#349 | Southern Bird Hunting: Woodcock, Rails, and the Traditions That Shape It with Patrick Hunter

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Patrick Hunter for a laid-back and insightful conversation about upland bird hunting in the Southeast. They dig into everything from family hunting traditions and first shotguns to the pursuit of elusive woodcock and what makes southern hunting so different.

Patrick Hunter is an avid upland hunter and outdoorsman based in coastal South Carolina. With a background rooted in family hunting traditions, Patrick pursues a wide range of game including woodcock, quail, ducks, and wild turkeys. By day, he works as an engineer, but he has developed a growing passion for outdoor writing, contributing to publications like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Project Upland while advocating for conservation and awareness of southern bird hunting opportunities.

Expect to Learn:

• What makes bird hunting in the Southeast uniquely challenging and rewarding

• How woodcock hunting can transform both hunters and their dogs

• The cultural traditions behind southern hunts like dove shoots and duck hunting

• Insights into lesser-known species like rails (marsh hens) and their hunting styles

• Why spring turkey hunting is one of the most addictive and meaningful pursuits

  
  

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] - Introduction and Early Hunting Background

• [00:07:00] - First Shotguns, Bird Dogs, and Hunting Traditions

• [00:13:15] - Raising Kids Around Hunting and the Outdoors

• [00:19:26] - Duck Hunting in the Southeast and Unique Setups

• [00:27:08] - Seaweed, Conservation, and Writing About Bird Hunting

• [00:34:26] - Discovering Woodcock Hunting in the South

• [00:39:34] - Dove Hunting Culture and Rail (Marsh Hen) Hunting Explained

• [00:48:12] - Turkey Hunting Stories, Traditions, and Close Calls

• [00:55:54] - Public Land Hunting, Mentorship, and Sharing the Outdoors

• [01:11:38] - Where to Find Patrick and Closing Thoughts

Follow The Guest, Patrick Hunter:

• Patrick Hunter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickhunter/

• Website: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/

• Highway 22 Outdoor Shop: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/shop

• Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp64d9-168IfGomYk14T_GA

• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/
  

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

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.