EP 326 Habitat, Heritage, and the Love of Shotgunning

Waterfowl Then & Now with Steven Murski

In this engaging campfire conversation, Larry Weishuhn sits down with lifelong waterfowl hunter and guide Steven Murski to discuss the evolution of waterfowl hunting along the Texas Gulf Coast and beyond.

Steven shares how his passion began at just four or five years old hunting geese with his father near Eagle Lake — once known as the goose hunting capital of the world. He vividly recalls the massive migrations of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when skies would darken with birds — a stark contrast to today’s reduced numbers.

The discussion turns to the major factors impacting waterfowl populations, including:

• Reduced water availability for rice agriculture

• Rising costs of pumping and habitat management

• Increased rice production in Arkansas short-stopping migration

• Changing farming practices in the Midwest

• Flooded corn controversies

• Prairie Canada drought conditions

• Nest loss affecting pintail populations

Steven emphasizes that the decline is not caused by a single issue but rather “death by a thousand cuts.”

Despite the challenges, the conversation remains hopeful. Both Larry and Steven stress the cyclical nature of waterfowl populations and the importance of conservation-minded land management. Steven highlights ongoing hunting opportunities in Texas and Kansas and explains how responsible hunters play a role in sustaining the resource.

The episode also covers:

• Migration timing and the role of daylight vs. weather

• Sea duck and swan hunting experiences

• Sandhill crane hunting tactics and table quality

• The importance of habitat stewardship

• What hunters can realistically expect in the coming years

Steven closes by sharing details about Rifleman Outfitters, where he guides waterfowl and crane hunts in the El Campo, Texas region.

• Waterfowl declines are driven by multiple environmental and agricultural factors.

• Migration is triggered primarily by day length, with weather acting as a secondary push.

• Habitat and water availability remain the biggest drivers of Gulf Coast bird numbers.

• Conservation-minded landowners are critical to sustaining quality hunting.

• Waterfowl populations are cyclical and expected to rebound over time.

Steven Murski is a Texas-based waterfowl guide and lifelong hunter who operates Rifleman Outfitters. He guides duck, goose, teal, and sandhill crane hunts in Texas and Kansas and is deeply involved in habitat-focused hunting practices.

 Contact: (979) 203-7333
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.murski

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