#349 | Southern Bird Hunting: Woodcock, Rails, and the Traditions That Shape It with Patrick Hunter
Birdshot Podcast
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Patrick Hunter for a laid-back and insightful conversation about upland bird hunting in the Southeast. They dig into everything from family hunting traditions and first shotguns to the pursuit of elusive woodcock and what makes southern hunting so different.
Patrick Hunter is an avid upland hunter and outdoorsman based in coastal South Carolina. With a background rooted in family hunting traditions, Patrick pursues a wide range of game including woodcock, quail, ducks, and wild turkeys. By day, he works as an engineer, but he has developed a growing passion for outdoor writing, contributing to publications like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Project Upland while advocating for conservation and awareness of southern bird hunting opportunities.
Expect to Learn:
What makes bird hunting in the Southeast uniquely challenging and rewarding
How woodcock hunting can transform both hunters and their dogs
The cultural traditions behind southern hunts like dove shoots and duck hunting
Insights into lesser-known species like rails (marsh hens) and their hunting styles
Why spring turkey hunting is one of the most addictive and meaningful pursuits
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:
[00:00:00] - Introduction and Early Hunting Background
[00:07:00] - First Shotguns, Bird Dogs, and Hunting Traditions
[00:13:15] - Raising Kids Around Hunting and the Outdoors
[00:19:26] - Duck Hunting in the Southeast and Unique Setups
[00:27:08] - Seaweed, Conservation, and Writing About Bird Hunting
[00:34:26] - Discovering Woodcock Hunting in the South
[00:39:34] - Dove Hunting Culture and Rail (Marsh Hen) Hunting Explained
[00:48:12] - Turkey Hunting Stories, Traditions, and Close Calls
[00:55:54] - Public Land Hunting, Mentorship, and Sharing the Outdoors
[01:11:38] - Where to Find Patrick and Closing Thoughts
Follow The Guest, Patrick Hunter:
Patrick Hunter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickhunter/
Website: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/
Highway 22 Outdoor Shop: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/shop
Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp64d9-168IfGomYk14T_GA
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/
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
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