Birdshot Podcast

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick and Dr. Erik Blomberg discuss the intricacies of the American Woodcock migration, based on recent research and GPS tracking. Dr. Blomberg shares insights into the Woodcock's migration patterns, stopover habitats, altitude during flights, and the impact of weather conditions on their migration. The discussion also covers the use of GPS tracking technology to understand these patterns, including the surprising site fidelity Woodcock exhibit towards breeding and wintering grounds. Furthermore, the conversation delves into the Woodcock's unique mating behaviors during migration, the flexibility in their habitat usage, and potential conservation implications. Listeners are directed to woodcockmigration.org for more information and real-time data on Woodcock migration. Show Highlights: Welcome Back to the Birdshot Podcast: Catching Up with Dr. Erik Blomberg Discussing the Unusually Mild Winter Across the Country Woodcock Migration Patterns and Weather Adaptations Deep Dive into Woodcock Migration Research and GPS Tracking The Intricacies of GPS Tags on Birds Harnessing Data: Recovering Tags and Understanding Bird Behavior Genetic Insights from Tagged Birds Migration Patterns and Triggers in Woodcock Habitat Preferences During Migration and Site Fidelity Eastern Woodcock Migration Research Cooperative LISTEN | Dr. Erik Blomberg on episode #51 of Birdshot Podcast MIGRATE To MEMBERSHIP | Use code birdshot24 at American Woodcock Society CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Gabe Stone and Kevin Sterling of the American Woodcock Society we discuss woodcock migration reports, woodcock hunting, favorite woodcock recipes and much more. Show Highlights: Local woodcock reports It all started with turkeys for Kevin… MOU between Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever Overlapping quail and woodcock habitat RGS’ largest forest conservation agreement ever on national forest Porcupines and self sabotage… Favorite woodcock recipes A user-generated woodcock migration map MIGRATE To MEMBERSHIP | Use code birdshot24 at American Woodcock Society CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Tyler Burton and Dan Hornbaker we discuss their chance meeting on New Jersey public lands and their now mentor / mentee relationship. Show Highlights: Trap shooting and sporting clays A chance meeting in the woods New Jersey public lands Rookie mistakes and first hunts Famous last words, “if I buy another SxS…” Barrel length and shotguns trends Pheasant Fest was a great time! Who’s a better shot? Payloads, pellet counts and more… Bourbon preference ENTER TO WIN | Yeti Conservation Mugs at Final Rise CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Utah State grad student and upland hunter Logan Clark, we discuss an ongoing forest grouse research project. Show Highlights: Logan’s grouse hunting grandmother An interest and passion for birds A brief stint with bobwhite quail VHF versus GPS technology for gamebird research Forest Grouse Project at Utah State Dusky and sooty grouse Building a grouse trap Reverse migration of the dusky grouse Food sources for dusky grouse CONTACT | Logan Clark - [email protected] - @clark_log READ | Utah Forest Grouse in the Fall LEARN MORE | “Dusky Grouse Population Ecology and Thermal Landscape Ecology in the Great Basin Ecosystem” - Stephanie Landry PhD LEARN MORE | "Forest Grouse Ecology and Management in the Bear River Range Northern Utah" - Skyler Farnsworth CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by author and avid upland hunter Mark Parman, we continue our conversation on grouse, upland literature, shotguns and more. Show Highlights: Did you say “Bong Bridge” and “High Bridge” ? The amazing capabilities of feller bunchers What about the grouse cycle? A third book from Parman in the works… New England Grouse Shooting audio book from Project Upland What’s the current state of your gun lust? Admiration for the iconic white pine tree LISTEN | Episode #45 with Mark Parman READ | Among the Aspen and A Grouse Hunter’s Almanac CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by author and avid upland hunter Mark Parman, we discuss unusual winter conditions, late season grouse hunting and more. Show Highlights: El nino conditions in the grouse woods When the grouse woods fight back Do you ever remember a late season like that? Scouting with onX Hunt Smart ass tendencies Cross country skiing and biathlon LISTEN | Episode #45 with Mark Parman READ | Among the Aspen and A Grouse Hunter’s Almanac CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by vagabond upland hunter Mike Sheffer, we discuss his history as a bird hunter, bobwhite quail, bird dogs and more. Show Highlights: Rattlesnakes and snake avoidance The Northern Bobwhite quail Quail hunting Shooting the covey rise versus