#338 | How A Bird Dog Transformed This Big Game Hunter into an Upland Obsessive with Brad Trumbo
07 November 2025

#338 | How A Bird Dog Transformed This Big Game Hunter into an Upland Obsessive with Brad Trumbo

Birdshot Podcast

About
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Brad Trumbo, business owner at Palouse Upland Media. Brad shares his journey from big-game hunting in the East to his deep love for upland bird hunting in the West. They discuss the unique landscapes of Eastern Washington, the challenges of hunting various upland birds, and Brad’s approach to bird dogs and land management.



Brad Trumbo: A biologist, bird hunter, and author, Brad's experience spans from fish passage research to working in public land management. His passion for upland hunting, especially in the Palouse, has inspired him to write about both the birds and landscapes he loves.



Expect to Learn:



How Brad transitioned from big-game hunting to upland birds




Insights into hunting in the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho




The challenges of hunting valley quail, pheasant, and Hungarian partridge




Brad’s approach to bird dog training and management




How to understand and enjoy the landscapes while hunting




Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:



[00:00:00] - Podcast Introduction and Welcoming Brad Trumbo




[00:02:53] - Defining the Palouse Region's Landscape and Ecology




[00:04:03] - Brad's Path from Biology and Fisheries to Upland Hunting




[00:06:25] - The Transition from Big Game to a Passion for Bird Hunting




[00:07:01] - The Story Behind Getting the First Bird Dog




[00:08:59] - On Dog Breeds, Aging, and Adapting Hunts for Senior Dogs




[00:15:35] - Breakdown of Washington's Upland Bird Seasons




[00:21:17] - A Hunting Anecdote: The Giant Whitetail and the Covey of Huns




[00:23:06] - The Challenges of Archery and Ethical Hunting Considerations




[00:28:30] - How a Dog's Health Issue Catalyzed a Writing Career




[00:31:57] - The Journey to Publishing "Wing Shooting the Palouse"




[00:34:03] - Blending Natural History and Personal Narrative in Writing




[00:39:50] - Habitat and Strategies for Hunting Western Ruffed Grouse




[00:44:10] - Hunting for the Love of Landscape Over Bird Tally




[00:54:20] - Public Land Access and Hunter Programs in Washington




[01:02:10] - The Appeal of Covey Birds and Hunting Valley Quail






Follow the Guest Brad Trumbo:



Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailfeathers_upland/




Website: https://bradtrumbo.com/






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






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