For wingshooting guide Steve Grossman, the hunt is about so much more than shooting a limit of birds. Ever since he was a teenager, he has devoted himself to chasing wild birds and training dogs. He is a student of his art, constantly learning more about how the birds respond to changes in their environment and how bird dogs and hunters can work together. He’s become an inspiration to his children and a younger generation of wild-bird enthusiasts.
Video by Colorblind Media, Cavin Brothers, and David Mangum.
If you love wild birds and wild places as much as Steve, please become a Pheasants Forever member.
Not a big fan of men killing birds.
Great video of a man following his
passion!
Loved the video. It shows a dignified view of upland hunting that others should emulate with the emphasis on respect for the bird the dog and the habitat.
Yes , I also admire the real feeling of this video.
This man truly follows his passion for upland bird hunting. I admire him. Great video !
Also loved this video. A day in the Field, working with the dogs is what it is all about. Better than a day in the office
The recognition of protecting what you love even when killing some of the animals that you propagate is part of the program is hard for some to understand. If you have never farmed, fished or hunted in your lifetime it maybe hard to understand. The most ardent protectionist of the natural world are in most cases hunters and fishers.
This man’s life includes a focus that I love. That is the protection and proper harvest of game birds. Daily limits of birds are not his focus, it is sharing the entire experience of pursuit, knowledge of his dogs and the birds he hunts. Experience from guides like him give the public a true understanding of what is out in the wilds of our great outdoors.
Thank you Orvis for the great video and thank you Mr. Gossman for your great outlook and prospective.
Spot on, beautiful video. It’s all about being in the moment with nature.
There is no respect for the bird if you kill them.
Observe them, admire them, save their habitat instead.
Well said!
Can you send me a copy of your degree in Wildlife Management? Always love to hear from experts like yourself on the science and rationale on how to best manage wildlife. Oops, maybe you don’t have a degree or any experience and just want to add some unintelligent opinion. Why are you on this site?
John Jackie and Sharon should be in politics since they know what’s best for the world
I got so excited by this video that I went Ruff Grouse hunting with him last weekend in Minnesota! What a great guy and staff. We felt welcome from the getgo. Great fun with a true gentleman. I hunted with his son Travis who is an expert guide, then Steve on the last day. Definitely will be back to do the South Dakota hunt.
I’ve had an opportunity when I was in my early teens, my mother had a male friend that was very similar to Steve, This mentor taught me how to fly fish, and hunt grouse, those memories are like everything to me. He opened up a world that was foreign to me. My love grew and grew. I love hunting and flying and being in the outdoors, that’s where my heart sings, and my soul is at peace.
My mentor is always bye my side.
I miss you Dale stumpner.
Barry Hempstead
I don’t believe that is what this was about.
Then why are you on this website instead of Patagonia or REI?
Never eat chicken, I guess?
That’s what you saw in this? Sorry for you my friend.
After reading through the comments here I figured I better enlighten a few of you.
I had the pleasure of working for Steve. I watched his boys scramble off to school on the bus, then come home and work with their father.
Millions of people love to hunt, but the Grossmans have passion and respect for what they love. The dogs, the habitat, the equipment, the preperation that goes into upland bird hunting is life long.
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone that cares more and respects wild birds than Grouseman! His passion has brought more memories to generations of hunters than anyone I know.
Selflessly Steve has handed down knowledge to thousands of hunters throughout his career, he has chosen respect for the bird over greed and turned away profits to protect not only the birds, but his conscience!
great reply Cap
I love the Arrogant 1, that thinks by following a Book of Notes can match the knowledge of a MAN thats walked the talk literally and watched Nature evolve. The change in Nature requires the Management to also adhere to adaptive techniques. I have walked 1000’s of Miles in my life. My conclusion thus far is everything living needs a place called Home. From the Upland Hunter perspective, Grouse , Bob’s, Blue’s, all of those wild wonders. Training and raising English Setters from a young man and being raised by a father who had a large Kennel and Horse operation. Experience trumps all the B.S. PERIOD. Kentucky just concluded a 10 year study with all there Brainiacs . They found it would be best to enroll the mass of property owners into a program to provide small areas in a larger format state wide, than to take a single large area and try to develop it with science and Books. That method failed. Again everything needs a Home. PERIOD
SEND THAT TO MR. JEFF PARKER
I totally agree.. looks to me his love for passion is his way of giving back to the earth. Wish I was a hunter I’d definitely would
Experience being in his fields ..
My passion is fishing , just started back fly fishing LOVE IT !
Under if you know what I mean !!
Thanksgiving dinner at the Black’s house = all veggies. Unless you’re okay with men killing hogs, of couse.
Not a fan of a man who complained about bird hunting on an Orvis video. I have had a lifelong love affair with bird dogs, birds, and hunting them and other wild species. I take no great “pleasure” in the killing of them, or the elk, deer, antelope, fish and other furry or finned creatures, but God made them for His purposes and gave us His permission to both enjoy and be sustained by them. A quick death by the gun is preferable to being eaten alive by a lion, a bear, a coyote or a pack of wolves.
Yes
Well, John Black, why are you on an Orvis websight?
Maybe you are not a fan of indiscriminate killing of birds.
Neither am I.
But ethical hunting is to be praised and the eating is good.
So go play on the internet somewhere else and stop eating meat of any kind. Do you think your steaks and chicken wings grow out of the ground? They come from animals that have been “killed” for your pleasure. Go away!
I didn’t see him kill anything it not really about that. Working the land birds and dogs
What do you eat for Thanksgiving?
John, you’ll probably get a ration for sharing your honest reaction. I appreciate your candor. I don’t agree with you, because I love bird dogs, all birds, and honest bird hunting. Real bird hunting never means excess, is premised on ethics, and is damned hard, especially as you age. I love the challenge of the hunt, but just getting to that point with a well trained dog represents years of work, for you and your dog. I saw that hard work, and ethic, in this little video. Not “men killing birds.” I hope you can expand your response. If not, well, try to understand there are lots of ways to see this form of human activity that is much more than shooting birds.
John B. You just don’t get it, it’s not all about killing birds. But your single statement says it all about you, and you never will get it. So sorry for you.
John,
I respect your thoughts and support your ability to have a different mindset. Nevertheless, you missed the point of a wonderful story of Mr. Grossman’s journey to protect the sport, love of nature, and the higher connection to them both.
I am sure if you ask Mr. Grossman to take you on an outing without the guns, you will come back with a better understanding. I grew up in Alabama where we had to hunt to supplement our diet. When God blessed my Dad to move us to Mobile, we still hunt, but only to support our neighbors’ diet. Now, I go out with just a camera and my family to enjoy what I learn from my childhood.
I respectfully ask for educational purposes only, that you go out with a guide not to bird shoot just be outside, then your opinion will soften, but you still don’t have to agree with “killing birds.””
Kindest Regards
Guy Walton
…Are you looking for a response to make to justify why ..You have no life.
When you go to a super market and buy a Bird to eat, you are paying for someone else to do your killing. I’m not a Hypocrite.
Bet your first in line at dinner
Nothing better than killing, catching ,and even raiseing up own beef and poultry then eating it do your own dirty work
Hey John,
You say you’re not “a big fan of men killing birds” (?)
Who kills the chickens for your chicken wings? Who kills the turkey for your Tahnksgiving?
Maybe your a vegan?
Then don’t
You must not have watched the video. If you had, that wouldn’t be your takeaway.
Then go elsewhere and keep your mouth shut.
Amen
I’m not a big fan of men who don’t
Why should we care what you don’t like? You had the option to not watch or review the website. Use that freedom to delete the post before reading or watching. Why do you feel your opinion matters ? We didn’t ask for it.
John Black, if I thought you were open-minded and wanted to understand this, I would be happy to discuss at length. But I just don’t think you are.
Then why are watching this ?
Each to his own thankyou…you can stop eating chicken
Everyone, many will not get it, why? You are missing the point, this is about learning from “nature” and from the loyalty of his incredible companion his dog. I get it, even though polio took away the use of my right arm & hand, I was bought up to hunt deer and hogs. My one chore after leaving the hospital was learning to take care of our Blue Tick hounds. We had as few as 4 and once at 13, we had 2 litters of 11 & 12 pups. What a chore that stuck to me to this day. I stopped hunting after my father committed suicide and I had to sale the hounds. But, this video sure brought back memories of the good old days.
He would have thought some 30 years later I would start training Golden Retrievers. Not for hunting, to go visit kids in a hospital, courtrooms, and many other places. My first Golden, no doubt what a gift! I`ve never owned a Dog like this kid, intuitive beyond a humans understanding, smartest dog I`ve ever own, and he had to stick with me everywhere.
No bird hunting does not interest me, but this video is about something that is very, I mean very deep. The love of his dogs “olfactory” and the love of God’s Nature & Country!
You missed the whole video.
So what’s your sport? We eat what we hunt.
then don’t watch this stuff and eat only vegetables for ever.
Then why would you even comment? Seems to me you have a limited understanding of hunting and probably by all your food in grocery store. And you have no clue how that meat or vegetables got there.
Not a big fan of men or women killing cows, pigs , chickens and baby lambs.
I Agree
Was that directed at Perdue or Tyson Foods.
Maybe you need to listen to the words in the video again. It comes through to me it’s not about killing the birds it’s a way to respect what you’ve been allowed to see and do in the life you been given.
what if the man killing birds self identifies as something else? would you be a fan then??
It’s not about killing birds. I’m sorry you missed that. It’s about the connection with the dog and with nature.
So don’t watch the video…..
when is the last time you ate chicken? i’m sure someone had to kill that bird you enjoyed. no offense
It must suck being a beta male…..#menmenstrate2
That’s the great thing about America.
We still have choices.
Good night John Boy….
Then why would you watch a video on bird hunting and then leave a comment? Go suck on some granola
.
Despite his love of nature, can’t admire killing what is part of the beauty he sees. Sad.
It’s a little hard to eat them alive.
Don’t eat any chicken or turkey then.
John, I’ve tried being a vegetarian, it just made me feel awful. I’ve been hunting birds for 30 years, and like Steve Grossman, my hunt is about the love of nature, dogs, being with people you love, and learning about bird hunting. Lastly, I have always lived with the mantra, “eat what you kill”, and “it’s not about the number of birds in the bag, it’s about the majestic experience of each hunt”. Do your soul a favor and experience a beautiful day in the fields with a pro like Steve Grossman.
Great video about an outstanding sportsman and the essence of respect and appreciation for the great outdoors and the spirit of dogs, birds and the tremendous women and men embedded in the culture.
Great video. . . but I want more!
Good G-d, is this well shot and edited. Bravo to Orvis for investing in long-form storytelling. Keep it up!
I tip my hat to you Mr. Grossman. Thank
you, for sharing your wonderful passion with others. Bless all the bird hunters across this land.
Beautiful and meaningful connection to the land and nature.
I enjoyed the video! It told a beautiful story about one man’s passion and respect for nature. It was well done!
I begin by saying I am a bird lover and spend time observing, feeding and doing national bird counts each year. I also owned and showed German Shorthairs, bred for hunting and conformation. Nothing more beautiful than a loved hunting companion.
I will continue, this is s beautiful film of a man who understands what hunting should be about. The beauty of the day, watching trained dogs in the field, do what they love doing. So much more than the bounty.
Thank you for sharing this.
Great video thank you for sharing!!
Thanks Orvis for your great Videos regarding Birds, Fish and Men Hunting. All have been great and let’s have some more. This reminds me of our dad and his love for hunting also lots of guns and his raising of Chickens, Hogs, Cattle and nearby fish ponds. We grew up in the South and we learned a lot. So thanks again for all of your love. Ms. Joyce Howell
A true sportsman, its about the land, the camaraderie and the experience, not at about how many birds you shoot or fish you catch.
They go hand in hand
I miss my dad and our bird dogs Bo cap and Jake also Hank & buster these dogs consist of English setters pointers and labs the video made me cry with joy
So sollie, I don’t like eating shit, etc. have a nice day.
Hunting birds is a great sport. Not just for the sportsman, but for the sporting dog as well. Being lost in the millennial generation. Many kids don’t have dads to teach them the finer things – like sport shooting. It’s really too bad. Great video! Passion for the sport and the love of nature is what it’s all about!
Thank You, Thank You. Thank You.egor Nosnikrap.
R
Steve is a true gentleman and we are blessed to have known him. Our first English Setter was one of Steve’s and was a superb hunter and a better companion.
Thank you, Steve.
Lovely video and story of someone, man or woman, following their passion. We need more stories like this about ethical hunting, legacy, respect and the beauty of the outdoors. This is what conversation is about, and why for generations hunters were the biggest supporters of public lands and land conservation. Habitat is king.
I don’t hunt with dogs usually, but have from time to time and can appreciate the skill in training, handling etc. His comments about understanding and respecting the birds habitat and behavior speaks volumes. That’s why guided hunts, over-reliance on dogs and “driven shoots” such as what Blixt and Co. does in Idaho is all “thrill without the skill.” That’s not real hunting. That’s target practice.
Captured you with perfection. Epic! Honored to have shared field and forest with you.
Dear Mr. Black,
Upland bird hunting behind bird dogs is not about killing birds. Clearly that escaped you. Hopefully you don’t eat chicken, or any meat for that matter. Their lives and deaths are far more horrific than a game bird shot by a shotgun…or killed by a hawk, or a coyote.
Upland bird hunting behind a bird dog is about the pursuit, embodied in the beauty of our landscape.
The fact that we carry a gun is incidental. Many of us walk for miles and go home with an empty bag, but happy to have had the time with our dog and nature.
Before you critique another person’s soul, look into your own.
Liberal, whining cry babies! Today’s generation of “me too” spoiled brats is the reason I enjoy hanging with hunters and fishermen. But a self-centered cry baby will only complain that it’s not politically correct to say fishermen, it should be fisher “people”! God help us! And I’d imagine Mr Black needs a tissue….keep up the great work Mr Grossman and Orvis!
Well said Dennis !
It hasn’t been ignored, but to reiterate; the photography and production values of this piece are extraordinary. It makes me think about leaving my gun in the truck and following somebody else with my camera.
Nice video, seems like a good man who followed his calling. My only issue is I hope every bird shot was eaten by someone and not wasted.
The use of the word ” KILLING ” instead of ” HARVESTING ” is something non hunters will never understand! Thank goodness I belong to ” PETA ” ( PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS! )
Great video on a great sport and a mans passion. Love going to Montana to hunt wild birds.
Female, 83 years old. I have no knowledge of hunting but Steve Grouseman’s video was WONDERFUL!!! It just gave me a good feeling, happy feeling. Thank you!
Great video …hope you will continue to support the sport of bird hunting. I’ll be in Vermont for the start of grouse season on Saturday with my lab and friends.
Yep. I get it.
Thank you for a great video. Please excuse the ignorant comment. We know which one. Very inspirational and makes me reflect back on life, great dogs I’ve been lucky enough to be owned by and respect for our land. That’s what hunting is about. Taking care of the land takes care of the animals takes care of our bellies. A smarter person would say that better, but you get what I’m saying. Thank you Orvis.
Starting back in the 60s, a group from CT would travel to York, PA for the pheasant and quail hunting, which at the time was better than the midwest. We then branched out to Nebraska for pheasant and quail. Our year would start with a week plus in October, New Brunswick, Canada for grouse and woodcock, November for pheasant, quail, December down time. January Mexico for quail and dove, February to Georgia for Quail. My wife would go shopping We all had eng setters and pointers, one setter was field trial Peace Dale Babe, in Hall of fame, owned by Ron Andrechak. In those days we could take shotguns on airplane, overhead. Many memories. Your video is wonderful.
Don`t watch it than
A very good message for all. A man living his passion is a lucky man.
Great Story! For those of us who were lucky enough to be born in “bird country” that video brought back over 20 years of great memories of the people and dogs long gone who taugh me the meaning of “outdoorsman”.
For those of you who also got a lump in your throat, you are my people. Keep living; enjoy the lifestyle, and above all, give back to the resource. Be the teacher those were to you.
Thanks Orvis.
Amazing video, telling the story of Steve’s passion. Our family knows him, and he respects his dogs, land, birds, guns and the hunt! Thanks for sharing!
A beautiful portrayal of a singular kind of man. Thank you!
Personally, my hunting days have been over for many years. Shooting with a camera is what’s written in my book.
UGH. Killing off our fellow species. We’ve already lost a billion birds–by some reports.
I am not a fan of the hunting/killing undercurrent of Orvis’s dress wear.
Pulllleeeeeeaaaaaassssssse. Plus, your new tightwear is unappealing to me. Bring back your women’s cargo pants of a few years ago.
Great video.
They go hand in hand
Magnificent video.
Occasionally I hear the question, “If it’s really about the sunsets and the beautiful country, why is killing necessary?” That’s a fair question. The difference between hunting and hiking is the difference between participant and spectator. When I’m backpacking, hiking, or running trails, I’m enjoying the country, moving through it, experiencing it. But when I am out with bow in hand, slipping up on a deer, whacking a few rabbits for supper, or trying to convince an elk to come my way, I am more than an observer. I am part of the flow of predator and prey. (And in griz/lion country, I am aware that I could possibly end up on either side of that relationship) I am no longer just an observer. I am an active participant in nature’s way, part of the flow of life, and it is part of me.
You don’t get that simply out for a walk. And you sure as heck don’t get it from the grocery store.
Enjoy the hunt!
Thomas
Amazing video ! Thank You.
There is nothing better than a man who can look back at the long arc of his life and know that he’s done what he was put here to do. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Orvis for another beautiful video, sharing Mr. Grossman’s love and total respect for the land, the birds, his dogs and teaching his passion to his son and others. I’m not a hunter, never will be, but I can respect those that do and do so with total respect for the land and the animals they are in pursuit of. Follow the laws in the state, keep it safe for yourself and for those that are with you. Be passionate to protect our fragile eco-systems that we all need to survive.
Thank You Mr. Grossman for that great life story, there are only a few men that I have met that understand the statement of “It’s part of your Soul”. I raised and trained Shorthairs for 20 years and it was the most rewarding enjoyment to get that orchestration of wildlife, Man and “Machine” ( the dog) in accord with one another. It’s never been about a Limit. Thank you Orvis for illustrating what depths can be achieved and enjoyed in a persons heart. Thanks for letting me re-live those spectacular breath taking moments.
Steve Grossman is a very passionate man about the dogs, the hunt, the birds. He says in the video, “It is not about how fast you fill your limit.” He goes on to list several things about what it is about, watch again and take a note or 2.
I know Steve, and this is him, and I think of his passion when I get in the field too.
This video did not even show a gun go off, and only the stock coming to the shoulder. If you have a problem with this, YOU have a problem. You need to hunt with Steve, or any hunter who understands, and is a CONSERVATIONIST, as we all are. Someone talked about the birds killed, well who paid to have them planted, and paid for the conservation effort to start? IT WAS HUNTERS!.
thanks for listening.
Thanks OVRIS what a great watch !!
60 years ago this month Grandpa Ferguson introduced me to Grouse hunting over a dog. Still at it…
My wonderful Springer Spaniel BILL is my motivator. God bless all the dog and hunter braces.
The vast majority of these comments are aimed at “John Black” instead of the great video and featured family. Ironic that his was the first comment posted. This is a very well done marketing video with the goal of creating buzz, clicks, posts and brand awareness for Orvis. They succeeded by submitting the first post under the name “John Black”. Nice work Orvis. Maybe use the name John Doe next time.
Awesome video, but better Marketing!
Dear Mr. Arnold, I can assure you that no one at Orvis is posting fake comments here. The truth is that we have a wide customer base, which results in a variety of viewpoints. Mr. Black expressed his, and others responded. Our only hope in these situations is that everyone can remain respectful in their disagreement.
Pheasant shoots are great! Of all the wing shooting I used to do when I was a younger man, pheasant hunting took 1st place in the field and on the table.
Nice film skills behind the camera – evokes feeling!
And, audio is very complimentary to the spirit of the story. I would like to see more “story telling”
Thanks
Steve Grossman / Grouseman the bird killer- I hope your trained dogs mistake you for a ” bird” and end your life as you do with the birds!!! And allowing your dogs free from getting rewarded for killing!!! shame on you!!
Excellent,, Bravo
Disgusting! Killing birds or any wildlife simply for sport and the ‘thrill of the hunt’ is not only abhorrent but is simply not true sportsmanship!
If it’s all about the ‘sunset, the fact that birds live there, and history’, as this guy espouses, then he should just man up & enjoy those things. Killing is not a part of that. Talk about sheer hypocrisy!
at a time in our American history now is NOT THE time to KILL BIRDS. THEY ARE OUR HERITAGE!!
LOVE OF ALL ANIMALS AND PEOPLE IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT NOW!
GEORGE
It’s about time Orvis! I’ve known this man for more than 30 years and it is about time someone told his story, Good Job Orvis! I just wonder how many Birds or Bird Habitat the Prairie Fairy’s or Tree Huggers have saved? I know for a fact that Steve and most other Bird Hunters have saved a lot. Steve always believed that if you “take one you put two back”, hence his dedication to all the wildlife organizations he works for and supports. Steve donated much of his valued time and money to a wildlife group I am involved with and I know there many others. If it were not for guy’s like Steve the Anti’s may not have many Birds to look at! Thanks Steve for all you do! David
My Dad and Uncle began taking me hunting in 1946 when I was nine. We had two setters and a pointer. I had to give it up five years ago. I am a member of Quail Forever, and we try to make a difference. Unfortunately our farmland it too productive to leave enough ground for upland game. All I have is You Tube and my memories of bird hunting. Thanks for the video.