Podcast appearances and mentions of mike brasher

The Ducks Unlimited Podcast is adding a new voice — and a new perspective.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher and co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson introduce Wade Shoemaker, the newest member of the DU Podcast team. Wade brings a fresh, field‑driven perspective rooted in years of experience as a passionate, everyday duck hunter.Growing up in North Louisiana, Wade's journey into waterfowling didn't begin with perfect hunts or polished knowledge — it started like it does for many hunters: borrowed gear, cold mornings, and figuring things out along the way. That path, along with a strong appreciation for community and relationships, shaped his approach to hunting and storytelling.Throughout the conversation, Wade shares how his love for waterfowl expanded from local hunts to traveling across multiple flyways, experiencing different regions, techniques, and cultures. From flooded timber to prairie hunts and coastal marshes, those experiences have given him a broad perspective he now brings to the podcast.The addition of Wade represents a shift toward blending perspectives — combining on-the-ground hunting experience with Ducks Unlimited's science, conservation, and policy expertise. His role will help connect everyday hunters with deeper insights while keeping the conversation grounded in real-world experiences.This episode sets the stage for what's ahead: more stories, more perspectives, and a new connection between the people who hunt and the science and conservation that support 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.

First developed for midcontinent mallards, Adaptive Harvest Management has since been expanded to eastern and western mallards, black ducks, pintails, and scaup. Dr. Scott Boomer, wildlife biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joins the DU Podcast to discuss modern changes to AHM and provides insights on what all has to be considered when expanding AHM to new species or entertaining alternative ideas for harvest regulations. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conservation isn't just about habitat — it's about people, relationships, and showing up when decisions are being made.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with Bill Cooksey, Partnerships Program Leader for the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, to talk about a career spent at the intersection of conservation, policy, industry, and grassroots advocacy. Bill brings decades of experience from Avery Outdoors, National Wildlife Federation, and now TWF, offering a unique perspective on how conservation decisions actually get made — and why personal relationships still matter more than emails, posts, or press releases.The conversation spans conservation advocacy, wildlife policy, changes in the hunting community, misinformation, and how sportsmen can still shape the future if they're willing to engage directly.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Bill Cooksey's path through the outdoor industry, conservation NGOs, and policyThe role of state wildlife federations and how they differ from national organizationsWhy conservation advocacy is ultimately about relationships and trust“Pick up the damn phone” — why real conversations still move the needleHow sportsmen influence policy at the state and federal levelsProtecting hunting rights through proactive engagementA landmark Tennessee case involving duck hunters and municipal restrictionsWhy misinformation spreads faster than science — and how to respond productivelyChanges in how hunters get information and engage with conservationThe decline of CRP, habitat loss, and consequences for duck populationsThe chronic underfunding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceWhy engagement — not social media outrage — creates real impactPractical advice for contacting legislators and making your voice heardReasons for optimism about the future of waterfowl conservationThis episode is a reminder that conservation success still depends on individuals willing to speak up, build relationships, and advocate for the resources they care about.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.

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.

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.

Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist for Ducks Unlimited, for an in-depth look at the current state of waterfowl across North America.They break down how conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region are shaping up as ducks and geese head into the breeding season, and what it could mean for the upcoming duck hunting season. The conversation also touches on the return of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks to Knox City, including one compelling theory behind their growing success in the region.The guys also explore the potential impact of expanding data centers on traditional waterfowl migration patterns and wintering habitats, raising questions about how shifting land use could affect ducks and geese in the years ahead.To wrap it up, Dr. Brasher dives into the hot topic of flooded corn and duck hunting, explaining why it may not be the only factor influencing waterfowl behavior.

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's work in the Southern United States is complex, diverse, and more critical than ever.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher continues the regional conservation series with Jerry Holden, Senior Director of Operations for Ducks Unlimited's Southern Region. Jerry oversees DU's conservation delivery across the southern portions of the Mississippi, Central, and Atlantic Flyways, managing one of the organization's largest and most diverse conservation portfolios.The conversation spans from duck hunting conditions and flyway dynamics to large‑scale engineering, coastal resilience, private‑lands conservation, and some of the most significant land protection efforts in DU's history.In this episode, listeners will hear about:The 2025–26 waterfowl season across the Southern Region and why outcomes varied so widely“Spatial discontinuity” and how migratory birds create winners and losers each seasonThe scope and purpose of DU's Southern Region field offices across the Gulf Coast and MAVWhy engineering is central to DU's coastal resilience work in Texas, Louisiana, and the Atlantic CoastHow Ducks Unlimited partners with NRC​S to implement Farm Bill conservation programsClearing up misconceptions about DU's work on private landThe growing role of conservation easements and permanent land protectionA historic donated conservation easement in coastal South CarolinaDU's leadership role in restoring Arkansas's greentree reservoir systemsBalancing public expectations with long‑term forest and wetland sustainabilityWhy DU continues expanding the public land base across the Southern landscapeThis episode offers an inside look at how DU delivers conservation at scale—often in places where water, land use, and wildlife interests intersect most intensely—and why that work matters now 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.

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.

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.

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.

We have a really good one for you guys this week! We were lucky to be joined by Senior Waterfowl Scientist @mbrasher_ducks from Ducks Unlimited to discuss a bunch of different waterfowl-related topics and hear some of the science behind the "why." A great conversation and definitely looking forward to having him on again. Let us know what you think!  

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.

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.

Ducks are heading north, and we're getting the first hints of what breeding habitat may look like this spring.DU's senior waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, sits down with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU's senior director of conservation strategy, for a timely update on prairie conditions, recent snowfall, runoff potential, and what these early signs may mean for breeding ducks in 2026. They also break down the migration chronology of different duck species — who arrives first, who lingers longest, and why evolutionary history shapes these patterns.In this episode:A flyover view of recent prairie snowfall and soil moistureWhere runoff potential looks promising — and where it doesn'tHow dry wetland basins from last fall influence spring habitat recoveryWhy “some water” doesn't equal “full recovery”The importance of seasonal vs. semi‑permanent wetlands for brood successHow multiple years of improved conditions are needed for strong fall flightsMigration timing: early (mallards, pintails), mid (shovelers, teal, divers), and late (gadwall, scaup)Why ducks “follow the ice line” and how late storms disrupt timingBoreal nesters vs. prairie nesters — who waits for the thawCanada geese and snow geese movement patterns during March–AprilLong‑term conservation reminders: habitat base matters more than any one wet yearJoin us for a concise, informative episode for anyone tracking habitat conditions and dreaming about next fall's duck season.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.

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.

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.

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist for Ducks Unlimited, for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in waterfowl hunting right now. Mallard numbers are down, pond counts are below average, and hunters across the country are asking the same question. Should seasons and limits be reduced? Dr. Brasher walks us through the science behind duck population surveys, how breeding population estimates are actually conducted, and how Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) determines the frameworks for duck seasons in North America. We also discuss the ongoing debate about compensatory vs additive mortality, whether harvest is impacting duck populations, how pond counts affect productivity, and why the current regulatory system still supports liberal seasons despite declining mallard numbers. This conversation covers the full picture of how waterfowl populations are monitored and how hunting regulations are set. Topics covered include: • How duck population surveys are conducted • What the breeding population estimate actually represents • The role of the May pond count • Why habitat drives duck populations • The science behind Adaptive Harvest Management • Compensatory vs additive mortality • Whether harvest impacts duck populations • Why we are still in liberal seasons If you want to better understand how duck populations are managed and what the future of waterfowl seasons may look like, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code: NAW18 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 Support the Podcast If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the show, consider joining the Patreon community. Patreon supporters get access to exclusive content, bonus material, and help make these conversations possible. Join here:https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

The history of bird conservation is full of conflict, characters, chaos — and ultimately, hope.In this special episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with journalist and author James H. McCommons, whose new book Feather Wars uncovers the dramatic, surprising, and often untold stories behind how America saved its birds from the brink of extinction.From market hunting and plume traders to poetic bird lovers, political maneuvering, and early wildlife heroes, this book chronicles the people, laws, and events that shaped modern conservation — including stories waterfowl hunters will instantly recognize.In this episode:The early days of shotgun ornithologists and egg collectorsHow plume hunting and the feather trade ignited a national movementWhy hunters played a crucial role in securing early conservation lawsThe real story behind the Lacey Act, Weeks-McLean Act, and MBTAThe wild saga of Ray Holland vs. the Missouri Attorney GeneralDing Darling, duck clubs, and the birth of the Federal Duck StampHow past conservation battles mirror today's challengesIf you love birds, hunting history, conservation law, or simply great storytelling — this episode (and this book) are must-listens.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.

Since my recent conversation with Josh Goins, there's been a lot of debate about duck numbers, hunting pressure, flooded corn, and the Adaptive Harvest Management system. In this episode, I step back from the noise, dig into the actual data, and explain what I've learned. We break down how AHM works, why seasons have remained liberal despite declining mallard numbers, and what the science says about additive vs compensatory mortality. I also compare current duck populations and prairie pond conditions to long-term averages and historic drought years to put today's numbers into context. I'll also revisit my recent reel about ducks going nocturnal around flooded corn and discuss what we actually know — and don't know — about its impact on migration. Finally, I tease an upcoming Patreon-only livestream interview with Dr. Mike Brasher, Chief Scientist at Ducks Unlimited, where we'll go even deeper into habitat, harvest management, and the future of waterfowl hunting. This episode is about facts, context, and understanding — not outrage. Partners Flight Day Ammunition Premium bismuth loads built specifically for waterfowl hunters. Reliable performance and clean kills. Use code NAW10https://www.flightdayammo.com TideWe Affordable, dependable hunting gear built for real conditions. Waders, blinds, backpacks, apparel, and more. Use code NAW18https://www.tidewe.com Weatherby High-performance shotguns trusted by serious waterfowl hunters. Built for reliability, durability, and performance in harsh conditions. https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy-duty aluminum crates designed to keep your dog safe in the field and on the road. Use code GUARDIAN15Search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products store Shotty Gear Rugged, affordable gear built by hunters for hunters. Blind bags, shell pouches, gun cases, lighting, apparel, and more. Use code FDH10https://www.shottygear.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wild Turkey DNA project is back — and year one delivered way more surprises than anyone expected.Recorded live at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by:Dr. Mike Chamberlain — University of Georgia, Wild Turkey LabDr. Phil Lavretsky — University of Texas–El PasoKatie Tucker — DU Conservation Science Assistant & hunter‑outreach leadTogether they break down what they've learned from nearly 1,000 hunter‑submitted samples, why turkey genetics are far more complex than anticipated, and what's coming next as the project expands nationwide.In this episode:Why many “odd plumage” birds turned out to be fully wildHow heritage birds, hybrids, and true genetic mutations all showed up in year oneWhy interpreting turkey genetics requires far more reference samples than ducksWhat early signs of low genetic diversity and inbreeding mean for managementHow subspecies ranges may shift once more samples are analyzedThe importance of hunter‑assisted science & how to register for 2026 participationPlans to incorporate Canada, Osceola samples, and high‑elevation western birdsThis is your inside look at one of the fastest‑growing wildlife genetics projects in North America — powered by turkey hunters across the country.

Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher peruse a series of fun facts about waterfowl, including questions such as how many invertebrates a wood duck eats, which waterfowl species is the largest, which lives the longest, which is the fastest and why is it not green-winged teal. The duo also discuss observations from past research including multiple paternity, double brooding, long-distance migration, which acorns wood ducks consider the tastiest, and several others.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 special tribute episode, we honor the life, impact, and legacy of John Gordon—Media Productions Manager at Ducks Unlimited, lifelong outdoorsman, storyteller, mentor, friend, and a familiar voice to DU Nation and the Ducks Unlimited Podcast. John's passing in January of 2026 left a profound void in the waterfowling community he spent a lifetime uplifting.Through stories and archival audio, we revisit John's journey from his Mississippi roots to the Texas prairies that shaped his early hunting life, and eventually to his influential role at Ducks Unlimited where he helped bring DU Nation, DU Films, and countless conservation stories to life.About John GordonBorn in Mississippi, later moving with his family to Kingwood, Texas, where he discovered goose hunting and the Texas coastal prairie that shaped his lifelong passion.Worked as a snow goose guide on the Katy, Texas prairie before joining Ducks Unlimited.Graduated from Mississippi State University with a BA in Communications.Served as a Senior Communications Specialist at Ducks Unlimited, coordinating production for DUTV, DU Nation, and Ascend. . Frequent contributor and co‑host on the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, featuring conversations on retrievers, hunting heritage, and waterfowl history. Recognized writer with published work in WILDFOWL, Outdoor Life, and more.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.

Get a clear read on what drove Great Lakes hunting success this season—and how to adapt for spring snows, steelhead, and turkey.Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by DU's Chris Jennings and returning Great Lakes voice Jay Anglin (Northern Indiana, guides primarily in Michigan) to break down conditions, bird behavior, and practical lessons learned.This episode is a boots‑on‑the‑ground season review from the Great Lakes region. Jay explains why he hunted fewer days but had better results by timing “the right days,” and why low water and inconsistent weather created a challenging year for local puddle ducks. The crew also digs into diver timing, late/odd Canada goose movement, big-water pressure from year‑round fishing, and the mindset shift that keeps hunts enjoyable even in down years.Takeaways:Why “hunting the right days” (wind, timing, conditions) mattered more than grinding it outHow drought/low water created short-lived habitat even after heavy rain burstsDiver storylines (especially redheads) vs. a slower mallard “burn” across key Great Lakes areasHow big-water refuge behavior, boat traffic, and fishing pressure push ducks offshoreThe mystery of “late Canada geese” and why it didn't match typical patternsWhat's next: conservation order snow geese, spring movement, steelhead, and turkey plans

Take a deeper dive into how state policy drives habitat conservation, promotes access, and protects our hunting and outdoor traditions.Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with South Carolina State Senator Chip Campsen, DU's Southern Region Director of Public Policy Ed Penny, and Wildlife Mississippi Executive Director James Cummins. They unpack proven tools like the South Carolina Conservation Bank, dedicated state funding models, and why respectful behavior and smart policy both matter for the future of hunting and fishing.From perpetual conservation easements to college‑town river hunts and the role of Boone & Crockett, this episode shows how statehouses—and the people who vote them in—influence opportunities for every hunter and angler. Takeaways:How the South Carolina Conservation Bank leverages competitive grants and easements to protect ~500,000 acres—and why seed funding stretches dollars farther Voluntary, perpetual easements: property‑rights friendly, customizable, and often paired with public access incentives Why clustered easements (ACE Basin, Santee Delta) create ecosystem‑scale wins for waterfowl and wildlife Dedicated state funding models (e.g., Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund) unlock big federal matches and local projects Social license to hunt and fish: how hunter behavior, messaging, and policy safeguard opportunity beyond a constitutional “right” CSF/NASC: bipartisan networks where state legislators swap playbooks that protect hunting, angling, and access  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.

Learn how state-level decisions directly impact your seasons, access, opportunity, and conservation funding.Host Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with Kayleigh Leager of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Swanny Evans of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever—two policy professionals working daily inside state capitols to protect hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting traditions.Most hunters understand federal policy like the Duck Stamp or the Farm Bill. But far more decisions—from Sunday hunting to conservation funding and public‑land access—are made in state legislatures. This episode explains how the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses works, why states are “laboratories of democracy,” and how small bills can create big downstream impacts on opportunity.In this episode:What the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and NASC network doHow state bills—good and bad—spread across the countryWhy Sunday hunting reforms matter for access and R3Conservation funding: how license structures and federal match dollars really workWhy discounted or free licenses can unintentionally hurt state wildlife agenciesThe case for resident‑rate licenses for nonresident college studentsHow DU, PF/QF, and partners collaborate to stop harmful bills and advance positive onesListen 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.

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings have a quick discussion on the basics of what separates these waterfowl types. Brasher explains anatomy, feeding types, and other differences between these ducks, while Jennings brings a handful of fun facts to the show. 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.

Thousands of hunter-provided samples. Real genetic answers. duckDNA is changing what we know about ducks. Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Phil Lavretsky break down what the project has revealed so far--hybridization trends, surprising genetic patterns, hunter participation, and where this groundbreaking, hunter-powered research is headed next!   ****** More info: duckDNA.com https://www.duckdna.com ******   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 Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  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  

Matt Harrison and Dr. Mike Brasher welcome outdoor writer and DU ASCEND Host Bethany Beathard to discuss her MeatEater article on North America's four waterfowl flyways. Bethany shares her background, research process, interviews with banders and guides, and insights into how hunting tactics differ across regions. Dr. Brasher expands on migration science, flyway councils, Adaptive Harvest Management, and why reliable data is critical for the future of waterfowl conservation.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.

Welcome to a festive Christmas special of the Ducks Unlimited podcast! Join hosts Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, and Dr. Jared Henson as they celebrate the holiday season with special guest Malcom Reed from "How to BBQ Right." Malcom brings his expertise in barbecue and shares his experiences and favorite recipes, perfect for hunting camp and duck camp. Listen in for a delightful conversation filled with holiday cheer, barbecue tips, and memorable Christmas stories.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 overall number of waterfowl hunters continues to decline, it is increasingly important that we invite and welcome new hunters from all backgrounds. An encouraging trend is a recent increase in the number of women participating in hunting. In part 2 of our discussion on Women in Waterfowl, our guests share their experiences and accomplishments as female hunters. We close with advice and guidance for other women interested in hunting or joining the waterfowl and wetland conservation profession.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.

