Upland Underdog

#9 | Fake It ’Til You Drake It

In this episode, Erik and I bring on our neighbor Eric—an avid duck hunter—to school us on all things waterfowl. Since we haven’t hunted ducks yet, we fire off the rookie questions: How do you even run a call without sounding like a dying kazoo? What makes a good cadence? What should beginners focus on before they ever step into the field? Eric breaks down the basics of calling, gives us a reality check on what duck hunting actually looks like, and shares tips for newbies like us who are still trying to get our quacks together. If you're just starting your duck hunting journey—or still in the “practicing calls in the car” phase—this episode is for you. Links & Resources Sponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.com [https://www.midweststaircompany.com] Website: uplandunderdog.com [http://www.uplandunderdog.com] Video Podcast: Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@uplandunderdog] Instagram: @uplandunderdog [https://instagram.com/uplandunderdog]

#8 | Humbled in Public

Public land hunting can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Erik and I break down our recent trip onto public land — what worked, what didn’t, and how you can get started. We talk about finding the right resources and our own experiences navigating Missouri’s open fields. Whether you’re new to hunting or looking to branch out, this one’s packed with tips, laughs, and lessons learned in the wild. Links & Resources Sponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.com [https://www.midweststaircompany.com] Website: uplandunderdog.com [http://www.uplandunderdog.com] Video Podcast: Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@uplandunderdog] Instagram: @uplandunderdog [https://instagram.com/uplandunderdog]

#7 | Practice Makes Perfect

In this episode of the Upland Underdog Podcast, Erik and I sit down with my brother-in-law, Jeremy, to talk about his own adventures in hunting. From our recent dove hunt together to him patiently teaching me how to shoot a compound bow for the very first time, this conversation is equal parts stories, laughs, and learning. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or just starting your own hunting journey, this episode is a reminder that growth comes one practice session at a time.   Links & Resources Sponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.com [https://www.midweststaircompany.com] Website: uplandunderdog.com [http://www.uplandunderdog.com] Video Podcast: Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@uplandunderdog] Instagram: @uplandunderdog [https://instagram.com/uplandunderdog]

#6 | Hazel Has a New Trainer

Hazel’s training journey takes a big turn — we’re no longer going to be driving to Kansas because I found a local trainer. In this episode, I share how that decision came about, what Hazel’s been working on with bird launchers, and how her first couple of sessions have gone.   Links & Resources Sponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.com [https://www.midweststaircompany.com] Website: uplandunderdog.com [http://www.uplandunderdog.com] Video Podcast: Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@uplandunderdog] Instagram: @uplandunderdog [https://instagram.com/uplandunderdog]

#5 | Justin's First Upland Hunt

Opening day of Dove Season 2025 was a milestone—my first upland hunt. After a quick story about a flat tire on the way to camp (with Erik coming to save the day), I dive into the hunt itself. Erik and I each dropped 10 birds, and his son bagged his very first—making it a day of wins and lasting memories. We wrapped it all up with dove poppers, bacon-wrapped breast, and plenty of stories from the day's hunt. In this episode, I share the highs, lessons learned, and what it felt like to finally step into the upland tradition I’ve been chasing. Links & Resources Sponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.com [https://www.midweststaircompany.com] Website: uplandunderdog.com [http://www.uplandunderdog.com] Video Podcast: Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@uplandunderdog] Instagram: @uplandunderdog [https://instagram.com/uplandunderdog]