The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast (formerly the Double Barrel Podcast) with host, Reid Bryant brings you hunting and shooting tips for more success and fun in the field.

In another read-aloud session, Reid shares and reflects on the story Maggie's October, first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. The winter season is a reflective time, with many thoughts drifting back to people, places, and moments. This is a story fondly remembered, and happily shared.

Direct download: Maggies_October.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:31pm EDT

Reid discusses shotguns and physics with Andrew Wertenberger, Senior Gunsmith for Caesar Guerini USA, Fabarm USA, and Syren. The two go deep into the functioning of auto-loaders, the physics of choke, the nuances of cartridges, and general explanations of the forces at work in a shotgun. Enjoy!

Direct download: The_Complexities_of_Gunsmithing_with_Andrew_Wertenberger.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:53am EDT

Charley Perkins of The Orvis Company joins Reid to discuss all things duck hunting. Charley is an avid and lifelong waterfowler and a tremendous game shot, and the two discuss shooting both near home and further afield, and hit on some basics of guns, dogs, calls, and decoys.

Direct download: Duck_Hunting_with_Charley_Perkins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:55am EDT

Master engraver, gunmaker, and unrivaled craftsman Damien Connolly joins Reid for a discussion about much more than engraving. Connolly, who moved to southern Vermont from his native Australia to work alongside renowned engraver Winston Churchill, discusses his quest for excellence and his fascination with craft. Few gunsmiths have the breadth of skill that Connolly brings to the game, and few are as driven to achieve a high degree of proficiency regardless of the cost, or the reward. An incredible conversation takes shape.

Direct download: A_Conversation_With_Master_Gunmaker_Damien_Connolly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:13pm EDT

On an early November evening, Reid returns from Orvis Sandanona with Gun Room Manager Greg Carpiniello. Recorded on a mobile unit that captures the sound of rain on the windshield, the two discuss the Orvis assortment of shotguns, and how it was arrived at. Gun talk, Orvis talk, and a peak behind the scenes of Orvis gun sales; enjoy.

Direct download: A_Discussion_About_Orvis_Guns_with_Greg_Carpiniello.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm EDT

In this episode Reid has the privilege of sharing an hour with acclaimed writer, rancher, hunter, angler, and conservationist Thomas McGuane. McGuane, whose career as a novelist and short story writer spans nearly 50 years, describes his thoughts on hunting, dogs, place, guns, and friends. For listeners who know and love McGuane's work, this podcast is a must.

Direct download: A_Hunters_Place_in_The_World_with_Tom_McGuane.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17pm EDT

In this episode, Reid reads from another previously published one of his works. In a nostalgic moment Reid describes his early hunting and mentors in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and goes on to read a reflective story of people and place. Enjoy!

Direct download: Below_Willoughby_Falls_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:32pm EDT

Recorded live in Cabri Saskatchewan, Reid spends an evening at Bird Camp speaking with Dave Brown of Dave Brown Outfitters. The two discuss the day they spent afield for Hungarian Partridge and Sharptail Grouse, and Dave describes the nuances and history of hunting the region. A bit on guns, a bit on birds, and the sound of a few restless bird dogs underfoot. Enjoy!

Direct download: From_the_fields_of_Saskatchewan_with_Dave_Brown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:43pm EDT

Reid spends an hour with Jordan Smith (Orvis Gunsmith) and Greg Carpiniello (Orvis Gunroom Manager) discussing nuances of guns and shooting. The trio explore shot size, chokes, dangers of steel shot in old guns, shotgun finishes, and recoil. The podcast is rife with opinions, some of which are even well-informed. Enjoy!


In what may become a periodic new format for the podcast, Reid shares a written story of an early duck hunt, and a traditional reunion with an old friend. These periodic spoken word/storytelling podcasts may become a regular installment, so don't hesitate to weigh in with your opinions.

Direct download: In_Late_Fall.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39am EDT

Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love join Reid for a conversation about canine psychology, mindset, and some of the lessons they use to enhance both. Ronnie and Susanna are owners of Ronnie Smith Kennels, and they have collectively trained thousands of dogs in the methodology that began with Ronnie's late father and Uncle Delmar Smith. Ronnie and Susanna have taken dog training to a remarkable new space, looking for ways to leverage a positive canine mindset for maximum result in the training environment and in the field.

Direct download: Canine_Psychology_with_Ronnie_and_Susanna_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:09pm EDT

On the eve of Reid's first hunting junket of the season Reid spends a bit of time with Matty Rawlinson of Owens Valley Wingshooting. The two discuss Matty's early days afield in the UK, the differences between UK and US shooting styles and perceptions, and even the nuances of load efficiency. Not to be missed is the segment on Snipe, a species for which Matty has a soft spot. Enjoy!


With upland bird season already underway through much of North America, Reid chats with Durrell Smith of the Gundog Notebook, discussing all facets of hunting, shooting, guns, dogs, and the upland aesthetic. Durrell Smith is an artist, art teacher, and avid gundog owner who has immersed himself in his passion for all things hunting related. Reid and Durrell wander in and out of their shared stories of a late introduction to the sporting life, finding ample common ground and shared interests. Enjoy!


Reid welcomes his colleague Julia Zema to the podcast to discuss the common questions facing new hunters as they attempt to enter the world of upland bird hunting. Julia and Reid discuss, firearm education, hunter safety, etiquette, access, and dogs, and so doing hope to answer common questions and break down some barriers of entry. Enjoy!

Direct download: Common_Questions_that_New_Hunters_Face_with_Julia_Zema.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03pm EDT

Ron Boehme, host of the Hunting Dog Podcast, joins Reid for a conversation that runs the gamut. Ron and Reid discuss podcasting, their shared respect for Steven Rinella's work on Meateater, the prospect of bringing a spaniel pup home, and the joys of fine double guns. Ron's enthusiasm and humor are infectious, and the two spend an easy hour wandering around the topics they both enjoy.

Direct download: A_Conversation_with_Ron_Boehme_of_the_Hunting_Dog_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:53pm EDT

In this episode of the podcast Reid speaks with Jeremy Criscoe of Blue Cypress Kennels, an Orvis Endorsed Labrador breeder. Jeremy describes the kennel operation, the focus on British Labradors, and the conditioning necessary to produce top field dogs that are in peak hunting performance each fall.

Direct download: Kenneling_Your_Dog_With_Jeremy_Criscoe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:20am EDT

On today's podcast Reid interviews Karl Gunzer, Sr. Manager - Sporting Dog Group at Nestle/Purina. After a successful career as a retriever trialer and trainer, Gunzer took a job with Purina promoting relations within the sporting dog space. He and Reid discuss his personal story, canine nutrition, and the role Purina plays with owners, trainers, handlers, and sporting dogs.

Direct download: Sporting_Dog_Nutrition_with_Karl_Gunzer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:27pm EDT

Reid spends an hour with Shawn Wayment, a Colorado veterinarian with a focus on sporting dogs. Listeners may know Shawn as Bird dog doc on Instagram, or via the Uplandways blog that he hosts with his brother Andy. Reid and Shawn discuss common health issues among sporting dogs, emergency treatment in the field, chronic issues, and what should be in every bird hunter's first aid kit. Enjoy!!

Direct download: The_Health_of_Your_Sporting_Dog_with_Shawn_Wayment.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:54pm EDT

In response to a few emails Reid takes the opportunity to share his personal story, illuminating his life and career in hunting, writing, dogs, and guns. More than simply a bio, this podcast also explores some of the very real and universal challenges of learning to become an upland hunter and dog owner, while also celebrating the triumphs. A good opportunity to learn more about the host of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast.

Direct download: Getting_to_know_your_host_with_Reid_Bryant.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:34pm EDT

Reid is joined on the show by Rick Watson from Catskills Casts and Coverts where they discuss grouse hunting in the Catskill region of New York State and the exciting classes provided by Catskill Casts and Coverts to help improve your wing shooting skills.


Reid takes to the podcast booth to answer some dog questions recently posed by listeners. He answers some questions about terminology, picking a breed, and how to select a methodology for training that ensures some degree of success. Somewhat off-the-cuff, and strictly informed by Reid's own experience and opinion, this podcast serves to illuminate some basic and oft-asked questions about gun dogs.

Direct download: Picking_and_Training_a_Dog_with_Reid_Bryant.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19pm EDT

Thierry Bombeke, Associate Publisher and Director of Wingshooting at Shooting Sportsman Magazine, talks turkey with Reid. Thierry, an avid and educated turkey hunter, shares tips and tricks for success in the turkey woods. From locating to decoy setups to calling strategies, the two discuss ways in which spring turkeys can be taken, as well as ways in which they can continually confound us hunters. Enjoy!

Direct download: Turkey_Hunting_with_Thierry_Bombeke.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:04pm EDT

Reid joins Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello in a discussion about repeating shotguns. In light of turkey season, the two discuss the history of autoloaders and pump guns, while also exploring some contemporary offerings. Enjoy!

Direct download: Examining_Autoloaders_with_Greg_Carpiniello.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:27pm EDT

Reid speaks with his colleague Jordan Smith, longtime Gunsmith at The Orvis Company, about the nuances of gun restoration. The two straw into some personal stories of guns that were worth restoring and guns that were decidedly not, and hit upon the challenges and opportunities of breathing new life into an old firearm.

Direct download: Restoring_your_gun_with_Jordan_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:49am EDT

Reid speaks with Christian Fichtel, manager of the Orvis store in Greenville, SC. Christian is an avid southern grouse hunter, and has spent years chasing grouse throughout the challenging coverts of the southern Appalachians. He describes the region and the resource, and spends a bit of time exploring the joys and challenges of being a grouse hunter and grouse dog owner in a region of relatively slim populations.


Reid speaks with Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello about 'first good guns'. The two identify guns of lasting value, quality, and aesthetics that can be had for less than a contemporary autoloader but will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. Basically, a couple of shotgun geeks talking about the guns they would buy if 1500 bucks fell into their laps. Enjoy!

Direct download: What_To_Look_For_When_Buying_A_High_Quality_Gun.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:22pm EDT

Reid spends some time with Michael Pepi of Jonas Brothers Taxidermy in New York. With more than a century's worth of experience, Jonas Brothers has been the taxidermist of choice for such noted hunters as Ernest Hemingway. Since the early 1980's the company has been owned by the Pepi family, and Michael carries on the tradition. He is an avid waterfowler and upland hunter, as well as a dog handler and guide. Reid and Michael discuss birds, dogs, and how to care for game you hope to have mounted.

Direct download: Taxidermy_with_Michael_Pepi_of_Jonas_Brothers_Taxidermy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:14am EDT

In answer to a question about flushing spaniels, Reid spends some time with his good friend and noted trainer Jerry Cacchio. The two drill down on the finer points of English Springer and English Cocker spaniels, trends in the breeding of each, and their greater applicability for North American hunting.

Direct download: Hunting_with_Spaniels_with_Jerry_Cacchio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm EDT