The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

In another solo podcast, Reid shares 5 tips on how to make corrections when shooting success starts to go south. In essence, these tips offer a way to troubleshoot when consistent missing starts to occur. Included are issues of mechanics, but also the more pertinent issues of mindset, and how to combat them. Enjoy!"

In another read-aloud session, Reid shares and reflects on the story Maggie's October, first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. The winter season is a reflective time, with many thoughts drifting back to people, places, and moments. This is a story fondly remembered, and happily shared.

Reid discusses shotguns and physics with Andrew Wertenberger, Senior Gunsmith for Caesar Guerini USA, Fabarm USA, and Syren. The two go deep into the functioning of auto-loaders, the physics of choke, the nuances of cartridges, and general explanations of the forces at work in a shotgun. Enjoy!

Charley Perkins of The Orvis Company joins Reid to discuss all things duck hunting. Charley is an avid and lifelong waterfowler and a tremendous game shot, and the two discuss shooting both near home and further afield, and hit on some basics of guns, dogs, calls, and decoys.

Master engraver, gunmaker, and unrivaled craftsman Damien Connolly joins Reid for a discussion about much more than engraving. Connolly, who moved to southern Vermont from his native Australia to work alongside renowned engraver Winston Churchill, discusses his quest for excellence and his fascination with craft. Few gunsmiths have the breadth of skill that Connolly brings to the game, and few are as driven to achieve a high degree of proficiency regardless of the cost, or the reward. An incredible conversation takes shape.

On an early November evening, Reid returns from Orvis Sandanona with Gun Room Manager Greg Carpiniello. Recorded on a mobile unit that captures the sound of rain on the windshield, the two discuss the Orvis assortment of shotguns, and how it was arrived at. Gun talk, Orvis talk, and a peak behind the scenes of Orvis gun sales; enjoy.

In this episode Reid has the privilege of sharing an hour with acclaimed writer, rancher, hunter, angler, and conservationist Thomas McGuane. McGuane, whose career as a novelist and short story writer spans nearly 50 years, describes his thoughts on hunting, dogs, place, guns, and friends. For listeners who know and love McGuane's work, this podcast is a must.

In this episode, Reid reads from another previously published one of his works. In a nostalgic moment Reid describes his early hunting and mentors in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and goes on to read a reflective story of people and place. Enjoy!

Recorded live in Cabri Saskatchewan, Reid spends an evening at Bird Camp speaking with Dave Brown of Dave Brown Outfitters. The two discuss the day they spent afield for Hungarian Partridge and Sharptail Grouse, and Dave describes the nuances and history of hunting the region. A bit on guns, a bit on birds, and the sound of a few restless bird dogs underfoot. Enjoy!

Reid spends an hour with Jordan Smith (Orvis Gunsmith) and Greg Carpiniello (Orvis Gunroom Manager) discussing nuances of guns and shooting. The trio explore shot size, chokes, dangers of steel shot in old guns, shotgun finishes, and recoil. The podcast is rife with opinions, some of which are even well-informed. Enjoy!

In what may become a periodic new format for the podcast, Reid shares a written story of an early duck hunt, and a traditional reunion with an old friend. These periodic spoken word/storytelling podcasts may become a regular installment, so don't hesitate to weigh in with your opinions.

Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love join Reid for a conversation about canine psychology, mindset, and some of the lessons they use to enhance both. Ronnie and Susanna are owners of Ronnie Smith Kennels, and they have collectively trained thousands of dogs in the methodology that began with Ronnie's late father and Uncle Delmar Smith. Ronnie and Susanna have taken dog training to a remarkable new space, looking for ways to leverage a positive canine mindset for maximum result in the training environment and in the field.

On the eve of Reid's first hunting junket of the season Reid spends a bit of time with Matty Rawlinson of Owens Valley Wingshooting. The two discuss Matty's early days afield in the UK, the differences between UK and US shooting styles and perceptions, and even the nuances of load efficiency. Not to be missed is the segment on Snipe, a species for which Matty has a soft spot. Enjoy!

With upland bird season already underway through much of North America, Reid chats with Durrell Smith of the Gundog Notebook, discussing all facets of hunting, shooting, guns, dogs, and the upland aesthetic. Durrell Smith is an artist, art teacher, and avid gundog owner who has immersed himself in his passion for all things hunting related. Reid and Durrell wander in and out of their shared stories of a late introduction to the sporting life, finding ample common ground and shared interests. Enjoy!

Reid welcomes his colleague Julia Zema to the podcast to discuss the common questions facing new hunters as they attempt to enter the world of upland bird hunting. Julia and Reid discuss, firearm education, hunter safety, etiquette, access, and dogs, and so doing hope to answer common questions and break down some barriers of entry. Enjoy!