Country music singer Drake White joins On the Wing for a candid conversation about music, hunting, bird dogs, and the long road back from a devastating stroke. White grew up hunting and fishing in Alabama, where quail, deer, rivers, dogs, and the outdoors shaped how he understood the world and eventually influenced his music.

At the height of his career, White suffered a hemorrhagic stroke onstage in Roanoke after doctors discovered an arteriovenous malformation in his brain. The aftermath left him paralyzed on his left side and facing a recovery that would fundamentally change his life. Then a trail camera captured a giant Tennessee whitetail buck behind his house.

That deer became a fixation, and hunting became a source of purpose during one of the darkest periods of his recovery. White shares how pursuing that deer helped reignite his competitive spirit, engage his brain, and reconnect him with the outdoors. He also discusses the making of a documentary detailing the role of hunting in his recovery, his relationship with fellow country music artist Riley Green, duck hunting, dove hunting, bird dogs, and why he believes the hunt can be about far more than what ends up in your vest.

The conversation is ultimately about resilience, purpose, faith, and finding a reason to keep moving when everything changes.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• Watch “Ladder to the Sky: A Hunt’s the Healing Story” by Realtree and Drake White.
• Listen to Drake White and catch him on tour at www.DrakeWhite.com.

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The word “gamey” gets thrown around whenever wild game tastes different from what we know. But what does the word “gamey” actually mean? Quail Forever Journal editor Ryan Sparks takes a hard look at the word and makes the case that it does more harm than good.

Wild game carries the imprint of where and how an animal lived. Age, diet, physical activity, season, stress, habitat, and processing can all influence flavor, meaning a bobwhite quail from one landscape can taste remarkably different from a scaled quail, pheasant, duck, deer, or other wild animal harvested somewhere else. Calling all of it “gamey” flattens those differences into one vague label.

Sparks also explores why wild game cooking doesn't need to be complicated. From simply grilled quail to the broader tradition of eating animals harvested in the field, the goal isn't to disguise wild flavor. It's to understand and appreciate it.

For hunters, anglers, and anyone who puts wild food on the table, there's a bigger lesson here: the flavor of wild game is part of the hunting experience. Learning to cook it well, recognize its differences, and respect what the animal provides can make the connection between field and table even stronger.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• The winner of the Pheasants Forever + Irish Setter Wingshooters is announced.

A bird dog endures shipwrecks, captivity, starvation and war to become a legendary symbol of courage.

Judy of Sussex was no ordinary bird dog. Born in Shanghai in 1936, the liver-and-white pointer became the mascot of a British gunboat before serving alongside its crew through some of the darkest years of World War II.

After surviving the sinking of two ships, Judy endured years of captivity alongside British POWs in Japanese prison camps. She found fresh water for stranded sailors, hunted game, survived a crocodile attack, helped prisoners maintain morale and repeatedly escaped attempts to kill her.

Her story offers a remarkable look at the bond between working dogs and the people who depend on them, while showing just how much courage and instinct a bird dog can possess under unimaginable conditions. Judy eventually received the Dickin Medal, Britain's highest military honor for animals, and remains the only dog officially registered as a prisoner of war.

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Sound effects and sound design for "Judy" provided by:

• Editing and sound design by Trout Stream Studios
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Wild quail, rugged country, and a six-species pursuit turned one couple’s hunts into lifelong adventures.

Jamie and Jesse Durham never set out to become dedicated quail hunters. Their journey started with a question on a first date and grew into a goal to hunt all six species of quail in the United States. Along the way, they discovered what makes chasing wild birds so addictive: learning habitat, following good dogs, exploring unfamiliar country, and earning every bird.

The Durhams share lessons from hunting bobwhite quail on Florida public land, including how prescribed fire, longleaf pine, palmetto cover, and timing can shape a successful hunt. They also recount trips across the West for Gambel’s, Mearns’, scaled, valley, and mountain quail, from the rugged terrain of New Mexico and Texas to Hells Canyon.

Their story offers plenty for upland hunters to take away, from choosing quail habitat and working young bird dogs to handling the unique challenges of Florida hunting, including heat, snakes, alligators, and post-hurricane conditions. Most importantly, their experience shows how hunting can become something shared, from discovering new landscapes together to preparing wild quail for the table and eventually introducing the next generation to the field.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

What actually happens inside a bird dog’s brain when it locks onto a pheasant, quail, or grouse?

Dr. Annie Valuska, a Purina pet behaviorist with more than 20 years of experience in animal behavior research, helps unpack the science behind the dogs we depend on in the field.

The conversation explores how dogs learn through classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning, and problem-solving, and what those mechanisms mean for practical bird dog training. You’ll learn why positive reinforcement can accelerate learning, how environmental experiences shape behavior, and why the breed may play a much smaller role in your dog’s temperament and hunting ability than you think.

The discussion gets especially interesting when Annie explains the incredible sensory world of a dog. Bird dogs can detect layers of scent that humans simply cannot perceive. Could an experienced pheasant dog actually distinguish a rooster from a hen? The science has not answered that question yet, but host Bob St.Pierre has got a theory sure to generate debate!

The conversation also covers canine intelligence, communication, the powerful bond between hunters and their dogs, and how to approach a dog’s final days with compassion and objectivity.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

For anyone who has ever watched a bird dog lock onto a point or shared quiet miles across public land, this conversation hits close to home. Singer-songwriter Reese Glover returns to talk about the official release of “Ballad of the Bird Dog,” a song introduced to the bird hunting community during an episode last year.

Reese shares how the song evolved from a simple live recording into a professionally produced studio release while staying true to its stripped-down, storytelling roots. Along the way, he dives into the songwriting process, finding inspiration in pheasant hunting, grouse hunting, and life with his German shorthaired pointer, Bridger. The conversation explores why bird dogs inspire great music, how hunting traditions shape creative work, and why the connection between hunters and their dogs continues to unite the upland community.

You'll also hear some fun pointer vs. flusher banter, perspective on balancing a music career with hunting season, and Reese’s upcoming plans to combine live performances with bird hunting. If you appreciate authentic outdoor storytelling, working bird dogs, and the culture surrounding upland hunting, this is one you'll want to hear from start to finish.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• Check out last year’s On the Wing Podcast Ep #317 when we first met Reese Glover.
• Learn more about Reese and check out his touring schedule at www.ReeseGloverMusic.com.
• In the spirit of connecting habitat and harmonies, we’ve created a Spotify playlist titled “Good Dogs & Good Tunes.” Enjoy!

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Discover how great wild game meals become unforgettable when paired with exceptional wine and upland traditions.

A turkey hunt in California's vineyard country turns into a conversation about upland hunting, wild game cooking, and why great meals begin long before they reach the table. Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks returns to Passalacqua Winery to share the story behind completing his turkey slam while chasing gobblers through rain-soaked vineyards filled with California valley quail. Along the way, the crew explores how thoughtful wine pairings can elevate everything from grilled ruffed grouse to barbecue pheasant pizza.

Passalacqua’s winemaker Jessica Boone breaks down two new Quail Forever collaboration wines, a balanced Russian River Valley Chardonnay and a vibrant Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, explaining how each complements upland birds without overpowering their natural flavor. Listeners will also hear creative wild game recipes, including pulled pheasant barbecue pizza and a French-inspired pheasant ragout served over creamy polenta, along with practical cooking tips for making the most of every bird in the freezer.

Whether you're passionate about quail hunting, turkey hunting, wild game recipes, bird dog traditions, or simply gathering around the grill after a day outdoors, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration for your next hunt and your next meal.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• Learn more and order Passalacqua + Quail Forever collab wines and help support Quail Forever’s habitat mission.
• If you’re a Quail Forever Chapter eligible to win the quail hunting trip at Passalacqua Winery, you’ll want to listen to this episode to hear the winner’s name announced.

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

The biggest victories for upland birds often happen long before hunting season ever opens.

Wild pheasants, quail, public land access, and quality bird hunting all depend on decisions made long before opening day. State legislatures shape wildlife habitat, conservation funding, prescribed fire, hunter access, and the future of upland hunting across America.

