Bird Camp Radio Podcast

On Episode 56 of Bird Camp Radio, we're joined by RJ Marquart of Quicksilver Kennels. We dive into the world of bird dogs, the art of training, and what it takes to develop a truly exceptional hunting dog. RJ shares lessons from his experience, insights into the dog game, and what he's learned through years of working behind the dogs.

Whether you're a seasoned dog handler or just getting started, there's something to take away from this conversation.

Quick Silver Kennels

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

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Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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On Episode 55 of Bird Camp Radio, Brian O’Connor joins the show to talk about his lifelong passion for upland hunting, the Drentsche Patrijshond, and helping grow the breed in North America. Alongside his wife Jenna, Brian operates Two Gun Kennels, breeds and hunts Drents, and has played a major role in building the North American Drent population. From dog sports and breed development to guiding Arizona quail hunts, Brian shares the experiences and dedication behind a life spent chasing birds and building better bird dogs.

Two Gun Kennels Website

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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In Episode 54 of Bird Camp Radio, David DiLello joins us to share stories from 45 years in the field, 15 years as a professional guide, and a lifetime devoted to hunting, fly fishing, and sporting history. From chasing Sandhill Cranes to Woodcock, introducing young hunters to the outdoors, and collecting sporting literature for four decades, David has seen and preserved a remarkable piece of the sporting tradition. We talk hunting, conservation, and the people and experiences that have shaped a lifetime outdoors. This is an episode for anyone who appreciates the history, heritage, and traditions of the sporting life.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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On Episode 53 of Bird Camp Radio, we’re talking with Craig Haberle, a self-taught upland hunter and dog trainer from Pennsylvania. Craig went from chasing stocked birds to pursuing wild birds, training his own dogs every chance he gets, and recently taking his first woodcock. We talk about his DIY approach, chasing wild roosters in South Dakota, training dogs, and why he loves bringing new hunters, especially kids, into the uplands. It all started about 30 years ago when Craig watched a German Shorthaired Pointer lock onto a rooster in a Pennsylvania tree line. The rest is history.

Today we sit down with Josh, founder of Boostin Roosters, a family-owned lifestyle apparel brand built around upland hunting, conservation, and passing the outdoor way of life on to the next generation. From his years in Coast Guard search and rescue and fisheries enforcement to chasing bird dogs across Montana’s prairie with his young daughter, Josh shares the experiences that inspired the brand and its mission to give back and protect the places and traditions we love. It’s about more than apparel, it’s about keeping the upland way of life alive for generations to come.

Boostin Roosters Instagram

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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From chasing quail as a kid to competing in bird dog field trials, Baylor Smith has built his life around bird dogs, hard work, and the uplands. With four personally trained dogs and plenty of time spent in the field, Baylor joins Bird Camp Radio to talk training, competition, hunting, and the lifestyle that comes with it. From bird dogs to real estate and landscaping, Baylor’s work and passions all come back to one thing: the land and the outdoors.

A Primal Life Instagram
Dog Getting Impaled Story

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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Episode 50 is all about chasing wild ruffed grouse with English setters. Tom McPherson of Penn's Woods Setters joins Bird Camp Radio to talk about what makes Pennsylvania grouse hunting so challenging, the dogs he breeds specifically for the grouse woods, and his experiences chasing wild birds across the Lake States. From fly tying to guiding hunts, Tom’s story is rooted in wild birds, great dogs, and the people who make the upland community special.

Penn's Woods Setters Facebook
Penn's Woods Setters Instagram
Ruffed Grouse Society

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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On Episode 48 of Bird Camp Radio, we're joined by lifelong upland hunter Russ Rundle from Elk City, Oklahoma.

Russ started hunting at 11 years old with a 20-gauge H&R single-shot shotgun and quickly fell in love with chasing birds. Today, he hunts 50-75 days a year and has traveled across 10 states pursuing upland birds and hunting behind bird dogs.

We talk about his early days in the Oklahoma Panhandle, the boom-and-bust cycles of bobwhite quail, bird dogs, traveling for birds, and what has kept him coming back to the uplands for decades.

As Russ says, he’s “just getting started.”

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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On Episode 49 of Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Dalton Brooker, a Kansas upland hunter, guide, and conservationist. From chasing pheasants and bobwhites with his dad as a kid to guiding today at Ravenwood Lodge, Dalton has built his life around Kansas upland country.

We talk bird dogs, guiding, Kansas quail, habitat, and the future of upland hunting. Dalton also shares his work with Quail Forever and why conserving the places that hold birds is just as important as chasing them.

It’s a conversation about bird dogs, hard-earned experience, conservation, and keeping the Kansas uplands wild for the next generation.

RavenWood Lodge
Quail Forever
RavenWood Lodge Facebook

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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Tyler Fenton joins Bird Camp Radio to talk all things upland hunting, bird dogs, and the traditions that keep him coming back to the field. Growing up hunting with his dad and Brittany's, Tyler’s passion for quail and pheasants eventually led him to guiding hunts and co-owning Mississippi Upland in Laurel, Mississippi. From working dogs and chasing wild birds across the country to introducing the next generation to the upland lifestyle, Tyler shares what makes this life so special. For him, it’s not just about the birds... it’s about the dogs, the friendships, the memories, and keeping the upland tradition alive.

https://mississippiupland.com/

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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Jaedon Schwartz joins Bird Camp Radio to share the story of his Facebook Marketplace GSP that he trained himself using YouTube and research. Four states, countless birds, and plenty of weekends later, the two have become a serious upland team.

As a full-time dad and military member, Jaedon makes the most of his limited time in the field. He’s also on a mission to become the fittest upland hunter, using bird hunting to train for marathons and running to prepare for hunting season.

This is a story about dogs, birds, fitness, and making every day in the field count.

Trigger and Tail Instagram

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Worldwide Wingshooter

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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What does it take to dedicate 40+ years to great bird dogs and chase wild birds more than 100 days a year? In Episode 45, we sit down with Jerry Barnes of Toccoa River Setters in the mountains of North Georgia. A retired educator, Gulf War Army veteran, and lifelong upland fanatic, Jerry shares his passion for wild birds, fine-foot hunting setters, and the places that keep calling him back. From chasing ruffed grouse in wild country to developing quality setters, Jerry’s story is one of tradition, dedication, and a deep love for the uplands.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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This week on Bird Camp Radio, we're joined by Kirk Small, owner and lead guide of Roaring Brook Outfitters in Maine. We dive into what it takes to build a successful guide service centered around wild birds, hard-working dogs, and ethical hunting, while also exploring Maine's incredible opportunities for snowshoe hare, moose, and black bear. Kirk shares stories from the North Woods, discusses the traditions that have shaped his passion for the outdoors, and explains why providing an authentic hunting experience is at the heart of everything he does. If you've ever dreamed of hunting Maine or simply enjoy conversations about bird dogs, wild places, and hunting heritage, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Roaring Brook OutfittersReady for the adventure of a lifetime? If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!

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This week on Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Vermont upland hunter Eddie Gagne to talk about the traditions that keep us coming back to the bird woods. From rediscovering upland hunting through chasing snipe to restoring classic side-by-side shotguns, guiding on Lake Champlain, and creating unforgettable wild game meals, Eddie shares a lifetime of stories, craftsmanship, and conservation. If you love bird dogs (or hunt without them), classic doubles, and the idea of honoring every bird you harvest, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Check out the goodies at our BIRD CAMP RADIO STORE!

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

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This week on Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Tomas Heidenwirth, lifelong upland hunter, certified dog trainer, guide, and host of the Have Dog Will Travel podcast.

We talk about his journey with English Setters, from his first bird dog to developing his own breeding program focused on early-starting, stylish, hard-hunting dogs. Tomas also shares insights on bird dog training, wild bird hunting, conservation, and his work introducing new hunters, veterans, and first responders to the outdoors.

Big Marsh English Setters Website

Big Marsh Instagram
Big Marsh Facebook
Have Dog Will Travel Podcast
Have Dog Will Travel Facebook

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

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Jamie Lawrence grew up in southwest Georgia, where hunting wasn't just a hobby, it was a way of life. From chasing squirrels with his twin brother to learning responsibility with a single-shot shotgun and spending mornings in the deer woods before school, the outdoors shaped who he is from an early age.

In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, Jamie shares how his hunting journey evolved from coon hunting with hounds and competing in night hunts to training retrievers for waterfowl and, ultimately, falling in love with pointing dogs and upland hunting. We dive into his practical approach to developing bird dogs, the lessons he's learned from mentors and professionals, and why he's always searching for ways to become a better trainer.

Now living in the heart of Georgia's bobwhite quail country, Jamie talks about the unique challenge of hunting wild coveys on public land, why those birds mean so much to him, and how family, dogs, and tradition continue to drive his passion for the outdoors. If you enjoy conversations about bird dogs, Southern upland hunting, and preserving the traditions that make this lifestyle special, you won't want to miss this episode.

Jamie Lawrence Facebook
Backyard Bird Dog Instagram

This episode of Bird Camp Radio welcomes Brian Vander Maazen, owner and operator of Amaazen Outdoors, professional upland guide, bird dog trainer, and cover dog handler. Brian spends his fall guiding hunters through the grouse and woodcock coverts of northern Wisconsin before heading south to New Mexico each winter to guide wild quail hunts with Santa Fe Guiding Company. While the landscapes and birds may change, his passion for following good dogs through wild country remains the same.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to consistently find success on wild birds, the differences between hunting grouse, woodcock, and quail, and why developing a great bird dog is a lifelong process. Brian also shares his experiences competing on the cover dog trial circuit, training pointing dogs for the demands of the Northwoods, and the lessons he's learned from countless days behind dogs in some of the best upland country in North America.

Whether you're a dedicated grouse hunter, a bird dog enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the traditions of upland hunting, this conversation is packed with stories, insight, and a deep respect for wild birds and the dogs that pursue them.

Brian's Facebook
Amaazen Outdoors Instagram
Santa Fe Guiding Co Facebook
Santa Fe Guiding Co Instagram

Episode 39 of Bird Camp Radio welcomes James "JC" Smith, a lifelong upland hunter, Ryman-type English Setter breeder, and passionate advocate for preserving the traditions of classic bird dogs. After retiring from a 42-year career in water quality in New York's Finger Lakes region, JC has devoted even more time to the uplands, spending his seasons behind English Setters in pursuit of grouse, woodcock, prairie grouse, Hungarian partridge, chukar, and pheasants across the country.

In this episode, JC shares how a chance introduction to an English Setter nearly 40 years ago changed the course of his life, leading him into a community of dedicated bird hunters and breeders that still shapes him today. We dive into the rich history of Ryman-type English Setters, the importance of ethical breeding, and why preserving purpose-bred hunting dogs matters for the future of upland hunting. JC also reflects on the legendary grouse covers of New York, decades spent attending traditional bird camps, and how his hunting has expanded to seven different states in recent years.

Whether you're a setter enthusiast, a grouse hunter, or simply someone who appreciates the heritage and traditions of upland hunting, this conversation is packed with stories, experience, and insight from someone who has dedicated a lifetime to the sport.

Pull up a chair around the campfire and enjoy Episode 39 with James "JC" Smith.

Sugar Creek English Setters
Ryman Setters

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

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What does it take to spend a lifetime chasing wild birds behind great dogs?

This week on Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Mike Dziki, a lifelong bird hunter, bird dog breeder, Senior Hunt Test Judge, and Army Ranger veteran whose life has revolved around the uplands for decades.

At 64 years old, Mike still spends between 65 and 90 days every season hunting grouse, woodcock, and sharptail across some of the best bird country around. We talk about what he's learned from a lifetime in the field, why wild birds continue to humble even the most experienced hunters, and what keeps him coming back year after year.

Mike also shares the story behind his 25 years of breeding German Shorthaired Pointers, adding English Cocker Spaniels and Brittanys to his kennel, and what he looks for when developing bird dogs that can handle real hunting situations. We dive into hunt tests, field trials, cover dog competitions, judging, dog genetics, training philosophies, and why he eventually stepped away from competition to simply enjoy hunting birds.

Along the way, we discuss guiding upland hunters, building relationships with clients from across the country, lessons learned during his service as an Army Ranger, and why passing knowledge on to the next generation of bird hunters matters now more than ever.

Whether you're passionate about bird dogs, breeding, hunt tests, or simply love hearing stories from someone who has spent a lifetime chasing wild birds, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

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In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Reggie Tokarski, an upland game guide with Sun Catcher Acres Pheasant Outfitter. Reggie spends her days doing what many hunters only see a small part of: walking miles of cover, handling dogs, reading bird behavior, and putting clients on pheasants day after day throughout the season.

We dive into what life as a pheasant guide actually looks like behind the scenes, from the early mornings and long walks to the lessons learned from countless days in the field. Reggie shares her perspective on dog work, reading habitat, finding birds in changing conditions, and why success in upland hunting often comes down to experience, observation, and effort.

We also discuss earning respect in the hunting industry, the realities of being a female guide in the uplands, and why the birds, dogs, and traditions of pheasant hunting continue to keep people coming back year after year.

Whether you're a seasoned upland hunter, an aspiring guide, or someone who simply appreciates hard-working bird dogs and wild flushes, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Pull up a tailgate, grab a cup of coffee, and join us Around the Campfire for Episode 37 of Bird Camp Radio.

Suncatcher Acres
Mouse River Outfitters

Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!

⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp