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Birdshot Podcast

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

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Leisure, Science, Sports, Nature, Hobbies, Wilderness

4.8971 Ratings

🗓️ 1 August 2025

⏱️ 65 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

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/

Transcript

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0:00.0

I'm now calling you the official, unofficial librarian of the Birchap podcast.

0:05.3

Yeah, you bet. I'm always excited to talk about books. I'm kind of a nerd that way.

0:09.6

I would say Big Red is, it is a kid's book. It's written to appeal to that younger audience.

0:15.3

But the thing that struck me about that book is that it truly is a grouse hunting book.

0:20.2

It's fictional, but I was amazed at how many

0:23.1

references there are to partridge and to partridge hunting. As I read through it, I wasn't expecting

0:28.7

that, but I would put it right up there in some of the greatest writing that we have on grouse hunting.

0:34.0

I think it's interesting if you know one of the greatest writers of our time, Tom Davis,

0:38.2

wrote about reading these books and getting an Irish setter.

0:41.4

I posted reviews on Instagram for each of those books, and it's been amazing the response

0:46.5

to people that said, that's the reason.

0:48.5

Those books are the reason why I have setters, or those books are the reason why I birdhunt

0:53.2

today.

0:53.7

So those books are more

0:55.1

influential than they're giving credit for. They're very unsung, I would say. Well, we're going to

1:00.2

talk upland books today. You have our plus of wonderful book recommendations.

1:29.0

Hey, everyone. Nick Larson here, host of the Birdshot podcast, the show where we go beyond the flush to explore the full upland hunting experience with guests from all across the uplands, from shotguns to bird dogs to habitat and conservation and the traditions that connect all of us to a life of feel. The Birdshop podcast is presented by Onyx Hunt and supported by folks just like you via

1:34.8

our Patreon community. If you want to stay up to date and not miss any of our upcoming episodes,

1:39.8

be sure to subscribe and follow the show in your podcast player or YouTube wherever you're listening

1:45.0

or watching today. Go ahead and tap that button. Thank you for doing so. And with that said,

1:50.3

let's get into today's conversation on the Birdshot podcast. Welcome back to the Birdshot podcast,

1:56.6

my friend. I'm now calling you the official, unofficial librarian. Well, thank you. I'm a book nerd,

...

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