A Chat with Orvis Gunsmith Connor Carson
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Release Date: 05/28/2025
Community Stewardship with Ben Jones of the Ruffed Grouse Society
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Ben Jones, President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society, joins Reid in a discussion about the great work being done on the ground at RGS, and the work that still needs attention. The duo digs into the work of listening to and coalescing the wants and needs of different groups to the ultimate good of grouse, woodcock, and ecosystems. A great conversation with one of the great voices in conservation. Learn more at
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Life in Mearns Mecca with Zander Ault
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Zander Ault of Patagonia, AZ joins Reid to discuss what it’s like to live and build a business in one of bird hunting’s most iconic destinations. Not a hunter himself, Zander (and his partner Heidi) landed in Patagonia for the extraordinary gravel cycling, but soon found that the region was ground zero for desert quail hunters. Having opened and owned several businesses in town, Zander explores the tension of being a newcomer in a small, rural town, the challenge of keeping natural resources undiminished while cultivating a tourist economy, and some unique observations about the...
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The Transformation of Orvis Hill Country: A Vision for a Premier Shooting Destination
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
In this episode, we visit Orvis Hill Country Shooting Grounds in Blue Ridge Summit, PA, where General Manager Jeremy Mays is joined by new property owner and tech entrepreneur Ben Wallace. While Orvis continues to manage day-to-day operations, Ben brings fresh investment and bold ideas to elevate the facility. Together, they share their vision, recent upgrades, and what's next for this impressive shooting destination. Learn more:
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Reloaded: All You Ever Needed to Know About Shotgun Shells, with Mike Stock and Ben Frank of Winchester Ammunition
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Bringing back a favorite episode from 2019, Reid digs deep into shot-shell development with two members of the Winchester Ammunition Team-- Mike Stock and Ben Frank. This episode explores all facets of shotgun shells including performance, construction, and the different materials that impact both. It's a great chance to "nerd out" on the nuances of shotgun ammunition with two industry pros.
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Tyson Tabler, 2025 Wingshooting Guide of the Year
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
2025 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year Tyson Tabler chats with Reid about wingshooting in Saskatchewan, building an outfitting business in western Canada, and what keeps him coming back to guiding year after year. Tyson, a Colorado native, built his business Feathered Fowl Outfitters to deliver exceptional waterfowl and upland hunts on the Canadian prairie. In 2025, a tally of Orvis customer reviews singled out Tyson as the Guide of the Year, an accolade for which he deserves a big congratulations.
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A Chat with Orvis Gunsmith Connor Carson
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Reid has a chat with Connor Carson, Orvis in-house Gunsmith. Orvis has employed a full-time gunsmith (or 3) for nearly half a century, and Connor continues that tradition of repairing, maintaining, evaluating, and customizing fine guns for Orvis customers. Calling in from his bench at Orvis Sandanona, Connor discusses some favorite guns, some interesting repairs, and the path he took to wind up in this unique role at the company. Learn more about Orvis Gunsmithing Services at
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Game Warden Service, with Kyle Isherwood
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Vermont Game Warden Kyle Isherwood joins the podcast to revisit the topic of the Vermont Warden Service. For any interested in learning more about what goes into becoming a Game Warden, and what our Warden Service does day-to-day, this is a great conversation with a great guy. Kyle discusses his personal path into the service, and also explores some thoughts around how to have positive interactions with Game Wardens, even when a game law has been violated.
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In Sleeping Weather
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
In another solo installment, Reid shares a story first published in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. He explores old friendships, memory, and the threats to both while telling a story of a long-ago waterfowl hunt in Northern Vermont.
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Finding a Gunsmith, with Del Whitman
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Del Whitman of DC Whitman Custom Gunsmithing returns to the podcast to explore the challenge of finding the right gunsmith for your needs. Del and Reid dig into the question, and provide some thoughts on how to best assess the issues that need attention, the level of execution desired, the time and money a customer is willing to dedicate to a gunsmithing project, etc. From there, they give a few tips on how to locate the gunsmith that will be best prepared to serve you.
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Keeping You Gundog Safe in the Field, with Dr. Seth Bynum
The Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast
Reid is joined by @birddogvet Seth Bynum to discuss the common field injuries that impact gundogs, and how t deal with them. Seth goes on to detail what he takes in the field with him for a first-aid kit, what protective gear he recommends, and how to complete a through tailgate check of your dog post-hunt. He also describes his journey as a hunter and a veterinarian, and highlights his new platform which helps connect hunters with gundog-savvy veterinarians in their region
info_outlineReid has a chat with Connor Carson, Orvis in-house Gunsmith. Orvis has employed a full-time gunsmith (or 3) for nearly half a century, and Connor continues that tradition of repairing, maintaining, evaluating, and customizing fine guns for Orvis customers. Calling in from his bench at Orvis Sandanona, Connor discusses some favorite guns, some interesting repairs, and the path he took to wind up in this unique role at the company. Learn more about Orvis Gunsmithing Services at https://www.orvis.com/