Western Bird Biologist

#32 Keeping wetlands wet! In southern Oregon with Ed Contreras

In this weeks episode we learn about the importance of wetlands in SONEC (Southern Oregon and North Eastern California) to waterfowl, waterbirds and a way of life on private lands. This is my old stomping grounds where I cut my teeth as a private lands habitat biologist.  How is the NRCS and Intermountain west joint venture helping to protect this important migratory corridor? What does it take to get a cool job like Ed has? Listen in to find out! 

Who wants to learn about Kansas? Come take a listen to veteran biologist Mike Mitchener

My new friend and co-worker Mike and I were lucky enough to squeeze in some time to chat about Kansas!A place I have never hunted and a place that has had some pretty good upland bird hunting the past couple years. We chat about bird biology, bird hunting and some about his work with prairie chickens and now the National Wild Turkey Federation. 

Idaho wirehair and NAVHDA history with Bill "Blue Grouse" Dillon

In this episode Bill and I get a little nostalgic about NAVHDA and Wirehairs long since passed to the happy hunting grounds. We talk about changes in the boise valley, Blue grouse hunting and about some of the wirehairs and wirehair breeders we have known. Some of our favorite dogs which became the foundation dogs for several kennels. Bill had Black Canyon kennels but we talk about Grossklaus, three devils, Blue collar and Bachman bay kennels a bunch of rich bird hunting history with this line of dogs. I hope to interview all the wirehair breeders in the west. 

Monty Gregg forest biologist talks about forest history and health in the PNW

Monty Gregg a career Forest service biologist that holds the coveted title of game bird centers of excellence biologist covering Oregon and Washington. He has 20 years experience in central Oregon and is the lead for partnerships with the National Wild Turkey Federation. We cover some history of the Forest service, fire management and some current projects we are working on. 

The "Chukarman" Frank Puccio in a tell all about chukars, griffs and pigeon lung

While waiting for an unbelievably thick fog to lift while chukar hunting in the Owyhees Frank Pucccio and I sit in his chukarjeep and record some stories. Frank founded Hun Hill Kennels and gets out hunting an incredible 5 days a week! We cover topics on chukar biology and hunting tactics, raising and breeding griffons and living in southern Idaho.  WHAT the HECK is bird fanciers lung??? How could it change your life and the way you enjoy outdoor sports? Give this podcast a listen and find out! ***New podcast every Wednesday!