Ruffed Grouse and GSP's with Tim Burke

Tim Burke, a former U.S. Olympic biathlete and now director of development for the U.S. Biathlon team, joins Tyler Webster on the Western Wing Shooter Podcast to share his journey from elite athlete to passionate bird hunter and GSP enthusiast. Originally from Lake Placid, New York, Tim recounts how his Olympic career shaped his discipline and precision, which he now applies to wing shooting and dog training. After retiring from competition, he embraced the world of upland hunting, particularly with German Shorthairs, drawn to their intelligence, tracking ability, and natural retrieve. He discusses the challenges of hunting rough grouse and woodcock in the Adirondacks, where habitat management is limited, and contrasts that with the more abundant and managed grouse woods of the Midwest. Tim also reflects on the mental game of hunting and shooting, drawing parallels between biathlon, pool, and upland bird hunting, emphasizing the importance of staying present and avoiding overthinking. He shares his love for pheasant hunting in South Dakota, his fascination with chukars and mearns quail, and his preference for lightweight 28-gauge side-by-side shotguns. The conversation ends with an invitation for Tim and his Alpine-skiing buddy to visit Tyler in North Dakota for some sharp-tailed grouse and hun hunting.