Podcast · Tech & Science

On The Wing Podcast

by On The Wing Podcast by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever · English · Tech & Science

Welcome to the On the Wing Podcast with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. On the Wing is your destination for conversations about upland bird hunting, wildlife habitat, public lands, bird dogs, wild game cooking and epic adventures in search of pheasants, quail and grouse. These are the stories

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 55 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 44 min

EP. 385: Broken Bow’s Colton Patterson on Illustrating Wendell Berry Story

Colton Patterson built Broken Bow around the music, artwork, traditions, and values he inherited from his grandfather. At just 19, his work has grown into a social media following with more than one million people, along with collaborations with artists like the Turnpike Troubadours. That same appreciation for Americana and the outdoors made Patterson a natural fit to illustrate Wendell Berry's Mike , a story about a bird dog, quail hunting, family, memory, and the connection between people and the land. Quail Forever Journal editor Ryan Sparks explains why Berry's writing has remained so…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E384 · 30 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
EP. 384: PF’s 2026 Pheasant Hunting Forecast: Best States to Hunt this Season
Pheasants have a knack for surviving whatever the prairie throws at them, and this year's forecast offers plenty of reasons to lace up the boots. From Montana and the Dakotas to Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Minnesota, the outlook varies by region, but the bigger story is encouraging: quality upland habitat produces birds. The crew breaks down the state-by-state pheasant hunting forecast, highlighting where hunters can expect the best opportunities and where conditions may require a little more work. Montana and North Dakota offer classic mixed-bag potential for pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse,…
E383 · 23 Sep 2026 · 41 min
EP. 383: How Public Land Changes Hunting One Parcel at a Time
Public land doesn’t have to start with thousands of acres. Sometimes it starts with one property, one partnership, and one group of volunteers willing to keep building. PF & QF’s Casey Sill joins On the Wing to talk about “ Brick by Brick ,” a new film documenting the impact Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area program has had on communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The conversation explores how permanently protected habitat can create more than pheasant hunting opportunities. It can improve water quality, strengthen local communities, support rural…
E382 · 16 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
EP. 382: Country Music Artist Drake White on Hunting, Music, and Healing
Country music singer Drake White joins On the Wing for a candid conversation about music, hunting, bird dogs, and the long road back from a devastating stroke. White grew up hunting and fishing in Alabama, where quail, deer, rivers, dogs, and the outdoors shaped how he understood the world and eventually influenced his music. At the height of his career, White suffered a hemorrhagic stroke onstage in Roanoke after doctors discovered an arteriovenous malformation in his brain. The aftermath left him paralyzed on his left side and facing a recovery that would fundamentally change his life.…
E381 · 9 Sep 2026 · 13 min
EP. 381: “Gamey” - A Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Short Essay
The word “gamey” gets thrown around whenever wild game tastes different from what we know. But what does the word “gamey” actually mean? Quail Forever Journal editor Ryan Sparks takes a hard look at the word and makes the case that it does more harm than good. Wild game carries the imprint of where and how an animal lived. Age, diet, physical activity, season, stress, habitat, and processing can all influence flavor, meaning a bobwhite quail from one landscape can taste remarkably different from a scaled quail, pheasant, duck, deer, or other wild animal harvested somewhere else. Calling all…
E380 · 2 Sep 2026 · 15 min
EP. 380: “Judy” — A Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Short Story
A bird dog endures shipwrecks, captivity, starvation and war to become a legendary symbol of courage. Judy of Sussex was no ordinary bird dog. Born in Shanghai in 1936, the liver-and-white pointer became the mascot of a British gunboat before serving alongside its crew through some of the darkest years of World War II. After surviving the sinking of two ships, Judy endured years of captivity alongside British POWs in Japanese prison camps. She found fresh water for stranded sailors, hunted game, survived a crocodile attack, helped prisoners maintain morale and repeatedly escaped attempts to…
E379 · 26 Aug 2026 · 48 min
EP. 379: Quail Across America: A Florida Couple’s Six-Species Adventure
Wild quail, rugged country, and a six-species pursuit turned one couple’s hunts into lifelong adventures. Jamie and Jesse Durham never set out to become dedicated quail hunters. Their journey started with a question on a first date and grew into a goal to hunt all six species of quail in the United States. Along the way, they discovered what makes chasing wild birds so addictive: learning habitat, following good dogs, exploring unfamiliar country, and earning every bird. The Durhams share lessons from hunting bobwhite quail on Florida public land, including how prescribed fire, longleaf…
