Podcast
Birdshot Podcast
Hosted by Nick Larson · EN
Birdshot Podcast, presented by onX Hunt and hosted by Nick Larson, is where upland hunters come together. Each week we share conversations that connect the people, stories, and traditions of wingshooting—from bird dogs and shotguns to the birds and landscapes that bring us back season after season.
11episodes
Episodes
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#355 | What 39 Years of Guiding Has Taught Jason Curtis About Bird Dogs
2w ago01:11:12Tap to summarizeNew Brunswick guide Jason Curtis shares what 39 years around grouse, woodcock, and wild birds have taught him about developing young bird dogs. Nick welcomes Jason back to the podcast eight years after their first conversation. They start on the Miramichi River, where a fall trip can combine Atlantic salmon fishing with grouse and woodcock hunting, then move into the part of the conversation that hit closest to home: raising a puppy for her first season. Jason explains why he begins exposure work early, how he introduces a wing, birds, a bell, and gunfire without turning puppyhood into a formal training program, and why short sessions woven into everyday life can build the foundation for later work. He and Nick also talk about what younger dogs pick up from older dogs, why solo hunting time still matters, and how real contacts with wild birds can change a dog quickly. The conversation also covers New Brunswick's changing woodcock migration, the timing of a Miramichi cast-and-blast trip, and what visiting hunters need to know about guides, lodges, and the short October window. Chapters 00:00 How wild birds change a young dog 01:52 Jason Curtis returns to the Birdshot Podcast 06:05 Miramichi River salmon outlook 12:27 Planning a grouse, woodcock, and salmon trip 17:09 October cover and the changing woodcock migration 22:52 Jason's path into 39 years of guiding 30:58 Bringing home a new bird dog puppy 35:01 Early puppy exposure and the first bird-dog lessons 41:03 Building steadiness through everyday routines 46:42 Introducing birds and gunfire 51:03 Wild woodcock close to home 52:54 What puppies learn from older dogs 59:27 Planning a New Brunswick upland trip 1:06:13 Bringing young hunters into the uplands 1:07:31 What a strong grouse and woodcock day looks like 1:09:14 Connect with Jason Curtis Questions from the episode When does Jason Curtis begin working with a bird dog puppy? Jason starts as soon as the puppy comes home, but he keeps the work light and playful. He uses short sessions with a wing, a small check cord, and simple moments around food or doorways to introduce the idea of standing still and paying attention. At that age, the goal is exposure and foundation, not polished performance. How does Jason introduce a young dog to birds and gunfire? He begins with sound at a distance while the puppy is occupied and confident, then closes that distance gradually. Around 12 weeks, he may introduce planted birds at a preserve. By roughly 16 weeks, when the individual dog is handling each step well, he likes to begin finding wild birds in real cover. Why are wild birds valuable for a young bird dog? Wild birds teach lessons that planted birds cannot fully reproduce. Their scent, movement, escape behavior, and use of cover require the dog to adjust naturally. Jason has watched young dogs make visible progress after several consecutive days of good wild-bird contacts, especially in New Brunswick covers with strong grouse and woodcock numbers. Do young bird dogs learn from older dogs? They can learn a great deal about range, recall, routine, and backing by watching experienced dogs. Jason still believes the puppy needs solo time so it develops independence instead of simply following. The older dogs help establish the pattern, while individual contacts teach the puppy how to hunt for itself. When is the best time for a New Brunswick cast-and-blast trip? The overlap runs from the September 15 woodcock opener through the October 15 salmon close, but the full grouse, woodcock, and salmon window is October 1 through October 15. Hunters can float and combine both pursuits in one day, or hunt the cooler morning and fish the river later. Does a nonresident need a guide to hunt in New Brunswick? Yes. Jason explains that hunters coming from outside New Brunswick need a licensed guide. A lodge is the simplest all-inclusive route, while an Airbnb paired with the right independent guide can also work. Guide availability is limited during the prime October weeks, so the relationship and timing matter. Connect with Jason Curtis Email: uplandhunter3@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasoncurtismiramichi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.curtis.722439 Listen and follow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdshot.podcast/ Website: https://www.birdshotpodcast.com/ Sponsors This episode is brought to you by Upland Gun Company and Final Rise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#354 | TFL Shotgun Fest 2026: Learn From Hall of Fame Pros
