The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

Reid checks in as the summer winds down, and considers what the fall might bring. He shares a story, “Wayward in Hayward”, that describes the pull of the upper Midwest during grouse season, and the time he spent hunting Wisconsin with his friend Mark Nissen. A short but much-needed touch base on the eve of bird season. Enjoy!

Reid gets the chance to spend some time with Paula Moore, Chief Shooting Instructor at Orvis Sandanona. Paula is relatively new to the Orvis family, but her reputation precedes her: she has more than twenty-five years’ experience instructing and coaching clays shooters and competing on a national stage. Paula’s accolades speak for themselves: she was a nine-time NSCA All-American, a five-time member of NSCA Team USA, three-time World Side-By-Side Champion, six-time New York State Sporting Clays Champion, and three-time Zone 1 Champion. The two discuss Paula’s journey, her new role, and the realities of a career as an international shooting competitor.

In a long and winding conversation, Reid catches up with Durrell Smith of The Gundog Notebook Podcast. The two cover a range of topics including Durrell’s work digging into field trial history in the South, opportunities for greater inclusivity in the hunting space, and the work Durrell has done to explore the experience of being both a person of color and a passionate upland hunter. Reid and Durrell also explore Durrell’s recent inception of the non-profit Minority Outdoor Alliance. Enjoy!

Reid joins LD McCaa, Manager of Westley Richards Agency, U.S.A. in a conversation about fine guns, British doubles, and the remarkable innovations that have made Westley Richards one of history’s most beloved gunmakers. Having spent a lifetime in the fine firearms business, LD speaks to the finer points of Westley guns and rifles, and the history of the company’s storied success. Reid and LD discuss iconic designs like the droplock and the gold name, and they even dig into the longstanding misperceptions about quality difference between London and Birmingham gunmakers. LD is a font of knowledge and experience, and a great guy to spend an hour with. Enjoy!  

Reid goes transatlantic to spend some time with Vincent Chapuis and Pierre Laurent Faure of Chapuis-Armes. Known to many Americans for their robust yet graceful double rifles, Chapuis has a long tradition in the manufacture for fine double shotguns. Orvis began a partnership with Chapuis several years ago to build a proprietary SXS shotgun offering, and the resulting shotguns are truly unique. Vincent Chapuis discusses his family’s 100 year history in gunmaking, and he is joined by Pierre Laurent Faure, who heads up international sales. A great chance to get to know the Chapuis brand a bit better.

In this episode Reid spends some time with Field & Stream Shotguns Editor Phil Bourjaily. In a career that spans several decades, Bourjaily is one of the most revered contemporary experts on guns and shooting, and his body of work writing on the subject is remarkable. As he will attest, though, he is foremost a hunter. Phil and Reid discuss writing, print media, hunting in Phil’s home state of Iowa, and a somewhat serendipitous entry into the world of gun writing.

Reid spends some time catching up with his friend Aaron Schroder of Double A Gundogs in Lyons, Nebraska. The two explore the challenges of starting a training and outfitting business, the long and winding path that got Aaron back to his boyhood home in the rural Midwest, and why one should never order the conch chowder in Omaha. An interesting and honest take on pursuing one’s dream. Enjoy!

Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello add yet another installment to the series on iconic shotguns, this time exploring the Browning Citori. The much-loved Citori was conceived as a lower-priced, Japanese-made alternative to its Belgian cousin the Superposed, but over time found widespread favor among hunters and target shooters alike. It remains one of the most beloved double guns of all time, and one that finds itself in regular use in the field and on the course. Enjoy the story of this classic double gun.

Reid takes the opportunity to share another story, this one originally published in Gray's Sporting Journal. The story is a bit of a tribute and a bit of a reflection on people and place, and a now-gone relative with a devilish way about her. Hopefully it will provide you all with a nice escape during these uncertain and strange times. Enjoy!

Back in the saddle, Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello again talk iconic guns, this time the Browning Auto 5. Perhaps the most beloved semi-automatic shotgun of all time, the old Browning Humpback is a miracle of engineering, and romantic as heck. Few who have spent any time in the uplands, wetlands, or even in the deer woods are unfamiliar with the utility and incredible durability of the A5. For those with a soft spot for classic American shotguns this is a must-listen.

In keeping with the conversations about iconic guns, Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager, Greg Carpiniello dive into 'the perfect repeater', the Winchester Model 12.  This classic slide-action shotgun is perhaps the most coveted of its ilk, an one that commands a high price. It is also a lively and serviceable sporting gun with sleek lines and design features that were cutting edge for their time. Reid and Greg discuss the Model 12, several other noteworthy pump guns, and the misconception that here at Orvis we turn up our noses at repeaters. Enjoy! 

While relegated to his home office, Reid touches base with celebrity bird hunter, author, and television host Scott Linden. Linden, who is based in Bend, Oregon, is known to many for his long run on Wingshooting USA. He is also the personality behind Scott Linden Outdoors and Upland Nation, and on those platforms he houses a volume of information about birds, dogs, guns, and hunting travel. Reid and Scott discuss Wingshooting television, Scott’s travels, and the arc of a career in the outdoors.

In this episode of the Podcast, Reid is joined by John Carpenter, Upland Manager and Fly-fishing Manager at Orvis Sandanona. John is a beloved member of the Orvis shooting community, and one in a series of folks who we hope to get to know better through the podcast. He is a native New Englander who began a career at Orvis nearly 7 years ago as a trapper, but now oversees all of the hunting endeavors at Orvis. He is an avid dog trainer and handler, and a genuinely kind and engaged member of the team. He and Reid discuss Sandanona, the work of John’s year, Labrador Retrievers, kids, and how to approach gundog training in the confines of the home environment. Enjoy!

In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, Reid is working from home, and doing regular short podcasts to stay connected. In this installment of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast, Reid shares some feedback from Doug Manzer, PhD., who responds to the Steve Grossman episode about the differences between Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie Chicken habitat. Reid goes on to reflect about these odd times, working from home, a favorite Robert Ruark story, and the plan for the coming weeks. Enjoy this short episode, and stay tuned for more.

Reid and Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello take a moment away from the turmoil to reflect on some lighter subjects. Specifically, the two dig deep into the history of the iconic Winchester Model 21. A true American Classic, the 21 is among the most c