E378 · 19 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
EP. 378: Inside a Bird Dog’s Mind: Canine Senses, Training, and Behavior
What actually happens inside a bird dog’s brain when it locks onto a pheasant, quail, or grouse? Dr. Annie Valuska, a Purina pet behaviorist with more than 20 years of experience in animal behavior research, helps unpack the science behind the dogs we depend on in the field. The conversation explores how dogs learn through classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning, and problem-solving, and what those mechanisms mean for practical bird dog training. You’ll learn why positive reinforcement can accelerate learning, how environmental experiences shape behavior, and why the…
E377 · 12 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
EP. 377: “Ballad of the Bird Dog” Goes Official with Musician Reese Glover
For anyone who has ever watched a bird dog lock onto a point or shared quiet miles across public land, this conversation hits close to home. Singer-songwriter Reese Glover returns to talk about the official release of “ Ballad of the Bird Dog ,” a song introduced to the bird hunting community during an episode last year. Reese shares how the song evolved from a simple live recording into a professionally produced studio release while staying true to its stripped-down, storytelling roots. Along the way, he dives into the songwriting process, finding inspiration in pheasant hunting, grouse…
E376 · 5 Aug 2026 · 50 min
EP. 376: Wine, Wild Game, and California Quail at Passalacqua Winery
Discover how great wild game meals become unforgettable when paired with exceptional wine and upland traditions. A turkey hunt in California's vineyard country turns into a conversation about upland hunting, wild game cooking, and why great meals begin long before they reach the table. Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks returns to Passalacqua Winery to share the story behind completing his turkey slam while chasing gobblers through rain-soaked vineyards filled with California valley quail. Along the way, the crew explores how thoughtful wine pairings can elevate everything from grilled…
E375 · 29 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
EP. 375: Conservation Scorecard: State Advocacy for Habitat, Hunting, and Public Lands
The biggest victories for upland birds often happen long before hunting season ever opens. Wild pheasants, quail, public land access, and quality bird hunting all depend on decisions made long before opening day. State legislatures shape wildlife habitat, conservation funding, prescribed fire, hunter access, and the future of upland hunting across America. Bob St. Pierre sits down with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Director of State Government Affairs Swanny Evans to break down the biggest conservation victories, challenges, and emerging threats from legislative sessions across…
E374 · 22 Jul 2026 · 59 min
EP. 374: Wyoming’s Hidden Upland Opportunities Beyond Sage Grouse
Discover the overlooked birds, wild landscapes, and upland habitat work shaping Wyoming. Wyoming may be famous for sage grouse, mule deer, and elk, but the state offers far more upland hunting opportunities than most hunters realize. From dusky grouse in the high country to Hungarian partridge, chukar, sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants, and ruffed grouse, Wyoming is one of the most diverse bird hunting destinations in the West. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Wyoming State Coordinator Nick Yasko joins the show to break down the state's upland bird opportunities, public land access, habitat…
E373 · 15 Jul 2026 · 47 min
EP. 373: Johnny Morris on Conservation, Quail, and Inspiring the Next Generation
A conservation legend and a remarkable young bird caller reveal why America's uplands are worth protecting. Conservation begins with curiosity, and few conversations capture that better than this one. Twelve-year-old bird calling phenom Samuel Henderson shares how his passion for birds and his extraordinary ability to mimic more than 125 species have inspired millions to pay closer attention to the natural world. From bobwhite quail and sandhill cranes to common loons and ring-necked pheasants, Samuel's talent reminds us of the power of a bird’s song to spark curiosity which results in a…
E372 · 8 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
EP. 372: Previewing New Season of The Flush on Outdoor Channel
Fall bird hunting starts long before the first rooster flushes or the first covey rises. It begins with maps spread across the table, bird reports rolling in, and conversations about the places, people, and traditions that make every hunting season unforgettable. Travis Frank, host of The Flush on Outdoor Channel, shares what's ahead for the newest season while swapping stories about upcoming adventures across North America. From ruffed grouse camps in the Northwoods to Wyoming sage grouse country, Nebraska trout fishing, Idaho chukar hunting, Oregon quail country, and even a remote Alaska…
E371 · 1 Jul 2026 · 54 min
EP. 371: The Story Behind Jared Benson’s New Song “Old Bird Dog”
Few things define the upland hunting experience like a good bird dog, a trusted shotgun, and memories built one hunt at a time. On this episode of On The Wing Podcast, PF & QF’s Bob St.Pierre and Casey Sill sit down with Iowa musician and avid bird hunter Jared Benson to talk about the inspiration behind his new song, Old Bird Dog . What starts as a conversation about music quickly turns into a deeper discussion about bird hunting traditions, conservation, family, and the dogs that shape our lives in the field. Jared shares how growing up waterfowl hunting in western Minnesota eventually led…
