#326 | How Timeless Books Sparked a Passion for Grouse Hunting and Bird Dogs with Andy Wayment

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Sports, Wilderness, Hobbies, Nature, Science, Leisure

4.6 • 936 Ratings

🗓️ 1 August 2025

⏱️ 68 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson welcomes Andy Wayment, a passionate upland bird hunter, fly fisherman, and bibliophile, to discuss some of the best books in the world of upland hunting and fly fishing. Their conversation spans timeless authors like Burton Spiller and Tom Davis, plus a special look at books like Irish Red and Big Red. Whether you're a bird hunter, fly fisherman, or just a lover of outdoor literature, this episode is sure to inspire your next reading list. Andy Wayment is an avid upland bird hunter, fly fisherman, and self-proclaimed book nerd. With years of experience in bird hunting and a deep appreciation for literature, Andy has curated an extensive collection of hunting and fishing books. He is particularly passionate about sharing his knowledge of the classic authors and hidden gems in the genre. Andy has also authored his own books on Idaho upland hunting, contributing to the literary world of bird hunting. Expect to Learn The best books on upland bird hunting, including Irish Red and Big Red. Insights into the connections between fly fishing and bird hunting literature. Hidden gems in bird hunting books, including works by Burton Spiller and Tom Davis. Why fly fishing books also attract hunters and how the two pursuits often intersect in literature. The upcoming release of Andy’s own book, Idaho Grouse Fever, and what readers can expect. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction to Andy Wayment and His Love for Books [00:03:52] - Andy’s Story as a fly fisherman [00:10:23] - The Connection Between Fly Fishing and Upland Hunting books [00:15:59] - Authors and their Qualifications [00:25:05] - Irish Red and Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard [00:36:47] - Best Birds by Worth Mathewson [00:42:55] - Andy’s New Book [00:57:40] - No. 1 Book - Drummer in the Woods [01:03:58] - Hour+ of Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts. Follow Andy Wayment Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywayment/ Website: https://uplandways.com/ ANDY'S TOP FIVE FAVORITES: 1. Drummer in the Woods, Burton Spiller 2. Partridge Shortenin', Gorham Cross (Grampa Grouse) 3. My Friend the Patridge, S.T. Hammond 4. That's Ruff, George King 5. Grouse Feathers, Again, Burton Spiller Runner's Up: 6. Upland Days, William G. Tapply 7. Upland Autumn, William G. Tapply 8. A Passion for Grouse, anthology edited by Tom Pero ANDY'S PICKS FOR FAVORITE UPLAND FICTION 1. A Millionaire's Dream, Brett Wannacott 2. A High Lonesome Call, Robert Holthowzer 3. Jenny Willow, Mike Gaddis 4. Irish Red, Jim Kjelgaard 5. The Dumbell of Brookfield, John Tainter Foote BOOKS WITH SOME BLUE GROUSE HUNTING 1. Fool Hen Blues, E. Donnell Thomas, Jr. 2. A Hunter's Road and The Sporting Road, Jim Fergus 3. Plateaus of Destiny, Mike Gould 4. Kicking Up Trouble, John Holt 5. Grouse of North America: A Cross-Continental Hunting Guide, Tom Huggler 6. Winston, Ben O. Williams 7. Idaho Upland Days, Andrew Marshall Wayment 8. Hunting Upland Birds, Charley Waterman Follow Host Nick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xnicklarsonx/ Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdshot.podcast/?hl=en Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshotpodcast8302 SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	One of my favorite things about hunting sharp-tailed grouse is hunting the topography. And one of the best ways I have found to do that more effectively and efficiently is with Onyx Hunt's 3D map view. The next time you're scouting from your living room, the roadside, or when you're in the field hunting it, fire up the Onyx Hunt app and turn on the 3D map view to get an up close and in detail look at the topography of any piece of property.
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0:52.8	When it comes to shotguns, it seems every upland bird hunter has a slightly different vision
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1:38.5	I'm now calling you the official, unofficial librarian of the Virchap podcast.
1:43.5	Yeah, you bet. I'm always excited to talk about
1:46.1	books. I'm kind of a nerd that way. I would say Big Red is, it is a kid's book. It's written to
1:51.7	appeal to that younger audience. But the thing that struck me about that book is that it truly is
1:57.0	a grouse hunting book. It's fictional, but I was amazed at how many references there are to
2:03.1	partridge and to partridge hunting. As I read through it, I wasn't expecting that, but I would put it
2:08.2	right up there in some of the greatest writing that we have on grouse hunting. I think it's
2:12.6	interesting if you know one of the greatest writers of our time tom davis wrote about reading these books and getting an
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