On The Wing Podcast

One hunter’s relentless quest to chase upland birds across America’s wildest terrain.This conversation dives deep into the reality behind the “upland slam” — not just the birds, but the dogs, the habitat, and the wild game meal at the end of a hunt. Listeners will pick up practical insights on upland bird hunting strategy, from breaking down unfamiliar terrain to identifying productive habitat like timber cuts, chaparral, and sagebrush steppe. There’s a heavy emphasis on how to adapt when things aren’t working, including when to abandon a spot and trust your instincts.The mountain quail hunt brings steep, punishing country into focus, where dog conditioning, physical endurance, and habitat research determine success. Then the conversation shifts to California valley quail hunting with fast action, big coveys, and classic wingshooting. The conversation also takes the listener through chukar and desert quail country as well. Along the way, you’ll hear hard-earned lessons on quail behavior, covey dynamics, shotgun setup, and bird dog performance across wildly different environments. More than anything, it’s a reminder that the pursuit isn’t just about reaching a limit — it’s about the places, the dogs, and the decision to go now instead of later.Show notesCheck out Hunter Kamm’s collection of photos from his bird hunting adventures by following him on Instagram at @Hunter.Kamm.5On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Learn what it really takes to guide upland hunts across the ruffed grouse woods and through the desert quail country.Behind the Instagram photos of bird dogs on point is a far grittier reality. Brian Vander Maazen pulls back the curtain on life as a full-time bird hunting guide, from the aspen covers of Wisconsin to the desert edges of scaled quail country. This conversation gets into the daily grind of guiding upland hunters, reading habitat, training gun dogs, and building a lifestyle around wild birds.You’ll hear how early-season ruffed grouse hunting really works when the leaves are still hanging, why October is prime time for woodcock flights, and how bird numbers, weather, and habitat cycles shape every hunt. Brian breaks down the strategy behind scouting public land, managing hunting pressure, and matching clients with the right covers and dogs. There’s real insight into reading bird dog behavior, understanding bird movement, and creating consistent shooting opportunities in unpredictable conditions.The conversation also shifts south, where scaled quail hunting demands a completely different approach, from terrain to dog work. Along the way, Brian shares the financial realities of guiding, the importance of client expectations, and why dogs are at the center of it all.If you’ve ever considered hiring a guide or becoming one, this is an unfiltered look at what it takes to make it work.Show notesLearn more about Brian’s hunting and guide services at https://amaazen.com/. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

This episode delivers a clear, responsible path for turning the e-collar into a trusted communication tool for your bird dog.Bringing home a new bird dog is one of the best parts of the hunting lifestyle. Along with the excitement comes an important question for many first-time handlers. When and how should an electronic training collar enter the picture?Veteran bird dog owner and SportDOG Brand’s Clay Thompson walks through a practical framework for introducing an e-collar to a young hunting dog without confusion, fear, or shortcuts. The conversation centers on patience, timing, and the fundamentals that every bird dog owner should understand before pressing a single button. By pairing the e-collar with cues the dog already knows, handlers can reinforce obedience and gradually transition to off leash control in the field.Clay also breaks down why modern training collars are communication tools rather than punishment devices. Used correctly, they help keep a dog safe during upland bird hunting situations like chasing pheasants across roads or breaking on a group of chukars ready to fly over a steep cliff. Handlers will also hear practical advice on finding the correct stimulation level, building consistency, and avoiding common mistakes new bird dog owners make.Thanks to SportDOG Brand for sponsoring this episode of On the Wing Podcast. Check out all of SportDOG’s products at www.SportDog.com.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

This episode reprises a panel conversation at this year’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic moderated by PF & QF’s Andrew Vavra and included veteran bird hunters Katie Willis, Tyler Webster, and Bob St.Pierre.Planning your next upland bird hunting adventure goes far beyond packing your gear—it’s about setting clear expectations, maintaining a flexible mindset, and preparing for all the variables that come with the journey. Before you hit the road, ask yourself why you’re making the trip and remember that a successful outing isn’t just measured by the number of birds on the tailgate but by the overall experience. Consider who you’re traveling with—group and dog dynamics can significantly shape your trip, as can the choice between going solo or with friends. The group has a fun and vibrant conversation structured within four categories; 1) Don’t leave home without it, 2) Know before you go, 3) Traveling to & from your destination, and 4) Considerations during your hunt. At the end of the day, thoughtful preparation leads to a more enjoyable and responsible hunt, with respect for the land, local hunters, and the birds pursued. This podcast will walk you through all these key considerations, offering tips and insights to ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.Show notes - The following outline was created by Katie Willis and used by Andrew Vavra to moderate both the panel conversation at Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2026 and this episode of On the Wing Podcast. Don’t Leave Home Without ItReasonable expectations, good attitude, flexibility, Real Coca-Cola, fruit snacksWhy do you want to go on this trip? If your goal is a tailgate full of birds, get real, it takes time to dial in spots and your success cannot be defined by birds otherwise you won’t have a lot of “good” trips…Group dynamics/dog dynamicsSolo vs. group outtingVehicle Needs TiresChains vs snow rated tires, spare tireTools & know how Traction devicesAir compressor (patch kit)Bottle Jack TowropeShovelEmergency kitGPS, inReach, emergency contact info Beyond the BasicsGun cleaning kit (spare shotgun?)More ammo than you think you’ll needGaiters/extra boots/chaps/foul weather gearBoot dryerVacuum sealer w/marker Know Before You GoKnow when you want to go, not where you want to goManage your expectations and live within your reality to avoid disappointmentDog power, travel time, scouting time etc. all limits your actual hunting time – want to shoot for five hunting days if possible…It takes real time to figure an area out…Do Your Research:Best place to get information about road side counts, population densities, and state regs. Where can licenses be purchased, online/OTC? Can licenses be purchased the day of the hunt, or is there a waiting period? How can the license be carried? i.e. paper copy, on phone, through state app What non-resident options are offered? i.e. 3-day, 7-day, season Any voluntary programs/donations that support habitat available when purchasing a license. Do I need proof of hunter safety to purchase a license? What endorsements need to be purchased for upland hunting? i.e. small game license, pheasant tag, walk-in endorsement Are there parking permits or other associated tags/permits needed? What upland birds are available and what are the seasons? Do limits change during the season? Are the seasons the same for both residents and non-residents? What types of publicly accessible land are available? – How are these lands noted on OnX? Do ammo regulations vary between land types? i.e. tox/non-tox Are the regulations the same for all of the areas? i.e. all WMA managed the same? Are there sign-in requirements for any areas? What are they? What is the purpose of the sign-ins? Are there any studies or reporting for hunters to complete? Can you cross onto private to retrieve game? i.e. leave gun at the fence/send a dog How does private have to be posted? i.e. corner signage or electronic What roads can you drive/gates you can open to access public land? Can you keep sheds/dead heads? Any rules regarding shooting distances? i.e. how far from homes, outbuildings, and livestock Requirements for cleaning birds? i.e. What needs to be left/identifiable and how many can you possess?Traveling To (and From) Your DestinationWeather and route selectionRoad conditions, state DOT resources, Timing your travel: avoiding traffic when it’s hot, hitting passes/bad weather How often (and where/where not) to stop for your dogsKnow your MPG and don’t get caught on a long stretch w/out servicesConsiderations During Your HuntSpecifically for your dogsEnvironmental hazards: snakes, ticks, fungal infections, heat stroke, traps, skunks, porcupinesVaccinations, antibiotics, first aid kit, local vet resourcesGI issues (rice, pumpkin, probiotics, rehydration tools)Avoid high-use dog areas during travelTerrain hazards: cliffs, fences, cactus, sand burrs, hot springs Dog food and feeding, hydration (during travel, pre-post) Pacing/dog rotation and crating/restCollars, up-to-date IDs/microchipsStress/home comforts, blankets/sheets for hotels/Air BnB, dog bedsKnow your pack dynamics, tailgate/bird defensivenessFirst-in, last-out (same with firearms)Bird/covey management and social mediaCovey concerns, young birds, stress, weatherSocial mediaInadvertent hot spotting via photosTailgate photosRespect for local hunters/land ownersSupport local habitat, hunting organizations (chapters/banquets)Trash managementPick up shells, don’t leave carcasses at parking spotsLeave no traceOn the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

A 13-year-old bird dog trainer is funding public access one cookie at a time.At National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic, most conversations revolve around bird dogs, habitat, and the next great upland hunt. This one goes further. Brooke Bartels, a young dog handler deeply involved in North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), is turning homemade cookies into real dollars for wildlife habitat and public hunting access.Raised in a family devoted to Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, and versatile hunting dogs, Brooke trains Epagneul Bretons, runs NAVHDA tests, and understands firsthand the value of quality bird dog breeding standards. But her impact stretches beyond the training field. Through Cookies for Conservation, she has raised thousands of dollars to support PF & QF’s Public Access To Habitat (PATH) Program, helping expand access for upland bird hunters.This conversation explores more than baking. It dives into youth involvement in conservation, the importance of habitat restoration, ethical dog breeding backed by performance testing, and why public access to pheasant and quail hunting matters for the future of the outdoors. You will hear how community, volunteerism, and hands-on habitat work shape the next generation of hunters and anglers.If you care about upland bird hunting, public land access, versatile hunting dogs, and leaving wildlife habitat better than you found it, this one hits home.Show notesCheck out Cookies for Conservation on Instagram at @cookiesforconservation. Learn more about North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association on the NAVHDA website at www.navhda.org. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.