12 September 2025
#332 | Hunting and Researching Upland Birds on Working Western Landscapes with Dave Dahlgren
Birdshot Podcast
About
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson discusses the world of grouse research, wildlife conservation, and the use of pointing dogs in citizen science. We explore how upland bird hunters and scientists can work together to collect data, and how David has been at the forefront of using dogs and technology to study sage grouse and other upland birds
David Dahlgren is an Associate Professor and Rangeland Wildlife Extension Specialist at the University of Utah. His research focuses on upland game bird species, particularly sage grouse and dusky grouse, as well as wildlife management on rangelands. With over 20 years of experience in the field, David combines his passion for upland bird hunting with cutting-edge research, including the use of pointing dogs in citizen science projects. He’s also the creator of the Western Range Ranch Management Academy, which teaches ranchers how to balance wildlife conservation with livestock management.
Expect to Learn
How pointing dogs contribute to wildlife research and citizen science projects.
The importance of sagebrush cover for the persistence of sage grouse populations.
Insights into livestock grazing and its surprising benefits for wildlife conservation.
The value of dog work in tracking and understanding grouse behavior.
The integration of technology in Wildlife Studies.
David’s personal favorite bird species to hunt and his experiences with Mearns quail, chukars, and more.
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps
[00:00:00] - Introduction
[00:04:54] - Different Kinds of Dogs
[00:17:40] - David’s Background and how it relates to Upland Birds
[00:34:40] - What is meant by Sagebrush Steppe
[00:49:30] - The Biggest Threats for Sagebrush
[00:58:29] - Understanding sage grouse habitat
[01:04:43] - Benefits of using Dogs in Science
[01:28:08] - Learning from 20 Years of Studying Grazing
[01:43:20] - David’s Favorite Shotgun
[01:45:51] - Conclusion
Follow the Guest David:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkdbio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dahlgren-0b9004b7/
Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation open access link https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-34037-6
Western Ranch Management Academy website https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-34037-6
Faculty webpage https://qanr.usu.edu/directory/dahlgren-david
Follow 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
David Dahlgren is an Associate Professor and Rangeland Wildlife Extension Specialist at the University of Utah. His research focuses on upland game bird species, particularly sage grouse and dusky grouse, as well as wildlife management on rangelands. With over 20 years of experience in the field, David combines his passion for upland bird hunting with cutting-edge research, including the use of pointing dogs in citizen science projects. He’s also the creator of the Western Range Ranch Management Academy, which teaches ranchers how to balance wildlife conservation with livestock management.
Expect to Learn
How pointing dogs contribute to wildlife research and citizen science projects.
The importance of sagebrush cover for the persistence of sage grouse populations.
Insights into livestock grazing and its surprising benefits for wildlife conservation.
The value of dog work in tracking and understanding grouse behavior.
The integration of technology in Wildlife Studies.
David’s personal favorite bird species to hunt and his experiences with Mearns quail, chukars, and more.
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps
[00:00:00] - Introduction
[00:04:54] - Different Kinds of Dogs
[00:17:40] - David’s Background and how it relates to Upland Birds
[00:34:40] - What is meant by Sagebrush Steppe
[00:49:30] - The Biggest Threats for Sagebrush
[00:58:29] - Understanding sage grouse habitat
[01:04:43] - Benefits of using Dogs in Science
[01:28:08] - Learning from 20 Years of Studying Grazing
[01:43:20] - David’s Favorite Shotgun
[01:45:51] - Conclusion
Follow the Guest David:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkdbio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dahlgren-0b9004b7/
Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation open access link https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-34037-6
Western Ranch Management Academy website https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-34037-6
Faculty webpage https://qanr.usu.edu/directory/dahlgren-david
Follow 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