Talmage Smedly joins me for an in-depth conversation on why dogs do what they do and how we can guide them. He calls on his horse training experience as well as a different perspective on how e-collars and commands in general can be used. If you're looking for a new way of working with your dog, he's got it. We'll cover his views on how to use an e-collar, what instincts shape a young dog, using a leash and checkcord, and the advantages of "positive punishment," among other things. He'll help us fix some of our steadiness and retrieving problems too. Listener Keith Friel offers another reason ..read more

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. An avid bird hunter and skilled dog trainer, Vetter covers a wide variety of topics from reintroducing wild birds to newly-rehabilitated habitat, to alliances that may not make sense ... until she explains them. Key aspects of the upcoming Farm Bil ..read more

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 style. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pr ..read more

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 incredible country, so you don't have to learn like I did ... the hard way! It's a big place, so I'll suggest some starting points, precautions you should take and preparations you should make; you'll also learn more about the Basin's "bonus bird," valley ..read more

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 first aid and related topics. We'll explore the nooks and crannies of our dogs: up their noses, into their armpits, deep into lacerations, and poking into their eyes (not literally). Joe will dispel some myths about surgical staplers and rattlesnake vac ..read more

What is the meaning of death? Gotcha! You thought I'd ask the meaning of life. Okay, we'll address both, within a hunting context, thanks to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, one of three authors (with Linda K. Miller and Capt. Keith A. Cunningham) of the new book ON HUNTING ... A definitive study of the mind, body and ecology of the hunter in the modern world. A former U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, Dave's combat experience, experience training military and tactical teams, and as a hunter combine in this book that will make you think about why we do what we do. He and his writing team's take on hunting is ..read more

You are one lucky so-and-so. Great dog, friends in the field, tolerant spouse, incredible hunting spots. This soon-to-be annual podcast celebrates it all as we give thanks for everything to do with bird hunting. Your comments, ideas, photos, add to the season's wonderment, warm feelings, and fuel our constant state of gratitude. But I'll also offer a tech tip that might be of use to you on your next road trip. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, T ..read more

Tim Linehan guides forest grouse hunters ... in Montana. He's been an Orvis-endorsed outfitters for over 30 years chasing ruffies, duskies, blues, sooties ... or whatever they're calling the critters these days. He'll share strategies, including how to start a hunt; tactics when a dog points; shooting advice and habitat types for each species. We also share stories on the joys of bird hunting from good shots to young dogs, and the real reasons we hunt. Great tips from a couple listeners on dog emergencies and how to avoid them; "Handle It" covers a question from Neil Higgins of Minnesota on a ..read more

We talk with two leaders in their categories: Scott Trulock of Trulock Choke Tubes and Mark Strickland of Crispi US about their products, new gear in the pipeline, trends in their space, and the care and feeding of our boots and shotguns. Whether you're shopping for new stuff or simply want to take better care of your current gear, they've got advice. We'll also look at some of your beautiful photos from the field and in "Handle It" I'll offer a way to warm up your pup after a cold day in the field. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, P ..read more

Join my friends Dave and Tom on our somewhat-annual gathering in the desert of southeast Oregon for the chukar and valley quail season opener. In what's become an informal reunion of new and old friends we reminisce on old dogs, an epic opening weekend, some foibles and incredible hunting. Trigger warning: there's a lot of philosophizing, too. But somewhere among the joking and joshing are lessons on why we hunt, what dogs do to us - and for us - and even a tip or two. And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, Pointer shotguns, @midwayusa, #m ..read more