#344 | Weather, Puppies, and the Reality of a "Rough" Grouse Year with Fritz Heller

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Sports, Leisure, Science, Nature, Wilderness, Hobbies

4.6 • 936 Ratings

🗓️ 2 January 2026

⏱️ 84 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Fritz Heller, a dedicated upland hunter, to discuss the 2025 hunting season, dogs, grouse hunting, and much more. Fritz shares insights into the challenges of the season, including heat waves and the impact on bird numbers, as well as his experience training new puppies. The conversation also gets into Fritz's plans for the future, including his search for a camper for hunting trips and his thoughts on managing bird populations and hunting conditions. Fritz Heller is an upland bird hunter, dog trainer, and dedicated outdoorsman from Michigan. He has been actively involved in training dogs and hunting for many years, sharing his knowledge of the sport with others. Fritz is passionate about the welfare of wildlife, managing habitats, and improving bird populations, and has a wealth of experience hunting grouse, pheasants, and other upland species. Expect to Learn The impact of weather conditions on the 2025 hunting season Heat waves and their effects on bird numbers, especially in the early season The importance of habitat regeneration and the role of different species, like blackberries, in grouse hunting How puppy training can vary by breed, and how Fritz is raising his new Labrador and Cocker Spaniel puppies Fritz's thoughts on taxidermy and the importance of commemorating hunting memories The search for a camper and how Fritz is researching the best setup for his future hunting tripsEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:10:57] - 37 Degrees and Snow depth [00:19:57] - Fritz’s Week Trip this Year [00:36:13] - Different Color Phase [00:43:23] - Discussing the puppy’s first season [00:51:37] - Pippa: A Hunting Dog and the difference from a Lab [01:01:40] - Puppy walks [01:13:04] - Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Spring [01:17:28] - Camper, Truck and Rig [01:20:52] - Closing and upcoming plans for the next hunting season Follow the guest, Fritz: How to Hunt Ruffed Grouse with a Flushing Dog: https://projectupland.com/grouse-species/ruffed-grouse/how-to-hunt-ruffed-grouse-with-a-flushing-dog/ 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
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.
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1:01.2	18-plus decencies apply.
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1:07.8	Our bird numbers were down 50% compared to last year.
1:11.2	I didn't think we could have a season hotter than the fall of 24.
1:15.2	It was boiling.
1:16.8	I still feel like it must have had an impact on our birds.
1:19.7	It must have killed some adults.
1:21.2	Do we believe in the cycle anymore?
1:23.0	Yeah, it is.
1:23.8	It seems like just kind of all over the place, especially.
1:26.8	Snow death's a much bigger factor than maybe I gave it credit.
1:30.5	You get a couple really hard winters of deep, fluffy snow.
	...

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