On The Wing Podcast

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.

Fall bird hunting starts long before the first rooster flushes or the first covey rises. It begins with maps spread across the table, bird reports rolling in, and conversations about the places, people, and traditions that make every hunting season unforgettable.

Travis Frank, host of The Flush on Outdoor Channel, shares what's ahead for the newest season while swapping stories about upcoming adventures across North America. From ruffed grouse camps in the Northwoods to Wyoming sage grouse country, Nebraska trout fishing, Idaho chukar hunting, Oregon quail country, and even a remote Alaska and Yukon adventure, the discussion highlights the excitement that comes with planning another year in the field.

The conversation goes beyond destinations. You'll hear why introducing kids to upland hunting creates lifelong memories, how public land conservation continues to expand opportunities for hunters, and why volunteers remain the driving force behind wildlife habitat restoration. The team also shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming The Flush, balancing authentic hunting experiences with television production, and the challenge of showcasing incredible public land without sacrificing the very places they hope to celebrate.

Whether you're finalizing your pheasant hunting plans, scouting a new quail spot, dreaming about western bird hunts, or simply counting down the days until opening morning, this conversation is the perfect way to kick off another season in the uplands.

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

Show notes

• The Flush airs on Outdoor Channel from the first week of July through the last week of December each week at the following times (all times Eastern)
• Mondays @ 4:30 pm
• Tuesdays @ 1:30 pm
• Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm
• Thursdays @ 8:30 am
• Saturdays @ 12:30 pm
• Sundays @ 6:30 am

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

Few things define the upland hunting experience like a good bird dog, a trusted shotgun, and memories built one hunt at a time.

On this episode of On The Wing Podcast, PF & QF’s Bob St.Pierre and Casey Sill sit down with Iowa musician and avid bird hunter Jared Benson to talk about the inspiration behind his new song, Old Bird Dog. What starts as a conversation about music quickly turns into a deeper discussion about bird hunting traditions, conservation, family, and the dogs that shape our lives in the field.

Jared shares how growing up waterfowl hunting in western Minnesota eventually led him to upland bird hunting in Iowa, where his first flushing rooster over a dog changed everything. Listeners will hear the story behind his German shorthaired pointer, Benny, the songwriting process that transformed hunting memories into music.

The conversation also explores the realities of building a music career outside Nashville, balancing family life with the demands of touring, and why authentic outdoor experiences continue to inspire some of the best storytelling in country music.

Whether you're chasing pheasants behind a bird dog, introducing the next generation to hunting, or simply looking for a soundtrack that reflects the upland lifestyle, this conversation will hit close to home.

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

Show notes

• Check out Jared Benson’s music on Facebook, Instagram or Spotify.
• Special thanks to SportDOG Brand for sponsoring this episode. Check out SportDOG’s lineup of products at www.SportDOG.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.

As Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever celebrate Grasslands Week and Pollinator Week, this conversation explores the critical relationship between healthy habitat, thriving pollinator populations, and strong upland bird numbers. From pheasant chicks and bobwhite quail to Gambel's quail and prairie grouse, the insects supported by flowering plants provide the protein young birds need to survive and grow.

Habitat Education Programs Manager Marissa Jensen joins former PF & QF’s Southwest Regional Representative Lauren Stamm to discuss why pollinator habitat and brood habitat are exactly one and the same. The conversation also heads into the desert, where Lauren shares her passion for hunting, foraging, and creating wild game meals inspired by the landscapes she hunts.

Listeners will learn how prickly pear fruit supports desert wildlife, why Gambel's quail depend on these unique ecosystems, and how to turn wild-foraged prickly pear into a simple syrup that pairs perfectly with grilled quail. Along the way, the discussion explores conservation, public lands, raising the next generation of hunters, and the lessons children learn through time spent outdoors.

Whether you're passionate about upland bird hunting, bird dogs, pollinators, habitat conservation, wild game cooking, or simply becoming a more connected outdoors enthusiast, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the landscapes that sustain both wildlife and hunters.

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

Show notes

• Help Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make a positive impact for the birds, the bees, and people by becoming a PF member at www.PheasantsForever.org/join and/or a QF member at www.QuailForever.org/join.

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

It’s “Hatch Week” at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, so it’s cause for celebration. In fact, peak hatch is happening now and understanding it can make you a better upland hunter.

What actually happens during pheasant hatch, quail nesting season, and prairie grouse breeding? This conversation breaks down the biology behind the birds many upland hunters pursue each fall, and explains why nesting cover, brood habitat, and conservation work are so critical to future hunting opportunities.

Listeners will learn how pheasant hens select nests, why renesting is common after a failed clutch, and what hens do after losing a brood of chicks. The discussion contrasts pheasants with bobwhite quail, which can produce multiple broods in a season, and explores the unique pair-bonding behavior of western quail species such as Gambel's, scaled, California, and mountain quail. The episode also dives into prairie grouse biology, including lekking behavior in greater prairie chickens, lesser prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse, and sage grouse. You'll hear why these traditional breeding grounds can persist for generations and why protecting them is a major conservation priority.

Whether you're a pheasant hunter in the Midwest, a bobwhite quail enthusiast in the South, or planning a western quail or prairie grouse trip, this is a practical look at how habitat quality translates into bird numbers on the landscape.

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

Show notes

• Celebrate peak hatch by joining Pheasants Forever during “Hatch Week.” Thanks to a $10,000 Hatch Week matching gift, your membership can go even farther right now through June 20th, helping put habitat on the ground when it matters most. Join, renew, or upgrade your PF membership at https://www.pheasantsforever.org/hatch.
• Make a commitment to quail habitat by joining, renewing or upgrading with Quail Forever through our special spring QF membership offers at https://quailforever.org/spring.

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

The connection between a bird dog and a hunter may be one of conservation’s most powerful forces.

For many upland hunters, the journey begins with their first bird dog. For others, that dog is what keeps them connected to hunting, habitat conservation, and life outdoors.

John Zeman has spent decades training bird dogs, competing in field trials, mentoring new handlers, and helping hunters develop better dogs. After retiring from the construction industry, he now spends even more time with the dogs, people, and public lands that have shaped his life.

John joins the conversation to explain why bird dogs often serve as a gateway to upland hunting, conservation groups, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors. He discusses the need for accessible training grounds, the rising demand for places to work young dogs, and how volunteer-led efforts are protecting these opportunities for future hunters. The episode also touches on Zeman’s work training Bob’s young German shorthaired pointer, Winter.

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.

Monsoon rains, desert grasslands, and wild coveys collide in Arizona’s ambitious quail restoration effort.

Arizona’s quail country is bigger, rougher, and more alive than most hunters realize. In this conversation, the crew behind Quail Forever’s Arizona Quail Initiative breaks down how large-scale habitat restoration is shaping the future of Gambel’s quail, scaled quail, and Mearns’ quail.

From remote desert grasslands to oak-covered “sky islands,” this episode digs into the real work happening behind the scenes to improve upland bird habitat on both public lands and working ranches. The discussion covers woody encroachment and removal, water catchment projects, grazing management, and how conservation partnerships are putting millions of dollars directly onto the landscape for quail habitat restoration.

You’ll hear how Arizona’s monsoon cycles influence quail populations, why Mearns’ quail depend so heavily on summer rains, and how habitat projects can quickly improve bird numbers when conditions align. For hunters dreaming about desert quail hunting, big running bird dogs, and wild country few people ever experience, this conversation paints a vivid picture of why Arizona remains one of the most unique quail hunting landscapes in North America.

Follow the show for more weekly hunting, conservation, bird dog, and upland bird conversations.

Show notes

• Learn more about QF’s Arizona Quail Initiative and QF’s RCPP project with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
• Check out Bob St.Pierre and Wade Zarlingo’s hunt for quail in Arizona’s backcountry utilizing llamas to haul in camping gear at www.QuailForever.org/llama.

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

Washington, D.C. can feel a long way from pheasant country, quail habitat, and working farms, but the decisions made there shape the future of upland hunting across America. In this conversation, the crew from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever breaks down what happened during a recent D.C. fly-in alongside members of The Habitat Organization’s new Upland Caucus.

Public relations specialist Mikayla Peper shares what it was like meeting with members and staffers from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for improved conservation measures in the next federal farm bill. The discussion dives into why CRP remains one of the most important conservation tools for wildlife habitat, water quality, soil health, and rural America.

The crew also explores how grassroots advocacy actually works, what happens behind closed doors in congressional offices, and why hunters, farmers, and ranchers need to stay engaged in the legislative process.

Show notes

• Help PF & QF advocate for CRP improvements in the U.S. Senate’s version of the farm bill at www.pheasantsforever.org/action.
• To learn more about PF & QF’s conservation advocacy efforts and Legislative Action Fund (LAF), please email our government affairs team at [email protected].

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