Bob St. Pierre sits down with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Director of State Government Affairs Swanny Evans to break down the biggest conservation victories, challenges, and emerging threats from legislative sessions across pheasant and quail country. From new conservation license plates and dedicated wildlife funding to expanded public access, prescribed fire improvements, and hunter education programs, they explain how policy decisions directly affect the places hunters, bird dogs, and wildlife depend on.

The discussion also explores growing concerns surrounding ballot initiatives targeting hunting, state funding shortages for wildlife agencies, and ongoing efforts to protect public lands while expanding opportunities for future generations of upland hunters. You'll also hear how members, volunteers, and conservation partners are influencing legislation in dozens of states through grassroots advocacy.

Whether you chase roosters, coveys, prairie grouse, or simply care about healthy wildlife habitat, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work protecting the future of upland conservation across the United States.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• Learn more about PF & QF’s conservation advocacy efforts.
• Reach Swanny at [email protected] if you’d like to connect on conservation legislation in your state.

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Discover the overlooked birds, wild landscapes, and upland habitat work shaping Wyoming.

Wyoming may be famous for sage grouse, mule deer, and elk, but the state offers far more upland hunting opportunities than most hunters realize. From dusky grouse in the high country to Hungarian partridge, chukar, sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants, and ruffed grouse, Wyoming is one of the most diverse bird hunting destinations in the West.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Wyoming State Coordinator Nick Yasko joins the show to break down the state's upland bird opportunities, public land access, habitat challenges, and conservation successes. Nick shares what he's learned since moving West from the Southeastern U.S., how Wyoming's unique landscapes shape bird distribution, and why hunters willing to explore can find incredible adventures across “The Cowboy State.”

The conversation dives into sage grouse habitat restoration, invasive grass management, wildlife-friendly fencing, conifer removal, and innovative projects designed to improve conditions for upland birds, pronghorn, and mule deer. Nick also explains how moisture-rich mesic habitats support brood survival through abundant insect populations and why habitat work benefits far more than a single species.

For hunters planning their first Wyoming trip, Nick offers practical advice on targeting a variety of upland birds, navigating mountain terrain, preparing vehicles for backcountry travel, and understanding the realities of hunting in a state with vast public lands and very few people.

Whether you're dreaming about chasing blue grouse above timberline or simply want a deeper understanding of Western conservation, this discussion delivers valuable insights from one of the country's most unique hunting landscapes.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• To learn more about PF & QF’s habitat work in Wyoming, please email Nick Yashko at [email protected].
• Get involved with a local PF or QF chapter in your area by visiting our Find a Chapter page or contact Bob Hix, our regional representative for the region at [email protected].

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

A conservation legend and a remarkable young bird caller reveal why America's uplands are worth protecting.

Conservation begins with curiosity, and few conversations capture that better than this one. Twelve-year-old bird calling phenom Samuel Henderson shares how his passion for birds and his extraordinary ability to mimic more than 125 species have inspired millions to pay closer attention to the natural world. From bobwhite quail and sandhill cranes to common loons and ring-necked pheasants, Samuel's talent reminds us of the power of a bird’s song to spark curiosity which results in a passion for PF & QF’s upland habitat mission.

That conversation naturally leads to Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, whose lifelong commitment to wildlife, public land access, and habitat conservation has shaped generations of hunters and anglers. Morris reflects on growing up quail hunting in the Missouri Ozarks, the bird dogs that fueled his family's outdoor traditions, and why protecting healthy habitat remains the foundation of America's hunting heritage.

Listeners will hear timeless stories about bobwhite quail hunting, bird dogs, conservation leadership, and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. It's a reminder that hunting and fishing aren't simply outdoor pursuits. They're opportunities to build stronger families, introduce young people to the outdoors, and ensure healthy wildlife populations for generations to come.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• At Quail Forever’s Bobwhite Ball in Saint Louis a few hours after this conversation, Johnny Morris was recognized as the organization’s first-ever recipient of the “Spirit of the Uplands” award.
• Morris has also announced a $250K investment in PF & QF’s Build a Wildlife Area program, which was made possible through the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.
• Check out CBS Evening News feature on Samuel Henderson’s incredible bird calling talent.

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.