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Opening day is more than a hunt. It is a tradition that connects generations, communities, and the bird dogs that make it unforgettable. South Dakota's pheasant opener brings hunters together for one of upland bird hunting's most celebrated traditions. In Wessington Springs, Bob St.Pierre joins longtime Pheasants Forever volunteer Darwin Weeldreyer for an opening morning block party that puts small-town hospitality, conservation, and hunting culture on full display. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks senior pheasant biologist Alex Solem shares his outlook for the season, explaining how mild winters, nesting conditions, habitat management, CRP lands, and crop harvest influence pheasant populations and hunting success. He also breaks down where to find birds throughout the day, why weedy cover can be productive early in the season, and why December and January hunts deserve a spot on every upland hunter's calendar. For non-resident hunters planning a trip, his advice offers practical guidance on timing a South Dakota pheasant hunt. Wessington Springs Mayor Ryan Knipfer explains the importance of pheasant hunting to both the economy and the community. Then veterinarian Dr. Casey Duxbury turns the conversation to bird dog health, covering heat stress, hydration, barbed-wire injuries, grass seed awns, eye emergencies, and the preventive care hunters should handle before traveling. Her field-tested advice helps hunters recognize trouble early and keep their dogs working safely. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Thanks to Chief Upland, Irish Setter Boots, Purina Pro Plan, and RuffLand Performance Kennels for supporting our Opening Day – South Dakota video that will come out in autumn of 2027. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Award-winning wild game cook and food author Hank Shaw returns to On the Wing for an insider’s look at making the most of every bird, mushroom, and wild ingredient the outdoors provides. From pheasant and quail to ruffed grouse, woodcock, and wild turkey, Shaw shares practical cooking techniques that help hunters bring more flavor to the table without wasting a thing. Learn when to smoke upland birds, why sous vide can ruin tender cuts when used incorrectly, and how to keep lean pheasant and turkey breasts juicy. Shaw breaks down his favorite methods for grilling doves and quail, preparing pheasant thighs, making wild game sausage, and creating restaurant-worthy meals with simple ingredients. He also explains why shorter sous vide cooking times matter, when butter poaching makes sense, and how to turn a smoked pheasant carcass into an exceptional soup base. The conversation goes beyond the kitchen, exploring wild mushroom foraging, the best pairings for different upland birds, and the edible plants hiding in native prairie habitat. Discover why porcini, chanterelles, morels, and other wild mushrooms deserve a place alongside your harvest, plus how ingredients like rose hips can bring unexpected flavor to sharp-tailed grouse. Whether you're chasing roosters across the prairie, hunting ruffs in the grouse woods, or looking to become a better wild game cook, Shaw offers techniques and inspiration to make every harvest count. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Check out Hank Shaw’s full collection of books. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

The right weather conditions, quality habitat and hunting tactics can turn tough pheasants into more shooting opportunities. Pheasant hunting is never supposed to be easy. That challenge is what keeps hunters coming back. But the right tactics can tip the odds in your favor. Pheasants Forever Journal Editor Tom “Carp” Carpenter breaks down eight pheasant hunting equalizers that can help you find more birds and turn close calls into more roostery sags in your gamebag. Wind and moisture can dramatically change how pheasants behave and how well your bird dog works scent. Learn why 15 to 20 mph winds can be ideal, how wet conditions affect scent, and why the second day after rain may offer some of the best hunting of the season. The conversation also digs into habitat strategy, including standing corn, freshly harvested fields, diverse pollinator cover, cattails, and the overlooked pockets that can hold birds when traditional pheasant habitat comes up empty. You'll also hear why the “forenoon,” as Carp fashions late morning, can be a prime time to hunt; how December snow and cold concentrate pheasants; and why stealth may be the most important pheasant hunting equalizer of all. Finally, Carpenter makes the case for putting miles on your boots and your bird dog. Whether you're chasing roosters with a pointing dog or flushing dog, persistence, observation and adapting to the conditions can be the ultimate equalizers. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Read PFJ Editor Tom Carpenter’s full Pheasant Hunting Equalizers story. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Where should you chase quail in 2026? Quail Forever Journal editor Ryan Sparks joins On the Wing to break down QF’s 2026 Quail Hunting Forecast species by species, revealing where habitat, rainfall, and bird numbers are lining up for a productive season. The conversation starts with bobwhite quail, including standout opportunities in Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Sparks explains why hunters should look beyond state lines and focus on interconnected habitat, precipitation, winter survival, and the positive benefits of prescribed fire. From there, the forecast moves to mountain quail in Washington, Oregon, and California, valley quail in California, Montezuma quail in Arizona and New Mexico, and Gambel's and scaled quail across the desert Southwest. You'll also get practical quail hunting tips for finding birds when conditions are tough, from identifying water sources and recent burns to locating productive habitat and asking landowners for access. Sparks shares a simple scouting strategy that can turn one permission request into thousands of acres of hunting ground. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Read QF’s full 2026 state-by-state Quail Hunting Forecast presented by Duck Camp. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Colton Patterson built Broken Bow around the music, artwork, traditions, and values he inherited from his grandfather. At just 19, his work has grown into a social media following with more than one million people, along with collaborations with artists like the Turnpike Troubadours. That same appreciation for Americana and the outdoors made Patterson a natural fit to illustrate Wendell Berry's Mike, a story about a bird dog, quail hunting, family, memory, and the connection between people and the land. Quail Forever Journal editor Ryan Sparks explains why Berry's writing has remained so influential to him, and how the story's deeper themes connect directly to conservation and the hunting tradition. The conversation explores Patterson's creative process, his love of old country and bluegrass music, the influence of his grandparents, and why his deliberately timeless artwork resonates in a digital world. The discussion also digs into the idea of "membership," Berry's concept that we don't simply occupy a place but belong to a community of people, animals, land, traditions, and generations. For anyone who loves bird dogs, quail hunting, conservation, or the culture surrounding the outdoors, this is a conversation about much more than pulling the trigger. It's about why we return to the field and what we carry home with us. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Read Wendell Berry’s story Mike as it appeared in Quail Forever Journal with Broken Bow’s illustrations. Check out Colton Patterson’s artwork at Broken Bow. Learn more about Wendell Berry and his writing in this terrific article from The New York Times following his passing in August. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Pheasants have a knack for surviving whatever the prairie throws at them, and this year's forecast offers plenty of reasons to lace up the boots. From Montana and the Dakotas to Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Minnesota, the outlook varies by region, but the bigger story is encouraging: quality upland habitat produces birds. The crew breaks down the state-by-state pheasant hunting forecast, highlighting where hunters can expect the best opportunities and where conditions may require a little more work. Montana and North Dakota offer classic mixed-bag potential for pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge, while South Dakota continues to stand out for both bird numbers and access. Nebraska and Kansas offer opportunities for hunters interested in adding bobwhite quail to their mixed bag, and Minnesota's strong hatch could make it an overlooked destination for public land pheasant hunting. Beyond the forecast, the conversation digs into what actually matters once you hit the field. Expect practical pheasant hunting tips on finding birds in dry conditions, hunting cattails and other overlooked cover early in the season, using OnX to mark productive ground, and preparing bird dogs for changing temperatures. Most importantly, the discussion puts the season in perspective: success isn't always measured by limits. It's about good dogs, wild places, friends, family, habitat, and making the most of the days you have. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Read the full 2026 state-by-state Pheasant Hunting Forecast presented by Garmin. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Public land doesn’t have to start with thousands of acres. Sometimes it starts with one property, one partnership, and one group of volunteers willing to keep building. PF & QF’s Casey Sill joins On the Wing to talk about “Brick by Brick,” a new film documenting the impact Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area program has had on communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The conversation explores how permanently protected habitat can create more than pheasant hunting opportunities. It can improve water quality, strengthen local communities, support rural economies, and connect fragmented parcels into larger, more useful public land complexes for a wide array of wildlife species. Sill breaks down his first upland hunting experience in Iowa, the dramatic habitat transformation around the Spirit Lake area, and why Build a Wildlife properties demonstrate the value of building public access one parcel at a time. For hunters who grew up without public access, Sill explains how discovering public land fundamentally changed the way he spends time outdoors and shaped where he ultimately chose to build a life. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes This year’s Build a Wildlife Area week is being sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund in partnership with our friends at The Flush. Learn more about PF & QF’s Build a Wildlife Area program.Check out PF & QF’s newest film, Brick by Brick presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Chief Upland, and SportDOG Brand. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Country music singer Drake White joins On the Wing for a candid conversation about music, hunting, bird dogs, and the long road back from a devastating stroke. White grew up hunting and fishing in Alabama, where quail, deer, rivers, dogs, and the outdoors shaped how he understood the world and eventually influenced his music. At the height of his career, White suffered a hemorrhagic stroke onstage in Roanoke after doctors discovered an arteriovenous malformation in his brain. The aftermath left him paralyzed on his left side and facing a recovery that would fundamentally change his life. Then a trail camera captured a giant Tennessee whitetail buck behind his house. That deer became a fixation, and hunting became a source of purpose during one of the darkest periods of his recovery. White shares how pursuing that deer helped reignite his competitive spirit, engage his brain, and reconnect him with the outdoors. He also discusses the making of a documentary detailing the role of hunting in his recovery, his relationship with fellow country music artist Riley Green, duck hunting, dove hunting, bird dogs, and why he believes the hunt can be about far more than what ends up in your vest. The conversation is ultimately about resilience, purpose, faith, and finding a reason to keep moving when everything changes. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Watch “Ladder to the Sky: A Hunt’s the Healing Story” by Realtree and Drake White. Listen to Drake White and catch him on tour at www.DrakeWhite.com. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

The word “gamey” gets thrown around whenever wild game tastes different from what we know. But what does the word “gamey” actually mean? Quail Forever Journal editor Ryan Sparks takes a hard look at the word and makes the case that it does more harm than good. Wild game carries the imprint of where and how an animal lived. Age, diet, physical activity, season, stress, habitat, and processing can all influence flavor, meaning a bobwhite quail from one landscape can taste remarkably different from a scaled quail, pheasant, duck, deer, or other wild animal harvested somewhere else. Calling all of it “gamey” flattens those differences into one vague label. Sparks also explores why wild game cooking doesn't need to be complicated. From simply grilled quail to the broader tradition of eating animals harvested in the field, the goal isn't to disguise wild flavor. It's to understand and appreciate it. For hunters, anglers, and anyone who puts wild food on the table, there's a bigger lesson here: the flavor of wild game is part of the hunting experience. Learning to cook it well, recognize its differences, and respect what the animal provides can make the connection between field and table even stronger. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes • The winner of the Pheasants Forever + Irish Setter Wingshooters is announced.

A bird dog endures shipwrecks, captivity, starvation and war to become a legendary symbol of courage. Judy of Sussex was no ordinary bird dog. Born in Shanghai in 1936, the liver-and-white pointer became the mascot of a British gunboat before serving alongside its crew through some of the darkest years of World War II. After surviving the sinking of two ships, Judy endured years of captivity alongside British POWs in Japanese prison camps. She found fresh water for stranded sailors, hunted game, survived a crocodile attack, helped prisoners maintain morale and repeatedly escaped attempts to kill her. Her story offers a remarkable look at the bond between working dogs and the people who depend on them, while showing just how much courage and instinct a bird dog can possess under unimaginable conditions. Judy eventually received the Dickin Medal, Britain's highest military honor for animals, and remains the only dog officially registered as a prisoner of war. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Sound effects and sound design for "Judy" provided by: Editing and sound design by Trout Stream Studios[BG] Combat.wav by Audionautics -- https://freesound.org/s/136260/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Warzone by LogicMoon -- https://freesound.org/s/715831/ -- License: Attribution 4.0WAR_MACHINEGUN_SHOOTING_005.wav by deleted_user_3544904 -- https://freesound.org/s/234619/ -- License: Attribution 3.0War sounds by Dragout -- https://freesound.org/s/150305/ -- License: Creative Commons 0LightMachineGun1.wav by SuperPhat -- https://freesound.org/s/417688/ -- License: Creative Commons 0yucatan jungle.mp3 by folkart films -- https://freesound.org/s/122767/ -- License: Attribution 3.0R28-41-Hammer Metal Stakes or Nails.wav by craigsmith -- https://freesound.org/s/487086/ -- License: Creative Commons 0G54-30-Waves Heard from Ship's Hold.wav by craigsmith -- https://freesound.org/s/438849/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Hopeful Cinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Music by EvanBoyerman -- https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Emotional Uplifting Soundtrack - For Her by MusicByMisterbates -- https://freesound.org/s/596510/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Wild quail, rugged country, and a six-species pursuit turned one couple’s hunts into lifelong adventures. Jamie and Jesse Durham never set out to become dedicated quail hunters. Their journey started with a question on a first date and grew into a goal to hunt all six species of quail in the United States. Along the way, they discovered what makes chasing wild birds so addictive: learning habitat, following good dogs, exploring unfamiliar country, and earning every bird. The Durhams share lessons from hunting bobwhite quail on Florida public land, including how prescribed fire, longleaf pine, palmetto cover, and timing can shape a successful hunt. They also recount trips across the West for Gambel’s, Mearns’, scaled, valley, and mountain quail, from the rugged terrain of New Mexico and Texas to Hells Canyon. Their story offers plenty for upland hunters to take away, from choosing quail habitat and working young bird dogs to handling the unique challenges of Florida hunting, including heat, snakes, alligators, and post-hurricane conditions. Most importantly, their experience shows how hunting can become something shared, from discovering new landscapes together to preparing wild quail for the table and eventually introducing the next generation to the field. 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.

What actually happens inside a bird dog’s brain when it locks onto a pheasant, quail, or grouse? Dr. Annie Valuska, a Purina pet behaviorist with more than 20 years of experience in animal behavior research, helps unpack the science behind the dogs we depend on in the field. The conversation explores how dogs learn through classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning, and problem-solving, and what those mechanisms mean for practical bird dog training. You’ll learn why positive reinforcement can accelerate learning, how environmental experiences shape behavior, and why the breed may play a much smaller role in your dog’s temperament and hunting ability than you think. The discussion gets especially interesting when Annie explains the incredible sensory world of a dog. Bird dogs can detect layers of scent that humans simply cannot perceive. Could an experienced pheasant dog actually distinguish a rooster from a hen? The science has not answered that question yet, but host Bob St.Pierre has got a theory sure to generate debate! The conversation also covers canine intelligence, communication, the powerful bond between hunters and their dogs, and how to approach a dog’s final days with compassion and objectivity. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

For anyone who has ever watched a bird dog lock onto a point or shared quiet miles across public land, this conversation hits close to home. Singer-songwriter Reese Glover returns to talk about the official release of “Ballad of the Bird Dog,” a song introduced to the bird hunting community during an episode last year. Reese shares how the song evolved from a simple live recording into a professionally produced studio release while staying true to its stripped-down, storytelling roots. Along the way, he dives into the songwriting process, finding inspiration in pheasant hunting, grouse hunting, and life with his German shorthaired pointer, Bridger. The conversation explores why bird dogs inspire great music, how hunting traditions shape creative work, and why the connection between hunters and their dogs continues to unite the upland community. You'll also hear some fun pointer vs. flusher banter, perspective on balancing a music career with hunting season, and Reese’s upcoming plans to combine live performances with bird hunting. If you appreciate authentic outdoor storytelling, working bird dogs, and the culture surrounding upland hunting, this is one you'll want to hear from start to finish. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Check out last year’s On the Wing Podcast Ep #317 when we first met Reese Glover.Learn more about Reese and check out his touring schedule at www.ReeseGloverMusic.com.In the spirit of connecting habitat and harmonies, we’ve created a Spotify playlist titled “Good Dogs & Good Tunes.” Enjoy! On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Discover how great wild game meals become unforgettable when paired with exceptional wine and upland traditions. A turkey hunt in California's vineyard country turns into a conversation about upland hunting, wild game cooking, and why great meals begin long before they reach the table. Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks returns to Passalacqua Winery to share the story behind completing his turkey slam while chasing gobblers through rain-soaked vineyards filled with California valley quail. Along the way, the crew explores how thoughtful wine pairings can elevate everything from grilled ruffed grouse to barbecue pheasant pizza. Passalacqua’s winemaker Jessica Boone breaks down two new Quail Forever collaboration wines, a balanced Russian River Valley Chardonnay and a vibrant Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, explaining how each complements upland birds without overpowering their natural flavor. Listeners will also hear creative wild game recipes, including pulled pheasant barbecue pizza and a French-inspired pheasant ragout served over creamy polenta, along with practical cooking tips for making the most of every bird in the freezer. Whether you're passionate about quail hunting, turkey hunting, wild game recipes, bird dog traditions, or simply gathering around the grill after a day outdoors, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration for your next hunt and your next meal. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Learn more and order Passalacqua + Quail Forever collab wines and help support Quail Forever’s habitat mission.If you’re a Quail Forever Chapter eligible to win the quail hunting trip at Passalacqua Winery, you’ll want to listen to this episode to hear the winner’s name announced. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

The biggest victories for upland birds often happen long before hunting season ever opens. Wild pheasants, quail, public land access, and quality bird hunting all depend on decisions made long before opening day. State legislatures shape wildlife habitat, conservation funding, prescribed fire, hunter access, and the future of upland hunting across America. Bob St. Pierre sits down with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Director of State Government Affairs Swanny Evans to break down the biggest conservation victories, challenges, and emerging threats from legislative sessions across pheasant and quail country. From new conservation license plates and dedicated wildlife funding to expanded public access, prescribed fire improvements, and hunter education programs, they explain how policy decisions directly affect the places hunters, bird dogs, and wildlife depend on. The discussion also explores growing concerns surrounding ballot initiatives targeting hunting, state funding shortages for wildlife agencies, and ongoing efforts to protect public lands while expanding opportunities for future generations of upland hunters. You'll also hear how members, volunteers, and conservation partners are influencing legislation in dozens of states through grassroots advocacy. Whether you chase roosters, coveys, prairie grouse, or simply care about healthy wildlife habitat, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work protecting the future of upland conservation across the United States. Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds. Show notes Learn more about PF & QF’s conservation advocacy efforts. Reach Swanny at [email protected] if you’d like to connect on conservation legislation in your state. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.