In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, I sit down with Matthew Sudol, a lifelong grouse and woodcock hunter whose connection to upland birds runs three generations deep. Raised in the coverts by a father and grandfather who still called grouse “partridge,” Matthew learned early how to read the woods, trust a good dog, and respect wild birds that don’t give anything easily.
Matthew’s journey blends tradition with science. While studying Wildlife Management, he gained hands-on experience trapping, banding, aging, and radio-tracking grouse deepening his understanding of the birds he already loved to chase. That knowledge followed him into his career as a wildlife biologist with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, where surveying old farm properties in the Catskills revealed some of the finest grouse and woodcock habitat in the region.
We talk about Matthew’s unconventional path into bird dogs, starting with a cast-off German Shorthaired Pointer that taught him patience and problem-solving. Over time, he became known for working with dogs others struggled with rehabilitating, restarting, and shaping them through bird contact and humility. His legendary dog, Jett, trained almost entirely on wild birds, became the kind of woods dog most of us spend a lifetime chasing.
The conversation also explores guiding, breeding, balancing night-shift law enforcement with daylight in the bird woods, and raising three sons in the traditions of bird hunting, conservation, and dog work. At its heart, this episode is about learning through birds, dogs, failures, friendships, and time spent covering ground where grouse still drum.
In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with southwestern Virginia outdoorsman Kenneth Adkins to trace a hunting journey that eventually led him from whitetails to the uplands and into a deeper, more intentional way of hunting.
Kenneth grew up in the Virginia woods, following his father, grandfather, and uncles at a time when simply seeing a deer was a victory. Small game, rabbits and squirrels shaped his early seasons and taught him the value of time afield long before numbers or limits mattered. Though deer hunting became his primary focus for decades, a simple realization changed everything: he wasn’t just a hunter, he was a deer hunter.
That moment pushed Kenneth toward upland birds and bird dogs. With little experience but a lot of commitment, he chose a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and hit the road for a 22-hour trip that would change how he hunted forever. Nearly five years later, that dog Marley has accounted for over 400 birds taken over her points and has become the heart of Kenneth’s upland seasons.
We talk about building a dog from the ground up, hunting modest upland opportunities in the Appalachians, making the most of limited grouse and woodcock covers, and supplementing wild bird hunting with pen-raised birds. Kenneth also shares his growing kennel, including a young German Shorthaired Pointer and a hard-charging retriever that proves there’s always room for another good dog in bird camp.
Woven throughout the conversation is a deep appreciation for fine shotguns, especially double guns, and how craftsmanship, tradition, and intention elevate the upland experience.
This episode is a thoughtful look at slowing down, following dogs, and rediscovering why upland hunting means more than just pulling the trigger, it’s about the journey, the dogs at your side, and the places that keep calling you back.
In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Andrew Terry; a lifelong upland hunter, dog man, and guide whose roots run deep in California’s Sacramento Valley. Raised by a grandfather who hunted during the Great Depression, Andrew learned early that hunting was never about excess, but about respect for the land, the bird, and the responsibility that comes with pulling the trigger.
What began as chasing quail and pheasants behind a duck dog grew into a life built around upland birds. Today, Andrew breeds and trains working gun dogs and guides both upland and waterfowl hunts, turning a deeply ingrained lifestyle into meaningful work.
After relocating to the west side of Oregon’s Cascade Range, Andrew found himself immersed in some of the finest grouse cover in the region. Living where he hunts has given him an intimate understanding of bird behavior, daily movement, and seasonal patterns, knowledge earned only through time, miles, and repetition. Alongside grouse, he stays rooted in the uplands pursuing mountain quail and band-tailed pigeons throughout the year.
This conversation explores tradition, dog work, Woodsmanship, and the responsibility of carrying hunting values forward. It’s an episode grounded in experience, shaped by time afield, and centered on the birds that continue to define Andrew’s life and livelihood.
In Episode 11 of Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Josh Robinson, a man whose life has been shaped by the pursuit of wild birds and the dogs that make it all possible.
Josh’s story started in Ontario, watching Labradors crash through cattails on cold-water retrieves and moments that hooked him on the connection between a dog, a handler, and the work they do together. That early spark eventually led him west to Alberta, where his love for both upland and waterfowl pushed him toward one breed that could truly do it all: the German Shorthaired Pointer.
In this episode, Josh walks us through his journey from bringing home his first GSP in 2011 to building a multi-generation line of truly versatile dogs; dogs shaped through confirmation shows, structured training, and countless hours in the field. We talk about the “lightbulb moments” he lives for, the instincts he’s bred for four generations, and why it’s never been about the number of birds but the dog work that unfolds in front of the gun.
We also dive into Josh’s television journey as the creator and host of On Point Adventures, an upland and waterfowl hunting show that ran for eight years. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, what the show meant to him, and hints at his plans to reboot the series for a new generation of hunters and dog handlers.
If you love versatile dogs, wild bird hunting, and hearing from people who dedicate their lives to this craft, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
In Episode 10 of Bird Camp Radio, Kellen sits down with seasoned upland hunter Kody King, a man whose life has been shaped by bird dogs, wide-open landscapes, and a relentless curiosity for the uplands. What began in the pheasant and duck fields of his youth has evolved into a multi-state pursuit of wild birds across the West and Midwest.
Today, Kody runs a Brittany and a Small Münsterländer, two dogs that not only guide his hunts, but also anchor his passion for exploring new country. From the rugged chukar hills to grouse covers, with a little quail and pheasant mixed in each year, his season is a mosaic of terrain, birds, and dog work.
In this episode, Kody shares how declining pheasant numbers pushed him to broaden his horizons, the lessons learned from Arizona to North Dakota, what makes his dogs tick, and why the uplands continue to shape his life. Whether you’re a seasoned bird hunter or new to the world of bird dogs, this conversation is full of insight, adventure, and authentic love for the chase.
In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Brenton Moore; United States Marine veteran, passionate outdoorsman, and owner of Broke Dog Fly Company in Belgrade, Montana. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2017, Brenton discovered new purpose in the mountains, rivers, and open country of the West. But everything changed at age 28 when he hunted behind a friend’s GWP and instantly fell in love with upland hunting and bird dogs.
Now, with his first bird dog, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon named Reba, Brenton has spent the season chasing birds across Montana, building memories and friendships that define the upland community. We talk dogs, training, Montana landscapes, starting a small outdoor business, and how the uplands can reshape a person’s life.
In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Heather Talley, Utah’s Upland Game Coordinator, whose career with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources spans nearly twenty years. Heather shares her journey from depredation technician to statewide program leader, highlighting her work expanding land access through the Walk-In Access program and strengthening partnerships that support Utah’s outdoor heritage.
We also dive into the science and management behind Utah’s upland game species, with a special focus on ruffed grouse and dusky grouse populations, their habitat needs, current trends, and what the future of conservation looks like for these iconic birds. Heather’s deep expertise and passion for wildlife make this a standout conversation for hunters, birders, and anyone who loves the land.
Tune in for an inspiring and informative look at the people and programs shaping the future of upland game in Utah.
Mentorship Program: https://www.learnhunting.org/
Forest Grouse Article: https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/upland/forest_grouse_in_the_fall.pdf
Upland Game Slams: https://wildlife.utah.gov/upland-game-slam.html
In this episode, we sit down with lifelong Central Oregon uplander Griffin Webb, whose journey in the bird hunting world began at just ten years old, chasing pheasants with his dad right out the back door. What started as simple walks with a shotgun evolved into a full-blown passion for chukar hunting and the bird dogs that make it all possible.
Griffin shares how his first German Shorthaired Pointer, Remi, became the spark that ignited a lifelong dedication to training, hunting, and living alongside these incredible dogs. Now 39, and hunting behind his third GSP, Lainey, he reflects on the lessons, partnerships, and memories forged on the steep, unforgiving chukar hills of the High Desert.
A father of three, devoted husband of fourteen years, big-game hunter, steelhead angler, and travel baseball coach, Griffin’s life is grounded in family, tradition, and time spent outdoors. In this conversation, he brings authentic perspective on balancing passion with responsibility, raising kids in the outdoors, and keeping the upland heritage alive.
Whether you hunt chukar, run a dog, or simply appreciate stories from the uplands, this episode captures the heart of what Bird Camp Radio is all about.
In this episode, we sit down with Haley Veibell, a woman Oregon upland hunter whose story weaves together family tradition, perseverance, and a deep love for bird dogs. From childhood pheasant hunts with her family’s chocolate lab, Kokoa, to chasing chukar across rugged cliffsides with her Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Winston, Haley has built a life rooted in connection to the land, her dogs, and her father.
Through serious health challenges and slow seasons, Haley’s journey reminds us that the hunt isn’t just about the birds; it’s about patience, resilience, and the moments that shape us along the way. Tune in as Haley shares stories of public land adventures, lessons learned from her dogs, and how she brings that same spirit of care and dedication to her work supporting foster children.
Join us around the campfire with Jimmy Humes, a passionate upland hunter with 15 years of experience chasing pheasants and ruffed grouse across Pennsylvania. Jimmy shares his love for pointing dogs, the thrill of a bird dog locked on point, and the profound ways faith and gratitude shape his time in the field.
In this episode, we dive into Jimmy’s journey from early hunts to competing in field trials with his father, exploring the bonds formed through mentorship, community, and shared tradition. Whether it’s choosing the perfect bloodline, training a dog for peak performance, or simply savoring the beauty of the outdoors, Jimmy’s stories offer inspiration for hunters and dog enthusiasts alike.
Tune in for a conversation that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the timeless joy of upland hunting.
In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, we head into the rugged depths of Hells Canyon with Oregon uplander and guide Tanner Krewson. Tanner shares what it’s like to chase a wide variety of wild birds across one of the most unforgiving and breathtaking landscapes in the West. From chukar to valley quail, and more, he walks us through the challenges and rewards of life in the canyon with his two Brittany Spaniels, Charlie and Hayward, leading the charge.
We also get a personal look at his wife's journey into upland hunting, and how her passion for the field evolved into writing for Project Upland and Gun Dog Confidential. It's a rich, honest conversation about birds, dogs, partnership, and the wild spaces that call us back.
In this episode, we sit down with Robby Mulligan, owner of Stagecoach Pointers and full-time K9 officer to talk all things upland hunting in the rugged terrain of Arizona. Robby shares the story behind his guiding company, Stagecoach Pointers, and what it takes to pursue Gambel's quail with well-trained German Shorthaired Pointers. From the bond between dog and handler to navigating the harsh desert landscape, this is a conversation packed with insight, passion, and plenty of bird dog talk. Whether you're an upland veteran or new to the sport, you won't want to miss this one.
In this episode, we’re joined by Eli Howard of Arizona; upland hunter, storyteller, and all-around outdoorsman. Eli takes us on a journey through the diverse landscapes of the Southwest, from cactus-studded desert floors to the high country’s ponderosa pines, in pursuit of quail and dove. We talk dogs, landscape, conservation, and what it means to chase wild things across wild country. Whether you're a seasoned bird hunter or just curious about the upland lifestyle, this one’s for you!
In the very first full episode of Bird Camp Radio, we kick things off with a heartfelt and flavorful journey into the upland life, joined by a very special guest, Rachel. Together, we dive into Rachel’s unique perspective as a woman in the upland world, her path into hunting, and how food and sustainability connect her to the outdoors. We dive deep into upland game cooking, with a few mouthwatering recipes.
In this first episode, we pull on our boots, load up the dogs, and take you behind the scenes of why Bird Camp Radio exists. This podcast is for those who live for the sound of a flushing covey, the snap of a shotgun, and the quiet moments around a tailgate or campfire!
You'll hear what to expect from future episodes, from upland bird hunting stories, habitat conversations, and bird dog talk, to the voices of the upland community everywhere!
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just discovering the uplands, this is your invitation to join the camp!