The Flush Podcast - Stories from the field

Doug Ernst has taught firearm safety training courses for 53 years. On today’s episode, we take Minnesota’s official firearm safety training test and break down questions and answers. We also discuss regular firearm handling mistakes that hunters make, along with some common laws hunters break without even knowing it. We discuss how the course has evolved over time and how online courses differ from hands-on learning in a classroom. This episode is a gun safety course refresher for some hunters and offers plenty of thoughts to consider for hunters and shooters at each stage of life. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Hunt Fish SD (huntfishsd.com/), Aberdeen SD (aberdeensd.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/), Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/), & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Arlyn DeBruyckere has been bird hunting for more than 50 years. He’s also a teacher, firearm safety instructor, hunting mentor, trap shooting coach, active member of several PF chapters, dedicated husband & father, farmer, and conservationist. Travis and Arlyn share stories from the field and discuss the seasons that hunters go through over the course of a rich & fulfilling life as a bird hunter. It’s a conversation that ranges from first birds in the bag to controlled burns. From chapter banquets to gun-shy dogs, and so much more. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Hunt Fish SD (huntfishsd.com/), Aberdeen SD (aberdeensd.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/), Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/), & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Justin Binfet (Wyoming’s Game & Fish Deputy Chief) joins the show to discuss in-depth sage grouse management in Wyoming and recent news about dissolving their 21-year-old sage grouse work groups. Justin and Travis discuss the role of the work groups, why they were dissolved, the new path toward sage grouse management, reasons for optimism in Wyoming’s management plan, where wildlife habitat funding comes from, current sage grouse populations and future trends, lek monitoring, invasive habitat work, why cheatgrass is so harmful on the landscape, current drought conditions, hope for spring nests and a positive outlook for all upland bird species in Wyoming. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/), Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/), & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Troy Holcomb is a forester for the Minnesota DNR. Troy and Travis have an in-depth discussion on the business & economy of forest management and the effects consumers have on wildlife habitat. Troy explains how our forests have evolved with logging practices and commercial contracts, trends in the logging industry based on consumer goods, when, where & why forests are logged, which trees are in high demand, who does the work and why some bids don’t get accepted, public vs private land management, short term and long term logging practices paint big picture, why forest management differs across the country and it’s devastating effects on ruffed grouse and other wildlife, is the ruffed grouse cycle tied to logging and forest management, and so much more. @mndnr Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/) Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/) & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Ries from Top Gun Kennels in Iowa lost his son to cancer back in 2003. At his son’s request, they started a non-profit organization called Aiming For A Cure to help other families in their fight against cancer. Steve explains the mission of Aiming For A Cure today, how they’ve raised $8 million dollars to help others, why others join the fight, the details of their upcoming hunt & banquet, and how it all helps kids and families that need assistance the most. We also talk about Steve’s 35 years at the kennel, breeding and genetics in GSP’s, and finding the right dog for you. @aimingforacure | www.aimingforacure.com Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/) Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/) & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

George Lyall & Mark Zeitler join the show to discuss the Karl Zeitler Memorial Hunt & the many ways that bird dogs bring people together to help others. Mark explains why he started this event in his father’s honor, what the memorial hunt entails, the Law Dog Challenge, raising funds to help K9 officers, and the value of volunteering to serve alongside others. We also discuss The Method dog training seminars coming up and a whole lot more. @karlzeitlermemorialhunt @themethoddogtraining Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/) Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/) & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is an open-mic experience on the show floor at the 2026 Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Listeners of this podcast bring their questions to Travis Frank, Scott Fransen & Tyler Webster. It’s a totally unscripted bird hunting Q & A with guests from all over North America. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/) Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/) & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Upland Feud LIVE at Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Minneapolis, Minnesota! We celebrate the largest gathering of upland bird hunters in the world by throwing an after party event with our friends at OnX Hunt, called the Mill City Upland Social Club. In front of a packed audience at Hell’s Kitchen, teams from The Flush & OnX Hunt compete with audience guests to raise money for the birds and to be crowned 2026 upland champions! Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/) Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/) & Hoksey Native Seeds (https://hokseynativeseeds.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We celebrate six years and 300 episodes of The Flush podcast by digging back through powerful stories that have shaped this show. We celebrate good times, reflect on hard times, look for perspective, and stand in awe at some of the feats we’ve accomplished with our incredible friends and loyal listeners. It’s a milestone episode that we’re grateful to share with you all as we look ahead to 300 more episodes of The Flush Podcast! Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/) & Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club (horseandhunt.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Brettingen joins Travis Frank to preview Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. We share the details of our Friday night Mill City Upland Social Club with OnX Hunt, which includes a LIVE recording of the Flush podcast featuring a game of Upland Feud. We discuss a new OnX upland game at their booth, Concert for Conservation, Karaoke for Conservation, seminar schedules, new gear, and so much more… find show details @pheasantsforever.org Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RJ Gross is an Upland Game Biologist for the state of North Dakota. RJ and Travis talk in-depth about how wildlife survive extreme winter conditions. Does feeding wildlife help? When and where do wildlife go to eat during arctic blasts, how pheasants winter differently than grouse and quail, what’s our current winter severity index, snow roosting, ice and snow vs extreme cold, habitat success areas, did West Nile affect North Dakota’s sharptailed grouse populations, potential changes to North Dakota hunting laws, and so much more… @ndgameandfish Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rowan Ricks from Trakn Outdoors joins the show to discuss his upcoming event for wild bird hunters called the Old West Shootout. We also share stories from some of the coldest experiences in our lives, getting stuck in the mountains, wild hunting adventures from Alaskan ptarmigan to Himalayan Snowcock to Chukar, winter weather, and the habitat to survive arctic blasts, and of course we dig into hunting wild birds in the wild western states. @trakn_outdoors Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We recap our hunting season, sharing stories of the good, bad, and memorable moments that we’ll remember most. Scott Fransen & Tyler Webster join Travis Frank for a conversation full of fun stories, lessons learned and reports from across bird country. Plus, a listener's story leads to plenty of laughter and a reminder of why bird hunting with dogs is always unpredictable. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind an English Setter named Mac, Travis Frank shares the story of a “Perfect 10” bobwhite quail hunt in Kansas. Travis talks with Nate & Andrew Scott about the effort they’ve put in to create a bobwhite quail hunting paradise on their farms. Andrew explains his addiction to grow high quality habitat, the details quail need to thrive, how to farm for wildlife and row crops, studies proving more quail die than we think, how to protect quail from predators, the changing quail hunting culture in big buck country, working through hard times with bird dogs, celebrating a flawless run with your dog and friends, plus a whole lot more. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb), Black Gold Explorer Dog Food (blackgoldpet.com/), Marshwear Clothing (marshwearclothing.com/), RuffLand Kennels (rufflandkennels.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a “Hank Hunt” podcast! We talk to the hunters from “Hank Hunt” #5- Fathers, Daughters and Sons share stories from the hunt- laughs, first birds, great shots, and of course our dogs, along with making unforgettable memories made- all because of a dog, a dog named Hank! Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a hunt in Iowa for pheasants and bobwhite quail, Travis sits down with Nicolas Lirio & Kent Boucher from Hoksey Native Seeds to talk about losing their founder (Nic’s father) to cancer, and Nicolas taking over at their prairie farm. It’s a story with laughs and tears that will affect hunters around the country who may one day walk in a wildlife habitat with seeds grown on their farm. Nicolas shares his personal struggles with taking over the family farm and his new mission to make our world a better place. Kent explains his own challenges learning how to grow and harvest native seeds to keep the farm productive. And of course, we give a field report from our late-season hunt. @theprairiefarm @hokseynativeseeds Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re talkin’ late-season upland bird hunting with field reports from 5 different bird hunters in 5 different states. Darwin Weeldreyer talks South Dakota pheasants, George McNamara gives a snow and rooster report from North Dakota, Tim Brown shares his views from Iowa, Avery Aalfs gives a fresh report from Minnesota, and Josh Diller closes out the show with his hunting perspective from Colorado and other western states. It’s a late-season episode full of updated information and tips to help you bag a few more late-season birds. @thebeardeduplander @coachmacinstache @joshdiller @averyaalfs Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roger Roach saved his father’s life after he suffered a heart attack while they were hunting. Roger has saved hundreds of lives, giving CPR more than 300 times during his 30-year Air Force & Law Enforcement career. On this episode, Roger and Travis discuss the value of CPR & First Responder Emergency Training for hunters. They share real-life hunting horror stories and explain how you can prepare yourself right now to save a life in the field. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Frank speaks from the heart to give thanks during a busy hunting and holiday season! Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Frank, Tyler Webster & Scott Fransen pick apart each other’s flaws, brag about birds, discuss mid-season pheasant and prairie grouse hunting tactics, scouting advice, upland bird recipes, giving advice to our younger selves, giving thanks, game planning a future competition hunt, and so much more! Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Frank & Scott Rall dissect ringneck pheasants and strategies to outsmart them. Scott shares tips from more than 4 decades in the field chasing wild roosters, the best times of the day to hunt them, finding habitat seams, pinching roosters, how to pick a public property to hunt, where pheasants go when pressured, a golden hour trick, opening up a pheasant crop, hunting non-toxic only areas, how to stop running roosters, and so much more! Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scott and the guys break down their three-state bird hunting adventure while relaxing in their mobile hunting rig affectionately dubbed the "White Whale”! 4 guys, 3 dogs in a 31-foot RV, someone please crack a window! Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Frank & Scott Fransen share stories from the heart of hunting season, and Scott’s throwing a party. We discuss pheasant and grouse hunts in Minnesota, Michigan, North & South Dakota, plus we share details on a conservation collaboration with Walton’s, Scott wins longest tail feather contest, and we invite you out to a night on the town with Scott & Tyler Webster this week in Stanley, North Dakota. Learn more about the Walton’s X The Flush pack for conservation @ www.waltons.com Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At Superior Upland’s rustic ruffed grouse camp in the UP of Michigan, Travis Frank and a crew of passionate bird hunters share stories from the Northwoods. We discuss current ruffed grouse hunting conditions and what to look for to find birds now through the end of season, the woodcock migration, breaking down habitat, creating grouse hunting habitat, the beauty of grouse camp, life of a grouse guide, from the White House to the Northwoods, Women in the Woods, smells from the forest, and so much more… @superior_upland. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Anderson & David Ewel of Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. join the show to discuss the state of their unique habitat organization, how they work alongside Pheasants Forever and other wildlife groups to acquire land and turn it into publicly accessible wildlife habitat, raising money and putting it into the soil, how farmers view hunters, building trust & relationships, how to start your own habitat organization, joining other hunters on a mission, celebrating a great Minnesota pheasant opener, looking ahead at Minnesota’s pheasant hunting season, and so much more. Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan Sparks, Quail Forever editor, published the 2025 Quail Hunting Forecast and joins the show to break it all down. Travis and Ryan discuss areas where quail production saw huge spikes and places where numbers took a hit this year. We cover nearly 30 states throughout America’s quail country to give hunters a glimpse at what they might find when they hit the fields this season. @quailforever Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Hunt Huron (HuntHuronsd.com), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clair Maples, DVM joins the show for a refresher course on first aid for hunting dogs using Paradigm Sporting Dog field kits. Clair and Travis walk through Clair’s handmade field kit & truck kits, discussing the tools in each kit and how to use them. They also discuss several topics like rattlesnake bites & Benadryl, removing porcupine quills, stapling a dog in the field, mean seeds, when to go to the vet, tailgate checks, how & when to use Hunt.Vet, and being prepared with a plan for emergencies in the field. @paradigmsportingdog Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Huron (huronsd.com/), Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Frank talks with upland bird hunters in the field to get real-time reports on bird numbers, habitat, moisture, food sources, hatch results, and highlights. Tyler Webster gives us his views from Montana and North Dakota. Joe Lesmeister shares his Montana report along with hunt information from North Dakota & the Sandhills region in Nebraska. Bailey Peterson provides a Northwoods Minnesota ruffed grouse & woodcock report along with tips to find early season birds. Jake Perry checks in from a ruffed grouse hunt in the UP of Michigan to provide reasons for optimism on their ruffed grouse & woodcock. George Lyall closes our show with a prairie grouse report from South Dakota, and we close with reasons to get excited about pheasant season… @western.wingshooter.podcast @upland_xpress @baileyo1 @superior_upland @g.lyall66 Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jared Wiklund from Pheasants Forever joins the show to break down America’s 2025 pheasant hunting forecast. We explain where pheasant populations saw a dramatic increase this year, and places that have been knocked down by storms. Overall, the picture looks pretty good if you’re a pheasant hunter. Travis & Jared explain why this season is a great one to hit the fields while sharing habitat news that lingers on the horizon… @pheasantsforever Tell Congress to Strengthen the CRP Program - https://pheasantsforever.quorum.us/campaign/137204/ Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Brettingen from OnX Hunt joins Travis Frank in Big Sky Country to kick start the new season of The Flush television show. The two discuss their do-it-yourself Montana bird hunting adventure for sharp-tailed grouse & Hungarian partridge mixed with fishing for big lake trout, salmon and walleyes. The duo discusses planning a wild adventure, scouting online and in person, putting the pieces together to find more birds, dealing with heat, maximizing time in the field, grouse numbers, hail damage, OnX Hunt features to read terrain, making goals for the season, and a whole lot more… @benbrettingen Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Carpenter from Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever joins the show to break down the 2025 prairie grouse primer presented by Sportsman’s Guide. We break down sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, Hungarian partridge, and prairie chicken hunting expectations by region, from Idaho to Minnesota and places in between. We discuss factors that raised bird counts in some places, and lowered counts in others. We share details that can make or break your next hunt on the prairie and throw in a few tricks to outsmart those wild birds. It’s a full prairie grouse primer, with even more information @pheasantsforever Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Fretz from North Country Sporting Dogs joins the show to discuss preseason tune-ups for our bird dogs. We talk about getting yourself and your bird dog into hunting shape and fine-tuning your bird dogs with bird work for puppies and veteran dogs. We explain how to set a positive scenario for puppies to succeed in the field, training dogs on wild birds vs pen raised birds, thick habitat vs open fields, tips to make sure pigeons fly, when to launch pigeons, roading dogs & running on treadmills, proper nutrition and supplements, building prey drive, overcoming a gun shy dog, and most importantly having fun with your dog in the field... @northcountrysportingdogs Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tim Brown (aka: The Bearded Uplander) joins the show to discuss his yearly pheasant counts in northwest Iowa and southeast South Dakota. Travis & Tim talk through changing factors that contribute to bird numbers, brood sizes & bugs, insane nitrates, staying dry in wet grass, having fun with hunting buddies, hunting solo, & making goals for the season. We also talk upland bird hunting gear head to toe, and have fun heckling each other along the way... @thebeardeduplander Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Frank & Tyler Webster talk with Rehan Nana & Patrick Bowman from Garmin about E-collars and the world of hunting technology. The crew breaks down a variety of hunting and training dog collars and remotes, watches that sync up with collars, training remotes vs hunting remotes, Garmin InReach, GPS communication during emergencies, emergency insurance, hunting without GPS, and we answer listener questions... @garminfishhunt Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tyler Webster & Scott Fransen join Travis Frank to share the news about adding a new host to The Flush television show. Spoiler alert, it’s Tyler Webster. We discuss Tyler’s new role in the TV show, why we are adding Tyler to the team, our goals moving forward, and where we aim to hunt this season. We also discuss bird numbers after the hatch in North Dakota, and a whole lot more... @the.westernwingshooter.podcast Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Amman is a Wisconsin forester and the Vice President of the Wisconsin Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society. Mike & Travis celebrate Wisconsin’s decision to re-open a sharp-tailed grouse hunting season, the mission at the Wisconsin sharp-tailed grouse society, reversing a habitat loss trend & bouncing back bird numbers, logging practices that create ruffed grouse habitat across the Great Lakes region, hunting sharp-tailed grouse on the prairie vs Midwest, moving to find the right hunting covers, mentally and physically preparing for opening day, shot size and chokes for grouse, putting on miles, and a whole lot more... @wisharptails Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. James Martin is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Georgia. He’s part scientist, part hunter. Dr. Martin works extensively with wild populations of bobwhite quail and landowners throughout America to understand every detail about their lives and how to provide everything they need to thrive. We discuss past and ongoing quail research projects, why it’s so important to work with private landowners, understanding bobwhite quail biology, quail mating, hatch, chick survival, the effect of hunting pressure on quail, why quail populations explode and plummet, multiple quail broods, effects of pesticides & herbicides, making ag & wildlife habitat work together, parasites, fire, training the next generation, reasons for optimism in quail country, and so much more. @martingamelab Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HANK HUNT #5 & YOU’RE INVITED! Scott Fransen joins the show to announce the 5th annual “Hank Hunt.” Scott gives the details of the hunt at @Brownslodge_huntingranch and shares why this year he’s inviting hunters who sign up to bring a child or parent. Scott & Travis discuss how this hunt has impacted hunters that participate, how the hunt supports PF & QF’s habitat mission, and how hunters can sign up. Scott also shares about his experience trying to breed his bird dog Millie, and Travis talks about making the most of a trip with his boys to the BWCA after a truck crashed into them and totaled out their gear. https://www.brownshuntingranch.com/ - 605-765-9150 Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scott Rall from Nobles County Pheasants Forever in southwest Minnesota joins the show to celebrate the acquisition of Pheasant Run #50. Scott explains how his chapter has been able to purchase thousands of acres of farmland and convert it into public hunting land. Scott and Travis also talk about drinking water and water quality in his county, public relations with farmers, small efforts lead to big results, bleeding conservation, Adopt-A-WMA, Dinner in the Wild, perfect pheasant nesting conditions in his county, huge brood sightings, and so much more. @habitatchampion Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Compeer Home (compeerhome.com) Federal Premium Ammunition (federalpremium.com/) Hunt North Dakota (helloND.com/) Lucky Duck Premium Decoys (luckyduck.com/) & Samaritan Tire (samaritantire.com/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Tatman is a dedicated upland bird hunter, angler, storyteller, adventure seeker, and, most importantly, he’s a father. Josh and Travis share stories about raising future hunters and anglers while trying to also help others learn “how to introduce kids to hunting.” We break down Josh’s recent article on the topic and discuss when and how to set kids up for success, slowing down, introducing guns, setting goals, teaching & leading, seeing a hunt through a kids eyes, when to let them go and grow, learning from wildlife and wild places, celebrating moments, leaving kids wanting more, one-on-one hunts vs group hunts, gun safety, cleaning and cooking birds with kids, having fun, and a whole lot more. @Josh_Tatman Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) Hoksey Native Seeds (hokseynativeseeds.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Aberdeen (HuntFishSD.com) & Compeer Home (compeerhome.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ron Leathers is the Chief Conservation Officer at Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever. On this episode, we discuss in depth pheasant biology with Ron from mating season to laying eggs, when pheasants will re-nest, and when they won’t. We talk about the average life span of a pheasant, the percentage of chicks that hatch, and the ones that don’t. Ron explains why the number one predator during the nesting season is a farm mower, when temperatures and rain can kill chicks. We talk about pheasant food, evading predators, expanding pheasant range, why planting pheasants does not work, creating the right habitat, dirty food plots, and a whole lot more. Plus, we answer listener questions about your favorite upland birds. @pheasants_forever & @quail_forever Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) Hoksey Native Seeds (hokseynativeseeds.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Aberdeen (HuntFishSD.com) & Compeer Home (compeerhome.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Lesmeister shares stories from a life spent in pursuit of upland birds. The conversation breaks down his upland bird hunting journal and discusses trends from hunts across the upper Midwest for the past 20+ years, moments that stand out, hunting from a “man van”, forgetting his dog at home, getting stuck in the mud, hunting nostalgic plastic, documenting daily adventures on social media, going back in time to make different choices, staying fit for hunting season, and a whole lot more… @upland_xpress Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) Hoksey Native Seeds (hokseynativeseeds.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (https://alnk.to/74wKReb) Aberdeen (HuntFishSD.com) & Compeer Home (compeerhome.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are giving away a GAIM Virtual Shooting Simulator! Phillip Jones from GAIM joins the show to discuss their virtual reality hunting and shooting simulator. The conversation begins with Phillip’s journey beginning as a hunter in the U.K, serving in the Royal Navy, moving to America & working in the firearm industry, falling in love with bird dogs and bird hunting, launching GAIM, how the system works for hunters, shooters & firearm safety training. We fire up the GAIM and shoot through multiple scenarios during the show before explaining our giveaway. @GAIM_USA Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) Hoksey Native Seeds (hokseynativeseeds.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (gaim.com/) Aberdeen (HuntFishSD.com) & Compeer Home (compeerhome.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jacob Perry operates Superior Upland in the U.P of Michigan. Jacob shares his journey in the outfitting business, hunting for ruffed grouse & woodcock behind his Gordon Setters. We discuss Michigan’s strong bird numbers, ideal spring hatch conditions, summer dog training, leaving a teaching career to operate his business full-time, making the most of our time, sharing wild experiences, and so much more. Plus, Travis begins the show by sharing a list of Father’s Day gift ideas that are sure to please the bird hunters in your life. @superior_upland Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) Hoksey Native Seeds (hokseynativeseeds.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (gaim.com/) Aberdeen (HuntFishSD.com) & Compeer Home (compeerhome.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Frank reads a letter from a listener and then discusses the recent news about public land sales in Nevada & Utah before asking the obvious question, what can we do about it? Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) Hoksey Native Seeds (hokseynativeseeds.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator (gaim.com/) Aberdeen (HuntFishSD.com) & Compeer Home (compeerhome.com)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.