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Recorded at the Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Tampa, this episode brings together leaders from conservation and the outdoor industry to discuss where things are headed.Bob Spoerl, DU's new Chairman of the Board, and Ken Eubanks, CEO of Rather Outdoors, join host Jimbo Robinson to talk about leadership transitions, conservation milestones, and the challenges facing hunting and fishing today. The conversation explores how outdoor participation is changing, why younger generations are harder to engage, and what it takes to build the next wave of hunters, anglers, and conservationists.From technology and innovation to storytelling and mentorship, this episode offers a candid look at what the future may hold — and what needs to happen to protect it.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, rejoins the DU Podcast to provide nostalgic reflection as he share insights on the role of sex-specific duck regulations, how they were formulated under the point system, and what determined if a bird was worth 10, 15, or 35 points. Despite being conceptually sound, the point system was withdrawn in 1994, largely due to challenges with the practicality of its implementation and enforcement.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Today's hunters don't just rely on skill — they rely on the tools that get them there.In this episode of the DUX Series, host David Schuessler is joined by co‑host Logan Nevins and guest Seth Dortch of Rough Country, one of the fastest‑growing vehicle accessory brands in the outdoor space.From truck lifts and bed systems to fully outfitted UTV builds, Seth shares how Rough Country has evolved from a suspension company into a full‑scale outdoor lifestyle brand — and how that evolution parallels the way modern hunters access, transport, and experience the outdoors.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Seth Dortch's background growing up in West Tennessee and DU banquetsThe early partnership between Rough Country and Ducks UnlimitedHow Rough Country grew from a small suspension company to a major manufacturerThe role of aftermarket accessories in hunting and outdoor lifestylesWhy modern hunters rely on UTVs and fully customized vehiclesThe rise of UTV accessories and how the category exploded in the last decadeHow Rough Country designs products specifically for hunters and outdoorsmenBed caps, cargo systems, and the “full system” approach to gearThe complexity of fitting products across vehicle makes and modelsHow innovation and competition drive better gear for consumerAmerican manufacturing and the impact on local communitiesWhat Rough Country is bringing to the DUX show in MemphisThis episode highlights how gear and mobility have become essential parts of the modern hunting experience — and how brands like Rough Country are helping drive that evolution.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
With spring planting season winding down, attention turns to the work that pays dividends for ducks long after the combines are parked. Cason and Brent discuss Louisiana's newly announced black-bellied whistling duck season and debate whether duck hunters and waterfowl managers have fallen behind deer hunters when it comes to working together across property lines. The conversation also covers the latest reports from the Prairie Pothole Region, drought conditions across the South, and why stewardship matters, whether you own ground or not. The episode wraps up with a look at a potential floodplain reforestation project and several programs that can help landowners turn marginal farmland into productive wildlife habitat.Send us Fan MailAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
California's Central Valley is one of the most important — and most intensively managed — waterfowl landscapes in North America.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Matt Kaminski, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, and Dr. Dan Smith, DU Waterfowl Scientist, for a deep dive into habitat conditions, conservation challenges, and the future of wetlands in the Pacific Flyway.From highly engineered water systems to changing land use and declining snowpack, the conversation highlights how water management decisions shape waterfowl populations across the entire annual cycle — from breeding to migration and wintering.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Current breeding habitat conditions in the Central ValleyThe role of snowpack and water supply in wetland availabilityWhy California remains critical for wintering AND breeding ducksDeclines in mallard production and possible causesChanges in agriculture, especially rice, and impacts on ducksThe importance of watergrass as a key food resourceHighly engineered water systems and wetland infrastructureSeasonal vs. semi‑permanent wetlands explainedThe concept of “reverse cycle wetlands” and brood habitatWhy summer water is critical — but difficult and expensive to maintainDU and partner programs incentivizing habitat for breeding waterfowlThis episode provides an inside look at one of the most complex conservation landscapes in North America — and how Ducks Unlimited is working with partners to keep it productive for waterfowl.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Mathematics was once a required practice in the duck blind, courtesy of the point system of the 70s and 80s. Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip down memory lane to discuss the origination, objectives, implementation, and critiques of the old point system, a once common regulatory alternative for duck harvest. Although liked and enjoyed by managers and hunters alike, it wasn't without its challenges. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Behind every vintage shell box, calendar, or advertisement is a story — not just about products, but about the history and culture of hunting itself.In this episode, host Katie Burke is joined by Lee Schulz, a long‑time collector of sporting art and hunting-related advertising, live from the North American Decoy Collectors Show. From hotel rooms turned antique shops to decades of collecting rare pieces, this conversation explores a side of the waterfowl world many hunters overlook — the art and artifacts that helped define it.Lee shares how collecting evolved over the last 40 years, the artists behind iconic advertising, and why these pieces still resonate with hunters today.In this episode, listeners will hear about:What sporting art and advertising collectibles areHow Lee got started collecting shell boxes and antique advertisingThe role of hunting culture in shaping early American advertisingWhy companies like Winchester and Remington relied on fine artistsLegendary artists like Philip Goodwin, Lynn Bogue Hunt, and Frank BensonThe connection between early advertising art and duck stamp artistsHow artwork was designed to sell products and tell storiesWhy nostalgia and outdoor heritage are driving renewed interestThis episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of art, history, and hunting — and why preserving these pieces matters for future generations.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Brandon Stafford has spent more than 20 years in the Arkansas land business, witnessing firsthand the dramatic rise in agricultural and recreational land values. In this episode, he shares insights into the evolving market for duck-hunting properties, the growing importance of privately managed habitat, and how habitat loss has concentrated ducks in fewer areas. Stafford also discusses some original things to evaluate in your due diligence of buying a property. Including your neighbors.>>>Big thanks to our sponsors: Sitka Gear, Tom Beckbe, Ducks Unlimited, Lile Real Estate, Create the X, Waterfowl Management Academy, Noah Perry-Raymond James, Purina Pro Plan, and Perfect Limit Outdoors. Send us Fan MailAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
Rice fields aren't just agricultural landscapes — they're one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America.In this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren of Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center and Patrick Dill, Ducks Unlimited's Manager of Agricultural Programs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), to break down the science, management, and real‑world decisions behind rice agriculture and waterfowl habitat.From energy-rich food resources to water management and farming practices, the group explains why rice fields have become a cornerstone of wintering habitat — and what's at risk as modern agriculture continues to evolve.In this episode, listeners will hear about:The history of rice agriculture and its connection to waterfowlWhy rice fields function as “surrogate wetlands” in the MAVDuck Energy Days explained and why they matterThe massive difference between harvested vs. unharvested rice fieldsHow modern harvesting techniques affect food availabilityResidue management (burning, rolling, disking) and its impact on ducksWhy water depth (2–8 inches) is critical for feeding waterfowlThe importance of invertebrates and diverse food sources in rice fieldsHow infrastructure (levees, impoundments) helps hold water on the landscapeThe role of geese, weather, and timing in food depletionWhy early flooding and late-season water retention matterHow pressure, disturbance, and refuge areas affect duck behaviorThe realities of farming decisions: input costs, markets, and water scarcityEmerging trends in rice production (row rice, AWD irrigation, ratoon crops)Habitat loss risks when rice acres shift to other cropsPractical tips for managing rice fields specifically for waterfowlThis episode connects agriculture and conservation in a way that shows how farm-level decisions directly influence continental duck populations.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
In this episode of The Green Way Outdoors Podcast, the crew dives into some of the wildest true stories in nature and conservation. From the deadly Lake Nyos CO2 disaster in Africa that silently killed over 1,700 people, to the unbelievable mission to save the endangered whooping crane using costume-wearing biologists and ultralight aircraft, this episode is packed with insane real-world stories. The guys also break down fascinating muskie research from the University of Illinois that may finally explain why muskies are known as “the fish of 10,000 casts.” Can fish actually become educated? The results are shocking. * Arctic and glacier scuba diving dangers * Sandhill crane hunting stories * Predator fish behavior * Conservation success stories * Wildlife science and survival instincts * The weirdest grant proposal ever approved Watch our HISTORY Channel show on:HISTORYWAYPOINT TVFollow us on:FacebookInstagramTwitterYoutubeOur Website
In this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
With Cason out on vacation and the holiday week keeping things short, Brent takes the controls for a rare solo episode...no guests, no script, just stories and insight. Using the Executive Q&A featured in Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine as a guide, he walks through the same questions posed to prominent Arkansas business leaders, mixing in personal experiences, hunting memories, and the lessons that shaped him as a waterfowler. It's a laid-back but revealing episode that offers a deeper look into how Brent approaches duck season, the outdoors, and the traditions that keep him coming back every fall.SUBSCRIBE TO GREENHEAD GRAND PRAIRIE DUCK CLUB MAP>>>Thanks to our sponsors: Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Perfect Limit Outdoors, Purina Pro Plan, Sitka Gear, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine, Noah Perry-Raymond James, The Waterfowl Management Academy, Create the X, and Ducks Unlimited.Send us Fan MailAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
This week on the Duck Gun Podcast, Jordan ranks every major Midwest duck hunting state from S Tier to F Tier — and some of these rankings are definitely going to make people mad.Which states truly deserve the hype? Which ones are living off reputation?Whether you're chasing mallards in flooded timber, divers on big water, or field geese in the flyway, this one is guaranteed to spark debate at duck camp.Drop your rankings in the comments and let's hear where you agree — and where I completely lost my mind.
Waterfowl science is entering a new era — and Ducks Unlimited is right in the middle of it.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson and guest Dr. Patrick Donnelly, Research Scientist with Ducks Unlimited's Western Region, for a deep dive into how emerging technologies are transforming the way we understand ducks, wetlands, and flyways.Patrick brings decades of experience from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joint ventures, and academia, and now applies cutting‑edge tools like AI, cloud computing, GPS telemetry, remote sensing, and environmental DNA to answer some of the most important conservation questions at continental scales.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Patrick Donnelly's journey from the Fish & Wildlife Service to Ducks UnlimitedMovement ecology and why scale matters for migratory birdsHow GPS transmitters revolutionized waterfowl researchUsing satellite imagery to map wetlands across 40+ years“Functional wetland loss” and why water matters as much as land protectionThe role of snowpack, hydrology, and climate in western wetlandsDisease risk, botulism, and crowding during molting periodsLinking bird movements, habitat conditions, and timeThe Western Mallard Project and tracking 800 birds across the Pacific FlywaySentinel and Landsat satellites explained in plain languageCloud computing and why conservation can now run at scaleUsing citizen‑science data (eBird) alongside satellite dataNew applications of environmental DNA (yes — duck poop)How AI helps identify patterns humans can't seeTraining the next generation of conservation scientistsWhy this moment feels like a “second revolution” in waterfowl scienceThis episode pulls back the curtain on how Ducks Unlimited is using modern science to maximize conservation return on investment, ensuring that every dollar delivers the greatest benefit for waterfowl now and into the future.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Past Editor-in-Chief of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Stan Van Etten, joins host, Katie Burke, to chat about the magazine's 20-year run. The duo reminisces about some of the magazine's great articles over years of its publication. Stan discusses what led him to start the publication of the magazine, as well as his reason for retiring it.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
As the Memorial Day holiday weekend approaches, the guys swap stories about duck bands they've harvested or witnessed firsthand over the years. Some are the kind every waterfowler dreams about, while others are almost too wild to believe. Along the way, they dive into the evolution of college baseball and how, much like duck hunting, the sport continues to change with the times before wrapping things up with a look at Brent's upcoming induction into the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame.>>Thanks to our sponsors: Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Perfect Limit Outdoors, Purina Pro Plan, Sitka Gear, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine, Noah Perry-Raymond James, The Waterfowl Management Academy, Create the X, and Ducks Unlimited.Send us Fan MailAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
This week on the Duck Gun Podcast, we're playing a dangerous game… Duck Hunting THIS or THAT? You can only pick ONE forever.12 gauge or 20 gauge? Public land or private? Big spreads or small spreads? Decoying birds or pass shooting?Jordan breaks down some of the toughest choices in waterfowl hunting and explains which side he's taking — and why. Some answers might surprise you.Duck Hunting THIS or THAT? You can only pick ONE forever.This week on the Duck Gun Podcast, Jordan dives into some of the biggest debates in waterfowl hunting:12 gauge vs 20 gaugePublic land vs private landBig spreads vs small spreadsSpinner vs no spinnerDecoying vs pass shootingAnd plenty more.Some of these choices are easy. Others might start arguments at duck camp for the next 20 years.Drop your answers in the comments — and let's see where everybody stands.
Is duck harvest mortality additive or compensatory? Is duck production strongly or weakly density dependent? Which habitat features most influence duck production? And how are optimal duck harvest regulations selected in the face of this imperfect knowledge? The DU Podcast is again thankful to be joined by Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist and Adaptive Harvest Management expert, to dig deeper into the workings of AHM and how annual duck regulations are selected. SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
The Great Lakes and Atlantic Region may be Ducks Unlimited's largest and most diverse — and it's where conservation relevance is helping drive growth in habitat delivery.In this episode, DU podcast host and Senior Waterfowl Scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, continues our trip around the regions with Jamie Rader, Ducks Unlimited's Director of Operations for the Great Lakes & Atlantic Region. Spanning 21 states from Maine to Minnesota, Jamie oversees one of DU's fastest‑growing conservation teams and shares what it takes to deliver wetland conservation at scale in landscapes shaped by people, agriculture, and development.Jamie reflects on his path from West Tennessee duck hunts to graduate work in Hawaii, mentorship under legendary waterfowlers, and leadership across nearly every DU region before taking the helm in Ann Arbor. From there, the discussion turns to breeding conditions, migration, and the innovative partnerships driving record conservation growth across the region.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Jamie Rader's career path through Ducks Unlimited and field biologyMentorship, duck hunting culture, and lessons learned in the blindThe scope of the Great Lakes & Atlantic Region (“the five M's”)Explosive growth in staff, funding, and conservation delivery since 2020Spring breeding conditions across the Great Lakes, Midwest, and NortheastFlooding, snowfall, and late‑season wetland replenishmentMajor conservation programs including H2Ohio and Chesapeake Bay initiativesWater quality funding as a pathway to waterfowl habitat gainsWorking lands conservation with farmers and producersSoil health, wetland restoration, and nutrient reduction strategiesExpanding DU's relevance beyond traditional waterfowl audiences“Seeing beyond the duck” in coastal, urban, and population‑dense regionsWhy relevance, partnerships, and innovation are essential to future successThis episode highlights how Ducks Unlimited continues to adapt — delivering habitat for waterfowl while meeting the broader environmental needs of people and communities across the Great Lakes & Atlantic Region.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
We sit down with Spencer Lewis to trace the path from Texas Gulf Coast fishing to Marine Corps travel and a full-blown obsession with duck hunting and exploration. Along the way, we talk culture shock, community, social media authenticity, and the boat tech that makes more places reachable. • Spencer's upbringing in southeast Texas and early days fishing and learning duck hunting • Okinawa, Iceland, and Norway travel stories that reshape perspective • coming home after the military and missing the tribe and shared standards • why the outdoors helps veterans reconnect with purpose and people • how TikTok growth rewards authenticity over “internet superstar” energy • stealth camping and urban camping as a weird kind of adventure • surface drive mud motors, noise concerns, and why Spencer believes the newer ProDrive design is the future • freelance duck hunting as map work, scouting, uncertainty, and satisfaction • balancing hunting travel with fatherhood, due dates, and real life schedules DM One Hell of Life podcast on Instagram or TikTok to enter the monthly listener drawingCall or text 850-251-8650 or visit www.floridaducks.com to book your trip, Williamson OutfittersUse code ONEHELLOFALIFEOUTDOORS for 15 percent off your order @ www.froggtoggs.comDirty Duck Coffee: use code onehellofalife15 for 15% offWant to Duck Hunt in Arkansas? Call Kade at Delta Thunder Outfitters at 870-926-7944 Follow us on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/onehellofalifepodcast/?hl=en
On this ep. of the Duck Gun Podcast Jordan and Devin sit down and answer all your duck hunting questions, sure stories from turkey camp and much much more!
Dr. Jim Nichols rejoins the DU Podcast to share stories about early champions of Adaptive Harvest Management and how they promoted it as a better way of setting harvest regulations, with unexpected support resulting from unusual political maneuverings in the mid-90s. Dr. Nicholas and Dr. Mike Brasher also begin discussing key components of AHM, including harvest management objectives and regulatory packages, with a goal of demystifying some of the “black box” of AHM. SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Join Jon on this episode of the Filthy Spoon podcast on the Sacramento River at Slough House Social, Aaron Visger of Sky Chief Waterfowl shares old-school duck-hunting memories, hard-won gear advice, community stories from Sutter and Grey Lodge, and the inspiration behind his practical hunting products.
If North America's duck populations are the engine of waterfowl hunting, the Prairie Pothole Region is its factory—and keeping that factory running requires permanence, partnerships, and people on the land.In this episode, DU Senior Waterfowl Scientist and host, Dr. Mike Brasher, continues the regional operations series with Dr. Johann Walker, Director of Operations for the Great Plains Region, based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Johann brings more than two decades of experience working in the heart of the prairie duck factory and offers a candid, detailed look at habitat conditions, conservation delivery, and the role of permanent easements in sustaining duck populations and rural communities.The conversation covers current wetland conditions across the Dakotas, migration timing, and how improved spring moisture may influence breeding distribution this year. From there, it dives deep into DU's most important conservation tool in the prairies: voluntary grassland and wetland easements.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Spring habitat conditions across the Prairie Pothole RegionWet years vs. dry years and what Johann has seen over 22 years on the prairiesHow migration timing interacts with available wetland conditionsWhy permanent grassland and wetland easements are critical for the future of duck productionHow the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Small Wetlands Acquisition Program worksWhy easements are voluntary, minimally restrictive, and landowner‑drivenHow Duck Stamp dollars directly fund prairie easementsThreats to conservation easements and what DU is doing to defend them Why permanence matters for both wildlife and working ranchesThe rancher's perspective on protecting grassland for future generationsPhilanthropic support accelerating large‑scale habitat protectionAdditional DU programs restoring grasslands, wetlands, and migration habitatExpanding public access while supporting private landownersWhy protecting prairies today matters for hunters tomorrowThis episode offers one of the clearest explanations yet of how Ducks Unlimited protects the prairie duck factory—and how every duck stamp buyer plays a role in that success.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Danny Fulton joins the show to tell the story of building a duck property where most wouldn't expect one, along the Ohio River in southern Indiana. In a region outside the traditional waterfowl spotlight, the Fulton family has transformed a challenging river-bottom farm into a true waterfowl-focused operation. Danny breaks down the process of acquiring the property, adapting to the constant variables of a fluctuating river system, and learning how to shape habitat around the three things ducks demand most: food, rest, and cover. It's a conversation about vision, patience, and the reality of building habitat in a place where success isn't always guaranteed, but earned. Danny also shares practical advice for anyone considering taking on a habitat project of their own.>>>Thanks to our sponsors: Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Perfect Limit Outdoors, Purina Pro Plan, Sitka Gear, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine, Noah Perry-Raymond James, The Waterfowl Management Academy, Create the X, and Ducks Unlimited.Send us Fan MailAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
