Statehouse conservation battles are shaping your future experiences in the uplands. This episode provides a valuable state-by-state rundown of what’s coming in 2026 and how bird hunters can influence policy through advocacy efforts at the state level.

From dedicated conservation funding to the restructuring of state natural resource agencies, the 2026 legislative season is already loaded with major issues that could reshape the future of upland hunting, wildlife management, and habitat conservation across the country. In this episode, host Bob St. Pierre sits down with Swanny Evans, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Government Affairs, for a deep dive into the state-level policy fights that matter most to bird hunters, habitat advocates, and public land diehards.

Swanny breaks down upcoming conservation legislation from Pennsylvania to Washington and Tennessee to Colorado, highlighting wins, setbacks, and the political realities driving each effort. Listeners get an insider view at how dedicated funding models work, why license plate programs help fuel on-the-ground habitat work, and how charitable gaming reforms directly impact chapter fundraisers that support upland conservation nationwide.

The guys also tackle access issues like Sunday hunting, college-student hunting license reforms, public lands bills, and growing threats from “ballot box biology.” Swanny also explains how hunters, anglers, and conservationists can meaningfully influence state policy, and why a single action-alert email can carry surprising weight when it hits an elected official’s inbox at the right time.

If you care about upland habitat, bird dogs, hunting access, public lands, or the future of conservation funding, this is essential listening.

Show notes

• Learn more about PF & QF’s advocacy efforts or drop an email inquiry to [email protected]. 
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. 

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

A rich, winter-ready wild game dish that hunters can master with simple stock and sauce techniques. 

In this holiday feasting edition of On the Wing podcast, we dig into an upland-inspired meal built for cold evenings after long days in the field. Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks returns to the podcast and guides hunting cooks through his red wine and mushroom quail recipe, an approachable plate that blends Italian-style game cooking with ingredients any bird hunter can pull straight from the freezer.

Ryan breaks down how to turn a handful of bobwhite quail into a meal that highlights every ounce of the bird. You’ll learn why small game cooks should always save legs and carcasses, how to make a no-nonsense homemade stock in a crockpot, and how to build richer, more reliable sauces using simple reduction and deglazing techniques. We also cover choosing the right mushrooms, crisping quail breasts properly, pairing wild game with the right wine, and adapting the recipe for pheasants or other upland birds.

Whether you're a seasoned upland hunter or an aspiring wild game cook, this episode gives you practical, confidence-building techniques you can use across your entire upland hunting and wild-game kitchen repertoire. And yes, this one absolutely tastes like Christmas.

Show notes

• Check out the Passalacqua + Quail Forever wines and a limited-edition holiday gift pack ready to ship in time for Christmas. 
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. 

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

A fall feast of pheasant, apples, and Passalacqua Winery’s white wine created for hunters who love wild game. 

In this snackable holiday edition of On the Wing podcast, Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks breaks down his pretzel-crusted pheasant cutlets with apple cream sauce, a cold-weather dish that blends upland hunting traditions with rich autumn flavors. If you’re looking for a new way to showcase fresh pheasant after a long day in the field, this is the recipe to add to your hunter’s table.

Ryan walks through the full process, from pounding out pheasant breasts for even cooking to building the perfect crisp using crushed pretzel chips. He explains why spaetzle makes the ideal companion starch and how to avoid common pitfalls when cooking delicate wild game. Along the way, he shares stories from late-season pheasant hunts on his family’s ranch, highlighting how food ties us back to the land and the memories behind each bird.

You’ll learn how to make a balanced apple cream sauce using pheasant stock, the best varietal of apple for the dish, and how to build flavor without overpowering the natural taste of upland birds. And to top it off, Ryan pairs the entire dish with the Passalacqua + Quail Forever Fiano, a bright white wine that cuts through the richness of the cutlet and elevates every bite.

Whether you’re planning a holiday wild game feast or just want a new go-to wild game meal, this episode delivers everything you need to cook like a seasoned hunter-chef.

Show notes

• Check out the Passalacqua + Quail Forever wines and a limited-edition holiday gift pack ready to ship in time for Christmas. 
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. 

