Wildfire! Hunter-biologists on finding wild birds, conservation, its effects

There's little doubt your hunting season will be affected by the hundreds of wildfires that have devastated vast swaths of bird country. So how do we make the most of it, balancing ethics, conservation, and our own passion? Mikal Cline is the Upland Game Bird Coordinator at Oregon's Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Justin Small is Upland Game Staff Specialist at Nevada's Dept. of Wildlife. Two biologists who hunt, they've got a unique perspective on how fire impacts birds and their habitat. We'll learn how birds react to fire, which ones will likely survive and which won't, what they do and where they go. We'll explore the short- and long-term aftermaths, and understand why a conservative approach to each hunter's bag is critical. There are nuggets on best post-fire habitat, alternate species to hunt, and a few eye-opening observations. "Fix it" has advice on another way to find ground that hasn't been hammered by other hunters. The social segment covers things we've switched from - and to - for this season. And it's all brought to you by: Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, CableGangz, TrulockChokes, USA Clay Target League, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.