A.J. DeRosa

A.J. DeRosa, founder of Project Upland, is a New England native with over 35 years of hunting experience across three continents. His passion for upland birds and side-by-side shotguns has taken him around the world, uncovering the stories of people and places connected to the uplands. First published in 2004, he wrote The Urban Deer Complex in 2014 and soon discovered a love for filmmaking, which led to the award-winning Project Upland film series. A.J.'s dedication to wildlife drives his advocacy for conservation policy and habitat funding at both federal and state levels. He serves as Vice Chair of the New Hampshire Fish & Game Commission, giving back to his community. You can often find A.J. and his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Grim, hunting in the mountains of New England—or wherever the birds lead them.

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Two grouse hunters walk a logging road with their bird dogs.
Minnesota Grouse Hunting, Woodcock, Prairie Chicken, Pheasant and Small Game

Minnesota may be the epicenter of the bird hunting community and is home to various…

A bird hunting dog wearing a dogtra pathfinder collar.
Dogtra Pathfinder – GPS Dog E-Collar Review, Use, and Value

Overall, the Dogtra Pathfinder is a great solution for those who want a gun dog…

A bird dog on point in thick cover
Hard Lesson Learned on Wind Direction and Hunting Dogs

A hard lesson learned about wind direction for a first time hunting dog handler In…

a sage and braker gun cleaning mat
Gear Review: Sage and Braker Gun Cleaning Mat

A gun cleaning mat built with a quality that will survive generations I have a…

A hunter holds a woodcock while hunting without a dog.
The Unholy Art of Hunting Woodcock Without a Dog

Hunting woodcock without a dog is a culture in of itself. Long before it was…

A partridge hunter holds up a ruffed grouse.
Bird Hunting Without a Dog – Breaking the Stigma

Bird hunting without a dog is a controversial subject in the upland community, but nevertheless…

A hunter exposes the crop of a ruffed grouse to see what it was eating
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Tip: Know What They Are Eating

Follow this ruffed grouse hunting advice on slow days in your covers However predictable we…

A bird hunter in Maine with his pointing dog while ruffed grouse hunting.
Bird Hunting in Maine, Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock, and Other Small Game

‘The way life should be’ when it comes to many things in Maine — including…

An upland hunter walks through a young Aspen forest
Why Upland Hunting is the Ultimate City Escape

The Ultimate City Escape is in the covers of the Upland World. Long before I…

A puppy looks to the owner for direction.
Things a Novice Should Know about Dog Training

First time advice on dog training from a struggling novice Beginning on the path of…

A pointing dog is told to "whoa" while on point
Thinking About Dog Commands to Avoid Confusion in Training

The commands we choose to train our dog are important in more ways than we…

A close up shot of the detail on a pheasant
Hunting Photography- Reinventing the Hero Shot

Hunting photography is full of hero shots. The upland community is no exception. So what…

A woodcock hunter in New Hampshire with a bird dog.
New Hampshire Grouse and Woodcock Hunting and Other Small Game

New Hampshire is a sleeper state for world-class ruffed grouse and snowshoe hare hunting, as…

Writer Gregg Elliot walking into a New England upland hunting cover
A Look at New England Upland Hunting Culture Through the Ages

The Nostalgia, the Lure of New England and its Storytellers Lives On I recall overlooking…

A bird hunter straps a gopro to his head.
How to Self-Film Your Bird Hunting Videos

It is possible to create solid quality self-filmed bird hunts. Bird hunting videos are a…