On The Wing Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP. 363: Hands-On Habitat: Restoring Texas High Plains for Upland Wildlife May 06, 2026

Show notes

Deep in the Texas High Plains, a committed group of conservationists is proving what’s 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 & QF’s 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 & QF’s Hands-On Habitat efforts across the country this spring.

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EP. 362: Best Hunting Spot Names and the Stories Submitted by Listeners May 04, 2026

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Great hunting spots aren’t just found; they’re 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 “snackable” episode also announces the winner of the Frost River Woodsman Pack from the contest announced during episode #358.

From a young dog’s 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 you’ve ever named a spot after a hunt gone right or wrong, you’ll 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.

EP. 361: Habitat University, Creating Upland Habitat from the Ground Up Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

This conversation breaks down Habitat University, a skills-based platform designed to close the gap between theory and real-world application. Whether you’re 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.

You’ll 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.

EP. 360: Quail vs. Turkey Habitat Secrets Every Landowner Should Know Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

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. You’ll 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. There’s 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.

EP. 359: Science-Driven Habitat Strategy for Better Pheasant and Quail Populations Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

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 they’re 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.

There’s 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 jess@quailforever.org.

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

EP. 358: Hunting Spot Names That Stick Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

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. You’ll 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.

There’s also a deeper thread running through it all. Naming a place isn’t just about navigation. It’s 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 Sparks’ 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.

EP. 357: Chasing Mountain and Valley Quail Across the West Apr 01, 2026

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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 notes

Check out Hunter Kamm’s collection of photos from his bird hunting adventures by following him on Instagram at @Hunter.Kamm.5

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

EP. 356: The Life of a Bird Hunting Guide: Dogs, Grouse, and Scaled Quail Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

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 notes

Learn more about Brian’s hunting and guide services at https://amaazen.com/.

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

EP. 355: Introducing the E-Collar Properly for Young Bird Dogs Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

EP. 354: Hard Truths & Practical Tips for the Traveling Wingshooter Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

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 It

Reasonable expectations, good attitude, flexibility, Real Coca-Cola, fruit snacks
Why 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 dynamics
Solo vs. group outting
Vehicle Needs
Tires
Chains vs snow rated tires, spare tire
Tools & know how
Traction devices
Air compressor (patch kit)
Bottle Jack
Towrope
Shovel
Emergency kit
GPS, inReach, emergency contact info
Beyond the Basics
Gun cleaning kit (spare shotgun?)
More ammo than you think you’ll need
Gaiters/extra boots/chaps/foul weather gear
Boot dryer
Vacuum sealer w/marker

Know Before You Go

Know when you want to go, not where you want to go
Manage your expectations and live within your reality to avoid disappointment
Dog 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 Destination

Weather and route selection
Road 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 dogs
Know your MPG and don’t get caught on a long stretch w/out services

Considerations During Your Hunt

Specifically for your dogs
Environmental hazards: snakes, ticks, fungal infections, heat stroke, traps, skunks, porcupines
Vaccinations, antibiotics, first aid kit, local vet resources
GI issues (rice, pumpkin, probiotics, rehydration tools)
Avoid high-use dog areas during travel
Terrain hazards: cliffs, fences, cactus, sand burrs, hot springs
Dog food and feeding, hydration (during travel, pre-post)
Pacing/dog rotation and crating/rest
Collars, up-to-date IDs/microchips
Stress/home comforts, blankets/sheets for hotels/Air BnB, dog beds
Know your pack dynamics, tailgate/bird defensiveness
First-in, last-out (same with firearms)
Bird/covey management and social media
Covey concerns, young birds, stress, weather
Social media
Inadvertent hot spotting via photos
Tailgate photos
Respect for local hunters/land owners
Support local habitat, hunting organizations (chapters/banquets)
Trash management
Pick up shells, don’t leave carcasses at parking spots
Leave no trace

On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

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