The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

The Product Development team responsible for fish and hunt product at Orvis joins Reid to explain how the sausage gets made. Natalie, Charley, and Jesse use current product examples to share how an idea for a new hunt product, or a revised existing product, makes its way from a rough idea to a product you can carry with you or wear into the field. There is a great deal to the process, as evidenced by this group. Great conversation with a Dream Team.

Reid joins Ryan Sparks, Editor of the Quail Forever Journal, for a conversation that ranges from Ryan's Nebraska roots to the state of upland culture across the Midwest. They talk about what it takes to raise the next generation of outdoor kids in a world with fewer open spaces and more distractions, and the literary life, why writing about bird hunting matters serves as a standalone subject as well as a backdrop for explorations of human-hood.

Alex Cranmer takes time out of a busy schedule to discuss his family's business, IMA. Started by Alex's father, Christian, IMA has become the world's foremost dealer in collectible military firearms and antiques. The business has taken both Cranmers across the globe in pursuit of treasures and caches of military firearms and paraphernalia, often forgotten by the governments that once held them, and Alex has grown the business to make these antiques available to an incredibly broad consumer base. IMA has outfitted movie and TV sets, and Alex may be most widely known for serving as the antique firearms and weaponry expert on the History Channel's "Pawn Stars." Alex describes a fascinating life and career, and an encyclopedic knowledge of military antiques that is essentially self-taught.

Luke Kolbie and Rob Grant join Reid in celebration of an iconic brand, Russell Moccasin. For over 100 years, The Russell Moccasin Company (russellmoccasin.com) has been making hand-stitched boots and shoes for outdoor enthusiasts, so much so that the Russell Bird Shooter has become a signature part of the upland aesthetic. Luke and Rob explore the brand's history, the celebrated folks that have worn Russell boots, construction and craftsmanship, and what makes a great piece of footwear last generations.

This week's episode features Anthony Matarese Jr., one of the world's finest sporting clays shooters, whose record of National and World titles has made him a man to beat for years. We discuss his journey in the sport, the champion's mindset behind that record, and his home operation, M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays, newly enrolled as an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge. Anthony is also among the sport's great instructors, with a rare ability to diagnose and correct a shooter's issues at a glance. Hearing his story firsthand was a genuine privilege.

Ryan Doughty, host of A Break in the Action, returns to share some updates on his travels, the new guns in his quiver, and his new role at Shooting Sportsman magazine! He also weighs in on the allure of driven shooting and his journey to becoming a steady voice in the fine gun and shooting space.

This episode is a repost from 2020 when Lars Jacob of Lars Jacob Wingshooting joined the podcast to discuss esoteric guns and gunmakers, oddball gauges and configurations, and the unique considerations required when shooting double guns. Lars is a tremendous authority!

Ryan Aune built Wyoming Wings & Waters on a fisheries biology degree, a family outfitting legacy, and a deep conviction that the country's least-populated state holds some of its most underrated bird hunting. In this episode, Ryan walks Reid through how he got into the guiding business, what makes Wyoming's land and wildlife resources so exceptional, and how he puts clients onto birds in a state most hunters don't know much about. Sage grouse, chukars, and, yes, grizzly bears all make an appearance. More about Ryan at wywingsandwaters.com

PRO Outfitters in Montana has always attracted characters, and Owner Brandon Boedecker keeps it that way on purpose. For about a decade, one of those characters was a young Simon Perkins, who guided hunters and anglers under Brandon before eventually becoming President of The Orvis Company. In this conversation, the two old friends look back at the culture Brandon built, the dogs and places that defined it, and the stories that remain legendary.