Acclaimed writer, conservationist, and bird hunter Tom Reed joins the podcast from his home in Pony, MT. Tom was one of the instigators behind the blog at www.mouthfuloffeathers.com, which gathered the best contemporary voices in wingshooting writing. He describes the MOF story and discusses the culmination of the project into a print anthology available for pre-order now!

Reid sits down with Jason and Beth Herkes of Craigsanquhar Estate in Fife, Scotland to reflect on a wonderful destination for driven Shooting. Jason and Beth operate the Estate and have seen it gain increasing favor from shooters worldwide. The trio discusses the history of the Estate, how it evolved into a shooting destination, and a bit about the unique way shooting fits into the culture of rural Scotland. For more about shooting at Craigsanquhar visit www.craigsanquhar.com

In this episode, Reid addresses a question from a listener about appropriate dog breeds for the aging hunter, and then joins Orvis Gunroom Mgr. Greg Carpiniello to discuss the goings on with Orvis Guns. The two talk about the new Flagship Gunroom, and the addition of a new Gunsmith at Orvis. From there, Greg talks about 3 guns that have stood out to him in the Gunroom recently.

Reid joins Jesse Haller, Orvis Hunt Product developer and competitive fly angler, in a discussion about Jesse·s path into the uplands. Though hunting was largely available throughout his life, Jesse discusses how in recent years he·s become fascinated with bird hunting. The duo explores common barriers to entry, and Jesse digs in with some questions that were pertinent to his early days in the uplands.

"Bright Lights, Big Weather" referencing a long-ago rain-soaked trip to Alaska. The story was written for an e-book put out by the bloggers at Mouthful of Feather. It is a bit of a contemplation on bird hunting, ego, and why we sometimes care how we are perceived by the people around us.

Reid sits down with Jim Champion, Head Shooting Instructor at Orvis Hill Country in PA. Jim shares his breadth of knowledge on common problems and easy fixes that will improve performance on the course and in the field.

Reid is joined once again by Ben O. Williams. The two discuss Mountain Quail specifically, and the hunter's journey in a more roundabout fashion, referencing the incredible life of a legendary bird hunter.

Nick Larson of the Birdshot Podcast and The Upland Gun Company joins Reid for a long-overdue catch up. The two discuss Nick's work formerly with the Project Upland Podcast and more recently with his own Birdshot Podcast. The conversation also explores Nick's current role as GM of the Upland Gun Company, and how that business came to be.

Reid and his friend Thierry Bombeke, Publisher and Director of Wingshooting at Shooting Sportsman Magazine, discuss Wingshooting Travel, specifically the benefit of a group trip. For those interested in getting away on some adventures but lacking a travel companion or the time to put together a DIY adventure, the Group Trip model may serve you well. Reid and Thierry discuss the what and why, and delve into the trip offerings available through Orvis Travel. Explore these trips at https://www.orvis.com/wingshooting-trips

In this podcast Reid chats with Jim and Deanna Keller of the award-winning Wildwind Kennels about the process of training his Springer pup, Lulu. Deanna and Jim just spent two months with Lulu and tidied up some early training that Reid had accomplished. They discuss the process of evaluating a young dog, where to start flushing dog training, and specifically how Lulu responded to the work that was done. In future episodes we will re-visit Lulu·s progress with Deanna and Jim, follow her through the hunting season, and optimally discuss the steadying process as it takes place.

Reid joins his friends Jonny Carter and Sasha Novakovic from TGS Outdoors to debrief their recent visit to the US. Known to most as the masterminds behind Youtube’s remarkable shooting channel, Sasha and Jonny are as talented as they are gregarious. The trio explores the comparative shooting cultures in the US and the UK, regional target types and presentations, and fried chicken. Learn more about the US Tour at TGS Outdoors on Youtube.

In another collaborative episode with Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing, Reid and Del discuss the oft-misunderstood topic of regulation. Regulating barrels is the process by which double gun barrels are aligned to shoot where pointed, and to deliver a payload of pellets from each barrel to the same point of impact. From a gunmaking standpoint this feat is easier explained than accomplished. Del works his magic to explain the process and to explore the treatment for barrels that are out of regulation.

 

Reid joins pals Michael Vargas and Chuck Coolidge of @hunthikehook to discuss upland gear from top to bottom. Mike and Chuck are regular guests, and avid hunters based in Arizona. The trio discusses gear that has worked, gear that has become essential, and gear that could be worth a try in 2022/23. All of these as we anticipate the drop of the 2022/23 Orvis Hunting Catalog, and a bird season that is getting closer everyday.

In this episode, Reid settles in with Simon Reinhold, Head of Operations for Holts Auctioneers in the UK. Simon is a wealth of information and perspective on fine guns, game shooting, rural issues, conservation, and the philosophical exploration of hunting. He has written and spoken extensively on a host of related topics, and he is wonderfully articulate about the nuanced responsibility that goes along with hunting, and the delicate necessity of effectiveness when gameshooting. Reid and Simon explore these challenging questions, discuss mindset and etiquette, and generally just scratch the surface of what promises to be an ongoing conversation. More on Simon at https://simonreinhold.co.uk/

Reid uses this podcast to answer listener Steve Roberts' question about left handed gun fit, and what accommodations can be made by a company like Caesar Guerini to create a custom-fit gun. Reid explores the modifications that are possible to a standard gun, and explains the value of proper fitting to ensure a successful shooting experience.

In a great on-site chat, Reid sits down with his friend Doug Duren. Since their last chat, Doug has formalized Sharing the Land, an effort to connect access seekers with landowners in a collaborative stewardship effort. The two discuss conservation, hunting, land use, and life in general while sitting down at the Duren farmhouse in Wisconsin. Learn more at www.sharingtheland.com

Reid chats with his good friend Chad Love, editor of the Quail Forever Journal. Chad speaks about his native Oklahoma, the hunter·s progress, writing his way through a career, and the QF initiative Bird Dogs for Habitat. A wonderful chat with one of the most thoughtful guys in the game.

Reid shares some introspection, thoughts on seasonality and turkey hunting, and his recent travels. With May just around the corner, he leans into his reliance on the things that don't change, and his understanding that all things invariably change. The story he shares reflects his own evolution and education as a turkey hunter, and provides some levity.

Reid joins Glen Blackwood, Director of Regional Development for the Ruffed Grouse Society / American Woodcock Society in a discussion about books, collectibles, and ephemera. As a noted authority on sporting books and writing, Glen speaks to his experience, what writing resonates with him, and what the future of sporting literature holds.

Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing joins Reid to discuss an article that the duo collaborated on for the March/April issue of Shooting Sportsman Magazine. The podcast discusses springs, their function and fabrication as it pertains to fine guns. A bit granular in detail, listeners may benefit from a video reference, this one by our friend Jonny Carter at TGS Outdoors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G281KNk2Zt8 Interesting content from a truly masterful gunsmith

Abel and Remy Labelle, a father/son duo from North Haven Island off the Maine coast, join Reid to explore how kids get involved with hunting. At 9, Remy is a passionate and accomplished hunter and outdoorsman who hopes to follow his father and grandfather into the work of a Registered Maine Guide. Abel and Remy discuss his unique childhood, island life, how to make hunting accessible and exciting to kids, and what a year off the Maine Coast looks like. A great one for those who thought the days when a kid could tumble out the back door to hunt and fish were gone.

Rehan Nana of Garmin and Phil Bourjailly of Field & Stream lean into the attributes and drawbacks of Bill Ruger's iconic Red Label Shotgun, and his short lived Gold Label as well. These two guests have hunted and shot both guns extensively, but come to slightly different conclusions about the quality of design, fit, and finish represented by Ruger doubles. A great conversation: two dedicated midwestern shotgunners weighing in on a topic which can be argued indefinitely.

In a long-overdue podcast Reid joins Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors. For several years Jonny has been using the Youtube channel TGS Outdoors to share a wealth of information about guns, shooting, and the sporting lifestyle in the UK. Jonny is an incredible guy with a great story and a unique perspective about hunting and shooting in Britain.

Wade Truong of Elevated Wild joins Reid for an hour discussing food. Wade and his partner Rachel Owen built Elevated Wild as a platform to discuss hunting, fishing, foraging, mentorship, and game cooking. Wade, a Virginia native, describes his career in commercial kitchens and his journey into the outdoors, using the natural landscape as a means of sourcing food. He also provides unique insights into food culture, why Americans eat the way they do, and how wild food informs both a dietary regime and a way of life. Learn more about Wade and Rachel·s work at https://elevatedwild.com/

The legendary Ben O. Williams joins Reid from his home in Livingston, Montana. Ben is an icon: a writer, photographer, naturalist, conservationist, artist, and bird dog trainer. He discusses a life in the uplands, his love for Hungarian partridge, and his many experiences with noteworthy outdoors people. A great conversation with a legendary bird hunter.