#346 | Lessons from an 80-Year-Old Grouse Hunter with Tim Flanigan
Fri Feb 06 2026
In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan, a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunting, wildlife photography, and conservation. He shares rich stories from his time in the field, thoughts on aging gracefully, and timeless lessons passed down through generations of hunters and mentors.
Tim Flanigan is a celebrated upland bird hunter, retired game warden, and author of books such as Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life and the Night Killers series. Known for his evocative writing, wildlife photography, and depth of field knowledge, Tim has become a treasured voice in the hunting community.
Expect to Learn:
Why life truly begins at 40, especially for outdoorsmen
The value of mentorship and passing on hunting traditions
Tales from the field: from poachers to unforgettable first grouse hunts
Insights into Tim’s books, including Grouse & Woodcock and Turkey Man
How aging changes a hunter’s priorities from the kill to the memories
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:
[00:00:00] - Welcome & Turning 80 with Tim Flanigan
[00:02:56] - Life Begins at 40
[00:05:30] - What inspired you to write an article?
[00:14:43] - Chasing Grouse and Outlaws: A Game Warden’s Story
[00:19:43] - Grouse, Woodcock, and the Joy of Observation
[00:41:58] - What do you look at when you’re shooting?
[00:53:09] - The grouse's morning stretching routine
[01:12:39] - Photo Tim wants to capture
[01:28:17] - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Follow The Guest, Tim Flanigan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimFlanigan.NatureExposure/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timflanigan418/?hl=en
Book#1:https://www.wildriverpress.com/product/grouse-woodcock-timothy-c-flanigan-wild-river-press/
Book#2:Poacher Pursuit: Game Warden vs Wildlife Killers
Book #3:Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers
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/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
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In this heartwarming episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Host Nick Larson welcomes back Tim Flanigan, a revered outdoorsman, author, photographer, and retired game warden. Now in his 80s, Tim reflects on a life immersed in upland bird hunting, wildlife photography, and conservation. He shares rich stories from his time in the field, thoughts on aging gracefully, and timeless lessons passed down through generations of hunters and mentors. Tim Flanigan is a celebrated upland bird hunter, retired game warden, and author of books such as Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life and the Night Killers series. Known for his evocative writing, wildlife photography, and depth of field knowledge, Tim has become a treasured voice in the hunting community. Expect to Learn: Why life truly begins at 40, especially for outdoorsmen The value of mentorship and passing on hunting traditions Tales from the field: from poachers to unforgettable first grouse hunts Insights into Tim’s books, including Grouse & Woodcock and Turkey Man How aging changes a hunter’s priorities from the kill to the memories Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Welcome & Turning 80 with Tim Flanigan [00:02:56] - Life Begins at 40 [00:05:30] - What inspired you to write an article? [00:14:43] - Chasing Grouse and Outlaws: A Game Warden’s Story [00:19:43] - Grouse, Woodcock, and the Joy of Observation [00:41:58] - What do you look at when you’re shooting? [00:53:09] - The grouse's morning stretching routine [01:12:39] - Photo Tim wants to capture [01:28:17] - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts Follow The Guest, Tim Flanigan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimFlanigan.NatureExposure/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timflanigan418/?hl=en Book#1:https://www.wildriverpress.com/product/grouse-woodcock-timothy-c-flanigan-wild-river-press/ Book#2:Poacher Pursuit: Game Warden vs Wildlife Killers Book #3:Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers 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/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