On The Wing Podcast-logo

On The Wing Podcast

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

Welcome to the On the Wing Podcast with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. On the Wing is your destination for conversations about upland bird hunting, wildlife habitat, public lands, bird dogs, wild game cooking and epic adventures in search of...

Location:

United States

Description:

Welcome to the On the Wing Podcast with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. On the Wing is your destination for conversations about upland bird hunting, wildlife habitat, public lands, bird dogs, wild game cooking and epic adventures in search of pheasants, quail and grouse. These are the stories of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s 145,000 members, volunteers, team of professional wildlife biologists and experts in the field. Our shows are recorded in person and often on the road from the end of tailgates, backs of horse trailers and after a day in the field chasing birds.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

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

4/29/2026
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 The Upland NewsroomHabitat University On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:51:28

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 360: Quail vs. Turkey Habitat Secrets Every Landowner Should Know

4/22/2026
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 FIND A BIOLOGIST On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:51:43

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 359: Science-Driven Habitat Strategy for Better Pheasant and Quail Populations

4/15/2026
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 jess@quailforever.org On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:50:54

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 358: Hunting Spot Names That Stick

4/8/2026
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 www.QuailForever.org/namswww.QuailForever.org/joinwww.PheasantsForever.org/join On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:53:30

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 357: Chasing Mountain and Valley Quail Across the West

4/1/2026
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.

Duration:01:15:40

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

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

3/25/2026
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 https://amaazen.com/ On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:22:12

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 355: Introducing the E-Collar Properly for Young Bird Dogs

3/18/2026
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.

Duration:00:43:49

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 354: Hard Truths & Practical Tips for the Traveling Wingshooter

3/11/2026
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 flexibilityknow how Know Before You Go whenwhere Traveling To (and From) Your Destination Considerations During Your Hunt

Duration:01:26:43

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 353: Cookies for Conservation and the Future of Public Land Hunting

3/4/2026
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 @cookiesforconservationwww.navhda.org On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:52:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 352: Iowa’s Upland Comeback: Pheasants, Quail, and Habitat Truths

2/25/2026
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 https://events.pheasantsforever.org/eventsPF & QF Farm Bill Biologist On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:22:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 351: Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2026 Preview

2/16/2026
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 www.PheasantFest.orgHighlights & EventsPFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:26:01

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 350: Quail Forever Joins SEWE to Celebrate Quail Culture in Charleston

2/11/2026
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 “The South’s Upland Showcase”raffle tickets for a Polaris Ranger 570tickets for Quail Forever’s SEWE VIP Socialwww.SEWE.com

Duration:00:37:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 349: Rooster Road Trip Recap is Bird Hunting Reality Check

2/4/2026
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 www.RoosterRoadTrip.orgRooster Road Trip RaffleEARLYBIRDwww.SoundGear.comPFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:30:36

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 348: Rooster Road Trip Finishes with Hot Quail Action

1/28/2026
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 www.RoosterRoadTrip.orgRooster Road Trip Raffle@spade_the_labradwarfPFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:15:47

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 347: Rooster Road Trip Connects Hunting, Habitat, and Public Access

1/21/2026
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 www.RoosterRoadTrip.orgRooster Road Trip RaffleFind a PF or QF biologistPFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:53:43

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 346: Rooster Road Trip Rolls Through Kansas WIHA

1/14/2026
Some days test your legs, dogs, patience, and purpose, but they also teach the deepest lessons. Rooster Road Trip rolls through Kansas with a hard-earned reminder: not every day in bird country goes as planned. In this episode, the crew dives into the realities of public land pheasant and quail hunting, long miles, tough habitat conditions, and the discipline required to keep scouting when the habitat isn’t there and the birds aren’t cooperating. From navigating Kansas WIHA parcels to reading drought-stressed grasslands, listeners will hear practical lessons on evaluating upland habitat, knowing when to walk away, and why time behind the windshield can matter more than time behind the shotgun. The conversation blends boots-on-the-ground hunting strategy with honest reflections on habitat variability and the difference good grass makes for bobwhite quail and ringneck pheasants. The episode also explores the emotional side of bird hunting: honoring great bird dogs, appreciating fleeting moments on point, and understanding how conservation work—like fighting cedar encroachment and restoring grasslands—directly impacts the hunts we care about. You’ll come away with sharper public land scouting instincts, a deeper respect for habitat management, and renewed motivation to keep chasing wild birds even on the grind-it-out days. This is an insider look at upland hunting as it really happens, equal parts frustration, persistence, conservation, and reward. Show notes www.RoosterRoadTrip.orgRooster Road Trip RaffleOn the Wing episode #310PFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:06:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 345: Action-Packed Public Lands Quail Hunt

