Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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

Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for TPWD, joins the Podcast to discuss hunting and habitat throughout Texas. Kraai details the impacts Hurricane Nicholas may have on the current conditions and how that can impact the rest of teal season. 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

It’s early September, and that means bluewing talk with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada’s director of operations for the Prairie and Boreal. Scott shares insights from his early season hunts, continuing drought conditions, and assists with a bonus duckology discussion about how to age and sex blue-winged teal based on wing plumage alone. 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

Host Chris Jennings is joined by DU magazine contributor John Pollmann to discuss a popular topic – freelancing the prairies. Pollmann’s experiences as a South Dakota resident provides a different perspective to freelancing and the pair discuss common tactics, including best practices to approach landowners. 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

Dr. Mike Anderson, emeritus scientist of DU Canada’s Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, rejoins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss wetland conditions, duck production, and the advance of wetland drainage in the famed Minnedosa landscape of southwestern Manitoba. Dr. Anderson shares that late summer wetlands were “not as bad as expected” and some broods were observed. We also hear thoughts on where this year ranks among previous droughts and what the road into fall-winter may look like. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Brad Allen, owner of Elite Calls, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about competitive calling, meat calling, and just learning how to be a better duck caller. He explains how he got into calling, practice sessions, and the mentors he had coming up. Allen also details his own method of teaching people to be better duck callers. 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

Hosts 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. 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

Jay Anglin, WF360 Great Lakes Migration Editor, joins Chris Jennings to talk about habitat and teal numbers throughout the Great Lakes. Anglin explains that many areas appear to have good to fair habitat and property managers are reporting an influx of bluewings. Canada goose numbers also appear to be strong as that season begins as well. 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

Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher recap Season 4 and then provide a brief overview of new content coming in Season 5. Brasher discusses habitat conditions and what he has been hearing about conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region, along with some other habitat updates. There’s an exciting lineup of shows for the fall! 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

In this concluding episode, Drs. Dave Mauser and Mark Petrie discuss recent developments that have further eroded the ability of Refuges in the Klamath Basin to effectively manage wetlands for waterfowl. The consequences of these developments are likely to include fewer birds, less hunting opportunities, and more frequent outbreaks of avian botulism. We close with a discussion of how DU is helping to imagine and deliver conservation solutions for the future. 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

The mid-20th Century was a period of variation and transition for Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges, in the hey days supporting upwards of 6 million migrating pintails, but in troubled years being an avian botulism hotspot. The emergence of endangered fish species in the 1990s, however, began to fundamentally change the fate of waterfowl habitat in the region. Our story continues on this episode of the DU Podcast. 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

Located in southern Oregon and northern California, the Klamath Basin was once known as the most important wintering area for waterfowl on the planet. On this episode, join us and our guests, Dr. Dave Mauser and Dr. Mark Petrie, to learn about the region, its historical importance, and how legislation and water developments from over 100 years ago helped shape its conservation legacy and modern-day tribulations. 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

Dr. Fritz Reid, DU’s director of Boreal and Arctic conservation, provides the DU Podcast with an unplanned and optimistic update on habitat conditions and population reports from the boreal forest and Alaska. In welcome contrast to the prairies, anecdotal reports suggest large number of ducks and excellent wetland conditions across these massive landscapes, which may boost production of boreal-nesting species such as greenwings, ringnecks, wigeon, among others. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Winding down the summer season, the DU Podcast reconnects with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada director of regional operations for the prairies and boreal, for a late summer update on habitat conditions and expectations for fall hunting. Dr. Stephens also responds to a listener’s question about why breeding wetlands aren’t intensively managed similarly to what occurs for migrating and wintering birds. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Kayle Browning, first-time Olympic trap shooter, joins the Ducks Unlimited Podcast to talk about her path to earning her spot on Team USA, as well as her excitement for the upcoming Olympic Games. Browning, a well-accomplished shooter on the world stages, is also an avid duck hunter who grew up hunting Arkansas’ storied, flooded timber habitats with her family. Hear how she is preparing for her upcoming trip to Tokyo, and all that entails being a member of Team USA. 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

Dr. Jennell Appel, DVM, CCRT with SPORTVET Canine Rehab & Sports Medicine, joins the DU Podcast to talk with host Chris Jennings about ways to avoid commons injuries in sporting dogs. Dr. Appel explains how to avoid these injuries, but also goes into detail about how to properly rehabilitate your retriever. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.

Curious about field trials and hunt tests? Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Purina Pro Plan, joins the show discuss his decades of experience with field trial training and competing. Gunzer shares his personal experiences and advice for those interested in getting started. 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

2021 marked the first year in which Manitoba offered a spring conservation season for overabundant resident Canada geese. Join us in the episode as we speak with Frank Baldwin, waterfowl biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, to learn about the season, why it was deemed necessary, what science was used to inform it, how it avoids harvest of non-target populations, and whether non-resident hunters can participate.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

For the second consecutive year, the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey has been cancelled. Dr. Ken Richkus, chief of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, describes how the situation and decisions unfolded in 2021, including initial optimism and advanced planning that ultimately had to be shelved. How will this affect harvest regs, what other methods were considered, and what is the plan going forward? We answer these questions and more on the DU Podcast. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast