The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast

Alex Cranmer takes time out of a busy schedule to discuss his family's business, IMA. Started by Alex's father, Christian, IMA has become the world's foremost dealer in collectible military firearms and antiques. The business has taken both Cranmers across the globe in pursuit of treasures and caches of military firearms and paraphernalia, often forgotten by the governments that once held them, and Alex has grown the business to make these antiques available to an incredibly broad consumer base. IMA has outfitted movie and TV sets, and Alex may be most widely known for serving as the antique firearms and weaponry expert on the History Channel's "Pawn Stars." Alex describes a fascinating life and career, and an encyclopedic knowledge of military antiques that is essentially self-taught.

Luke Kolbie and Rob Grant join Reid in celebration of an iconic brand, Russell Moccasin. For over 100 years, The Russell Moccasin Company (russellmoccasin.com) has been making hand-stitched boots and shoes for outdoor enthusiasts, so much so that the Russell Bird Shooter has become a signature part of the upland aesthetic. Luke and Rob explore the brand's history, the celebrated folks that have worn Russell boots, construction and craftsmanship, and what makes a great piece of footwear last generations.

This week's episode features Anthony Matarese Jr., one of the world's finest sporting clays shooters, whose record of National and World titles has made him a man to beat for years. We discuss his journey in the sport, the champion's mindset behind that record, and his home operation, M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays, newly enrolled as an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge. Anthony is also among the sport's great instructors, with a rare ability to diagnose and correct a shooter's issues at a glance. Hearing his story firsthand was a genuine privilege.

Ryan Doughty, host of A Break in the Action, returns to share some updates on his travels, the new guns in his quiver, and his new role at Shooting Sportsman magazine! He also weighs in on the allure of driven shooting and his journey to becoming a steady voice in the fine gun and shooting space.

This episode is a repost from 2020 when Lars Jacob of Lars Jacob Wingshooting joined the podcast to discuss esoteric guns and gunmakers, oddball gauges and configurations, and the unique considerations required when shooting double guns. Lars is a tremendous authority!

Ryan Aune built Wyoming Wings & Waters on a fisheries biology degree, a family outfitting legacy, and a deep conviction that the country's least-populated state holds some of its most underrated bird hunting. In this episode, Ryan walks Reid through how he got into the guiding business, what makes Wyoming's land and wildlife resources so exceptional, and how he puts clients onto birds in a state most hunters don't know much about. Sage grouse, chukars, and, yes, grizzly bears all make an appearance. More about Ryan at wywingsandwaters.com

PRO Outfitters in Montana has always attracted characters, and Owner Brandon Boedecker keeps it that way on purpose. For about a decade, one of those characters was a young Simon Perkins, who guided hunters and anglers under Brandon before eventually becoming President of The Orvis Company. In this conversation, the two old friends look back at the culture Brandon built, the dogs and places that defined it, and the stories that remain legendary.

Ryan Lynton, host of The Upland Social Podcast, joins Reid to talk about his journey into upland hunting as an adult-onset hunter from Indiana.Ryan Lynton, host of The Upland Social Podcast, joins Reid to talk about his journey into upland hunting as an adult-onset hunter from Indiana. He covers early experiences with elk and rabbits, the dog that got him into birds, and how he's using his platforms to build community and advance conservation.

Reid sits down with Simon Rood, Shooting Services Manager at Loyton Sporting, one of the UK's premier driven shoot providers. Simon has spent years at the center of British sporting culture, including time at Purdey's, and he's the right person to walk you through what driven shooting actually looks like from the ground up. Fine guns, technique, etiquette, and why at Loyton it all comes back to whether the guests are having a good time. More at www.loyton.com.

Christian Zeron is a watch dealer, marketing executive, and newly minted hunter whose Instagram platform, @Theoandharris, has earned him a remarkably warm reception from the hunting community. A New Jersey native with no hunting background, Christian caught the bug hard after his first duck hunt and has been documenting the journey ever since. Reid sits down with him to explore what's drawn so many people to follow along, what genuinely excites a newcomer to upland and waterfowl hunting, and what this world looks like when you're seeing it for the first time.

Reid reflects on the loss of a dog, responsibility for the animals who trust us, and the inevitability of their decline. All of this reflected in a story about a long-ago day woodcock shooting with a friend in southern Vermont. Read the entire piece "Thanksgiving" at reidbryant.com; it was initially published in Gundog Magazine.

Reid welcomes back Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello to discuss new guns in the Orvis arsenal, some standout consignment guns, and what has been happening at Orvis Sandanona. Unbelievably, it's been about a year since Greg was on the Podcast, and a whole lot has happened in that time!

Reid is joined by Anthony Licata, editor of Cowboys & Indians magazine (www.cowboysindians.com), for a look inside the world of outdoor print media from someone who has been to the big leagues. For much of his career, Licata worked for Bonnier Corp. from its Park Avenue offices, eventually becoming Editor in Chief of Field & Stream and Editorial Director of Bonnier's Lifestyle Group, which included titles such as Outdoor Life. In this conversation, he reflects on the glory days, when bar carts and generous expense accounts were part of the job, and shares stories about balancing hunting travel, a love of more humble outdoor pursuits, and life in the middle of Manhattan. It is a conversation about magazines, media, and the strange and wonderful experience of building an outdoor life from the middle of the city.

Tom Rosenbauer, longtime Orvis employee, writer, and host of the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, joins Reid for a wide-ranging conversation about his nearly 50 years with the company. They talk about the early days at Orvis, the great outdoor writers who shaped the culture around Manchester, Vermont, and how a lifelong fly fisherman found his way, occasionally, behind a shotgun. Along the way Tom shares stories, history, and a perspective on the outdoors that few people still carry.

With an upcoming show in Connecticut (that Reid is excited to attend) and a headliner at this year's Pheasant Fest Concert for Conservation, the time is right to revisit this 2017 conversation with Evan Felker. Evan has seen continued success and acclaim since this first aired and remains the creative force behind the anthem of the uplands, "The Bird Hunters". In this conversation he talks about bird hunting, his love for pointing dogs, and the rich hunting culture of Oklahoma. If you missed this the first time, enjoy it now; and here's an open invitation to Evan to join the podcast again for an update on life, kids, dogs, music, and whether the new A5 is as good as the original!

Reid's good friend Matt Morlock appears on the podcast to discuss all things South Dakota. Matt describes his childhood growing up as the son of a game warden and his career in conservation and stewardship. He also explains why and how South Dakota became the worldwide epicenter for pheasant hunting. Wonderful insights from a guy on the ground, and a great guy at that.

In a slight departure from the norm, Reid gathers with a group of pals to debrief a pheasant hunt on a farm in Hitchcock, South Dakota. The group, spearheaded by Lyndsey Braun and Doug Duren of Sharing the Land, explores topics of land stewardship, dog work, hits and misses, and challenges faced by new hunters. It's a meandering journey with lots of voices, but some great perspectives offered. Warning: some colorful language is used. Special thanks to Can-Am, BOSS Shotshells, Savage Arms, Gunner Kennels, Matt Morlock, and Dylan Hazen.

Claire Hall and Jeff Niblette join Reid from far, far away to discuss bird shooting in New Zealand. Both are affiliated with Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting and Fly-fishing Lodge Poronui which offers walked up and driven pheasant hunting on property. Claire, a longtime Poronui staffer, speaks about the place, the region, and the hunting program, while Jeff, Owner of New Zealand Gamebirds, speaks to the shooting experience and the unique shooting culture in New Zealand.

Del Whitman returns to the Podcast to discuss the ways in which gunsmiths finish shotgun butts. He describes different choices and techniques, and further discusses his unique process of selecting, sizing, and fitting a recoil pad

Ben Jones, President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society, joins Reid in a discussion about the great work being done on the ground at RGS, and the work that still needs attention. The duo digs into the work of listening to and coalescing the wants and needs of different groups to the ultimate good of grouse, woodcock, and ecosystems. A great conversation with one of the great voices in conservation. Learn more at https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/

In this episode, we visit Orvis Hill Country Shooting Grounds in Blue Ridge Summit, PA, where General Manager Jeremy Mays is joined by new property owner and tech entrepreneur Ben Wallace. While Orvis continues to manage day-to-day operations, Ben brings fresh investment and bold ideas to elevate the facility. Together, they share their vision, recent upgrades, and what's next for this impressive shooting destination. Learn more: orvis.com/orvis-hill-country.html

Bringing back a favorite episode from 2019, Reid digs deep into shot-shell development with two members of the Winchester Ammunition Team-- Mike Stock and Ben Frank. This episode explores all facets of shotgun shells including performance, construction, and the different materials that impact both. It's a great chance to "nerd out" on the nuances of shotgun ammunition with two industry pros.

2025 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year Tyson Tabler chats with Reid about wingshooting in Saskatchewan, building an outfitting business in western Canada, and what keeps him coming back to guiding year after year. Tyson, a Colorado native, built his business Feathered Fowl Outfitters to deliver exceptional waterfowl and upland hunts on the Canadian prairie. In 2025, a tally of Orvis customer reviews singled out Tyson as the Guide of the Year, an accolade for which he deserves a big congratulations.

