Birdshot Podcast

Joined by author and dog trainer, George DeCosta, we discuss the release of his latest book, Tales with Tails: From the Heart of a Man Who Loves Life and Bird Dogs. Show Highlights: The season opener is nearly upon us! Tuning up on the sporting clays course Missing birds over young dogs Wildfire impacts in the west this year Inspiration courtesy of Gene Hill One way to work with a dog hunting for...

Joined by author and host of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting podcast, Reid Bryant, we discuss the upcoming reprinting of the Orvis Guide to Upland Hunting in paperback. Show Highlights: Staying focused amidst a world of distractions Writing and creating from a place of inspiration versus being “productive” Who would be a dream guest on your podcast both past and present? Ben Williams philosophies o...

We’ve assembled a special upland bird hunter’s super show episode with Travis Frank of The Flush and Nick Larson of Birdshot Podcast for a conversation focused on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ new Bird Hunter Diary app and ruffed grouse drumming counts. Joining the conversation from the Minnesota DNR are Assistant Area Wildlife Manager for northeast Minnesota Bailey Petersen and R...

Joined by Utah upland game bird biologist, Jason Robinson, we discuss western upland game birds, their biology, habitat and much more. Show Highlights: Growing up in the wilds of Utah When was the last time you watched Jeremiah Johnson? A graduate study focused on sage grouse Nesting and brooding conditions in the west White-tailed ptarmigan hunting How does fire affect upland bird habitat in the...

Joined by host of the TGS Outdoors YouTube channel, Jonny Carter, we discuss his recent trip to the R.F.M. Factory in Italy, shotgun industry updates and much more. Show Highlights: Grouse populations in the US and UK Nick does his best ruffed grouse drumming imitation for Jonny Edwards Eyewear Hiroki 2 - shooting glasses by Ed Solomons Wingshooting skill development versus just having fun Jonny’s...

Joined again by dog trainer, writer and upland hunter Jeremy Moore of Dog Bone Hunter we wrap up our conversation with more dog training insights. Show Highlights: Feel, connection and trust with your bird dog Foundations first, whether it’s a pointing dog or flushing dog Maintaining a calm demeanor as a handler and the things your bird dog perceives Assessing range in your pointing dog The Grand...

Joined by dog trainer, writer and upland hunter Jeremy Moore of Dog Bone Hunter we discuss a fishing trip to the U.P., ruffed grouse drumming counts and more. Show Highlights: A fishing trip to the U.P  Well mannered bird dogs and place training Setters on the loose at the cabin E-collar use or lack thereof Ruffed grouse drumming counts Hotspots within a grouse cover FOLLOW | @dogbonehunter LISTEN...

In this episode we are joined by grouse project leader for the Minnesota DNR, Charlotte Roy, to discuss the results of the 2024 ruffed grouse drumming survey. Show Highlights: Understanding the Drumming Survey Process Impact of Weather on Grouse Population Historical Context and Current Trends The Grouse Population Cycle Winter Conditions and Grouse Survival MN Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey WI Ruf...

In this episode we welcome freelance filmmaker and avid upland hunter Kevin Erdvig back to the show to discuss updates to his gun safe, bird dog string and more. Show Highlights: Sorting out eye dominance issues The Instinctive Shot by Chris Batha and other book mentions Phantom 2.0 shooting glasses by Ranger Eyewear A gun fitting with Lars Jacob Journaling, flush counts, photos and more Kevin’s n...

In this episode we welcome wingshooting instructor and gun fitter Lars Jacob back to the show to discuss instinctive shooting. Show Highlights: Spring foraging: morel mushrooms A family history of turkey hunting and call making Lars’ definition of Instinctive shooting Pull away vs swing through vs sustained lead “Don’t spill the scotch!”  The importance of your lead hand on the shotgun How to grip...

In this episode we share a conversation from the recently launched Ugly Dog Podcast with host Mike Neiduski and guest Nick Larson on upland hunting, bird dogs, shotguns and more. Show Highlights: About the Birdshot Podcast The spark aka the ruffed grouse Rituals, hunting trips and hunting close to home Hartley’s cruciate ligament injury - out for the season Old dogs with lots of bird contacts Comp...

In this episode we are joined by Scott Trulock of Trulock Chokes to discuss all things choke tubes, constriction, patterning and more. Show Highlights: Trulock Chokes: where it all began What is a choke tube and what does it do? What characteristics does a quality choke tube have? Variations in choke tubes and method of constriction How to pattern and evaluate your shotgun and choke tube Analyzing...

In this episode we welcome Craig Doherty, author of Building a Grouse Dog, back to the show to discuss choosing the right bird dog for you, developing bird dogs and more. Show Highlights: Craig’s column in Pointing Dog Journal Wild Apple Kennel Bob Wehle and Elhew Pointers Beech trees and other New England Grouse cover notes First year puppy expectations Building a Grouse Dog by Craig Doherty Crai...

In this episode we take a walk through some woodcock cover in hopes of banding spring chicks with Lindsey Shartell, board member of Woodcock Minnesota. Show Highlights: Meeting Lindsey Shartell of Woodcock Minnesota What makes a good woodcock banding dog? Where do we find woodcock broods? Turkey hunt updates from Lindsey Guess the age of this clear cut Grouse point! Woodcock surveys Locating and b...

In this episode we catch up with the editor of the Quail Forever Journal to discuss his passion for upland birds and the outdoors along with some spring turkey hunting as well. Show Highlights: Meet editor of the Quail Forever Journal Ryan Sparks An early introduction to quail Fishing, hunting and traveling far and wide Ryan’s thesis paper on quail of the Platte River Valley Spring turkey hunting...

In this episode we continue our basic turkey hunting tips and tactics conversation with Jacob Myers of the Southern Outdoorsman Podcast. Show Highlights: “Run and gun” versus setting up and blind calling? Gobblers coming in silent What about when he’s gobbling his head off? Soft calling and watching the bird’s behavior Calling jakes to pull in the tom Favorite locate calls and when to use them Typ...

In this episode we talk basic turkey hunting tips and tactics with Alabama turkey hunter Jacob Myers of the Southern Outdoorsman Podcast. Show Highlights: How to miss a turkey Should I use a red dot sight? Turkey hunting safety precautions Where to hunt turkeys Understanding turkey behavior What is “covert calling”? Scratching leaves, going silent and more WATCH | How to CALL TURKEYS like the OLD...

In this episode we catch up with Jim Gerchy, grouse hunting guide at Pineridge Grouse Camp, to talk grouse hunting, bird dogs, shotguns and more. We also preview the Midwest Double Gun Classic at Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake, MN. Show Highlights: Jim's Perfect Margarita Recipe Fishing Adventures and Spring Pursuits Jim's Journey into Bird Hunting and Guiding The Art of Crow Hunting Guiding Gr...

In this episode we cover more upland bird hunting and dog training as well as overcoming shooting challenges with seasoned hunting guide and dog trainer, Matty Rawlinson. Additionally, we cover the significance of gun fitting for wing shooting success, sharing insights into how a custom-fitted gun can enhance shooting accuracy. The episode also details Matty’s eye dominance discovery in shooting,...

An in-depth discussion with Matty Rawlinson of Heritage Gundogs and Outfitters, a dog trainer, hunting guide, and upland hunter from California, covering his extensive experience in bird hunting and dog training across challenging environments, notably South Texas. The conversation spans the importance of field trials, adaptation strategies for dogs in tough terrains, and intricacies of working wi...

This podcast episode features an in-depth discussion with Craig Koshyk, a bird hunter, lover of hunting dogs and the author of 'Pointing Dogs Volume 1 and 2'. The conversation covers the origins, evolution, and nuances of pointing dogs, shedding light on the differences between European and North American practices. Craig recounts his extensive research and travels, offering insights into the hist...

Joined by Bailey Petersen of the MN DNR and Jerry Havel of Pineridge Grouse Camp and Upland Gun company, on this episode we explore the multifaceted practice of woodcock banding with pointing dogs. Learn about the challenges, and logistics of woodcock banding, including the impact of weather on migrations, the importance of choosing suitable sites, and the role of trained dogs. A brief discussion...

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick and Dr. Erik Blomberg discuss the intricacies of the American Woodcock migration, based on recent research and GPS tracking. Dr. Blomberg shares insights into the Woodcock's migration patterns, stopover habitats, altitude during flights, and the impact of weather conditions on their migration. The discussion also covers the use of GPS tracking tec...

Joined by Gabe Stone and Kevin Sterling of the American Woodcock Society we discuss woodcock migration reports, woodcock hunting, favorite woodcock recipes and much more. Show Highlights: Local woodcock reports It all started with turkeys for Kevin… MOU between Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever Overlapping quail and woodcock habitat RGS’ largest forest conservation agreement ever on nati...

Joined by Tyler Burton and Dan Hornbaker we discuss their chance meeting on New Jersey public lands and their now mentor / mentee relationship. Show Highlights: Trap shooting and sporting clays A chance meeting in the woods New Jersey public lands Rookie mistakes and first hunts Famous last words, “if I buy another SxS…” Barrel length and shotguns trends Pheasant Fest was a great time! Who’s a bet...