Birdshot Podcast, presented by Upland Gun Company 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 afte
Ann Jandernoa returns for her tenth Birdshot Podcast appearance to answer listener questions about ruffed grouse habitat and bird dogs. Nick and Ann discuss dry conditions, stem density, finding productive pockets of cover, relocating on running grouse, and approaching a point.
Prairie sharptail hunting, a young setter's first bird contacts, and the lessons that came from getting out of the truck. Nick recaps his prairie trip, answers a listener's question about puppy range and staying connected, and remembers Hartley.
Tick prevention for hunters and bird dogs: Travis Avery of Sawyer joins Nick to talk permethrin, clothing treatment, topical repellents, and the proper routine before a day in the uplands.
Bird dog trainer and author Mark Payton joins Nick to talk about first seasons, wild bird contacts, launchers, steadiness, gun introduction, and developing an honest pointing dog.
Author Andy Wayment joins Nick to explore Idaho Grouse Fever, bird dogs, upland literature, favorite shotguns, and what keeps grouse hunting meaningful.
TFL 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.
Bird 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…
In 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,…
In 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…
In 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…
In 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,…
In 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…
In 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…
In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan, a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunting, wildlife photography, and conservation. He shares rich stories from his time in the field, thoughts on aging gracefully, and timeless lessons passed down through generations of hunters and mentors. Tim Flanigan is a celebrated upland bird hunter, retired game warden, and author of books such as Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life and the Night Killers…
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Marc Musselman, CEO at Alclair Audio, to discuss the intersection of bird hunting and hearing protection. From nostalgic stories of Nebraska pheasant hunts to embracing Minnesota winters and late-season grouse excursions, the conversation evolves into a deep dive on the science and user experience behind custom digital hearing protection. Marc shares his journey through the hearing industry, the challenges of adoption among upland hunters, and why hearing protection should be as common as boots and a bird vest. Marc…
From the Ruffed Grouse Society:“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the broader conservation community he served so passionately.” (continue reading at ruffedgrousesociety.org) Obituary: https://www.grcremation.com/obituaries/glen-blackwood Episode Highlights (from the original recording): Barn parties and popping for bass Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society update Upland…
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Fritz Heller, a dedicated upland hunter, to discuss the 2025 hunting season, dogs, grouse hunting, and much more. Fritz shares insights into the challenges of the season, including heat waves and the impact on bird numbers, as well as his experience training new puppies. The conversation also gets into Fritz's plans for the future, including his search for a camper for hunting trips and his thoughts on managing bird populations and hunting conditions. Fritz Heller is an upland bird hunter, dog trainer, and dedicated…
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird populations, and offers tips on hunting pheasants with pointing dogs. He also talks about how habitat loss affects bird numbers, the role of public and private land hunting, and how hunting conditions vary season to season. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into upland bird hunting, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Phil…
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Minnesota upland hunter Isaiah Osborne to talk pheasants, sharptails, German shorthaired pointers, and growing up hunting without a bird dog. Isaiah shares his journey from discovering wild birds with friends in high school, to serving in the Marine Corps, to learning bird dogs from professional trainers in Arizona. The conversation covers pheasant behavior, Gambel’s quail, tracking vs. true dogs, winter pheasant strategies, and building a reliable upland hunting truck setup. Isaiah Osborne is a dedicated upland hunter from…
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson welcomes back Ted Koch, for an important conversation on prairie grouse conservation, grassland loss, ranching, and the future of upland habitat across North America. Ted also shares unforgettable elk-hunting stories, ruffed grouse parallels, and urgent insights into habitat fragmentation and the decline of gamebird populations. Ted Koch is a retired endangered species biologist and CEO of the North American Grouse Partnership. With decades of experience in western wildlife conservation, Ted works directly with ranchers, agencies, and…
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson reconnects with Jimmy Lewis, a passionate bird hunter and overlanding expert, for a deep dive into the world of upland hunting and the overlanding rigs that make it all possible. Jimmy talks about his transition back into guiding, his updated overlanding setup, and the challenges of hunting in varying conditions. From rooftop tents and truck bed caps to bird dogs and family adventures, this episode covers it all. Jimmy Lewis is an experienced bird hunting guide, outdoor enthusiast, and expert in overlanding rigs. After years of…
In this episode, host Nick Larson is joined by Andrew Lowles and Mark Symes of Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada, as they discuss the state of grouse and woodcock hunting in Atlantic Canada. They cover their unique experiences managing land for upland birds, their passion for conservation, and what makes hunting in their regions special. From forest management practices to the challenges and rewards of bird hunting in the varied landscapes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Andrew and Mark share their wealth of knowledge, offer advice to hunters, and highlight the exciting potential for growth…
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Brad Trumbo, business owner at Palouse Upland Media. Brad shares his journey from big-game hunting in the East to his deep love for upland bird hunting in the West. They discuss the unique landscapes of Eastern Washington, the challenges of hunting various upland birds, and Brad’s approach to bird dogs and land management. Brad Trumbo: A biologist, bird hunter, and author, Brad's experience spans from fish passage research to working in public land management. His passion for upland hunting, especially in the Palouse,…
In this reload episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson delves into a lively Q&A session with a loyal listener, Brady Martin. As Brady embarks on his first season of serious grouse hunting with his new bird dog, he shares the challenges, questions, and experiences he’s encountered. Together, they explore everything from scouting, bird cover, and hunting techniques to managing expectations for new hunters and bird dogs. Brady Martin is a first-time grouse hunter getting serious about the sport with his young bird dog. From his background in law enforcement and K-9 handling to his…
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson welcomes back entrepreneur, conservationist, and upland hunter Greg Cronkhite. The discussion ranges from early-season grouse hunting challenges to Greg’s remarkable journey through conservation-focused land management and the launch of Habitat One, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing wildlife habitat. Whether you're a public lands enthusiast, private landowner, or upland hunter, this episode combines stories from the field with practical strategies for preserving and enhancing the land we all love. Greg Cronkhite is a…
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Ann Jandernoa, a revered grouse hunting expert, dog trainer, cartographer, and founder of Northwind Enterprises. From her years of field experience and understanding of grouse behavior, Ann shares techniques, habitat insights, and the role of precise mapping in upland bird hunting. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting, this episode offers learning from a master of the craft. Ann Jandernoa, known for her legendary knowledge of ruffed grouse habitat and behavior, creates custom habitat maps, trains hunting…
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Jon Steigerwaldt, a Forest Conservation Director for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Jon talks about the critical habitat work happening in the Driftless Region and northeast Iowa, highlighting the challenges facing ruffed grouse populations, the impact of forest management, and ongoing conservation efforts. From habitat restoration to dealing with invasive species, this conversation covers key conservation strategies while also touching on Jon’s experiences hunting and training his bird dog,…
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson welcomes Tom Carpenter, aka Carp, back to the show for a discussion on prairie grouse hunting and sharp-tail grouse hunting. Fresh off a couple of hunting trips, Tom shares his expertise and experiences in the Great Plains, hunting sharp-tails, prairie chickens, as well as the unique challenges of these beautiful birds. Carp also reflects on the joy of hunting with dogs and the importance of understanding grassland habitat for both the hunter and the bird. Tom Carpenter, affectionately known as Carp, is a seasoned bird hunter, author, and…
About Birdshot Podcast
Birdshot Podcast, presented by Upland Gun Company 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 afte
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