Episode 56: Bird Hunting From Horseback with Matt Fruge

Episode 56: Bird Hunting From Horseback with Matt Fruge

Matt Fruge is a cattle feedlot consulting veterinarian who’s built a life around both livestock and the landscapes they depend on. Raised in southwest Louisiana and now rooted in the West after nearly a decade in Nebraska, Matt balances a busy family life with a deep obsession for upland hunting. Whether it’s chasing prairie grouse on horseback across big country or traveling state to state in pursuit of bobwhites, blue quail, and dusky grouse, he’s all in on the experience. When he’s not working cattle or raising two young kids alongside his veterinarian wife, you’ll likely find him somewhere wide open, bird dog in front, chasing that next flush. Topics Covered: * Matt's Louisiana roots * The moment he realized he was a bird hunter * Following a dog while riding a horse for bird hunting * Prairie chickens and their history * How cattle are the modern-day bison Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central [https://gundogcentral.com/] Ballad of the Bird Dog [https://www.balladofthebirddog.com/]

Episode 55: Wingshooting In The Northeast with Chris Ingram

Chris Ingram is a Vermont-based storyteller and sportsman dedicated to capturing the authentic connections between people, place, and the outdoors. A communicator by trade—working across government, nonprofits, and media—Chris brings a thoughtful, boots-on-the-ground perspective to conservation and community. He’s deeply involved in organizations like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Delta Waterfowl, volunteers as a hunter education instructor, and spends his free time chasing game across New England, picking bluegrass mandolin, and training his young treeing feist. At his core, Chris is all about building bridges—through stories, mentorship, and time in the field. Topics Covered: * Chris' journey into the uplands * Hunting obscure birds like Wilson's Snipe * Vermont's vast outdoor resources * Storytelling with different mediums * The American Field Journal Subscribe to the AFJ https://journal.americanfield.com/subscribe/ [https://journal.americanfield.com/subscribe/] Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central [https://gundogcentral.com/] Ballad of the Bird Dog [https://www.balladofthebirddog.com/]

Episode 54: A Break In The Action with Ryan Doughty

Ryan Doughty is the voice behind A Break in the Action, a podcast dedicated to the world of shotguns and the sporting life. What started in 2019 as a creative outlet alongside a career in commercial banking has grown into a respected platform exploring everything from fine guns to bird hunting, clays, and the people who shape the culture around them. With over 25 years spent chasing birds behind dogs and studying the craft, Ryan brings a thoughtful, curious approach to the conversation—making the nuances of shotgunning accessible whether you’re just starting out or have been at it a lifetime. Recently joining the team at Shooting Sportsman, he continues to highlight not just the gear, but the deeper experiences that define the sporting life. Topics Covered: * Ryan's discovery and love of fine shotguns * Hunting in the US and Europe * Ryan's own wingshooting podcast * His favorite gamebird and why * Ryan's job at Shooting Sportsman Magazine Connect with Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/abreakintheaction/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/abreakintheaction/?hl=en] https://shootingsportsman.com/ [https://shootingsportsman.com/] Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central [https://gundogcentral.com/] Ballad of the Bird Dog [https://www.balladofthebirddog.com/]

Episode 53: Tattoos, Ruffed Grouse, and Bird Dogs with Jake Maricle

Jake Maricle grew up in the small town of Arcade, New York, and has spent the last 15 years honing his craft as a tattoo artist. About four years ago, he opened Old Gold Tattoo in nearby Yorkshire, building a name rooted in hard work and creativity. Outside the shop, Jake’s passion runs just as deep in the uplands—running three bird dogs, Rif, Kreek, and Brook, and chasing grouse across New York’s North Country, where he recently established “The Grouse House.” He now serves as president of the Appalachian Plateau Ruffed Grouse Society chapter and volunteers with Delta Waterfowl, all while continuing to give back to the hunting community that helped shape his journey. Topics Covered: * Jake's journey into the uplands * Discovering his gift for art * What he loves about tattoo art * New York ruffed grouse hunting * Jake's unique, prehistoric dream hunt Connect with Jake https://share.google/XvFvn4TBMkOMqniO3 [https://share.google/XvFvn4TBMkOMqniO3] https://jake-maricle.square.site/ [https://jake-maricle.square.site/] Proud Sponsors: Gundog Central [https://gundogcentral.com/] Ballad of the Bird Dog [https://www.balladofthebirddog.com/]

Episode 52: Clays N' Wings with Stephen Biello

Stephen Biello grew up in the heart of South Philadelphia, just steps from the historic Italian Market, where his love for animals—and eventually hunting—first took root. Despite not coming from a hunting family, he carved his own path into the uplands through sheer grit, mentorship from neighborhood hunters, and a deep passion for bird dogs. From chasing the last of Pennsylvania’s wild pheasants to developing standout dogs like his Drahthaar Angel and Irish Setter Sage, Stephen’s journey is built on experience, loss, and loyalty. Today, he’s a sporting clays instructor, a dedicated dog man, and working his way back to the field after a life-altering illness—all with a young Wirehaired Vizsla leading the next chapter. https://claysnwings.com/ [https://claysnwings.com/]