I've fielded so many questions over the years, I decided it was time to offer up a primer on hunting these fascinating, mystifying game birds. I've asked the dumb questions to smart hunters, learned a few things the hard way, and spent more than a few nights puzzling over their habits and habitat. If you've ever wondered where to find them, how to prepare, get your dog trained up, successful strategies and tactics from shot size to e-collar tricks, here's your starting point.
Then, start walking. Uphill.
Listeners tell us where they're going on opening day, and "Road Trip" offers some alternative information sources to get you on public-access land.
And it's all brought to you by:
Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Chukar hunter’s handbook: experts’ advice plus my 34 years of questionable success

Interesting, informative guests, listener questions, tips, hacks, suggestions and ideas ... on all things upland bird hunting, hosted by the creator of TV series Wingshooting USA

Sports

This week, we talk to industry insider Dan Compton, product director for The Kinetic Group's Remington, Hevi-Shot and Federal shotgun ammunition lines. He's a hunter so of course we'll talk about that, but we'll also find out what's new at each company, what's in development, and how shotshells work. We look at recent innovations in design, find out why copper plating helps your shooting accuracy, and learn how to take care of our ammo.
We'll also learn how shotshell components affect ballistic performance, why some retired shotshell "recipes" are being pulled out of mothballs, and finally figure out who owns what in the dynamic ammunition industry.
"Handle It" this week answers David Klopp's question about chasing wing-clipped birds, and listeners sound off on the lessons they wish they'd learned sooner.
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 Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Industry Insider talks all things ammo for bird hunters and clay target shooters; plus your hard-earned lessons

This week's "Industry Insider" is Andy McCormick, president of sales & marketing for Legacy Sports International, whose Pointer shotgun brand is our first topic. We talk all things shotgun business: design and manufacturing, quality control, trends in the industry, and advice on what to look for when shopping for a new shotgun. We cover the relative advantages of small gauge guns, and why so many hunters are looking at side-by-sides.
Then, we venture into valley quail country, a place Andy knows well. From a base in Reno, Nevada, he roams the sagebrush flats, folds and cracks in the landscape for those elusive little devils. We get advice on strategy and tactics, equipment, and why dogs love the little buggers so much. Plus, advice on finding public access and why chukars are the perfect addition to a quail hunt.
This week on "Road Trip," I outline a favored New Mexico destination, and listeners chip in with essential items to put in your hunting vest.
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 Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Valley quail & chukars: industry insider talks shotgun business and his favorite quarry

Recent recipient of the NAVHDA Jim & Bobby Applegate Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions, Phil Swain joins us to provide insights, tips, and a bit of "dog-ology." He's a trainer, clinician, test judge, bird hunter and all-around good guy willing to help just about anyone with a bird dog.
Among other things, we talk developing a steady dog, motivating dogs, introduction to birds, how much praise is enough, how to pass a hunting test, why two whistles are better than one. Phil's decades of practical experience has benefited generations of hunters and will pay off for you too.
"Handle It" covers my opinion on what is the single most important training tool; listeners chime in on what a hunting partner should never do.
And it's all brought to you by: Pointer Shotguns, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Chukar hunter, test judge, trainer extraordinaire ... Phil Swain shares his experience and expertise

You will learn something, I guarantee it. Pete Fisher of Dogtra knows e-collars, and as a pro trainer he also knows the dogs we put them on. We'll re-visit Pheasant Fest for an insightful, wide-ranging interview covering the right way to use e-collars, some clever additional ways to employ them, and a ton of dog training tips and advice.
We take a look at the state of the art in electronics and technology, get Pete's take on new equipment that debuted at the show, then talk retrieving, introduction to birds, and keys to knowing when to stop your training session.
"Road Trip" covers a post-hunt dog feeding routine to ensure maximum performance the next day; and listeners weigh in on what makes a great hunting buddy.
And it's all brought to you by: Pointer Shotguns, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Trainer/collar pro covers tech & training, what's new in the industry ... plus how to be a good hunting buddy

Thanks for your feedback! The Out & About feature is getting closer to reality with your suggestions. (Actually, it airs multiple times per day on SiriusXM satellite radio's Rural Radio channel, but I'm probably going to offer it here as well. After all, most of you have families, and other interests besides birds, shooting, and dogs.)
Listen to this second version with new material, and see if you don't learn something.
Best,
S

Chukar hunter’s handbook: experts’ advice plus my 34 years of questionable success

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