The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

Reid joins Levi Day, a conservation leadership program manager, to discuss career pathways for folks with an interest in conservation. Levi is an avid upland hunter and bird dog owner, as well as a lifelong educator. Levi manages Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's Journey to Conservation Careers (J2CC) program, a national, online initiative aimed at introducing high school students to careers in conservation. He and Reid discuss their individual career paths, and how young people can be best served in pursuing their passions in the workplace.

Reid is joined by Chad Hoover, owner of Hoover Outfitting. With deep family roots in Montana, Chad has built a career offering hunts for Sharptails and Huns in the remote prairie regions. The two discuss grassland habitat, Montana·s bird-hunting heritage, the recent increase in out-of-state hunting traffic, and a host of other topics. More about Chad and his business at https://hooveroutfitting.com/

Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Gila Wilderness and the 75th of "A Sand County Almanac" Reid welcomes Curt Meine and Karl Malcolm, two conservationists, Leopold scholars, and all-around thoughtful people. The group discusses Leopold's life and Legacy, his self-identification as a hunter, and the cultural/political/social context through which he developed a "Land Ethic". Note that there were a few issues with sound quality that we did our best to correct. Learn more about Aldo Leopold at www.aldoleopold.org

Reid joins Lukas Leaf and Matthew Schultz of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters to discuss the unique resource that is Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This million-plus acre public land resource is ripe with opportunities for anglers and hunters who like big country, solitude, and roadless wilderness. Lukas and Matthew describe the area, and their org's efforts to protect the resource from environmental degradation while enhancing access and sporting opportunity. Learn more at https://sportsmenbwca.org.

Reid joins Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello to discuss what's new and exciting in the Orvis Gun Room. The duo sets out to highlight the Top 5 recent consignment guns to come through the Orvis Gun Room, but they wind up discussing a few extras. It's hard for two shotgun geeks to stay on task.

Reid is joined by Hannah Leonard, Program Director for the nonprofit Sporting Lead-Free. Headquartered in Wyoming, Sporting Lead-Free is self-described as an initiative of hunters and anglers dedicated to maintaining our sporting heritage, wildlife populations, ethics, and rights. Leveraging education as a vehicle for change, and steadfastly avoiding a push for regulation or legislation, the org encourages sportspeople to use lead alternatives in hunting and fishing environments. Hannah uses data and storytelling to discuss the impact of that change and the challenges to broader acceptance. She also explores resources and tactics that can help sportspeople make the shift without detracting from success in the field, or significant impact on the pocketbook.

, Reid and gunsmith Del Whitman lean into the finer points of shotgun cleaning and care. Del describes a comprehensive process by which shooters can care for their fine guns. He describes specific tips and techniques, products to use, and how to mitigate common problems by addressing your gun cleaning needs appropriately.

In the second installment of the Lulu Chronicles, Reid explores the progress of his English Springer, Lulu, reflecting on her summer's work with Deanna and Jim Keller of Wildwind Kennels. The group discusses Lulu's progress, troubleshoots some issues, and explores the finer points of bringing a flushing spaniel to the point of steadiness to wing, shoot, and fall.

Reid joins friends and collaborators Greg McReynolds and Tom Reed in a conversation about compiling the recent book Mouthful of Feathers - Upland in America, the genesis of the Mouthful of Feathers Blog, and the pursuit of unapologetic, sometimes offbeat, outdoor writing. Greg and Tom have long been sharing their perspectives on guns, dogs, and the upland life freshly and honestly, and this new print project is a vehicle to get more fresh voices out there in the space. The group explores the challenges and opportunities presented by such an endeavor.

Reid takes a moment to pull back the curtain and describe his work: his job at Orvis and what it entails, how it came to be, and what a fall looks like from his vantage point. This explanation hopefully provides context for the subject matter of the podcast and the resource he hopes it to be. In anticipation of a coming trip to Idaho's Flying B Ranch, he also shares a writing, "Discovering the Spirit", first published in Covey Rise Magazine.

Reid speaks with Will Vogt and Tony Cadwalader, who work together to provide hunts for wild Bobwhites on Will's family ranch near Hebronville. The conversation explores the differences between quail hunting in South TX vs. South Georgia, the history of quail hunting in South Texas, and the unique qualities of hunting scrub desert bobs.

In this episode, Reid and gunsmith Del Whitman explore the language of shotguns. Focusing on a few commonly used but often misunderstood terms, Del provides both some definitions and some explanation of how the defined mechanisms function within the gun.

Kyle Green of Green Way Outdoors joins Reid in a wide-ranging and inspirational conversation about outdoor media, recruitment of new outdoors people, and the opportunity to cast hunting and fishing in a fresh and positive light to the mainstream. Kyle is a hunter, angler, and host/producer of The Green Way Outdoors, which is now airing on the History Channel. He shares his passion and his philosophies with trademark enthusiasm in this great conversation.

Reid sits down with the Orvis Hunt Product Development Team of Jesse Haller, Natalie Cullum, and Will Helmetag to discuss the development and testing process, and how new hunting items come to be. The group also runs through New products for 2023, and what may be in the pipeline for future seasons.

Reid and the Orvis Hill Country Shooting Grounds staff gather on a call to chat, talk about the Hill Country experience, and swap some stories. The group explores the history of the property, what goes on there, and what makes the experience of shooting or generally recreating at Hill Country special. Learn more about the people and the property here.

Reid uses a solo podcast to update listeners on his summer thus far and what is planned for the upcoming bird season. He also re-visits a story first published in Gray·s Sporting Journal called ·The Coincident Ecology of Birds and Men·. This piece describes the remarkable Valley quail resource found in central Patagonia, and two men, Rance Rathie and Travis Smith, who have pioneered a unique hunting program based in Trevelin. Rance and Travis are the owners of Patagonia River Guides and their story is one of friendship, adventure, and a commitment to being the finest hunting and fishing outfitters in South America.

In this episode, Reid and Rob Fenwick, Managing Director at E.J. Churchill, discuss the iconic UK brand. Rob explores the history of Churchill guns, and the important impacts that Robert Churchill had on gun design and shooting technique. He goes on to explore the current state of E.J. Churchill as a global outdoor brand, one encompassing two World-Class Shooting Grounds, gun manufacture and sales, a Sporting Agency, and soft goods· really a remarkable tale of a storied gunmaker.

Reid joins Jim and Elaine Stewart, owners and founders of Britain's Longthorne Gunmakers, to discuss the innovation, engineering, and outside-the-box thinking that has put these remarkable firearms on the map. Jim and Elaine share Longthorne's origin story while also illuminating the design elements of a Longthorne that make it a double gun without parallel in the contemporary market. More at Longthorne Gunmakers.

Reid's longtime friend Joseph Peterson joins from his farm in Nez Perce, ID to explore several philosophical aspects of hunting. Joseph has been a guide for both wingshooting and big game for more than 30 years, and has hunted across the globe. He is a consummate outdoorsman, and one who reflects continually on the scope of what it means to be a hunter. The two explore ethics and etiquette, the role of preserves and pen-raised birds, and the past/future of North American hunting.

Reid has the privilege of spending an hour talking with singer, songwriter, hunter, and Texas icon Robert Earl Keen. Having retired from the road after 41 prolific years, REK discusses settling into life in the Texas Hill Country, taking a bit more time to hunt birds and deer, and the amusement provided by a pair of English Cockers. The conversation wanders into REK·s youthful forays with a .410, the joys of south Texas bobwhites, and the magic of a good story, spoken or sung. A great chat with a lovely guy. More on REK·s current work here and via his Americana Podcast on all major platforms.

In another installment with Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing, Reid and Del explore the nuances of a best-quality oil stock finish. Though the two explore other finishing processes in brief, del primarily explains the fastidious process of taking raw walnut to a beautiful, and protected, finished state.

Al Stewart joins Reid to discuss his work with The Nimrod Education Center at Hillsdale College. Al, who retired from 50 years with Michigan DNR, is a gamebird specialist who has studied and hunted internationally. In retirement, he has taken a post with the Nimrod Education Center in Michigan, educating students about the North American Conservation model. The two discuss the future of conservation, and where it may impact hunters, gamebirds, and wild places throughout North America.

Idaho's Andy Wayment joins Reid to discuss his new book, "Idaho Upland Days". The two talk about the role hunting has played in Andy's life, his love of the Gem State's native grouse, great dogs, and the pleasure of recording memories of days afield. A great conversation with a great guy.

Reid speaks once more with his friends Tim and Joanne Linehan of Linehan Outfitting in Montana's Yaak Valley. Tim and Joanne tell the story of building an outfitting business, and a life, in one of the most remote parts of the lower 48. A bit about the Yaak, a bit about the bird hunting and fly-fishing resource, and a good deal about the Linehan's remarkable journey. Join Reid on a hunt/fish combo trip to Linehan Outfitting in 2023, info at https://www.orvis.com/orvis-upland-hunt-and-fish-combo-with-linehan-outfitting/3F8H.html

Reid chats with D. ABRAHAM WOODARD, Ph.D., a Range and Wildlife Scientist at the East Foundation in Hebbronville, Texas, about population ecology and sustainable management of game species, with a primary focus on bobwhite quail. Abe is a lead researcher for The East Foundation (https://www.eastfoundation.net) in south Texas, where he investigates the effects of harvest on northern bobwhite populations. A great conversation about actual hunting impact and the factors that play a role.

Reid is joined by Simon Reinhold, Head of Operations for Holts Auctioneers and Jonny Carter, host of YouTube·s TGS Outdoors, in a discussion of ·the sporting shot·. In essence, the trio explores what makes a shot challenging enough to be ·sporting· while also certain enough that the game is afforded a clean kill. The conversation wanders into ethics, personal responsibility, and the uniquely personal balance that we as shooters must strike between efficacy and challenge.

Reid goes straight to the source in this podcast to discuss the past and present of esteemed Italian gunmaker FAMARS: Fabbrica Armi Mario Abbiatico Remo Salvinelli (known to many as simply Abbiatico & Salvinelli). He sits down with Rhode Island-based developer Paul Mihailides, who became Managing Director of FAMARS USA after the company fell on hard times in the mid-2000·s, to get the whole story. A great inside look at a beloved gunmaker. See more about the guns and the maker at https://famars.com/ and explore a phenomenal listing of FAMARS guns for sale at https://thesportingshoppe.com/product-category/shotguns/

Reid kicks off 2023 with an in-depth look at checkering, in the company of noted gunsmith Del Whitman. Del, who owns DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing, unpacks the complexities of layout, design, and execution of checkering patterns, and exposes the artistry that belies this oft-overlooked craft. A bit heady, but this conversation will have you looking at your guns a bit differently, and appreciating the stockmaker's art all the more.

Acclaimed writer, conservationist, and bird hunter Tom Reed joins the podcast from his home in Pony, MT. Tom was one of the instigators behind the blog at www.mouthfuloffeathers.com, which gathered the best contemporary voices in wingshooting writing. He describes the MOF story and discusses the culmination of the project into a print anthology available for pre-order now!

Reid sits down with Jason and Beth Herkes of Craigsanquhar Estate in Fife, Scotland to reflect on a wonderful destination for driven Shooting. Jason and Beth operate the Estate and have seen it gain increasing favor from shooters worldwide. The trio discusses the history of the Estate, how it evolved into a shooting destination, and a bit about the unique way shooting fits into the culture of rural Scotland. For more about shooting at Craigsanquhar visit www.craigsanquhar.com

In this episode, Reid addresses a question from a listener about appropriate dog breeds for the aging hunter, and then joins Orvis Gunroom Mgr. Greg Carpiniello to discuss the goings on with Orvis Guns. The two talk about the new Flagship Gunroom, and the addition of a new Gunsmith at Orvis. From there, Greg talks about 3 guns that have stood out to him in the Gunroom recently.

Reid joins Jesse Haller, Orvis Hunt Product developer and competitive fly angler, in a discussion about Jesse·s path into the uplands. Though hunting was largely available throughout his life, Jesse discusses how in recent years he·s become fascinated with bird hunting. The duo explores common barriers to entry, and Jesse digs in with some questions that were pertinent to his early days in the uplands.

"Bright Lights, Big Weather" referencing a long-ago rain-soaked trip to Alaska. The story was written for an e-book put out by the bloggers at Mouthful of Feather. It is a bit of a contemplation on bird hunting, ego, and why we sometimes care how we are perceived by the people around us.

Reid sits down with Jim Champion, Head Shooting Instructor at Orvis Hill Country in PA. Jim shares his breadth of knowledge on common problems and easy fixes that will improve performance on the course and in the field.

Reid is joined once again by Ben O. Williams. The two discuss Mountain Quail specifically, and the hunter's journey in a more roundabout fashion, referencing the incredible life of a legendary bird hunter.

Nick Larson of the Birdshot Podcast and The Upland Gun Company joins Reid for a long-overdue catch up. The two discuss Nick's work formerly with the Project Upland Podcast and more recently with his own Birdshot Podcast. The conversation also explores Nick's current role as GM of the Upland Gun Company, and how that business came to be.

Reid and his friend Thierry Bombeke, Publisher and Director of Wingshooting at Shooting Sportsman Magazine, discuss Wingshooting Travel, specifically the benefit of a group trip. For those interested in getting away on some adventures but lacking a travel companion or the time to put together a DIY adventure, the Group Trip model may serve you well. Reid and Thierry discuss the what and why, and delve into the trip offerings available through Orvis Travel. Explore these trips at https://www.orvis.com/wingshooting-trips

In this podcast Reid chats with Jim and Deanna Keller of the award-winning Wildwind Kennels about the process of training his Springer pup, Lulu. Deanna and Jim just spent two months with Lulu and tidied up some early training that Reid had accomplished. They discuss the process of evaluating a young dog, where to start flushing dog training, and specifically how Lulu responded to the work that was done. In future episodes we will re-visit Lulu·s progress with Deanna and Jim, follow her through the hunting season, and optimally discuss the steadying process as it takes place.

