In this episode, we dive into the importance of passing hunting traditions to the next generation, the role hunting dogs have played throughout Samuel’s life, and why family remains at the center of everything he does in the outdoors. We also discuss California upland hunting, bird dog breeding, field trials, mentorship, and the pursuit of completing California’s upland bird slam, highlighted by his son’s quest to harvest the final species on his list: the elusive chukar.

Samuel also shares the story behind his nonprofit hunting and fishing organization, which provides gear, hunting dogs, and puppies to youth, veterans, and first responders. Through faith, service, and a commitment to helping others experience the outdoors, Samuel is making a lasting impact on the hunting community and ensuring the next generation has opportunities to create their own memories afield.

If you enjoy conversations about bird dogs, family hunting traditions, conservation, mentorship, and giving back to the hunting community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.
Watch on YouTube.

Bird Camp Radio Store

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

In this episode, we dive into how Joe breaks down new country, identifies productive habitat, and uses terrain features, elevation, slope aspect, water sources, and seasonal bird behavior to locate overlooked hunting opportunities. We also discuss the value of keeping hunting journals, learning from failure, adapting to changing conditions, and why continual improvement is one of the most important skills an upland hunter can develop.

Joe shares insights from hunting some of the toughest bird country in the West, lessons learned from chasing mountain birds, and his philosophy on ethical access, self-reliance, and earning success through hard work rather than shortcuts. We also spend time talking bird dogs, including the development of his German Shorthaired Pointer, Milo, and the role a good dog plays in becoming a better hunter.

If you enjoy conversations about public-land bird hunting, chukar strategy, mountain birds, dog work, and the constant pursuit of becoming a better upland hunter, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.
Watch on YouTube.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ryan grew up chasing wild quail behind English setters and started guiding hunts in Southern Illinois while still in high school. Since then, his path has led him through Mexico, Bolivia, Paraguay, Alaska, Romania, and beyond, building a lifetime of experience around wild birds, pointing dogs, wingshooting lodges, and international sporting operations.

In this episode, we dive into what makes truly wild bird hunting special, the importance of good dog work, and the lessons Ryan has learned from decades spent guiding hunters across multiple continents. We talk about English setters, quail hunting culture in Mexico, running large-scale wingshooting operations in South America, learning Spanish to better connect with local outfitters and landowners, and the realities of building a career in the hunting industry.

Ryan also shares stories from guiding in places most hunters only dream about, along with his perspective on preserving authentic upland traditions in a modern hunting world.

If you enjoy conversations about wild birds, bird dogs, international wingshooting, and the people keeping upland traditions alive, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.
Watch on YouTube.

Worldwide Wingshooter Facebook
Worldwide Wingshooter Instagram
Worldwide Wingshooter TikTok
https://worldwidewingshooter.com/

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

In this episode, Josh shares the lessons passed down from his grandfather and father, the traditions that shaped his outlook on hunting and conservation, and why respect for the game and the experience has always mattered more than anything else. The conversation dives into growing up in a hunting family, the special bond created through good dogs, and the memories that continue to keep upland traditions alive today.

This episode is rooted in heritage, stewardship, and the kind of upland culture that keeps people coming back to the field year after year. If you appreciate bird dogs, family traditions, and meaningful conversations about the uplands, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Rockey's Kennels Instagram
Rockey's Kennels Facebook
Rockey's Kennels Website
Josh's Facebook

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Raised in a family built around hunting traditions, Eric grew up chasing deer, elk, antelope, and spending cold mornings in waterfowl blinds with his father and grandfather. For years, wing shooting over decoys was the pinnacle of hunting in his eyes... until an unexpected trip to Italy introduced him to the world of pointing dogs and upland birds.

In this episode, Eric talks about learning to handle his first pointing dog from the ground up, the steep learning curve that came with it, and the influence of his wife’s family, whose roots in breeding and training English Setters stretch back decades. The conversation dives into bird dogs, tradition, mentorship, hunting culture in both the United States and Italy, and the strong community that surrounds the pointing dog world.

This one is about more than hunting. It’s about how one experience can completely reshape your passion and lead you down a path you never expected.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio
Watch on YouTube.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Reece Chambers joins the show to talk about what it means to truly know your dogs and your birds. Running a string of 10 German Shorthaired Pointers, all from a line he’s carefully maintained over the years, Reece has put in the time to understand genetics, consistency, and the kind of work it takes to build a dependable kennel. From his home base in Georgia to chasing wild quail across Kansas each season, he lives the traveling upland lifestyle that so many hunters respect.

We dive into bird dog development, maintaining a strong bloodline, and what separates good dogs from great ones in the field. Reece also shares his appreciation for the classic upland writers and how their influence still shows up today: not just in storytelling, but in the way he hunts behind an easy-handling side-by-side and approaches each day in the field.

This episode is about more than just hunting, it’s about tradition, discipline, and staying connected to the roots of the uplands through dogs, birds, and the stories that keep it all alive.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio, and watch on YouTube.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Alongside his wife, Travis built an upland guide service from the ground up, turning it into three successful years of growth through hard work, learning curves, and a commitment to the lifestyle. As part of Jo Kreed Outdoors out of Andrews, Texas, he’s living the upland life in the wide-open country of West Texas with bird dogs at the center of it all.

This episode dives into bird numbers, hunting conditions, guiding, and what it really takes to build something in the upland world. If you’re someone who pays attention to the details of a season and values good conversation around bird hunting, this one’s for you.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Jo Kreed Outdoors
Jo Kreed Outdoors Instagram
Jo Kreed Outdoors Facebook

What started as hunting anything in season has turned into a true passion for upland birds, especially grouse and pheasants. After harvesting his first grouse in 2020, he’s been all-in ever since, putting in miles, time, and effort behind a double barrel to chase one of the toughest birds in the woods.

But this episode goes deeper than just hunting stories.

Stephen talks about giving back through mentoring new hunters with Learn to Hunt, working alongside the PA Game Commission and Ruffed Grouse Society on habitat projects, and what it really means to carry on the traditions that shaped him.

This one’s about more than birds, it’s about legacy, mentorship, and doing your part to keep it all alive.

If you care about upland hunting, habitat, and passing it on, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Joe grew up on a small cattle farm where hunting started simple: BB guns, gophers, and a single-shot 20 gauge. Like a lot of hunters, life pulled him away for a time, and it wasn’t until his early 30s that everything came back into focus. One dog, one hunt, and one trip back to pheasant country was all it took to light the fire again. And this time, it stuck.

What followed was a full commitment to upland hunting and the lifestyle that comes with it. Today, Joe runs multiple dogs, spends the majority of his fall chasing birds across state lines, and has built a place where others can experience the same thing through his South Dakota property, now known as Pair-A-Dice Lodge.

In this episode, we get into Joe’s journey from farm kid to dedicated upland hunter, what it looks like to truly dive into the lifestyle later in life, and how dogs changed everything along the way. We talk about the importance of hunting partners, building traditions, and creating opportunities not just for yourself, but for others to be part of it too.

Joe also shares his vision for the future as retirement gets closer: a life split between North Dakota and South Dakota, running a campground, chasing birds deep into the season, and staying rooted in the lifestyle that brought him back.

This one is about second chances, doing things right the second time around, and building a life centered on dogs, birds, and the people you share it with.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

In this episode, Alec shares how chasing deer and ducks as a kid eventually led him down a completely different path, the moment a Deutsch Drahthaar entered his life and opened the door to true versatile hunting. That turning point didn’t just change how he hunted, it reshaped everything.

Now a Midwest-based hunter, Alec lives for the unpredictability of the field. A self-described rough shooter, he’s not chasing perfection: he’s chasing opportunity. Whether it’s pheasants, woodcock, rabbits, raccoons, or even coyotes, if his dogs are working, he’s in the game.

We talk through his transition from southern hunting roots into the world of versatile upland hunting and what makes a Deutsch Drahthaar such a game-changing dog. Alec breaks down the mindset behind being a “rough shooter” and why embracing imperfect hunts is part of what keeps things real. At its core, this episode is about the connection between hunter, dog, and land. And why, even now, nothing compares to swinging on a woodcock back in the Louisiana swamps where it all started.

This one isn’t about limits or numbers. It’s about the lifestyle, the dogs that drive it, and the moments that stick with you long after the hunt is over.

If your dogs dictate your season, this one’s for you.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Josh’s story started in Ontario, watching Labradors crash through cattails on cold-water retrieves and moments that hooked him on the connection between a dog, a handler, and the work they do together. That early spark eventually led him west to Alberta, where his love for both upland and waterfowl pushed him toward one breed that could truly do it all: the German Shorthaired Pointer.

