Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by owner and operator of Bill Byers Hunter Club, Cason Short. Short grew up around the property and shares the legacy left behind by his grandfather and father, one that he now keeps alive. This Hunter, Arkansas-based club was one of the first properties to offer day leases for duck hunters in the 1950s. Short shares the stories behind the property and how he is using it today to assist with conservation and research operations focusing on white-fronted geese.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by the always popular, Dr. Scott Stephens, Ducks Unlimited Canada in the Boreal and prairie regions. With waterfowl season open since the beginning of September, Stephens has had several opportunities to get afield locally, and has heard from other biologists in Canada regarding conditions. The two discuss habitat conditions in Canada and Stephens offers some insight into the pace of the fall migration in Canada.

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings discuss a Ducks Unlimited magazine project – The Ultimate Duck Boat. Jennings shares the process of how the magazine feature came together and why certain accessories were added to the boat. The feature was released in the July/August 2022 Gear Issue and the boat was on the cover. The two talk about how that image was captured by magazine and creative staff. If you’re looking for ideas to add to your duck boat, or build one from scratch, this episode might provide some useful insights. To read the full feature, visit https://bit.ly/3e8tYSq

While baseball fans will understand the phrase, “Ducks on the Pond,” what is one to make of “A Goose in Shallow Right Field”? Last night America watched as a greater white-fronted goose took up temporary residency in Dodger Stadium. The DU Podcast caught up with Dr. Jay VonBank, a leading expert on the species, for his opinion about what may have caused this bird to fly “afowl” of normal behaviors.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode, host, Katie Burke, sits down with Doug Lodermeier, author of Minnesota Duck Calls and Minnesota Duck Decoys Vol.1-2. Doug is an expert on all things Minnesota Duck Calls and Decoys. The two chat about the state’s abundant waterfowling history. Doug describes his path into collecting Minnesota’s waterfowling history, as well as, his journey as the chronicler of these stories over the past 20 years.For a copy of Doug’s latest book visit: http://www.dougandpaul.com/index.html

High-quality bird taxidermy is an art that freezes a unique hunting moment in time forever. Micah and Alyssa Godwin of Feathered Arts strive to make every duck and goose they mount cherished by their clients. Find out the story behind this dynamic husband and wife taxidermy team on this special Ducks Unlimited Podcast edition recorded on location at Spread Oaks Ranch in Texas.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kevin Kraai, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department waterfowl program leader, to discuss habitat across the state of Texas. The two discuss habitat conditions last season and how late cold fronts and precipitation helped some hunters in the Lonestar State. This season, Kraai explains that the conditions are very dry throughout much of the state, but these conditions can change. Kraai also shares some insights following the early teal season. www.ducks.org/TheDUpodcast

Partnerships are the key to conservation, and state fish and wildlife agencies have long been some of DU’s most reliable and critical partners. With a focus on Louisiana, Mike Carloss and Cassidy Lejeune (DU) join Jason Olszak (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries) to discuss the people, programs, and funding that fuels this work. They also share recently completed projects that are already providing benefits to waterfowl and hunters in Sportsman’s Paradise.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Special guests Mike Carloss (DU), Dave Kostersky (DU Canada), and Jason Olszak (Louisiana Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries) join the podcast to discuss the important partnership that exists between DU and state agencies. The Fall Flights program is a powerful vehicle by which states and DU leverage resources to fund vital wetland and grassland conservation on the breeding grounds, in turn producing ducks that are enjoyed by waterfowl hunters across North America.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to talk about why early-season Canada goose hunts can cause you fits. The two discuss tips and tactics for bagging these big Canadas and some best practices to follow during these early hunts. Pollmann and Jennings share some personal experiences from past hunts where they utilized unique tactics to bag honkers on a consistent basis. This is a must-listen if you are planning to hunt Canadas this fall.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Earlier this year, DU celebrated 85 years of conservation success at our National Convention in New Orleans. Join us as we visit with Mike Benge, DU volunteer and board member, and Pattie Kempka, DU director of national meetings and conferences, on the history of DU national conventions, what it takes to put one on, and the unique experiences and events that awaited this year’s attendees. Listen in and get inspired to join us in 2023 in Las Vegas! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

We’re back with more adventures from retired USFWS pilot biologist Fred Roetker! This episode is highlighted by memorable observations, including a wolverine, barren ground grizzlies, expansive beaver ponds, a military intercept in Mexico, and a rare sighting of the elusive prairie skinny dipper! Fred concludes with sage advice for young people looking to enter the waterfowl profession, and DU extends a sincere “thank you” to Fred and his fellow pilot biologists!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Retired USFWS pilot biologist Fred Roetker reflects on his 32-year career of surveying ducks and geese across North America and shares stories of the places he saw, people he met, and experiences he amassed over that time. With nearly 500,000 air miles to his credit, ranging from the Yucatan to the Arctic Circle, some say that Fred has seen more waterfowl habitat than anyone else in North America. After listening to his stories, they might be right!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Field Hudnall, YETI Ambassador and owner of Field Proven Calls, and the pair chat about YETI’s new book, Ducks. Hudnall was instrumental in helping YETI piece this coffee-table style book together, and the book will be sold with a portion of proceeds going to wetlands conservation. The two also catch up on Hudnall’s season last year, expectations for the coming season, and what’s the latest with Field Proven Call.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Inspired by a listener challenge, on this episode Dr. Mike Brasher visits with Kelly Warren, DU regional biologist in western Oregon, for an update on what the latest surveys reveal about the status and opportunities around the many goose species that call the Pacific Flyway home. Covering emperor geese, brant, snow geese, white-fronts, and 3 subspecies each of cackling and Canada geese, if you’re a Pacific Flyway goose hunter, this episode is for you.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Hunting resident Canada Geese takes patience and skill to ensure success. Join host John Gordon as he talks with Tennessee hunters, Alec Brown and Will Preuett, who have both mastered these skills. Listen to the latest DU Podcast to learn how they put more resident geese on the ground every September.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jim Ronquest, Vice President of Development for Drake Waterfowl on this episode. The two discuss Ronquest’s new role within Drake Waterfowl, along with some of the exciting products the company has. Ronquest shares some memories of great days afield and both talk about memorable moments from hunts past. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Meet the black-bellied whistling duck, one of the more intriguing stories among North American waterfowl. With an ever-expanding range and growing population, this species is triggering numerous research studies, providing new harvest opportunities, and demonstrating remarkable abilities to adapt to pressure. Dr. Jerad Henson, associate professor at Christian Brothers University, joins us to share insights from his research and others on this most interesting species.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Revised restrictions by USDA APHIS are now in place that allow hunters in Canada to bring their harvested birds back into the U.S. Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s chief conservation officer, joins the podcast to discuss the new restrictions and how DU helped inform them. Also covered are data that made the difference, hunters that provided the data, importance of partner voices, significance of HPAI as a threat to U.S. poultry, and USDA APHIS’s willingness to make a change.www.ducks.org

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the show regarding introducing young hunters to the basics of shotgunning. Bourjaily has mentored, and taught young hunters for decades, including his own children and he coached a high school trap and sporting clays team. The two discuss the first steps on introducing guns to young hunters, all the way through their first hunt. Anyone looking to mentor or introduce a youth hunter to the ranks of waterfowlers needs to use this show as a checklist for a safe, appropriate introduction.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Extreme drought continues in the western U.S., and Jeff McCreary and Dr. Mark Petrie join us for the latest update. How severe is the drought? What were its impacts on breeding waterfowl? Why are National Wildlife Refuges going dry? What can western hunters expect for waterfowl habitats and hunting opportunities? What is Ducks Unlimited doing to help, and how can you make a difference? These topics and more on today’s episode.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

While DU has been involved in TV and video for many years, never has it taken on a feature length film, until now! George Dunklin, DU volunteer and board member, and James Roberts, DU director of development, share the exciting story of Wings Over Water, DU’s first ever foray into IMAX films. Learn about how the idea was hatched, the people and partners that made it happen, and why it is important for the future of wetlands conservation. For more information, check out www.wingsoverwaterfilm.comwww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to discuss a common theme of missing bluewings. The pair talk through an article Pollmann once wrote where he shared tips from veteran waterfowlers on how they consistently shoot bluewings. These acrobatic, flighty little puddle ducks make difficult shots in the early-morning light, and there are ways to improve your odds. Give this show a listen.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The DU Podcast visits with Dr. Dale James, past director of conservation and science for DU’s southern region, to provide additional insights about his recent article on prehistoric waterfowl that appeared in the July/August issue of DU magazine. From the Demon Duck of Doom to the Wonderchicken, ancient waterfowl are no doubt entertaining! We also thank Dale and offer him an opportunity to reflect on his 18 years of service with DU as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings dive into North America’s most populous waterfowl species in this episode. Brasher and Jennings expand the mallard conversation into its entire life cycle, preferred habitats, and even close relatives. This is the all-things mallard episode you’ve been waiting for. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

RE-AIR OF Ep. 275Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher join forces to bring you the first in a series of species profiles covering our North American waterfowl. The blue-winged teal enjoys the spotlight in this episode. One of our most unique dabbling ducks, spending summer in the prairies and winter in the mangroves of Mexico, bluewings are the last to arrive on the breeding grounds and the first to head south, providing hunters with an early opportunity to return afield after a long hot summer. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast duck hunting, ducks, ducks unlimited, goose hunting, waterfowl, waterfowl survey, science, surveys, hunting, duck populations, birds, geese, waterfowl managers, conservation, wetlands, habitat, habitat conservation

Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher continue their discussion about the 2022 Waterfowl Population Survey results and what they mean for you. Looking flyway-by-flyway, species-by-species, and other unique ways of summarizing the data, this episode provides insights on breeding populations, habitat conditions, prospects for summer production, an uptick in Eastern Mallards, and what it all means for waterfowl hunters in the Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic Flyways.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Chris Jennings, Dr. Mike Brasher, and DU Magazine Editorial Director Matt Young begin a deep dig into the 2022 BPOP results. Matt shares 30-years of perspective on what the BPOP data mean to seasoned waterfowlers and how times have changed. The group then reviews 2022 results, discusses implications for mid-continent hunters, explores the pintail predicament, ponders Great Lakes mallards, and touches on harvest regulations. This episode is chock-a-block full!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

THIS IS A RE-AIR of EP. 289Green-winged teal are the smallest of our North American dabbling ducks with a short neck and small bill. Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings go into the details about this fascinating species. The pair discuss the species’ breeding habits, migrating, and wintering distribution. Prized by hunters for their abundance and as table fare, there’s a lot to learn about Green-wings.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher jump into the new season with the recently announced 2022 Waterfowl and Habitat Survey. The pair breakdown the overall numbers released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and set the table for future discussions focusing on induvial species.To get the full report and species chart, visit https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-surveys/2022/duck-numbers

On this special episode, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams joins co-hosts Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, and Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist, to talk about her love of the outdoors, priorities for the USFWS, the importance of hunters and private landowners to conservation, the longstanding partnership between DU and the USFWS, and much more. Status of the highly anticipated Waterfowl Breeding and Population Habitat Survey is also mentioned!

This DU Podcast features Browning Arms Media and Events Manager Shaundi Campbell.Hear Browning history, what’s new in shotguns for 2022, and learn more about Browning’s commitment to wetlands conservation, DU TV and more!

“Volunteers are the gasoline that makes the DU engine work.” On this episode we sit down with Doug Schoenrock (DU President), Chuck Smith (DU 1st Vice President), Kurt Cazayoux (Louisiana DU State Chair), and Jay Owen (DU Regional Vice President) to discuss the important role that annual state conventions play in celebrating our volunteers for their contributions to DU’s mission. From Roadkill Cookoffs to Bingo tournaments, learn about state conventions and why you should attend.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews former DU TV co-hosts Field Hudnall, Zach Pederson and Ainsley Beeman Kenworthy on the final 25th anniversary podcast. All three hosted DU TV episodes around North America, collecting incredible experiences and developing a strong respect and admiration for DU’s wetlands conservation mission. Tune in and listen to favorite show moments and discover why their time on DU TV meant so much to each of them. DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.

Chris Lee, Integrated Marketing Manager for FNBO, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about how the DU Visa Card is benefitting wetlands conservation. Lee discusses how the owners of the largest privately owned bank are strong supporters of DU’s wetland conservation mission and how the DU Visa Card program provides funding. Offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a portion of every purchase going directly to DU’s conservation mission, it’s easy to see why both parties are excited about this partnership.Visit ducks.org/visa to learn more.

Jon Deeter, owner of at Guyette and Deeter, Inc. decoy auction house, returns to the show to chat with host Katie Burke about their Spring auction at the North American Decoy Collectors Show, the largest sporting collector show in the country. Jon and Katie talk about the importance of this show not only in terms of the auction, but to decoy collecting in general. Jon gives us some insight into the catalog for this sale and how it was selected. He also talks about Guyette and Deeter Inc’s upcoming venture into antique waterfowling shotguns.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Guest host and DUTV producer John Gordon interviews Mike Checkett and Hampton Bourne on this DU podcast, continuing the DU TV 25 anniversary celebration. Bourne is the son of legendary DU TV co-host and writer Wade Bourne, he talks about his dad and the conservation legacy he left that still resonates today. Checkett is another longtime DU TV co-host and former DU staff member, he and Wade shared many sunrises together on DU TV. Tune in to hear great stories from the past from America’s longest running waterfowl hunting show.DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.

Addison Edmonds, founder of Gunner Kennels, joins the DU Podcast to share the news about the new partnership with Ducks Unlimited. Edmonds and host Chris Jennings talk about Gunner’s commitment to wetlands conservation as well as the new Gunner offerings that fall under the umbrella of official Ducks Unlimited products. The two talk about Edmonds new Labrador retriever, as well as new training challenge he is facing along the way. Join in for a fantastic introduction to new products and Gunner Kennels.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

As the 2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey nears completion, Dr. Ken Richkus, chief of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, reflects on the steps involved in planning and resuming the survey this year. Ken also discusses whether any changes were made, directs us to field updates from pilot biologists, and shares the timeline for survey completion and release of the final numbers. DU extends a special thanks to all the men and women involved in the survey! 2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Surveys - Field Reports | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Excitement abounds as DU prepares to celebrate 85 years of wetland and waterfowl conservation at our National Convention in New Orleans, July 13-16, 2022. Legendary quarterback Archie Manning will serve as keynote speaker, and activities throughout the week will include redfish fishing tournament, Roadkill Cookoff, Wings Over Wetlands celebration, guided tours, organizational and conservation updates, and the convention reception and gala. Listen for details and prepare to join us! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s chief conservation officer and Bob Locke, DU’s director of development for North Texas, sit down with Mr. Trammell Crow at the EarthX Expo 2022 in Dallas, TX. Founder of EarthX and a Dallas-based businessman and entrepreneur, Trammell explains how his upbringing and career led to the creation of EarthX, and how it eventually inspired him to host the US-Mexico Hunting & Wildlife Conservation Forum this past October to help protect hunting rights in Mexico.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

DU Podcast host, Katie Burke, chats with the President of the North American Decoy Collectors Association, Rick Sandstrom. The pair met up in Chicago to discuss the show and auction. They talk about the importance of the show and what it means to the decoy collecting community. How the absence of the show over the past years has had an impact on the community and it’s return this year. The two also chat about the evolution of the club from the Midwest to North American title and why it’s important for new and longtime collectors to attend this event and others like it. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

­­Guest host and DUTV producer John Gordon interviews Guy Shepperd and Richie Davenport of Moose Media, Mossy Oak’s video production company. Moose has field produced DU TV since 2013, capturing the best of waterfowl hunting and wetlands conservation around North America. Shepperd and Davenport discuss some of their favorite moments over the seasons while offering a behind-the-scenes look at DU TV.DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.

Farmers, ranchers, and private landowners are essential partners in DU’s conservation efforts. An exciting new partnership between DU and the Future Farmers of America stands to enhance our shared values and collective ability to train and educate America’s future farmers and conservationists. On this episode we hear from FFA representatives Cortney Zimmerman and Chris Bell and DU’s Mark Horobetz on the growth and future plans for this partnership. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Smiling faces. Barbeque grills overflowing with hot dogs and hamburgers. Pool parties with friends and family. A pleasant boat ride around the lake.These are the scenes of Memorial Day, celebrated every May on the month’s final Monday. It’s a three-day weekend, school is out, summer begins, good times in the sun are ahead.But we can’t forget what’s behind this day.The name itself tells the tale, memorial signifying recognition of meritorious service. Another word comes to mind immediately though, sacrifice. Memorial Day signifies a day of remembrance for the fallen in wars throughout history around the globe.At Ducks Unlimited, we urge everyone to take a moment this weekend to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and give thanks to those who gave everything so we could live in a country where freedom is enjoyed and not wished for. Thanks to all of you for supporting Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation mission. And thank you to those brave souls who embraced their call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice.As you spend time in the outdoors this weekend, think about the fact that it’s all possible because someone’s courageous act ensured our freedoms.From all of the staff and volunteers at Ducks Unlimited, Happy Memorial Day and thanks to everyone who has served and continues to serve our great nation.

Retired USFWS pilot biologist, Fred Roetker, joins the DU Podcast from Fort Chipewayan, Alberta, deep in the Canadian boreal forest for a real-time update on progress and conditions encountered during the 2022 waterfowl breeding population survey. Although 2022 is proving to be one of the later springs in recent memory, boreal wetlands are in good to excellent condition and ducks are once again being counted across this diverse and massive landscape.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Dave Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, answers more questions and provides guidance on how hunters need to prepare for avian flu. Topics include modes of transmission, vaccines, herd immunity, safety precautions, carcass disposal, how to report sick or dead birds, and whether it is safe to consume harvested birds. We conclude with a discussion about risks to wild turkeys and advice to not panic but stay informed and observant.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Dr. Dave Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, provides an in-depth description of the current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. How did we get here, and what are the risks to ducks and geese, poultry, humans, hunters, dogs, and other birds? We also learn about symptoms, infection rates, mortality rates, and the amazing similarities to the concerns and terminology that we all became familiar with during COVID-19. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Purina Pro Plan, joins the DU Podcast once again. Gunzer has 25 years of experience as a field trail trainer and offers his expertise on the subject. Host Chris Jennings and Gunzer discuss what’s new with Purina Pro Plan and the pair get into the weeds about field trial training. Gunzer offers his advice to anyone out there thinking about becoming a field trail trainer, and details the expectations of training at this high level.

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings welcome legendary fisherman and outdoor personality Bill Dance to the DU Podcast. Dance shares some personal stories about his path to becoming a professional fisherman and beyond. The trio discuss conservation and how fish and fishermen can benefit from Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation efforts. You’ll most certainly enjoy these conversations as the always-entertaining Dance, showcases his story-telling abilities. (Part #2)www.ducks.org/DUpodcast