The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Women in the Shooting Sports, with Syren Brand Manager Lynne Green Feb 28, 2020

Show notes

Reid and Syren Brand Manager Lynne Green discuss Syren Shotguns, Clays Sports, and brand ambassadors in the 'influencer' age. Lynne is a hunter, instructor, and competitive shooter with a special passion for bringing women into the shooting sports. As Syr

The Pursuit of Prairie Grouse: Habits and Habitat Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

In response to a question about prairie grouse habitat from listener Eric Hall of Thurmond , NC, Reid reaches out to Steve "Grouseman" Grossman, owner of Double Gun Bird Hunts, Little Moran Grouse Camp, and Wild Prairie Lodge. Steve has spent a career as a wild bird guide and dog handler, and he has a particular affinity for the native birds of the upper Midwest. His work guiding and hunting the prairies of central South Dakota inform a comprehensive working knowledge of Sharptail habits and habitat, and some insights into those of the Greater Prairie Chicken. Steve shares his story, some thoughts on finding birds, and illuminates a bit of the magic to be found on the prairie. See the short film "Grouseman" that features Steve at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7rWD0M3ATw&feature=emb_logo

Go West, Young Man Feb 05, 2020

Show notes

In this installment of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, Reid describes his recent hunting experiences and takes a moment to reflect on the season that has past. He also provides some new ways to connect with the Podcast, namely by sending questions or comments via audio file (voice memo on a smartphone) to huntingpodcast@orvis.com. The plan is to share listener questions on the air in future installments. Reid goes on to read one of his stories, namely 'Go West, Young Man…" which was first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine in January/February 2013. The story harkens back to a time when Reid was considering a move to the mountain West, and what it might feel like to say goodbye to New England. Enjoy!

Ruffed Grouse and Climate Change, with Ben Jones and Scott McEnaney Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of the podcast, Reid heads south to Orvis Sandanona alongside colleague Scott McEnaney (Director, Orvis Adventures) to meet up with Ben Jones, President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. The three take an

Episode 3: The Libby Camp Legacy Jan 04, 2020

Show notes

In this final installment of the Libby Camps saga, Reid speaks with Matt Libby Jr. who represents the 5th generation of Libby Camps ownership. On a bumpy ride between grouse coverts the two discuss the history of Libby Camps, the story of Matt·s family l

Episode 2: Ghost Stories in the Great North Woods Dec 13, 2019

Show notes

In this second installment of Reid and Phil's Libby Camps Odyssey, the duo sit sown one evening with Registered Maine Guides Jeff Labree and Ben Rioux. As the woodstove crackles in the background, Ben and Jeff describe the Libby Camps experience, noting the unique region where visitors have hunted and fished for generations. Jeff and Ben paint a lyrical history of the camp facility as well, and even discuss some of the folktales and superstitions that abound in the North Woods. Enjoy.

Episode 1: The Road to Libby Camps, with Phil Monahan Dec 04, 2019

Show notes

In the first episode of the Libby Camps Saga, Reid and Phil Monahan head out from Southern Vermont en route to Libby Camps in Northern Maine. While on the road, Reid interviews Phil on his start in the hunting world and his early career. It makes for a great start to the Libby Camps and makes for a fun and insightful interview in the lead up to their arrival in Maine. Enjoy!

South Dakota's Pheasant Hunting Culture Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

On the eve of the South Dakota Pheasant Opener, Reid sits down in an office adjacent Mitchell's storied Corn Palace with three staffers from Pheasants Forever. In attendance are Matt Morlock (SD State Coordinator for Pheasants Forever) Chris Kalis (Director of Corporate Partnerships) and Erica Yost (South Dakota Regional Representative). The group digs into the remarkable pheasant hunting culture in South Dakota, the role PF plays in upland conservation throughout the country, and how a hunter can go about planning a DIY trip to hunt in America's heartland. Enjoy!

Wingshooting Guide School, with BJ Walle of Flying B Ranch Oct 18, 2019

Show notes

Professional Wingshooting Guide BJ Walle joins Reid in a philosophical look at what it means to be a guide. BJ, who has been a key member of the guide staff at Idaho's Flying B Ranch for nearly twenty years, shares insights on what it takes to be a professional guide, and what separates a great guide from a passable one. He is eloquent in describing the softer skills of emotional intelligence and empathy required by great guides, and he digs into the depth of skills that his job demands. The genesis of this conversation is Flying B's recent development of a Wingshooting Guide School, which is detailed at https://www.flyingbranch.com/wingshooting-guide-school. A great conversation with an incredibly thoughtful fellow.

On The Black River Oct 08, 2019

Show notes

With bird season in full swing, Reid meditates on his travels to date, his decidedly poor shooting, and the impending arrival of duck season. With that he reflects on duck hunts past, and shares a tale of one such day in northern Vermont. This story of that day was captured in the essay 'On the Black River', which was published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine in 2011. It is a tale of friendship, getting sick, and the imperfection of perfection. Enjoy!