The Upland Social

Today’s guest is West Newby. West is an avid upland hunter and bird dog enthusiast who’s been chasing birds since he was 17 years old. He got his start walking the woods for ruffed grouse with friends—no dogs, just miles and grit—which eventually sparked a deep passion for bird dogs and training. Before ever owning his own dog, West immersed himself in the training world, helping others work their bird dogs and learning a wide range of techniques while shaping his own approach. That journey ultimately led him to a Small Munsterlander, and from there it was full steam ahead into upland hunting and bird dog training. Since then, West has traveled across much of the United States chasing birds alongside his dog, Captain Edward Teague. We’re excited to dig into his experiences, training philosophy, and what he’s learned from a lifetime in the uplands.Topics Covered:​Hunting dogless to getting a first bird dog​Discovering his dominant shooting eye ​West's reason for choosing a Small Munsterlander​How West chose his dog's unique name​Advice for new dog handlersConnect with West:https://www.instagram.com/west_newby/?hl=enProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Keng Yang is a passionate public-land hunter dedicated to chasing pheasants and waterfowl across the prairie with his trusted nine-year-old German Wirehaired Pointer, Kaiya. Starting his hunting journey later in life, Keng quickly found himself fully immersed in the pursuit — driven by a love for wild places, strong bird dogs, and the camaraderie found in the field. Today, he’s constantly exploring new open spaces and connecting with the growing community of hunters who share his values.Equally committed to giving back, Keng has led multiple hunter-education and mentorship programs in recent years, helping newcomers gain skills, confidence, and a deep appreciation for conservation. Whether he’s introducing first-time hunters to the tradition or following Kaiya into the next birdy field, Keng embodies the passion and purpose that define modern public-lands hunting.Topics Covered:​Keng's first bird dog leading the way into the uplands​Why public lands are so near and dear to him​Hmong culture and Keng's hunting heritage​Keng's hunting mentorship program​What Keng loves about rooster pheasantsConnect with Keng:https://www.instagram.com/kengyang1/?hl=enProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Justin Madron grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, where the outdoors were part of everyday life. He started hunting deer and bear at a young age, and his earliest introduction to hunting dogs came through hounds. Though grouse were around, they were more of an incidental opportunity than a pursuit. That all changed later in life when he discovered upland hunting and fell in love with it, especially the combination of physical effort, dog work, and the social community it creates.Justin now spends much of his fall chasing Appalachian grouse and Virginia woodcock with his Llewellin setter, Filly. He also guides in Michigan for a few weeks each season and makes a point to introduce new people to the uplands whenever he can. His professional work centers on solving tough environmental and planning challenges through geospatial data. He runs a consulting company called Farther Afield, which donates a portion of profits to upland conservation. When he’s not hunting or training dogs, he’s home between Virginia and West Virginia with his wife Tiffany and their twin boys.Topics Covered:Justin's journey to bird dogs through a friendHunting with different types of settersThe "boutique" style of Appalachian grouse huntingJustin's conservation mindset with his company, Farther AfieldWhat Justin finds fulfilling about guiding for other huntersConnect with Justin:https://www.instagram.com/j.madron/Proud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Today’s guest is Kevin Bauer, the mind behind Furvor, a company born out of a simple moment on the trail. After a hot summer hike left their two dogs, Henry and Ollie, completely worn out, Kevin discovered that adding bone broth to their water and kibble boosted recovery, energy, and mobility. That experience sparked the idea for Furvor—a brand dedicated to bringing the incredible health benefits of bone broth to our pets. After more than a year of research, blending, and testing with one of the nation’s top bone broth manufacturers, they created a first-of-its-kind topper that delivers more nutrition, more flavor, and more value for our dogs.Topics Covered:​Kevin's spark of inspiration with Furvor​The well-studied health benefits of bone broth​The overlap of human and canine athlete nutritional needs​A university study of the Furvor product ​When to feed Furvor to your hunting dogsConnect with Furvor:https://furvorpet.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq_x0xU4aCJmCOBnWXuUdPU0jJ599BQGv7mflaYnhQ0jHHD4EJOhttps://www.instagram.com/furvorpets/Proud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Live from the Ohio pheasant fields, Cameron Berrien and I recap our hunt for some Buckeye Birds. Believe it or not, Ohio does support a huntable amount of wild pheasants. By no means does the state rival the better known western destinations, but the birds are there if you're willing to look for them. Join us as we dive in to our hunt, strategies for Ohio roosters, and more!Topics Covered:​The status of pheasants in Ohio​Strategies to hunt low bird density areas​The quail comeback in Ohio​Cameron's recent hunting adventuresProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Today we're joined by a team that's been restoring native prairies for nearly 40 years. Based in the heart of Iowa, Nicolas Lirio and Kent Boucher of Hoksey Native Seeds continue to carry on the legacy left by the company's founder, Carroll Hoksbergen. Their mission is to produce high quality native grasses and wildflower seeds that help farmers and landowners across the Midwest from Illinois to South Dakota bring the prairie back to life.Topics Covered:The origin story of Hoksey Native Seeds.Pheasant hunting the Hoksey propertyWhy Nicolas values "messy" prairies Kent's journey to becoming a Hoksey employeeThe Prairie Farm PodcastHow Hoksey is restoring landscapes across the MidwestConnect with Hoksey Native Seeds:https://hokseynativeseeds.com/Connect with The Prairie Farm Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/0BcIjPg6wE0A8JU3lAmwsC?si=6c6d6eccd7b74c58Proud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Cameron Berrien is a 24-year-old outdoorsman from Goshen, Ohio, where he shares life with his wife, Hannah, and their three dogs—a corgi, a chocolate lab, and a rare Burgos Pointer . With a camera in one hand and a shotgun in the other, Cameron spends most of his days chasing birds, training dogs, and capturing the moments that make it all worthwhile.Passionate about bird hunting, canine photography, and the development of true working dogs, Cameron has developed a deep love for the nearly unknown Burgos Pointer—a storied European pointing breed. He and Hannah hope to one day help preserve and promote the breed through responsible breeding and education.This year marks Cameron’s first full season pursuing wild upland birds, with trips to Washington, Idaho lined up, and Michigan in the works—making long-awaited dreams a reality.Topics Covered:How a lab and a goose got Cameron hooked on the uplandsCameron’s love for photographing bird dogsHis unique bird dog breed, the Burgos PointerHow Cameron aims to preserve and protect the Burgos in AmericaCameron’s exciting upland plans for the fall/winterConnect with Cameron:https://www.instagram.com/cameron.berrien/?hl=enProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Garrett Black is an avid upland hunter with a deep passion for pursuing bobwhite quail across the storied landscapes of Florida and Georgia. These fields and pine savannas are some of the most historic and legendary grounds in America for quail hunting, and Garrett has made them his home turf. With a sharp eye for tradition and a love for the dogs, habitat, and heritage that make this pursuit so unique, Garrett brings firsthand experience and perspective from one of the country’s most iconic upland regions.Topics Covered:Quail hunting in the Deep SouthGarrett’s Youtube Channel, “Countin’ Coveys”The absolute critical need for fire on the southern landscape in order for quail to thriveGarrett’s bird hunting adventures across the countryCamping tips for those adventuresConnect with Garrett:Garrett's InstagramCounting Coveys InstagramCounting Coveys Youtube PageProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Today’s guests are two of the driving forces behind the growing upland conservation movement in Canada — Mark Symes and Andrew Lowles, both active leaders with RGS Canada.Mark comes from a diverse entrepreneurial and forestry background and runs his Pudelpointer, Gus in the grouse woods. Andrew is a biologist with experience across forestry, wildlife, and fisheries management, currently overseeing freshwater fisheries resources for his province. When he’s not at his day job, he’s training an English Setter pup and two labs who have earned their keep as unconventional — but deadly — grouse and woodcock dogs.Both are licensed guides, avid anglers, passionate waterfowlers, and private land stewards managing their own woodlots for wildlife while still working full-time careers. Andrew also serves as Eastern Canada Director and Treasurer for the Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada.Today, we’re diving into the vision and Strategic Aspirations of RGS Canada — from launching new chapters across the country to tackling uniquely Canadian challenges in access, habitat, and forest management.Topics Covered:Mark and Andrew’s guide services they offerThe abundant upland opportunity that exists in Atlantic CanadaChallenges RGS Canada is facingA unique approach to RGS membershipWhy conservation matters, no matter where you are in the worldConnect with RGS Canada:https://www.rgs.ca/https://www.instagram.com/rgs.canada/Connect with Mark and Andrew:https://www.instagram.com/markmsymes/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/lowles.andrew/?hl=enProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Today’s guest is Garrett Baker, a lifelong outdoorsman and passionate upland hunter. Garrett grew up in Northcentral Pennsylvania and picked up a shotgun at just 12 years old—heading now into his 26th hunting season. He hunts over American Brittanys, with his two current companions, Lexi and Gracie, carrying on the legacy of his first bird dog, Lou, who shared the field with him for 12 memorable years.Outside of the uplands, Garrett works as a Maintenance Supervisor at American Refining Group, but his true passion is introducing others to the upland hunting lifestyle. Nearly a decade ago, he and his father opened The Bird Dog Inn in Erwin, South Dakota, where they welcome DIY hunters from across the country and are building new opportunities for first-time hunters and women in the field. Garrett also serves on his local Ruffed Grouse Society chapter in St. Marys, PA, and is actively training his youngest Brittany through NAVHDA and VHDF.Topics Covered:Garrett's entry into the uplands through a bird dog named LouPennsylvania's ruffed grouse statusThe genesis story of The Bird Dog InnGarrett's plans to host a women's huntLocal RGS Chapter involvement near his homeBook The Bird Dog Innhttp://birddoginn.com/Connect with Garretthttps://www.instagram.com/g_baker_64/?hl=enProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

Today’s guest is Nick Martin, the creator of The Iowa Bird Chaser YouTube channel. Nick set out on a unique mission—to harvest a pheasant in all 99 counties across Iowa. Along the way, he’s sharing the journey, the challenges, and the beauty of upland hunting in the Hawkeye State. Through his channel, Nick is not only chasing birds, but also capturing the stories, landscapes, and community that make Iowa such a special place to hunt.Topics Covered:​Nick becoming a student of pheasant habitat​The spark behind his endeavor, "The Iowa Bird Chaser"​Changing things up when you can't find pheasants ​The 2025 Iowa August Roadside Survey​What's next for Nick after he harvests a pheasant in Iowa's 99 countiesConnect with Nick:https://www.instagram.com/iowa_birdchaser/?hl=enProud Sponsors:Gundog CentralHunt Redi

My guests today are Nick Sherrod and Jake Terry, the owners of Gundog Grind Coffee. But their business is more than just another coffee company—it’s a lifestyle rooted in birds, family, friends, and of course, the dogs that make every hunt memorable. Inspired by mornings in the flooded timber and long days on the prairie, they craft gourmet roasts designed to fuel hunters and outdoorsmen with rich flavor and purpose. From light to dark blends, every bag is made with carefully sourced beans and infused with the spirit of time spent in the field. But Gundog Grind’s mission goes deeper than coffee—they’re committed to giving back by supporting conservation organizations that protect the habitats and hunting traditions we all value. At its core, Gundog Grind is about bringing people together, whether around a hunting campfire or a kitchen table, to share stories, celebrate dogs, and enjoy a great cup of coffee. Topics Covered:Nick and Jake's journey into Gundog GrindWhat Gundog is doing for conservationThe generous support of the upland communityNick and Jake's travel plans for their outdoor media companyHow customer service is at the core of Gundog GrindConnect with Jakehttps://www.instagram.com/jaketerry_photo/Connect with Nickhttps://www.instagram.com/nick.sherrod/?hl=enConnect with Gundog Grindhttps://gundoggrind.com/https://www.instagram.com/gundoggrind/Proud Sponsorshttps://gundogcentral.com/https://www.huntredi.com/

Courtney Bastian’s journey into upland hunting began in 2008 when her German Wirehaired Pointer, Briar, placed a pheasant in her hands—a moment that shifted her life toward bird dogs, shotguns, and wild places. At the height of the 2020 pandemic, Courtney launched The Bird Dog Babe Podcast, building community during the challenges of the pandemic and beyond. This endeavor was then the grounds for the genesis of HerUpland, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for women and youth through hunting camps, wingshooting clinics, and mentorship. Based in Montana with her husband, William, and their children, Burke and Blayre, Courtney balances family life with a kennel of bird dogs and a small menagerie of farm animals. With a background in biology and animal science and an MBA in progress, she blends passion and professionalism to advance conservation, community, and confidence in the uplands.Topics covered:​Courtney's journey into the uplands​Her love of varied dog breeds​Launching The Bird Dog Babe Podcast that eventually led to the HerUpland movement.​The barriers women and youth face in getting into hunting.​Starting small and building confidence as a hunterConnect with Courtney:https://www.instagram.com/birddogbabe/?hl=enConnect with HerUplandhttps://herupland.org/https://www.instagram.com/herupland/?hl=enProud Sponsors:https://gundogcentral.com/https://www.huntredi.com/

Brian Krebs grew up in Minnesota, where his passion for the outdoors began with pheasant and deer hunting. After college, his pursuits expanded westward, where he fell in love with exploring new country and took up shed hunting. But his roots still lie in the pheasant fields.For more than 25 years, Brian has been dedicated to pheasant habitat conservation. Deeply involved with local Pheasants Forever chapters, he has worked to improve habitat and give back to the upland hunting community that shaped him. In addition to his conservation efforts, Brian has a lifelong passion for training dogs—whether developing a bird dog in the field or working with his shed dog, Griz on shed hunts.Today, Brian’s life reflects the same values he started with: a love for wild places, the thrill of the hunt, and a belief in leaving the land better for future generations.Topics covered:Brian's vivid memories of his first pheasantHunting Western birds vs Midwestern roostersHow hunting can be type 2 kind of funBrian's ideal pheasant hunt vs. Ryan'sHow to introduce our spouse/significant other to huntingConnect with Brian:https://www.instagram.com/getdrawnwest/Proud Sponsors:https://gundogcentral.com/https://www.huntredi.com/

Richard Westley Wong was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is a dual Canadian-American citizen. He is a food photographer based in Minnesota, where he lives with his wife and two sons. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at the family cabin in Northern Wisconsin, fishing, training bird dogs, running hunt tests, and hunting with his three-year-old Vizsla, Trigger.Topics Covered:​Hunting with Vizslas​Storytelling through photography ​How to take better photos in the field​Wild game cooking​Wolf mindfulness in the NorthwoodsConnect with Rich:https://www.instagram.com/wisc_me_nord/Proud Sponsors:https://www.huntredi.com/https://gundogcentral.com/

Scott Kinnane grew up in Vinton, Iowa, before moving to a small farmhouse in Minnetonka, Minnesota, surrounded by hardwoods and abandoned sand pits. After raising three children in Eden Prairie, he and his wife settled in Bemidji on a 100-acre farm with a mile of Mississippi River shoreline, where they are restoring native prairie and managing their forest.Raised by a single mother with one younger sister, Scott credits the ten dogs he’s had over the years with shaping him into a better person. Now a proud grandfather of four, he finds his greatest joy in upland hunting, guided by his dogs, and in the freedom of dirt roads, prairie winds, and deep woods.Inspired by Gene Hill’s A Listening Walk, Scott hunts slowly, savoring every moment. He is passionate about mentoring—believing it’s more than a single youth hunt, but an ongoing commitment to guide, teach, and share the outdoors with those who need it, whether they ask or not.Topics covered:​The deep friendship Scott found in his dog as a child​It's possible to have more than one bird dog of a lifetime​Wildlife habitat restoration Scott is doing on his property​How to mentor people trying to get into hunting well​What the whole upland community can learn from women huntersConnect with Scott:https://www.instagram.com/scott.kinnane.8/Proud Sponsors:https://www.huntredi.com/https://gundogcentral.com/

Today on The Upland Social, we are going to take a different approach. Because the upland community is so awesome, we recently hit 1,000 followers on Instagram. To celebrate, we hosted an "Online Upland Party" where participants could discuss their plans for the upcoming fall. Join us for the party!Topics Covered:​The subtle beauty of Iowa​The varied upland game of Kansas ​Recently coming to the upland lifestyle​Hunting numerous states in the Plains and Midwest​A love for the American Woodcock​The endless opportunity in Vermont​Taking your child cross country to huntPROUD SPONSORS:https://gundogcentral.com/https://www.huntredi.com/

Jim Burris is a passionate outdoorsman who recently relocated from North Carolina to Wisconsin.  He’s hunted with bird dogs for over 25 years going back to his time grouse hunting the Appalachian hills of West Virginia with his Ryman English Setter.  Currently, he has a pudelpointer named Manu that he travels the country with hunting any upland bird they can find.  He is a lover and collector of rare upland hunting literature and fine shotguns.Jim is the founder and chairman for the Bird Dog Society, a non-profit dedicated to providing education, outreach, and events to bird dog owners to support an enriched and healthy lifestyle with their dogs.  Professionally Jim is the director of a large aquaculture research center studying the physiological processes of fish.  If there is anything that can top Jim’s passion for upland hunting it would be his passion for fishing, but it’s a close competition for his time.Topics Covered:Jim's recent move from North Carolina to Wisconsin​​The hunting style of a pudelpointer​The thrill and challenge of hunting snipe and rail​Simple methods for cooking dark meat birds​Jim's heart and mission behind The Bird Dog SocietyCheck out The Bird Dog Society:https://birddogsociety.org/Follow Jim and The Bird Dog Society on socials:https://www.instagram.com/birddogs.and.flyrods/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/birddogsociety/?hl=enProud Sponsors:https://gundogcentral.com/https://www.huntredi.com/

Today on the Upland Social, Josh Tatman joins us for some great conversation. A Wyoming resident, Josh is an avid bird hunter, dedicated outdoor writer, and a strong advocate for conservation. With a deep passion for the landscapes and wildlife of the West, he brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the field, both in the uplands and on the page. Topics covered include:​Josh’s upbringing in upland hunting​The intersection of Josh’s love for archaeology and hunting​Effective methods for sage grouse hunting​The magic of sage grouse leks in the spring​The importance of engagement locally and afar in conservation​The joys of hunting with our family membershttps://www.instagram.com/josh_tatman/?hl=en

Mike Neiduski is the owner and operator of Ugly Dog Hunting Company, an online bird dog supply shop, providing serious gear for serious bird hunters and dog trainers. He is a NAVHDA senior judge, published writer, and spends most of his fall traveling across bird country with his wirehair, Nash and shorthair, Mack. Topics covered include:​Mike's recent venture with Ugly Dog​Creating a safe environment for dogs/people alike​Public land advocacy ​Making hunting gear affordable for all budgets​Mike's unwritten rules in the uplandsConnect with Mike's company:https://uglydoghunting.com/https://www.instagram.com/uglydoghuntingco/?hl=enConnect with Mike on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mneiduski/?hl=en