Afleveringen
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The connection between a bird dog and a hunter may be one of conservationâs most powerful forces.
For many upland hunters, the journey begins with their first bird dog. For others, that dog is what keeps them connected to hunting, habitat conservation, and life outdoors.
John Zeman has spent decades training bird dogs, competing in field trials, mentoring new handlers, and helping hunters develop better dogs. After retiring from the construction industry, he now spends even more time with the dogs, people, and public lands that have shaped his life.
John joins the conversation to explain why bird dogs often serve as a gateway to upland hunting, conservation groups, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors. He discusses the need for accessible training grounds, the rising demand for places to work young dogs, and how volunteer-led efforts are protecting these opportunities for future hunters. The episode also touches on Zemanâs work training Bobâs young German shorthaired pointer, Winter.
Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.
On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Monsoon rains, desert grasslands, and wild coveys collide in Arizonaâs ambitious quail restoration effort.
Arizonaâs quail country is bigger, rougher, and more alive than most hunters realize. In this conversation, the crew behind Quail Foreverâs Arizona Quail Initiative breaks down how large-scale habitat restoration is shaping the future of Gambelâs quail, scaled quail, and Mearnsâ quail.
From remote desert grasslands to oak-covered âsky islands,â this episode digs into the real work happening behind the scenes to improve upland bird habitat on both public lands and working ranches. The discussion covers woody encroachment and removal, water catchment projects, grazing management, and how conservation partnerships are putting millions of dollars directly onto the landscape for quail habitat restoration.
Youâll hear how Arizonaâs monsoon cycles influence quail populations, why Mearnsâ quail depend so heavily on summer rains, and how habitat projects can quickly improve bird numbers when conditions align. For hunters dreaming about desert quail hunting, big running bird dogs, and wild country few people ever experience, this conversation paints a vivid picture of why Arizona remains one of the most unique quail hunting landscapes in North America.
Follow the show for more weekly hunting, conservation, bird dog, and upland bird conversations.
Show notes
Learn more about QFâs Arizona Quail Initiative and QFâs RCPP project with USDAâs Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.Check out Bob St.Pierre and Wade Zarlingoâs hunt for quail in Arizonaâs backcountry utilizing llamas to haul in camping gear at www.QuailForever.org/llama.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Washington, D.C. can feel a long way from pheasant country, quail habitat, and working farms, but the decisions made there shape the future of upland hunting across America. In this conversation, the crew from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever breaks down what happened during a recent D.C. fly-in alongside members of The Habitat Organizationâs new Upland Caucus.
Public relations specialist Mikayla Peper shares what it was like meeting with members and staffers from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for improved conservation measures in the next federal farm bill. The discussion dives into why CRP remains one of the most important conservation tools for wildlife habitat, water quality, soil health, and rural America.
The crew also explores how grassroots advocacy actually works, what happens behind closed doors in congressional offices, and why hunters, farmers, and ranchers need to stay engaged in the legislative process.
Show notes
Help PF & QF advocate for CRP improvements in the U.S. Senateâs version of the farm bill at www.pheasantsforever.org/action. To learn more about PF & QFâs conservation advocacy efforts and Legislative Action Fund (LAF), please email our government affairs team at [email protected].On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Better habitat means better hunting. Thatâs not a surprising statement. What may surprise folks is how much sweat equity it takes to turn average habitat into elite upland habitat. In this episode, learn how an everyday landowner is building wildlife-rich ground with a little help from friends and family.
Private landowner Tim Kraskey breaks down the real-world habitat management strategies that directly impact upland bird numbers, deer hunting success, and waterfowl hunting opportunities. Kraskey is also a long-time Pheasants Forever chapter volunteer who extolls the virtues of being a volunteer committed to improving public land habitat for the greatest benefit to wildlife and all hunters.
From prescribed burns and tree removal to native grass restoration and food plot development, youâll hear how intentional land stewardship creates better wildlife habitatâand ultimately, better hunts. The conversation goes beyond dirt work. Youâll learn how to approach access to private land hunting the right way, how to build meaningful relationships with private landowners, as well as how landowners can leverage conservation programs like CRP to maximize wildlife benefits. Thereâs also a strong emphasis on community: how volunteer habitat projects, local partnerships, and organizations like Pheasants Forever play a critical role in expanding hunting opportunities.
Whether youâre a new landowner, a bird hunter looking for access, or someone interested in conservation, this episode offers actionable strategies you can apply this season. Itâs a grounded, experience-driven look at how habitat work, hunting success, and legacy all tie together in the modern outdoors.
Show notes
Check out Outdoor Newsâ 2025 Outdoor Leaders Award recognizing Kraskey and the Brown County (MN) Chapter of Pheasants Forever.Thanks to John Deere, Irish Setter, and Orvis for sponsoring PF & QFâs Hands-On Habitat efforts across the country this spring. Listeners can get involved with PF & QFâs Hands-On Habitat efforts by identifying volunteer opportunities in the areas where you live and/or hunt by visiting https://pheasantsforever.org/handsonhabitat.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Balancing bird dog training with young kids, busy schedules, and everyday life is a challenge most upland hunters eventually face. The reality is your dog doesnât stop needing structure just because your time gets tighter. The good news is you donât need hours in the field to maintain a high-performing hunting dog.
Veteran bird dog owner and SportDOG Brandâs Clay Thompson breaks down how to keep an experienced bird dog sharp through short, consistent training sessions built into your daily routine. The focus stays where it matters mostâobedience. Commands like place, heel, sit, and steadiness form the foundation that carries over into real-world hunting situations, from waterfowl hunting setups to upland bird hunts chasing pheasants and bobwhite quail.
Youâll hear practical strategies for reinforcing control inside the house, using quick drills that fit between work, family, and everything else competing for your time. Thereâs also a hard look at introducing dogs to young kids, managing behavior safely, and involving the whole family in training to build consistency.
The takeaway is simple. If you canât control your dog at five feet, you wonât control it fifty yards in the field. Strong obedience builds better hunting dogs, safer homes, and more productive days outdoors when the season opens.
Thanks to SportDOG Brand for sponsoring this episode of On the Wing Podcast. Check out all of SportDOGâs products at www.SportDog.com.
On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Deep in the Texas High Plains, a committed group of conservationists is proving whatâs possible when habitat work meets community grit. On a sprawling 9,000-acre property at Palo Duro, volunteers, biologists, and land managers are tackling real-world challenges like invasive species, wildfire mitigation, and declining upland bird habitat through hands-on conservation projects.
This conversation dives into the strategy behind a multi-day habitat event that blends prescribed fire, chainsaw work, native grass restoration, and one coordinated volunteer effort. The result is healthier grasslands, improved habitat for bobwhite quail, scaled quail, pheasants, and mule deer, and a blueprint for habitat restoration that can scale up or down anywhere in the country.
Beyond the land itself, the real impact shows up in the people. From college students launching wildlife careers to local volunteers rediscovering a passion for conservation, this effort highlights how hands-on habitat work fuels the future of upland hunting, bird dog culture, and outdoor stewardship.
Show notes
Get involved with PF & QFâs Hands-On Habitat efforts by identifying volunteer opportunities in the areas where you live and/or hunt by visiting https://pheasantsforever.org/handsonhabitat.Thanks to John Deere, Irish Setter, and Orvis for sponsoring PF & QFâs Hands-On Habitat efforts across the country this spring.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Great hunting spots arenât just found; theyâre named through hard-earned moments in the field. This collection of listener-submitted stories dives into the heart of upland bird hunting culture, where bird dogs, wild flushes, and unforgettable days turn ordinary places into permanent fixtures on the map. This âsnackableâ episode also announces the winner of the Frost River Woodsman Pack from the contest announced during episode #358.
From a young dogâs fearless leap on a Kansas quail hunt to a Minnesota pheasant hunting hotspot that produced first birds for the next generation, these stories capture the emotion and unpredictability that keep hunters coming back each season. Listeners will hear how covey rises, missed expectations, and once-in-a-lifetime shooting sequences shape not just success in the field, but the love language hunters use to remember it.
If youâve ever named a spot after a hunt gone right or wrong, youâll recognize exactly how these places earn their titles and why they never leave you.
Show notes
Thanks to our friends at Frost River for supplying the grand prize Woodsman Pack.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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This conversation breaks down Habitat University, a skills-based platform designed to close the gap between theory and real-world application. Whether youâre planting a pollinator plot, improving nesting cover, establishing a food plot, or managing CRP acres, the focus is on actionable knowledge that leads to better results on the landscape.
Youâll hear how modern conservation faces a growing challenge: fewer people entering the field with hands-on land management experience. That gap impacts everything from pheasant and quail habitat to hunting success and overall wildlife populations. Habitat University addresses that by delivering short, practical courses on topics like seed drill calibration, prescribed burning, invasive species control, and habitat planning. For aspiring wildlife professionals, it offers a clear path to understanding conservation programs, working with landowners, and building job-ready skills.
Better habitat leads to more birds, stronger hunting opportunities, and healthier ecosystems. This is about putting knowledge into action where it matters most, on the ground.
Show notes
Check out the second installment of The Upland Newsroom. Learn more about Habitat University courses.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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What if higher quality quail habitat could unlock better turkey hunting on your land?
Spring turkey hunting gets the spotlight, but the real story starts long before opening day. It lives in the habitat. This conversation brings together two wildlife biologists to break down the relationship between wild turkeys and bobwhite quail, cutting through myths and getting to what actually drives bird numbers on the landscape.
The discussion dives into the overlap between wild turkey habitat and quail habitat management, especially during nesting and brood-rearing seasons. Youâll learn why both species depend on early successional habitat, how insect-rich brood cover fuels poult and chick survival, and what separates ideal nesting cover for each bird. Thereâs also a deep look at prescribed fire, native grasses, and the importance of bare ground for mobility and survival.
For landowners and habitat managers, the takeaway is practical. Managing for bobwhite quail often creates high-quality turkey habitat as a byproduct, but not without understanding key differences like winter food sources and roosting needs. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions, including whether turkeys compete with or even prey on bobwhites.
If you care about better turkey hunting, stronger quail numbers, and building a more productive property, this is a blueprint rooted in real field experience and research.
Show notes
Want to talk with a biologist about improving your property for wildlife? Find your local PF & QF biologist by visiting our FIND A BIOLOGIST tool.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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What if better habitat decisions could directly translate into higher populations of pheasants and quail, as well as better hunting opportunities?
Behind every great day chasing upland birds is high quality habitat that actually produces birds. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how science is shaping the future of upland bird hunting across the country.
During this conversation, PF & QF leaders and university professors discuss the newly formed Science Advisory Committee and how theyâre tackling one of the toughest questions in wildlife conservation: how habitat improvements translate into real bird numbers on the landscape. That means moving beyond broad assumptions and digging into what actually works at the farm, region, and landscape level. From improving bobwhite quail habitat in the Southeast to optimizing pheasant habitat in the Midwest, the focus is on putting the right acres in the right places for maximum impact.
Thereâs also a deeper look at how conservation ties into water quality, soil health, and long-term sustainability, showing how better habitat decisions benefit far more than our cherished upland gamebird numbers. For hunters, the takeaway is simple: smarter habitat leads to more opportunity, better dog work, and more consistent days in the field.
This is an inside look at how scientific research, boots-on-the-ground experience, and real-world hunting knowledge are coming together to shape the future of upland bird hunting.
Show notes
Listeners with upland habitat and gamebird-focused suggestions for scientific research should email Dr. Jess Gonynor-McGuire at [email protected].On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Every hunter has a spot with a name that holds memories, birds, and meaning.
Spend enough seasons chasing upland birds and the map starts to change. What begins as public land or a patch of cover turns into something personal. A place earns a name through miles walked, bird dogs worked, and coveys flushed at just the right moment.
This conversation dives into the stories behind those names and the hunting memories that made them stick. From South Dakota pheasant hunting honey holes to ruffed grouse coverts hidden deep in the timber to secret quail spots that can never be located again, each story reveals how habitat, pressure, and experience shape the way hunters see the land. Youâll hear how small pieces of overlooked public land can consistently produce birds, why certain upland hunting spots reload with roosters, and how identifying the right mix of cover and food creates reliable success.
Thereâs also a deeper thread running through it all. Naming a place isnât just about navigation. Itâs about ownership in a different sense. Public land hunting becomes personal when a bird dog locks up for the first time, when a rooster flushes exactly where it should, or when a long walk turns into something unforgettable.
