Why an entrepreneurial approach to habitat conservation might be the best way to save game birds, among other species ... that's one topic in our conversation with Ted Koch, executive director of the North American Grouse Partnership. We also talk ruffed grouse hunts along the Snake River, missed mallards, and how to catch a big brown trout.

The NAGP is deep into promoting an initiative that will do for upland birds and prairie habitat what has already been done for wetlands, resulting in significant upswings in duck and goose numbers. We'll learn more about it, and get down to the nitty gritty on why wind energy is so bad for prairie birds, where cheatgrass and fire fit (or don't) in the conservation model. Sharptailed grouse hunting tips are also on the agenda.

The public-access Road Trip covers my four favorite states and why; and we find out what your priorities are when it comes to being better hunters.

Please visit our sponsors:

Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, FurFeathersFriends and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.