In this deep-dive bonus edition, I'll take you to one of my favorite hunting spots. It was the day of the annular eclipse, where the moon completely obscures the sun, leaving a ring of fire around a black orb. Did that celestial event impact our hunt? You decide.

Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo code CG10) and Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School.

Let's all go back to e-collar school with Pete Fisher. A consultant to Dogtra, the collar company, he's also an award-winning pro trainer and avid hunter. He gives a tutorial on all the critical uses from steadiness to retrieving, covers introducing a collar to young dogs, and reminds us that timing really is everything. 

We'll learn when and when not to use a remote training collar, other uses and capabilities he's built a career on, and transitioning from yard to field. 

"Fix It" offers a more realistic way to practice your field shooting at the range, and everyone has a chance to sound off on pet peeves, in our social-media segment.

And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

We climb the hills and get dirty in this interview with YouTube personality Eric Forrester. Trainer, breeder, avid bird hunter, road warrior, we'll get advice on all of that, and more. From what motivates him, to his training philosophy, we've got insights. You'll also learn about his minimalist bird camp, surprises he's found in the field, the joys of hunting a brace of wires, travel tips and more.

"Fix It" suggests a training tool, and we look at why so many of you don't train with a group.

And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

It's not the Dakotas ... but if you're desperate and have a few hours or days, there may be a ringneck in your future in some of these western U.S. public-access locales. At the 30,000 foot level, I'll give you starting points in all the western states that harbor ringnecks. Whether you find any is up to you and your dog!

Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and the gun room at Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School.

[Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.)

Just like a chukar hunt ... long and covering a lot of ground. That's today's interview with avid devil-bird chaser and pro dog trainer Jeff Funke of Three Devils Kennel. We'll take a deep dive into a wide variety of topics from breeding German Wirehaired Pointers, to the Versatile Hunting Dog Federation's testing program, to the reasons conformation is critical in a hunting situation. We'll cover chukar hunting scenarios from dropping the tailgate to where birds hang out, their food sources to behavior under pressure. 

Jeff shares some of the most common dog training and chukar hunting mistakes he sees, key habitat and terrain features he looks for on a hunt, surprising finds while in pursuit of chukars, and critical gear he takes on every hunt.

"Fix It" suggests we train our dog to drink differently; and listeners offer their shooting tips.

And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

You'll need a moment after all the wisdom coming from this Pheasant Fest interview. First, Ronnie and Susanna Smith on puppy development, behavioral tips and tricks to maximize performance for your bird dog. Then, Tom Dokken explains control, solves your training problems and discusses praise in all its dimensions.

"Fix It" helps keep your dog's boredom at bay, and listeners tell us what they're changing among their gear.

It's your last chance to win a four-pack of Pointer shotguns or HiViz sight  in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.

And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Because I need all the help I can get, I've studied shotgun shooting with some of the best. Their wisdom is best consumed in a lesson with them, but until then I've distilled it into a series of check lists - a flow chart - with basic steps you can take to connect on more shots. Somewhere in these dozens of suggestions may be one that puts another bird in the bag for you this coming season.

Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Pointer Shotguns' FurFeathersFriends sweepstakes - win a four-pack of shotguns.

[Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.)

From Reno, Nevada to Kansas City, we venture into the minds of two industry leaders: Brent Pike, founder of Pyke Gear, and Andy McCormick, president of Legacy Sports and Pointer Shotguns. We'll learn why and how Pyke Gear is designed and what's coming in the future. McCormick will give us a tour of the new FT12 semi-auto shotgun and relate some hunting stories as well as gun care tips.

Listeners offer hunting tips and tactics and "Fix It" suggests limiting your shots for more success.

You get a chance to win a four-pack of Pointer shotguns or HiViz sight in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.

And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Yep, a two-fer! A bird-hunting power couple if you ever saw one, president Marilyn provides insights and news from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, conservation advice and some hunting tips. Clyde, probably the winningest NAVHDA trainer, offers advice on everything from picking a pup to steadiness training and everything in between. He shares hunting tactics too.

"Fix It" has some surrogates for live birds when training steadiness; listeners offer their single-sentence advice for new (and seasoned) dog trainers.

You get a chance to win a four-pack of Pointer shotguns and a HivViz sight in our furfeathersfriends.com sweepstakes, but only if you listen and know the Word of the Week.

And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, MidwayUSA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Come along on a journey, with input from many listeners and readers, on the lessons we've learned. Sometimes later than sooner, but all apply this coming season.

We'll also touch on a few practical aspects you'll want to consider, lessons learned the hard way so you don't have to.

Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo code CG10) and Sage & Braker.