Upland Nation

Curtis Fry has handled his own and other dogs to NAVHDA Invitational and AKC hunt test titles, is an avid hunter, seminar leader, and hunt test judge who translates esoteric, theoretical concepts into actionable training tasks. 

We'll cover everything from breeding for performance, to creating a love for water, to better ways to train retrieving (particularly in water). Do they work? Curtis runs English Setters who will swim with the best of Labs. Some hunting stories come up, of course, some early-season observations about grouse numbers in a couple states, and the differences between NAVHDA and AKC hunt tests. 

Like a good coach, Curtis shares his and his dog's pre-test mental preparation, how to keep your dog engaged during high-level training, and why teaching steadiness goes hand-in-hand with teaching retrieving. He explains the right way to use e-collar stimulation, and his take on the two biggest mistakes we make when training our hunting dog.

Subscribe today to make sure you get every episode, plus the new audio exclusive hunt debriefs! And remember, most podcasts are now available in video on Outdoor Action TV and Field & Stream TV on your smart TV, and on Spotify.

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Audio exclusive: avid hunter, friend and author, pro trainer George DeCosta joins me to debrief his recent Montana trip ... overcoming low bird numbers to share a couple wonderful stories about a dog's growth and owner's light-bulb moment. We get some advice on bird behavior and habitat, too, plus some lessons in how going along helps you get along in bird country. There's a lesson in being mobile and nimble, too.

Thanks George!

Subscribe today to make sure you get these new audio exclusive hunt debriefs!

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

If you've ever left the dog behind, forgotten your license or bought a new sleeping bag enroute to your bird camp, this Insider episode is dedicated to you. Over the years, and with help from many of you, we've compiled a comprehensive list of just about anything you'll need on a bird hunt. Here's your reminder. 

Here is the link (all lists are in this master list): Ultimate Upland Checklist

Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo code CG10) and Heartland Lodge (goodies, check-in gifts, early bird specials and hunt with me details here.)

Audio exclusive: My friend Eric Thompson sums up his recent prairie grouse adventures, from how to overcome thin bird numbers to epic dog work, the development of a young Braque, mud and Canadians. Eric is the poster child for walking another mile (or 17) to find elusive birds. We'll find out why.

We cover sage grouse, Huns, and Sharptails on this excursion into productive cover that might be a little bit different than you'd expect. There's a lesson in kindness, and another in the value of discovery, too.

Thanks Eric.

Subscribe today to make sure you get these new audio exclusive hunt debriefs!

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

My friend and pro guide Al Gadoury walks us through a recent prairie grouse hunt. The predictions were dire, but in true 6X Outfitters fashion, Al came through for his client, turning it into a stellar day. You'll learn something about birds, habitat, behavior, and enjoy the tales of his young dog's adventures, among other things.

Subscribe today to make sure you get these new audio exclusive hunt debriefs!

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

In this Insider edition, Brent Pike joins me to preview some of his Pyke Gear company's newest and soon-to-be-available products and provide insights into the how and why of design and manufacturing. we'll get a "consumer's guide" to what makes a quality pant, vest and more.

From materials, to innovation, to why you really do get what you pay for, Brent has some thoughts that might help you with your next investment.

We'll talk hunting too - including a 28-covey quail hunt.

"Fix It" has a different way to look at crowded hunting areas, and our social media discussion is an exercise in sharing viewers' and listeners' favorite types of cover.

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Heading our way? There's a lot to pack ... and to unpack ... about hunting here in the West. From planning and strategy to safety and um, er, getting along with the locals (human and otherwise), I'll outline some of the things you should think about. Even seasoned western hunters might find something they forgot.

In this audio exclusive "Insights" edition, a quick compendium of some of the important considerations you might find of use as you pick a location, travel, and hunt the vast prairies and craggy draws that make up the West.

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

A panel of active hunters from across the country share their opinions and perspectives on this hot topic. We enjoy an enlightening and informative, civilized debate on a topic that induces white-hot beard-on-fire rage in a few folk (who, invited multiple times, agreed to participate then didn't show up).

Brave, outspoken and perceptive participants included Matt Millbauer or Washington, Matt Soberg of Covey Rise magazine, Robert Poor of Arizona, and Michael Mortara of Texas.

Even the "over my dead body" types might want to consider some of this panel's explanations and motives from conservation funding to etiquette, to site fidelity in game bird species. Others might want to re-consider who they invite and why. 

In our dual social segments, more participants weigh in on all sides of the story.

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

This week in our continuing series on pheasant-rich states, we focus on Kansas. Who better to clue us in than the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife & Parks' upland game bird program coordinator, Jeff Prendergast? Jeff gives us the 30,000-foot-level view of the state's prime regions, then breaks down the factors that make them so good. We'll do the same with bobwhites, including key food sources, cover types, hunting strategies and tactics.

Jeff offers tips on finding birds, coping with crowded walk-in areas, and shares some of his department's resources available to hunters.

"Fix It" clarifies a field-trial term we often encounter, and in our social segment viewers and listeners share photos and stories on how their dog says "thanks for taking me hunting!"

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, Pointer shotguns, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bryan O'Connor manages the state's upland bird programs and has an intimate knowledge of their habitat and habits. He'll share his observations on bird numbers and populations dynamics, some of the better places to start your hunt, and insights into the state's walk-in program. Bryan has a long list of things he does differently from other hunters that we might try, advice on tactics and strategies, too.

"Fix It" finds a semi-bright side to hunting in wildfire country, and viewers and listeners offer up their best advice on teaching retrieving.

And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.