#346 | Lessons from an 80-Year-Old Grouse Hunter with Tim Flanigan

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Sports, Science, Wilderness, Nature, Leisure, Hobbies

4.8 • 969 Ratings

🗓️ 6 February 2026

⏱️ 94 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan, a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunting, wildlife photography, and conservation. He shares rich stories from his time in the field, thoughts on aging gracefully, and timeless lessons passed down through generations of hunters and mentors. Tim Flanigan is a celebrated upland bird hunter, retired game warden, and author of books such as Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life and the Night Killers series. Known for his evocative writing, wildlife photography, and depth of field knowledge, Tim has become a treasured voice in the hunting community. Expect to Learn: Why life truly begins at 40, especially for outdoorsmen The value of mentorship and passing on hunting traditions Tales from the field: from poachers to unforgettable first grouse hunts Insights into Tim’s books, including Grouse & Woodcock and Turkey Man How aging changes a hunter’s priorities from the kill to the memories Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Welcome & Turning 80 with Tim Flanigan [00:02:56] - Life Begins at 40 [00:05:30] - What inspired you to write an article? [00:14:43] - Chasing Grouse and Outlaws: A Game Warden’s Story [00:19:43] - Grouse, Woodcock, and the Joy of Observation [00:41:58] - What do you look at when you’re shooting? [00:53:09] - The grouse's morning stretching routine [01:12:39] - Photo Tim wants to capture [01:28:17] - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts Follow The Guest, Tim Flanigan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimFlanigan.NatureExposure/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timflanigan418/?hl=en Book#1:https://www.wildriverpress.com/product/grouse-woodcock-timothy-c-flanigan-wild-river-press/ Book#2:Poacher Pursuit: Game Warden vs Wildlife Killers Book #3:Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers 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
0:38.0	For you and your bird dog to work the terrain
0:40.0	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, know where you stand with OnX Hunt.
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1:07.8	I've been blessed to spend 50 years just studying grouse.
1:11.6	The more you study them and watch them, the more you learn about them and the more successful hunter you will be.
1:16.6	When I hunt grouse, I choose to shoot only male grouse.
1:20.6	If you skin out of rough grouse's head, by the way, the eye is exceptionally large compared to the size of the head.
1:26.6	Very wide angle view and great depth perception. Grouse know you're there like when you shut the door in a car. They know you're in the woods and they're tracking you. Look at the bird's eye and you will shoot that bird in the head. If you let your vision go wide angle, you will notice the first flick of feathers. First movement of that grouse, you will notice it. And that gives you a real
1:44.8	heads up on getting on that bird. When you flush a grouse, whether you miss him or kill him,
1:49.8	take the time to watch, look at that situation. Why was that bird there? Today we are very excited
1:56.1	to be joined once again by our friend Tim Flanagan, author, birdhunter, photographer,
2:01.9	mad at of many things, and a guy that's been out of for quite a while.
2:33.3	Come here, sweetie. That's a big bird. That's a big bird.
	...

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