Upland Nation

By Scott Linden

What's Upland Nation about?

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

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Upland Nation episodes:

05.14.2024
Chukar hunter, test judge, trainer extraordinaire ... Phil Swain shares his experience and expertise
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...
05.07.2024
Trainer/collar pro covers tech & training, what's new in the industry ... plus how to be a good hunting buddy
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...
05.01.2024
"Out & About" pilot #2 ... fly fishing tip, kids stuff, jokes and trivia ... better photos, camping and gear tips
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...
04.30.2024
Hunting dog peak performance: expert outlines his strategy for fueling and training
Peak performance ... what we all want from our hunting dog. Karl Gunzer will help - he's director of the sporting dog group at Purina Pro Plan Sport, a dog trainer and hunter. He's as in-the-know as anyone I know...
04.23.2024
Bird dog vet covers it all: cuts and gouges, snakes and sticks, and how to handle 'em
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...
04.17.2024
Premier episode: "Out & About" outdoors stories, tips, advice, suggestions and FUN for the whole family
You're the first to hear it ... a pilot episode that may become a series. I've been doing a short-form feature on satellite radio for over two years and much of the material is probably of use to you and...
04.16.2024
Bird hunting South Africa and a boatload of shooting tips from a master teacher
If you don't learn something that makes you a better shooter, well, the Olympic shooting team has an opening. Don Currie is a bird hunter and the chief instructor of the National Sporting Clays Association. His instructional DVD “Focus –...
04.09.2024
Insiders talk bird hunting chokes, enriching your and your dog's lives ... and what about those off-road vehicles?
A peek into the operations of a leading choke tube maker, and insights into the need for a new non-profit to help bird dogs - and their owners. This week in our periodic "Industry Insider" series, Scott Trulock of Trulock...
04.06.2024
"First Couple" of bird dog training: Ronnie Smith & Susanna Love on development of "little domestic predators," and why they love flank collars
The "first couple" of bird dog training joins us from the floor of the 2024 Pheasant Fest: Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love cover all things puppy development, from mindset to introducing birds, getting pup ready for gunfire and introducing steadiness....
03.30.2024
Kali Parmley, Gun Dog magazine editor, on dogs, hunts, birds and why
Peek inside the workings of Gun Dog magazine ... courtesy of its editor-in-chief, Kali Parmley, then we go afield where she takes us to incredible locations, hunting a wide variety of bird species. Kali offers hunting tips and strategy, insights...
03.23.2024
Pro's talk hunt strategy & tactics, habitat and dog care
Back to Pheasant Fest for an in-depth tutorial on everything from dog training to sharptail hunting from two guys who hunt hard and often: Trevor Walz and Tom Dombroski of LandTrust.com. For fun, to scout new properties, a little guiding,...
03.16.2024
Bird hunting, killing, and vegetarians ... author explains all
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...
03.10.2024
French Brittany: "pocket rocket" history and hunting style and your best bird hunt of last season
From the national conclave of the Club Epagneul Breton: foundation breed, growing in popularity here in the States, the Epagneul Breton (French Brittany) has earned a reputation as an energetic, vest-pocket-sized bird dog. We'll trace the history on both sides...
03.01.2024
Off-season training for you and your bird dog: your main objectives and some tips to help
It's training season ... all those new year's resolutions, promises to your buddy or your dog ... you've told me what you want to work on and we'll cover it with some tips and suggestions. Steadiness, recall, retrieving are the...
02.23.2024
Texas pro bird hunting guide: practical advice and what trips his trigger out there
From "Quail Alley" in Texas, Orvis 2023 Guide of the Year Jon Hubble enlightens us on quail hunting and habitat, tactics, and dog handling. Jon's Premier Wingshooting is in country that still looks - and hunts - like the old...
02.14.2024
Bird hunter's guide to dog games and why you should enter one
Extend your hunting season, forge a year-long bond with your hunting dog ... just two reasons to try a trial, hunt test or "bird dog challenge." I've entered, marshalled, gunned for, cooked for, passed - and failed - a lot...
02.05.2024
Quail farts ... and is one bird worth $1,000? Quail biologist has hunting tips and hope for bobs
Dr. Kelly Reyna is Director of the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research and Principal Investigator of the Quail Research Laboratory at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He's a bit of an optimist, and conducting leading-edge research on "untaming" pen-raised...
01.27.2024
Pro chukar guide on wild birds, dogs, strategies & tactics
Wild chukars, Huns, sharptails and sage grouse are Ryan's domain, roaming the uplands of Wyoming as an Orvis-endorsed hunting guide. He and his string of 10 dogs (setters, shorthairs and a springer) take clients into some of the roughest, most...
01.19.2024
Two whistles and a compass: Bird hunting guide Durrell Smith talks dogs, bobs, chukars and public access
Why didn't we talk sooner? Durrell Smith is an Orvis-endorsed guide, fine artist, dog man, podcaster and probably a lot of other things we never got around to in this wide-ranging discussion. We'll cover his tips on accessing more public...
01.11.2024
Better wingshooting - a champion’s advice; your winter hunt photos & your dog’s holiday haul.
Shoot better simply by paying attention ... to this champion. Anthony Matarese Jr. joins me to talk shooting techniques, styles, and the things that vex us in the field and on the range. From foot position to lead, practice strategy...
01.04.2024
Bird dog training pro: steadiness, explained well. On location at the Epagneul Breton conclave: high-level tests, and your new year’s resolutions
Coming to you from the Club Epagneul-U.S. national conclave, I cornered trainer/hunter Jake Bartells between runs. Jake is a consummate trainer with five NAVHDA Invitational Champions and a number of CEB-US titles. Jake brings us up to speed on the...
12.28.2023
Warm & dry bird hunting ... you want it, dontcha? Here’s where to go.
I pulled together notes from all the places I've hunted in winter, polled good friends and reliable sources, to provide you with a list of publicly-accessible, wild-bird starting points for warmer hunting spots when you're tired of shoveling snow. There's...
12.20.2023
Train your bird dog during the season: why and how; and what he’s getting you for Christmas
It's mid-season. Would your dog say you've gone off the rails? Would you say he's gone with you? We'll address some of the ways to train during the season, relate some common situations, and offer some suggestions. So will you -...
12.12.2023
That hunting dog lung disease: vet/specialist has answers, plus shooting advice from your friends
We have the latest news on a widespread, unspecified respiratory disease is affecting dogs nationwide ... pandemic or not? Dr. Jane Sykes, infectious disease specialist at the Univ. of California Davis Veterinary School, address the potential causes, symptoms, preventive measures...
12.06.2023
Grouse guide’s bird hunting tips, a big test, strategic feeding, plus what you forgot
Pro ruffed grouse guide Terry Petro joins us from the Armbruster - a grueling test for Deutsche Drahthaars - and sums up the components of this multi-day evaulation. We jump from there to his thoughts on everything from strategic feeding...
11.25.2023
Bird-dog’s first-year gear: the comprehensive list, plus your tribute to your dogs
The cost of the pup is the least of your (monetary) problems! Here's the comprehensive list of all the stuff you need to raise a high-performing puppy. From checkcord to bird launcher, and a lot of stuff you may not...
11.18.2023
Bird hunting industry insiders on new products, gun care, desert quail hunting, boot tech and making them last longer
It's our somewhat-regular "Industry Insiders" edition, where I talk with leaders and up-and-comers about the business of bird hunting, their company, new products and tech. We also get their advice on taking care of our gear, our dogs, and ourselves....
11.11.2023
Bird hunting public-access ground: 30 years of hard-won lessons on finding, and hunting walk-in and government land
You learn a lot poking around out there. From government tracts owned by the forest service, to walk-in ground that changes every year. We'll cover the things you need to know to get started - but experienced hunters will also...
11.04.2023
Bird hunter’s 15 must-have skills for the field
Knot-tying to breaking up a dog fight ... these are essential capabilities you will be glad you have at some point in your hunting career. You might know some of them, but probably not all of them. Or, if you...
10.27.2023
A bird hunter’s thoughts: Randy Schultz shares his
From care & feeding to saying goodbye to a loyal canine hunting companion, we cover it all in this wide-ranging discussion with author, podcaster, blogger Randy Schultz. Randy's a road warrior, logging more windshield time than most, so of course...
10.19.2023
Bird hunters’ Kansas: where-to, how-to advice from a dozen trips
The unsung hero of upland hunting is the Sunflower State: Their season starts later but it's warmer. You can shoot more birds, licens costs are friendly, and their walk-in hunting program is well-managed. As an alternative to the Dakotas, it...
10.07.2023
Bird hunter’s Q&A: pads, power and pooches ... where-to-go and what to take, we cover it all
Your questions get my answers - most learned the hard way, so you don't have to! From nutrition to first-aid, dog boots to San Francisco hunting destinations, we cover it all. Then, I ask you what you listen to on...
10.02.2023
BONUS EPISODE: Huns, sharpies, strategies and tactics ... and new way to access private ground
Somewhere in Montana, I hunted with Nic De Castro (founder) and Trevor Walz (partnership manager) of LandTrust.com ... a new company with an entrepreneurial approach to accessing high quality private hunting land ... sort of an "AirBnB" for folks like...
09.26.2023
Chukar hunter’s handbook: experts’ advice plus my 34 years of questionable success
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,...
09.16.2023
Bird hunter’s vest dump! Mine, yours, and ours - the critical contents. How motion makes your dog more obedient.
You show me yours, I'll show you mine! Our annual peek into hard-core hunting vests: configuration, contents, and advice from you and my three decades learning the hard way. If you don't have it, you'll want it. "Handle It" covers a...
09.06.2023
Pheasant hunting, step-by-step; pro guide shares his secrets ... including SHUT UP and SHOOT
My friend Al Gadoury opens his book on all things ringneck ... plus a few observations on sharptails and Huns, too. You may have seen him on a few episodes of Wingshooting USA TV, Al is a pro guide in...
08.30.2023
Bird hunter’s notebook: public-land pheasant lessons I learned the hard way so you don’t have to
Three decades of public-land hunting distilled down to one podcast ... yeah, I learned the hard way so you don't have to. I'll cover everything from finding it, planning and research, to hunting walk-in and public property for Phasianus colchicus,...
08.23.2023
Bird hunting Mecca: a close-up look at South Dakota from where-to-go, to finding more public access
One of my favorite states, and on most hunters' bucket list if not this season's destination ... South Dakota is the focus this week, as I recount some stories, give you some starting points, go species-by-species through the state. I'll...
08.16.2023
Pro bird dog trainer on new book, steadiness, how dogs think, puppy development ... and chukar hunting tips
Pro trainer, chukar hunter, and author ... George DeCosta Jr. is also a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon fanatic. We'll talk puppy development, go to school on steadying a dog (hint: long before he encounters birds), and get a few chukar hunting...
08.08.2023
Bird hunting’s newest target game ... an epic hunt: one state, 7 species ... find grouse here - or there
We're getting ready for Opening Day with a big, steaming pile of useful information. First, listeners' advice on reinforcing the "whoa" command, then we shoot a new target game that simulates wild birds and is more fun than a barrel...
08.01.2023
Labor of love: training bird dogs for their forever homes, industry insights from HIVIZ on shooting and tech
Problem dogs and better shooting ... can you relate? This week we go back inside the industry, actually two industries: Renee Hernandez and Trevor Young of HIVIZ Sights talk about the company's founding (to help shotgunners), its recent move to...
07.25.2023
Bird hunter/shooting instructor takes us to school on ruffed grouse, better shooting, his new book
Buying a used gun, shooting grouse, gun fit, and why we're always missing ... instructor/clinician/fitter and fine gun dealer Bryan Bilinski can now add author to his resume'. The proprietor of FieldSport Ltd. has 35 years of experience messing with...
07.18.2023
Chukar and quail hunting, product design, industry insights ... and how you feel about trash!
Bird hunting industry insider, product designer and passionate hunter Matt Davis offers tips on chukar and Mearn's quail hunting from habitat to strategy, tactics to hints. He then outlines the thought behind his flagship product, the Final Rise strap vest,...
07.11.2023
Pro trainer: why a pen is your best training tool, and use a femur bone to teach retrieving
Pro spaniel trainer Todd Agnew of Craney Hill Kennels answers questions about cockers and Springers, Labs, and puppy training. We do a deep dive into how dogs think and why we ought to think about that, a foundation for retrieving...
07.05.2023
Chukars, pups, steadiness and retrieving - pro shares insider tips
Jeff Funke of Three Devils Kennel is my friend, breeder of my last three wires, avid chukar hunter, trainer and hunt test judge. His wisdom runs broad and deep, and we'll cover as much as we can in an hour....
06.28.2023
Bird hunter & shotgun coach’s tutorials on crossers, low flyers and sight picture, what you wear and the paws that refreshes
If you don't bag more birds this season as a result of his teaching, you might wanna take up golf. Don Currie is a bird hunter, head instructor for the National Sporting Clays Association, author, DVD producer, gun fitter and...
06.21.2023
Bird dog trainer Tom Dokken on drones, that bumper’s origin story, flushing dogs in the uplands plus tips for every human carrying a shotgun
The joy of a first hunt with a young dog - that moment when the light bulb flickers on for the first time. Drones, the origins of his legendary Dead Fowl Trainer, training the human after training the dog ......
06.14.2023
The definitive bird dog ”tailgate exam” ... your gnarliest cover ... what’s in your truck?
Train now for the drill that could add days or weeks to your hunting season ... by keeping your dog healthy and in one piece! We'll go from tail tip to toes to top line with techniques that will find...
06.07.2023
Bird hunter, mentor, chukar fanatic talks new hunter recruitment, chukar strategy & tactics
Chukar hunter, mentor, and my good friend Eric Thompson joins us from the floor of Pheasant Fest to talk about his effort to recruit and motivate new hunters, Hardwired Outdoors . Then, it's all about chukar hunting: habitat, bird behavior,...
05.31.2023
Bird dogs and hounds - common ground for training and care ... and is there room for non-toxic shot in your vest?
Slat mills, epsom salts and other stuff we should know about, courtesy of bird hunter, competitive houndsman and dog food rep Josh Michaelis. You'll be surprised at how many training tips, nutrition, first aid and dog care knowledge is relevant...