Despite a recent Arctic plunge, the outlook for duck hunters through the end of the year isn't exactly promising. Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Mandy Bailey, Chief Meteorologist at KTEN in Denison, Texas, and Skot Covert, Chief Meteorologist at 5News in Fayetteville/Fort Smith, Arkansas, to recap the latest winter weather outbreak and discuss what's ahead as we close out the season. Early La Niña forecasts have largely held true, and that pattern appears to continue—warm and dry conditions dominate the southern Central and Mississippi Flyways, while frigid air grips the north. Out West, hunters and communities face repeated rounds of flooding rain, creating unique challenges for holiday hunts. Join us for expert insights on holiday weather trends and what they mean for your hunting plans.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.

For the longest time, the vast majority of waterfowl professionals and waterfowl hunters have been men. Although the balance continues to tilt in this direction, we are witnessing an exciting shift in female participation and leadership in waterfowl science, management, and conservation, as well as in the blind. The DU Podcast is joined by Dr. Susan Ellis-Felege, Dr. Karla Guyn, and Casey Setash to discuss this change and hear first-hand of their experiences as women in the waterfowl profession.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.

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Mark Lindberg, professor at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology to discuss the ramifications of band targeting and how targeting banded birds can have repercussions on the data. 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 unique episode is all about food. Guest Jennifer Chandler, chef and author, joins Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher for a Thanksgiving discussion that is centered around the theme of “Best Thing I Ever Ate at Duck Camp.” The trio talk about their personal Thanksgiving plans, the waterfowling aspect of the holiday season, and also break down multiple clips from past guests talking about their favorite duck camp meals. This engaging conversation will leave you thinking about your favorite things to eat at duck camp, and hungry for a Thanksgiving feast.Happy Thanksgiving!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.

Join guest hosts Kayci Messerly and Katie Tucker as they travel to the University of Texas at El Paso for a deep dive into duckDNA with Dr. Phil Lavretsky. Together, they explore how hunters are driving groundbreaking genetic discoveries and uncovering the potential causes of unique plumage characteristics in waterfowl. They also reveal the cutting-edge work happening inside Dr. Lavretsky's lab to unlock genetic mysteries shaping waterfowl today.duckDNA.comListen 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.

Join Dr. Mike Brasher and his long-time friends and colleagues—Dr. Mark Vrtiska, Dr. Brian Davis, and Dr. Scott Stephens—for an entertaining discussion on how daily bag limits shape hunter expectations, influence waterfowl behavior, and ultimately affect hunter satisfaction. From friendly banter to hilarious hunting stories, this episode investigates the complex interplay between regulations and human psychology, while considering why a “perfect bag limit” may be more elusive that it seems. The group also imagines innovative field experiments, brainwave studies, and alternative bag limit structures that could offer fresh perspectives on this topic.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.

Tune in as Dr. Mike Brasher & Dr. Jerad Henson team up with top meteorologists to analyze the upcoming weather patterns that could make all the difference on your next duck hunt! Whether you're an experienced hunter or just starting out, this livestream will arm you with the crucial weather intel to help you plan your best days in the field. Don't miss out on expert insights that could shape your success this season!We'll discuss:  Seasonal weather shifts and how they impact waterfowl migrationTips for tracking the best hunting conditions in your area Expert predictions on what the next few weeks hold for duck hunters  Don't miss this unique blend of meteorological expertise and hunting wisdom!Our Special Guests: Chance Gotsch – Meteorologist for ABC17, Columbia, MO  IG: [@chanceabc17]  / chanceabc17  Skot Covert – Chief Meteorologist for 5News, Fayetteville/Fort Smith, AR  IG: [@skotwx]  / skotwx 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.

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Mark Lindberg, professor at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology to discuss the ways hunters play a vital role in citizen-science programs. Banding, HIP, and other various programs are supported by hunters, and are crucial to waterfowl science. 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. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Phil Lavretsky (UTEP) and DU's Kayci Messerly and Ty Sharrow to announce the return of duckDNA and share new features and mysterious discoveries from this hunter-powered initiative. This season also brings a major milestone—the launch of the 2025 Mossy Oak Waterfowl Conservation Stamp that will directly support duckDNA. Mossy Oak's Daniel Haas makes a surprise appearance to explain how this collaboration connects art and science to the conservation of our wild ducks. Tune in to learn how hunters are shaping the future of waterfowl science and management—one tongue at a time.duckDNA.comListen 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.