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.