On the eve of South Dakota’s Pheasant Opener, Reid sits down with Governor Kristi Noem to discuss the role of pheasant hunting in her home state. Governor Noem expounds upon her life story as it pertains to hunting, and she goes on to recount a few family hunting traditions that she and her family share each fall. With the Mitchell, SD Pheasants Forever Banquet taking place at the Corn Palace next door, Reid and Governor Noem take a moment to appreciate a special time in a special part of the country.

Professional Wingshooting Guide BJ Walle joins Reid in a philosophical look at what it means to be a guide. BJ, who has been a key member of the guide staff at Idaho's Flying B Ranch for nearly twenty years, shares insights on what it takes to be a professional guide, and what separates a great guide from a passable one. He is eloquent in describing the softer skills of emotional intelligence and empathy required by great guides, and he digs into the depth of skills that his job demands. The genesis of this conversation is Flying B's recent development of a Wingshooting Guide School, which is detailed at https://www.flyingbranch.com/wingshooting-guide-school. A great conversation with an incredibly thoughtful fellow.

With bird season in full swing, Reid meditates on his travels to date, his decidedly poor shooting, and the impending arrival of duck season. With that he reflects on duck hunts past, and shares a tale of one such day in northern Vermont. This story of that day was captured in the essay 'On the Black River', which was published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine in 2011. It is a tale of friendship, getting sick, and the imperfection of perfection. Enjoy!