The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

Reid is joined by veteran Gunsmith, Gunfitter, and Shooting Instructor John Skinner for a chat about Shooting Dynamics and the Fundamentals of Gunfitting. Skinner brings more than 40 years of experience to the discussion and highlights the aspects of shooting and fitting that challenge his students most often. The two break down the fitting process into a series of steps that enable a shooter to h...

In this installment of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, Reid returns from his first hunting trip of the year, and reflects on how the bird season somehow snuck up on him. With an eye towards a season sprinkled with hunting travel, Reid explores the

Trent Leichleiter of Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel joins Reid to discuss a range of topics including a childhood in the midwest, the value of hard work in realizing goals, and the virtues of giving back. Trent manages Pheasant Bonanza and has guided extensively as well as competed with his dogs. He also recently started a non-profit called KAMO which works to find homes for retired or unwa...

In his latest podcast, Reid digs deep into shot-shell development with two key members of the Winchester Ammunition Team-- Mike Stock, Director of Commercial Sales and Product Management, and Ben Frank, Product Manager. They discuss all facets of shotgun shells, including performance, construction, and the different materials that impact both. It's a great chance to "nerd out" on the nuances of sh...

Reid joins Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello and Gunsmith Jordan Smith in a conversation about the history of Orvis branded shotguns. Jordan, who recently celebrated his 40th year at the Orvis bench, looks back over the various makers who have provided guns to Orvis, and the reasoning behind the various partnerships that have been cultivated. Plenty of perspective on the quality of Spanish gu...

Reid  and Nick Larson, host of the Project Upland Podcast, discuss the changing face of hunting media, guns, birds, and summer in the North. Nick, a Duluth MN native and avid grouse and woodcock hunter, serves as the brand communications director at Northwoods Collective, a media and marketing company in the outdoor space. The podcast wanders into questions about upland hunting in social media, co...

After a bit of a break, Reid returns to the Podcast to spend some time with Hannah Perkins, the most recent member of the Perkins family to join the Orvis Company. Hannah grew up in a rich hunting and fishing heritage, alongside cousins Simon and Charley. She tells stories of her childhood, learning to shoot, the challenging reality of killing animals we love, and eating hearts and livers! Enjoy!

Reid is joined by Wes Butler, a friend and Warden for the Vermont Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Wes, an avid bird hunter and outdoorsman, discusses his pathway into a career as a Game Warden. The two also discuss finer points of fish and game laws, access, and how to build a relationship with your local fish and wildlife officer.

On this episode of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast Reid talks hunting, ethics, food, and connection with noted game cook and author Hank Shaw. Hank, whose web presence at "Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook" (https://honest-food.net/) is a magnificent resource for any and all who are interested in a deeper connection to their food. In the course of this podcast, Hank describes his personal and...

Reid reflects on the changing face of upland hunting, lost friends, getting older, and opportunities to connect more immediately with listeners. Another solo podcast, this one culminates in the reading of an essay titled 'Something Old, Something New' which can be read at www.reidbryant.com.

In this episode, Reid and his friend Doug Duren of Cazenovia, WI take some time to discuss land use, management, conservation, and access. Known to many for his additions to Steve Rinella's Meateater show and the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Doug is at root a passionate land steward. He brings to the conversation a unique perspective on land, highlighted by his innovative Conservation Cooperators...

Recorded on-site at Orvis Sandanona, Reid discusses the finer points of shooting technique with James Ross, Chief Shooting Instructor for The Orvis Company. James lays out the five key elements that result in effective wingshooting, shedding additional light on the fact that fundamental skills and practice are key. James also discusses his personal story and current role, describing how he became...

Reid speaks with his friend Bob St. Pierre, VP of Marketing and Communications for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Bob articulates the work and goals of these two impactful groups while also recounting his pathway into a career in conservation. The two discuss land and dogs and the recent Pheasant Fest; a great chat with a great guest. Enjoy!

On a March afternoon, Reid shares an hour with writer, hunter, upland historian, and Ruffed Grouse devotee Andy Wayment. Andy and Reid discuss Andy's recent book, Idaho Ruffed Grouse Hunting, which chronicles Andy's love affair with grouse, dogs, and days afield. The two discuss the book as well as Andy's work with brother Shawn Wayment on the Uplandways blog, but conversation wanders deep into th...

On this podcast Reid visits with Ryan O'Shaughnessy of West Texas Quail Outfitters. Building on an earlier podcast, the two discuss Ryan's unique story, which began with a childhood in rural Botswana and grew into a career as a wildlife biology professor in west Texas. The two discuss how Ryan's upbringing informed his love of land and species, and similarly how a love of wildlife can exist in con...

Pheasant Fest is the annual consumer show and fundraiser/banquet that benefits Pheasants Forever, a leader in conservation of Upland habitat and species. While there I was able to sit down with the mother/daughter duo of Liz and Hayden Lewis of Bozeman, MT. Hayden at 13 is hoping to join The National Youth Leadership Council with PF, and she is an avid young female hunter and shooter. Liz is forme...

In another on-site podcast, Reid spends an evening with friend and former Endorsed Guide of the Year, Mark Nissen of Classic Bird Hunts. Recorded on a hunt for desert quail in southern New Mexico, this podcast is more a conversation between friends, discussing quail hunting, Brittany's, and Mark's unique career. Enjoy

Reid explores his thoughts on the ideal gun for a given application. With identity as a focus throughout, he considers how the gun used in a given environment must make sense both functionally, but also tonally. This podcast also wanders into a bit of a wish list, or something along the lines of "if money were no object…" Enjoy!

In another solo podcast, Reid shares 5 tips on how to make corrections when shooting success starts to go south. In essence, these tips offer a way to troubleshoot when consistent missing starts to occur. Included are issues of mechanics, but also the more pertinent issues of mindset, and how to combat them. Enjoy!"

In another read-aloud session, Reid shares and reflects on the story Maggie's October, first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. The winter season is a reflective time, with many thoughts drifting back to people, places, and moments. This is a story fondly remembered, and happily shared.

Reid discusses shotguns and physics with Andrew Wertenberger, Senior Gunsmith for Caesar Guerini USA, Fabarm USA, and Syren. The two go deep into the functioning of auto-loaders, the physics of choke, the nuances of cartridges, and general explanations of the forces at work in a shotgun. Enjoy!

Charley Perkins of The Orvis Company joins Reid to discuss all things duck hunting. Charley is an avid and lifelong waterfowler and a tremendous game shot, and the two discuss shooting both near home and further afield, and hit on some basics of guns, dogs, calls, and decoys.

Master engraver, gunmaker, and unrivaled craftsman Damien Connolly joins Reid for a discussion about much more than engraving. Connolly, who moved to southern Vermont from his native Australia to work alongside renowned engraver Winston Churchill, discusses his quest for excellence and his fascination with craft. Few gunsmiths have the breadth of skill that Connolly brings to the game, and few are...

On an early November evening, Reid returns from Orvis Sandanona with Gun Room Manager Greg Carpiniello. Recorded on a mobile unit that captures the sound of rain on the windshield, the two discuss the Orvis assortment of shotguns, and how it was arrived at. Gun talk, Orvis talk, and a peak behind the scenes of Orvis gun sales; enjoy.

In this episode Reid has the privilege of sharing an hour with acclaimed writer, rancher, hunter, angler, and conservationist Thomas McGuane. McGuane, whose career as a novelist and short story writer spans nearly 50 years, describes his thoughts on hunting, dogs, place, guns, and friends. For listeners who know and love McGuane's work, this podcast is a must.