On a recent visit to Heartland Lodge in Illinois, I cornered the new-ish owner Tim Duoos, and communications manager Zach Jumps and peppered them with questions about the facility. From how they earned an Orvis endorsement, to maintaining great habitat, we'll get the lowdown from an insider's perspective. We also dig into how we should shop for, and what our expectations should be from, a hunting lodge. Whether you're heading for an entry-level preserve or planning for the trip-of-a-lifetime, you'll be better prepared after our talk. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge, where you'll get special freebies and gifts for every booking (learn more here). [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]

Four of my friends call in with on-the-ground reports from the upper Midwest, Arizona, Utah and Oregon. What they've learned could help you as the season progresses - from habitat to hatch reports, strategies to tactics for quail, chukars, Huns, pheasants, ruffies, blues, and woodcock. "Fix It" helps your shooting ... and listeners share their "big trip" memories and photos. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

A wealth of information ... that's the only way to describe Al Gadoury, Montana pro guide and owner of 6X Outfitters in Lewistown. I've learned from Al in the field, and you'll learn from him right here. We'll cover everything you need to know about hunting late-season pheasants. From habitat changes to food sources, strategies from blockers to unloading the truck, Al has wisdom built on a foundation of thousands of miles in the field.  We'll cover dog health and safety in the cold, shooting advice and more on this must-listen episode for everyone chasing upland birds. "Fix It" answers Brett's question about a dog that won't give up a retrieved bird, and listeners share their photos of beautiful places - one of the reasons we hunt. If you want to see those photos, go here. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Not that kind of high! Instead, how altering your altitude might help you take more accurate shots. This time of the season, all your faults and flaws are piling up, including keeping track of your dog and missing birds on the wing. I know a thing or two about both and will share some of the lessons I've learned that might help you get better shots and find your dog in the distance or underbrush ... no mind-altering substances allowed! And because so many asked, here again is the link (all lists are in this master list): Ultimate Upland Checklist Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo code CG10) and Heartland Lodge (goodies, check-in gifts, early bird specials ... details here.)  

Bob McMichael is a YouTuber, author of a new book, blogger and fanatic hunter. The "thinking man's chukar hunter," Bob brings a unique perspective to the hunt that has as much to do with the why's of hunting as the how-to. We'll jump headfirst into the rabbit holes of habitat and conservation, go beyond tailgate photos to deeper stuff, and learn where blue grouse and chukar intersect,  Bob will offer a few tips on strategy and tactics for devil birds, food sources and why for him, it's not about limits. We'll philosophize a bit about the natural connections made on a hunt and get a sneak preview of his book, Chukar Culture.  "Fix It" offers a dog diet suggestion that might provide a smidge more energy, and listeners sound off on their shooting prowess or lack thereof. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Author (Building a Grouse Dog), trainer, breeder, grouse guide and avid hunter, Craig Doherty is uniquely qualified to help us navigate the woods. We'll cover what we can do to help young dogs on early hunts, the right mental approach to dog behaviors, and where grouse and woodcock live during hunting season in the northeast. We'll cover food sources, cover types and what makes up a good covert. Craig will share training and shooting advice, dog handling tips and how to introduce young dogs to the woods. "Fix It" has another item for your hunting season to-do list; listeners sound off on management of their states' walk-in programs - you might find a new destination for later this season! And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Bear with me. Maybe you'll learn something. Or stop doing something. Or start doing something else. Bottom line is, to get along in flyover country where most of us hunt, there are some unwritten rules, protocols, and common-sense stuff we should be aware of. Get along "out there," and good things happen.  Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge (learn more here). [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]

From his media content on "Fresh Tracks" and "On Your Own Adventures," Randy Newman is well-known as a influential and motivational big-game hunter. But he's also an avid bird hunter and the intersection of the two passions is where we start our conversation. There's plenty of common ground, and he'll share some of the lessons that apply to the uplands as well as the deep woods.  We cover new uses for your online mapping app, ways to find new public hunting ground, some tips for avoiding crowded land, and some of his must-carry gear. He also offers on-the-ground population guesstimates for sharptail season. "Fix It" argues for more open chokes and offers a range-finding tip ... listeners debate whether or not collar bells scare birds. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Trevor Walz of Western Prairie Outfitters joins me for a deep dive into prairie bird habitat and hunting strategies. From the importance of shade, to scouting new ground, this guy has some useful insights. We dabble in Mearn's quail as well, as his outfit also guides Arizona in winter.  We'll cover some of the early steps you can take to help your dog's steadiness, starting with creating a more "composed" dog, and touch on some essential gear. Trevor helps us be better clients and finally, reveals the answer to the most-asked question I get: how much do you tip a pro guide? "Fix It" suggests a couple more federal alphabet-agencies that manage public ground on our behalf that most hunters neglect, and listeners sound off on why, when and how they use non-toxic shot - you may be surprised at their answers. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Sure, you know the "usual suspects" when it comes to publicly-accessible ground ... walk-in, forest service, BLM. But there are dozens of other patches of real estate managed by nameless, faceless agencies on our behalf, and many are open to hunting. I'll tell a few hunting stories that took place on some of these lesser-known parcels, and provide you with a shopping list of others you might explore. There's also a step-by-step approach to finding more. I'll also suggest some information sources you may not have thought about that may be the key to incredible public-land hunting. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge, where you'll get special freebies and gifts for every booking (learn more here). [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]

What's a rooster do all day? If you know, you'll be a better hunter. So I asked Pheasants Forever's resident guru Sabin Adams to take us to school on the subject and boy did I learn a lot. From feeding to roosting to loafing, he clocks the bird's movements so you can be in the right place at the right times.  Sabin talks food sources, the importance of physical relationships between food, cover, and water (!). What to do in snowy conditions, rain, what birds eat and where are all part of our wide-ranging discussion.  "Fix It" covers strategic feeding of .... us. And listeners share the adrenaline rush - and more, of a pheasant flush. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

He sounds like your favorite coach, teacher or Scoutmaster ... understanding where you (or your dog) are, and where you want them to be. Charlie Jurney is a multi-champion dog trainer, hunter, and author. You've seen his byline in many dog magazines, and on his book Finished Dog. We'll roam the field and water, uplands and marshes while we talk about his connections to legends Richard Wolters and Delmar Smith, then explore his own unique "dog theory." We explore ways you can - and should- train during early-season hunts, get down-and-dirty with Charlie's ways of teaching the retrieve, steadiness, and range for flushing dogs. Charlie explains the clues dogs give us when they're "getting it," and makes clear that we're put on this earth to help dogs do well - it's just a matter of how we do it. "Fix It" has reminders on critical items for your hunting vest, and listeners chip in with their views on the hardest birds to hunt. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

In light of the incredible reaction to Sen. Lee's recent proposal to sell public lands, I'm adding fuel to the fire with information and motivation to keep you poised for the next battle. "Knowledge is power" and knowing from where the money comes and where it goes, arms us better than a 10-gauge street sweeper with a 50-round drum magazine.  Until re-election time and the need for campaign contributions, those in power often forget who really holds the purse strings. So here's your opportunity to learn how - and why - hunters and shooters are the driving economic force in wildlife management and conservation. I'll outline the ways we pay more than any other group to take care of the land and the animals dwelling on it. I'll also point out the discrepancy between the loudest voices in the debate (who pay little) and our own brethren (who should be louder and prouder).  All of this with one goal: giving you the ammunition to get involved - at any level - in the things that matter. Hunters and shooters have paid the price of admission; we've earned our place at the negotiating table. It's time to go out and use that power for good. Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge. [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.) Early bird specials and goodies with your stay at Heartland Lodge. Go here.

Summer camp! Nope, not braiding lanyards and making s'mores. Out on the prairie, it's all about dogs and wild birds and Mel Leuck joins me from her camp to give us the lowdown on what really happens there. What's a day look like? Why drive so far? She'll have the answers. We also cover important training topics including steadiness on birds, keeping your dog out in front of you, and how to keep dogs cool early in the season. A vet tech too, Mel will help us pull porcupine quills the right way, and shares some emergency gear she carries in the field. "Fix It" offers a way to get pup to come a'runnin, and from our social media we perpetuate the debate on 16 gauge shotguns ... the perfect solution to any problem? And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

The smoke has cleared and yes, we won on that proposal of Sen. Mike Lee's to sell off public lands. My guests from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership are Michael O'Casey and Tristan Henry, and we'll look back on what happened and how, and more importantly what bird hunters can do NOW to prevent another land grab. From "all politics are local" to adopting your very own cause, we'll go deep into the weeds on policy and how critical it is that we grass roots stay engaged. We'll also get some advice on finding public access ground, and share dog notes - both guys are avid chukar hunters and versatile dog owners. "Fix It" has three points of view on caring for your dog's pads. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

If you've ever left the dog behind, forgotten your license or bought a new sleeping bag enroute to your bird camp, this Insider episode is dedicated to you. Over the years, and with help from many of you, we've compiled a comprehensive list of just about anything you'll need on a bird hunt. Here's your reminder.  Here is the link (all lists are in this master list): Ultimate Upland Checklist Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems (10% off use promo code CG10) and Heartland Lodge (goodies, check-in gifts, early bird specials and hunt with me details here.)

Grouse, woodcock, training during the hunt, and a short history of Gordon Setters ... those are the topics in my conversation with Stephen Faust, pro grouse and woodcock guide, dog trainer and breeder, and avid hunter. We'll also cover a typical guide's day in the field, how we can be better guide clients, and dog training tips.  We'll track a woodcock's day - where it hangs, what it eats and even how professionals like Stephen tag chicks in the spring. We'll look at habitat and habits, and dog handling for these wily birds. Then, into the grouse woods for insights into some lesser-known prime food sources, cover types, and habitat needs from opening day to winter.  "Fix It" offers a useful web source for finding birds, and listeners (a lot of them) weigh in on "Do beeper collars scare birds?" You'll take something useful away from that discussion! And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

Hey, some of the answers might be right ... and helpful! Listeners ask a lot of questions, and I'm tackling them all on this episode. From pad care to finding new spots to hunt, feeding your dog to finding a shooting instructor, I've dug deep to provide useful starting points - and points to ponder - for a couple dozen questions. (Have your own? Send them here for the next edition: scottlindenoutdoors@gmail.com.) "Fix It" offers another place to bed down on a road trip, and listeners tell us why they do - or don't - use an e-collar or GPS collar. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.

It's the time of year when you're assembling this and searching for that, getting your gear together with an eye toward opening day and adventures to come. Here's one piece of gear that you truly shouldn't leave home without - a survival kit. It doesn't need to be big or heavy - this one weighs just over a pound - but its contents could save your life or minimize the inconveniences that come your way. From staying warm and dry to finding your way back to camp, I've got suggestions on what to bring and why. Some is high tech and others old-school, but all are critical if you want to "live to tell about it." Insider editions are brought to you by CableGangz tie-out systems and Heartland Lodge, where I'll be doing a residency this fall (learn more here). [Take 10% off your next order at CableGangz.com with the promo code CG10.]  

Pro cocker spaniel trainer Gene Barnhardt joins me to cover all things flushing ... and more! You've seen Gene handling dogs on Wingshooting USA TV, and now we'll hear his insights into spaniels from retrieving to range, quartering to water work. Gene is also a breeder so expect insights on how to find the best pup, too. We'll talk teaching steadiness, how to hunt with flushers, mistakes we make when training a flushing dog, and how a "place board" is the ultimate retrieving tool.  Gene also offers a couple unique observations on what to do - and not do - when your dog brings a bird back to you ... "Fix It" covers a few useful data sources for planning your road trips, and listeners tell us if they're swapping shotguns this season and why. And it's all brought to you by: HiVizSights.com, RuffLand Kennels, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, Pointer shotguns, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.