The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

Ticks are increasingly an issue for outdoorspeople and the dogs they love. Though not a new issue, tick and insect-borne illness is a growing threat, but one that is manageable. Travis Avery of Sawyer Products and Colton Cozza of Gunpowder Inc. join the podcast to discuss ticks, the history of tick-borne illness, and how Permethrin is a great first line of defense.

The Product Development team responsible for fish and hunt product at Orvis joins Reid to explain how the sausage gets made. Natalie, Charley, and Jesse use current product examples to share how an idea for a new hunt product, or a revised existing product, makes its way from a rough idea to a product you can carry with you or wear into the field. There is a great deal to the process, as evidenced by this group.  Great conversation with a Dream Team.

Reid joins Ryan Sparks, Editor of the Quail Forever Journal, for a conversation that ranges from Ryan's Nebraska roots to the state of upland culture across the Midwest. They talk about what it takes to raise the next generation of outdoor kids in a world with fewer open spaces and more distractions, and the literary life, why writing about bird hunting matters serves as a standalone subject as well as a backdrop for explorations of human-hood.

Alex Cranmer takes time out of a busy schedule to discuss his family's business, IMA. Started by Alex's father, Christian, IMA has become the world's foremost dealer in collectible military firearms and antiques. The business has taken both Cranmers across the globe in pursuit of treasures and caches of military firearms and paraphernalia, often forgotten by the governments that once held them, and Alex has grown the business to make these antiques available to an incredibly broad consumer base. IMA has outfitted movie and TV sets, and Alex may be most widely known for serving as the antique firearms...

New Brunswick has some of the best bird hunting around, and this week Reid sits down with Mark Symes, President of The Ruffed Grouse Society Canada and a longtime resident of the region, to talk about the incredible bird resource in eastern Canada, why the region's wingshooting tourism has changed over the decades, and what you can actually expect on a New Brunswick hunt. Mark also opens up about his own path from bird hunter to conservationist, and how that journey put him at the head of RGS Canada.

Luke Kolbie and Rob Grant join Reid in celebration of an iconic brand, Russell Moccasin. For over 100 years, The Russell Moccasin Company (russellmoccasin.com) has been making hand-stitched boots and shoes for outdoor enthusiasts, so much so that the Russell Bird Shooter has become a signature part of the upland aesthetic. Luke and Rob explore the brand's history, the celebrated folks that have worn Russell boots, construction and craftsmanship, and what makes a great piece of footwear last generations.

This week's episode features Anthony Matarese Jr., one of the world's finest sporting clays shooters, whose record of National and World titles has made him a man to beat for years. We discuss his journey in the sport, the champion's mindset behind that record, and his home operation, M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays, newly enrolled as an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge. Anthony is also among the sport's great instructors, with a rare ability to diagnose and correct a shooter's issues at a glance. Hearing his story firsthand was a genuine privilege.

Ryan Doughty, host of A Break in the Action, returns to share some updates on his travels, the new guns in his quiver, and his new role at Shooting Sportsman magazine! He also weighs in on the allure of driven shooting and his journey to becoming a steady voice in the fine gun and shooting space.

This episode is a repost from 2020 when Lars Jacob of Lars Jacob Wingshooting joined the podcast to discuss esoteric guns and gunmakers, oddball gauges and configurations, and the unique considerations required when shooting double guns. Lars is a tremendous authority!

Ryan Aune built Wyoming Wings & Waters on a fisheries biology degree, a family outfitting legacy, and a deep conviction that the country's least-populated state holds some of its most underrated bird hunting. In this episode, Ryan walks Reid through how he got into the guiding business, what makes Wyoming's land and wildlife resources so exceptional, and how he puts clients onto birds in a state most hunters don't know much about. Sage grouse, chukars, and, yes, grizzly bears all make an appearance. More about Ryan at wywingsandwaters.com

PRO Outfitters in Montana has always attracted characters, and Owner Brandon Boedecker keeps it that way on purpose. For about a decade, one of those characters was a young Simon Perkins, who guided hunters and anglers under Brandon before eventually becoming President of The Orvis Company. In this conversation, the two old friends look back at the culture Brandon built, the dogs and places that defined it, and the stories that remain legendary.

Ryan Lynton, host of The Upland Social Podcast, joins Reid to talk about his journey into upland hunting as an adult-onset hunter from Indiana.Ryan Lynton, host of The Upland Social Podcast, joins Reid to talk about his journey into upland hunting as an adult-onset hunter from Indiana. He covers early experiences with elk and rabbits, the dog that got him into birds, and how he's using his platforms to build community and advance conservation.

Reid sits down with Simon Rood, Shooting Services Manager at Loyton Sporting, one of the UK's premier driven shoot providers. Simon has spent years at the center of British sporting culture, including time at Purdey's, and he's the right person to walk you through what driven shooting actually looks like from the ground up. Fine guns, technique, etiquette, and why at Loyton it all comes back to whether the guests are having a good time. More at www.loyton.com.

Christian Zeron is a watch dealer, marketing executive, and newly minted hunter whose Instagram platform, @Theoandharris, has earned him a remarkably warm reception from the hunting community. A New Jersey native with no hunting background, Christian caught the bug hard after his first duck hunt and has been documenting the journey ever since. Reid sits down with him to explore what's drawn so many people to follow along, what genuinely excites a newcomer to upland and waterfowl hunting, and what this world looks like when you're seeing it for the first time.

Reid reflects on the loss of a dog, responsibility for the animals who trust us, and the inevitability of their decline. All of this reflected in a story about a long-ago day woodcock shooting with a friend in southern Vermont. Read the entire piece "Thanksgiving" at reidbryant.com; it was initially published in Gundog Magazine.

Reid welcomes back Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello to discuss new guns in the Orvis arsenal, some standout consignment guns, and what has been happening at Orvis Sandanona. Unbelievably, it's been about a year since Greg was on the Podcast, and a whole lot has happened in that time!

Reid is joined by Anthony Licata, editor of Cowboys & Indians magazine (www.cowboysindians.com), for a look inside the world of outdoor print media from someone who has  been to the big leagues. For much of his career, Licata worked for Bonnier Corp. from its Park Avenue offices, eventually becoming Editor in Chief of Field & Stream and Editorial Director of Bonnier's Lifestyle Group, which included titles such as Outdoor Life. In this conversation, he reflects on the glory days, when bar carts and generous expense accounts were part of the job, and shares stories about balancing hunting travel, a love o...

Tom Rosenbauer, longtime Orvis employee, writer, and host of the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, joins Reid for a wide-ranging conversation about his nearly 50 years with the company. They talk about the early days at Orvis, the great outdoor writers who shaped the culture around Manchester, Vermont, and how a lifelong fly fisherman found his way, occasionally, behind a shotgun. Along the way Tom shares stories, history, and a perspective on the outdoors that few people still carry.

Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of PF/QF, joins Reid for an inspiring conversation about her work and life. Marilyn describes a rural childhood in North Dakota, a journey into upland hunting through her husband's Sharp Shooter's Kennel, and her winding path to leadership of a prominent Conservation org. Along the way she digs into thoughts on leadership, organizational culture, and why we should be hopeful about the future of the uplands. Marilyn is a force, and an inspiration.   Learn more at www.pheasantsforever.org and see Marilyn in action at The Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Minneapolis Feb 20-2

With an upcoming show in Connecticut (that Reid is excited to attend) and a headliner at this year's Pheasant Fest Concert for Conservation, the time is right to revisit this 2017 conversation with Evan Felker. Evan has seen continued success and acclaim since this first aired and remains the creative force behind the anthem of the uplands, "The Bird Hunters". In this conversation he talks about bird hunting, his love for pointing dogs, and the rich hunting culture of Oklahoma. If you missed this the first time, enjoy it now; and here's an open invitation to Evan to join the...

Reid's good friend Matt Morlock appears on the podcast to discuss all things South Dakota. Matt describes his childhood growing up as the son of a game warden and his career in conservation and stewardship. He also explains why and how South Dakota became the worldwide epicenter for pheasant hunting. Wonderful insights from a guy on the ground, and a great guy at that.

This re-post of a podcast from 2022 serves as a tribute to Glen Blackwood, whose recent passing is a tremendous loss for the upland community. Glen was a bird hunter, a fly anger, and a conservationist, but foremost a storyteller. It was a privilege to capture his voice here, and to share it.    

Reid welcomes dog trainer John McIltrot for Seranoa Kennels (www.seranoakennels.com) from Roundup, MT, alongside John's training partner Taylor Todd. John is a fascinating character: bird dog trainer, falconer, mentor, animal behaviorist, and prairie philosopher. He and Taylor explore concepts of animal behavior, mentorship, how to move slowly through a training process with humility and keen observation.

In a slight departure from the norm, Reid gathers with a group of pals to debrief a pheasant hunt on a farm in Hitchcock, South Dakota. The group, spearheaded by Lyndsey Braun and Doug Duren of Sharing the Land, explores topics of land stewardship, dog work, hits and misses, and challenges faced by new hunters. It's a meandering journey with lots of voices, but some great perspectives offered. Warning: some colorful language is used. Special thanks to Can-Am, BOSS Shotshells, Savage Arms, Gunner Kennels, Matt Morlock, and Dylan Hazen.

  In a slight departure from the norm, Reid gathers with a group of pals to debrief a pheasant hunt on a farm in Hitchcock, South Dakota. The group, spearheaded by Lyndsey Braun and Doug Duren of Sharing the Land, explores topics of land stewardship, dog work, hits and misses, and challenges faced by new hunters. It's a meandering journey with lots of voices, but some great perspectives offered. Warning: some colorful language is used. Special thanks to Can-Am, BOSS Shotshells, Savage Arms, Gunner Kennels, Matt Morlock, and Dylan Hazen.

  Del Whitman is back to help explain shotshell pressures and how to create optimal patterns. Del puts the mystery of shot ballistics into layman's terms, describing how patterns perform and how extreme pressures destroy pattern density and pose risks to fine guns. In response to a listener query, he also digs into the magical properties of TSS and Tungsten alloys, which seem to break all the rules.

After too long a break, the podcast returns solo installment featuring a piece of written work originally published in Skydance Magazine. An essay about Reid's early days as a woodcock hunter is shared in response to some reflection about shooting woodcock, the particular frailty of the species, and the changes faced by a bird hunter as he gets a bit older. As always, rate and review the podcast, and explore more written work at www.reidbryant.com

  One for the ages... Reid is joined by Stewart McIntyre, Estate Manager at Loyton Sporting (https://loyton.com/) and winner of the coveted 2023 Purdey Gold Award for Game and Habitat Conservation. Stewart pulls back the curtain and articulates the complexity of British Game Shooting, not only as an industry but as a force for stewardship and conservation. If ever you've looked at driven shooting and scratched your head, listen to this podcast. Stewart does a remarkable job explaining just why driven shooting is such a remarkable driver of sustainable land use, and also why it can be misunderstood.

Claire Hall and Jeff Niblette join Reid from far, far away to discuss bird shooting in New Zealand. Both are affiliated with Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting and Fly-fishing Lodge Poronui which offers walked up and driven pheasant hunting on  property. Claire, a longtime Poronui staffer, speaks about the place, the region, and the hunting program, while Jeff, Owner of New Zealand Gamebirds, speaks to the shooting experience and the unique shooting culture in New Zealand.

This episode contains mild adult language that may be offensive to some.   Dave Brown, owner/operator of Dave Brown Outfitters, joins the podcast to describe the life of a professional wild bird guide. For several decades, Dave has been outfitting fly anglers and bird hunters from the Mexican border into Canada, and his perspective on the guide's life is informed by years and miles. Dave always brings a unique and considered perspective to issues of conservation, private land access, a nomadic pursuit of the seasons, and a whole lot more.    

On this episode of the podcast, Reid provides a quick update, talks about what the season has in store, and reads a short reflection called "Things That Get Away", first published in Ginkgo Magazine. Recorded on Sept 2, the he bird season has opened in several places across North America. It always sneaks up on us!

Lars Anderson, Sales Customer Service Manager at Crispi US, joins the podcast to discuss all things boot-related. Lars is an avid outdoorsman and hunter who was instrumental in developing Crispi's upland-specific boot, the Upland Pro. He and Reid discuss Crispi's rise in the hunting space, the technical aspects of a mountain-style boot, boot care, and break-in, and all that makes Crispi special.

Del Whitman returns to the Podcast to discuss the ways in which gunsmiths finish shotgun butts. He describes different choices and techniques, and further discusses his unique process of selecting, sizing, and fitting a recoil pad

Ben Jones, President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society, joins Reid in a discussion about the great work being done on the ground at RGS, and the work that still needs attention. The duo digs into the work of listening to and coalescing the wants and needs of different groups to the ultimate good of grouse, woodcock, and ecosystems. A great conversation with one of the great voices in conservation. Learn more at https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/

Zander Ault of Patagonia, AZ joins Reid to discuss what it's like to live and build a business in one of bird hunting's most iconic destinations. Not a  hunter himself, Zander (and his partner Heidi) landed in Patagonia for the extraordinary gravel cycling, but soon found that the region was ground zero for desert quail hunters. Having opened and owned several businesses in town, Zander explores the tension of being a newcomer in a small, rural town, the challenge of keeping natural resources undiminished while cultivating a tourist economy, and some unique observations about the bird hunting community. Learn m...

In this episode, we visit Orvis Hill Country Shooting Grounds in Blue Ridge Summit, PA, where General Manager Jeremy Mays is joined by new property owner and tech entrepreneur Ben Wallace. While Orvis continues to manage day-to-day operations, Ben brings fresh investment and bold ideas to elevate the facility. Together, they share their vision, recent upgrades, and what's next for this impressive shooting destination.
Learn more: orvis.com/orvis-hill-country.html

Bringing back a favorite episode from 2019, Reid digs deep into shot-shell development with two members of the Winchester Ammunition Team-- Mike Stock and Ben Frank. This episode explores all facets of shotgun shells including performance, construction, and the different materials that impact both. It's a great chance to "nerd out" on the nuances of shotgun ammunition with two industry pros.

2025 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year Tyson Tabler chats with Reid about wingshooting in Saskatchewan, building an outfitting business in western Canada, and what keeps him coming back to guiding year after year. Tyson, a Colorado native, built his business Feathered Fowl Outfitters to deliver exceptional waterfowl and upland hunts on the Canadian prairie. In 2025, a tally of Orvis customer reviews singled out Tyson as the Guide of the Year, an accolade for which he deserves a big congratulations.

Reid has a chat with Connor Carson, Orvis in-house Gunsmith. Orvis has employed a full-time gunsmith (or 3) for nearly half a century, and Connor continues that tradition of repairing, maintaining, evaluating, and customizing fine guns for Orvis customers. Calling in from his bench at Orvis Sandanona, Connor discusses some favorite guns, some interesting repairs, and the path he took to wind up in this unique role at the company. Learn more about Orvis Gunsmithing Services at https://www.orvis.com/gunsmithing-services.html

Vermont Game Warden Kyle Isherwood joins the podcast to revisit the topic of the Vermont Warden Service. For any interested in learning more about what goes into becoming a Game Warden, and what our Warden Service does day-to-day, this is a great conversation with a great guy. Kyle discusses his personal path into the service, and also explores some thoughts around how to have positive interactions with Game Wardens, even when a game law has been violated.