4w ago01:00:17Tap to summarizeTFL Shotgun Fest 2026 is coming to central Minnesota this July, and this year two shotgun Hall of Famers are teaching the clinics. Steve Gould joins Nick to walk through the whole weekend. On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Steve Gould, creator of the Target Focused Life YouTube channel and part-owner of the Alexandria Shooting Park, to preview the second annual TFL Shotgun Fest. The event runs Friday, July 24 (development day plus VIP night) and Saturday, July 25 (the main shooting day) at the Alexandria Shooting Park in central Minnesota. The headline this year is the talent. Corey Cruz, a two-time national champion, world champion, and National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame inductee, is running sporting clays clinics. Richard Marshall Jr., a 35-time All-American and multiple Grand American winner on the trap side, is running trap clinics. Both are kept small on purpose: five shooters per session, half a day, real range time and real feedback. Del Whitman is on-site doing gun fittings. Beyond the clinics there are manufacturer demos where you can get hands-on and actually shoot a rack of different shotguns, an Upland Gun Company booth with a new RFM shotgun to see, and over $10,000 in prizes, including a custom 250th-anniversary shotgun for high overall. Then there's the unconventional stuff Steve's crew is known for: the Can Cannon Challenge, the Benelli AI Challenge, and the Wheel of Shotgun Fortune. The day closes with an Annie Oakley tournament and a social hangout. There's a thread running under all of it that matters more than the prize wall. Steve talks about how people are starved for in-person connection, and how an event like this is really about getting folks who love shotguns in the same place for a weekend. We also get into Steve's first trip to Italy and the Benelli and Perazzi factories, the Minnesota high school trap tournament that ran 7,700 kids through the range, a good stretch on barrel length and gun fit, and the ShotTracker training tool that might one day track a flushing grouse. Clinics, camping, and tickets are limited, so check the website for current availability. Chapters: 0:00 - Meet the Hall of Fame Clinic Pros 2:00 - Welcome Back: Steve Gould, Target Focused Life 2:35 - MN High School Trap and 7,700 Young Shooters 7:00 - A New Sporting Clays Course at Alexandria 8:15 - Inside Steve's Italy Trip: Benelli and Perazzi 17:15 - Shotgun Fest 2026: The Big Vision 18:30 - Clinics With Corey Cruz and Richard Marshall Jr. 19:15 - Del Whitman Gun Fittings and VIP Night 20:15 - Prizes, the 250th-Anniversary Gun, and Challenges 23:20 - Why People Are Craving In-Person Again 26:50 - How the Weekend Works: Friday and Saturday 27:50 - Manufacturer Demos: Get Hands-On With the Guns 30:20 - The RFM Venus 20ga Grouse Gun 31:30 - Barrel Length, Balance, and Gun Fit 37:00 - A New RFM Sporting Clays Shotgun (First Look) 40:40 - Year One to Year Two: What Changed 44:50 - Small-Group Clinics and How They Work 48:10 - Annie Oakley Tournament and Awards 50:10 - Camping and Lodging in Alexandria 52:20 - Shotgun Find 2.0 and the ShotTracker Tool Resources & Links: Target Focused Life on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TargetFocusedLife TFL Shotgun Fest tickets & clinic registration: https://www.targetfocused.life/shotgunfest Alexandria Shooting Park (camping & booking): https://shootasp.com Shotgun Find (Steve's shotgun research tool): https://shotgunfind.com Support the show: The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By onX Hunt. Use code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscription. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/birdshot (from $5/month, and you get Birdshot can coolers and stickers as a thank-you). Follow the show: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: https://BirdshotPodcast.com Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIF3w6P9rkuciwX-jEMG3g Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#353 | Why 95% of Quail Broods Need Disturbed Ground
Jun 2601:10:24Tap to summarizeQuail habitat is the whole story. Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich spent five years following bobwhite quail across the Midwest, and the data pointed at one thing over and over: disturbed ground grows birds. On this episode, host Nick Larson brings back Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich, two biologists who helped run one of the largest quail habitat studies in the region. From 2014 to 2018 they monitored 500 nests, radio-collared chicks, and even collared raccoons to see how predators move through cover. What came out of it is a genuinely hopeful finding: you can grow quail if you're deliberate about it. The number that anchors the conversation: 95% of their brood locations were in habitat that had been burned, grazed, or otherwise disturbed within the previous 12 months. Grassland managed with fire and cattle beat the old broken-up dairy-farm model on nest success, on survival, and on eggs per nest. The thick, idle CRP field that looks so birdy in January? The chicks can't get through it. Before the quail talk, Nick and the guys swap turkey-season stories and take on the old myth that turkeys are eating quail and grouse into decline. The short version: the timing doesn't add up, and it never did. It's a habitat problem wearing a predator's costume. Chapters: 0:00 - 95% of Broods: The Stat That Reframes Everything 2:19 - Turkey Season Recap and a Mid-Morning Tom 15:14 - Are Turkeys to Blame for Quail and Grouse? 21:57 - Inside the 5-Year Quail Study 25:40 - Usable Space and the Numbers on Nest Success 28:23 - Why Broods Live in Recently Disturbed Cover 31:18 - Prescribed Fire and Grazing at Landscape Scale 34:37 - Why Change Is Hard on Working Farms 36:35 - The Idle CRP Problem 38:40 - How Often to Disturb: Every 1, 2, or 3 Years 41:17 - One Farm for Quail, Turkeys, and Deer 42:10 - Cost Share and the Real Price of a Burn 45:26 - Building a Fire Culture and Burn Associations 46:52 - Native Grass Restoration Goes Mainstream 48:11 - Pollinator Plantings as Quail Habitat 50:08 - What Good Quail Cover Actually Looks Like 53:02 - Shrubby Escape Cover and the 10-20% Rule 54:16 - Eastern Red Cedar and When Woody Cover Helps 59:36 - Predators, Raccoons, and Why Grasslands Win Resources & Links: Land and Legacy: https://landandlegacy.tv/ Kyle Hedges: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/ Frank Loncarich: https://landandlegacy.tv/about/ How to conduct a prescribed burn for upland bird habitat (Project Upland): https://projectupland.com/hunting-conservation/how-to-conduct-a-prescribed-burn-for-upland-bird-habitat/ Support the show: The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By onX Hunt. Use code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscription. Use code BSP10 to save 10% at Meadow Creek Mounts. Use code BS10 to save 10% at Trulock Chokes. Follow the show: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: https://BirdshotPodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#352 | Raising the Next One: A Lifetime of Bird Dogs with Steve Snell of Gun Dog Supply
Jun 1201:23:01Tap to summarizeBird dogs come and go over a hunting life, and every new puppy is a chance to do it better than the last. Fresh off bringing home a new setter pup, Nick Larson sits down with Steve Snell of Gun Dog Supply to talk through what 50-plus dogs have taught Steve about raising the next one, from the first weeks at home to a lifetime in the field. It had been since 2018 — episode #12 — that Steve was last on the show, and a lot of ground gets covered here. The conversation opens on bird dog safety: heat and when to call a hunt, the real risk math on rattlesnakes versus ticks, and the hazard most owners underrate (porcupines, not snakes). From there it works its way through nearly every stage of a dog's life — breed selection, the first few weeks with a puppy, crate training, sound exposure, table work, and the gear that actually matters — before closing on Garmin's new TT25 beeper and why Steve runs mini flex bands on every dog he owns. A throughline keeps surfacing: the hunter's job is to make good decisions on the dog's behalf, because the dog won't make them for itself. Expect to Learn: - Why Steve sees protecting the dog as the hunter's responsibility — the dog won't protect itself. - How heat, sun, wind, and terrain change the call on whether to run a dog at all. - Why porcupines may be a bigger day-to-day problem than the rattlesnakes everyone fears. - How Steve thinks about matching a breed to where and how you actually hunt. - What Steve focuses on in a puppy's first few weeks, and why he keeps sessions to five or ten minutes. - Why he raises every dog inside the house, and how exposure to noise, crates, kids, and vehicles builds a bulletproof dog. - The only two pieces of gear Steve insists on for a new puppy — and why a drag line does so much work. - What's new with Garmin's TT25 beeper, and why Steve recommends a mini flex band for every bird dog. Frequently Asked: When should you stop hunting a bird dog in the heat? Steve uses roughly 65 degrees as his cutoff in Texas and says he'll never run a dog over 70 when it's sunny with no wind. The number isn't fixed — humidity, cloud cover, and wind all change it. His larger point: bird dogs won't quit on their own, so it's on the hunter to make the call, even when that means not hunting at all. What's the most underrated danger for a bird dog in the field? Porcupines, in Steve's experience. Snakes get treated as the boogeyman, but porcupine encounters are far more frequent, and they smell appealing to a pointing dog. The real trouble is the dog that doesn't learn its lesson — the one that goes back for revenge. He'd take a skunk encounter over a porcupine any day. How do you choose the right bird dog breed? Steve's rule is to match the breed to where and how you actually hunt the majority of the time — not to the breed you find most appealing. He also starts his search geographically, buying pointers out of lines hunted in tough country like Texas, Oklahoma, and the Southwest, because a dog bred where you hunt is built for it. What should you do with a bird dog puppy in the first few weeks? Steve keeps it simple and short. Sessions run five to ten minutes, broken up across the day, so the puppy never gets burned out or sour. He focuses on self-control and exposure over drills, and he always leaves them wanting more — and he prefers raising the dog inside the house from day one. Notable Quotes: "To me it's the hunter's responsibility to protect the dog 'cause the dog's not gonna protect himself." — Steve Snell "Developing a puppy — that's my favorite part of the game." — Steve Snell Resources Mentioned: - Steve Snell's "7 Puppy Tips" puppy-raising article (Gun Dog Supply): https://www.gundogsupply.com/2026-04-23-7-puppy-tips.html - Garmin TT25 Mini (the beeper/collar Steve discussed): https://www.gundogsupply.com/garmin-tt25-mini.html Follow Steve: Gun Dog Supply — https://www.gundogsupply.com Follow Nick: Instagram @birdshot.podcast — https://BirdshotPodcast.com Listen: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIF3w6P9rkuciwX-jEMG3g Support the Show: - onX Hunt — use code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscription. - Trulock Chokes — use code BS10 to save 10%. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#351 | Keith Marcott on Woodcock Covers, Border Crossings, and a Lifetime of Bird Hunting
May 2901:39:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Birdshot Podcast, Nick sits down with Keith Marcott to talk about woodcock hunting, bird travel, and a lifetime spent chasing upland birds across North America and overseas. Keith shares stories from hunting woodcock in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Scotland, along with memories from Wyoming, the western bird country, and the years before GPS and OnX made it easier to find cover.Keith Marcott is a retired engineer and lifelong upland hunter now based in Wyoming. After growing up bird hunting in the Northeast, he eventually built a life around western birds — Huns, chukar, sharptails, prairie grouse, and mountain hunts with Llewellin setters. Some of his most meaningful bird hunting memories, though, came from repeated trips into New Brunswick and Quebec, and later to Scotland, where woodcock hunting shaped the way he thinks about dogs, habitat, and travel.In this conversation, Keith and Nick talk about:- Woodcock hunting in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Scotland- What separates woodcock hunting from grouse hunting- How hunters found productive cover before GPS and OnX- Bird hunting travel, border crossings, and old-school camp logistics- Western bird hunting, dogs, landscapes, and the pull of woodcock countryEpisode breakdown:- [00:05:02] Keith Marcott’s background and a lifetime of bird hunting- [00:07:01] Moving west: Wyoming, huns, chukar, and prairie birds- [00:09:42] Keith’s bird hunting road trip across multiple states- [00:11:07] Camping, snake country, and