Bird Camp Radio Podcast

Kellen Matthew Golightly
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Daily

Bird camp radio exists to celebrate the upland hunting tradition, connecting hunters, conservationists, and storytellers through authentic conversations. Our mission is to share campfire stories, practical knowledge, and timeless wisdom that honor the birds, the dogs, and the wild places we cherish. https://bird-camp-radio.printify.me/category/all/1

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 45: Falling for a Pretty Blonde & Classy English Setters - The Story of Jerry Barnes

    What does it take to dedicate 40+ years to great bird dogs and chase wild birds more than 100 days a year? In Episode 45, we sit down with Jerry Barnes of Toccoa River Setters in the mountains of North Georgia. A retired educator, Gulf War Army veteran, and lifelong upland fanatic, Jerry shares his passion for wild birds, fine-foot hunting setters, and the places that keep calling him back. From chasing ruffed grouse in wild country to developing quality setters, Jerry’s story is one of tradition, dedication, and a deep love for the uplands. Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!   http://petcommute.com/birdcamp Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?  If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!   Facebook Instagram

    Ep. 45: Falling for a Pretty Blonde & Classy English Setters - The Story of Jerry Barnes

  2. Aug 7

    Ep. 44: The Old Ways Still Work: From Grouse Cover to Moose Country with Maine Guide Kirk Small

    This week on Bird Camp Radio, we're joined by Kirk Small, owner and lead guide of Roaring Brook Outfitters in Maine. We dive into what it takes to build a successful guide service centered around wild birds, hard-working dogs, and ethical hunting, while also exploring Maine's incredible opportunities for snowshoe hare, moose, and black bear. Kirk shares stories from the North Woods, discusses the traditions that have shaped his passion for the outdoors, and explains why providing an authentic hunting experience is at the heart of everything he does. If you've ever dreamed of hunting Maine or simply enjoy conversations about bird dogs, wild places, and hunting heritage, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Roaring Brook Outfitters Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?  If you've ever dreamed of chasing wild birds in a new destination, contact me directly on any of our Bird Camp Radio platforms, and I’ll personally help you find and book the Worldwide Wingshooter hunt that best fits your goals, budget, and bucket list!   Bird Camp Radio Facebook Bird Camp Radio Instagram Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote!   http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

    Ep. 44: The Old Ways Still Work: From Grouse Cover to Moose Country with Maine Guide Kirk Small

  3. Jul 31

    Ep. 43: A Peculiar Bird and Traditional Side X Sides - with Vermont Uplander Eddie Gagne

    This week on Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Vermont upland hunter Eddie Gagne to talk about the traditions that keep us coming back to the bird woods. From rediscovering upland hunting through chasing snipe to restoring classic side-by-side shotguns, guiding on Lake Champlain, and creating unforgettable wild game meals, Eddie shares a lifetime of stories, craftsmanship, and conservation. If you love bird dogs (or hunt without them), classic doubles, and the idea of honoring every bird you harvest, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Check out the goodies at our BIRD CAMP RADIO STORE! Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote! ⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

    Ep. 43: A Peculiar Bird and Traditional Side X Sides - with Vermont Uplander Eddie Gagne

  4. Jul 24

    Ep. 42: Walking the Cover with Humility - with Iowa's Tomas Heidenwirth

    This week on Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Tomas Heidenwirth, lifelong upland hunter, certified dog trainer, guide, and host of the Have Dog Will Travel podcast. We talk about his journey with English Setters, from his first bird dog to developing his own breeding program focused on early-starting, stylish, hard-hunting dogs. Tomas also shares insights on bird dog training, wild bird hunting, conservation, and his work introducing new hunters, veterans, and first responders to the outdoors. Big Marsh English Setters Website Big Marsh Instagram Big Marsh Facebook Have Dog Will Travel Podcast Have Dog Will Travel Facebook Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote! ⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

    Ep. 42: Walking the Cover with Humility - with Iowa's Tomas Heidenwirth

  5. Jul 17

    Ep. 41: The Backyard Bird Dog: from Field to Family with Jamie Lawrence

    Jamie Lawrence grew up in southwest Georgia, where hunting wasn't just a hobby, it was a way of life. From chasing squirrels with his twin brother to learning responsibility with a single-shot shotgun and spending mornings in the deer woods before school, the outdoors shaped who he is from an early age. In this episode of Bird Camp Radio, Jamie shares how his hunting journey evolved from coon hunting with hounds and competing in night hunts to training retrievers for waterfowl and, ultimately, falling in love with pointing dogs and upland hunting. We dive into his practical approach to developing bird dogs, the lessons he's learned from mentors and professionals, and why he's always searching for ways to become a better trainer. Now living in the heart of Georgia's bobwhite quail country, Jamie talks about the unique challenge of hunting wild coveys on public land, why those birds mean so much to him, and how family, dogs, and tradition continue to drive his passion for the outdoors. If you enjoy conversations about bird dogs, Southern upland hunting, and preserving the traditions that make this lifestyle special, you won't want to miss this episode. Jamie Lawrence Facebook Backyard Bird Dog Instagram

    Ep. 41: The Backyard Bird Dog: from Field to Family with Jamie Lawrence

  6. Jul 10

    Ep. 40: Get the Dog. Get Out There. With Wisconsin Uplander Brian Vander Maazen

    This episode of Bird Camp Radio welcomes Brian Vander Maazen, owner and operator of Amaazen Outdoors, professional upland guide, bird dog trainer, and cover dog handler. Brian spends his fall guiding hunters through the grouse and woodcock coverts of northern Wisconsin before heading south to New Mexico each winter to guide wild quail hunts with Santa Fe Guiding Company. While the landscapes and birds may change, his passion for following good dogs through wild country remains the same. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to consistently find success on wild birds, the differences between hunting grouse, woodcock, and quail, and why developing a great bird dog is a lifelong process. Brian also shares his experiences competing on the cover dog trial circuit, training pointing dogs for the demands of the Northwoods, and the lessons he's learned from countless days behind dogs in some of the best upland country in North America. Whether you're a dedicated grouse hunter, a bird dog enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the traditions of upland hunting, this conversation is packed with stories, insight, and a deep respect for wild birds and the dogs that pursue them. Brian's Facebook Amaazen Outdoors Instagram Santa Fe Guiding Co Facebook Santa Fe Guiding Co Instagram

    Ep. 40: Get the Dog. Get Out There. With Wisconsin Uplander Brian Vander Maazen

  7. Jul 3

    Ep. 39: The Legacy of the Ryman Setter - Keeping the Tradition Alive with James "JC" Smith

    Episode 39 of Bird Camp Radio welcomes James "JC" Smith, a lifelong upland hunter, Ryman-type English Setter breeder, and passionate advocate for preserving the traditions of classic bird dogs. After retiring from a 42-year career in water quality in New York's Finger Lakes region, JC has devoted even more time to the uplands, spending his seasons behind English Setters in pursuit of grouse, woodcock, prairie grouse, Hungarian partridge, chukar, and pheasants across the country. In this episode, JC shares how a chance introduction to an English Setter nearly 40 years ago changed the course of his life, leading him into a community of dedicated bird hunters and breeders that still shapes him today. We dive into the rich history of Ryman-type English Setters, the importance of ethical breeding, and why preserving purpose-bred hunting dogs matters for the future of upland hunting. JC also reflects on the legendary grouse covers of New York, decades spent attending traditional bird camps, and how his hunting has expanded to seven different states in recent years. Whether you're a setter enthusiast, a grouse hunter, or simply someone who appreciates the heritage and traditions of upland hunting, this conversation is packed with stories, experience, and insight from someone who has dedicated a lifetime to the sport. Pull up a chair around the campfire and enjoy Episode 39 with James "JC" Smith. Sugar Creek English Setters Ryman Setters Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote! ⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

    Ep. 39: The Legacy of the Ryman Setter - Keeping the Tradition Alive with James "JC" Smith

  8. Jun 26

    Ep. 38: What Makes a Great Bird Dog? Life Beyond Ribbons and Limits with Mike Dziki

    What does it take to spend a lifetime chasing wild birds behind great dogs? This week on Bird Camp Radio, we sit down with Mike Dziki, a lifelong bird hunter, bird dog breeder, Senior Hunt Test Judge, and Army Ranger veteran whose life has revolved around the uplands for decades. At 64 years old, Mike still spends between 65 and 90 days every season hunting grouse, woodcock, and sharptail across some of the best bird country around. We talk about what he's learned from a lifetime in the field, why wild birds continue to humble even the most experienced hunters, and what keeps him coming back year after year. Mike also shares the story behind his 25 years of breeding German Shorthaired Pointers, adding English Cocker Spaniels and Brittanys to his kennel, and what he looks for when developing bird dogs that can handle real hunting situations. We dive into hunt tests, field trials, cover dog competitions, judging, dog genetics, training philosophies, and why he eventually stepped away from competition to simply enjoy hunting birds. Along the way, we discuss guiding upland hunters, building relationships with clients from across the country, lessons learned during his service as an Army Ranger, and why passing knowledge on to the next generation of bird hunters matters now more than ever. Whether you're passionate about bird dogs, breeding, hunt tests, or simply love hearing stories from someone who has spent a lifetime chasing wild birds, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Available now wherever you listen to podcasts. Traveling with bird dogs? Check out PetCommute, a platform that connects dog owners with trusted pet transporters! Use our referral link below to support Bird Camp Radio, and make sure to mention "Bird Camp" for 10% off your free quote! ⁠⁠⁠http://petcommute.com/birdcamp

    Ep. 38: What Makes a Great Bird Dog? Life Beyond Ribbons and Limits with Mike Dziki
See All (47)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Bird camp radio exists to celebrate the upland hunting tradition, connecting hunters, conservationists, and storytellers through authentic conversations. Our mission is to share campfire stories, practical knowledge, and timeless wisdom that honor the birds, the dogs, and the wild places we cherish. https://bird-camp-radio.printify.me/category/all/1

Information

  • Creator
    Kellen Matthew Golightly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kellen Matthew Golightly
  • Show Website
    Bird Camp Radio Podcast

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