19 December 2025
#343 | Shotguns, Shotshells, and Smarter Pheasant Hunting with Phil Bourjaily
Birdshot Podcast
About
In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream and passionate bird hunter. Phil shares insights from his pheasant hunts, discusses the current state of upland bird populations, and offers tips on hunting pheasants with pointing dogs. He also talks about how habitat loss affects bird numbers, the role of public and private land hunting, and how hunting conditions vary season to season. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into upland bird hunting, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Phil Bourjaily is a Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream, where he covers topics ranging from bird hunting to gun reviews and outdoor traditions. He’s a seasoned upland bird hunter with a wealth of experience hunting pheasants, grouse, and other upland species. His love for bird dogs and his deep understanding of hunting habitats make him a valuable resource for bird hunting enthusiasts.
Expect to Learn
How habitat loss impacts pheasant and quail populations
The importance of public and private land in upland hunting
Tips for hunting pheasants with pointing dogs, especially during late-season hunts
The best weather conditions for pheasant hunting and how snow can affect bird behaviour
The best shotgun set-up for pheasant hunting, including the right gauge and choke combinations
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps
[00:00:00] - Introduction
[00:04:40] - Armadillos
[00:10:29] - Public vs. Private Land Access
[00:16:56] - Short Hairs vs. Other Dogs
[00:24:58] - Zeke's Hunting Behavior - Moving, Tracking, and Following
[00:29:00] - Discussion on Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting
[00:48:05] - Weight and Balance in Pheasant Guns
[00:58:09] - Bismuth Pricing
[01:11:18] - Find More of Phil’s Published Work
Follow the Guest Phil:
Field and Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/phil-bourjaily
Top 10 best shotguns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/shotguns/best-pheasant-hunting-shotguns
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
Phil Bourjaily is a Shotgun Editor at Field & Stream, where he covers topics ranging from bird hunting to gun reviews and outdoor traditions. He’s a seasoned upland bird hunter with a wealth of experience hunting pheasants, grouse, and other upland species. His love for bird dogs and his deep understanding of hunting habitats make him a valuable resource for bird hunting enthusiasts.
Expect to Learn
How habitat loss impacts pheasant and quail populations
The importance of public and private land in upland hunting
Tips for hunting pheasants with pointing dogs, especially during late-season hunts
The best weather conditions for pheasant hunting and how snow can affect bird behaviour
The best shotgun set-up for pheasant hunting, including the right gauge and choke combinations
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps
[00:00:00] - Introduction
[00:04:40] - Armadillos
[00:10:29] - Public vs. Private Land Access
[00:16:56] - Short Hairs vs. Other Dogs
[00:24:58] - Zeke's Hunting Behavior - Moving, Tracking, and Following
[00:29:00] - Discussion on Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting
[00:48:05] - Weight and Balance in Pheasant Guns
[00:58:09] - Bismuth Pricing
[01:11:18] - Find More of Phil’s Published Work
Follow the Guest Phil:
Field and Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/phil-bourjaily
Top 10 best shotguns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/shotguns/best-pheasant-hunting-shotguns
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