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 long-time advocate for prairie grouse. With decades of experience, Tom is passionate about hunting sharp-tails, prairie chickens, and other upland game birds across the Great Plains. He’s spent countless days hunting with his bird dogs and has become a prominent voice in the upland hunting community, especially when it comes to prairie grouse.

Tom's experiences hunting prairie chickens in Minnesota and sharp-tails across the Midwest

The best hunting strategies and terrain for finding prairie grouse

Insights into managing a bird dog for prairie grouse hunting

Tips on dog training during sharptail hunts and what makes prairie grouse hunting unique

The importance of native grasses and proper grazing for the sharp-tailed habitat
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Introduction

[00:06:18] - Success of hunting prairie chickens

[00:10:01] - How prairie chickens differ from other upland birds 

[00:14:09] - Difference between ankle-high grass, calf-high grass, and knee-high grass

[00:22:15] - Have you ever put a snowberry in your mouth?

[00:30:56] - How to train a bird dog

[00:39:51] - Popcorn flushing 

[00:42:49] - Breakdown of hills and wind direction

[00:53:09] - Hunting in thick cover vs thinner hills

[01:05:49] - Favorite sharp-tail recipe

[01:16:42] -The pheasants forever journal

[01:17:40] - Wrapping up the episode

Follow the Guest Tom: 

Tom as an Editor of Pheasants Forever: https://pheasantsforever.org/Newsroom/2018-April/Changing-of-the-Guard-Pheasants-Forever-Promotes-T.aspx 

Company’s Website: https://www.pheasantsforever.org 

Company’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pheasantsforever 

Company’s Email: [email protected] 

Pheasant Hunting (book): https://amzn.to/46JZptD 

Follow Host Nick:

Instagram: @birdshot.podcast

Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com

Listening Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast

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