Birdshot Podcast
Sports
About
Birdshot Podcast, presented by onX Hunt and hosted by Nick Larson, is where upland hunters come together. Each week we share conversations that connect the people, stories, and traditions of wingshooting—from bird dogs and shotguns to the birds and landscapes that bring us back season after season.
Episodes
- #350 | From Rucking to Mobility: Practical Fitness for the Upland Hunter
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Todd Bumgardner, founder of Pack Mule Training Co., for a deep dive into physical preparation for the uplands. They discuss the shift from extreme "murder yourself" w…
- #349 | Red Dot Sights for Turkey Guns with Greg Maher
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Greg Maher of Meadow Creek Mounts for a conversation about the practical shift from traditional beads to optics in the turkey woods. They dig into the engineering beh…
- #349 | Southern Bird Hunting: Woodcock, Rails, and the Traditions That Shape It with Patrick Hunter
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson sits down with Patrick Hunter for a laid-back and insightful conversation about upland bird hunting in the Southeast. They dig into everything from family hunting traditions and fi…
- #348 | The Gear That Made a Difference This Upland Season with Mike Neiduski
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson sits down with Mike Neiduski of Ugly Dog Hunting Company for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation covering hockey, Pheasant Fest highlights, dog gear innovations, and the t…
- #347 | Understanding Vintage Side-by-Sides: Fit, Function & Field Performance with Doug Stewart
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , Nick Larson sits down with Doug Stewart , an avid upland bird hunter, author, and expert on traditional side-by-side shotguns. Doug shares his deep passion for bird hunting, the stories behind his…
- #346 | Lessons from an 80-Year-Old Grouse Hunter with Tim Flanigan
In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast , Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan , a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunti…
- #345 | Hearing the Flush Without Losing Your Hearing with Marc Musselman
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Marc Musselman , CEO at Alclair Audio, to discuss the intersection of bird hunting and hearing protection. From nostalgic stories of Nebraska pheasant hunts to embracin…
- In Memoriam — Reload #183 | Good Reads with Glen Blackwood
From the Ruffed Grouse Society: “With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen’s passing leaves a profound void in th…
- #344 | Weather, Puppies, and the Reality of a "Rough" Grouse Year with Fritz Heller
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast , Nick Larson is joined by Fritz Heller , a dedicated upland hunter, to discuss the 2025 hunting season, dogs, grouse hunting, and much more. Fritz shares insights into the challenges of the season,…
- #343 | Shotguns, Shotshells, and Smarter Pheasant Hunting with Phil Bourjaily
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast , Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily , Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird popul…
- #342 | Winter Birds, Running Roosters & the Making of a Dog Handler with Isaiah Osborne
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , Nick Larson sits down with Minnesota upland hunter Isaiah Osborne to talk pheasants, sharptails, German shorthaired pointers, and growing up hunting without a bird dog. Isaiah shares his journey fr…
- #341 | The Prairie Partnership: Ranchers, Wildlife, and the Grasslands We Stand to Lose
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast , Nick Larson welcomes back Ted Koch , for an important conversation on prairie grouse conservation, grassland loss, ranching, and the future of upland habitat across North America. Ted also shares u…
- #340 | The Truck-Camp Bird Hunter: Upland Adventures with Jimmy Lewis
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson reconnects with Jimmy Lewis , a passionate bird hunter and overlanding expert, for a deep dive into the world of upland hunting and the overlanding rigs that make it all possible.…
- #339 | Hunting Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock North of the Border with Andrew & Mark
In this episode, host Nick Larson is joined by Andrew Lowles and Mark Symes of Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada, as they discuss the state of grouse and woodcock hunting in Atlantic Canada. They cover their unique experiences managing land…
- #338 | How A Bird Dog Transformed This Big Game Hunter into an Upland Obsessive with Brad Trumbo
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson sits down with Brad Trumbo , business owner at Palouse Upland Media . Brad shares his journey from big-game hunting in the East to his deep love for upland bird hunting in the West…
- Reload #193 | Grouse and Woodcock Hunting Q&A with Brady Martin
In this reload episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson delves into a lively Q&A session with a loyal listener, Brady Martin . As Brady embarks on his first season of serious grouse hunting with his new bird dog, he shares the ch…
- #337 | Bridging the Conservation Funding Gap: Helping Landowners Create Habitat That Lasts
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson welcomes back entrepreneur, conservationist, and upland hunter Greg Cronkhite . The discussion ranges from early-season grouse hunting challenges to Greg’s remarkable journey throug…
- #336 | Habitat Clues Every Upland Hunter Should Know with Ann Jandernoa
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Ann Jandernoa , a revered grouse hunting expert, dog trainer, cartographer, and founder of Northwind Enterprises. From her years of field experience and understanding o…
- #335 | What’s Happening to the Driftless Forests—and to Grouse with Jon Steigerwaldt
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson is joined by Jon Steigerwaldt , a Forest Conservation Director for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Jon talks about the critical habitat work happening in t…
- #334 | How to Find Sharp-tailed Grouse Using the Right Grass Height and Wind with Tom Carpenter
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson welcomes Tom Carpenter , aka Carp , back to the show for a discussion on prairie grouse hunting and sharp-tail grouse hunting. Fresh off a couple of hunting trips, Tom shares his experti…
- #333 | Lessons and Observations from a Lifetime in the Uplands with Mark Reese
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with long-time bird hunter and habitat advocate Mark Reese. With decades of upland hunting experience under his belt, Mark shares deep insights on the connection between habita…
- #332 | Hunting and Researching Upland Birds on Working Western Landscapes with Dave Dahlgren
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson discusses the world of grouse research, wildlife conservation, and the use of pointing dogs in citizen science. We explore how upland bird hunters and scientists can work together t…
- Bird Dogs, Shotguns, and Upland Adventures — Birdshot Podcast
The Birdshot Podcast explores the upland hunting lifestyle through stories, interviews, and insights from bird hunters, dog trainers, and conservationists across the country. Join us each week as we dive into the traditions, gear, and stor…
- #331 | 50+ Years of Upland Hunting over Flushing Dogs with Randy Shepard
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson welcomes Randy Shepard , lifelong upland hunter and host of the My Dog Hunts podcast. With over five decades of bird hunting experience, Randy shares stories that span from the phe…
- #330 | Vintage Doubles with Kirby Hoyt & Travis Shivel
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson welcomes Kirby Hoyt and Travis Shivel from Vintage Doubles to explore the world of vintage shotguns, bird hunting, and the craftsmanship behind classic double-barrel guns. Kirby an…
- #329 | A discussion on started dogs, training, bird hunting and more with Mark Dinsmore
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson sits down with Mark Dinsmore , an experienced bird dog trainer and upland hunting enthusiast. Mark shares his story of becoming an adult-onset hunter, transitioning from no prior b…
- #328 | Favorite Ways to Train Your Bird Dog with Mark Payton
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson is joined by Mark Payton , a renowned bird dog trainer, author, and YouTube content creator. Mark shares his extensive experience in training bird dogs, emphasizing the importance…
- #327 | Bird Dogs, Shotgun Fit & Better Shooting: Field-Proven Advice from Del Whitman
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson is joined by Del Whitman , an expert in gun fittings, upland hunting, and training bird dogs. Del shares his experiences working with hunters on gun fittings, his journey with vari…
- #326 | How Timeless Books Sparked a Passion for Grouse Hunting and Bird Dogs with Andy Wayment
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson welcomes Andy Wayment , a passionate upland bird hunter, fly fisherman, and bibliophile, to discuss some of the best books in the world of upland hunting and fly fishing. Their con…
- 325 | Conserving Sharp-tailed Grouse Habitat in Wisconsin with Mike Amman
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson is joined by Mike Amman , a County Forester in Wisconsin, to discuss the evolving landscapes of the state's upland habitats, with a particular focus on sharp-tailed grouse populati…
- #324 | A Boot Built for Bird Country: Inside Crispi’s Upland Pro with Lars Anderson
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson speaks with Lars Anderson from Crispi USA about what sets their hunting boots apart. They discuss everything from Italian craftsmanship and innovation to outdoor functionality, sizi…
- #323 | The Ultimate Solo Hunting Camp Setup with Teardrop Trailer and Clam Shelter with Cliff Hawkins
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast , host Nick Larson is joined by Cliff Hawkins , an avid bird hunter and camping enthusiast, to discuss his journey in upland hunting and camping. Cliff shares how he has optimized his hunting trips w…
- Reload #291 | The Straight Shooting Guide for Bird Hunters to Improve Accuracy and Mount with Will and Anthony
In this action-packed episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with two of the biggest names in the world of wing shooting: Will Primos , hunting legend and the voice behind Primos Hunting Calls , and Anthony Matarese ,…
- #322 | Public Lands Advocacy, Birdshot Survey & Giveaway Updates
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick gives updates on upcoming events and ongoing activities, including a survey and a giveaway. He emphasizes the importance of public lands, discussing recent legislative attempts to sell them off…
- #321 | Upland Matters: A Collaboration by Mark Parman and Jason Dowd
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick welcomes author Mark Parman and illustrator Jay Dowd to discuss their collaborative work, 'Upland Matters.' The conversation delves into themes explored in the book, including the connecti…
- #320 | Fire in the Forest with Jared Elm of the Ruffed Grouse Society
On this episode of the Birdshot Podcast with chat Jared Elm of the Ruffed Grouse Society. Jared discusses his new role as state coordinator with the NRCS offices and shares insights into the expanding conservation delivery staff. The conve…
- #319 | Unlocking the Door to Land Ownership: Insights from Jake Hofer of The Land Podcast
In this episode, Jake Hofer shares his vast knowledge of the land real estate market, offering tips and strategies for aspiring landowners. He discusses the importance of having a strong relationship with a knowledgeable real estate agent,…
- #318 | Grouse, Turkeys, Vintage Shotguns, and more with Lars Jacob
In this episode of the Birdshot podcast, host Nick Larson welcomes Lars Jacob , a seasoned hunter and shotgun fitting expert. They discuss hunting conditions in Vermont, the impacts of weather on grouse populations, and the challenges of g…
- #317 | Adventures in Hunting and Conservation Careers with Levi Day
In this episode, the host and guest Levi Day discuss turkey hunting plans, and his extensive experiences in hunting, outdoor traditions, and conservation. They delve into Levi’s current role at Pheasants Forever , where he manages the Jour…
- #316 | Spring Turkey Hunts & Shotgun Insights with Steve Gould
In this episode, Nick is joined by Steve Gould, host of the Target Focus Life YouTube channel . They discuss Steve's background, and some spring turkey hunting strategies. They dive into turkey shotgun specifics, the importance of optics,…
- #315 | Gun Dogs, Land Work, and Podcasting with Kenneth Witt
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson talks with Kenneth Witt—host of the Gun Dog Nation podcast—about his unconventional journey from small-town attorney to landman in West Texas , and ultimately, to upland hunter and podca…
- #314 | Tracking the Dusky Grouse: A Journey Through Seasons and Space with Logan Clark
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson talks with Logan Clark, a graduate researcher, about his extensive study on dusky grouse migrations and behavior. They discuss the challenges and innovations in monitoring wildlife,…
- #313 | Woods, Words, and Bird Dogs: A Chat with Ryan Lynton
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, the host welcomes Ryan Linton to discuss his journey from a novice hunter to an avid upland bird enthusiast and writer. Ryan shares how a serendipitous trip to Colorado sparked his love for hunting,…
- #312 | More Shotgun Shooting and Insights with Keith Coyle
Insights into Shotgun Shooting and Gun Fitting with Keith Coyle In this episode of the podcast, the host is joined by longtime friend and shooting instructor Keith Coyle. Keith shares his journey and recent move to start an independent sho…
- REPLAY #107 | Breeding and Developing Wild Bird Dogs with Jerry Kolter
Joined by Jerry Kolter of Northwoods Bird Dogs we discuss his methods for developing wild bird dogs with a focus on young pups and early training tactics. Show Highlights: Breeding and training wild bird dogs What Jerry looks for in a grou…
- #311 | The Venn Diagram of Bird Hunters and Bird Watchers with Zach Adams
Joined by bird hunter and bird watcher, Zachary Adams we discuss commonalities and differences between the two groups, bird field guides and much more. Show Highlights: A part time gig throwing clays for Orvis The ins and outs of land trus…
- #310 | Native Seeds and Prairie Talk with Nicolas Lijiro and Kent Boucher
Joined by Nicolas Lijiro and Kent Boucher of Hoksey Native Seeds and The Prairie Farm Podcast, we discuss grasslands, farming practices, native prairie planting and restoration. Show Highlights: Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic announcement…
- #309 | Bird Hunting, Dog Training and the St. Huberts Field Trial with Grayson Guyer
Joined by Grayson Guyer of Lost Highway Gun Dog Kennels, we discuss bird dog training, quail and woodcock hunting, and the most recent St Hubert’s Field Trial hosted by the Bird Dog Society. Show Highlights: Woodcock migrations , the sky d…
- #308 | Conserving Quail Habitat with Jef Hodges
Joined by director of the National Bobwhite & Grasslands Initiative, Jef Hodges, we discuss quail habitat conservation, the North American Grasslands Conservation Act and more. Show Highlights: The National Bobwhite & Grasslands Initiative…
- #307 | Chasing Dreams and Chukar with Garhart Stephenson
Discussing the approaching end of another chukar season, bird chasing border collies, shotguns and more with Garhart Stephenson. Show Highlights: The difference between mountain miles and city miles on your truck First birds and vivid memo…