#338 | How A Bird Dog Transformed This Big Game Hunter into an Upland Obsessive with Brad Trumbo

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Brad Trumbo, business owner at Palouse Upland Media. Brad shares his journey from big-game hunting in the East to his deep love for upland bird hunting in the West. They discuss the unique landscapes of Eastern Washington, the challenges of hunting various upland birds, and Brad’s approach to bird dogs and land management.

Brad Trumbo: A biologist, bird hunter, and author, Brad's experience spans from fish passage research to working in public land management. His passion for upland hunting, especially in the Palouse, has inspired him to write about both the birds and landscapes he loves.

Expect to Learn:

• How Brad transitioned from big-game hunting to upland birds

• Insights into hunting in the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho

• The challenges of hunting valley quail, pheasant, and Hungarian partridge

• Brad’s approach to bird dog training and management

• How to understand and enjoy the landscapes while hunting
  

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] - Podcast Introduction and Welcoming Brad Trumbo

• [00:02:53] - Defining the Palouse Region's Landscape and Ecology

• [00:04:03] - Brad's Path from Biology and Fisheries to Upland Hunting

• [00:06:25] - The Transition from Big Game to a Passion for Bird Hunting

• [00:07:01] - The Story Behind Getting the First Bird Dog

• [00:08:59] - On Dog Breeds, Aging, and Adapting Hunts for Senior Dogs

• [00:15:35] - Breakdown of Washington's Upland Bird Seasons

• [00:21:17] - A Hunting Anecdote: The Giant Whitetail and the Covey of Huns

• [00:23:06] - The Challenges of Archery and Ethical Hunting Considerations

• [00:28:30] - How a Dog's Health Issue Catalyzed a Writing Career

• [00:31:57] - The Journey to Publishing "Wing Shooting the Palouse"

• [00:34:03] - Blending Natural History and Personal Narrative in Writing

• [00:39:50] - Habitat and Strategies for Hunting Western Ruffed Grouse

• [00:44:10] - Hunting for the Love of Landscape Over Bird Tally

• [00:54:20] - Public Land Access and Hunter Programs in Washington

• [01:02:10] - The Appeal of Covey Birds and Hunting Valley Quail

Follow the Guest Brad Trumbo:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailfeathers_upland/

• Website: https://bradtrumbo.com/

  
  

Follow the Host Nick:

• Instagram: @birdshot.podcast

• Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com
  

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast

  
  

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