Best Chukar Podcasts (2024)

1
Chukar guide dispels myths and dispenses tips; meet the Cesky Fousek 1:13:19

21d ago1:13:19

1:13:19

Is cheatgrass really the magic potion for chukar hunters? Pro chukar guide Grant Richie addresses some long-held notions about this bucket-list bird, from habitat and feed, to proven tactics and strategies. Grant runs hunts in the legendary Hell's Canyon region, some of the most rugged chukar terrain in the U.S. He offers tips and advice on finding…

1
Understanding the Dove Migration: Local Versus Migrant Doves 11:00

11h ago11:00

11:00

September 1 is one of the most popular hunting dates in the United States. In many states, it’s the opening day of dove season, which is the start of upland hunting for many wing shooting enthusiasts. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) sets a range of dates, season lengths, and bag limits that states can choose from to harvest dove…

1
Hunter, conservationist, CEO: Ben Jones updates us on the RGS/AWS re-organization 1:10:26

4d ago1:10:26

1:10:26

A lot of water under the bridge since we last talked: pandemic lockdown, a major restructuring of his organizations, and a new puppy. Ben Jones is CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, and we've got a lot of ground to cover. We'll get an update on the new strategic direction and how it's affected the groups' operations and…

1
How to Make the Tough Decision to Not Breed Your Dog 10:15

1d ago10:15

10:15

Is it a fuzzy face infatuation that pulls at your heartstrings? Or is it that your dog is a bird-finding machine? For most, it’s probably a combination of the two. When deciding to breed or not to breed, be honest with your motivations. That adorable face comes with heavy liabilities and responsibilities. Unfortunately, the fact that you’re in love…

1
Dog Conditioning – Physically Preparing Your Dog for the Rigor of Hunting Season 13:42

7d ago13:42

13:42

A dog conditioned for big runs in the open prairie with relatively flat terrain may not fare as well in the mountains chasing chukar or the thick brambles of the north country chasing ruffed grouse and woodcock. When the training grounds don’t match the hunting conditions, it’s like training for a marathon but running a Tough Mudder instead. The bo…

1
Bird hunter, dog trainer, PF/QF CEO charts a new course including reintroducing birds, stopping the plow on grasslands 1:32:23

7d ago1:32:23

1:32:23

She's had more than a year to get her footing and boy has she! Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever CEO Marilyn Vetter is guiding the 40-year old organization through a time of major strategic transitions and a new era of accountability and metrics-based policy. We talk about the group, its goals, measuring their progress and of course, dogs and hunting…

1
Teaching Your Dog To Heel 15:51

10d ago15:51

15:51

Getting a willful, prey-driven hunting dog to heel can be difficult at first. It is one of the most common reasons a handler loses their prize one in the NAVHDA testing system. It’s also one of the reasons owners avoid stimulating environments while walking their dog. The drive within our hunting dogs is the putty from which we play. Because heelin…

1
BONUS: getting into the back-of-beyond ... tips, tricks, hacks and hints ... and why you should go 35:55

10d ago35:55

35:55

In this episode I outline some of the practical and philosophical reasons to go deeper, risk a blown tire, and possibly your health. I share some of the lessons I've learned walking miles of wilderness for wild birds that you can apply in your own adventures. If you're up for the drive, the walk, and the risk, there is massive reward at the end of …

1
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura): A Feathery Missile 11:26

14d ago11:26

11:26

Doves are the highest-harvested game bird in the United States, with over 10 million bagged annually. The high harvest rate isn’t surprising, considering dove hunting season is the first hunting season to open for most wing shooters. However, the dove’s widespread range no doubt contributes to the large harvest. They can be found in nearly every st…

1
Pro pheasant guide tramples a few myths; you'll be a better bird hunter for it 1:02:11

14d ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Wild pheasants in Big Sky country ... with advice from a seasoned guide and friend, Al Gadoury of 6X Outfitters. Al will take us to school on ringnecks, along the way dispelling some myths about habitat and wild bird behavior. He'll also offer advice on the right way to employ blockers (not what you think), and his method for pairing a flushing dog…

