The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

In his latest podcast, Reid digs deep into shot-shell development with two key members of the Winchester Ammunition Team-- Mike Stock, Director of Commercial Sales and Product Management, and Ben Frank, Product Manager.They discuss all facets of shotgun shells, including performance, construction, and the different materials that impact both. It's a great chance to "nerd out" on the nuances of shotgun ammunition with two industry pros. Enjoy!

Reid joins Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello and Gunsmith Jordan Smith in a conversation about the history of Orvis branded shotguns. Jordan, who recently celebrated his 40th year at the Orvis bench, looks back over the various makers who have provided guns to Orvis, and the reasoning behind the various partnerships that have been cultivated. Plenty of perspective on the quality of Spanish guns, the shifting trends of over/under vs. side-by-side, and the current state of Orvis shotguns. Enjoy!

Reid and Nick Larson, host of the Project Upland Podcast, discuss the changing face of hunting media, guns, birds, and summer in the North. Nick, a Duluth MN native and avid grouse and woodcock hunter, serves as the brand communications director at Northwoods Collective, a media and marketing company in the outdoor space. The podcast wanders into questions about upland hunting in social media, contemporary print, and the opportunity to straddle the old and the new. Nick is a great guest, and a skilled podcaster himself.  Check out Nick's podcast at www.projectupland.com.

After a bit of a break, Reid returns to the Podcast to spend some time with Hannah Perkins, the most recent member of the Perkins family to join the Orvis Company. Hannah grew up in a rich hunting and fishing heritage, alongside cousins Simon and Charley. She tells stories of her childhood, learning to shoot, the challenging reality of killing animals we love, and eating hearts and livers! Enjoy!

Reid is joined by Wes Butler, a friend and Warden for the Vermont Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Wes, an avid bird hunter and outdoorsman, discusses his pathway into a career as a Game Warden. The two also discuss finer points of fish and game laws, access, and how to build a relationship with your local fish and wildlife officer.

On this episode of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast Reid talks hunting, ethics, food, and connection with noted game cook and author Hank Shaw. Hank, whose web presence at “Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook” (https://honest-food.net/) is a magnificent resource for any and all who are interested in a deeper connection to their food. In the course of this podcast, Hank describes his personal and culinary adventure into the world of wild food, and the deeper relationships that said journey has facilitated. He also offers a few choice tips on game cooking, game prep, and what the well-stocked hunter’s kitchen might require. Enjoy!

Reid reflects on the changing face of upland hunting, lost friends, getting older, and opportunities to connect more immediately with listeners. Another solo podcast, this one culminates in the reading of an essay titled 'Something Old, Something New' which can be read at www.reidbryant.com.

In this episode, Reid and his friend Doug Duren of Cazenovia, WI take some time to discuss land use, management, conservation, and access. Known to many for his additions to Steve Rinella's Meateater show and the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Doug is at root a passionate land steward. He brings to the conversation a unique perspective on land, highlighted by his innovative Conservation Cooperators Network initiative which fosters access on private land in exchange for land management work. Doug is a wonderful storyteller, seasoned hunter, and something of a philosopher. Some great lessons are leaned into, and some great ideas bounced around. Enjoy!

Recorded on-site at Orvis Sandanona, Reid discusses the finer points of shooting technique with James Ross, Chief Shooting Instructor for The Orvis Company. James lays out the five key elements that result in effective wingshooting, shedding additional light on the fact that fundamental skills and practice are key. James also discusses his personal story and current role, describing how he became one of the finest shooting instructors in the US.

Reid speaks with his friend Bob St. Pierre, VP of Marketing and Communications for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Bob articulates the work and goals of these two impactful groups while also recounting his pathway into a career in conservation. The two discuss land and dogs and the recent Pheasant Fest; a great chat with a great guest. Enjoy!

On a March afternoon, Reid shares an hour with writer, hunter, upland historian, and Ruffed Grouse devotee Andy Wayment. Andy and Reid discuss Andy's recent book, Idaho Ruffed Grouse Hunting, which chronicles Andy's love affair with grouse, dogs, and days afield. The two discuss the book as well as Andy's work with brother Shawn Wayment on the Uplandways blog, but conversation wanders deep into the world of outdoor literature. Andy and Reid go deep into their shared passion for the great and timeless stories penned by such authors as Gorham Cross, Corey Ford, Bill and Tap Tapply, and Burton Spiller. A great listen!

On this podcast Reid visits with Ryan O’Shaughnessy of West Texas Quail Outfitters. Building on an earlier podcast, the two discuss Ryan’s unique story, which began with a childhood in rural Botswana and grew into a career as a wildlife biology professor in west Texas. The two discuss how Ryan’s upbringing informed his love of land and species, and similarly how a love of wildlife can exist in concert with an identity as a hunter and guide.

Pheasant Fest is the annual consumer show and fundraiser/banquet that benefits Pheasants Forever, a leader in conservation of Upland habitat and species. While there I was able to sit down with the mother/daughter duo of Liz and Hayden Lewis of Bozeman, MT. Hayden at 13 is hoping to join The National Youth Leadership Council with PF, and she is an avid young female hunter and shooter. Liz is formerly a competition shooter, fishing guide, lifelong hunter, and in recent years has become recognized as one of the country’s best wildlife sculptors. Her bronze’s are prized and displayed in homes and galleries around the world. Liz, Hayden and I discuss being a youth hunter, Hayden’s involvement in conservation, and Liz’s ascent in her field.

In another on-site podcast, Reid spends an evening with friend and former Endorsed Guide of the Year, Mark Nissen of Classic Bird Hunts. Recorded on a hunt for desert quail in southern New Mexico, this podcast is more a conversation between friends, discussing quail hunting, Brittany’s, and Mark’s unique career. Enjoy

Reid explores his thoughts on the ideal gun for a given application. With identity as a focus throughout, he considers how the gun used in a given environment must make sense both functionally, but also tonally. This podcast also wanders into a bit of a wish list, or something along the lines of “if money were no object…” Enjoy!