Upland Nation

Audio exclusive: Alex Solem joins me from South Dakota and takes us through yesterday's pheasant hunt and well, let's just say it was one for the books. But habitat and conditions weren't exactly what you'd expect so listen and learn. Suffice it to say, it's not always the vast expanses that yield big bird numbers. We talk dog work, kids and hunting, what early-season habitat looks like this year, and a few strategies that might pay off for you. We'll also look back to the South Dakota opening weekend, entirely different conditions and challenges, distinct strategies and tactics. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Brian Hare, Ph.D., does have suggestions on that question, including an age when a pup actually can exhibit the traits of a great bird dog, and we'll get his answer on this and dozens more. He's a core member of Duke's Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, professor and with over 100 scientific papers and dozens of pups run through his home and hundreds through his research he's uniquely qualified to help us raise better bird dog puppies. Author of three books with his wife Vanessa Wood, his latest is Puppy Kindergarten. We'll explore everything from the best age to bring a puppy home, to when a dog's congnitive functions are fully formed, to whether or not we can teach an old dog new tricks. Brian will address my questions about common puppy-raising mistakes bird hunters make, and guide us from crate training (revelations here!) to "socialization" and how much is enough. Does it matter when a pup in a litter "picks" us? What about introduction to water, gunfire, other people and dogs? We'll cover it all. Our social segment features advice from followers on hunting boot care.  And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Audio exclusive: Avid chukar hunter Coby Rowe is just back from his state's opening weekend with an on-the-ground report on habitat conditions, bird numbers and some insights into how chukars are behaving in the face of feed challenges and population dynamics. We get a blow-by-blow account of some beautiful finds by his Epagneul Breton, and vivid descriptions of the land and its challenges. You'll take away some insights on hunting these elusive birds as well. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Marilyn Vetter joins me to cover all things strategic at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. From where the money comes from and where it goes, to why the Farm Bill matters, to the reason well-managed privately-owned ground benefits all bird hunters ... the "what's in it for me?" question we all ask. We'll talk about the big wins for PF/QF, what's ahead in the way of challenges, and look at the future of conservation in the U.S. We explore major initiatives of the organization, why a bird hunters' group should love bees and butterflies, and even get a puppy training tip.  "Fix It" has a different way to look at training the retrieve where you start at the end, and on social media we get your advice on finding game bird habitat. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Audio exclusive: Friend of the show and founder of Sage & Braker, Fred Bohm is the consummate hunter: exotics, big game, and his first love, upland birds. Fred is just back from the Rockies, where he hunted dusky grouse. It's a rough-and-tumble high-altitude family affair with a number of highlights: a first bird for his 11-year-old son, a young setter paired with a seasoned dog, big birds, and stunning scenery. But I'll let Fred give you the details while they're fresh in his memory. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, ClayCopter, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.