Episode 99: Chris Verrue

Im always intrigued in the "How", when it comes to those that venture into Chukar hunting. For some, its passed down through the family. Others find themselves introduced by friends. And then there are those that stumble across a video, podcast or TV series. Chris Verrue is of the latter. He may fit the description of a "Covid onset hunter", but what you cant deny is his tenacity and success in only three seasons. As a former competitve Freestlye skier, he is no stranger to the extreme.

Join me this week as Chris drops some "Nuggets of Knowledge" on how he has found success so quickly, his strategy for finding birds, being a competitive freestyle skier, non-tradtional bird dogs, gear and much, much more.

Episode 98: Andrew Jones

When you take someone Chukar hunting for the first time, you want that experience to be memorable. For Andrew Jones, a Southern duck hunter who works for the brand Yeti, his three days hunting with Matt Hardinge and me was just that - memorable. We trudged through the nastiest weather I have ever hunted Chukar in. He experienced both the highs and lows. And after all said and done, wanted to come back for more. One of the best parts of this story was Andrew brought a shotgun with alot of sentimental value. To be part of the story of that shotgun is a very special opportunity. 

Join me this week as we recap Andrew's trip, his shortgun, Apex ammo and new gear from Yeti

Episode 97: Cody Dalton

It might just be me, but Chukar hunting seems to have some of the most intriguing and rich stories (and People).  Now I know that some may feel that Chukar hunting is all about the pointing dog. Im with ya. However, the way in which we choose to chase the devilbird is completely individual. So I offer you this opportunity to expand your mind and be thoroughly entertained by someone who is doing just that: Chasing the devilbird his way.

Join me this week as Cody and I delve deep into what it means to chase chukar, juggle family responsiblities and how teach a Beagle to Chukar hunt.

Episode 96: Austin Folkman

Back in the podcast seat for 2023 with a great guest this week. Austin Folkman lives in Eastern Oregon in the heart of great Chukar Country. After a magical experience chasing Chukar with his mentor Kelly Jobes from Bone Point Kennels, Austin was hooked. His first Wirehair, Quill, unlocked the potential of what bird dogs and bird hunting adventures can offer. 

In this episode we discuss: German Wirehaired Pointers, Finding a good mentor, not comparing dogs or your experience with someone else's, Chukar essentials, Telemark skiing for Chuks, how to keep hunting after marriage, missing fingers, Verstalie Hunting Dog Federation field trials and much more.

Listen in on Apple Podcasts or visit Upchukar.com

Episode 95: Garhart Stephenson.

The last Himalayan Snowcock episode of the season... I promise.

At the conclusion of my 3 day trip to the Ruby Mountains, I'm joined by long time friend and fellow bird hunter- Garhart. We hiked and climbed, trying to check the second unit off our list on our quest to bag a bird in every huntable unit available. 

Listen in as we take you through the struggles, near successes and eventual success (for Garhart) on this, my second trip of the season

Episode 94: Paul Robb

After a chance meeting at 10,000 feet while hunting Himalayan Snowcock, the story of Paul Robb and his high-altitude bird hunting has intrigued me. As a self-professed "Goat Hunter" Paul found himself hunting Snowcock as a perfect marrying of his passion for both big mountains and finding Mountain Goats in their habitat. Since then, Paul has become the foremost source of information I have come across on locations, behaviors, and habitat of Himalayan Snowcock.

A gracious individual with a youth-like excitement, just talking with him infects the recipient of his stories with the same passion and enthusiasm he embodies.

With a life dedicated to finding the next challenge, Paul has travelled the world in search of hunts and scenery that ignite the soul.

Join me this week as Paul engages the listener with rich stories and helpful advice that have come from many miles, and many years of experience. A true extreme bird hunter that you've NEVER heard of.  

Episode 93: Derrick Volp

Join me today on this two-part episode where we record before and after our Mountain Quail hunt where Derrick's new pup, Gadsden, experiences wild birds for the first time. 

Derrick is relatively new to Chukar hunting, having started three years ago. He put in many a mile to build his knowledge, all of which were solo and dogless. Needless to say, I understand his pain, having hunted that way for many years. 

Hear about his eventual success and the feeling of getting his first Chukar, challenges and rewards of raising a bird dog, gear and much, much more!

Episode 92: Brant Didden. 

Whether its climbing the highest peaks in the world (Mt. Everest and K2), guiding climbers up the face of El Cap, diving for lobsters or rallying the "Country Clubmobile" in Mexico, Brant Didden lives by the mantra- "Do Cool Stuff".

Brant grew up hunting quail in Northern Mexico with his Dad aka Dr. Muerto. After a successful career guiding mountain expeditions and rock climbing trips, Brant discovered the excitement that is Chukar Hunting. 

Join us this week to hear more about Brant's adventure-filled life and why he loves Chukar hunting so much.

The Upchukar Podcast proudly partners with: 

OnX Hunt, Eukanuba Dog Food, First Lite - Go Farther, Stay Longer and Chukar Chasers

Episode 91: Joe Carson, the New Zealand Chukar Hunter.

I'm back! After two months off, its great to be back in the podcast booth (aka the guestroom closet). I wanted to bring a great episode to you, and this one hits the mark.

Joe Carson lives and hunts Chukar on the South Island of New Zealand. Like many places, Chukar were introduced there way back in the 1920s. Now, only a small group (25-30) New Zealanders still make the trek to hunt them. Like us here, we relish in our little niche and the die hard community it produces.

Join me this week as we are transported to the Southern Hemisphere and learn all about New Zealand Chukar hunting.

The Upchukar Podcast is presented by:

OnX hunt app, Eukanuba Dog Food, First Lite-Go Farther Stay Longer and Chukar Chasers

Episode 90: Nate Akey

You want some solid advice from someone who made the transition from hunting those midwest birds, then moved to the big West and tried their hand at Chukar hunting?- Get you ass on a stair climber!

Nate Akey relocated to Oregon and has since become immersed in the world of Chukar hunting and hunting in the west. Many of you may familiar with Nate's photography work, which captures bird hunting in the west, beautifully.

Join me this week as Nate and I break down what it takes to become a Midwestern Chukar Convert.

The Upchukar Podcast is brought to you by:

OnX hunt app, Eukanuba Sporting Dog, First Lite- Go Father Stay Longer and Chukar Chasers