Reid joins his friends Jonny Carter and Sasha Novakovic from TGS Outdoors to debrief their recent visit to the US. Known to most as the masterminds behind Youtube's remarkable shooting channel, Sasha and Jonny are as talented as they are gregarious. The trio explores the comparative shooting cultures in the US and the UK, regional target types and presentations, and fried chicken. Learn more about the US Tour at TGS Outdoors on Youtube.

In another collaborative episode with Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing, Reid and Del discuss the oft-misunderstood topic of regulation. Regulating barrels is the process by which double gun barrels are aligned to shoot where pointed, and to deliver a payload of pellets from each barrel to the same point of impact. From a gunmaking standpoint this feat is easier explained than accomplished. Del works his magic to explain the process and to explore the treatment for barrels that are out of regulation.

Reid joins pals Michael Vargas and Chuck Coolidge of @hunthikehook to discuss upland gear from top to bottom. Mike and Chuck are regular guests, and avid hunters based in Arizona. The trio discusses gear that has worked, gear that has become essential, and gear that could be worth a try in 2022/23. All of these as we anticipate the drop of the 2022/23 Orvis Hunting Catalog, and a bird season that is getting closer everyday.

In this episode, Reid settles in with Simon Reinhold, Head of Operations for Holts Auctioneers in the UK. Simon is a wealth of information and perspective on fine guns, game shooting, rural issues, conservation, and the philosophical exploration of hunting. He has written and spoken extensively on a host of related topics, and he is wonderfully articulate about the nuanced responsibility that goes along with hunting, and the delicate necessity of effectiveness when gameshooting. Reid and Simon explore these challenging questions, discuss mindset and etiquette, and generally just scratch the surface of what promises to be an ongoing conversation. More on Simon at https://simonreinhold.co.uk/

Reid uses this podcast to answer listener Steve Roberts' question about left handed gun fit, and what accommodations can be made by a company like Caesar Guerini to create a custom-fit gun. Reid explores the modifications that are possible to a standard gun, and explains the value of proper fitting to ensure a successful shooting experience.

In a great on-site chat, Reid sits down with his friend Doug Duren. Since their last chat, Doug has formalized Sharing the Land, an effort to connect access seekers with landowners in a collaborative stewardship effort. The two discuss conservation, hunting, land use, and life in general while sitting down at the Duren farmhouse in Wisconsin. Learn more at www.sharingtheland.com

Reid chats with his good friend Chad Love, editor of the Quail Forever Journal. Chad speaks about his native Oklahoma, the hunter·s progress, writing his way through a career, and the QF initiative Bird Dogs for Habitat. A wonderful chat with one of the most thoughtful guys in the game.

Reid shares some introspection, thoughts on seasonality and turkey hunting, and his recent travels. With May just around the corner, he leans into his reliance on the things that don't change, and his understanding that all things invariably change. The story he shares reflects his own evolution and education as a turkey hunter, and provides some levity.

Another installment in partnership with Purina ProPlan, Reid is again joined by Dr. RuthAnn Lobos in a discussion about canine dental care. Dr. RuthAnn discusses the way in which dental health impacts the overall health and function of a dog, and the way that a dog's teeth/mouth can be an indicator of underlying health issues. Great tips on at-home dental care, and a great chat as always with Dr. RuthAnn. More info at www.merrickpetcare.com

Reid joins Glen Blackwood, Director of Regional Development for the Ruffed Grouse Society / American Woodcock Society in a discussion about books, collectibles, and ephemera. As a noted authority on sporting books and writing, Glen speaks to his experience, what writing resonates with him, and what the future of sporting literature holds.

Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing joins Reid to discuss an article that the duo collaborated on for the March/April issue of Shooting Sportsman Magazine. The podcast discusses springs, their function and fabrication as it pertains to fine guns. A bit granular in detail, listeners may benefit from a video reference, this one by our friend Jonny Carter at TGS Outdoors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G281KNk2Zt8 Interesting content from a truly masterful gunsmith

Abel and Remy Labelle, a father/son duo from North Haven Island off the Maine coast, join Reid to explore how kids get involved with hunting. At 9, Remy is a passionate and accomplished hunter and outdoorsman who hopes to follow his father and grandfather into the work of a Registered Maine Guide. Abel and Remy discuss his unique childhood, island life, how to make hunting accessible and exciting to kids, and what a year off the Maine Coast looks like. A great one for those who thought the days when a kid could tumble out the back door to hunt and fish were gone.