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 J…

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 Wingshootin…

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 perceiv…

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 wit…

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 Grous…

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 import…

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 t…

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 …

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 expect…

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 Hunt…

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 det…

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 dog…

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 res…

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,…

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 …

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’ …

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 …

Joined by Utah State grad student and upland hunter Logan Clark, we discuss an ongoing forest grouse research project. Show Highlights: Logan’s grouse hunting grandmother An interest and passion for birds A brief stint with bobwhite quail VHF versus GPS technology for gamebird research Forest Grouse Project at Utah State Dusky and sooty grouse Buil…

Joined by author and avid upland hunter Mark Parman, we continue our conversation on grouse, upland literature, shotguns and more. Show Highlights: Did you say “Bong Bridge” and “High Bridge” ? The amazing capabilities of feller bunchers What about the grouse cycle? A third book from Parman in the works… New England Grouse Shooting audio book from …

Joined by author and avid upland hunter Mark Parman, we discuss unusual winter conditions, late season grouse hunting and more. Show Highlights: El nino conditions in the grouse woods When the grouse woods fight back Do you ever remember a late season like that? Scouting with onX Hunt Smart ass tendencies Cross country skiing and biathlon LISTEN | …

Joined by vagabond upland hunter Mike Sheffer, we discuss his history as a bird hunter, bobwhite quail, bird dogs and more. Show Highlights: Rattlesnakes and snake avoidance The Northern Bobwhite quail Quail hunting Shooting the covey rise versus singles A Brittany man for life Jack the dog of a lifetime Turkeys over pointing dogs! On Bobwhite - Fr…

Joined by Bob Owens of Lone Duck Outfitters, we discuss Bob’s journey into the world of gun dogs, training techniques, grouse hunting and more. Show Highlights: Lone Duck Outfitters & Kennels Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Bob’s love for gun dogs Common stumbling blocks for bird dog owners Setters and grouse Range, GPS, bells and more Southeas…

In this episode we discuss Mike’s journey in upland hunting, mostly grouse hunting. Along with his personal experiences with his Weimaraners and setter. We also discuss the WI land scape and some legislation that’s important to bring to light with respect to changes in our upland bird’s quiet season in the Northwoods.…

Joined once again by author Doug Stewart, we recap hunting seasons and dive into side by side shotgun conversation. Show Highlights: Hunting a variety of upland species What about damascus barrels? A perfect upland shotgun varies by individual Vintage Doubles - Kirby Hoyt What makes a Churchill side by side unique? Ammo availability for vintage gun…

A solo episode with host Nick Larson answers some listener questions from the Birdshot Podcast inbox along with pondering winter conditions for ruffed grouse and more. Show Highlights: Pondering snow roosting conditions in sub zero temps Grouse of the North Shore - Gordon Gullion Do sharp-tailed grouse snow roost? Hunting grouse without dogs New En…

Show Highlights: Using lighter payloads for upland hunting Getting into shotshell reloading Building and RFM Zeus shotgun Enjoying the 28 gauge Cold weather shooting gloves Dressing for the conditions Cooking upland birds with skin on CONNECT | @codyasimons CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to sa…

Joined by western upland hunter and staff member at Sitka Gear, Cody Simons, we discuss bird dogs, double guns and western upland hunting. Show Highlights: First bird dog trials and tribulations Running dogs together versus individually Cody’s first ruffed grouse An unusual use for 30” barrels… An interest in side by side shotguns A vintage Fox bar…

Joined by Kyle Warren of Paint River Setters, we dive deeper into the grouse dog component of the equation and the excitement of hunting ruffed grouse. Show Highlights: Bird tracking ability in grouse dogs Tracking versus relocating… Does the pace of the dog influence how much a bird runs? Ideally, you work a track as fast as the dog can work it Th…

Joined by Kyle Warren of Paint River Setters, we discuss some of the subtleties of hunting ruffed grouse and grouse cover as the season progresses. Show Highlights: El Nino late season conditions Cold weather scenting conditions Thoughts on grouse roosts and poop piles Exploring and scouting versus hunting known covers late season If you can see go…

Joined by Tate Abler and Rich Wong, we discuss a trap encounter Rich had with his bird dog and gain insights into trapping and trap safety from Tate Abler. Show Highlights: Negotiating for additional hunt time with your significant other The Minnesota Wild are heating up! Rich’s preferred pheasant and quail loads Tate Abler of Sustained Outdoors Tr…

Joined by the founders of Upland Gun Company, Dan LaFond and Jerry Havel, we discuss the concept of the business, the manufacturer (R.F.M Armi) and most importantly the handcrafted shotguns. Show Highlights: Meet the founders of Upland Gun Company A fortuitous meeting with R.F.M. Armi From your imagination to the field… Double guns for waterfowl hu…

On a segment from a recent Patreon bonus episode we discuss a grouse pointing and tracking sequence from a recent hunt. Show Highlights: A couple Black Friday deals Tracking and relocating ruffed grouse One negative of 30” barrels… Truck birds Relocating ability versus development? When one is enough… Two grouse and a snowshoe hare?! CONTRIBUTE | p…