If you care about upland bird hunting, bird dog work, and building your own catalog of hunting spots, this one will hit close to home.
Show notes
Read Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparksâ essay that served as the catalyst to this podcast at www.QuailForever.org/nams. Become a member of Quail Forever to receive the Quail Forever Journal at www.QuailForever.org/join. Become a member of Pheasants Forever to receive the Pheasants Forever Journal at www.PheasantsForever.org/join.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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One hunterâs relentless quest to chase upland birds across Americaâs wildest terrain.
This conversation dives deep into the reality behind the âupland slamâ â 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. Thereâs a heavy emphasis on how to adapt when things arenât 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, youâll hear hard-earned lessons on quail behavior, covey dynamics, shotgun setup, and bird dog performance across wildly different environments. More than anything, itâs a reminder that the pursuit isnât just about reaching a limit â itâs about the places, the dogs, and the decision to go now instead of later.
Show notes
Check out Hunter Kammâs 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.
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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.
Youâll 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. Thereâs 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 youâve ever considered hiring a guide or becoming one, this is an unfiltered look at what it takes to make it work.
Show notes
Learn more about Brianâs hunting and guide services at https://amaazen.com/.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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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 Brandâs 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 SportDOGâs products at www.SportDog.com.
On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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This episode reprises a panel conversation at this yearâs National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic moderated by PF & QFâs 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 gearâitâs 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 youâre making the trip and remember that a successful outing isnât just measured by the number of birds on the tailgate but by the overall experience. Consider who youâre traveling withâgroup 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) Donât 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.
Donât Leave Home Without It
Reasonable 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 wonât have a lot of âgoodâ tripsâŠGroup 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 youâll needGaiters/extra boots/chaps/foul weather gearBoot dryerVacuum sealer w/markerKnow Before You Go
Know 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 â want to shoot for five hunting days if possibleâŠIt takes real time to figure an area outâŠDo 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? â 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 Destination
Weather and route selectionRoad conditions, state DOT resources, Timing your travel: avoiding traffic when itâs hot, hitting passes/bad weather How often (and where/where not) to stop for your dogsKnow your MPG and donât get caught on a long stretch w/out servicesConsiderations During Your Hunt
Specifically 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 -
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 & QFâs 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 notes
Check 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.
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Iowaâs upland birds are rebounding, but habitat still determines their future.
The 100th pheasant season in Iowa delivered the kind of optimism hunters havenât felt in two decades. Roadside counts climbed. Rooster harvest is projected to be the strongest in 20 years. Northern bobwhite numbers in the southern tier surged, with quail harvest potentially doubling from recent seasons. Even Hungarian partridge populations showed signs of growth.
But strong bird numbers donât happen by accident.
This conversation dives deep into the real drivers behind pheasant and quail populations in the Hawkeye State. From winter survival and brood habitat to hunting pressure and predator dynamics, the takeaway is simple: habitat is the lever that matters most. Period.
Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how farming practices, CRP enrollment, seasonal weather patterns, and habitat opportunities shape the state of upland bird hunting. The lesson is practical and actionable: if you care about rooster flushes and covey rises, you care about grass.
Show notes
Find a Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever near you at https://events.pheasantsforever.org/eventsConnect with a PF & QF Farm Bill Biologist about improving your land for wildlife.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center with a packed weekend of upland celebrations. Turnpike Troubadours headline the Concert for Conservation, with Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles opening the show on Thursday night. For bird hunters, hearing âThe Bird Huntersâ played live before a weekend dedicated to upland hunting, bird dogs, and grassland conservation is about as good as it gets.
The show floor opens on Friday following the annual Bird Dog Parade, where more than 100 hunting dogs representing almost four dozen breeds will highlight the eventâs kickoff. From flushers to retrievers to pointers, it is a celebration of the dogs that define bird hunting. More than 350 exhibitors will fill the hall with shotguns, upland hunting vests, technical hunting apparel, dog training gear, wildlife habitat seed, conservation equipment, and public lands resources. New upland gear releases, emerging upland brands, and hands-on habitat education
share space with veteran outfitters and bird dog breeders.
There will also be seminars across multiple stages covering habitat management, grassland restoration, public land access, bird dog training, and practical hunting tactics. Saturday features the Life Member Breakfast with NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen, as well as the eveningâs National Banquet with longtime outdoor columnist and PF founder Dennis Anderson. Anderson will share his personal story behind one of conservationâs most influential grassroots movements.
This is more than a trade show. It is a reunion of bird hunters, wildlife habitat conservationists, and landowners committed to protecting and growing upland habitat across America.
Show notes
Learn more about National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic presented by Federal Ammunition at www.PheasantFest.org.Check out all the stage lineups by going to our Highlights & Events page.Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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Each February, Charleston, South Carolina becomes the center of Southern sporting culture, and this conversation explains why the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) has earned that reputation. From quail hunting traditions to world-class sporting art and bird dogs on every corner, SEWE is where upland culture, quail habitat conservation, and delicious food collide. This year, SEWE takes place from February 13-15, 2026.
Listeners will hear about the attractions within Quail Foreverâs âQuail Classicâ at SEWEâs Brittlebank Park, why downtown galleries matter just as much as gear booths, and how hunters, bird dog lovers, conservationists, and families all find their place across multiple venues taking over the entire city of Charleston.
Thereâs a practical side as well. The conversation digs into QFâs quail habitat efforts and how organizations like Quail Forever connect landowners with biologists for real, on the ground results. Youâll learn why SEWE matters for the future of quail hunting in the Southeast, and how QFâs raffles, volunteers, and local chapters turn culture into conservation.
Savory dishes round out the picture. Lowcountry boils, fresh oysters, shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and whole hog barbecues are as much a part of the weekend as bird dogs and shotguns. And if youâve ever wondered why Boykin Spaniels seem to outnumber people in Charleston during SEWE, thereâs an answer for that too.
This is an insiderâs look at a weekend that blends hunting heritage, modern conservation, and Southern hospitality into something bigger than an event.
Show notes
Read QF Editor Ryanâs Sparks âThe Southâs Upland Showcaseâ about Quail Foreverâs Quail Classic attractions at SEWE.Get your raffle tickets for a Polaris Ranger 570 with proceeds supporting Quail Foreverâs wildlife habitat mission.Get your tickets for Quail Foreverâs SEWE VIP Social hosted by SC Quail Forever at Groovers Listening Bar in Charleston on Saturday, February 15, 2026.Learn more about SEWE at www.SEWE.com.Special THANK YOU to Quail Foreverâs SEWE partners atonX HuntBird BuggyAlabama Black Belt AdventuresPurina Pro PlanDiscover Thomasville GeorgiaSouthwind PlantationJohn Kohler AssociatesKolpin OutdoorsPolarisIrish SetterTurtleBoxOrvisUse the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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When roosters vanish and quail cooperate, the road trip still teaches hard-earned upland lessons.
Sixteen years into Rooster Road Trip, Kansas delivered a reminder every upland hunter eventually learns. You can do your homework, study maps, trust your instincts, and still come up empty on roosters. This recap pulls back the curtain on our late-season bird hunt where plans shifted, expectations were reset, and bobwhite coveys became the story worth telling.
The conversation digs into the realities of public land bird hunting, from e-scouting WIHA parcels to boots-on-the-ground habitat evaluation that only happens after miles walked behind bird dogs. The crew reflects on adapting when pheasants refused to cooperate, what it means to âthink like a covey,â and why flexibility often separates productive days from long ones in the uplands.
Listeners will hear honest takes on late-season upland strategies, bird behavior in pressured landscapes, and the role habitat work plays in shaping bird numbers over time. Thereâs also a behind-the-scenes look at filming hunts when weather, gear failures, and limited camera operators force creative problem-solving in the field.
Beyond the birds, the episode captures the camaraderie that keeps hunters coming back. Shared miles, small mishaps, hard laughs, and meaningful moments underscore why these trips matter. Success isnât always measured in limits filled, but in lessons learned, dogs worked, and ground covered together.
And, thereâs a big announcement about the future of Rooster Road Trip at the end.
Show notes
Check out all of our Rooster Road Trip content at www.RoosterRoadTrip.org.Participate in our first-ever Rooster Road Trip Raffle for your chance to take home the gear utilized by this yearâs hunters.Use the code EARLYBIRD at www.SoundGear.com before February 19th for 30% off a SoundGear Phantom order.Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.
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