1/7/2026
Wild bobwhite quail, public lands, and bird dogs collide in Kansas as our 16th installment of Rooster Road Trip takes flight. You’ll hear how the Rooster Road Trip ethos focused on hunting public land for five days with whatever conditions Mother Nature delivers has stayed consistent over the years, even as habitat challenges evolve. The group breaks down current habitat and public land conditions in Kansas, with a focus on the importance of shrubs, bare ground, and prescribed fire for bobwhite quail. There’s practical insight here for anyone planning a DIY upland hunt, especially bird hunters looking to extend their season when northern states are locked in winter snow. The episode also highlights the human side of the organization and of bird hunters: resilience, grief, joy, and the grounding power of walking America’s grasslands behind good bird dogs with friends. From exploding coveys and “popcorn flushes” to dog work in dense cover, listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of late-season bird hunting strategies and why public land still matters. This is an insider conversation: honest, reflective, and rooted in the realities of modern upland hunting. Show notes www.RoosterRoadTrip.orgRooster Road Trip RafflePFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:05:23

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

PODCAST EP. 344: Grouse Camp Comes Alive: Inside Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic’s Upland Gathering

12/30/2025
A first-of-its-kind “Grouse Camp” brings the prairies, forests, bird dogs, and upland community together under one roof. National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic has long been the premier gathering for the upland community, but 2026 raises the bar. In this episode, we preview the debut of Grouse Camp, a brand-new, immersive experience built for serious upland hunters who care as much about habitat as they do about bird dogs and autumn covers. Leaders from the North American Grouse Partnership, Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society, and Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society break down what Grouse Camp really is: a collaborative hub where prairie grouse and forest grouse share the spotlight. Listeners will hear how this camp-style lounge blends upland hunting culture with real conversations about habitat management, public lands, conservation policy, wild game cooking, and the future of grouse populations across North America. The discussion goes beyond the show floor. You’ll learn why prairie grouse are drawing new hunters West, how Instagram and public land access are reshaping upland travel, and why grouse species are powerful indicators of healthy grasslands and forests. The episode also explores what successful conservation actually looks like—measured not just in acres restored, but in bird populations and cherished experiences. Woven throughout are personal stories: favorite covers, unforgettable flushes, bird dogs on point, and the places that define why upland hunting matters. Whether you chase ruffed grouse in aspen cuts, prairie chickens on the plains, pheasants in the prairies, or quail in the piney woods, this conversation pulls the entire upland world together. Show notes Grouse CampNational Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2026PFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:54:49

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 343: Breaking Down 2026’s Projected Conservation Battles at the State Level

12/17/2025
Statehouse conservation battles are shaping your future experiences in the uplands. This episode provides a valuable state-by-state rundown of what’s coming in 2026 and how bird hunters can influence policy through advocacy efforts at the state level. From dedicated conservation funding to the restructuring of state natural resource agencies, the 2026 legislative season is already loaded with major issues that could reshape the future of upland hunting, wildlife management, and habitat conservation across the country. In this episode, host Bob St. Pierre sits down with Swanny Evans, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Government Affairs, for a deep dive into the state-level policy fights that matter most to bird hunters, habitat advocates, and public land diehards. Swanny breaks down upcoming conservation legislation from Pennsylvania to Washington and Tennessee to Colorado, highlighting wins, setbacks, and the political realities driving each effort. Listeners get an insider view at how dedicated funding models work, why license plate programs help fuel on-the-ground habitat work, and how charitable gaming reforms directly impact chapter fundraisers that support upland conservation nationwide. The guys also tackle access issues like Sunday hunting, college-student hunting license reforms, public lands bills, and growing threats from “ballot box biology.” Swanny also explains how hunters, anglers, and conservationists can meaningfully influence state policy, and why a single action-alert email can carry surprising weight when it hits an elected official’s inbox at the right time. If you care about upland habitat, bird dogs, hunting access, public lands, or the future of conservation funding, this is essential listening. Show notes PF & QF’s advocacy effortsadvocacy@pheasantsforever.orgPFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:01:06:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

EP. 342: A Holiday Recipe Featuring Quail in Red Wine and Mushroom Sauce

12/10/2025
A rich, winter-ready wild game dish that hunters can master with simple stock and sauce techniques. In this holiday feasting edition of On the Wing podcast, we dig into an upland-inspired meal built for cold evenings after long days in the field. Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks returns to the podcast and guides hunting cooks through his red wine and mushroom quail recipe, an approachable plate that blends Italian-style game cooking with ingredients any bird hunter can pull straight from the freezer. Ryan breaks down how to turn a handful of bobwhite quail into a meal that highlights every ounce of the bird. You’ll learn why small game cooks should always save legs and carcasses, how to make a no-nonsense homemade stock in a crockpot, and how to build richer, more reliable sauces using simple reduction and deglazing techniques. We also cover choosing the right mushrooms, crisping quail breasts properly, pairing wild game with the right wine, and adapting the recipe for pheasants or other upland birds. Whether you're a seasoned upland hunter or an aspiring wild game cook, this episode gives you practical, confidence-building techniques you can use across your entire upland hunting and wild-game kitchen repertoire. And yes, this one absolutely tastes like Christmas. Show notes Passalacqua + Quail Forever wines and a limited-edition holiday gift packPFQFonxmaps.com/hunt/app On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Duration:00:23:47