The Upland Social

We are live from the Sandhills of Nebraska! I sit down in person with Matt Fruge, an accomplished upland hunter who lives in the heart of prairie grouse country. Topics Covered: The challenges of hot weather in early prairie grouse season How hunting off horseback is efficient in big country The ancient feeling you get in the Sandhills Finding sharptails and bobwhites in the same walk The different behaviors in sharptails and prairie chickens as the season progresses Proud Sponsors: Hunt Redi Ballad of the Bird Dog Gundog Central

Today’s guest is Matt Millbauer, an upland hunter, writer, artist, and podcaster based in the Columbia Basin of Washington. Host of the Go Flush Yourself Podcast and Co-Host of the Breaking Cover Podcast, Matt stays plenty busy discussing dogs, gear, birds, literary work and more behind a microphone. His article titled, “Bridge and The Basin Hun” just hit mailboxes in Pheasants Forever’s Super Bird Hunting Issue. On top of this, he’s the artist behind Bird Dog Portraits, custom digital dog portraits created by Matt’s own hands. He also launched his own local Pheasants Forever chapter and serves currently as its secretary. When he’s not podcasting, writing, or creating art, he’s chasing Springer Spaniels around in search of pheasants, quail, Hungarian partridge, and any upland bird the Northwest can offer up. Topics Covered: ​Growing up an upland hunter ​Why pheasants are awesome ​Matt's podcasts he hosts ​Hunting with Springer Spaniels ​The joy of exploring new bird covers Find Matt on Socials https://www.instagram.com/go_flushyourself/ https://www.instagram.com/breakingcoverpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/bird_dog_portraits/ Check out The Upland Literary Review https://goflushyourself.org Proud Sponsors: Hunt Redi Ballad of the Bird Dog Gundog Central

Today’s guest is James Godfrey, a dog trainer, kennel manager, and hunting guide from the piney woods of the Southeast. Graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Wildlife Enterprise Management, bird dogs, habitat, and the upland lifestyle are tightly woven into the fabric of James’ life. When he’s not managing the kennel and guiding at Auburn Oaks Farm, he’s hitting the uplands with his rescue Shorthair and up and coming Boykin/Lab mix in search of the elusive, wild covey of quail in the Southeast. Topics Covered: James' love for training dogs Guiding at Auburn Oaks Farm Habitat management on the farm The varying dog breeds of the kennel he runs Redeeming a near-death GSP into a hunter Connect with Godfrey Gundogs on Instagram Check out Auburn Oaks Farm Proud Sponsors: Hunt Redi Ballad of the Bird Dog Gundog Central

Ryan Mott is a lifelong upland hunter whose roots trace back to the family farms of southeast Iowa and west-central Illinois, where he first followed American Brittanys through pheasant and quail country. A retired Master Sergeant with the Illinois State Police, Ryan has dedicated his life to service both on and off the field. Today he hunts with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Reece, and his young Weimaraner, Charlee, while volunteering as a wingshooting instructor and coaching championship-winning youth clay target teams. Whether it's bird dogs, conservation, or passing hunting traditions on to the next generation, Ryan is passionate about everything that makes the uplands special. Topics Covered: ​Ryan's early days of hunting both Iowa and Illinois ​Quality Illinois pheasant hunting due to habitat ​Coaching youth clay target teams ​Memories in the field with his dogs ​Letting the birds win sometimes Connect with Ryan on Instagram Proud Sponsors: Hunt Redi Ballad of the Bird Dog Gundog Central

Today's guest is Scott Kaminski, a lifelong Michigan bird hunter whose life changed dramatically after being diagnosed with stage four cancer and given just a year to live. After beating the odds and becoming nearly cancer-free, Scott used that journey as the motivation to pursue a longtime dream of becoming an upland bird hunting guide. Now entering his fourth season, he's helping hunters and their dogs create unforgettable experiences while proving it's never too late to chase the dreams that matter most. On top of that, Scott has pursued birds across many states and landscapes. Valuing a more traditional approach to the uplands, you’ll likely find him sporting a 16 gauge, choosing wool over synthetic fabrics, and reaching for a compass in the woods before a GPS unit. Topics Covered: ​Scott's personal journey from cancer diagnosis to guiding ​The importance of woodsmanship ​His appreciation for the traditional ways of upland hunting ​What a day in the field looks like with Scott ​Ways to prepare upland birds for the table Connect with Scott Proud Sponsors: Hunt Redi Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Today's guest is Will Newell, a lifelong North Carolinian whose passion for bird hunting started at just 13 years old and turned into a serious pursuit by the time he was 20. A 2009 Clemson graduate, he's built his life around chasing migratory birds, from ducks and geese to doves and other winged game. When he's not in the field, he serves as a Director of Development at Project Upland, bringing the same dedication to his professional life that he does to the outdoors. Today, we talk all about dove hunting; from strategy, to decoys, the social aspect, dog work, and everything in between. Topics Covered: ​Setting up for best shot opportunities ​To decoy or not decoy doves ​How to use other people's set up as an advantage ​Dove recipes ​The under-appreciated beauty of doves

Today’s guest is Rob Curtis, an upland bird hunter hailing from the Prairie State of Illinois and is no stranger to the open road and adventure. Inspired by hunting literature, Rob sets out to create his own stories. From the prairies of the West to the quail woods of the Southeast, Rob has traversed 17 states in search of the next flush and has successfully harvested 16 of the 25 species in the North American Upland Bird Slam. Today we talk upland road trips, books, why more hunters need to travel, why in his opinion bird hunting is the best type of hunting, his recent camping outfit project, and much more, all alongside his Drahthaar, Jake. Topics Covered: ​How Rob immerses himself in his hunts ​Why hunters should hit the road to chase birds ​Conservation ethics to support healthy bird populations ​Rob's nomadic and mobile camping style ​His loose pursuit of the North American Upland Slam Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Today’s guest is Patrick Schulze, a bird dog owner from the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. Patrick’s path into the uplands wasn’t a straight line, but more like a meandering stream. But when his college buddy showed him what a bird dog could do, everything changed. When he’s not working as an electrician, he’s busy with his Vizsla, Maverick. Whether traveling to the far reaches of the country during bird season, training with Maverick through a program known as Canicross, or simply working on Chicago pigeons in the nearby park, Patrick is learning how to keep a bird dog engaged while living the city life. Topics Covered: ​The magic of seeing a dog point for the first time ​How Patrick landed on a Vizsla ​How Canicross with his dog improved mental health ​The importance of involving non hunters in the outdoors ​Tips for living with a bird dog in the city Discover Canicross Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Today's guest is Kellen Golightly from Honeyville, Utah. Kellen is an avid upland hunter, the host of Bird Camp Radio, and the author of Where the Grouse Once Drummed. Whether he's behind the microphone, writing about the uplands, or chasing birds with good dogs, he's passionate about preserving the traditions, stories, and conservation efforts that keep our sport alive. We're talking storytelling, bird hunting culture, conservation, and what inspires his work both on the page and behind the mic. Topics Covered: ​Family pheasant opener traditions ​The challenge of being a dogless hunter ​Tips for hunting/finding downed birds with no dog ​Kellen's reason for starting a podcast ​Writing upland fiction Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Today's guest is Trey Murphy, a lifelong Pennsylvania hunter whose upland journey started with one unexpected trade. Back in his mid-20s, his best friend Garrett sold a dirt bike, found a good deal on a Brittany, and unknowingly changed the direction of Trey's hunting life. Not long after, Trey got his first Brittany, Finley, and began traveling the country chasing birds and building a bird dog family that now includes five dogs alongside his girlfriend, Bethany. From the grouse woods of northcentral Pennsylvania to pheasant country in the Dakotas and quail country in Kansas, Trey has become a passionate upland hunter, conservation volunteer, and guide. Today we're talking bird dogs, grouse, road trips, conservation, and the friendships that make the upland community so special. Topics Covered: ​Fluctuations of grouse populations in PA ​A dirt bike creating an upland opportunity ​Trey finding romance in the grouse woods ​Why Brittanys are awesome ​The value of DIY public land hunting Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Today's guest is Geoffrey Greiner, a retired punk rocker turned passionate bird hunter who made his way from Massachusetts to Arizona by way of Colorado. Although he didn't grow up in a hunting family, Geoffrey found his path into the uplands through his fascination with bird dogs, eventually becoming devoted to the Braque du Bourbonnais breed and chasing Gambel's, scaled, and Mearns quail across the Arizona desert. He's the founder of Covey Kits, a company dedicated to providing practical, field-tested canine first aid kits built by hunters for hunters. When he's not working as a swimming pool repair technician or guiding bird hunts with Stagecoach Pointers, Geoffrey serves as Habitat Chair for his local Quail Forever chapter, helping conserve the landscapes and wildlife that have become such an important part of his life. Today, we're talking bird dogs, desert quail, canine first aid, conservation, and the winding path that led him into the hunting world. Topics Covered: ​Geoffrey's transition from punk rock to desert quail ​His inspiration behind launching Covey Kits ​Why he likes simplicity in first aid kits ​Conservation work in Arizona ​His unique bird dog breed of choice https://coveykits.com/ Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

This week's guests are Brooks Maurer and Skyler Wenninger, two Minnesota educators, coaches, bird hunters, dog owners, and entrepreneurs who have turned a shared passion into a growing outdoor brand. Brooks grew up hunting behind retrievers across central Minnesota and now balances life as a PE teacher, coach, husband, father, and bird hunter in Luverne. Skyler, a former college baseball player and fellow educator, came into hunting from a different path but has become equally passionate about the upland lifestyle. As brothers-in-law married to sisters, the two teamed up to launch Cackle Clothing Company in 2024, blending their love of hunting, dogs, storytelling, and creative design into a unique brand. From raising pheasants and chukars for dog training to filming hunts and building a business together, they're creating a community centered around birds, dogs, and the outdoors. Topics Covered: ​Hunting pheasants with Golden Retrievers ​The inspiration behind Cackle Clothing Company ​The company's first Pheasant Fest experience ​Getting youth excited about the outdoors ​Raising gamebirds for summer training Shop Cackle Clothing Company Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Today’s guest is Scott Linden, one of the most recognizable voices in the world of wingshooting and bird dogs. Scott is the creator and host of Wingshooting USA, an award-winning outdoor television series, longtime outdoor writer, seminar speaker, and author of What the Dogs Taught Me. From teaching fly fishing and directing school bands to producing some of the outdoor industry’s most respected media, Scott has spent a lifetime helping people connect with the outdoors, bird dogs, and the sporting life. Topics Covered: ​Scott's later journey into the uplands ​How outdoor media has changed in many ways ​The wins and challenges of highly accessible outdoor media ​Scott's affinity for German Wirehaired Pointers ​The connection of music and bird hunting Listen to Scott's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P9RqbZDokwazreisUL6Xg Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Matt Fruge is a cattle feedlot consulting veterinarian who’s built a life around both livestock and the landscapes they depend on. Raised in southwest Louisiana and now rooted in the West after nearly a decade in Nebraska, Matt balances a busy family life with a deep obsession for upland hunting. Whether it’s chasing prairie grouse on horseback across big country or traveling state to state in pursuit of bobwhites, blue quail, and dusky grouse, he’s all in on the experience. When he’s not working cattle or raising two young kids alongside his veterinarian wife, you’ll likely find him somewhere wide open, bird dog in front, chasing that next flush. Topics Covered: ​Matt's Louisiana roots ​The moment he realized he was a bird hunter ​Following a dog while riding a horse for bird hunting ​Prairie chickens and their history ​How cattle are the modern-day bison Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Chris Ingram is a Vermont-based storyteller and sportsman dedicated to capturing the authentic connections between people, place, and the outdoors. A communicator by trade—working across government, nonprofits, and media—Chris brings a thoughtful, boots-on-the-ground perspective to conservation and community. He’s deeply involved in organizations like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Delta Waterfowl, volunteers as a hunter education instructor, and spends his free time chasing game across New England, picking bluegrass mandolin, and training his young treeing feist. At his core, Chris is all about building bridges—through stories, mentorship, and time in the field. Topics Covered: ​Chris' journey into the uplands ​Hunting obscure birds like Wilson's Snipe ​Vermont's vast outdoor resources ​Storytelling with different mediums ​The American Field Journal Subscribe to the AFJ https://journal.americanfield.com/subscribe/ Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Ryan Doughty is the voice behind A Break in the Action, a podcast dedicated to the world of shotguns and the sporting life. What started in 2019 as a creative outlet alongside a career in commercial banking has grown into a respected platform exploring everything from fine guns to bird hunting, clays, and the people who shape the culture around them. With over 25 years spent chasing birds behind dogs and studying the craft, Ryan brings a thoughtful, curious approach to the conversation—making the nuances of shotgunning accessible whether you’re just starting out or have been at it a lifetime. Recently joining the team at Shooting Sportsman, he continues to highlight not just the gear, but the deeper experiences that define the sporting life. Topics Covered: ​Ryan's discovery and love of fine shotguns ​Hunting in the US and Europe ​Ryan's own wingshooting podcast ​His favorite gamebird and why ​Ryan's job at Shooting Sportsman Magazine Connect with Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/abreakintheaction/?hl=en https://shootingsportsman.com/ Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Jake Maricle grew up in the small town of Arcade, New York, and has spent the last 15 years honing his craft as a tattoo artist. About four years ago, he opened Old Gold Tattoo in nearby Yorkshire, building a name rooted in hard work and creativity. Outside the shop, Jake’s passion runs just as deep in the uplands—running three bird dogs, Rif, Kreek, and Brook, and chasing grouse across New York’s North Country, where he recently established “The Grouse House.” He now serves as president of the Appalachian Plateau Ruffed Grouse Society chapter and volunteers with Delta Waterfowl, all while continuing to give back to the hunting community that helped shape his journey. Topics Covered: ​Jake's journey into the uplands ​Discovering his gift for art ​What he loves about tattoo art ​New York ruffed grouse hunting ​Jake's unique, prehistoric dream hunt Connect with Jake https://share.google/XvFvn4TBMkOMqniO3 https://jake-maricle.square.site/ Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog

Stephen Biello grew up in the heart of South Philadelphia, just steps from the historic Italian Market, where his love for animals—and eventually hunting—first took root. Despite not coming from a hunting family, he carved his own path into the uplands through sheer grit, mentorship from neighborhood hunters, and a deep passion for bird dogs. From chasing the last of Pennsylvania’s wild pheasants to developing standout dogs like his Drahthaar Angel and Irish Setter Sage, Stephen’s journey is built on experience, loss, and loyalty. Today, he’s a sporting clays instructor, a dedicated dog man, and working his way back to the field after a life-altering illness—all with a young Wirehaired Vizsla leading the next chapter. https://claysnwings.com/

From the hardwoods and creek bottoms of Northeast Ohio to the prairies and big woods of Minnesota, Colleen Foehrenbacher found her way into hunting in a way that’s becoming more and more important to the future of our community—she came to it as an adult. Raised in a family that valued nature, wildlife, and especially birds, she spent her early years exploring outside but never pulled a trigger or knew hunters growing up. That changed during her time in outdoor education, when a hunter safety course cracked the door—and one pheasant hunt blew it wide open. Now over a decade into her hunting journey, Colleen is all in—chasing everything from grouse and pheasants to elk and waterfowl, all alongside her three bird dogs. But what really sets her apart is her commitment to bringing others along. As a Minnesota DNR firearm safety instructor, a mentor for new hunters, and a leader in programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Pheasants Forever’s Women on the Wing, she’s helping shape the next generation of hunters—especially women—one first hunt at a time.

Not everyone who becomes a bird hunter grows up in a hunting family. For Joe Palmer, it started with a Scoutmaster who took the time to introduce a 13-year-old kid to Hunter’s Ed and his very first bird hunt behind dogs. That experience stuck. Even though he didn’t hunt much again until he turned 18 and bought his first shotgun, the spark was there for Joe. Today he’s the co-owner of Bird Hunter Supply, a business that’s been around for over a decade. After ten years of simply selling products, he and his wife realized something was missing: purpose. That realization led to a major shift in the company’s mission. Now a portion of every purchase is donated to a conservation organization chosen by the customer—at no additional cost—helping ensure the future of bird hunting and wild places. He and his wife are raising four kids in Idaho, where upland hunting opportunities are abundant. Three of their kids already love chasing birds alongside their parents, and the family has made a tradition of it. In fact, the first bird each of his kids—and even his wife—ever harvested was a sage grouse. Between sage grouse, sharptails, ruffed and dusky grouse, Huns, pheasants, and plenty of ducks and geese, bird hunting has become more than a pastime—it’s a family way of life. Topics Covered: ​Joe's introduction to the uplands ​Reimagining his business to conserve upland habitat ​The joys of hunting with his family ​Introducing hunting to kids in a thoughtful way ​Why sage grouse are special to Joe Check out Bird Hunter Supply Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central Ballad of the Bird Dog