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

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

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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.

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

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

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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 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.

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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

1. Reasonable expectations, good attitude, flexibility, Real Coca-Cola, fruit snacks
2. 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…
3. Group dynamics/dog dynamics
4. Solo vs. group outting
5. Vehicle Needs
6. Tires
7. Chains vs snow rated tires, spare tire
8. Tools & know how
9. Traction devices
10. Air compressor (patch kit)
11. Bottle Jack
12. Towrope
13. Shovel
14. Emergency kit
15. GPS, inReach, emergency contact info
16. Beyond the Basics
17. Gun cleaning kit (spare shotgun?)
18. More ammo than you think you’ll need
19. Gaiters/extra boots/chaps/foul weather gear
20. Boot dryer
21. Vacuum sealer w/marker

Know Before You Go

1. Know when you want to go, not where you want to go
2. Manage your expectations and live within your reality to avoid disappointment
3. Dog power, travel time, scouting time etc. all limits your actual hunting time – want to shoot for five hunting days if possible…
4. It takes real time to figure an area out…
5. Do Your Research:
6. Best place to get information about road side counts, population densities, and state regs.
7. Where can licenses be purchased, online/OTC?
8. Can licenses be purchased the day of the hunt, or is there a waiting period?
9. How can the license be carried? i.e. paper copy, on phone, through state app
10. What non-resident options are offered? i.e. 3-day, 7-day, season
11. Any voluntary programs/donations that support habitat available when purchasing a license.
12. Do I need proof of hunter safety to purchase a license?
13. What endorsements need to be purchased for upland hunting? i.e. small game license, pheasant tag, walk-in endorsement
14. Are there parking permits or other associated tags/permits needed?
15. What upland birds are available and what are the seasons?
16. Do limits change during the season?
17. Are the seasons the same for both residents and non-residents?
18. What types of publicly accessible land are available? – How are these lands noted on OnX?
19. Do ammo regulations vary between land types? i.e. tox/non-tox
20. Are the regulations the same for all of the areas? i.e. all WMA managed the same?
21. Are there sign-in requirements for any areas? What are they?
22. What is the purpose of the sign-ins?
23. Are there any studies or reporting for hunters to complete?
24. Can you cross onto private to retrieve game? i.e. leave gun at the fence/send a dog
25. How does private have to be posted? i.e. corner signage or electronic
26. What roads can you drive/gates you can open to access public land?
27. Can you keep sheds/dead heads?
28. Any rules regarding shooting distances? i.e. how far from homes, outbuildings, and livestock
29. Requirements for cleaning birds? i.e. What needs to be left/identifiable and how many can you possess?

Traveling To (and From) Your Destination

1. Weather and route selection
2. Road conditions, state DOT resources,
3. Timing your travel: avoiding traffic when it’s hot, hitting passes/bad weather
4. How often (and where/where not) to stop for your dogs
5. Know your MPG and don’t get caught on a long stretch w/out services

Considerations During Your Hunt

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

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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 notes

1. Check out Cookies for Conservation on Instagram at @cookiesforconservation.
2. Learn more about North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association on the NAVHDA website at www.navhda.org.

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Iowa’s upland birds are rebounding, but habitat still determines their future.

The 100th pheasant season in Iowa delivered the kind of optimism hunters haven’t 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 don’t 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

1. Find a Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever near you at https://events.pheasantsforever.org/events
2. Connect with a PF & QF Farm Bill Biologist about improving your land for wildlife.

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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 “The Bird Hunters” 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 event’s 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 evening’s National Banquet with longtime outdoor columnist and PF founder Dennis Anderson. Anderson will share his personal story behind one of conservation’s 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

1. Learn more about National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic presented by Federal Ammunition at www.PheasantFest.org.
2. Check out all the stage lineups by going to our Highlights & Events page.
3. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.

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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 Forever’s “Quail Classic” at SEWE’s 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.

There’s a practical side as well. The conversation digs into QF’s quail habitat efforts and how organizations like Quail Forever connect landowners with biologists for real, on the ground results. You’ll learn why SEWE matters for the future of quail hunting in the Southeast, and how QF’s 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 you’ve ever wondered why Boykin Spaniels seem to outnumber people in Charleston during SEWE, there’s an answer for that too.