1
The Importance of Eye Contact During Dog Training 16:02

21d ago16:02

16:02

When acting selfishly while playing youth sports, the common phrase “there’s no I in team” was repeatedly thrown around. My coaches insisted I trust others with the ball to develop good teamwork. But giving up the ball didn’t come naturally. I often got “the eye” from my coaches, revealing their disappointment in my lack of team play. They’d use va…

1
Training and Troubleshooting the Recall Command with Dogs 14:44

23d ago14:44

14:44

The recall is an extremely important ritual we have with our dogs. When called, the dog quickly and directly finds its position either in front or to our side. It happily and thoughtlessly finds its position, returning as excitedly as it went out and finishing with robotic consistency; something that has been groomed into it since the day it came h…

1
Champion trainer takes us to school on steadiness from A-Z; retrieving from A-around T or thereabouts 1:09:17

28d ago1:09:17

1:09:17

Jake Bartells re-joins us to share his hard-won wisdom on training dogs to the highest level. His bonafides include multiple NAVHDA Versatile Champions and a 12-year-old daughter who's learned enough to have her own dog entered in the Invitational Test this year. You want help with your dog's steadiness, well Jake's got a step-by-step tutorial you …

1
Introducing Kids to Upland Bird Hunting 13:18

29d ago13:18

13:18

Like most parents, I hope my children will share my interests so we can enjoy them together. As a passionate upland hunter, I dream of days spent in the field nurturing their curiosity, instilling a desire for conservation, and fostering a profound respect and appreciation for the game birds we pursue. There’s a special kind of magic and responsibi…

1
BONUS: bird hunting destination ... western Kansas. Where, when, why and how 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

I'm recounting one of my many visits to this incredible state, often overlooked by passionate pheasant hunters hell bent on one of the Dakotas. Take three days, in three different places, that may offer an alternative to the usual spots for this year's road trip. We'll explore public and walk-in habitats in the midst of pheasant country, Kansas sty…

1
A Guide to Choosing the Right Load For a Classic Shotgun 10:53

1M ago10:53

10:53

Vintage shotguns can be particular with the kinds of shotgun shells you put through them. In a world filled with high-velocity, heavy payload shells, the difficulty of finding lighter loads can take away some of the allure of owning a classic. But it shouldn’t stop you. There’s something warm and cozy about hunting with a 50-, 75-, or even 100-year…

1
Bird hunter & author on the spirit of hunting ... and access to more hunting ground 1:01:39

1M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

He's been through the wringer, but came out the other side stronger, more resilient and committed to the therapeutic value of hunting. Avid pheasant hunter and theologian Tony Jones outlines it all in his new book The God of Wild Places, and in this fascinating interview from the floor of Pheasant Fest. Starting late in life, Tony's outdoor journey…

1
Public land bird hunting: lessons from a self-taught expert 1:03:01

1M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

This guy, like many of us, has learned things the hard way so you don't have to. Keng Yang (@kengyang1) is a hardcore DIY hunter from Minnesota who inspired us at Pheasant Fest last year with ideas and tips on finding new public access hunting land. His personal experiences are lessons for all of us. From the floor of Pheasant Fest we talk dogs, hu…

1
Edward Laverack: the Father of the English Setter 18:13

1M ago18:13

18:13

“Suddenly into the middle of the coterie of breeders a bombshell was flung, so startling as to cause a violent upheaval of all the old theories, and a complete revolution in setter breeding, the effects of which have lasted to the present day.” —Walter Baxendale Walter Baxendale’s “bombshell” was a man named Edward Laverack, now universally regarde…

1
New CDC Dog Import Rules Will Affect Border Crossings and Air Travel 11:17

1M ago11:17

11:17

In May of 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new rules governing dog imports into the United States. The rules are aimed at standardizing the process between countries and preventing the introduction of canine rabies into the U.S., but the broad-sweeping changes will have lasting impacts on breed clubs that de…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Chukar country - the Great Basin ... a primer for bird hunters, from habitat to jumping-off points 36:11