singles A Brittany man for life Jack the dog of a lifetime Turkeys over pointing dogs! On Bobwhite - Fred S. Guthery Bobs, Brush, and Brittanies - Joel Vance Single shot hammer gun + hacksaw = quail gun ENTER to WIN | onX Hunt Pheasant Fest Giveaway SAVE 20% | Use code “birdshot” | Lone Duck Force Fetch CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Bob Owens of Lone Duck Outfitters, we discuss Bob’s journey into the world of gun dogs, training techniques, grouse hunting and more. Show Highlights: Lone Duck Outfitters & Kennels Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Bob’s love for gun dogs Common stumbling blocks for bird dog owners Setters and grouse Range, GPS, bells and more Southeastern Wildlife Expo FOLLOW | @loneduck WATCH | Lone Duck Outfitters & Kennels on YouTube ENTER to WIN | onX Hunt Pheasant Fest Giveaway SAVE 20% | Use code “birdshot” | Lone Duck Force Fetch CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined once again by author Doug Stewart, we recap hunting seasons and dive into side by side shotgun conversation. Show Highlights: Hunting a variety of upland species What about damascus barrels? A perfect upland shotgun varies by individual Vintage Doubles - Kirby Hoyt What makes a Churchill side by side unique? Ammo availability for vintage guns Doug’s thoughts on various rib styles CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A solo episode with host Nick Larson answers some listener questions from the Birdshot Podcast inbox along with pondering winter conditions for ruffed grouse and more. Show Highlights: Pondering snow roosting conditions in sub zero temps Grouse of the North Shore - Gordon Gullion Do sharp-tailed grouse snow roost? Hunting grouse without dogs New England Grouse Shooting - William Harnden Foster Grouse & Woodcock: A Gunner's Guide - Don Johnson Grouse and Grouse Hunting - Frank Woolner Grouse Hunter’s Guide - Dennis Walrod Ruffed Grouse - Atwater Befond Bark Collar CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show Highlights: Using lighter payloads for upland hunting Getting into shotshell reloading Building and RFM Zeus shotgun Enjoying the 28 gauge Cold weather shooting gloves Dressing for the conditions Cooking upland birds with skin on CONNECT | @codyasimons CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by western upland hunter and staff member at Sitka Gear, Cody Simons, we discuss bird dogs, double guns and western upland hunting. Show Highlights: First bird dog trials and tribulations Running dogs together versus individually Cody’s first ruffed grouse An unusual use for 30” barrels… An interest in side by side shotguns A vintage Fox bargain! Hill Rod and Gun Co. - Bozeman, MT CONNECT | @codyasimons CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Kyle Warren of Paint River Setters, we dive deeper into the grouse dog component of the equation and the excitement of hunting ruffed grouse. Show Highlights: Bird tracking ability in grouse dogs Tracking versus relocating… Does the pace of the dog influence how much a bird runs? Ideally, you work a track as fast as the dog can work it Thoughts on approaching points Grouse that don’t readily flush?! Kyle’s trip to Italy A new grouse hunting video series on the way CONNECT | @paintriversetters CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Kyle Warren of Paint River Setters, we discuss some of the subtleties of hunting ruffed grouse and grouse cover as the season progresses. Show Highlights: El Nino late season conditions Cold weather scenting conditions Thoughts on grouse roosts and poop piles Exploring and scouting versus hunting known covers late season If you can see good grouse cover, you’re probably standing in grouse cover even if it doesn't look like it CONNECT | @paintriversetters CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Tate Abler and Rich Wong, we discuss a trap encounter Rich had with his bird dog and gain insights into trapping and trap safety from Tate Abler. Show Highlights: Negotiating for additional hunt time with your significant other The Minnesota Wild are heating up! Rich’s preferred pheasant and quail loads Tate Abler of Sustained Outdoors Trapping The Boundary Waters Rich’s bird dog trap encounter “Good trappers know when and where not to set traps” Trap types Releasing animals from traps CONNECT | @wisc_me_nord / @tateabler / @sustainedoutdoors CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by the founders of Upland Gun Company, Dan LaFond and Jerry Havel, we discuss the concept of the business, the manufacturer (R.F.M Armi) and most importantly the handcrafted shotguns. Show Highlights: Meet the founders of Upland Gun Company A fortuitous meeting with R.F.M. Armi From your imagination to the field… Double guns for waterfowl hunting The all new SK Round Body Gun fit for women The new 3D gun builder The Wad Knocker CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a segment from a recent Patreon bonus episode we discuss a grouse pointing and tracking sequence from a recent hunt. Show Highlights: A couple Black Friday deals Tracking and relocating ruffed grouse One negative of 30” barrels… Truck birds Relocating ability versus development? When one is enough… Two grouse and a snowshoe hare?! CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fritz Heller returns to the show for a grouse season update and a listener Q & A session on all things grouse hunting and grouse dogs. Show Highlights: Size and confirmation preference in Frtiz’s labs “You’ve got to park the truck in the right spot!” First scent to flush, reading the dog Hunting more than one dog at a time Patterning ruffed grouse Time of the day and ruffed grouse Dude Wipes now get top recommendations - The Essentials Upland hunting pants CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fritz Heller returns to the show for a grouse season update and a listener Q & A session on all things grouse hunting and grouse dogs. Show Highlights: Stick in the eye… ouch! Ranger shooting glasses (Phantom 2.0) Should I get off the trail with my dog? How do I keep my flushing dog from ranging too far Functionally steady and whistle sits Don’t over handle your young grouse dog Can I slow my dog down? The American cocker CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Calfee and Nick Adair join the show for part two of our round table conversation from grouse camp. Show Highlights: @gundogityourself ‘s camper set-up Hitting mid-season form Woodcock versus grouse cover Developing woodsmanship Hunt logs and journals - Day One Journal App Hand loads and nickel plating CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Calfee and Nick Adair join the show from grouse camp to discuss southern grouse hunting, grouse dogs and more. Show Highlights: A grouse hunting mentor “Old Timer Bill” Bill’s first grouse Learning the habitat Tennessee ruffed grouse Sliding through Mountain-laurel Bill’s thoughts on grouse dogs CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shotgun Editor at Field and Stream, Phil Bourjaily, joins the show to discuss shotgun and wingshooting technology, innovation, history and more. Show Highlights: Dove hunting 101 How Phil became a shotgun writer 28 gauges are neat! Magic or myth… The joys of a lightweight 12 gauge - R.F.M. Venus Value in vintage 12 bores Phil loves late season pheasant hunting “As bore size increase, so does pattern efficiency” Shotgun noise / decibel study Thoughts on hearing protection Phil’s gun fitting with Del Whitman CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seth Patterson and Mike Yashko of Bird Dog of the Day join the show to discuss cultivating and inspiring a community of bird dog lovers. Show Highlights: Bells for the grouse woods A quick grouse woods report TPLO surgeries and recovery… A brief history of Bird Dog of the Day Fostering a community of bird dog lovers It’s all about the feeling behind the images… Picardy Spaniels FOLLOW | @birddogoftheday GEAR UP | www.birddogoftheday.com CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Neiduski returns to the show as the new owner of Ugly Dog Hunting to discuss the company and bird dogs, bird hunting and more. Show Highlights: Prairie chicken hunt on the horizon A quick grouse woods report Ruffed Grouse Society Grouse Camp Ugly Dog Hunting Company Even pretty dogs can be “ugly dogs”, a lesson on de-skunking your bird dog FOLLOW | @uglydoghuntingco and @mneiduski GEAR UP | uglydoghunting.com BUY | Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Control Shampoo CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann Jandernoa joins the show for part two of our 7th annual grouse and woodcock habitat and hunting conversation. Show Highlights: Favorite memories from Ann Sizing aspen and stand variation Late season cover and food for ruffed grouse “Seeing” the soil type through the vegetation Rain and drought monitoring with VegDRI Binge listen to Ann on grouse and woodcock: 2017 - Episode #7 2018 - Episode #42 2019 - Episode #76 2020 - Episode #115 2021 - Episode #150 2022 - Episode #190 2023 - Episode #239 MAP | with Scout N Hunt CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann Jandernoa joins the show for part one of our 7th annual grouse and woodcock habitat and hunting conversation. Show Highlights: Winter, spring and summer conditions for grouse Too many damn mosquitoes! A favorite episode for many listeners… Training dogs to handle running ruffed grouse Do your dogs self-relocate? Binge listen to Ann on grouse and woodcock: 2017 - Episode #7 2018 - Episode #42 2019 - Episode #76 2020 - Episode #115 2021 - Episode #150 2022 - Episode #190 MAP | with Scout N Hunt CONTRIBUTE | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices