#343 | Shotguns, Shotshells, and Smarter Pheasant Hunting with Phil Bourjaily

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Wilderness, Hobbies, Science, Nature, Leisure, Sports

4.6 • 936 Ratings

🗓️ 19 December 2025

⏱️ 78 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird populations, and offers tips on hunting pheasants with pointing dogs. He also talks about how habitat loss affects bird numbers, the role of public and private land hunting, and how hunting conditions vary season to season. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into upland bird hunting, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Phil Bourjaily is a Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream, where he covers topics ranging from bird hunting to gun reviews and outdoor traditions. He’s a seasoned upland bird hunter with a wealth of experience hunting pheasants, grouse, and other upland species. His love for bird dogs and his deep understanding of hunting habitats make him a valuable resource for bird hunting enthusiasts. Expect to Learn How habitat loss impacts pheasant and quail populations The importance of public and private land in upland hunting Tips for hunting pheasants with pointing dogs, especially during late-season hunts The best weather conditions for pheasant hunting and how snow can affect bird behaviour The best shotgun set-up for pheasant hunting, including the right gauge and choke combinations Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:04:40] - Armadillos [00:10:29] - Public vs. Private Land Access [00:16:56] - Short Hairs vs. Other Dogs [00:24:58] - Zeke's Hunting Behavior - Moving, Tracking, and Following [00:29:00] - Discussion on Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting [00:48:05] - Weight and Balance in Pheasant Guns [00:58:09] - Bismuth Pricing [01:11:18] - Find More of Phil’s Published Work Follow the Guest Phil: Field and Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/phil-bourjaily Top 10 best shotguns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/shotguns/best-pheasant-hunting-shotguns 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/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.
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 to work the terrain and hunt the topography with on X hunt
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0:47.0	Download the hunt app today know where you stand with on X hunt
0:52.8	When it comes to shotguns, it seems every upland bird hunter has a slightly different vision
0:57.4	of what their ideal wing-shooting shotgun is, which is exactly the kind of thinking we welcome
1:01.9	and encourage at Upland-Gun Company.
1:04.1	Every Upland-G company gun is handcrafted and finished by RFM in Italy with quality
1:09.0	components and expert craftsmanship. Your Upland-Gun Company shotgun is built to your standard, both functionally and aesthetically. From choosing the barrel length, grip style, trigger setup, engraving options, and even selecting the piece of wood used on your shotgun, you truly are limited only by your imagination. And with included custom stock dimensions, you can be sure your Upland Gun Company shotgun
1:28.6	will shoot just as well as it looks and feels.
1:30.7	Head over to Uplandguncom
1:32.7	and try out our web and 3D gun builders
1:34.8	to begin crafting your ideal Upland shotgun today.
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	...

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