2M ago36:11

36:11

Thanks for all your positive feedback on that Montana bonus episode ... now, another of my favorite places - the West's Great Basin. If chukars are on your bucket list, here's a primer on where to go, what to do, and how to hunt them. From topography to behavior, habitat characteristics to strategy, here's my 30 years' experience roaming this incre…

1
Shotgun guru takes us to school on new guns, innovations, technology and shooting better 58:49

2M ago58:49

58:49

"Figure out what your gun likes ..." one of the best pieces of advice you'll ever get from shotgun guru and Gun Dog magazine writer Brad Fitzpatrick. He's authored the shotgun column in the magazine for years, and has the enviable job of test-shooting everything new and classic in the shotgun world. Brad is a bird hunter, TV host, author of five bo…

1
Are Pinyon Jays the Next Sage Grouse? 15:26

2M ago15:26

15:26

I can’t help but stare through the conference room’s glass curtain wall, in awe of some of the world’s most productive wetlands on Earth. This morning, the frozen wetlands are blanketed in snow after this winter’s biggest storms pounded the area, which is great for recharging those wetlands later in the year. During spring, summer, and fall, these …

1
Bird-dog training legend: Bob West's insights on tests, 3 critical commands, pad care and a feeding regimen 1:08:00

2M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Hunter, dog trainer, nutritional guru, magazine writer, an Upland National treasure ... Bob West of Purina joins me for a wide-ranging discussion full of reminiscences. Besides talking about his fellow legends, Bob's backstory might just prove he was the first "influencer" in our world ... back when TV was still made on magnetic tape and in 4:3 scr…

1
English Springer Spaniel: Breed Characteristics, Abilities, and History 13:06

2M ago13:06

13:06

My first-ever interaction with an English Springer Spaniel was when my wife, Emily, brought one home. When considering which dog breed our first hunting dog should be, we ultimately landed on the one with which Emily was most familiar. She grew up with Springers, and consequently, that is where we landed. At that time, we weren’t aware of the diffe…

1
How to Correctly Command Your Dog 11:47

2M ago11:47

11:47

“Where were you last night?” These words strike fear in nearly all adolescent children. Is the parent simply curious? Was it an ambivalent conversation starter or a knowing and accusatory set up? The answer always lies within the subtle tones, expression, and body language of the parent. The same is true when thinking about the delivery of a comman…

1
Introduction to Force Fetch for Pointing Dogs 13:33

2M ago13:33

13:33

It’s not quite U.S. domestic politics or dog food, but raise the topic of “force fetch” or its euphemism, “trained retrieve,” and you’ll quickly discover that pointing dog folks have lots of feelings about it. You’ll generally find four camps: a camp of those who say they don’t need it because they don’t need their dog to retrieve but only help the…

1
BONUS: Bird hunting road trip - Montana, one of my top five states 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

Pack the dog, extra ammo, and fasten your seatbelt. We're headed for Big Sky country on this bonus episode. Stories, suggestions and tips, starting points and advice that might help on your next road trip. This state is loaded with public-access walk-in and government-administered ground. I'll cover my own experiences with habitat, seasons, and tac…

1
What Is An English “Best Gun?” 8:46

2M ago8:46

8:46

Having dealt with so-called “fine” firearms for decades, the question “What exactly is a ‘best gun?’” comes up a lot. Explaining what a best gun is can be challenging because it’s more of a concept or ethos to building a gun, not something that follows a set of rules or criteria. As such, the term is used quite liberally, especially when it comes t…

1
Versatile champion, bird dog trainer, hunter: Curt Fry's views on all things dogs and birds 1:03:37

2M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

He and his dogs are NAVHDA versatile champions several times over ... and those dogs are English Setters. It's one testament to this guy's training acumen, passion for dogs and bird hunting. Curt Fry is also a hunt test judge, clinician, hardcore grouse and woodcock hunter. We do a deep dive into steadying a bird dog from start to finish: objective…

1
Solving Separation Anxiety Issues with Dogs 8:20

2M ago8:20

8:20

As each year passes, some of us find enough time to raise and finish our dream upland dog. It is an amazing opportunity to have your dog at the ready, all day long, just begging to be educated. Extra time, whether due to retirement or working from home, has inspired many of us to get out there every day and mold our pup into the finest hunting mach…

1
The Extinct California Wild Turkey: Meleagris Californica 11:52

2M ago11:52

11:52

Depending on where in the world you’re hunting turkeys, you may be fortunate to see other remarkable wildlife while you sit and hammer on your box or slate call. You may even have one or two curious predatory critters come into your calls, hoping for an easy meal. For many modern turkey species, their main predators are owls, coyotes, and cougars. …

1
Let's go on a chukar hunt ... and everyone chips in on saving a buck or two 57:05

2M ago57:05

57:05

It's the off-season, and time to re-live some of the hunts from last fall. In this Field Debrief, I'll relate a chukar hunt we did on eclipse weekend last October in Northern Nevada. Fascinating finds, beautiful country, and a few lessons, too. Then, everyone offers suggestions on saving money on gear, trips, and dogs. And, what NOT to economize on…

1
Weaving Whoa Training Into Our Daily Routines 9:35

2M ago9:35

9:35

If I were to ask you to honestly explain to me your expectations of whoa, what would your answer look like? Would you be okay with the three or four step California roll type whoa, utilizing more than a few commands while throwing in a few choice expletives? You know, the kind of whoa where you turn red while the dog sighs and rolls its eyes at you…

1
Understanding the Stages of Steady Training a Dog 20:29

3M ago20:29

20:29

Dogs that have been trained to hold point until the handler arrives will do so partly due to it being cooperative. However, this is mostly due to the dog fearing that if it moves, the bird will fly away. Steadiness comes into play once the dog realizes the presence of its handler. Before initiating the steadiness process, you would have hopefully p…

1
Industry Insider talks all things ammo for bird hunters and clay target shooters; plus your hard-earned lessons 1:04:39

3M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

This week, we talk to industry insider Dan Compton, product director for The Kinetic Group's Remington, Hevi-Shot and Federal shotgun ammunition lines. He's a hunter so of course we'll talk about that, but we'll also find out what's new at each company, what's in development, and how shotshells work. We look at recent innovations in design, find ou…

1
Where to Start in Training with a Bird Dog Puppy 11:17

3M ago11:17

11:17

You did your homework, picked the right hunting dog breed, and found the breeder who provided you with the genetic package you dreamt of. On the drive home it hits you. Have I prepared for this new puppy? Now what? How do I start? You own the equivalent of a Ferrari but are unsure how to take it for its first spin without scratching it. Too often, …

1
Llewellin Setter: Characteristics, Training, and Hunting Ability 9:23

3M ago9:23

9:23

Setters are incredible dogs that offer a wide diversity of type, hunting tendencies, and coat colors. Although some may be harder or softer than others, and some pups may be slightly more hesitant to retrieve, there are two constants that remain regardless of breed or strain: their beauty and amazing companionship in the field and at home. Llewelli…

1
Valley quail & chukars: industry insider talks shotgun business and his favorite quarry 1:07:09

3M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

This week's "Industry Insider" is Andy McCormick, president of sales & marketing for Legacy Sports International, whose Pointer shotgun brand is our first topic. We talk all things shotgun business: design and manufacturing, quality control, trends in the industry, and advice on what to look for when shopping for a new shotgun. We cover the relativ…

1
Place Training in Your Home 6:24

3M ago6:24

6:24

Sit and stay is a tall order. I don’t know about you, but this is no easy task for me or my bird dogs. Many of us are now quarantined in our homes. I’m sitting here writing this article with four very patient hunting dogs huddled up beside me awaiting anything remotely training related. And so place training is one of the things that can be accompl…

1
Ruffed Grouse Drumming – The Mysterious Noise of Northern Forests 16:34

3M ago16:34

16:34

The reverberation of a ruffed grouse drumming during early mornings in spring forests is one of the most magical sounds. When you hear it, it starkly contrasts against all other sounds found in the springtime. Its unique nature provokes human curiosity and admiration. No doubt, that very same feeling we get today is what sparked naturalist John Bar…

1
Chukar hunter, test judge, trainer extraordinaire ... Phil Swain shares his experience and expertise 1:08:44

3M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Recent recipient of the NAVHDA Jim & Bobby Applegate Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions, Phil Swain joins us to provide insights, tips, and a bit of "dog-ology." He's a trainer, clinician, test judge, bird hunter and all-around good guy willing to help just about anyone with a bird dog. Among other things, we talk developing a steady dog…

1
Whoa Training on Your Home Staircase 5:32

3M ago5:32

5:32

Our bird dog training routine has been completely uprooted, though my dogs are thoroughly enjoying all the extra training. Unfortunately for many people, what would have been the start of training season with friends and professional trainers has now become a stay-at-home DIY situation. Nevertheless, we can take this extra time to get some excellen…

1
Trainer/collar pro covers tech & training, what's new in the industry ... plus how to be a good hunting buddy 1:02:54

3M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

You will learn something, I guarantee it. Pete Fisher of Dogtra knows e-collars, and as a pro trainer he also knows the dogs we put them on. We'll re-visit Pheasant Fest for an insightful, wide-ranging interview covering the right way to use e-collars, some clever additional ways to employ them, and a ton of dog training tips and advice. We take a …

1
Understanding and Flagging in a Bird Dog 9:46

3M ago9:46

9:46

So what if my dog has a wiggle butt and flags a bit on point? It’s kinda cute and still gets meat to the frying pan. If that’s the case and your dog will efficiently hunt, locate plenty of birds for you and stand point, I would happily agree with you. More often than not, however, it will affect your hunt in some aspect as it’s a symptom of underly…

1
Why Hunt With a Vintage Shotgun? 10:44

4M ago10:44

10:44

Being part of the hunting and shooting industry, I get to try the latest and greatest new guns every year. But when I’m not toting a gun for work, I’m usually carrying a vintage shotgun. My duck and pigeon gun turned 100 this year, and my grouse gun isn’t far behind it. I have a safe full of old pumps, semi-autos, side-by-sides, and over-unders, an…

1
Hunting dog peak performance: expert outlines his strategy for fueling and training 1:01:20

4M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Peak performance ... what we all want from our hunting dog. Karl Gunzer will help - he's director of the sporting dog group at Purina Pro Plan Sport, a dog trainer and hunter. He's as in-the-know as anyone I know about all things nutrition for canine athletes, from a theoretical and a practical basis. He's also hanging around with all the folks in …

1
Learning to Read a Dog’s Body Language for Training 17:47

4M ago17:47

17:47

I’m sure you noticed that you can’t make a move your bird dog doesn’t notice. It’s kind of creepy at times finding your dog at the door staring at you the moment the thought crosses your mind to go out dog training or hunting, as if they are somehow reading your mind. It’s because they’ve been studying your every move since the day you brought them…

1
Hand-Carving Turkey Pot Call Strikers 12:08

4M ago12:08

12:08

Some say the sweetest springtime sounds come from wild turkeys. As many turkey hunters have experienced, real turkeys aren’t always the ones producing that cacophony of yelps. Oftentimes, on crowded small parcels of land, one may be seduced by the sounds emanating from what turns out to be a hungry hunter, not a hen on the prowl. Hunters using turk…

1
Bird dog vet covers it all: cuts and gouges, snakes and sticks, and how to handle 'em 1:05:43

4M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

In the yard and in the field, taking good care of your dog is critical to a successful hunt. After all, you probably go hunting to watch him work. So keeping him healthy is a high priority, and there's nobody better to help us than the "Gun Dog Doc," Joe Spoo, DVM. A hunter, elite athlete and veterinarian, Joe knows more than a bit about canine fir…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chukar Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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