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2026 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast

This fall is lining up to provide the best hunting in decades in key states with the largest populations of several upland gamebirds. by Dave Smith I was in the best of our best river bottom pheasant country on a gorgeous fall day, and it had been a good year of production. With two roosters […]

August September 2026

Features A Little Help from Your Friends By E. Donnall Thomas Jr. And In This Corner… By Steve Smith 2026 NAHRA Invitational By Matt Toth A Problem for All Dogs A Paula Piatt Find a Dog with the Right Stuff By Charlie Jurney Departments Training Champions Watch and stay on the bird thrown. By Danny […]

April May 2026

Features More Opening Days By E. Donnall Thomas Jr. The Great Double Debate By Tom Keer What I’ve Learned About Pheasant Hunting By Steve Smith Flowchart Hot Spots: Pattern Blinds By Charlie Jurney Heat Stroke Prevention By Paula Piatt Departments Training Champions Two setups in one. By Danny Farmer Waterfowling North America Proper prior planning. […]

Product Review: Fiocchi’s Quest to be the Best

by Tom Keer For the past three years, Fiocchi USA has focused on strengthening and expanding all facets of operation. The opening of their new cartridge product facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, has freed up significant manufacturing square footage in their Ozark, Missouri, shotshell plant. Their Research and Design department has expanded, and inventory fill […]

Product Review: Kent Cartridge Fasteel 2.0

by Tom Keer While steel was the first non-toxic shot to appear during the 1991 waterfowl season, it has more recently taken a backseat to other performance metals. There are a lot of other heavy metals from which to choose, with tungsten, copper, bismuth, nickel, and blends that feature a pinch of this and a […]

Product Review: The RUX 30 L: Hunting to Stay Dry

by Tom Keer Thoughtfully designed products that solve problems always have a spot in my truck or boat. The RUX 30L Waterproof Tote Bag is one of those items, and the problem it solves is twofold. It can keep water from entering the bag just as easily as it can keep water from exiting. I […]

December 2025/January 2026

Features General Practitioner By E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Dents and Dings By Tom Keer Flowchart Problem Spots: Obedience and Force-Fetch By Charlie Jurney When Do You Give Up On a Dog? By Steve Smith Winter Tough A Photo Essay Departments Do It Yourself Duck Dog Wild upland takeaways. By Ryan Eder Waterfowling North America A […]

Waterfowling North America: Déjà vu…All Over Again

The title of this column is a familiar malapropism believed to have been first stated by the legendary baseball player and manager, Yogi Berra, and of course it’s funny because it’s redundant. Déjà vu already means seeing something again. This is all highly appropriate, due to the fact that each year in this space, I […]

2025 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast

Upland gamebird populations were sky-high in some regions last year, and this could be another remarkable season! by Dave Smith The first taste of fall stirs the soul of an upland bird hunter in a familiar way each year. A rich collage of memories floods the mind: beloved bird dogs, treasured times with friends and […]

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