Becoming a world champion doesn't happen by accident — it happens through discipline, repetition, and an unrelenting desire to improve.In this episode, host Matt Harrison sits down with Chance Wadsworth, a three‑time undisputed World Live Goose Calling Champion and founder of Quill Creek Calls, to talk about competition calling, practice mentality, design philosophy, and how elite calling translates to real‑world hunting success.Chance shares his journey from growing up in the outdoors to discovering contest calling, the mindset required to win at the highest level, and why greatness comes down to doing the fundamentals over and over — even when it's not fun.In this episode, listeners will hear about:How Chance first got into waterfowl hunting and goose callingDiscovering contest calling and chasing a competitive edgeWhat separates world champions from everyone elseWhy “desire and repetition” matter more than talentHow Chance approached practice early in his careerUsing focused, intentional practice to refine skillsThe mental process of stepping onto the world stageWhy defending a title is harder than winning the firstWhat judges listen for in elite live‑goose routinesThe importance of cadence, flow, and realismCommon mistakes beginners make in goose callingAccepting failure and building a strong calling foundationStarting a call company and designing the Quill Creek Mark ITranslating contest calling into real‑world traffic huntsStaying motivated after winning at the highest levelWhether you're a competitive caller, a die‑hard goose hunter, or simply someone who appreciates mastery of a craft, this episode offers insight into what it takes to truly separate yourself from the field.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Concern for waterfowl populations and frustration with the status quo of duck harvest management in the late 80s stimulated new ideas for setting annual regulations and learning about their effects. Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist from Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and one of the godfathers of Adaptive Harvest Management, joins the DU Podcast to introduce waterfowl harvest dynamics, adaptive management, and the regulatory atmosphere that ultimately produced AHM.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Ducks Unlimited and Dow have partnered for decades to deliver real conservation outcomes — but this relationship is now entering a new and innovative phase.In this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Amy Beasley, Sustainability Director for Water and Nature at Dow, and Dr. Ellen Herbert, Ducks Unlimited's Sustainability Director, to explore how a long‑standing corporate conservation partnership has expanded beyond traditional project delivery into a strategic, science‑driven collaboration. The discussion traces the 70‑year history between Dow and Ducks Unlimited, highlights milestone conservation achievements, and then digs into how the two organizations are now working together to help Dow evaluate land assets, water and nature risks, and community connections in ways that benefit wildlife, the environment, and long‑term business resilience.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Dow's journey into sustainability and why water and nature are inseparableA 70‑year partnership between Dow and Ducks UnlimitedEarly landmark conservation investments tied to the North American Waterfowl Management PlanWetland restoration projects in Michigan's Shiawassee BasinCanadian Prairie Pothole and parklands forage programs benefiting ranchers, ducks, and water securityHow DU's science and geospatial expertise supports corporate land‑use decisionsThe shift from project delivery to strategic conservation planningWhy watersheds, habitat, and community access matter to both conservation and industryReal‑world examples, including Dow's Carrollton, Kentucky facilityMeasuring impact, building a business case for conservation, and scaling successHow private industry can reduce water risk while improving habitat and community outcomesThis episode offers a rare, transparent look at how conservation organizations and global companies can work together — not just to restore habitat, but to create long‑term resilience for people, wildlife, and communities.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Weather gets talked about a lot in duck circles—and for good reason. It affects everything, from breeding habitat to migration timing to what your mornings in the blind look like. On this episode of The Standard Sportsman, the guys sit down with Arkansas native, chief meteorologist, and passionate duck hunter Skot Covert to cut through the noise and talk about what's really going on. They dig into the prolonged drought gripping much of the South, what an incoming El Niño could mean for winter, and how both may shape the season ahead. Skot also gets into why weather on social media is often overhyped, how forecasting actually works behind the scenes, and which weather apps are actually worth trusting when duck season rolls around.>>>Thanks to our sponsors: Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Perfect Limit Outdoors, Purina Pro Plan, Sitka Gear, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine, Noah Perry-Raymond James, The Waterfowl Management Academy, Create the X, and Ducks Unlimited.Send us Fan MailAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
On this episode of The Duck Gun Podcast Jordan and Devin sit down to talk about their 10 commands of Duck hunting and much much more!
The ideas of “fair” and “equitable” in harvest distribution have been a challenging undercurrent for regulatory decisions over the years. Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock join the DU Podcast one last time to discuss zones and splits, “shortstopping” in geese, the frustration it caused, and how managers tried to adapt. Also discussed are lead poisoning, non-toxic shot regulations, and the birth of Adaptive Harvest Management, each of which brought their own need for adaptation. SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
CONVENTION SPONSORS: Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails, Benelli, & Raymond James.The Ducks Unlimited National Convention is more than a meeting — it's a celebration of people, conservation, and one of the greatest fundraising achievements in conservation history.In this episode, host Jimbo Robinson is joined by DU President Bob Spoerl, National Convention Chair Jared Brown, and Managing Director of National Conferences Pattie Kempka for a full preview of the 2026 Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Tampa, Florida. From opening night at the Florida Aquarium to the culmination of DU's historic $3‑billion conservation campaign, this conversation breaks down why the national convention is unlike any DU event at the state or local level.The group walks listeners through the full week — fishing tournaments, conservation tours, business sessions, recognition events, keynote speakers, and the energy that comes with gathering more than a thousand committed DU volunteers and supporters in one place.Whether you're a longtime volunteer, a first‑time convention attendee, or someone who has supported DU in any way over the past few years, come hear why Tampa is the place to be!REGISTER NOW! @ Convention.ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Planting season's here, but so is a lingering drought that won't let go. The guys talk tough conditions in the southern flyway, brighter signs from the breeding grounds, and how it all ties together. They also tackle the growing role of politics in wildlife decisions and walk through key 2026–2027 regulation changes, including a controversial non-resident ban at Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, plus a few notes from Kansas and Minnesota.>>>Thanks to our sponsors: Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Perfect Limit Outdoors, Purina Pro Plan, Sitka Gear, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine, Noah Perry-Raymond James, The Waterfowl Management Academy, Create the X, and Ducks Unlimited.Send us Fan MailAll Rights Reserved. Please subscribe, rate and share The Standard Sportsman podcast.
Water drives everything in the western United States — and right now, it's increasingly scarce.In this episode, Ducks Unlimited's senior waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, sits down with Jeff McCreary, director of operations for the Western Region, to discuss waterfowl conservation across the Pacific Flyway. From declining snowpack and drying wetlands to competing water demands from agriculture, people, industry, and fish, Jeff breaks down the realities DU faces — and the solutions they're working toward. He also introduces the new Alaska Initiative and how it will inform the future of conservation in the Pacific Flyway's most important area for breeding waterfowl.The conversation spans the Central Valley of California, Klamath Basin, Great Salt Lake, and Alaska, highlighting how DU operates in some of the most complex and water‑limited landscapes in North America.In this episode:Why snowpack is the single most important driver of wetlands in the WestHow declining snow and rising temperatures affect ducks, farms, and citiesCurrent wetland conditions in California's Central Valley and Klamath BasinBotulism risk and innovative water management solutions in KlamathWhy rain helps short‑term but snowpack determines fall habitatThe drying trend across the western U.S. and climate implicationsGreat Salt Lake: why it matters to millions of birds and peopleDU's $100 million Great Salt Lake Initiative explainedControlling “the thirsty three” invasive plants: phragmites, tamarisk & Russian oliveAlaska's outsized role in producing Pacific Flyway waterfowlDU's new Alaska Initiative – Born to FlyWorking with native corporations, agencies, and industry in AlaskaWhy conservation in Alaska is about understanding — not restorationSurprising work DU does on endangered fish recoveryKeeping the Junior Duck Stamp program alive in Washington StateThis episode offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at how DU operates where water is most precious — and why collaboration, science, and community matter more than ever.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Country music's fastest rising traditional voice Zach Top joins God's Country with The Brothers Hunt for one of the most requested episodes we've ever had. From growing up on a ranch in Sunnyside, Washington, to winning the first-ever Grammy for Traditional Country Album, Zach sits down with Dan and Reid to talk about the state of country music, cowboy life, and why fans are falling back in love with classic country sounds. The guys cover everything from duck hunting stories and branding cattle to Zach's trip to The Masters with Peyton Manning and Duck Hodges, plus a hilarious round of Lyric or Lie where Zach proves he knows his 90s country. The highlight of the episode? Zach grabs the guitar and performs Tim McGraw's “Just To See You Smile” live in studio — a moment every country fan will love. They also dive into: Why traditional country is making a comeback Morgan Wallen as a “gateway drug” to country music Meeting legends like Alan Jackson Cowboy culture vs Nashville culture Duck hunting, turkey hunting, and life on the road If you love George Strait, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, and real country music, this episode is for you. Subscribe for new episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The 1970s and 80s brought a flurry of activity, including early teal seasons, stabilized regulations, foundational analyses of compensatory vs. additive mortality, new views on harvest management, and the most important development for waterfowl management in at least 50 years – the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Repeat guests Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg rejoin the DU Podcast to continue a discussion about the history of waterfowl harvest management.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Threats of a closed season in the Mississippi Flyway in 1968 led to intense disagreement, restrictive regulations, and amplified the challenges of managing the resource while considering the interests of people. Collectively, these times generated solid foundations for future progress. Dr. Mike Brasher is rejoined by Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg to discuss these topics, while also introducing an elegant alternative regulation system that began in the 1960s– the Point System. SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
In this solo episode, I sit down with my Patreon crew for a live Q&A and cover a wide range of topics from duck hunting strategy to gear, pressure, and real world experiences in the field. We get into the spinner vs water motion debate, how I pack for out of state hunts, decoy spread differences on big water vs small water, and the reality of public land pressure. I also share thoughts on non resident hunting regulations, what I'm seeing across Kansas, and what might be coming next. On top of that, we dive into dog training resources, gear that actually makes a difference, and answer a bunch of listener questions from Patreon, Instagram, and Facebook. If you're serious about freelance duck hunting and want honest answers without the fluff, this one's for you. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code: NAW18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpetproducts.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Want to join the live Q&As, get your questions answered first, and be part of the conversation? https://patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting For partnerships or inquiries: freelanceduckhunting@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With growing band recoveries and a newly implemented Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, waterfowl managers in the 1950s sought a more science-based understanding of population dynamics and harvest regulations. The 1960s brought plummeting waterfowl populations, reductions in harvest limits, declining hunter numbers, and shifts in waterfowl distribution. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher discusses these important changes and concerning times with Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
In Mexico, a minute isn't 60 seconds. It's a mindset. Especially during the Mazatlan "Honeymoon Duck Hunt." Sitting down around a lively swimming pool with happy hunters and smiling wives, we talk about their experiences between rounds of salted-rim margaritas, ice cold cervezas, various chips and dips--fantastic shooting, better company, and a pace of life that feels a whole lot different than home. Things move slower here, except for the teal. Meals last longer. Stories stretch out. The waves lap the beach endlessly, and it takes forever for the sun to sink beneath the horizon. And somewhere between it all, you begin to realize that, besides the unbelievable duck hunting, that's the whole point. Honest, in-the-moment candid conversations about hunting out of home-sweet-resort-home-away-from-home Mazatlan--what surprised them, what stuck with them, and why that "Mexican minute" might just be the best part pf the trip. More Info: Mazatlan Mexico Honeymoon Duck Hunt https://www.getducks.com/hunts/mexico-duck-hunting-mazatlan/ Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Create the X Habitat Management App Ducks Unlimited Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Migra Ammunitions onX Maps Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season. Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com
World War II brought global upheaval in the 1940s and caused a redirection of national priorities and placed a temporary pause on regulatory and conservation momentum of the 1930s. After the war, returning veterans became the pioneers in waterfowl management and led to a new era of scientific discovery, regulatory creativity, and a growing need for state and federal coordination via Flyways. The DU Podcast continues its discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Patrick Hunter for a laid-back and insightful conversation about upland bird hunting in the Southeast. They dig into everything from family hunting traditions and first shotguns to the pursuit of elusive woodcock and what makes southern hunting so different. Patrick Hunter is an avid upland hunter and outdoorsman based in coastal South Carolina. With a background rooted in family hunting traditions, Patrick pursues a wide range of game including woodcock, quail, ducks, and wild turkeys. By day, he works as an engineer, but he has developed a growing passion for outdoor writing, contributing to publications like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Project Upland while advocating for conservation and awareness of southern bird hunting opportunities. Expect to Learn: What makes bird hunting in the Southeast uniquely challenging and rewarding How woodcock hunting can transform both hunters and their dogs The cultural traditions behind southern hunts like dove shoots and duck hunting Insights into lesser-known species like rails (marsh hens) and their hunting styles Why spring turkey hunting is one of the most addictive and meaningful pursuits Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction and Early Hunting Background [00:07:00] - First Shotguns, Bird Dogs, and Hunting Traditions [00:13:15] - Raising Kids Around Hunting and the Outdoors [00:19:26] - Duck Hunting in the Southeast and Unique Setups [00:27:08] - Seaweed, Conservation, and Writing About Bird Hunting [00:34:26] - Discovering Woodcock Hunting in the South [00:39:34] - Dove Hunting Culture and Rail (Marsh Hen) Hunting Explained [00:48:12] - Turkey Hunting Stories, Traditions, and Close Calls [00:55:54] - Public Land Hunting, Mentorship, and Sharing the Outdoors [01:11:38] - Where to Find Patrick and Closing Thoughts Follow The Guest, Patrick Hunter: Patrick Hunter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickhunter/ Website: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/ Highway 22 Outdoor Shop: https://www.highway22outdoors.com/shop Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp64d9-168IfGomYk14T_GA Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/hwy22outdoors/ 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/birdshot Use 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
Into the 1920s, the Federal government endured growing pains in its new-found regulatory responsibilities for waterfowl harvest. Then, the 1930s brought a Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and catalysts for conservation, eventually producing the Duck Stamp Act, National Wildlife Refuge expansions, Pittman-Robertson Act, and organizations such as DU. Dr. Mike Brasher resumes his discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg about the history of waterfowl harvest management. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Spring is one of the most important—and most overlooked—periods in the waterfowl annual cycle. In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with the creators of Waterfowl Management Academy to discuss how private landowners can dramatically improve duck habitat by making simple adjustments in late winter and spring.Guests Kale Flaspohler, Mike Flaspohler, and Dan Crigler bring more than 70 years of combined experience in wetland management, public land habitat work, and private land technical guidance. Their new online platform—WaterfowlManagement.com—is designed to bring that expertise directly to landowners and managers who want to improve their wetlands.In this episode:What Waterfowl Management Academy is and why they built itWhy spring habitat is critical for ducks, from migration to nestingMoist-soil management fundamentals and how timing influences resultsProtein, invertebrates, and the nutritional demands of breeding birdsWhy pulling boards right after season misses the most important windowHow private land (75–80% of remaining wetlands) can change population outcomesRegional considerations: Midwest vs. Gulf Coast vs. flyway-wide applicationsHow simple changes like holding water longer can support shorebirds & waterbirdsMentorship, trial‑and‑error, and the value of lifelong learning in habitat workWhat's next for WMA and how landowners can get hands‑on guidanceWhether you're a wetland manager, private landowner, or someone wanting to “give back” to ducks after hunting season, this episode can change how you think about habitat.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
In this episode of The Maggie Williams Podcast, I'm joined by one of my best friends and favorite adventure partners, Sydney Cole—and this one is full of laughs, wild stories, and a whole lot of firsts.We kick things off by talking about my newfound love for riding horses. Thanks to Sydney (our resident barrel racer), I've officially stepped into the cowgirl era. The real question is—will I be making my barrel racing debut this summer? Jury's still out… but she's working on me.Somewhere along the way, we realized we've got a pretty fair trade going:I'm turning Sydney into a turkey hunter… and she's turning me into a cowgirl.From there, we dive into the NWTF Convention, which brought in a record-breaking 94,426 attendees this year—an incredible testament to how strong and passionate the hunting community really is. And that's where this story really begins.At NWTF, we met Diego Olaguibel, owner and operator of Yukkutz Hunting—and what started as a conversation quickly turned into an invitation we couldn't pass up. Not long after, we found ourselves in Mexico experiencing the blue-winged teal hunt of a lifetime—the kind of hunt you dream about but can't fully put into words until you live it. And just when we thought it couldn't get any better… plans shifted, doors opened, and we had the opportunity to pursue one of the most beautiful and unique birds in the world—the ocellated turkey.It's hard to even describe how special that experience was. The landscape, the culture, the people—it all came together in a way that reminded us just how big this lifestyle really is, and how grateful we are to be a part of it.We cannot recommend Yukkutz Hunting enough. From the professionalism to the lodging, the food, the guides, and the overall experience—it was truly top tier in every way. If you've ever dreamed of hunting in Mexico, this is your sign:
Following legal challenges to early attempts at Federal protection of migratory birds, policy makers and conservation leaders sought alternative avenues for establishing Federal jurisdiction. Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock rejoin Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the Migratory Bird Treaty Act becoming law in 1918, its role in a landmark Supreme Court case, and its emergence as the foundation for regulated waterfowl harvest and migratory bird management.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
This is one of the biggest Ducks Unlimited Podcast episodes we've ever recorded — and for good reason. Host Matt Harrison brings together the full cast and production team behind DUTV, including:Jim RonquestDoug LarsonFred ZinkRusty McDanielsPreston McDanielsJoe WhiteTogether they unpack the entire 2025–26 DUTV filming season — the highs, the lows, the logistics, the weather challenges, the production hurdles, and the incredible people and places that made the show possible.In this episode:What it's really like filming duck hunts across North AmericaThe messy reality of camera angles, wind shifts, sun glare & “lens flash”Why pressure, weather, and older birds made this year unpredictableTelemetry research & how ducks are adapting faster than we thinkThe role of DU volunteers, biologists, landowners & partners in every episodeThe huge workload of producers and post-production teamsFavorite hunts of the year — from mallards in Nebraska to brant in New JerseyHow DUTV chooses hunt locations and builds conservation storylinesThe game‑changing importance of drones, new cameras, and modern techIf you love DUTV, waterfowl storytelling, or want to understand how outdoor TV is really made…this episode is an absolute must‑listen.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
@dr_duck and @thefowlhunter get almost as carried away as all the "what's wrong with duck hunting" conversations floating around on this week's episode of the podcast. Do you not love duck hunting and all your waterfowl journey encompasses? Take a listen and share your thoughts by reaching out on social media #enjoythejourney
At the turn of the 19th Century, market hunting and unregulated harvest was taking a toll on waterfowl and other migratory birds. Growing concern produced the first attempts at federal regulation of migratory birds. In part 1 of the DU Podcast's series on the history of waterfowl harvest management, Dale Humburg, former DU chief scientist, and Ken Babcock, former DU senior director of regional operations, discuss these early days and the resistance to federal intervention.
This week Cal and Joey decide it's time we address the elephant in the room: what's the problem with duck hunting culture these days? People are at each others throats and there seems to be now sign of it stopping. Our whole world has become one way or the other and there's no more common ground to stand on. When that mindset hits hunting, the only people who are hurt by it are hunters. We discuss what needs to change and how all hunters can be part of the solution. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review! New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP