The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

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.

Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love join Reid for a conversation about canine psychology, mindset, and some of the lessons they use to enhance both. Ronnie and Susanna are owners of Ronnie Smith Kennels, and they have collectively trained thousands of dogs in the methodology that began with Ronnie's late father and Uncle Delmar Smith. Ronnie and Susanna have taken dog training to a remarkable new space, looking for ways to leverage a positive canine mindset for maximum result in the training environment and in the field.

On the eve of Reid's first hunting junket of the season Reid spends a bit of time with Matty Rawlinson of Owens Valley Wingshooting. The two discuss Matty's early days afield in the UK, the differences between UK and US shooting styles and perceptions, and even the nuances of load efficiency. Not to be missed is the segment on Snipe, a species for which Matty has a soft spot. Enjoy!

With upland bird season already underway through much of North America, Reid chats with Durrell Smith of the Gundog Notebook, discussing all facets of hunting, shooting, guns, dogs, and the upland aesthetic. Durrell Smith is an artist, art teacher, and avid gundog owner who has immersed himself in his passion for all things hunting related. Reid and Durrell wander in and out of their shared stories of a late introduction to the sporting life, finding ample common ground and shared interests. Enjoy!

Reid welcomes his colleague Julia Zema to the podcast to discuss the common questions facing new hunters as they attempt to enter the world of upland bird hunting. Julia and Reid discuss, firearm education, hunter safety, etiquette, access, and dogs, and so doing hope to answer common questions and break down some barriers of entry. Enjoy!

Ron Boehme, host of the Hunting Dog Podcast, joins Reid for a conversation that runs the gamut. Ron and Reid discuss podcasting, their shared respect for Steven Rinella's work on Meateater, the prospect of bringing a spaniel pup home, and the joys of fine double guns. Ron's enthusiasm and humor are infectious, and the two spend an easy hour wandering around the topics they both enjoy.

In this episode of the podcast Reid speaks with Jeremy Criscoe of Blue Cypress Kennels, an Orvis Endorsed Labrador breeder. Jeremy describes the kennel operation, the focus on British Labradors, and the conditioning necessary to produce top field dogs that are in peak hunting performance each fall.

On today's podcast Reid interviews Karl Gunzer, Sr. Manager - Sporting Dog Group at Nestle/Purina. After a successful career as a retriever trialer and trainer, Gunzer took a job with Purina promoting relations within the sporting dog space. He and Reid discuss his personal story, canine nutrition, and the role Purina plays with owners, trainers, handlers, and sporting dogs.

Reid spends an hour with Shawn Wayment, a Colorado veterinarian with a focus on sporting dogs. Listeners may know Shawn as Bird dog doc on Instagram, or via the Uplandways blog that he hosts with his brother Andy. Reid and Shawn discuss common health issues among sporting dogs, emergency treatment in the field, chronic issues, and what should be in every bird hunter's first aid kit. Enjoy!!

In response to a few emails Reid takes the opportunity to share his personal story, illuminating his life and career in hunting, writing, dogs, and guns. More than simply a bio, this podcast also explores some of the very real and universal challenges of learning to become an upland hunter and dog owner, while also celebrating the triumphs. A good opportunity to learn more about the host of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast.

Reid is joined on the show by Rick Watson from Catskills Casts and Coverts where they discuss grouse hunting in the Catskill region of New York State and the exciting classes provided by Catskill Casts and Coverts to help improve your wing shooting skills.

Reid takes to the podcast booth to answer some dog questions recently posed by listeners. He answers some questions about terminology, picking a breed, and how to select a methodology for training that ensures some degree of success. Somewhat off-the-cuff, and strictly informed by Reid's own experience and opinion, this podcast serves to illuminate some basic and oft-asked questions about gun dogs.

Thierry Bombeke, Associate Publisher and Director of Wingshooting at Shooting Sportsman Magazine, talks turkey with Reid. Thierry, an avid and educated turkey hunter, shares tips and tricks for success in the turkey woods. From locating to decoy setups to calling strategies, the two discuss ways in which spring turkeys can be taken, as well as ways in which they can continually confound us hunters. Enjoy!

Reid joins Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello in a discussion about repeating shotguns. In light of turkey season, the two discuss the history of autoloaders and pump guns, while also exploring some contemporary offerings. Enjoy!

Reid speaks with his colleague Jordan Smith, longtime Gunsmith at The Orvis Company, about the nuances of gun restoration. The two straw into some personal stories of guns that were worth restoring and guns that were decidedly not, and hit upon the challenges and opportunities of breathing new life into an old firearm.

Reid speaks with Christian Fichtel, manager of the Orvis store in Greenville, SC. Christian is an avid southern grouse hunter, and has spent years chasing grouse throughout the challenging coverts of the southern Appalachians. He describes the region and the resource, and spends a bit of time exploring the joys and challenges of being a grouse hunter and grouse dog owner in a region of relatively slim populations.

Reid speaks with Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello about 'first good guns'. The two identify guns of lasting value, quality, and aesthetics that can be had for less than a contemporary autoloader but will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. Basically, a couple of shotgun geeks talking about the guns they would buy if 1500 bucks fell into their laps. Enjoy!

Reid spends some time with Michael Pepi of Jonas Brothers Taxidermy in New York. With more than a century's worth of experience, Jonas Brothers has been the taxidermist of choice for such noted hunters as Ernest Hemingway. Since the early 1980's the company has been owned by the Pepi family, and Michael carries on the tradition. He is an avid waterfowler and upland hunter, as well as a dog handler and guide. Reid and Michael discuss birds, dogs, and how to care for game you hope to have mounted.

In answer to a question about flushing spaniels, Reid spends some time with his good friend and noted trainer Jerry Cacchio. The two drill down on the finer points of English Springer and English Cocker spaniels, trends in the breeding of each, and their greater applicability for North American hunting.

Reid spends a few minutes reflecting on 2017, and offering some thoughts for 2018. With this, he shares 5 New Years Resolutions that are applicable to every wingshooter from gun maintenance to best practices in working with your dog. With that, he wishes all listeners a safe and happy New Year!

All of us at the Orvis Hunting and Shooting podcast wish a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! In this episode, Reid speaks with Alex Russo of South Dakota's Flatland Flyways. The two discuss prairie dry ground waterfowling, the habits of ducks, and the sometimes bizarre rules and regs for non resident waterfowl hunters in the dakotas.

Reid answers some recent listener questions addressing gun fit, picking a preserve, hunting without a dog, and assessing cover.

Reid spends an afternoon with his friend Keith Nord, an avid bird hunter and former captain of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. Keith shares insights on life, hunting, dogs, and football in an inspirational podcast that is sure to be of interest to all.

Reid speaks with Al Stewart, Wildlife Biologist and Upland Gamebird Specialist and Program Leader for Michigan DNR. Al describes the life cycle and habits of the American Woodcock, based on a lifetime of study and conservation work.

Reid spends some time with Ed Arnett, Senior Scientist for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Ed and Reid discuss the role sage grouse play in the current discussion of conservation in the west. Ed reflects upon the history and natural history of the sage grouse, and the place they have occupied as a figurehead for the conservation of the sagebrush ecosystem.

In response to several listener emails, Reid spends an hour discussing how to get started in bird hunting. Using his own experience as a point of reference, he offers several tips on how one can enter into what can seem a challenging sport with significant barriers to entry.

Reid spends some time with Agustin Bustos, guide and dog handler at both Los Ombues Lodge in Argentina, and Patagonia River Guides in Patagonia. Agustin is somethign of a legend among international wingshooters, and he describes the ins and outs of dove, duck, and perdiz hunting for the traveling sportsman.

In light of the publication of his new book 'The Orvis Guide to Upland Hunting', Reid discusses ten must-read books for upland hunters. Among them are a few lesser-known pieces that might be of interest. Have a question or suggestion for the show? Email Reid at [email protected].

Reid spends some time with Orvis Hunting Product Developer Charley Perkins. Charley discusses his passion for waterfowl hunting, his innovations in hunt product, and the unique sporting culture in which he was raised. He references the new 2018 hunting assortment which can be viewed at www.orvis.com/huntinglookbook

Reid chats with Greg Carpiniello, Orvis Gun Room Manager based in Manchester Vermont. Reid and Greg discuss guns, Greg's role at Orvis, and what it might be like to have the chance to buy that dream shotgun.

A number of things done well in the off-season can provide for more success in the field. Reid gives his top ten suggestions from proper gun storage to working with your dog to make sure you're ready to go when opening day comes around.

Reid speaks with Sam Lungren of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, a conservation group working on land-use policy and access to public lands. Sam describes a bit of the history of public land in the US and the intentions behind its designation. He further goes into the threats being posed to our public use of land, and the work BHA is doing to maintain access for all people.

in honor of Mother's Day last week, Reid caught up with Els and Piippa Perkins for a quick podcast on the joys and challenges of hunting with small children.

Reid spends a wonderful podcast with Lars Magnussen, owner of Idaho's Blixt&Co and international expert on Driven Shooting. Lars illuminates the nuances of driven shoots, from orchestration to dress to shooting technique, and all matters in between. If you have ever wanted to learn more about this time-honored sport, here is the ultimate resource.

Reid and his friend 'Jerry' Ray Cacchio discuss puppies, highlighting tips on socialization, foundation training, establishing boundaries, and the introduction of birds and gun.

In this special double feature, Reid talks to an old friend about the guiding life in Alaska. He also talks to Orvis' own Tom Rosenbauer about a life lived in the outdoor industry and where the cultures of wingshooting and fly-fishing converge.

Reid speaks with fellow bird hunter, dog lover, and podcast host Ron Boehme. From his home in Michigan, Ron describes his entree into the world of hunting and his affinity for the versatile pointing breeds. The two further discuss the unique opportunity of using digital media to share their sport, in Ron's case via the Hunting Dog Podcast.

Reid talks desert quail with researcher and hunting guide Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Ph.D. Ryan's research on West Texas scaled quail allow him insights into the habitat, population cycles, and most effective hunting tactics for these unique birds.

In this episode Reid talks bird hunting with one of his musical heroes, namely Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours. Evan discusses his Oklahoma roots and a culture steeped in quail hunting, dogs, and workhorse shotguns. He also describes the references he makes to hunting in his lyrics and songwriting. Note that Evan refers to a few destinations, specifically G. Lake Guide Service in Arkansas, Jenkins Farms, and east bay rod and gun in tx. See more about Evan at www.turnpiketroubadours.com

Reid talks to Fritz Heller, AKA The Grouse Commander, about the nuances of hunting ruffed grouse with flushing dogs. Fritz offers a unique perspective, resulting from a half lifetime in the grouse woods of upper Michigan.

Reid speaks with Wes Lang, President of Caesar Guerini shotguns. Over the course of a fascinating conversation, Wes describes his ascendancy through the firearms industry, and the bold decision in the late 90's to launch a new shotgun brand. Reid and Wes touch on the products and strategies that have enabled Guerini to become one of the most appreciated and recognized makers in contemporary sporting arms.

In the heart of Grouse and Woodcock season, Reid takes time out to speak with Rick Watson of Catskill Casts and Coverts, discussing the relative merits of beepers vs. bells. A time-honored source of debate among hunters and dog handlers, Reid and Rick explore personal and practical choices, and pose the question of how to locate your gun dog in thick cover.