Fritz Heller returns to the show for a grouse season update and a listener Q & A session on all things grouse hunting and grouse dogs. Show Highlights: Size and confirmation preference in Frtiz’s labs “You’ve got to park the truck in the right spot!” First scent to flush, reading the dog Hunting more than one dog at a time Patterning ruffed grouse …

Fritz Heller returns to the show for a grouse season update and a listener Q & A session on all things grouse hunting and grouse dogs. Show Highlights: Stick in the eye… ouch! Ranger shooting glasses (Phantom 2.0) Should I get off the trail with my dog? How do I keep my flushing dog from ranging too far Functionally steady and whistle sits Don’t ov…

Bill Calfee and Nick Adair join the show for part two of our round table conversation from grouse camp. Show Highlights: @gundogityourself ‘s camper set-up Hitting mid-season form Woodcock versus grouse cover Developing woodsmanship Hunt logs and journals - Day One Journal App Hand loads and nickel plating CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow u…

Bill Calfee and Nick Adair join the show from grouse camp to discuss southern grouse hunting, grouse dogs and more. Show Highlights: A grouse hunting mentor “Old Timer Bill” Bill’s first grouse Learning the habitat Tennessee ruffed grouse Sliding through Mountain-laurel Bill’s thoughts on grouse dogs CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @b…

Shotgun Editor at Field and Stream, Phil Bourjaily, joins the show to discuss shotgun and wingshooting technology, innovation, history and more. Show Highlights: Dove hunting 101 How Phil became a shotgun writer 28 gauges are neat! Magic or myth… The joys of a lightweight 12 gauge - R.F.M. Venus Value in vintage 12 bores Phil loves late season phea…

Seth Patterson and Mike Yashko of Bird Dog of the Day join the show to discuss cultivating and inspiring a community of bird dog lovers. Show Highlights: Bells for the grouse woods A quick grouse woods report TPLO surgeries and recovery… A brief history of Bird Dog of the Day Fostering a community of bird dog lovers It’s all about the feeling behin…

Mike Neiduski returns to the show as the new owner of Ugly Dog Hunting to discuss the company and bird dogs, bird hunting and more. Show Highlights: Prairie chicken hunt on the horizon A quick grouse woods report Ruffed Grouse Society Grouse Camp Ugly Dog Hunting Company Even pretty dogs can be “ugly dogs”, a lesson on de-skunking your bird dog FOL…

Ann Jandernoa joins the show for part two of our 7th annual grouse and woodcock habitat and hunting conversation. Show Highlights: Favorite memories from Ann Sizing aspen and stand variation Late season cover and food for ruffed grouse “Seeing” the soil type through the vegetation Rain and drought monitoring with VegDRI Binge listen to Ann on grous…

Ann Jandernoa joins the show for part one of our 7th annual grouse and woodcock habitat and hunting conversation. Show Highlights: Winter, spring and summer conditions for grouse Too many damn mosquitoes! A favorite episode for many listeners… Training dogs to handle running ruffed grouse Do your dogs self-relocate? Binge listen to Ann on grouse an…

Acclaimed gun fitter and wingshooting instructor Chris Batha joins the show to discuss common reasons why upland hunters miss. Show Highlights: A poorly fitted gun delivers poor results Your gun mount is critical! Slow is smooth and smooth is fast Gauges and chokes? Practice, practice, practice LEARN MORE | Chris Batha Shooting Solutions READ | The…

Various ruffed grouse hunters join the show to recount their experience encountering wolves with their bird dogs. Show Highlights: Ted Koehler wolf encounter in Wisconsin Joe Parpala wolf encounter in Minnesota Mike Amman wolf encounter in Wisconsin Ted Sommer wolf encounter in Wisconsin A follow up interview coming next week on the GDIY podcast Sp…

Ben Brettingen of onX Hunt joins the show to talk bird dogs, scouting for sharptails, onX Hunt updates and more. Show Highlights: Favorite month in Minnesota? A new English setter pup… Cover dogs and cover dog trials onX Hunt updates Scouting for sharptails and huns WATCH | How To Find Sharp-tailed Grouse & Hungarian Partridge - onX Hunt FOLLOW | @…

Ryan Doughty, host of the A Break in the Action Podcast, joins the show to talk shotguns, solo camping adventures and more. Show Highlights: A Break in the Action Podcast Uncle Bob’s L.C. Smith The Toyota Landcruiser returns! The pros (and cons) of rooftop tents Ryan’s favorite upland hunting shotgun LISTEN | What is the best shotgun for grouse hun…

Jordan Wilcher returns to the show to talk about a new bird dog addition and to continue our conversation fitness for upland hunting. Show Highlights: A new English setter Snakes and trail running Bird dog fitness The benefits of rucking What’s the deal with zone 2 heart rate training? FOLLOW | @thekidmule and @humanpredatorpackmule GET FIT | with …