E370 · 24 Jun 2026 · 55 min
EP. 370: Pollinators, Quail, and Wild Foods from the Desert
As Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever celebrate Grasslands Week and Pollinator Week, this conversation explores the critical relationship between healthy habitat, thriving pollinator populations, and strong upland bird numbers. From pheasant chicks and bobwhite quail to Gambel's quail and prairie grouse, the insects supported by flowering plants provide the protein young birds need to survive and grow. Habitat Education Programs Manager Marissa Jensen joins former PF & QF’s Southwest Regional Representative Lauren Stamm to discuss why pollinator habitat and brood habitat are exactly one and…
E369 · 17 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
EP. 369: Biology of Nesting Season for Pheasants, Quail, and Prairie Grouse
It’s “Hatch Week” at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, so it’s cause for celebration. In fact, peak hatch is happening now and understanding it can make you a better upland hunter. What actually happens during pheasant hatch, quail nesting season, and prairie grouse breeding? This conversation breaks down the biology behind the birds many upland hunters pursue each fall, and explains why nesting cover, brood habitat, and conservation work are so critical to future hunting opportunities. Listeners will learn how pheasant hens select nests, why renesting is common after a failed clutch, and…
E368 · 10 Jun 2026 · 43 min
EP. 368: The Role of Bird Dogs in the Future of Hunting and Conservation
The connection between a bird dog and a hunter may be one of conservation’s most powerful forces. For many upland hunters, the journey begins with their first bird dog. For others, that dog is what keeps them connected to hunting, habitat conservation, and life outdoors. John Zeman has spent decades training bird dogs, competing in field trials, mentoring new handlers, and helping hunters develop better dogs. After retiring from the construction industry, he now spends even more time with the dogs, people, and public lands that have shaped his life. John joins the conversation to explain why…
E367 · 3 Jun 2026 · 1 hr
EP. 367: Arizona Quail Initiative is Shaping Future of Habitat, Access, Hunting
Monsoon rains, desert grasslands, and wild coveys collide in Arizona’s ambitious quail restoration effort. Arizona’s quail country is bigger, rougher, and more alive than most hunters realize. In this conversation, the crew behind Quail Forever’s Arizona Quail Initiative breaks down how large-scale habitat restoration is shaping the future of Gambel’s quail, scaled quail, and Mearns’ quail. From remote desert grasslands to oak-covered “sky islands,” this episode digs into the real work happening behind the scenes to improve upland bird habitat on both public lands and working ranches. The…
E366 · 27 May 2026 · 39 min
EP. 366: Working on a New Farm Bill and CRP Improvements in D.C.
Washington, D.C. can feel a long way from pheasant country, quail habitat, and working farms, but the decisions made there shape the future of upland hunting across America. In this conversation, the crew from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever breaks down what happened during a recent D.C. fly-in alongside members of The Habitat Organization’s new Upland Caucus. Public relations specialist Mikayla Peper shares what it was like meeting with members and staffers from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for improved conservation measures in the next federal farm bill. The…
E365 · 20 May 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
EP. 365: Trading Habitat Help for Hunting Access
Better habitat means better hunting. That’s not a surprising statement. What may surprise folks is how much sweat equity it takes to turn average habitat into elite upland habitat. In this episode, learn how an everyday landowner is building wildlife-rich ground with a little help from friends and family. Private landowner Tim Kraskey breaks down the real-world habitat management strategies that directly impact upland bird numbers, deer hunting success, and waterfowl hunting opportunities. Kraskey is also a long-time Pheasants Forever chapter volunteer who extolls the virtues of being a…
E364 · 13 May 2026 · 55 min
EP. 364: Keeping Your Bird Dog Sharp with a Busy Family Life
Balancing bird dog training with young kids, busy schedules, and everyday life is a challenge most upland hunters eventually face. The reality is your dog doesn’t stop needing structure just because your time gets tighter. The good news is you don’t need hours in the field to maintain a high-performing hunting dog. Veteran bird dog owner and SportDOG Brand’s Clay Thompson breaks down how to keep an experienced bird dog sharp through short, consistent training sessions built into your daily routine. The focus stays where it matters most—obedience. Commands like place, heel, sit, and…
E363 · 6 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
EP. 363: Hands-On Habitat: Restoring Texas High Plains for Upland Wildlife
Deep in the Texas High Plains, a committed group of conservationists is proving what’s possible when habitat work meets community grit. On a sprawling 9,000-acre property at Palo Duro, volunteers, biologists, and land managers are tackling real-world challenges like invasive species, wildfire mitigation, and declining upland bird habitat through hands-on conservation projects. This conversation dives into the strategy behind a multi-day habitat event that blends prescribed fire, chainsaw work, native grass restoration, and one coordinated volunteer effort. The result is healthier grasslands,…
E362 · 4 May 2026 · 14 min
EP. 362: Best Hunting Spot Names and the Stories Submitted by Listeners
Great hunting spots aren’t just found; they’re named through hard-earned moments in the field. This collection of listener-submitted stories dives into the heart of upland bird hunting culture, where bird dogs, wild flushes, and unforgettable days turn ordinary places into permanent fixtures on the map. This “snackable” episode also announces the winner of the Frost River Woodsman Pack from the contest announced during episode #358 . From a young dog’s fearless leap on a Kansas quail hunt to a Minnesota pheasant hunting hotspot that produced first birds for the next generation, these stories…
E361 · 29 Apr 2026 · 51 min
EP. 361: Habitat University, Creating Upland Habitat from the Ground Up
This conversation breaks down Habitat University, a skills-based platform designed to close the gap between theory and real-world application. Whether you’re planting a pollinator plot, improving nesting cover, establishing a food plot, or managing CRP acres, the focus is on actionable knowledge that leads to better results on the landscape. You’ll hear how modern conservation faces a growing challenge: fewer people entering the field with hands-on land management experience. That gap impacts everything from pheasant and quail habitat to hunting success and overall wildlife populations.…
E360 · 22 Apr 2026 · 52 min
EP. 360: Quail vs. Turkey Habitat Secrets Every Landowner Should Know
What if higher quality quail habitat could unlock better turkey hunting on your land? Spring turkey hunting gets the spotlight, but the real story starts long before opening day. It lives in the habitat. This conversation brings together two wildlife biologists to break down the relationship between wild turkeys and bobwhite quail, cutting through myths and getting to what actually drives bird numbers on the landscape. The discussion dives into the overlap between wild turkey habitat and quail habitat management, especially during nesting and brood-rearing seasons. You’ll learn why both…
E359 · 15 Apr 2026 · 51 min
EP. 359: Science-Driven Habitat Strategy for Better Pheasant and Quail Populations
What if better habitat decisions could directly translate into higher populations of pheasants and quail, as well as better hunting opportunities? Behind every great day chasing upland birds is high quality habitat that actually produces birds. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how science is shaping the future of upland bird hunting across the country. During this conversation, PF & QF leaders and university professors discuss the newly formed Science Advisory Committee and how they’re tackling one of the toughest questions in wildlife conservation: how habitat improvements…
E358 · 8 Apr 2026 · 54 min
EP. 358: Hunting Spot Names That Stick
Every hunter has a spot with a name that holds memories, birds, and meaning. Spend enough seasons chasing upland birds and the map starts to change. What begins as public land or a patch of cover turns into something personal. A place earns a name through miles walked, bird dogs worked, and coveys flushed at just the right moment. This conversation dives into the stories behind those names and the hunting memories that made them stick. From South Dakota pheasant hunting honey holes to ruffed grouse coverts hidden deep in the timber to secret quail spots that can never be located again, each…
E357 · 1 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
EP. 357: Chasing Mountain and Valley Quail Across the West
One hunter’s relentless quest to chase upland birds across America’s wildest terrain. This conversation dives deep into the reality behind the “upland slam” — not just the birds, but the dogs, the habitat, and the wild game meal at the end of a hunt. Listeners will pick up practical insights on upland bird hunting strategy, from breaking down unfamiliar terrain to identifying productive habitat like timber cuts, chaparral, and sagebrush steppe. There’s a heavy emphasis on how to adapt when things aren’t working, including when to abandon a spot and trust your instincts. The mountain quail…
E356 · 25 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
EP. 356: The Life of a Bird Hunting Guide: Dogs, Grouse, and Scaled Quail
Learn what it really takes to guide upland hunts across the ruffed grouse woods and through the desert quail country. Behind the Instagram photos of bird dogs on point is a far grittier reality. Brian Vander Maazen pulls back the curtain on life as a full-time bird hunting guide, from the aspen covers of Wisconsin to the desert edges of scaled quail country. This conversation gets into the daily grind of guiding upland hunters, reading habitat, training gun dogs, and building a lifestyle around wild birds. You’ll hear how early-season ruffed grouse hunting really works when the leaves are…

About On The Wing Podcast

On The Wing Podcast is a English tech & science podcast from On The Wing Podcast by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: On The Wing Podcast by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 55 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1435790034

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