What's Upland Nation about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Upland Nation episodes:

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

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

"Out & About" pilot #2 ... fly fishing tip, kids stuff, jokes and trivia ... better photos, camping and gear tips

Hunting dog peak performance: expert outlines his strategy for fueling and training

Bird dog vet covers it all: cuts and gouges, snakes and sticks, and how to handle 'em

Premier episode: "Out & About" outdoors stories, tips, advice, suggestions and FUN for the whole family

Bird hunting South Africa and a boatload of shooting tips from a master teacher

Insiders talk bird hunting chokes, enriching your and your dog's lives ... and what about those off-road vehicles?

"First Couple" of bird dog training: Ronnie Smith & Susanna Love on development of "little domestic predators," and why they love flank collars

Kali Parmley, Gun Dog magazine editor, on dogs, hunts, birds and why

Pro's talk hunt strategy & tactics, habitat and dog care

Bird hunting, killing, and vegetarians ... author explains all

French Brittany: "pocket rocket" history and hunting style and your best bird hunt of last season

Off-season training for you and your bird dog: your main objectives and some tips to help

Texas pro bird hunting guide: practical advice and what trips his trigger out there

Bird hunter's guide to dog games and why you should enter one

Quail farts ... and is one bird worth $1,000? Quail biologist has hunting tips and hope for bobs

Pro chukar guide on wild birds, dogs, strategies & tactics

Two whistles and a compass: Bird hunting guide Durrell Smith talks dogs, bobs, chukars and public access

Better wingshooting - a champion’s advice; your winter hunt photos & your dog’s holiday haul.

Bird dog training pro: steadiness, explained well. On location at the Epagneul Breton conclave: high-level tests, and your new year’s resolutions

Warm & dry bird hunting ... you want it, dontcha? Here’s where to go.

Train your bird dog during the season: why and how; and what he’s getting you for Christmas

That hunting dog lung disease: vet/specialist has answers, plus shooting advice from your friends

Grouse guide’s bird hunting tips, a big test, strategic feeding, plus what you forgot

Bird-dog’s first-year gear: the comprehensive list, plus your tribute to your dogs

Bird hunting industry insiders on new products, gun care, desert quail hunting, boot tech and making them last longer

Bird hunting public-access ground: 30 years of hard-won lessons on finding, and hunting walk-in and government land

Bird hunter’s 15 must-have skills for the field

A bird hunter’s thoughts: Randy Schultz shares his

Bird hunters’ Kansas: where-to, how-to advice from a dozen trips

Bird hunter’s Q&A: pads, power and pooches ... where-to-go and what to take, we cover it all

BONUS EPISODE: Huns, sharpies, strategies and tactics ... and new way to access private ground

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

Bird hunter’s vest dump! Mine, yours, and ours - the critical contents. How motion makes your dog more obedient.

Pheasant hunting, step-by-step; pro guide shares his secrets ... including SHUT UP and SHOOT

Bird hunter’s notebook: public-land pheasant lessons I learned the hard way so you don’t have to

Bird hunting Mecca: a close-up look at South Dakota from where-to-go, to finding more public access

Pro bird dog trainer on new book, steadiness, how dogs think, puppy development ... and chukar hunting tips

Bird hunting’s newest target game ... an epic hunt: one state, 7 species ... find grouse here - or there

Labor of love: training bird dogs for their forever homes, industry insights from HIVIZ on shooting and tech

Bird hunter/shooting instructor takes us to school on ruffed grouse, better shooting, his new book

Chukar and quail hunting, product design, industry insights ... and how you feel about trash!

Pro trainer: why a pen is your best training tool, and use a femur bone to teach retrieving

Chukars, pups, steadiness and retrieving - pro shares insider tips

Bird hunter & shotgun coach’s tutorials on crossers, low flyers and sight picture, what you wear and the paws that refreshes

Bird dog trainer Tom Dokken on drones, that bumper’s origin story, flushing dogs in the uplands plus tips for every human carrying a shotgun

The definitive bird dog ”tailgate exam” ... your gnarliest cover ... what’s in your truck?

Bird hunter, mentor, chukar fanatic talks new hunter recruitment, chukar strategy & tactics

Bird dogs and hounds - common ground for training and care ... and is there room for non-toxic shot in your vest?

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