Why I Came to New Mexico
A Bird Dog Addict’s Journey from Wisconsin to the Southwest
When you talk to Brian from Amaazen Outdoors, you quickly realize that this isn’t just a career — it’s a calling. A lifelong upland bird hunter from the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Brian’s journey has brought him to the wide-open terrain of New Mexico. And with him, he brings deep knowledge, four seasoned bird dogs, and a new partnership with Bob King of Santa Fe Guiding Company.
🎯 From Midlife Shift to Full-Time Bird Dog Life
“I kind of hit a midlife crisis… I had gotten my second bird dog, and I fell in love.” – Brian
Brian didn’t originally plan on becoming a guide. But after years working a career that wore him down physically and mentally, he realized he needed something else. That “something” turned out to be bird dogs. Fast-forward to today, he’s fully immersed in guiding and outfitting — running four of his own dogs and working with others during Wisconsin’s fall season.
🌲 Northwoods Roots: The Wisconsin Bird Hunt
Before expanding west, Brian guided primarily in Wisconsin’s timbered grouse and woodcock country. It’s thick, flat, and filled with tightly woven forests where hunters sneak behind dogs in search of individual birds.
“It’s very different from swinging a gun on the prairie… These are fast, close encounters.”
Unlike covey-based hunting in the Southwest, Wisconsin’s bird hunting often means limited visibility and challenging shots. While it offers its own thrills, the terrain limits how much you actually see your dog work. That’s part of what drew Brian to New Mexico.
🌄 Why New Mexico?
“The amount of vastly different terrain… is truly impressive.”
“You’ve got birds, public land, and real opportunity here.”
Brian’s first few trips to New Mexico lit a fire in him. The state’s combination of desert, grassland, and mountainous terrain — not to mention the extended hunting season — made it an ideal second home for his guiding work. He calls it “chasing the endless season.”
Now, he’s teaming up with Bob King of Santa Fe Guiding Co. to extend his bird hunting season into the Southwest — bringing fresh energy and national experience to New Mexico’s upland scene.
🐾 Prairie Dogs Run Free
One of Brian’s favorite parts about heading south?
“I get to watch my dogs actually work.”
On wide-open public land in New Mexico, his dogs have space to stretch out — something that’s often impossible in Wisconsin’s tight quarters. It’s both exciting and rewarding to see a seasoned dog in action, especially after a season navigating thick timber.
📅 What’s Next?
Brian will be working with Santa Fe Guiding Co. throughout the fall bird season. Whether you’re a seasoned quail hunter or curious beginner, keep an eye out — this collaboration promises to bring new energy, fresh insights, and unforgettable hunts to the Land of Enchantment.
🔗 Stay Tuned for More
In Part 2 of our series, Brian dives into:
How he prepares his dogs for desert terrain
Tips for dealing with cholla cactus and blue quail quirks
Why he always carries a comb in the field