Reid has a chat with Connor Carson, Orvis in-house Gunsmith. Orvis has employed a full-time gunsmith (or 3) for nearly half a century, and Connor continues that tradition of repairing, maintaining, evaluating, and customizing fine guns for Orvis customers. Calling in from his bench at Orvis Sandanona, Connor discusses some favorite guns, some interesting repairs, and the path he took to wind up in this unique role at the company. Learn more about Orvis Gunsmithing Services at https://www.orvis.com/gunsmithing-services.html

Vermont Game Warden Kyle Isherwood joins the podcast to revisit the topic of the Vermont Warden Service. For any interested in learning more about what goes into becoming a Game Warden, and what our Warden Service does day-to-day, this is a great conversation with a great guy. Kyle discusses his personal path into the service, and also explores some thoughts around how to have positive interactions with Game Wardens, even when a game law has been violated.

In another solo installment, Reid shares a story first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. He explores old friendships, memory, and the threats to both while telling a story of a long-ago waterfowl hunt in Northern Vermont.

Reid is joined by @birddogvet Seth Bynum to discuss the common field injuries that impact gundogs, and how t deal with them. Seth goes on to detail what he takes in the field with him for a first-aid kit, what protective gear he recommends, and how to complete a through tailgate check of your dog post-hunt. He also describes his journey as a hunter and a veterinarian, and highlights his new platform https://hunt.vet/ which helps connect hunters with gundog-savvy veterinarians in their region

This show was originally posted on Januaryt 21, 2022.

Wade Truong of Elevated Wild joins Reid for an hour discussing food. Wade and his partner Rachel Owen built Elevated Wild as a platform to discuss hunting, fishing, foraging, mentorship, and game cooking. Wade, a Virginia native, describes his career in commercial kitchens and his journey into the outdoors, using the natural landscape as a means of sourcing food. He also provides unique insights into food culture, why Americans eat the way they do, and how wild food informs both a dietary regime and a way of life. Learn more about Wade and Rachel·s work at https://elevatedwild.com/

Mark McConnell, Asst. Professor of Upland Birds at MS State, joins Reid to discuss Gentleman Bob, his distribution, habitat needs, and history in North America. Mark is a biologist and hunter who has been drawn to bobwhite quail research for his entire career, and he speaks to the different habitat types that sustain bobwhites, and the ways in which land use practice has impacted their range.

Orvis product developer Jesse Haller returns to the podcast to chat about hunting, bird dogs, and gear. He and Reid swap questions in back and forth that explores favorite pieces of gear, most dreamt-about places to visit, and grail guns,

Reid chats with Grant Ritchie of Minam, Oregon, about hunting the Hells Canyon area by raft. Grant has a long family history in the region and has been guiding cast-and-blast trips on the Snake and Salmon Rivers out of his Oregon-based Minam Store. Grant discusses his family history, his personal return to the area to become an outfitter and guide, and the remarkable bird hunting experience available there. Grant's float trips regularly produce a mixed bag that includes chukar, valley quail, huns, ruffed grouse, mountain quail, and even turkeys. More on Grant's business at https://www.orvis.com/product/minam-store-outfitters/3LAT.html

Reid welcomes Friis Arne Petersen and Andreas Peter Wilhelmsen of Denmark to the podcast to discuss their innovative new shooting device, the TrapMaster. In short, the TrapMaster is an electronic device that presents clays that are spun much like ZZ Birds, but that can be launched from a handheld device. The podcast explores the evolution of his unique shooting tool/game, the culture of shooting in Denmark, and the story of this father/son duo that created what may be the greatest innovation in shotgun target shooting of the last 50 years. Learn more at https://nordicclays.com/

Reid is joined by Tom Roster for an in-depth look at shotshell performance and lethality based on shot type, load, shot size, and overall ballistics. In a career that has spanned 50 years, Roster has become THE definitive resource on reloading and shotshell ballistics. His studies of non-toxic shot lethality in waterfowl have become the definitive resource on the matter, and have informed generations of waterfowl and upland hunters. Roster describes his career and his findings and also weighs in on the future of shotgunning in the US. He offers his contact for questions and communications at tomroster@charter.net

Greg Carpiniello joins the podcast again to dive into the contents of the Orvis gun racks, identifying 5 interesting guns currently for sale. Unsurprisingly, 5 guns became 7. Reid and Greg look at a few great Spanish offerings, contemporary and classic British guns, and a workhorse German O/U.

Reid is joined by Chad Hoover, owner of Hoover Outfitting. With deep family roots in Montana, Chad has built a career offering hunts for Sharptails and Huns in the remote prairie regions. The two discuss grassland habitat, Montana·s bird-hunting heritage, the recent increase in out-of-state hunting traffic, and a host of other topics. More about Chad and his business at https://hooveroutfitting.com/

Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Gila Wilderness and the 75th of "A Sand County Almanac" Reid welcomes Curt Meine and Karl Malcolm, two conservationists, Leopold scholars, and all-around thoughtful people. The group discusses Leopold's life and Legacy, his self-identification as a hunter, and the cultural/political/social context through which he developed a "Land Ethic". Note that there were a few issues with sound quality that we did our best to correct. Learn more about Aldo Leopold at www.aldoleopold.org

Reid joins Lukas Leaf and Matthew Schultz of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters to discuss the unique resource that is Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This million-plus acre public land resource is ripe with opportunities for anglers and hunters who like big country, solitude, and roadless wilderness. Lukas and Matthew describe the area, and their org's efforts to protect the resource from environmental degradation while enhancing access and sporting opportunity. Learn more at https://sportsmenbwca.org.

Reid is joined by Hannah Leonard, Program Director for the nonprofit Sporting Lead-Free. Headquartered in Wyoming, Sporting Lead-Free is self-described as an initiative of hunters and anglers dedicated to maintaining our sporting heritage, wildlife populations, ethics, and rights. Leveraging education as a vehicle for change, and steadfastly avoiding a push for regulation or legislation, the org encourages sportspeople to use lead alternatives in hunting and fishing environments. Hannah uses data and storytelling to discuss the impact of that change and the challenges to broader acceptance. She also explores resources and tactics that can help sportspeople make the shift without detracting from success in the field, or significant impact on the pocketbook.

In the second installment of the Lulu Chronicles, Reid explores the progress of his English Springer, Lulu, reflecting on her summer's work with Deanna and Jim Keller of Wildwind Kennels. The group discusses Lulu's progress, troubleshoots some issues, and explores the finer points of bringing a flushing spaniel to the point of steadiness to wing, shoot, and fall.

Reid speaks with Will Vogt and Tony Cadwalader, who work together to provide hunts for wild Bobwhites on Will's family ranch near Hebronville. The conversation explores the differences between quail hunting in South TX vs. South Georgia, the history of quail hunting in South Texas, and the unique qualities of hunting scrub desert bobs.

Reid and the Orvis Hill Country Shooting Grounds staff gather on a call to chat, talk about the Hill Country experience, and swap some stories. The group explores the history of the property, what goes on there, and what makes the experience of shooting or generally recreating at Hill Country special. Learn more about the people and the property here.

Reid uses a solo podcast to update listeners on his summer thus far and what is planned for the upcoming bird season. He also re-visits a story first published in Gray·s Sporting Journal called ·The Coincident Ecology of Birds and Men·. This piece describes the remarkable Valley quail resource found in central Patagonia, and two men, Rance Rathie and Travis Smith, who have pioneered a unique hunting program based in Trevelin. Rance and Travis are the owners of Patagonia River Guides and their story is one of friendship, adventure, and a commitment to being the finest hunting and fishing outfitters in South America.

Reid joins Jim and Elaine Stewart, owners and founders of Britain's Longthorne Gunmakers, to discuss the innovation, engineering, and outside-the-box thinking that has put these remarkable firearms on the map. Jim and Elaine share Longthorne's origin story while also illuminating the design elements of a Longthorne that make it a double gun without parallel in the contemporary market. More at Longthorne Gunmakers.

In another installment with Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing, Reid and Del explore the nuances of a best-quality oil stock finish. Though the two explore other finishing processes in brief, del primarily explains the fastidious process of taking raw walnut to a beautiful, and protected, finished state.

Idaho's Andy Wayment joins Reid to discuss his new book, "Idaho Upland Days". The two talk about the role hunting has played in Andy's life, his love of the Gem State's native grouse, great dogs, and the pleasure of recording memories of days afield. A great conversation with a great guy.

"Bright Lights, Big Weather" referencing a long-ago rain-soaked trip to Alaska. The story was written for an e-book put out by the bloggers at Mouthful of Feather. It is a bit of a contemplation on bird hunting, ego, and why we sometimes care how we are perceived by the people around us.

Nick Larson of the Birdshot Podcast and The Upland Gun Company joins Reid for a long-overdue catch up. The two discuss Nick's work formerly with the Project Upland Podcast and more recently with his own Birdshot Podcast. The conversation also explores Nick's current role as GM of the Upland Gun Company, and how that business came to be.

Reid joins his friends Jonny Carter and Sasha Novakovic from TGS Outdoors to debrief their recent visit to the US. Known to most as the masterminds behind Youtube's remarkable shooting channel, Sasha and Jonny are as talented as they are gregarious. The trio explores the comparative shooting cultures in the US and the UK, regional target types and presentations, and fried chicken. Learn more about the US Tour at TGS Outdoors on Youtube.

In another collaborative episode with Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing, Reid and Del discuss the oft-misunderstood topic of regulation. Regulating barrels is the process by which double gun barrels are aligned to shoot where pointed, and to deliver a payload of pellets from each barrel to the same point of impact. From a gunmaking standpoint this feat is easier explained than accomplished. Del works his magic to explain the process and to explore the treatment for barrels that are out of regulation.