This is an insider’s look at a weekend that blends hunting heritage, modern conservation, and Southern hospitality into something bigger than an event.

Show notes

1. Read QF Editor Ryan’s Sparks “The South’s Upland Showcase” about Quail Forever’s Quail Classic attractions at SEWE.
2. Get your raffle tickets for a Polaris Ranger 570 with proceeds supporting Quail Forever’s wildlife habitat mission.
3. Get your tickets for Quail Forever’s SEWE VIP Social hosted by SC Quail Forever at Groovers Listening Bar in Charleston on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
4. Learn more about SEWE at www.SEWE.com.
5. Special THANK YOU to Quail Forever’s SEWE partners at
6. onX Hunt
7. Bird Buggy
8. Alabama Black Belt Adventures
9. Purina Pro Plan
10. Discover Thomasville Georgia
11. Southwind Plantation
12. John Kohler Associates
13. Kolpin Outdoors
14. Polaris
15. Irish Setter
16. TurtleBox
17. Orvis
18. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.

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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 “think like a covey,” 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. There’s 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 isn’t always measured in limits filled, but in lessons learned, dogs worked, and ground covered together.

And, there’s a big announcement about the future of Rooster Road Trip at the end.

Show notes

1. Check out all of our Rooster Road Trip content at www.RoosterRoadTrip.org.
2. Participate in our first-ever Rooster Road Trip Raffle for your chance to take home the gear utilized by this year’s hunters.
3. Use the code EARLYBIRD at www.SoundGear.com before February 19th for 30% off a SoundGear Phantom order.
4. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.

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Kansas has a reputation in upland circles, and for good reason. Wide-open spaces, rolling grasslands, and the promise of bobwhite coveys and cackling roosters tucked into classic bird country. On this year’s Rooster Road Trip, that promise got tested repeatedly.

Mika Rezac, PF & QF’s regional representative from Kansas, joins the crew with her pack of outstanding Labs and English setter. In fact, she brings her secret weapon along, Spade the “LabraDwarf.” Through hearty laughter, Rezac talks about the state’s bird populations, upcoming conservation legislation, and how she helps PF & QF chapter volunteers maximize their relevancy. From woody encroachment and grassland loss, our final day’s hunt turns into a boots-on-the-ground lesson in why wild bird populations are in need of the upland community’s help.

This episode digs into what Kansas’ upland country really looks like in 2025, how management decisions ripple across landscapes, and why hunters have a responsibility to understand habitat—not just hunt it. This year’s Rooster Road Trip didn’t go as planned, but it delivered exactly what it was supposed to: perspective.

Show notes

1. Check out all of our Rooster Road Trip content at www.RoosterRoadTrip.org.
2. Participate in our first-ever Rooster Road Trip Raffle for your chance to take home the gear utilized by this year’s hunters.
3. Follow @spade_the_labradwarf on Instagram.
4. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.

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Rooster Road Trip continues with a stop at one of our Build a Wildlife Area projects where we opened up a land-locked parcel to create more than 1,000 acres of public access. Kansas doesn’t always get the credit it deserves for quail, but when habitat is high-quality and access is open, it can flat-out deliver. In this episode, the Rooster Road Trip crew rolls into northeast Kansas to dig into what makes public ground actually work for bird hunters.

Joined by Marcus Sanders, PF & QF Farm Bill Biologist out of Manhattan, Kansas, the conversation goes well beyond limits and bird counts. The guys talk prescribed fire, habitat restoration, and why programs like PF & QF’s Build a Wildlife Area are some of the most important tools hunters have to protect access long-term. There’s plenty of hunting talk mixed in with conversations about dog work, honest misses, and the kind of laughs that only come from road-tripping.

From walking the Blue Valley Wildlife Area to breaking down how private land conservation dollars turn into public hunting opportunity, this episode connects the dots between boots on the ground and policy that actually benefits wildlife. If you care about quail, public access, and keeping places to hunt for the next generation, this one hits home.

Show notes

1. Check out all of our Rooster Road Trip content at www.RoosterRoadTrip.org.
2. Participate in our first-ever Rooster Road Trip Raffle for your chance to take home the gear utilized by this year’s hunters.
3. Find a PF or QF biologist in your area for expert advice about conservation programs to improve your land for pheasants and quail.
4. 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.