hunting dogs in the West- [00:13:00] Snake avoidance training and a rattlesnake encounter in the field- [00:19:20] Western hunters, ticks, and the difference between regions- [00:27:07] The first New Brunswick woodcock trip- [00:29:27] Hunting with guide Danny Bird and chasing woodcock full-time- [00:36:47] Repeated trips into Canada and DIY hunting in Quebec- [00:42:05] Alaska, British Columbia, and border-crossing logistics with dogs and guns- [00:48:01] Finding woodcock cover before modern mapping technology- [00:49:27] Why woodcock still matter to a western bird hunterLinks:- Birdshot Podcast: https://birdshotpodcast.com- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcastSupport:- Use promo code BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt subscription: https://onxmaps.com/hunt/app- Use promo code BSP10 to save 10% at Meadow Creek Mounts: https://meadowcreekmounts.com/Birdshot is presented by onX Hunt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#350 | From Rucking to Mobility: Practical Fitness for the Upland Hunter
May 801:35:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Todd Bumgardner, founder of Pack Mule Training Co., for a deep dive into physical preparation for the uplands. They discuss the shift from extreme "murder yourself" workouts to a philosophy of long-term consistency, focusing on how small, frictionless habits can pay massive dividends come September. Todd brings nearly 20 years of experience training hunters and elite military units to help upland hunters move better, stay resilient, and extend their longevity in the field. I’ve been following these principles for three years now, and the biggest change for me wasn't some fancy new gear—it was realizing that consistency is the most important variable. I used to tolerate sore shoulders and heavy legs during those first few grouse hunts, but by keeping a simple routine and rucking year-round, those opening-day miles now feel like a breeze. Todd and I dig into the "why" behind Zone 2 cardio, the efficiency of the 20% body weight ruck, and how to outsmart your own willpower by making your training environment frictionless. Expect to Learn: Why consistency over a long period is the ultimate driver for progress in the field. The "environmental design" trick of putting your gear in your way to reduce startup friction. How to use the 3-mile rucking assessment to establish your baseline aerobic fitness. Why Zone 2 training acts as your "recovery system" for handling back-to-back hunting days. The technical benefits of the Zercher squat for hunters looking to protect their spine while building strength. A simple one-minute mobility routine you can do every morning while your coffee is brewing. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:02:06] – Nick’s Turkey Season Prep and Meadow Creek Mounts Update [00:05:06] – Meet Todd Bumgardner: Founder of Pack Mule Training Co. [00:08:37] – Why Consistency is the Most Important Variable in Your Training [00:13:02] – Reducing Friction: The "Floss One Tooth" Approach to Habits [00:35:13] – Step-by-Step: The 3-Mile Rucking Assessment [00:45:10] – The Science of Zone 2 Cardio and Aerobic Efficiency [01:03:00] – Incline Training: NordicTrack at 40% vs. Stair Climbers [01:08:43] – The One-Minute Coffee-Brew Mobility Routine [01:14:00] – Nick’s Minimalist Strength Routine: Pull-ups, Zerchers, and Incline Bench [01:31:26] – Todd’s Bird Dog Search Follow The Guest, Todd Bumgardner: Website: humanpredatorpackmule.com Instagram: @packmuletrainingco Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: Birdshot Podcast Apple Podcasts: Birdshot Podcast YouTube: Birdshot Podcast SUPPORT: Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on your onX Hunt Subscription Use Promo Code | BSP10 to save 10% at Meadow Creek Mounts Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% at Trulock Chokes The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt Todd’s free PDF download: The Upland Hunter Off-Season Basic Training Program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#349 | Red Dot Sights for Turkey Guns with Greg Maher
Apr 1701:06:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Greg Maher of Meadow Creek Mounts for a conversation about the practical shift from traditional beads to optics in the turkey woods. They dig into the engineering behind rib-mounted sights, the "equalizer" effect of a red dot on gun fit, and why seeing more of the bird is a significant advantage when the shot counts. Greg Maher is an engineer and a lifer in the turkey woods with over 20 years of experience. After identifying a need for better optic placement on shotguns that weren't originally drilled and tapped, he launched Meadow Creek Mounts in 2020. Based in South Carolina, Greg is a dedicated public land hunter who has pursued turkeys in over 20 states, bringing a perspective focused on gear reliability and the "why" behind every piece of equipment in his vest. Expect to Learn: Why a red dot acts as an "equalizer" for head position and consistency in the field. The technical differences between open and enclosed reflex sights and how they handle the elements. Why mounting an optic on the rib provides a superior field of view compared to receiver mounts. A practical "one-shot" method for zeroing your optic to save on expensive TSS ammunition. How to use a bore laser and a reference sheet to ensure your zero hasn't shifted during travel. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:02:46] – Greg Maher and Meadow Creek Mounts in a Nutshell [00:07:02] – From Beads to Red Dots: The "Aha" Moment in the Woods [00:15:39] – The Engineering of Rib Mounts vs. Receiver Mounts [00:21:47] – Understanding Reflex Sights, Astigmatism, and Reticle Options [00:31:32] – Battery Life, "Shake Awake," and Avoiding "Amazon Specials" [00:40:55] – Step-by-Step: Zeroing and Patterning for Precision [00:50:07] – Greg’s Personal Setup: The Mossberg SA-20 and Hand-Loaded TSS [00:56:41] – Red Dots for Wingshooting? [01:00:27] – Perspective on "Slams" and Returning to the Spring Woods [01:04:36] – Where to Find Greg and Closing Thoughts Follow The Guest, Greg Maher: Website: https://meadowcreekmounts.com/ Email: Greg@MeadowCreekMounts.com Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIF3w6P9rkuciwX-jEMG3g SUPPORT Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BSP10 to save 10% on https://meadowcreekmounts.com/ Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#349 | Southern Bird Hunting: Woodcock, Rails, and the Traditions That Shape It with Patrick Hunter
Mar 2701:13:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Patrick Hunter for a laid-back and insightful conversation about upland bird hunting in the Southeast. They dig into everything from family hunting traditions and first shotguns to the pursuit of elusive woodcock and what makes southern hunting so different. Patrick Hunter is an avid upland hunter and outdoorsman based in coastal South Carolina. With a background rooted in family hunting traditions, Patrick pursues a wide range of game including woodcock, quail, ducks, and wild turkeys. By day, he works as an engineer, but he has developed a growing passion for outdoor writing, contributing to publications like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Project Upland while advocating for conservation and awareness of southern bird hunting opportunities. Expect to Learn: What makes bird hunting in the Southeast uniquely challenging and rewarding How woodcock hunting can transform both hunters and their dogs The cultural traditions behind southern hunts like dove shoots and duck hunting Insights into lesser-known species like rails (marsh hens) and their hunting styles Why spring turkey hunting is one of the most addictive and meaningful pursuits Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Early Hunting Background [00:07:00] - First Shotguns, Bird Dogs, and Hunting Traditions [00:13:15] - Raising Kids Around Hunting and the Outdoors [00:19:26] - Duck Hunting in the Southeast and Unique Setups [00:27:08] - Seaweed, Conservation, and Writing About Bird Hunting [00:34:26] - Discovering Woodcock Hunting in the South [00:39:34] - Dove Hunting Culture and Rail (Marsh Hen) Hunting Explained [00:48:12] - Turkey Hunting Stories, Traditions, and Close Calls [00:55:54] - Public Land Hunting, Mentorship, and Sharing the Outdoors [01:11:38] - Where to Find Patrick and Closing Thoughts Follow The Guest, Patrick Hunter: Patrick Hunter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickhunter/ Website: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/ Highway 22 Outdoor Shop: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/shop Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp64d9-168IfGomYk14T_GA Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/ Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#348 | The Gear That Made a Difference This Upland Season with Mike Neiduski
Mar 601:44:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Mike Neiduski of Ugly Dog Hunting Company for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation covering hockey, Pheasant Fest highlights, dog gear innovations, and the tools that made a difference this season. The conversation wraps with an exciting announcement, Nick is adding a new puppy to the family. Mike Neiduski is the founder of Ugly Dog Hunting Company, a Minnesota-based retailer specializing in high-quality hunting dog gear and training equipment. A passionate upland hunter and dog owner, Mike is deeply involved in the bird hunting community and regularly shares insights through the Ugly Dog Podcast. Expect to Learn: The real-world pros and cons of Garmin’s new TT25 beeper collar Why upland hunters are embracing GPS watches Smart gear upgrades that improved efficiency this season How a simple walkie-talkie can enhance group hunts Essential tools and mindset shifts for bringing home a new bird dog puppy Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Hockey Banter [00:07:06] - Analysis of Player Performances and Skills [00:13:07] - Olympic Games and USA vs Canada Showdown [00:19:46] - Player Dynamics and Team Strategies [00:25:24] - The Impact of Officiating on Game Outcomes [00:36:26] - Insights from Pheasant Fest and Gear Trends [00:45:54] - Precision in Hunting with GPS Technology [00:53:45] - Understanding GPS Data and Its Challenges [01:00:17] - The Importance of Smartwatch Integration in Hunting [01:09:00] - Finding the Right Gear for Cold Weather Hunting [01:15:24] - Innovative Communication Tools for Hunting [01:24:01] - Convenience in Hunting Gear [01:39:05] - Preparing for a New Puppy Follow The Guest, Mike Neiduski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-neiduski-75635126/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/uglydoghunting Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/uglydoghuntingco/ Tiktok (Company): https://www.tiktok.com/@uglydoghuntingco Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7G1T81K9zEBLmB0AoqOcgA Website: https://uglydoghunting.com/ Products mentioned on the show: Cold weather gloves - https://amzn.to/47hxsuf Portable tripod - https://amzn.to/4r0e1NyRockie Talkie - https://amzn.to/4kZsQysSika Alpha Fleece - https://amzn.to/4l0heeDCold weather FastFit gloves - https://amzn.to/3OCyfzD Follow the Host, Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#347 | Understanding Vintage Side-by-Sides: Fit, Function & Field Performance with Doug Stewart
Feb 2001:12:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Doug Stewart, an avid upland bird hunter, author, and expert on traditional side-by-side shotguns. Doug shares his deep passion for bird hunting, the stories behind his favorite guns, and offers plenty of advice for anyone interested in the world of vintage shotguns. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting to explore, Doug’s wealth of knowledge will leave you inspired and eager to get out in the field. Doug is the author of two books about traditional side-by-side shotguns: The Traditional Side-by-Side and its sequel. With decades of experience under his belt, he offers a unique perspective on the craftsmanship, history, and performance of these iconic firearms. Expect to Learn: The stories behind Doug's hunting adventures and his approach to the sport. Why side-by-sides are more than just guns – they’re part of a tradition. How to choose the right side-by-side shotgun for your hunting style. Doug’s personal tips on hunting gear and the joy of being out in the field. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Welcome & Introduction [00:01:02] - Chasing Birds in Colorado, Nebraska & New Mexico [00:05:57] - The Grouse Camp Tradition [00:10:13] - How Doug’s Wife Became an Upland Hunter [00:12:11] - Doug's TV Habits: True Crime and History [00:13:07] - Hunting with Vintage Guns [00:19:57] - Barrel Length and Gun Fit [00:28:14] - The Importance of Gun Balance in the Field [00:31:13] - Sporting Clays vs Upland Bird Guns [00:40:21] - Vintage Shotguns: What to Look For [00:51:15] - Starting Out with Side-by-Sides [01:07:57] - Doug's Upcoming Book: What's Next? [01:12:11] - The Joy of the Hunt Follow The Guest, Doug Stewart: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougstewartauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doug_stewart_author Website: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/ The Book: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book The Book Part II: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book-part-ii Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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