Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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 #1)www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Dr. Johann Walker and Dr. Scott Stephens join the podcast to provide an armchair view of habitat conditions in the U.S. and Canadian Prairies and openly speculate about what we should expect for the 2022 breeding duck population and production. While winter and early spring storms refilled wetlands in North Dakota, Manitoba, and the Canadian parklands, variable and dry conditions remain across important breeding regions of Montana and southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host John Gordon interviews Marc Pierce and Jared Brown. Longtime friends and DU supporters, these former DUTV hosts talk about how they became involved with the show and some of their favorite moments through the years. What snacks did Wade Bourne bring to the blind? Listen in and find out! 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.

While lethal collection and gnarly lab work is the gold standard for measuring body condition of waterfowl, scientists also need non-lethal methods to answer other research questions. Katharine Cody, graduate student from the Univ. of Arkansas at Monticello, explains the importance of winter body condition for ducks and describes her research that sought to identify a reliable, non-lethal way to measure it for Arkansas mallards. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews Eric Keszler, executive editor of Ducks Unlimited magazine, about the origin of the longest-running waterfowl hunting show on television, DUTV, in this first installment of a five-part series celebrating DUTV's 25th anniversary. Keszler spent several years producing DUTV and offers a great perspective on the history of the 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.

Dr. Mark Petrie, DU’s director of conservation planning for the Western Region, provides a quick update on drought conditions in the western U.S. for April 2022. With intensifying drought, we should expect limited local duck production, significant declines in planted rice, reduced wetland management, and concerning carry-over effects into fall and winter. Mark also provides insights on what this means for waterfowl and how DU is responding.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

We've been gearing up for SEASON 6. We hope you'll join us for more exciting content beginning this Wednesday, May 4th!

Join us at DUX 2022!For everything outdoors... from biking, shooting, dog demonstrations, and exhibitors, there's something for all ages and skill levels at the Ducks Unlimited Expo!TICKETS starting @ $10 - https://www.duckexpo.com/tickets**Kids 12 and under are admitted free with an adult ticket purchase. **Active/Retired Military, First Responders are free with valid ID.

As the dust settles, the DU Podcast looks back on the 2021-22 waterfowl season. Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dr. Heath Hagy, USFWS Waterfowl Ecologist, to discuss everything from the 2021 drought to roller coaster weather patterns, personal hunting experiences, duck research, mid-winter surveys, and a look ahead to habitat conditions for the 2022 breeding season. Jam-packed with information you’ll only get here, join us for a reflection on the season that was.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this final episode of The DU Podcast, show hosts Chris, Mike, & Katie reminisce on the season, but also look forward to season 6 and beyond. But don't worry! We will keep releasing content every so often to keep you updated on what is happening in the wetlands and with the ducks.Thank you for helping us reach and surpass a million total downloads. You'll hear from us soon!

With duck season winding down, we look ahead to the 2022 breeding season. Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins the podcast to provide late winter insights on snow cover and what it might mean for recharging prairie wetlands. Although a welcome start, more precip will be needed to bring significant improvements for returning birds. The other big issue that remains is the spring BPOP survey. With hopeful anticipation, DUC staff are primed and ready to assist.

Dr. Mike Brasher visits with Virginia Getz, DU’s director of conservation programs for CA, NV, AZ, and HI, to recap the erratic weather and hunting success across California. Significant rain in Oct and Dec brought relief from drought and created abundant waterfowl habitat. While good for birds, hunting success was mixed, with a feeling that neither birds nor hunters could find their normal “rhythm.” We now hope for more rain and mountain snow to improve breeding conditions.

DU Podcast host, Katie Burke, chats with renowned decoy carver Cameron McIntyre about his early love of nature and waterfowl and how both have informed his life as an artist and carver. McIntyre describes the years of hard work, trial and error that led him to be the skilled carver he is today. He also talks about the influence of the carvers he spent time with along his journey, as well the influence of the decoys of past master carvers he was lucky enough to work with as a restorer. McIntyre also describes in detail why nature is his primary passion and muse.You can view Cameron’s work by visiting, http://www.camerontmcintyre.com/

Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss shotgunning techniques for waterfowl hunters. Bourjaily explains the processes and importance of making sure your hands and eyes are working together to find and remain on a target. The two also get into the details of one of the most difficult shots in waterfowling, the high, overhead shot.

In this very special Fact or Fiction episode, Dr. Ray Alisauskas applies his expertise to a few questions and statements about the ecology of snow and Ross’s geese. We discuss color morphs, caruncles, rarity of blue phase Ross’s geese, flight altitude, and more! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Kevin Kraai, Texas Parks and Wildlife waterfowl program leader, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the most recent waterfowl survey. The 2022 survey showed impressive numbers in several parts of the state. Kraai discusses specific species and why some areas in Texas were holding strong numbers of ducks and other were not.

Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores shares stories from the book about tactics and cleanup of illegal grow operations, and how these operations contaminate water supply, kill wildlife, and damage public lands.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how California game wardens dealt with an attack on public and private lands, and how the issue continues across the U.S.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Eddie Nickens, contributing editor of Ducks Unlimited magazine, and his son Jack join host Chris Jennings in studio to discuss their travels over the years. The two were visiting National Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, on their way to an Arkansas duck hunt. Eddie and Jack explained how they built bonds through the outdoors and how things have changed since Jack was young, hunting at his father’s side. This interesting conversation details the dynamics of a father and a son growing up in the outdoors, both learning about life along the way.

As eastern mallards declined in the early 2000s, waterfowl managers developed a new approach for setting duck harvest frameworks in the Atlantic Flyway. Termed “multi-stock management,” this approach steps away from mallards and relies on 4 species that better capture harvest opportunities for eastern hunters. Dr. Min Huang and Dr. Pat Devers rejoin the podcast to provide details behind this approach and discuss other issues on the horizon for waterfowl management in the U.S. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In the late 1990s, waterfowl harvest managers in the Atlantic Flyway began exploring new approaches to tie harvest regulations for their states to eastern mallards and other duck populations that were the primary source of Atlantic Flyway harvest. Dr. Min Huang, Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Dr. Pat Devers, USFWS, join the podcast to lead a discussion on these early days and eventual implementation of Eastern Mallard AHM. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this inaugural episode of our Fact or Fiction series, hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher give the straight talk on three questions brought to us by our listeners. How much of DU's work occurs on public vs. private land, do you have to register for HIP separately in each state in which you hunt, and does DU provide corn for managed impoundments? The waters can get a little muddy out there, so we’re jumping in to provide some clarity. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this concluding episode, Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, explains neck collars, web tags, nasal saddles, geolocators, transmitters, GPS units, and more. How are they used, how have they evolved, and how are scientists using them to learn more than ever about movements, migrations, and behaviors of waterfowl across North America? Listen and learn from our friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Nicolai.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Katie Burke is joined by wildlife artist Adam Grimm. Adam is a two-time Federal Duck Stamp winner and two-time DU Artist-of-the-Year. In this conversation, Adam goes into detail discussing his journey to become a professional wildlife artist, particularly, how his love of art and the outdoors came together to in his professional career. The two also discuss the significance of the Federal Duck Stamp program to wildlife artists, and the significance winning has had on Adam’s career.You can view Adam’s artwork by visiting, https://www.adamgrimm.com/

Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, rejoins Dr. Mike Brasher for a “bird nerd” discussion about waterfowl banding. This episode covers everything from the basics of what it is and when it happens to more detailed coverage of reward bands, survival estimation, calculating population size using the “Lincoln-Petersen” method, and what banding data can reveal about individual decisions. Thank you for reporting your bands! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

