Birdshot Podcast

In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan, a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunting, wildlife photography, and conservation. He shares rich stories from his time in the field, thoughts on aging gracefully, and timeless lessons passed down through generations of hunters and mentors.

Tim Flanigan is a celebrated upland bird hunter, retired game warden, and author of books such as Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life and the Night Killers series. Known for his evocative writing, wildlife photography, and depth of field knowledge, Tim has become a treasured voice in the hunting community.

 Expect to Learn: 


Why life truly begins at 40, especially for outdoorsmen


The value of mentorship and passing on hunting traditions


Tales from the field: from poachers to unforgettable first grouse hunts


Insights into Tim’s books, including Grouse & Woodcock and Turkey Man


How aging changes a hunter’s priorities from the kill to the memories

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:


[00:00:00] - Welcome & Turning 80 with Tim Flanigan


[00:02:56] - Life Begins at 40


[00:05:30] - What inspired you to write an article?


[00:14:43] - Chasing Grouse and Outlaws: A Game Warden’s Story


[00:19:43] - Grouse, Woodcock, and the Joy of Observation


[00:41:58] - What do you look at when you’re shooting?


[00:53:09] - The grouse's morning stretching routine


[01:12:39] - Photo Tim wants to capture


[01:28:17] - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Follow The Guest, Tim Flanigan


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimFlanigan.NatureExposure/ 


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timflanigan418/?hl=en 


Book#1:https://www.wildriverpress.com/product/grouse-woodcock-timothy-c-flanigan-wild-river-press/


Book#2:Poacher Pursuit: Game Warden vs Wildlife Killers


Book #3:Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers

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

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In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Marc Musselman, CEO at Alclair Audio, to discuss the intersection of bird hunting and hearing protection. From nostalgic stories of Nebraska pheasant hunts to embracing Minnesota winters and late-season grouse excursions, the conversation evolves into a deep dive on the science and user experience behind custom digital hearing protection. Marc shares his journey through the hearing industry, the challenges of adoption among upland hunters, and why hearing protection should be as common as boots and a bird vest.

Marc Musselman is a lifelong upland hunter and audio innovator based in Minnesota. Originally from Nebraska, his passion for bird hunting, especially grouse and woodcock, runs deep. Through Alclair, Marc has made it his mission to help hunters protect their hearing while staying tuned into the natural world, combining decades of engineering expertise with a hunter’s instinct.

Expect to Learn:


How Marc’s childhood pheasant hunts shaped his upland hunting journey


What goes into making custom digital hearing protection for hunters


The difference between hearing enhancement and noise suppression in the field


How to properly acclimate to digital hearing protection for upland hunting


What’s next for hearing protection innovation and Alclair’s mission

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps


[00:00:00] - Introduction and recent hunts in snowy Minnesota


[00:08:30] - The joys and trials of late-season grouse and woodcock hunting


[00:18:00] - Dog talk: Oscar’s progress and the next setter


[00:25:00] - From Nebraska to Minnesota: Marc’s hunting roots and evolution


[00:37:00] - Camper life and cross-country bird hunting dreams


[00:46:42] - How Alclair got started in music and moved into hearing protection


[00:50:52] - Understanding digital hearing protection: features and challenges


[01:08:00] - Tips for adjusting to and maximizing Alclair EXP Pro


[01:21:00] - Final Thoughts 

Follow the Guest, Marc Musselman


Marc Musselman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-musselman-b733a68/ 


Alclair LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alclair-audio/ 


Aclair’s Website: https://alclair.com/ 


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcmusselman/?hl=en 

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/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Ruffed Grouse Society:“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the broader conservation community he served so passionately.” (continue reading at ruffedgrousesociety.org)

Obituary: https://www.grcremation.com/obituaries/glen-blackwood

Episode Highlights (from the original recording):


Barn parties and popping for bass


Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society update


Upland anthologies


Books for various upland species


Glen’s recommendations for some good reads

Listen back to this conversation with Glen Blackwood of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction to the episode.

[01:27] – Tribute to Glenn Blackwood.

[06:26] – Glen’s conservation work with RGS and AWS.

[07:24] – Glen’s background and journey into upland hunting.

[11:35] – Early bird hunting memories with family.

[17:06] – A teenage fishing story with a lesson from his father.

[25:08] – Conservation projects and habitat work in Michigan.

[28:15] – Favorite books and key sporting literature titles.

[41:20] – Reflections on rereading and gaining perspective.

[49:49] – Dogless grouse hunting and lesser-known authors.

[56:09] – Glen’s top bird hunting book picks by species.

[59:02] – Signs of a strong bird season and closing thoughts.

Become a Patreon Support | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

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The Birdshot Podcast is presented by onX Hunt.
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In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Fritz Heller, a dedicated upland hunter, to discuss the 2025 hunting season, dogs, grouse hunting, and much more. Fritz shares insights into the challenges of the season, including heat waves and the impact on bird numbers, as well as his experience training new puppies. The conversation also gets into Fritz's plans for the future, including his search for a camper for hunting trips and his thoughts on managing bird populations and hunting conditions.

Fritz Heller is an upland bird hunter, dog trainer, and dedicated outdoorsman from Michigan. He has been actively involved in training dogs and hunting for many years, sharing his knowledge of the sport with others. Fritz is passionate about the welfare of wildlife, managing habitats, and improving bird populations, and has a wealth of experience hunting grouse, pheasants, and other upland species.

Expect to Learn


The impact of weather conditions on the 2025 hunting season


Heat waves and their effects on bird numbers, especially in the early season


The importance of habitat regeneration and the role of different species, like blackberries, in grouse hunting


How puppy training can vary by breed, and how Fritz is raising his new Labrador and Cocker Spaniel puppies


Fritz's thoughts on taxidermy and the importance of commemorating hunting memories


The search for a camper and how Fritz is researching the best setup for his future hunting tripsEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps:


[00:00:00] - Introduction


[00:10:57] - 37 Degrees and Snow depth


[00:19:57] - Fritz’s Week Trip this Year


[00:36:13] - Different Color Phase


[00:43:23] - Discussing the puppy’s first season


[00:51:37] - Pippa: A Hunting Dog and the difference from a Lab


[01:01:40] - Puppy walks


[01:13:04] - Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Spring


[01:17:28] - Camper, Truck and Rig


[01:20:52] - Closing and upcoming plans for the next hunting season

Follow the guest, Fritz:


How to Hunt Ruffed Grouse with a Flushing Dog: https://projectupland.com/grouse-species/ruffed-grouse/how-to-hunt-ruffed-grouse-with-a-flushing-dog/  

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

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The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/
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In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird populations, and offers tips on hunting pheasants with pointing dogs. He also talks about how habitat loss affects bird numbers, the role of public and private land hunting, and how hunting conditions vary season to season. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into upland bird hunting, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Phil Bourjaily is a Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream, where he covers topics ranging from bird hunting to gun reviews and outdoor traditions. He’s a seasoned upland bird hunter with a wealth of experience hunting pheasants, grouse, and other upland species. His love for bird dogs and his deep understanding of hunting habitats make him a valuable resource for bird hunting enthusiasts.

Expect to Learn


How habitat loss impacts pheasant and quail populations


The importance of public and private land in upland hunting


Tips for hunting pheasants with pointing dogs, especially during late-season hunts


The best weather conditions for pheasant hunting and how snow can affect bird behaviour


The best shotgun set-up for pheasant hunting, including the right gauge and choke combinations
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps


[00:00:00] - Introduction


[00:04:40] - Armadillos


[00:10:29] - Public vs. Private Land Access


[00:16:56] - Short Hairs vs. Other Dogs


[00:24:58] - Zeke's Hunting Behavior - Moving, Tracking, and Following


[00:29:00] - Discussion on Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting


[00:48:05] - Weight and Balance in Pheasant Guns


[00:58:09] - Bismuth Pricing


[01:11:18] - Find More of Phil’s Published Work

Follow the Guest Phil:


Field and Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/phil-bourjaily 


Top 10 best shotguns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/shotguns/best-pheasant-hunting-shotguns 

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/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices