The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

In this episode Reid spends some time with Field & Stream Shotguns Editor Phil Bourjaily. In a career that spans several decades, Bourjaily is one of the most revered contemporary experts on guns and shooting, and his body of work writing on the subject is remarkable. As he will attest, though, he is foremost a hunter. Phil and Reid discuss writing, print media, hunting in Phil's home state of Iowa, and a somewhat serendipitous entry into the world of gun writing.

Reid spends some time catching up with his friend Aaron Schroder of Double A Gundogs in Lyons, Nebraska. The two explore the challenges of starting a training and outfitting business, the long and winding path that got Aaron back to his boyhood home in the rural Midwest, and why one should never order the conch chowder in Omaha. An interesting and honest take on pursuing one's dream. Enjoy!

Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello add yet another installment to the series on iconic shotguns, this time exploring the Browning Citori. The much-loved Citori was conceived as a lower-priced, Japanese-made alternative to its Belgian cousin the Superposed, but over time found widespread favor among hunters and target shooters alike. It remains one of the most beloved double guns of all time, and one that finds itself in regular use in the field and on the course. Enjoy the story of this classic double gun.

Reid takes the opportunity to share another story, this one originally published in Gray's Sporting Journal. The story is a bit of a tribute and a bit of a reflection on people and place, and a now-gone relative with a devilish way about her. Hopefully it will provide you all with a nice escape during these uncertain and strange times. Enjoy!

Back in the saddle, Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello again talk iconic guns, this time the Browning Auto 5. Perhaps the most beloved semi-automatic shotgun of all time, the old Browning Humpback is a miracle of engineering, and romantic as heck. Few who have spent any time in the uplands, wetlands, or even in the deer woods are unfamiliar with the utility and incredible durability of the A5. For those with a soft spot for classic American shotguns this is a must-listen.

In keeping with the conversations about iconic guns, Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager, Greg Carpiniello dive into 'the perfect repeater', the Winchester Model 12. This classic slide-action shotgun is perhaps the most coveted of its ilk, an one that commands a high price. It is also a lively and serviceable sporting gun with sleek lines and design features that were cutting edge for their time. Reid and Greg discuss the Model 12, several other noteworthy pump guns, and the misconception that here at Orvis we turn up our noses at repeaters. Enjoy!

While relegated to his home office, Reid touches base with celebrity bird hunter, author, and television host Scott Linden. Linden, who is based in Bend, Oregon, is known to many for his long run on Wingshooting USA. He is also the personality behind Scott Linden Outdoors and Upland Nation, and on those platforms he houses a volume of information about birds, dogs, guns, and hunting travel. Reid and Scott discuss Wingshooting television, Scott's travels, and the arc of a career in the outdoors.

In this episode of the Podcast, Reid is joined by John Carpenter, Upland Manager and Fly-fishing Manager at Orvis Sandanona. John is a beloved member of the Orvis shooting community, and one in a series of folks who we hope to get to know better through the podcast. He is a native New Englander who began a career at Orvis nearly 7 years ago as a trapper, but now oversees all of the hunting endeavors at Orvis. He is an avid dog trainer and handler, and a genuinely kind and engaged member of the team. He and Reid discuss Sandanona, the work of John's year, Labrador Retrievers, kids, and how to approach gundog training in the confines of the home environment. Enjoy!

In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, Reid is working from home, and doing regular short podcasts to stay connected. In this installment of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, Reid shares some feedback from Doug Manzer, PhD., who responds to the Steve Grossman episode about the differences between Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie Chicken habitat. Reid goes on to reflect about these odd times, working from home, a favorite Robert Ruark story, and the plan for the coming weeks. Enjoy this short episode, and stay tuned for more.

Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello take a moment away from the turmoil to reflect on some lighter subjects. Specifically, the two dig deep into the history of the iconic Winchester Model 21. A true American Classic, the 21 is among the most c

In this installment of the podcast, Reid explores some dog training tips and misconceptions with Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love of Ronnie Smith Kennels in Pawhuska, OK. In response to listener questions, Ronnie and Susanna explore the definition of a 'correction, while also dispelling some common myths and misconceptions about dog training. Reid, Ronnie, and Susanna also reference some of the insights discussed in their recent book Training Bird Dogs with Ronnie Smith Kennels which was published by Rizzoli last year. Enjoy!

Reid and Syren Brand Manager Lynne Green discuss Syren Shotguns, Clays Sports, and brand ambassadors in the 'influencer' age. Lynne is a hunter, instructor, and competitive shooter with a special passion for bringing women into the shooting sports. As Syr

In response to a question about prairie grouse habitat from listener Eric Hall of Thurmond , NC, Reid reaches out to Steve "Grouseman" Grossman, owner of Double Gun Bird Hunts, Little Moran Grouse Camp, and Wild Prairie Lodge. Steve has spent a career as a wild bird guide and dog handler, and he has a particular affinity for the native birds of the upper Midwest. His work guiding and hunting the prairies of central South Dakota inform a comprehensive working knowledge of Sharptail habits and habitat, and some insights into those of the Greater Prairie Chicken. Steve shares his story, some thoughts on finding birds, and illuminates a bit of the magic to be found on the prairie. See the short film "Grouseman" that features Steve at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7rWD0M3ATw&feature=emb_logo

In this installment of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, Reid describes his recent hunting experiences and takes a moment to reflect on the season that has past. He also provides some new ways to connect with the Podcast, namely by sending questions In this installment of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, Reid describes his recent hunting experiences and takes a moment to reflect on the season that has past. He also provides some new ways to connect with the Podcast, namely by sending questions or comments via audio file (voice memo on a smartphone) to [email protected]. The plan is to share listener questions on the air in future installments. Reid goes on to read one of his stories, namely 'Go West, Young Man…" which was first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine in January/February 2013. The story harkens back to a time when Reid was considering a move to the mountain West, and what it might feel like to say goodbye to New England. Enjoy!

In this episode of the podcast, Reid heads south to Orvis Sandanona alongside colleague Scott McEnaney (Director, Orvis Adventures) to meet up with Ben Jones, President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. The three take an

In this final installment of the Libby Camps saga, Reid speaks with Matt Libby Jr. who represents the 5th generation of Libby Camps ownership. On a bumpy ride between grouse coverts the two discuss the history of Libby Camps, the story of Matt·s family l

In this second installment of Reid and Phil's Libby Camps Odyssey, the duo sit sown one evening with Registered Maine Guides Jeff Labree and Ben Rioux. As the woodstove crackles in the background, Ben and Jeff describe the Libby Camps experience, noting the unique region where visitors have hunted and fished for generations. Jeff and Ben paint a lyrical history of the camp facility as well, and even discuss some of the folktales and superstitions that abound in the North Woods. Enjoy.

In the first episode of the Libby Camps Saga, Reid and Phil Monahan head out from Southern Vermont en route to Libby Camps in Northern Maine. While on the road, Reid interviews Phil on his start in the hunting world and his early career. It makes for a great start to the Libby Camps and makes for a fun and insightful interview in the lead up to their arrival in Maine. Enjoy!

On the eve of the South Dakota Pheasant Opener, Reid sits down in an office adjacent Mitchell's storied Corn Palace with three staffers from Pheasants Forever. In attendance are Matt Morlock (SD State Coordinator for Pheasants Forever) Chris Kalis (Director of Corporate Partnerships) and Erica Yost (South Dakota Regional Representative). The group digs into the remarkable pheasant hunting culture in South Dakota, the role PF plays in upland conservation throughout the country, and how a hunter can go about planning a DIY trip to hunt in America's heartland. Enjoy!

Professional Wingshooting Guide BJ Walle joins Reid in a philosophical look at what it means to be a guide. BJ, who has been a key member of the guide staff at Idaho's Flying B Ranch for nearly twenty years, shares insights on what it takes to be a professional guide, and what separates a great guide from a passable one. He is eloquent in describing the softer skills of emotional intelligence and empathy required by great guides, and he digs into the depth of skills that his job demands. The genesis of this conversation is Flying B's recent development of a Wingshooting Guide School, which is detailed at https://www.flyingbranch.com/wingshooting-guide-school. A great conversation with an incredibly thoughtful fellow.

With bird season in full swing, Reid meditates on his travels to date, his decidedly poor shooting, and the impending arrival of duck season. With that he reflects on duck hunts past, and shares a tale of one such day in northern Vermont. This story of that day was captured in the essay 'On the Black River', which was published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine in 2011. It is a tale of friendship, getting sick, and the imperfection of perfection. Enjoy!

Reid is joined by veteran Gunsmith, Gunfitter, and Shooting Instructor John Skinner for a chat about Shooting Dynamics and the Fundamentals of Gunfitting. Skinner brings more than 40 years of experience to the discussion and highlights the aspects of shooting and fitting that challenge his students most often. The two break down the fitting process into a series of steps that enable a shooter to hit where he or she is looking, and the shooting process into seeing the target and the shot string as dynamic objects in 3 dimensions.

In this installment of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, Reid returns from his first hunting trip of the year, and reflects on how the bird season somehow snuck up on him. With an eye towards a season sprinkled with hunting travel, Reid explores the

Trent Leichleiter of Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel joins Reid to discuss a range of topics including a childhood in the midwest, the value of hard work in realizing goals, and the virtues of giving back. Trent manages Pheasant Bonanza and has guided extensively as well as competed with his dogs. He also recently started a non-profit called KAMO which works to find homes for retired or unwanted sporting dogs, while also providing mentoring relationships for new hunters. Enjoy!

In his latest podcast, Reid digs deep into shot-shell development with two key members of the Winchester Ammunition Team-- Mike Stock, Director of Commercial Sales and Product Management, and Ben Frank, Product Manager.They discuss all facets of shotgun shells, including performance, construction, and the different materials that impact both. It's a great chance to "nerd out" on the nuances of shotgun ammunition with two industry pros. Enjoy!

Reid joins Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello and Gunsmith Jordan Smith in a conversation about the history of Orvis branded shotguns. Jordan, who recently celebrated his 40th year at the Orvis bench, looks back over the various makers who have provided guns to Orvis, and the reasoning behind the various partnerships that have been cultivated. Plenty of perspective on the quality of Spanish guns, the shifting trends of over/under vs. side-by-side, and the current state of Orvis shotguns. Enjoy!

Reid and Nick Larson, host of the Project Upland Podcast, discuss the changing face of hunting media, guns, birds, and summer in the North. Nick, a Duluth MN native and avid grouse and woodcock hunter, serves as the brand communications director at Northwoods Collective, a media and marketing company in the outdoor space. The podcast wanders into questions about upland hunting in social media, contemporary print, and the opportunity to straddle the old and the new. Nick is a great guest, and a skilled podcaster himself. Check out Nick's podcast at www.projectupland.com.

After a bit of a break, Reid returns to the Podcast to spend some time with Hannah Perkins, the most recent member of the Perkins family to join the Orvis Company. Hannah grew up in a rich hunting and fishing heritage, alongside cousins Simon and Charley. She tells stories of her childhood, learning to shoot, the challenging reality of killing animals we love, and eating hearts and livers! Enjoy!

Reid is joined by Wes Butler, a friend and Warden for the Vermont Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Wes, an avid bird hunter and outdoorsman, discusses his pathway into a career as a Game Warden. The two also discuss finer points of fish and game laws, access, and how to build a relationship with your local fish and wildlife officer.

On this episode of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast Reid talks hunting, ethics, food, and connection with noted game cook and author Hank Shaw. Hank, whose web presence at "Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook" (https://honest-food.net/) is a magnificent resource for any and all who are interested in a deeper connection to their food. In the course of this podcast, Hank describes his personal and culinary adventure into the world of wild food, and the deeper relationships that said journey has facilitated. He also offers a few choice tips on game cooking, game prep, and what the well-stocked hunter's kitchen might require. Enjoy!

Reid reflects on the changing face of upland hunting, lost friends, getting older, and opportunities to connect more immediately with listeners. Another solo podcast, this one culminates in the reading of an essay titled 'Something Old, Something New' which can be read at www.reidbryant.com.

In this episode, Reid and his friend Doug Duren of Cazenovia, WI take some time to discuss land use, management, conservation, and access. Known to many for his additions to Steve Rinella's Meateater show and the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Doug is at root a passionate land steward. He brings to the conversation a unique perspective on land, highlighted by his innovative Conservation Cooperators Network initiative which fosters access on private land in exchange for land management work. Doug is a wonderful storyteller, seasoned hunter, and something of a philosopher. Some great lessons are leaned into, and some great ideas bounced around. Enjoy!

Recorded on-site at Orvis Sandanona, Reid discusses the finer points of shooting technique with James Ross, Chief Shooting Instructor for The Orvis Company. James lays out the five key elements that result in effective wingshooting, shedding additional light on the fact that fundamental skills and practice are key. James also discusses his personal story and current role, describing how he became one of the finest shooting instructors in the US.

Reid speaks with his friend Bob St. Pierre, VP of Marketing and Communications for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Bob articulates the work and goals of these two impactful groups while also recounting his pathway into a career in conservation. The two discuss land and dogs and the recent Pheasant Fest; a great chat with a great guest. Enjoy!

On a March afternoon, Reid shares an hour with writer, hunter, upland historian, and Ruffed Grouse devotee Andy Wayment. Andy and Reid discuss Andy's recent book, Idaho Ruffed Grouse Hunting, which chronicles Andy's love affair with grouse, dogs, and days afield. The two discuss the book as well as Andy's work with brother Shawn Wayment on the Uplandways blog, but conversation wanders deep into the world of outdoor literature. Andy and Reid go deep into their shared passion for the great and timeless stories penned by such authors as Gorham Cross, Corey Ford, Bill and Tap Tapply, and Burton Spiller. A great listen!

On this podcast Reid visits with Ryan O'Shaughnessy of West Texas Quail Outfitters. Building on an earlier podcast, the two discuss Ryan's unique story, which began with a childhood in rural Botswana and grew into a career as a wildlife biology professor in west Texas. The two discuss how Ryan's upbringing informed his love of land and species, and similarly how a love of wildlife can exist in concert with an identity as a hunter and guide.

Pheasant Fest is the annual consumer show and fundraiser/banquet that benefits Pheasants Forever, a leader in conservation of Upland habitat and species. While there I was able to sit down with the mother/daughter duo of Liz and Hayden Lewis of Bozeman, MT. Hayden at 13 is hoping to join The National Youth Leadership Council with PF, and she is an avid young female hunter and shooter. Liz is formerly a competition shooter, fishing guide, lifelong hunter, and in recent years has become recognized as one of the country's best wildlife sculptors. Her bronze's are prized and displayed in homes and galleries around the world. Liz, Hayden and I discuss being a youth hunter, Hayden's involvement in conservation, and Liz's ascent in her field.

In another on-site podcast, Reid spends an evening with friend and former Endorsed Guide of the Year, Mark Nissen of Classic Bird Hunts. Recorded on a hunt for desert quail in southern New Mexico, this podcast is more a conversation between friends, discussing quail hunting, Brittany's, and Mark's unique career. Enjoy

Reid explores his thoughts on the ideal gun for a given application. With identity as a focus throughout, he considers how the gun used in a given environment must make sense both functionally, but also tonally. This podcast also wanders into a bit of a wish list, or something along the lines of "if money were no object…" Enjoy!

In another solo podcast, Reid shares 5 tips on how to make corrections when shooting success starts to go south. In essence, these tips offer a way to troubleshoot when consistent missing starts to occur. Included are issues of mechanics, but also the more pertinent issues of mindset, and how to combat them. Enjoy!"

In another read-aloud session, Reid shares and reflects on the story Maggie's October, first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. The winter season is a reflective time, with many thoughts drifting back to people, places, and moments. This is a story fondly remembered, and happily shared.

Reid discusses shotguns and physics with Andrew Wertenberger, Senior Gunsmith for Caesar Guerini USA, Fabarm USA, and Syren. The two go deep into the functioning of auto-loaders, the physics of choke, the nuances of cartridges, and general explanations of the forces at work in a shotgun. Enjoy!

Charley Perkins of The Orvis Company joins Reid to discuss all things duck hunting. Charley is an avid and lifelong waterfowler and a tremendous game shot, and the two discuss shooting both near home and further afield, and hit on some basics of guns, dogs, calls, and decoys.

Master engraver, gunmaker, and unrivaled craftsman Damien Connolly joins Reid for a discussion about much more than engraving. Connolly, who moved to southern Vermont from his native Australia to work alongside renowned engraver Winston Churchill, discusses his quest for excellence and his fascination with craft. Few gunsmiths have the breadth of skill that Connolly brings to the game, and few are as driven to achieve a high degree of proficiency regardless of the cost, or the reward. An incredible conversation takes shape.

On an early November evening, Reid returns from Orvis Sandanona with Gun Room Manager Greg Carpiniello. Recorded on a mobile unit that captures the sound of rain on the windshield, the two discuss the Orvis assortment of shotguns, and how it was arrived at. Gun talk, Orvis talk, and a peak behind the scenes of Orvis gun sales; enjoy.

In this episode Reid has the privilege of sharing an hour with acclaimed writer, rancher, hunter, angler, and conservationist Thomas McGuane. McGuane, whose career as a novelist and short story writer spans nearly 50 years, describes his thoughts on hunting, dogs, place, guns, and friends. For listeners who know and love McGuane's work, this podcast is a must.

In this episode, Reid reads from another previously published one of his works. In a nostalgic moment Reid describes his early hunting and mentors in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and goes on to read a reflective story of people and place. Enjoy!

Recorded live in Cabri Saskatchewan, Reid spends an evening at Bird Camp speaking with Dave Brown of Dave Brown Outfitters. The two discuss the day they spent afield for Hungarian Partridge and Sharptail Grouse, and Dave describes the nuances and history of hunting the region. A bit on guns, a bit on birds, and the sound of a few restless bird dogs underfoot. Enjoy!

Reid spends an hour with Jordan Smith (Orvis Gunsmith) and Greg Carpiniello (Orvis Gunroom Manager) discussing nuances of guns and shooting. The trio explore shot size, chokes, dangers of steel shot in old guns, shotgun finishes, and recoil. The podcast is rife with opinions, some of which are even well-informed. Enjoy!

In what may become a periodic new format for the podcast, Reid shares a written story of an early duck hunt, and a traditional reunion with an old friend. These periodic spoken word/storytelling podcasts may become a regular installment, so don't hesitate to weigh in with your opinions.