Everyman Upland

This week we round up the entire Everyman upland Crew to talk about not just our favorite gear, but the stuff you actually need in the field. Magazines, Social media—heck—even podcasts bombard hunters with gear all of the time. In this episode two guides and two seasoned hunters talk about the actual gear that gets the job done right, and its not the most expensive or flashy stuff out there. This stuff is time tested, and for the most part very affordable. 

If I had one take away from this episode is that you shouldn’t invest in the flashiest, newest stuff on the market at the expense of basics. The basics carry you a lot further into your hunt. If I had two takeaways from this episode is that you need to check out brands like Dan’s Briar proof. This is the stuff that you wont see on social media. We are not affiliated with Dan’s (or Turtle Skins), but these are two companies that seasoned hunters know and love. Check them out. Get some chaps. 

Questions? Message @everymanupland on Instagram. 

This week we have a phone call with GA hunter, breeder, field trailer, Jackie Hutwagner of Hanahatchee Kennels.  Jackie has been hunting his whole life, chasing upland birds from his home in Southwest GA to Alaska to France. For the last 16 years Jackie has raised, trained, and bread French Brittanys (Epagnuel Bretons). We cover traveling with dogs, the state of the public land in Ga, beneficial rule changes, and just how things are booming for the DIY upland hunter in GA.

This weeks episode is somewhat of a two parter. In trying to do a quick intro to an in-the-field interview with @thegundognotebook’s Durrell Smith, Henry Norman (@quail.guide.dog.man) and I, Sam Baker (@everymanypland) got to chatting about last minute preparations for GA’s preserve season, the value of pen raised birds, and some wisdom on dog training.

Durrell Smith joined us in the field back in August for a conversation about what he is doing to the narrative of the Southern Bird hunter. There is romance and reality in the sport. We all see the pictorials of staunch points among swaying wire grass and big smiles clad in blaze orange and khaki, but there is a reality behind that romance. One that involves hard work, sweat, and dog crap. 

We also touch on how how looking back can inform DIY hunters of the modern day. In many respects the game has changed, but now we have such a rich gift in the wisdom of older dog handlers. 

I hope you enjoy. 

In this episode we cover our strategies when we go out and scout public land in South GA for bobwhite quail. This is by no means a comprehensive guide, but should get you well on your way to becoming woodsy. The big takeaway here is twofold: 

1) Do your homework. There are lots of things to consider when hunting public land. Location, boundaries, rules etc. Use the guides we discuss in the episode to get started. Not only do you need to know where you are going but what you are looking for. This is the article mentioned as THE STARTING POINT for quail hunting in GA: https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/quail/Quail%20Management%20Booklet.pdf

Here are some other helpful and free guides:
Native Plants: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ga/plantsanimals/?cid=nrcseprd656406

WMA Map: https://georgiawildlife.com/locations/hunting

2) Is GET OUT THERE. You will never find birds sitting at the house. At some point you will have to leave the pavement and get your boots dirty. Public land is pretty wild, so just start walking.  Bushwhack a little (that means walking where there is no trail, not cutting stuff down). The best way to get your bearings and build your personal database is to spend time in the woods. There is no substitute. 

In this episode the Everyman upland team expands to welcome Jase Brooks as  regular contributor. Jase has been bird hunting in GA for over 25 years. He is on dog number three, and as you’ll hear, Jase has turned his keen eye toward woodcock, having great success in GA over a number of seasons. 

Got Questions for Sam, Jase, Henry, or Caleb? Reach out on Instagram @everymanupland

Looking to book a quail hunt in South GA? Check out Quailridge Plantation in Norman Park, GA at www.quailridgeplantation.com 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to add an English Cocker Spaniel to your upland team? Some of our listeners have asked, so we reached out to Jay Lowry or Ryglen Gundogs (@ryglengundogs) to discuss how Cockers fit into the upland landscape. 

Lay may not be from the South, but he has ties to Kevins Sporting Goods in Thomasville, GA and makes the long trip from IL to South GA to under the Longleaf and wire grass. From the interview, Jay is very honest about what the Cocker excels at, and possibly the limitations. If you have ever considered a cocker, or aren’t sure why they are such a big deal among guides on GA Plantations, then give this episode a listen. 

To contact Jay, follow him Instagram  @rylgengundgogs or visit his website: https://ryglengundogs.com/

This episode is brought to you by Quailridge Plantation (http://www.quailridgeplantation.com/). You can call at 229-891-7679 to book or ask question. This place has been family ran for 52 hunting seasons, so join us under the pines this hunting season. 

IT IS HERE! Hunting Season is finally upon us! Dust off that vest, throw on your camp t-shirt, and pull up a bucket as you join Henry Norman (@quail.guide.dog.man) and me—Sam Baker (@everymanupland)— in the field. Most of this podcast is coming at you from Elmodel WMA in Southwest, GA. There is no secret here, everyone and their mama was out here on opening day. For us we had to scratch the itch to get on public land and shoot at these fast, migrating, grey rockets. 

We discuss listener questions about dove hunting, quail and woodcock scouting, plus what kind of gear we are carrying into the field this year. I apologize— or maybe not— for the dynamic range represented in this episode. You may finding yourself reaching for the volume knob a little more that usual. Henry and I wanted to bring you guys along, but we wanted to respect the folks around us.

As alway we are sponsored this week by Quailridge Plantaion. They have been family owned and operated fro 51 seasons. Ready to book your hunt for season 52? Head over to www.QuailridgePlantaion.com to book your hunt today. 

Got questions? Message us on instagram @everymanupland. We’d love to talk about your questions on the show. 

This is the second part of our obligatory guns episode. If you haven’t listened to “Shoot What you Got Part 1” I highly recommend that. Henry Norman (@quail.guide.dog.man), Caleb Norman (@sowega_upland) and I, Sam Baker (@everymanupland) have walked through the shallow end of the upland shotgun world, now we cover some of the specifics— brands, prices, details! We are certain that we left out your favorite gun, or the one that you’ve had your eye on so here are some quick take aways:

1. Try your best to hold and mount the gun you’d like to purchase. In the shotgun world, fit is everything.

2. If at all possible try to shoot a buddy’s gun of the same make.

3. Most upland guns have wood stocks. The one on the website is not the gun you’ll be getting (with a few exceptions). If you’re into aesthetics— which I am— you are going to want to see the exact gun you want to purchase. Shop around and see a few examples if possible.

4. Finally, don’t let people talk down to you because of your choice. We all like different things in a gun. This is about fit and form. Function, for the most part is covered by a warranty.

IF you are likening what you hear, consider buying us a coffee, or more specifically help us produce more content by going to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EverymanUpland. We would be so thankful. Also consider leaving a review. Tell us what you’d like to hear. 

In this episode Henry Norman (@quail.guide.dog.man) and Caleb Norman (@sowega_upland) join me, Sam Baker (@everymanupland) help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of shotguns. The big takeaway here is shoot what you have—if it is legal of course. For more information on what is legal in Georgia, check out the links below to some helpful documents. 

This is a two-part conversation. In 1hr 45min we barely scratch the surface, but we figured that is a lot to take in at once. Join us next week for the exciting conclusion. 

This weeks sponsor is Quailridge Plantaion in Norman Park, GA. Find more information at www.quailridgeplantation.com or call 229-891-7679 to book a hunt. Tell them Sam sent you. 

GA Hunting regulations: https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources

Like the show? Buy us a coffee at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EverymanUpland

This week we welcome a new semi-regular co-host— Caleb Norman. He and host, Sam Baker, talk about what it means to welcome a new puppy into the house. Where does one even start navigating the breeds, the training methods, etc? Take a breath. We’ve got you. There is no magic bullet or perfect dog. Walk through the process with Caleb as he welcomes Atlas, an American Brittany, and Sam welcomes dog number four, Lumi, a French Brittany.