In this episode, Josh walks us through his journey from bringing home his first GSP in 2011 to building a multi-generation line of truly versatile dogs; dogs shaped through confirmation shows, structured training, and countless hours in the field. We talk about the “lightbulb moments” he lives for, the instincts he’s bred for four generations, and why it’s never been about the number of birds but the dog work that unfolds in front of the gun.

We also dive into Josh’s television journey as the creator and host of On Point Adventures, an upland and waterfowl hunting show that ran for eight years. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, what the show meant to him, and hints at his plans to reboot the series for a new generation of hunters and dog handlers.

If you love versatile dogs, wild bird hunting, and hearing from people who dedicate their lives to this craft, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

You'll hear what to expect from future episodes, from upland bird hunting stories, habitat conversations, and bird dog talk, to the voices of the upland community everywhere!

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just discovering the uplands, this is your invitation to join the camp!

Griffin shares how his first German Shorthaired Pointer, Remi, became the spark that ignited a lifelong dedication to training, hunting, and living alongside these incredible dogs. Now 39, and hunting behind his third GSP, Lainey, he reflects on the lessons, partnerships, and memories forged on the steep, unforgiving chukar hills of the High Desert.

A father of three, devoted husband of fourteen years, big-game hunter, steelhead angler, and travel baseball coach, Griffin’s life is grounded in family, tradition, and time spent outdoors. In this conversation, he brings authentic perspective on balancing passion with responsibility, raising kids in the outdoors, and keeping the upland heritage alive.

Whether you hunt chukar, run a dog, or simply appreciate stories from the uplands, this episode captures the heart of what Bird Camp Radio is all about.

What was advertised as a three-day, semi-guided hog hunt quickly unraveled into a roughly ten-hour ordeal marked by an unresponsive and unreliable guide, poor communication, and conditions that pushed us far past “just a bad hunt.” My brother, my dad, and I traveled to Texas expecting an adventure. What we got instead was a hard lesson in preparation, expectations, and knowing when things don’t feel right.

During the hunt, weather, lack of guidance, and exhaustion compounded into a situation that nearly turned dangerous, including a serious brush with hypothermia. In this episode, my dad and I walk through exactly what happened: from the first red flags to the moment we realized we were in trouble, and what we took away from the experience.

This isn’t about trashing anyone. It’s about honesty, accountability, and sharing a story that other hunters can learn from. Not every hunt ends with a grip-and-grin, and not every outfitter delivers what’s promised. Sometimes the best lessons come from the hunts that go sideways.

If you’ve ever booked a guided hunt, trusted someone else with your safety, or just want a reminder that the outdoors demands respect, this episode is for you.

What started as a high school hobby has grown into a full-blown lifestyle. Over the past four years, Jackson has dedicated himself to personally training and handling bird dogs, competing in hunt tests and field trials, and helping friends develop their own dogs along the way. He also guides professionally at a hunt club, passing on his knowledge to others who share the same passion for chasing birds behind good dogs.

From September through February, Jackson is rarely out of the field. Whether he’s training, competing, guiding, or simply enjoying long days afield with his dogs, his commitment to the tradition, discipline, and community of bird hunting is clear.

This episode dives into what it takes to truly live the bird dog life: balancing seasons, dogs, competition, and the relentless drive to get better every day. If you love upland hunting and the people who keep it alive, Episode 20 is one you won’t want to miss.

Jackson's Instagram

Jackson's Facebook

Now, with his first bird dog, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon named Reba, Brenton has spent the season chasing birds across Montana, building memories and friendships that define the upland community. We talk dogs, training, Montana landscapes, starting a small outdoor business, and how the uplands can reshape a person’s life.

Now 55, Dean reflects on nearly five decades in the field: covering everything from his early days chasing upland birds to discovering a deep appreciation for duck hunting with a dog after serving in the military. His journey with working dogs has shaped not only the way he hunts, but the way he views the tradition and responsibility that come with it.

We also talk about the years when hunting took a back seat as Dean focused on raising his family and coaching his kids: proof that while seasons of life may change, the fire for bird hunting never truly fades.

For the past eight years, Dean has been back at it full stride, chasing upland birds across the western United States with his own dogs and embracing the grind, discipline, and joy that only bird camp can bring.

This episode is about legacy, dogs, grit, and the kind of passion that doesn’t fade with time, it just deepens.

If you love upland hunting and the stories that shape who we are in the field, this one’s for you.

We also dive into the science and management behind Utah’s upland game species, with a special focus on ruffed grouse and dusky grouse populations, their habitat needs, current trends, and what the future of conservation looks like for these iconic birds. Heather’s deep expertise and passion for wildlife make this a standout conversation for hunters, birders, and anyone who loves the land.

Tune in for an inspiring and informative look at the people and programs shaping the future of upland game in Utah.

Mentorship Program: https://www.learnhunting.org/

Forest Grouse Article: https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/upland/forest_grouse_in_the_fall.pdf

Upland Game Slams: https://wildlife.utah.gov/upland-game-slam.html

From towering forests and open trails to the steady rhythm of the ocean, Emanuel shares how nature has become both a teacher and a creative compass. We explore how those experiences inspired his children’s book series Wenaha Henry and reflective works like Nature Bound and One Man, One Dog, stories rooted in presence, companionship, and the quiet lessons the wild offers those willing to listen.

Beyond writing, Emanuel opens up about the role meditation and personal growth play in his life, and how those practices help him stay grounded, creative, and clear: both in the field and in business. With over 30 years of experience helping companies grow through smarter marketing and clearer messaging, Emanuel brings a rare perspective that blends outdoor wisdom with leadership, creativity, and intention.

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and honest. One that reminds us why we head into the field in the first place, and what the wild continues to teach us long after the hunt ends.

Emanuel's Website

In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, Matt shares his journey into upland hunting, what makes springer spaniels such special dogs in the field, and how conservation work at the local level makes a real difference for bird hunters. We also talk about balancing a busy professional career in occupational safety with family life, bird dogs, and podcasting, along with his unique conservation art projects that turn bird dog portraits into funding for wildlife nonprofits.

This conversation is all about passion for flushing dogs, giving back to conservation, and building a life around the uplands: whether that’s behind a dog in the Columbia Basin, teaching the next generation, or telling stories through a microphone.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

https://www.facebook.com/millbauer

https://open.spotify.com/show/1DS8TcoEVj61G07pTUpzVm?si=bf8abbdc834a45c7

What began as chasing quail and pheasants behind a duck dog grew into a life built around upland birds. Today, Andrew breeds and trains working gun dogs and guides both upland and waterfowl hunts, turning a deeply ingrained lifestyle into meaningful work.

After relocating to the west side of Oregon’s Cascade Range, Andrew found himself immersed in some of the finest grouse cover in the region. Living where he hunts has given him an intimate understanding of bird behavior, daily movement, and seasonal patterns, knowledge earned only through time, miles, and repetition. Alongside grouse, he stays rooted in the uplands pursuing mountain quail and band-tailed pigeons throughout the year.

This conversation explores tradition, dog work, Woodsmanship, and the responsibility of carrying hunting values forward. It’s an episode grounded in experience, shaped by time afield, and centered on the birds that continue to define Andrew’s life and livelihood.

Shawn opens up about the evolution of his hunting identity, from waterfowl addict to dedicated upland hunter drawn to the explosive flush and heart-pounding chase across the prairie. He shares stories of hunting sharptails, Huns, prairie chickens, pheasants, and ruffed grouse often solo, with only his dogs Rudd and Royal by his side.

The conversation also explores how his time in the field influences his creative feather art, his appreciation for craftsmanship, and his broader pursuit of wild game from elk and mule deer in the fall to bluefin tuna off the Long Island coast in summer. This episode is a thoughtful look at a life built around hard-earned skills, intentional solitude, and the pull of birds on the wing.

Bret shares his experience competing at the highest levels of NSTRA trials with his English setters, training dogs to multiple championships, and mentoring first-time handlers who are just getting started. We also dive into his impressive career as a champion duck caller, including multiple state and regional titles and eight appearances at the World Duck Calling Championship in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

More recently, Bret has found a new creative outlet through writing, blending his love for the outdoors with storytelling. We talk about what inspired his 1950s-era fiction novel A Millionaire’s Dream, how his writing journey began, and what he’s working toward next. Along the way, we cover his involvement with the Utah Chukar and Wildlife Foundation, his work with FFA programs, and his role in educating others about bird dogs, conservation, and hunting’s place in wildlife management. This episode is packed with insight, experience, and genuine passion for the bird dog lifestyle.

https://bretwonnacott.com/

http://www.utahchukars.org/

https://ksloutdoors.com/tag/bret-wonnacott/

Matthew’s journey blends tradition with science. While studying Wildlife Management, he gained hands-on experience trapping, banding, aging, and radio-tracking grouse deepening his understanding of the birds he already loved to chase. That knowledge followed him into his career as a wildlife biologist with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, where surveying old farm properties in the Catskills revealed some of the finest grouse and woodcock habitat in the region.

We talk about Matthew’s unconventional path into bird dogs, starting with a cast-off German Shorthaired Pointer that taught him patience and problem-solving. Over time, he became known for working with dogs others struggled with rehabilitating, restarting, and shaping them through bird contact and humility. His legendary dog, Jett, trained almost entirely on wild birds, became the kind of woods dog most of us spend a lifetime chasing.

The conversation also explores guiding, breeding, balancing night-shift law enforcement with daylight in the bird woods, and raising three sons in the traditions of bird hunting, conservation, and dog work. At its heart, this episode is about learning through birds, dogs, failures, friendships, and time spent covering ground where grouse still drum.

In this episode, we dive into Jimmy’s journey from early hunts to competing in field trials with his father, exploring the bonds formed through mentorship, community, and shared tradition. Whether it’s choosing the perfect bloodline, training a dog for peak performance, or simply savoring the beauty of the outdoors, Jimmy’s stories offer inspiration for hunters and dog enthusiasts alike.

Tune in for a conversation that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the timeless joy of upland hunting.

Through serious health challenges and slow seasons, Haley’s journey reminds us that the hunt isn’t just about the birds; it’s about patience, resilience, and the moments that shape us along the way. Tune in as Haley shares stories of public land adventures, lessons learned from her dogs, and how she brings that same spirit of care and dedication to her work supporting foster children.

With over 40 years of upland hunting experience, primarily focused on wild bobwhite quail in Missouri and Kansas, Mike has taken wild birds in seven different states and witnessed firsthand the changes in habitat, bird numbers, and hunting culture over the decades. He started his journey with American Brittanys before transitioning 16 years ago to Epagneul Bretons, beginning with his first Breton, Jack. Today, his pack ranges from six months to eight years old, and each dog plays a role in his nomadic hunting lifestyle.

From Meade County, Kansas to Beaver County, Oklahoma, and summers spent in Daniels County, Montana, Mike shares what it’s like to build a life around wild places and bird dogs. We talk about lessons learned over 55 years of hunting, how the landscape has changed, what keeps him motivated at 66, and why the simple pursuit of wild quail still means everything.

If you love bird dogs, wild birds, and stories from someone who has truly lived it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

We also get a personal look at his wife's journey into upland hunting, and how her passion for the field evolved into writing for Project Upland and Gun Dog Confidential. It's a rich, honest conversation about birds, dogs, partnership, and the wild spaces that call us back.

Dave has hunted and fished across 32 U.S. states, four Canadian provinces, and seven countries, bringing a lifetime of stories and hard-earned perspective to the conversation. We talk about upland birds, the traditions of hunting, conservation, and what he’s learned through a career spent chasing wild places and sharing those experiences through writing.

A competitive clay shooter and passionate advocate for ethical hunting, Dave’s work regularly appears in American Waterfowler and Covey Rise, where he continues to share insights from decades in the field. Above all, Dave is a devoted father and grandfather who still lives the lifestyle he writes about: traveling, exploring, and passing down the traditions of hunting and fishing.

If you enjoy conversations about upland birds, conservation, and the stories behind a lifetime in the outdoors, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Matt grew up chasing deer and turkey in Tennessee, with a few duck hunts mixed in along the way. Life moved him around before he eventually settled in Illinois, where he continued pursuing the game he grew up with. But just two years ago, everything changed.

A late-season pheasant hunt in brutal conditions, wind chill sitting around -4 degrees, lit the fire. By noon, they had limited out. More importantly, a new passion was born. Since then, Matt has dove headfirst into upland hunting, building friendships, making annual trips to South Dakota, and collecting the kind of stories that only bird camp can produce… including the now-legendary tale of “Lieutenant Hen.”

Matt is a strong advocate for ethical and legal hunting, and he believes the value of a hunt isn’t measured in inches of antler or what ends up on the wall. As he puts it, next year’s trophy will taste just as good this year. That mindset carries through both his own hunting journey and his podcast, where he gives everyday hunters and anglers a place to tell their stories: the good shots, the missed shots, and everything in between.

This episode is about tradition, camaraderie, new beginnings in the uplands, and why the memories made in the field matter more than any mount ever could.

Pull up a chair. Bird camp’s in session.

Check-In Station Instagram

Check-In Station Facebook

Check-In Station Apple Podcasts

Check-In Station Spotify

Kenneth grew up in the Virginia woods, following his father, grandfather, and uncles at a time when simply seeing a deer was a victory. Small game, rabbits and squirrels shaped his early seasons and taught him the value of time afield long before numbers or limits mattered. Though deer hunting became his primary focus for decades, a simple realization changed everything: he wasn’t just a hunter, he was a deer hunter.

That moment pushed Kenneth toward upland birds and bird dogs. With little experience but a lot of commitment, he chose a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and hit the road for a 22-hour trip that would change how he hunted forever. Nearly five years later, that dog Marley has accounted for over 400 birds taken over her points and has become the heart of Kenneth’s upland seasons.

We talk about building a dog from the ground up, hunting modest upland opportunities in the Appalachians, making the most of limited grouse and woodcock covers, and supplementing wild bird hunting with pen-raised birds. Kenneth also shares his growing kennel, including a young German Shorthaired Pointer and a hard-charging retriever that proves there’s always room for another good dog in bird camp.

Woven throughout the conversation is a deep appreciation for fine shotguns, especially double guns, and how craftsmanship, tradition, and intention elevate the upland experience.

This episode is a thoughtful look at slowing down, following dogs, and rediscovering why upland hunting means more than just pulling the trigger, it’s about the journey, the dogs at your side, and the places that keep calling you back.

Today, Kody runs a Brittany and a Small Münsterländer, two dogs that not only guide his hunts, but also anchor his passion for exploring new country. From the rugged chukar hills to grouse covers, with a little quail and pheasant mixed in each year, his season is a mosaic of terrain, birds, and dog work.

In this episode, Kody shares how declining pheasant numbers pushed him to broaden his horizons, the lessons learned from Arizona to North Dakota, what makes his dogs tick, and why the uplands continue to shape his life. Whether you’re a seasoned bird hunter or new to the world of bird dogs, this conversation is full of insight, adventure, and authentic love for the chase.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in the outdoors, Dominic grew up chasing birds across the marshes and uplands of northern Utah alongside his father, Val Bachman, a longtime game warden and wildlife biologist. That foundation led Dominic to a decades-long passion for bird dogs, particularly German Wirehaired Pointers bred to be hard-charging in the field, steady in the home, and proven through hunt tests.

We dig into Bachman Bay Kennels’ breeding philosophy, their success in NAVHDA, and what it takes to produce versatile dogs capable of competing at the highest levels of hunt tests and field trials. Dominic also shares how his dogs have played a role beyond hunting, assisting with wildlife research projects like sage grouse and sharptail lek studies, waterfowl banding, and sandhill crane monitoring.

This episode is a deep dive into purposeful breeding, testing dogs the right way, and maintaining a strong connection to birds, habitat, and the traditions that keep upland hunting alive. If you’re passionate about bird dogs and conservation-minded hunting, this one’s for you.

Bachman Bay Kennels

Podcast Recommendation

Porcupine Podcast

What began as hunting whenever he could quickly grew into something much bigger. Colton shares how he dove headfirst into training, breeding, guiding, and building his skills with upland bird dogs at a young age, eventually realizing this wasn’t just a hobby, it was what he wanted to do for a living.

That drive led him to Oregon, where he guided hunts and trained dogs for multiple operations, including an Orvis-endorsed hunting ranch. As his reputation grew and more clients trusted him with their dogs, Colton took the next step: purchasing a boarding and grooming kennel in Prineville to create a space that matched the level of care and professionalism he wanted to provide.

This episode is all about taking a passion and running with it. Figuring things out as you go, putting in the work early, and building something real in the bird dog world.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp