Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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

Few scenes evoke more wonder than flocks of mallards descending into flooded timber of Arkansas’s GTRs. While consistent management of water levels for more than half a century has produced predictable habitat for waterfowl and hunters, it has come with a price. In the first of this 3-part series, Luke Naylor, waterfowl program coordinator for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Jake Spears, DU biologist, join the podcast to discuss the history and declining health of Arkansas’s GTRs.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Following an abnormally mild fall, winter temps and regional snowfall are triggering an abrupt change on the Canadian prairies. Dr. Scott Stephens shares insights on recent weather systems that dropped up to 20” of snow in parts of Manitoba and are certain to usher south any waterfowl that remain in Canada. Does this change the outlook for the prairie drought and what should U.S. hunters expect as they head afield? Join us for perhaps our last discussion with Scott for this season.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Motivated by a phone call from 17-year old Brynna Malley from San Antonio, Texas, this episode introduces us to the Texas Brigades youth education program and how it is making a difference in training our next generation of conservationists. Michael Petter, a volunteer with the Brigades, shares details about the program, while Brynna inspires us with her story and how she plans to spread the conservation message.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

We welcome Dan Thiel back to the podcast for the second part of the series discussing the history and formation of Ducks Unlimited. In this episode, Dan and host, Katie Burke, take a side bar and chat about the influence of Jay “Ding” Darling on waterfowl and wetland conservation in the United States. The pair discuss Darling’s pivotal role in creating the Federal Duck Stamp program and other works ultimately influencing the direction of DU.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Daniel and Neill Haas from Mossy Oak. The two share the story of Mossy Oak, from the early days when their grandmother was sewing garments in the attic, to today’s global distribution. The conversation turns to duck hunting and conservation, and both share the reason behind the company’s passion for waterfowl and habitat conservation.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Johann Walker, director of operations for DU’s Great Plains region, provides an update on prairie habitat conditions and introduces us to the vital role that Duck Stamps and the USFWS Small Wetland Acquisition Program play in protecting prairie wetlands and grasslands. With roots to 1934 and nearly 4 million acres of breeding duck habitat protected, this program remains one of DU’s highest priorities. Johann also shares Christmas shopping advice to help protect wetlands.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this science-heavy episode, Dr. Heath Hagy and Mike Brasher take a deep dive into duck foraging ecology, how we study it, and why it’s important for effective habitat management and conservation planning. Using entertaining analogies of crowded buffet tables and Thanksgiving feasts, we learn about complexities of foraging decisions and why feeding behavior doesn’t always indicate food in the water.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

C. John Sullivan, historian and collector, joins host, Katie Burke, to talk about the history of waterfowling on the Chesapeake Bay. The pair discuss topics ranging from historic guns clubs to market hunters to the rise of conservation on this infamous waterfowling landscape.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about the hunting and habitat around the Great Lakes. Anglin breaks down Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio in this discussion and provides reports from waterfowl managers and hunters he has spoken to. With more typical fall weather in the forecast, Anglin is optimistic about the coming weeks.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Bill Buckley, professional photographer and freelance contributor for Ducks Unlimited magazine, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss photographing dogs in the field. Buckley gets into the basics of shooting good photography and dealing with common retriever-related problems when trying to capture the perfect images of your four-legged hunting companion.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

John Veon, Masters student from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to answer the question of whether body mass of harvested mallards in Arkansas has changed since the late 1970s. What role have weather patterns, habitat management, or other landscape changes played in the observed trends, and what can hunters and managers take from these findings. Special thanks to all the hunters that provided these data and made the project possible!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Addison Edmonds, found of Gunner, along with Cory Loeffler, owner of DRC Calls, join host Chris Jennings to talk about a recent hunt they had in Northern Minnesota and discuss Loeffler’s Labrador retriever, Rue. Edmonds explains how Gunner is looking to highlight the story of other dogs he meets on hunts and other adventures and how Rue had an impact on him during their hunt. Loeffler also goes into detail about Rue’s unique training and early accomplishments.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dan Thiel, Executive Secretary of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of Wetlands America Trust, joins podcast host, Katie Burke, in this part of a multiple part series discussing the history and formation of Ducks Unlimited. In this episode the pair talk about Nash Buckingham, the famous sportsman and writer, and the important role he played in the founding of our organization.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mark Gloutney, DU Canada’s director of regional operations for eastern Canada and British Columbia, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an introduction to the diverse wetland systems and waterfowl populations of eastern Canada. Mark also provides an update on 2021 breeding habitat conditions and early observations from the hunting season.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Schummer from SUNY ESF joins the DU Podcast to provide an update on early season hunting and habitat conditions from New York. Mike also shares insights on how climate systems and weather patterns are unfolding this fall. Signs are pointing to a cold outbreak in early November, likely triggering additional migration, but the outlook beyond that may be less encouraging. Listen in for all the details and possibilities. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

McNeill Dinkins (Jackson, MS) and Max Shackelford (Memphis, TN), winners of the 2021 DU National Scholarships, join Mark Horobetz, manager of DU’s Youth and Education Programs and host Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss their stories, future plans, and what it means to be a leader among DU’s volunteers. Mature beyond their age, McNeill and Max are perfect examples of why DU invests in our youth.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Tom Dokken, veteran trainer, joins the DU Podcast on behalf of SportDOG Brand to talk about the processes he uses when training with e-collar. Dokken shares insights into the step-by-step process of introducing the e-collar into your training sessions, and how he approaches the timing of those introductions. He also discusses common errors made by amateur trainers that you should avoid at all cost.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Robbie Smith, Sporting Arts Director at Leland Little Auctions and North Carolina decoy collector, joins the podcast with host, Katie Burke, to discuss his journey into waterfowling and collecting North Carolina decoys. The two discuss the importance of mentorship and friendships when beginning your collecting career. Robbie talks about his interest in carvers like James Best and Malachi Waterfield and why their work speaks to him. He also speaks on the insurgence of North Carolina decoys on the market in the last 10 years. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Retired DU Chief Scientist, Dr. Tom Moorman, and DU Canada’s Dr. Scott Stephens join the podcast to provide an informative and entertaining recap of recent hunting exploits on the Canadian prairies. “Dry” remains the operative word, yielding low hunting success, scattered ducks, and interesting observations. Dr. Stephens also shares insights from his experimentation with a new decoy tactic…enter the “song dog!” www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Former collegiate footballer and current USFWS waterfowl ecologist, Dr. Heath Hagy, joins Dr. Mike Brasher on the DU Podcast to discuss his role in helping the USFWS Refuge System meet habitat needs of waterfowl in the southeastern U.S. What is the role of sanctuary, why are crops grown on Refuges, how are Refuge priorities set, what are the Refuges greatest challenges, and much more, all in one episode!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

APEX Ammunition hit the market in the turkey woods several years back, but the owners had a vision to move these high-performance loads into the waterfowling community. APEX Ammunition CEO Jason Lonsberry joins host Chris Jennings on the DU Podcast to talk about their multiple ammunition offerings for duck and goose hunters, and the pair discuss the technical aspects of TSS, blends, and APEX’s S3 Steel loads.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Colin McNair, decoy specialist at Copley Fine Art Auctions, returns to the show to chat with host Katie Burke about the last year of auctions and health of the decoy market. Katie and Colin also express their excitement for the return of decoys shows and the reuniting of the decoy community. They speak on the difference between the silent bidder and the social one and how they both play important roles in the wealth of collectible decoys. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Waterfowl guides hunt every day, they’ve seen it all. John Pollmann, DU Magazine freelance contributor, joins Chris Jennings to talk about learning special tips and tactics from lifelong waterfowl guides. Pollmann goes into detail about specific tactics some guides use to decoy ducks and geese, as well as sharing some personal stories about hunting with guides.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Last summer, Chêne Gear announced their new waders. Rumors spread throughout the industry about these new waders. Jeff Jones, Chief Product Officer for Chêne Gear, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about this exciting new product for waterfowlers. Jones and Jennings get into the weeds about the technical aspects of these new waders and much more. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Tony Vandemore, co-owner of Habitat Flats, joins the DU Podcast to discuss the ups and downs of his teal season in Missouri. Vandemore shares some insights into what he is hearing from guys north of the border, as far as bird numbers and habitat. Host Chris Jennings and Vandemore talk about his habitat management efforts throughout the summer and leading up to the season opener.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Intense drought and constrained water supplies are causing unprecedented dry conditions in the Klamath Basin in 2021, resulting in minimal habitat for fall migrating waterfowl. DU regional biologists Amelia Raquel and Chris Colson provide an update on the dire conditions, but look forward with optimism to partner-drive solutions and silver linings emerging from the drought.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Green-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

The Canadian Boreal Forest is an important breeding region for many species of ducks, but it is regularly influenced by wildfire and other disturbances. Moriah Tanguay, a master’s student and DU Fellowship winner from the University of Saskatchewan, joins the podcast to discuss how her research is helping answer questions about how these disturbances may affect scaup and scoters, and what it means for DU conservation in the Boreal Forest. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Mark McBride of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joins the podcast to introduce us to the diverse waterfowl and habitats of the Sunshine State. A wetland rich landscape, supporting numerous species of ducks and home to nearly 15,000 waterfowl hunters, Florida is not to be overlooked. Mark also shares an update on the 2021 early teal season and explains why their regulations differ from most other states.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

DU’s Chief Policy Officer, Zach Hartman, offers an exciting overview of the important role that policy efforts play in helping DU achieve our waterfowl and wetland conservation mission. Despite the many challenges we faced in 2020 and 2021, the year was very successful from a policy perspective, with important wins in NAWCA, the Land and Water Conservation Funds, and numerous state-level issues. We also learn of the value of bi-partisan support for conservation and the role our volunteers play in making it happen.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Virginia Getz, DU’s director of conservation programs for CA, NV, AZ, and HI, joins the DU Podcast for an in-depth discussion of how drought is impacting the Central Valley of California. Fewer acres of winter-flooded rice and less water for managed wetlands will provide fewer hunting opportunities and likely change waterfowl behaviors and movements. Listen in for updates and insights on what hunters need to know. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Katie Burke, manager of the Waterfowling Heritage Center, is back to discuss call collecting and the history of Illinois duck calls with Ryan Graves. Graves shares his journey of becoming a call collector and how that has evolved into the first-rate collection of duck calls he owns today. He speaks on the importance of mentorship in collecting. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast