Birdshot Podcast19 Sep 2025

#333 | Lessons and Observations from a Lifetime in the Uplands with Mark Reese

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with long-time bird hunter and habitat advocate Mark Reese. With decades of upland hunting experience under his belt, Mark shares deep insights on the connection between habitat work, grouse populations, and the broader hunting community. The conversation flows from hunting stories to conservation, mentorship, and how the uplands have shaped his life.

Mark Reese is a passionate grouse hunter, conservation volunteer, and advocate for habitat improvement. Though not a biologist by profession, Mark has spent years in the woods doing hands-on habitat work and mentoring younger hunters. His experience spans generations of bird dogs, changing landscapes, and a deep love for the culture of grouse hunting. Mark’s voice is that of the everyday uplander who shows up, gets his boots dirty, and leads by example.

Expect to Learn:

What keeps a lifelong grouse hunter like Mark passionate after decades in the woods.

How habitat work directly affects grouse populations and hunting opportunities.
Mark’s personal history with upland hunting and what’s changed over the years.
The role of volunteers and mentorship in sustaining the upland hunting community.
Why bird dogs are central to the upland experience, and the stories they create.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Introduction.
[00:04:46] - A Good Ol' Fashioned Dove Hunt
[00:08:35] - Meadowlarks to train dogs
[00:17:23] - Trapping Season
[00:22:33] - Journey of hunting and Fishing
[00:36:08] - Training Dogs: Exposure vs. Specific Techniques
[00:40:38] - Changes in Grouse Hunting Habitat Observations and Speculations
[00:55:26] - Developing Dogs with Wild Birds and Minimal Training
[01:12:08] - Escaping Distractions and the Joy of Reading a Book
[01:17:17] - Closing Remarks and how to connect with Mark

Follow the Guest Mark:

Email: mybirddogs@yahoo.com
Contact: (606) 723-1275
A Life’s Journey Outdoors: https://a.co/d/iJRtAm9
Kentucky Book Festival: https://kybookfestival.org/featured-author/mark-reese/#Author

Follow 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

SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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