On The Wing Podcast

On The Wing Podcast by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
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Welcome to the On the Wing Podcast with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. On the Wing is your destination for conversations about upland bird hunting, wildlife habitat, public lands, bird dogs, wild game cooking and epic adventures in search of pheasants, quail and grouse. These are the stories of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s 145,000 members, volunteers, team of professional wildlife biologists and experts in the field. Our shows are recorded in person and often on the road from the end of tailgates, backs of horse trailers and after a day in the field chasing birds.

  1. 3D AGO

    Rooster Road Trip Rolls Through Kansas WIHA

    Some days test your legs, dogs, patience, and purpose, but they also teach the deepest lessons. Rooster Road Trip rolls through Kansas with a hard-earned reminder: not every day in bird country goes as planned. In this episode, the crew dives into the realities of public land pheasant and quail hunting, long miles, tough habitat conditions, and the discipline required to keep scouting when the habitat isn’t there and the birds aren’t cooperating. From navigating Kansas WIHA parcels to reading drought-stressed grasslands, listeners will hear practical lessons on evaluating upland habitat, knowing when to walk away, and why time behind the windshield can matter more than time behind the shotgun. The conversation blends boots-on-the-ground hunting strategy with honest reflections on habitat variability and the difference good grass makes for bobwhite quail and ringneck pheasants. The episode also explores the emotional side of bird hunting: honoring great bird dogs, appreciating fleeting moments on point, and understanding how conservation work—like fighting cedar encroachment and restoring grasslands—directly impacts the hunts we care about. You’ll come away with sharper public land scouting instincts, a deeper respect for habitat management, and renewed motivation to keep chasing wild birds even on the grind-it-out days. This is an insider look at upland hunting as it really happens, equal parts frustration, persistence, conservation, and reward. Show notes Check out all of our Rooster Road Trip content at www.RoosterRoadTrip.org.Check out our first-ever Rooster Road Trip Raffle for your chance to take home the gear utilized by this year’s hunters. Learn more about the “Green Glacier” and it’s negative impact on habitat and bird hunting by listening to On the Wing episode #310. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    1h 6m

  2. JAN 7

    Action-Packed Public Lands Quail Hunt

    Wild bobwhite quail, public lands, and bird dogs collide in Kansas as our 16th installment of Rooster Road Trip takes flight. You’ll hear how the Rooster Road Trip ethos focused on hunting public land for five days with whatever conditions Mother Nature delivers has stayed consistent over the years, even as habitat challenges evolve. The group breaks down current habitat and public land conditions in Kansas, with a focus on the importance of shrubs, bare ground, and prescribed fire for bobwhite quail. There’s practical insight here for anyone planning a DIY upland hunt, especially bird hunters looking to extend their season when northern states are locked in winter snow. The episode also highlights the human side of the organization and of bird hunters: resilience, grief, joy, and the grounding power of walking America’s grasslands behind good bird dogs with friends. From exploding coveys and “popcorn flushes” to dog work in dense cover, listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of late-season bird hunting strategies and why public land still matters. This is an insider conversation: honest, reflective, and rooted in the realities of modern upland hunting. Show notes Check out all of our Rooster Road Trip content at www.RoosterRoadTrip.org.Check out our first-ever Rooster Road Trip Raffle for your chance to take home the gear utilized by this year’s hunters. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    1h 5m

  3. 12/30/2025

    Grouse Camp Comes Alive: Inside Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic’s Upland Gathering

    A first-of-its-kind “Grouse Camp” brings the prairies, forests, bird dogs, and upland community together under one roof. National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic has long been the premier gathering for the upland community, but 2026 raises the bar. In this episode, we preview the debut of Grouse Camp, a brand-new, immersive experience built for serious upland hunters who care as much about habitat as they do about bird dogs and autumn covers. Leaders from the North American Grouse Partnership, Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society, and Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society break down what Grouse Camp really is: a collaborative hub where prairie grouse and forest grouse share the spotlight. Listeners will hear how this camp-style lounge blends upland hunting culture with real conversations about habitat management, public lands, conservation policy, wild game cooking, and the future of grouse populations across North America. The discussion goes beyond the show floor. You’ll learn why prairie grouse are drawing new hunters West, how Instagram and public land access are reshaping upland travel, and why grouse species are powerful indicators of healthy grasslands and forests. The episode also explores what successful conservation actually looks like—measured not just in acres restored, but in bird populations and cherished experiences. Woven throughout are personal stories: favorite covers, unforgettable flushes, bird dogs on point, and the places that define why upland hunting matters. Whether you chase ruffed grouse in aspen cuts, prairie chickens on the plains, pheasants in the prairies, or quail in the piney woods, this conversation pulls the entire upland world together. Show notes Learn more about PF & QF’s first-ever Grouse Camp taking place at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2026 coming up on February 20-22, 2026 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    55 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Breaking Down 2026’s Projected Conservation Battles at the State Level

    Statehouse conservation battles are shaping your future experiences in the uplands. This episode provides a valuable state-by-state rundown of what’s coming in 2026 and how bird hunters can influence policy through advocacy efforts at the state level. From dedicated conservation funding to the restructuring of state natural resource agencies, the 2026 legislative season is already loaded with major issues that could reshape the future of upland hunting, wildlife management, and habitat conservation across the country. In this episode, host Bob St. Pierre sits down with Swanny Evans, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Government Affairs, for a deep dive into the state-level policy fights that matter most to bird hunters, habitat advocates, and public land diehards. Swanny breaks down upcoming conservation legislation from Pennsylvania to Washington and Tennessee to Colorado, highlighting wins, setbacks, and the political realities driving each effort. Listeners get an insider view at how dedicated funding models work, why license plate programs help fuel on-the-ground habitat work, and how charitable gaming reforms directly impact chapter fundraisers that support upland conservation nationwide. The guys also tackle access issues like Sunday hunting, college-student hunting license reforms, public lands bills, and growing threats from “ballot box biology.” Swanny also explains how hunters, anglers, and conservationists can meaningfully influence state policy, and why a single action-alert email can carry surprising weight when it hits an elected official’s inbox at the right time. If you care about upland habitat, bird dogs, hunting access, public lands, or the future of conservation funding, this is essential listening. Show notes Learn more about PF & QF’s advocacy efforts or drop an email inquiry to advocacy@pheasantsforever.org. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.  On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    1h 6m

  5. 12/10/2025

    A Holiday Recipe Featuring Quail in Red Wine and Mushroom Sauce

    A rich, winter-ready wild game dish that hunters can master with simple stock and sauce techniques.  In this holiday feasting edition of On the Wing podcast, we dig into an upland-inspired meal built for cold evenings after long days in the field. Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks returns to the podcast and guides hunting cooks through his red wine and mushroom quail recipe, an approachable plate that blends Italian-style game cooking with ingredients any bird hunter can pull straight from the freezer. Ryan breaks down how to turn a handful of bobwhite quail into a meal that highlights every ounce of the bird. You’ll learn why small game cooks should always save legs and carcasses, how to make a no-nonsense homemade stock in a crockpot, and how to build richer, more reliable sauces using simple reduction and deglazing techniques. We also cover choosing the right mushrooms, crisping quail breasts properly, pairing wild game with the right wine, and adapting the recipe for pheasants or other upland birds. Whether you're a seasoned upland hunter or an aspiring wild game cook, this episode gives you practical, confidence-building techniques you can use across your entire upland hunting and wild-game kitchen repertoire. And yes, this one absolutely tastes like Christmas. Show notes Check out the Passalacqua + Quail Forever wines and a limited-edition holiday gift pack ready to ship in time for Christmas. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.  On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    24 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Pretzel-Crusted Pheasant Cutlets with QF Editor Ryan Sparks

    A fall feast of pheasant, apples, and Passalacqua Winery’s white wine created for hunters who love wild game.  In this snackable holiday edition of On the Wing podcast, Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks breaks down his pretzel-crusted pheasant cutlets with apple cream sauce, a cold-weather dish that blends upland hunting traditions with rich autumn flavors. If you’re looking for a new way to showcase fresh pheasant after a long day in the field, this is the recipe to add to your hunter’s table. Ryan walks through the full process, from pounding out pheasant breasts for even cooking to building the perfect crisp using crushed pretzel chips. He explains why spaetzle makes the ideal companion starch and how to avoid common pitfalls when cooking delicate wild game. Along the way, he shares stories from late-season pheasant hunts on his family’s ranch, highlighting how food ties us back to the land and the memories behind each bird. You’ll learn how to make a balanced apple cream sauce using pheasant stock, the best varietal of apple for the dish, and how to build flavor without overpowering the natural taste of upland birds. And to top it off, Ryan pairs the entire dish with the Passalacqua + Quail Forever Fiano, a bright white wine that cuts through the richness of the cutlet and elevates every bite. Whether you’re planning a holiday wild game feast or just want a new go-to wild game meal, this episode delivers everything you need to cook like a seasoned hunter-chef. Show notes Check out the Passalacqua + Quail Forever wines and a limited-edition holiday gift pack ready to ship in time for Christmas. Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.  On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    24 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    Building New Bird Hunters Through Volunteer Leadership

    In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Illinois upland hunting with chapter volunteer leader and bird dog devotee Freddy Reyes. Aaron Williams, PF & QF’s regional representative for northern Illinois, also provides a boots-on-the-ground upland report for early-season pheasant and quail hunting. Together, they break down common struggles for new hunters (from gear and dogs to confidence in the field) and share practical takeaways you can use on your next upland hunt. Freddie also shares how he transitioned from deer and dove hunting to discovering the thrill of bird dogs and wingshooting. You’ll hear how his German shorthaired pointer, Bailey, completely changed his hunting trajectory and how that dog/hunter connection fuels his passion for mentoring new hunters across Illinois. From running youth clinics to helping adult-onset hunters through Illinois’ Learn to Hunt program, Freddie illustrates why volunteerism is the backbone of PF & QF’s upland conservation mission. If you care about bird hunting, upland habitat, youth recruitment, or the future of conservation, this discussion delivers real insight straight from the field. This episode is an authentic, insider conversation for anyone passionate about bird hunting, habitat conservation, and growing the next generation of outdoorsmen and women. Show notes Learn more about PF & QF in Illinois at www.IHuntIL.com.Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.  On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    45 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Dennis Anderson on the Creation of Pheasants Forever and the Future of Upland Conservation

    A single newspaper column sparked one of America’s greatest upland conservation movements, here’s how it happened. Before there were banquets, chapters, or habitat acres on the ground, there was a typewriter and an idea. In this episode of On the Wing Podcast, PF & QF’s Bob St. Pierre and Jared Wicklund sit down with Star Tribune Outdoors Editor Dennis Anderson, the man whose 1982 newspaper column launched Pheasants Forever. Anderson reflects on the early days of pheasant hunting across Minnesota and Iowa, how changing farm practices and vanishing grasslands inspired him to act, and what it took to turn a single column into a nationwide conservation force. He also shares his lifelong passion for upland bird hunting, his fascination with British Labradors, and his firsthand stories of duck and grouse hunting across the Midwest. Listeners will come away with a deep appreciation for how grassroots action, community, and habitat conservation changed the future of pheasant hunting and why today’s hunters must continue that fight. Whether you’ve been chasing roosters for decades or are just stepping into the uplands, this discussion offers rare insight from one of the most influential voices in outdoor journalism. Show notes Dennis Anderson will be the keynote speaker at PF & QF’s National Celebration Dinner on Saturday, February 21st in Minneapolis during National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2026. Tickets for this special dinner celebrating Pheasants Forever’s origin story are now on sale at www.PheasantFest.orgUse the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure.  On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

    53 min
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4.7
out of 5
327 Ratings

About

Welcome to the On the Wing Podcast with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. On the Wing is your destination for conversations about upland bird hunting, wildlife habitat, public lands, bird dogs, wild game cooking and epic adventures in search of pheasants, quail and grouse. These are the stories of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s 145,000 members, volunteers, team of professional wildlife biologists and experts in the field. Our shows are recorded in person and often on the road from the end of tailgates, backs of horse trailers and after a day in the field chasing birds.

Information

  • Creator
    On The Wing Podcast by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    346
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    On The Wing Podcast

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