Upland Underdog

#9 | Fake It ’Til You Drake It

In this episode, Erik and I bring on our neighbor Eric—an avid duck hunter—to school us on all things waterfowl. Since we haven’t hunted ducks yet, we fire off the rookie questions: How do you even run a call without sounding like a dying kazoo? What makes a good cadence? What should beginners focus on before they ever step into the field?
Eric breaks down the basics of calling, gives us a reality check on what duck hunting actually looks like, and shares tips for newbies like us who are still trying to get our quacks together.
If you're just starting your duck hunting journey—or still in the “practicing calls in the car” phase—this episode is for you.Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#8 | Humbled in Public

Public land hunting can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Erik and I break down our recent trip onto public land — what worked, what didn’t, and how you can get started. We talk about finding the right resources and our own experiences navigating Missouri’s open fields. Whether you’re new to hunting or looking to branch out, this one’s packed with tips, laughs, and lessons learned in the wild.
Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#7 | Practice Makes Perfect

In this episode of the Upland Underdog Podcast, Erik and I sit down with my brother-in-law, Jeremy, to talk about his own adventures in hunting. From our recent dove hunt together to him patiently teaching me how to shoot a compound bow for the very first time, this conversation is equal parts stories, laughs, and learning. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or just starting your own hunting journey, this episode is a reminder that growth comes one practice session at a time.
 
Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#6 | Hazel Has a New Trainer

Hazel’s training journey takes a big turn — we’re no longer going to be driving to Kansas because I found a local trainer. In this episode, I share how that decision came about, what Hazel’s been working on with bird launchers, and how her first couple of sessions have gone.
 
Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#5 | Justin's First Upland Hunt

Opening day of Dove Season 2025 was a milestone—my first upland hunt. After a quick story about a flat tire on the way to camp (with Erik coming to save the day), I dive into the hunt itself. Erik and I each dropped 10 birds, and his son bagged his very first—making it a day of wins and lasting memories.
We wrapped it all up with dove poppers, bacon-wrapped breast, and plenty of stories from the day's hunt. In this episode, I share the highs, lessons learned, and what it felt like to finally step into the upland tradition I’ve been chasing.
Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#4 | Hunting Gear You Need to Get Started

Erik and Justin go over the gear you need to get into the shooting and hunting world. From skeet vests and shell pouches to the shotguns they carry and the layers that keep them warm in the field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your kit, you’ll get two guys' opinions on what works.Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#3 | From Pup to Pointer

Hazel recently wrapped up her first trip to bird dog training — here’s why I picked her trainer, what she learned, and what I need to work on with her now that she’s home. We cover the training setup, the first live birds, and her reaction to gunfire (spoiler: it didn’t go perfectly).
Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#2 | Do You Need a Bird Dog for Upland Hunting?

Justin and Erik tackle one of the biggest questions in upland hunting — do you really need a bird dog to get started? They share how Justin ended up with Hazel, his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and talk through the pros, cons, and realities of hunting with (and without) a dog.
Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog

#1 | First Time for Everything

Justin and Erik kick off Upland Underdog by talking about Justin’s first steps into the hunting world — from first rifles and shotguns to the first hunt they went on together. Yes…this is the very first episode.Links & ResourcesSponsor: Midwest Stair Company — Missouri-made custom stairs. midweststaircompany.comWebsite: uplandunderdog.comVideo Podcast: Watch on YouTubeInstagram: @uplandunderdog