old outdoorsman from Goshen, Ohio, where he shares life with his wife, Hannah, and their three dogs—a corgi, a chocolate lab, and a rare Burgos Pointer . With a camera in one hand and a shotgun in the other, Cameron spends most of his days chasing birds, training dogs, and capturing the moments that make it all worthwhile. Passionate about bird hunting, canine photography, and the development of true working dogs, Cameron has developed a deep love for the nearly unknown Burgos Pointer—a storied European pointing breed. He and Hannah hope to one day help preserve and promote the breed through responsible breeding and education. This year marks Cameron’s first full season pursuing wild upland birds, with trips to Washington, Idaho lined up, and Michigan in the works—making long-awaited dreams a reality. Topics Covered:
Connect with Cameron: https://www.instagram.com/cameron.berrien/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 25: Countin' Coveys with Garrett Black | 15 Nov 2025 | 01:12:43 | |
Garrett Black is an avid upland hunter with a deep passion for pursuing bobwhite quail across the storied landscapes of Florida and Georgia. These fields and pine savannas are some of the most historic and legendary grounds in America for quail hunting, and Garrett has made them his home turf. With a sharp eye for tradition and a love for the dogs, habitat, and heritage that make this pursuit so unique, Garrett brings firsthand experience and perspective from one of the country’s most iconic upland regions. Topics Covered:
Connect with Garrett: Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 24: RGS Canada with Mark Symes and Andrew Lowles | 05 Nov 2025 | 01:20:48 | |
Today’s guests are two of the driving forces behind the growing upland conservation movement in Canada — Mark Symes and Andrew Lowles, both active leaders with RGS Canada. Mark comes from a diverse entrepreneurial and forestry background and runs his Pudelpointer, Gus in the grouse woods. Andrew is a biologist with experience across forestry, wildlife, and fisheries management, currently overseeing freshwater fisheries resources for his province. When he’s not at his day job, he’s training an English Setter pup and two labs who have earned their keep as unconventional — but deadly — grouse and woodcock dogs. Both are licensed guides, avid anglers, passionate waterfowlers, and private land stewards managing their own woodlots for wildlife while still working full-time careers. Andrew also serves as Eastern Canada Director and Treasurer for the Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada. Today, we’re diving into the vision and Strategic Aspirations of RGS Canada — from launching new chapters across the country to tackling uniquely Canadian challenges in access, habitat, and forest management. Topics Covered:
Connect with RGS Canada: https://www.instagram.com/rgs.canada/ Connect with Mark and Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/markmsymes/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/lowles.andrew/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 23: The Bird Dog Inn with Garrett Baker | 29 Oct 2025 | 01:15:05 | |
Today’s guest is Garrett Baker, a lifelong outdoorsman and passionate upland hunter. Garrett grew up in Northcentral Pennsylvania and picked up a shotgun at just 12 years old—heading now into his 26th hunting season. He hunts over American Brittanys, with his two current companions, Lexi and Gracie, carrying on the legacy of his first bird dog, Lou, who shared the field with him for 12 memorable years. Outside of the uplands, Garrett works as a Maintenance Supervisor at American Refining Group, but his true passion is introducing others to the upland hunting lifestyle. Nearly a decade ago, he and his father opened The Bird Dog Inn in Erwin, South Dakota, where they welcome DIY hunters from across the country and are building new opportunities for first-time hunters and women in the field. Garrett also serves on his local Ruffed Grouse Society chapter in St. Marys, PA, and is actively training his youngest Brittany through NAVHDA and VHDF. Topics Covered:
Book The Bird Dog Inn Connect with Garrett https://www.instagram.com/g_baker_64/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 22: The Iowa Bird Chaser with Nick Martin | 22 Oct 2025 | 01:08:24 | |
Today’s guest is Nick Martin, the creator of The Iowa Bird Chaser YouTube channel. Nick set out on a unique mission—to harvest a pheasant in all 99 counties across Iowa. Along the way, he’s sharing the journey, the challenges, and the beauty of upland hunting in the Hawkeye State. Through his channel, Nick is not only chasing birds, but also capturing the stories, landscapes, and community that make Iowa such a special place to hunt. Topics Covered:
Connect with Nick: https://www.instagram.com/iowa_birdchaser/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 21: Gundog Grind Coffee with Nick and Jake | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:08:16 | |
My guests today are Nick Sherrod and Jake Terry, the owners of Gundog Grind Coffee. But their business is more than just another coffee company—it’s a lifestyle rooted in birds, family, friends, and of course, the dogs that make every hunt memorable. Inspired by mornings in the flooded timber and long days on the prairie, they craft gourmet roasts designed to fuel hunters and outdoorsmen with rich flavor and purpose. From light to dark blends, every bag is made with carefully sourced beans and infused with the spirit of time spent in the field. But Gundog Grind’s mission goes deeper than coffee—they’re committed to giving back by supporting conservation organizations that protect the habitats and hunting traditions we all value. At its core, Gundog Grind is about bringing people together, whether around a hunting campfire or a kitchen table, to share stories, celebrate dogs, and enjoy a great cup of coffee. Topics Covered:
Connect with Jake https://www.instagram.com/jaketerry_photo/ Connect with Nick https://www.instagram.com/nick.sherrod/?hl=en Connect with Gundog Grind https://www.instagram.com/gundoggrind/ Proud Sponsors | |||
| Episode 20: HerUpland with Courtney Bastian | 08 Oct 2025 | 01:15:33 | |
Courtney Bastian’s journey into upland hunting began in 2008 when her German Wirehaired Pointer, Briar, placed a pheasant in her hands—a moment that shifted her life toward bird dogs, shotguns, and wild places. At the height of the 2020 pandemic, Courtney launched The Bird Dog Babe Podcast, building community during the challenges of the pandemic and beyond. This endeavor was then the grounds for the genesis of HerUpland, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for women and youth through hunting camps, wingshooting clinics, and mentorship. Based in Montana with her husband, William, and their children, Burke and Blayre, Courtney balances family life with a kennel of bird dogs and a small menagerie of farm animals. With a background in biology and animal science and an MBA in progress, she blends passion and professionalism to advance conservation, community, and confidence in the uplands. Topics covered:
Connect with Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/birddogbabe/?hl=en Connect with HerUpland https://www.instagram.com/herupland/?hl=en Proud Sponsors: | |||
| Episode 19: Wingshooting and Being Drawn West with Brian Krebs | 01 Oct 2025 | 01:11:13 | |
Brian Krebs grew up in Minnesota, where his passion for the outdoors began with pheasant and deer hunting. After college, his pursuits expanded westward, where he fell in love with exploring new country and took up shed hunting. But his roots still lie in the pheasant fields. For more than 25 years, Brian has been dedicated to pheasant habitat conservation. Deeply involved with local Pheasants Forever chapters, he has worked to improve habitat and give back to the upland hunting community that shaped him. In addition to his conservation efforts, Brian has a lifelong passion for training dogs—whether developing a bird dog in the field or working with his shed dog, Griz on shed hunts. Today, Brian’s life reflects the same values he started with: a love for wild places, the thrill of the hunt, and a belief in leaving the land better for future generations. Topics covered:
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| Episode 18: Vizslas, Birds, and Meaningful Photography with Rich Wong | 24 Sep 2025 | 01:09:43 | |
Richard Westley Wong was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is a dual Canadian-American citizen. He is a food photographer based in Minnesota, where he lives with his wife and two sons. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at the family cabin in Northern Wisconsin, fishing, training bird dogs, running hunt tests, and hunting with his three-year-old Vizsla, Trigger. Topics Covered:
Connect with Rich: https://www.instagram.com/wisc_me_nord/ Proud Sponsors: | |||