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

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Illinois upland hunting with chapter volunteer leader and bird dog devotee Freddy Reyes. Aaron Williams, PF & QF’s regional representative for northern Illinois, also provides a boots-on-the-ground upland report for early-season pheasant and quail hunting. Together, they break down common struggles for new hunters (from gear and dogs to confidence in the field) and share practical takeaways you can use on your next upland hunt.

Freddie also shares how he transitioned from deer and dove hunting to discovering the thrill of bird dogs and wingshooting. You’ll hear how his German shorthaired pointer, Bailey, completely changed his hunting trajectory and how that dog/hunter connection fuels his passion for mentoring new hunters across Illinois. From running youth clinics to helping adult-onset hunters through Illinois’ Learn to Hunt program, Freddie illustrates why volunteerism is the backbone of PF & QF’s upland conservation mission.

If you care about bird hunting, upland habitat, youth recruitment, or the future of conservation, this discussion delivers real insight straight from the field. This episode is an authentic, insider conversation for anyone passionate about bird hunting, habitat conservation, and growing the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

Show notes

• Learn more about PF & QF in Illinois at www.IHuntIL.com.
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. 

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

A single newspaper column sparked one of America’s greatest upland conservation movements, here’s how it happened.

Before there were banquets, chapters, or habitat acres on the ground, there was a typewriter and an idea. In this episode of On the Wing Podcast, PF & QF’s Bob St. Pierre and Jared Wicklund sit down with Star Tribune Outdoors Editor Dennis Anderson, the man whose 1982 newspaper column launched Pheasants Forever.

Anderson reflects on the early days of pheasant hunting across Minnesota and Iowa, how changing farm practices and vanishing grasslands inspired him to act, and what it took to turn a single column into a nationwide conservation force. He also shares his lifelong passion for upland bird hunting, his fascination with British Labradors, and his firsthand stories of duck and grouse hunting across the Midwest.

Listeners will come away with a deep appreciation for how grassroots action, community, and habitat conservation changed the future of pheasant hunting and why today’s hunters must continue that fight. Whether you’ve been chasing roosters for decades or are just stepping into the uplands, this discussion offers rare insight from one of the most influential voices in outdoor journalism.

Show notes

• Dennis Anderson will be the keynote speaker at PF & QF’s National Celebration Dinner on Saturday, February 21st in Minneapolis during National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2026. Tickets for this special dinner celebrating Pheasants Forever’s origin story are now on sale at www.PheasantFest.org
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. 

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

Three hunters, six dogs, and three western states—one unforgettable pursuit for prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, and ptarmigan.

This episode of On the Wing Podcast follows three Pheasants Forever volunteers, Kenny Reed, Colton Nefsker, and Justin Nie, as they return from an epic upland hunting road trip across South Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming. From prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse in the Fort Pierre National Grasslands to the elusive white-tailed ptarmigan high in Colorado’s alpine ridges, these “Flatlanders” share the challenges, lessons, and triumphs that come with chasing new birds in wild country.

Host Bob St. Pierre dives deep into their preparation and field strategy—how they conditioned for altitude, handled dogs across different terrains, and balanced conservation ethics with the thrill of the hunt. Along the way, listeners will pick up practical tips for planning multi-state bird hunts, researching habitat, and staying mobile when conditions—or luck—shift.

With plenty of laughs, dog stories, and hard-earned insight, this episode captures the heart of upland adventure: wild birds, wild country, and good company under big western skies.

Show notes

• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. 

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

Chasing ptarmigan across Alaska’s tundra pushes bird dogs, hunters, and grit to their absolute limits.

This episode of On the Wing Podcast transports listeners deep into the Alaskan backcountry as host Bob St. Pierre sits down with upland hunter Hunter Kamm, who just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime ptarmigan hunting trip. From the Kenai Peninsula to the Alaska Range, Hunter recounts the journey to check three species (willow, rock, and white-tailed ptarmigan) off his list in pursuit of the Upland Bird Slam.

Listeners will learn the logistics behind flying bird dogs to Alaska, navigating remote float-plane hunts, and choosing the right outfitter. Hunter breaks down the key differences between each ptarmigan species, how to prepare dogs for rugged mountain country, and why booties, trekking poles, and smart conditioning are essential gear. Beyond the technical side, this episode captures the raw thrill of backcountry adventure—the cold air, sweeping tundra, and the unmistakable flush of birds against snow-dusted peaks.

Whether you’re dreaming of an Alaska hunt or looking for practical upland hunting tips closer to home, this episode delivers both inspiration and insider know-how from someone who’s done it right.

Show notes

• Check out Hunter Kamm’s collection of photos from this adventure by following him on Instagram at @Hunter.Kamm.5
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership this hunting season. 

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

Want more wild birds, better access, and stronger habitat? It all starts with joining the upland community.

In the heart of bird hunting season, the On the Wing Podcast takes a closer look at what really keeps the upland tradition alive—its members. Host Bob St. Pierre sits down with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s membership team—Brian Essling, Emy Marier, and Scotty Moehlmann—for a candid conversation on how joining the organization directly supports wildlife habitat, public access, and the next generation of hunters and bird dogs.

From prairie hunts for sharp-tailed grouse in North Dakota to chasing late-season roosters through Minnesota cattails, this episode blends personal hunting stories with real insight into how membership dollars hit the ground. You’ll hear how members like Scotty found mentorship through local chapters, how Emy’s retrievers keep her connected to the field, and why Brian believes that supporting conservation is inseparable from chasing wild birds.

Whether you’re a lifelong upland hunter or an “adult-onset” bird hunting convert, this discussion illustrates how membership translates into acres of restored grassland, healthier wild bird populations, and better days afield for all of us.

Show notes

• Check out our current Pheasants Forever membership offers at https://pheasantsforever.org/join
• Check out our current Quail Forever membership offers at https://quailforever.org/join
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership this hunting season. 

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

Discover how a simple day at the range can ignite a lifelong passion for hunting and wildlife conservation.

In this “snackable” edition of On the Wing podcast, host Bob St. Pierre sits down with PF & QF’s Hunting Heritage Program Manager Ashley Chance to explore how target shooting creates the next generation of hunters and conservationists. Through six fast facts, they unpack why a few broken clays can lead to deeper engagement in the outdoors—from building shooting confidence to supporting wildlife habitat funding through the Pittman-Robertson Act.

Ashley shares insights from recent research showing how women and new shooters are changing the face of recreational shooting and how those changes are strengthening the future of conservation. The discussion also highlights the surprising role of non-hunting firearm sales in funding for habitat restoration and public access programs across the country.

Whether you’re introducing someone to upland bird hunting, mentoring at the clay range, or brushing up on your marksmanship ethics, this episode is a must-listen for hunters who care about the long-term future of conservation and outdoor traditions.

Show notes

• Check out the National Shooting Sports Foundation to get involved in shooting programs at https://www.letsgoshooting.org/.  
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership this hunting season. 

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

Find out where the best quail hunting opportunities are this season—and why bird numbers are rebounding across key states.

Quail hunters across the country are gearing up for what could be one of the most promising upland seasons in years. In this episode of On the Wing podcast, we break down the 2025 state-by-state quail hunting forecast, covering major quail states like Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and Arizona. From weather impacts and habitat restoration to population trends and hunting pressure, this is your go-to field guide for planning a successful season.

You’ll hear how Iowa’s habitat improvements have sparked a remarkable rebound in quail numbers, why Arkansas is becoming a sleeper state for upland hunters, and what’s driving the positive trends across Texas grasslands. The conversation covers species-specific hunting strategies, explaining how to adjust your approach for bobwhites versus scaled or Gambel’s quail—and how dogs quickly adapt to each terrain.

Beyond population stats, this conversation reinforces a timeless truth of the uplands: slow down, trust your dog, and savor the hunt. Whether you’re chasing coveys in the prairies or brush country, you’ll come away with practical takeaways on scouting, shooting, and habitat conservation that every quail hunter should know.

Show notes

• Check out Quail Forever’s 2025 Hunting Forecast for a look at your favorite quail hunting states. 
• If you missed Quail Forever’s 2022 film, “Mearns’ Quail Country,” featuring llamas, watch it at www.QuailForever.org/llama
• Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership this hunting season. 

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