#340 | The Truck-Camp Bird Hunter: Upland Adventures with Jimmy Lewis

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Sports, Wilderness, Hobbies, Nature, Science, Leisure

4.6 • 936 Ratings

🗓️ 21 November 2025

⏱️ 93 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson reconnects with Jimmy Lewis, a passionate bird hunter and overlanding expert, for a deep dive into the world of upland hunting and the overlanding rigs that make it all possible. Jimmy talks about his transition back into guiding, his updated overlanding setup, and the challenges of hunting in varying conditions. From rooftop tents and truck bed caps to bird dogs and family adventures, this episode covers it all. Jimmy Lewis is an experienced bird hunting guide, outdoor enthusiast, and expert in overlanding rigs. After years of guiding in Montana and beyond, he recently transitioned back into full-time teaching while juggling his passion for guiding, bird hunting, and overlanding. His thoughtful approach to creating the ideal hunting and camping setup makes him a go-to resource for anyone interested in taking their outdoor adventures to the next level. Expect to Learn: How overlanding rigs can be built for upland hunting, including his latest truck setup for guiding. The importance of a reliable vehicle and why Jimmy switched from a Dodge Ram to a Toyota Tundra. The advantages of rooftop tents and what to look for when selecting one for your overlanding setup. Tips for keeping your bird dogs safe and comfortable while traveling, including kennel ventilation and temperature management. How camping in varying conditions (from extreme heat to snow) enhances the outdoor experience. The mental and physical benefits of getting outside in different seasons, from early autumn hunts to late-season adventures. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:07:48] - Season in Montana [00:14:28] - Jimmy’s Dog Blake [00:23:22] - Old Rig and the Transition [00:30:38] - Gen-Three Toyota Tundra and upgrades [00:43:55] - Smart Cap and Overlanding Modifications [00:53:58] - Advice for Setting Up Your Own Overlanding Rig [00:58:44] - Roof-Top Tents [01:14:47] - The Cooler vs. Fridge Tipping Point [01:24:19] - Bumper Replacement Details for the Gen-Three Tundra Build [01:27:45] - How to Reach Jimmy for Rigs or Guiding Follow the Guest Jimmy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmylewismt/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/finsandfeathersoverland/?hl=en Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com 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/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshotUse 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.
0:22.6	Whether it's a gentle, rolling piece of terrain or a truly elevated and mountainous landscape,
0:26.6	you can use the exaggeration slider to fine-tune your view and highlight the topographical features you're looking for.
0:33.6	From benches to bowls to draws and drainage, get a clear picture and develop a strategy for you and your bird dog
0:39.1	To work the terrain and hunt the topography with Onex Hunt.
0:42.5	Use the promo code BSP20 to save 20% on your next subscription.
0:47.3	Download the Hunt app today and know where you stand with OnX Hunt.
0:53.0	Remind us quickly what the old rig was and then walk me into the decision to transition
0:58.8	into something different.
0:59.7	The old rig was 2018 Dodge Ram Power Wagon with a four-wheel camper hawk in the back
1:06.9	of it.
1:07.2	And then when my life changed, I had to convert that into my guide rig and just
1:12.1	customize it even more to carry all my dogs, but it was not ideal for that. It's just slow
1:16.9	and getting to the dogs is super difficult. So I know I needed to build a new rig. How do you get
1:22.0	where you ended up? To talk about the transition, I knew I needed to go with something that was
1:27.2	more reliable in Montana in the West. I mean, needed to go with something that was more reliable in Montana in the
1:29.3	West. I mean, you just beat the living out of your trucks. It really pushes them through the test.
1:33.9	So the RAM was not up to the task. The RAM just started to have problem after problem.
1:38.7	Here to Keys, I'm signing the dotted line that it's not my problem anymore, right? I'm getting out
1:43.9	of this thing.
1:44.6	And I got into a 2025 Gen 3, the new generation of Tundra.
1:49.2	There's a lot to discuss about the build, so we can get into that.
	...

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