An alternative recipe for your harvested ‘fowl, the DU Podcast and Dr. J.-M. DeVink bring you a French-inspired dish that pairs well with red wine and a blustery winter day – Acadian duck pie. Perfect for any species of waterfowl or wild game, including those considered less than stellar table fare, J.-M. steps through the recipe and provides educational insights on its origin and preparation. Find the complete recipe here: https://bit.ly/32y02sL www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the incoming cold front happening New Year’s Day. This influx of cold weather throughout much of the Central and Mississippi Flyway could have major impacts on waterfowl wintering in mid-latitude states. Anglin shares local and regional updates across Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan as many of these states are holding strong numbers of ducks and geese. Waterfowl hunters throughout the lower portions of the Central and Mississippi Flyways may have the opportunity to begin 2022 with a bang. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an extended, in-depth discussion about the science and application of marking individual birds. In the first of 3 episodes, we discuss the early days of marking, the type of data and information gathered from it, its advantages over other methods of study, and how the technologies and techniques continue to evolve, providing increasingly detailed data on the waterfowl life cycle. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Join Chris, Mike, & Katie as they take a walk down memory lane discussing Christmas presents from their youth, reflecting on Christmas traditions, and considering why Dec 25th might be the safest day for the ducks. You'll also hear songs recorded by local Ducks Unlimited staff and a Christmas letter reading from all of us to all of you! We hope you have a safe and joyous holiday. Merry Christmas!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Past Editor-in-Chief of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Stan Van Etten, joins host, Katie Burke, to chat about the magazine’s 20-year run. The duo reminisces about some of the magazine’s great articles over years of its publication. Stan discusses what led him to start the publication of the magazine, as well as his reason for retiring it.To purchase back issues of H&FC Magazine, visit http://hfcollectibles.com/

Dr. Jean Michel DeVink, DU Canada’s National Manager of Conservation Planning, joins the DU Podcast to share bits of scientific expertise and culinary insights from his journey to becoming a better cook of wild game. We discuss an introductory fajita recipe, slow cooking goose legs, wild game during the holiday season, and other elements that even the most seasoned chefs will appreciate.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Fresh off a November elk harvest, Dr. Ray Alisauskas of Environment and Climate Change Canada joins the podcast to discuss early data on productivity of Mid-continent light geese in 2021. Evidence continues to indicate a “nose-diving” population trajectory for snow and Ross’s geese in the mid-continent. Earlier spring thaw and phenological mismatch are primary culprits, but what about the Conservation Order?www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Heath Hagy rejoins the podcast to continue a discussion about how plants differ in their value to waterfowl. From smartweed and millet to oaks and corn, this episode covers a plethora of plants commonly mentioned in waterfowl management and discusses the good, bad, and ugly. Are all exotic plants bad for waterfowl, are all grasses and sedges of similar value, and what’s the story with cultivated crops? All these questions and more are answered on this episode.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Heath Hagy, waterfowl ecologist for the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System, joins host Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the diversity of wetland plants and how they differ in their value to waterfowl. Beginning with a reflection on the history of waterfowl food habits and its importance to effective management, this episode launches our exploration of the food, cover, and secondary benefits of various plant communities commonly found in wetlands.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Most get their first introduction to the world’s leader in wetlands conservation by attending a local banquet or other style of event. David Schuessler, DU national director of event fundraising and R3 programs, joins Chris Jennings to talk about DU’s successful event system. Schuessler shares some of the history and the current successes of today. The two talk about must-attend unique events throughout the country along with the volunteers and staff who make it all happen.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Luke Naylor, AGFC waterfowl program coordinator, joins the DU Podcast to talk about hunting and habitat in Arkansas as the state prepares reopen the season after the first split. Naylor explains that water is a major problem throughout the Natural State and landscape-level water is what attracts and holds ducks. Some success was reported during the first portion of the season, but it was short-lived. Naylor did mention that the white-fronted goose hunting has been a highlight so far. He remains optimistic that if precipitation improves, so will the remainder of the season.

For the fourth installment of the History series, Dan Thiel returns to discuss with host Katie Burke the impact of Thomas C. Main on the newly founded Ducks Unlimited. Main was DU’s first General Manager in Canada and had a significant impact on the early conservation work done in the organization. Dan and Katie walk through those early years of Main’s career telling the story that informed much of the work DU does today.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

John Pollmann, freelance contributor for DU Magazine and ducks.org, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss running traffic for ducks and geese. This common reference is used by hunters who can’t quite be on the ‘X’, but can get in the flight line to try and divert birds into their decoys. The two share some personal experiences, along with tactics from a recent DU Magazine article.To read Pollmann’s full article, visit https://bit.ly/3rjcHu9

Kory Rogers, Chief Curator of the Shelburne Museum in Burlington, Vermont, joins Katie Burke to discuss the Joel Barber decoy collection. The two chat about Barber’s unique influence on the collecting community as the father of decoy collecting. They also briefly discuss the Shelburne’s new online exhibit, In Plain Sight: Rediscovering Charles Sumner Bunn’s Shorebird Decoys, as well as the important role of the museum which is separate from that of the private collector.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

As DU seeks broader partnerships and support for wetlands conservation, so grows the need for new science to quantify the diverse benefits it provides. Dr. Steve Adair, DU chief scientist, and Dr. Ellen Herbert, DU ecosystem service scientist, join the podcast to share exciting news about a recently awarded $3.2M grant from the USDA to investigate the potential for wetlands restored through the Conservation Reserve Program to mitigate climate change.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Katie Burke welcomes returning guest Dan Thiel to discuss the founder of Ducks Unlimited, Joseph P. Knapp. In telling the history of Knapp, the two discuss the creation of More Game Birds for America and the evolution that inspired the same group to create Ducks Unlimited. The pair layout out the timeline of events plus Knapp’s role that ultimately lead to our organizations’ creation. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode, we introduce one of DU’s newest waterfowl scientists, Catrina Terry, and learn of the adventurous and exciting path she took to become a duck expert! Catrina also share insights from her graduate research on duckling survival in the prairies, which revealed than even wetlands in intensively cultivated landscapes provide habitat for ducklings and provides justification for diversified strategies for wetland conservation.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

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!

David Schuessler, National Director of Event Fundraisng and R3, joins the DU Podcast to talk about Into the Vault 2, an online auction launched by DU on Nov. 22. Into the Vault 2 features unique items from across the country including rare guns, prints, original paintings, trips, decoys, and so much more. Schuessler and Chris Jennings discuss the auction, several items, and even discuss how this money conserves habitat in North America. To bid on one of these fantastic items, visit www.ducks.org/vault.

Will Kutscher, Filson content producer, joins host Chris Jennings for an exciting talk about producing the high-quality content at Filson.com. Kutscher has traveled the globe creating in-depth stories of the men and women who rely on Filson gear to live their lives or make a living. Kutscher shares his favorite adventure to date and his best advice for amateur content creators out there to take their content to the next level.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings dive into another one of the more popular waterfowl species in North America. Brasher explains some of the unique characteristics of this species in regards to feeding habitat, breeding habitats, and life cycle needs. The two discuss the habitat preferences as well as preferred food sources of the gadwall. It’s everything you’ve wanted to know about the gadwall.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Matt Wilson, statewide waterfowl specialist for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, joins the show to provide a quick update on habitat conditions and hunter reports across the state of Washington. Pacific storms have improved habitats in eastern parts of the state, but have produced damaging floods west of the Cascades and have changed the landscape for waterfowl and hunters. On balance, its been a mixed bag and generally an average season thus far.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Chris Akin, owner and operator of Webb Footed Kennels, hops on the Podcast with Chris Jennings to chat about SportDog BRAND E-Collar introductions, mid-season training sessions, and even the best way to prepare a retriever for a light goose hunt. Akin, with more than 30 years of experience training retrievers, brings a wealth of e-collar advice to trainers of all experience levels.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Austin Booth, director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, joins the DU Podcast to conclude our discussion about the difficult yet necessary changes to water management in Arkansas’s famed greentree reservoirs. From his perspective as a father, hunter, and agency director, Austin shares insights on leadership, outreach efforts, hunter concerns, and why AGFC is so committed to seeking long-term solutions to preserve the legacy of Arkansas’s flooded timber.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Luke Naylor (Arkansas Game and Fish) and Jake Spears (Ducks Unlimited) are back for part 2 of our in-depth discussion about changes in water level management for Arkansas’s GTRs. With the problem diagnosed, AGFC and partners are beginning to implement solutions, none of which will be easy, quick, or inexpensive. Change is coming and it will require increased adaptability of Arkansas’s hunters, but embracing a longer-term view of GTR management is vital for preserving its legacy.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast