Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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

Dr. Steve Adair, DU chief scientist, joins the DU Podcast to talk about how DU uses science to make conservation decisions and to share some updates on some research. Adair and host Chris Jennings talk about DU’s Ecosystem Services programs and how wetlands benefit more than just waterfowl. 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

Although severe drought has gripped the U.S. and Canadian prairies over the past year, recent rains are providing welcome relief. How much rain, how widespread, and was it too late to benefit duck production in 2021 are relevant questions of the day. On this episode, Pat Kehoe, DU Canada’s director of international partnerships, shares his observations based on a recent trip across the Canadian prairies. 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

Mike Szymanski, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, joins the DU Podcast to discuss the results of his agency’s 2021 Breeding Duck Survey. Highlights include a record 80% year-over-year decline in pond counts and a nearly 50% decline in the number of mallards settling in North Dakota. How widespread is the drought, what are its implications for waterfowl and hunters, and have the recent rains provided any relief? 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

Frank Baldwin, waterfowl biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, shares insights regarding challenges and complications in Canada that contributed to the cancellation of the 2021 BPOP and Habitat Survey, along with other waterfowl field work. Host Dr. Mike Brasher and Baldwin discuss implications for harvest regulations and population management, while also exploring habitat conditions and the latest update on the border closure. 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

John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine freelance contributor, joins the show to talk about some off-season projects for waterfowl hunters. Summer can seem like it lasts forever, but there’s plenty to do. Pollmann discusses several things he does during the off season, but also provides an update on South Dakota habitat conditions. 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, aka Dr. Canvasback, joins the DU Podcast to provide field-based insights on wetland conditions in the heart of the canvasback breeding region – Minnedosa, Manitoba. Poor wetland conditions are the rule this year, with ample evidence of delayed or forgone breeding by numerous species. We also sidetrack for a brief discussion of ground-nesting vs. overwater-nesting habits of different duck species. 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

Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, hops on the DU Podcast to discuss common corrections for your retriever with host Chris Jennings. Stewart explains that there are several very common mistakes retrievers begin to make after a long duck season and that the spring and summer is the best time to correct these mistakes. 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

Bill Buckley, professional freelance photographer and Ducks Unlimited magazine columnist, joins the DU Podcast to talk about ways people can improve their photography. Pretty much everyone with a camera is now a content creator, but professionals like Buckley still manage to rise to the top when it comes to hunting images. He offers some examples of how to make easy adjustments to improve the quality of your hunting images. 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

Field Hudnall, co-owner of Field Proven Calls and World Goose Calling Champion, joins the show to talk with Chris Jennings about all-thing calling, hunting, kids in the field, and YETI Products. The pair discuss competition goose calling and how he got his start in the industry. Hudnall also serves as a YETI Ambassador in the Hunting category and shares some of his favorite products. 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

Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins host Chris Jennings to share some of his best tips for traveling with your retriever. The two discuss safety concerns, health tips, and some of the most important things to avoid when taking your retriever on the road. 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

DU CEO Adam Putnam joins the DU Podcast to talk with host Chris Jennings about DU’s transition to in-person events in many areas and the excitement that provides within the organization. Putnam also shares insights to how DU exceeded the conservation mission in the past year, along with upcoming events everyone needs to add to their calendar. 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

Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins Chris Jennings to talk about ways to improve your wingshooting during the off season. Bourjaily explains that repetition is the key, but there are several ways to focus your training on shots typically seen in the duck blind. Pick up a few helpful off-season shooting tips as the pair discuss techniques and best practices. 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 turning out to be a dry year on the prairies, but exactly how dry and widespread is it? Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins us to share early observations, data insights, and thoughts on how waterfowl are likely to respond and what it may mean for duck production and hunter experiences later this year. 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

Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about buying used waterfowl guns. Bourjaily offers some tips for finding quality used guns, modifying an old gun, and even what to avoid when searching for a used shotgun. 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

Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings on the DU podcast to discuss several must-have items for every wild game chef. Leysath explains that some of these items are specific to recipes, but most of these are handy in every style of kitchen. The pair talk about how Leysath uses several key items in his kitchen.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/DUPodcastRead the full article: 10 Must-Have Cooking Items for Waterfowl Hunters:https://www.ducks.org/hunting/10-must-have-cooking-items-for-waterfowl-hunters

It’s the off season and you’re thinking about a new retriever. Mike Stewart, owner and operator of Wildrose Kennels, joins Chris Jennings to discuss the Wildrose process. There’s a lot more to picking out a new hunting partner than showing up and picking a dog from a litter, and Stewart brings his decades of experience to the show to discuss the best ways to approach picking a puppy. 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 Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co-host Chris Jennings to discuss a feature article from the March/April DU Magazine, Duck Camp on Wheels. Jennings explains how he became an RV owner and how his decisions to turn it into a mobile duck camp led to the feature article. The pair talk everything from choosing an RV to where to take it on your next waterfowling adventure. 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 Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Nestle Purina PetCare, to talk about Purina’s scientific approach to creating quality pet foods. Gunzer, an experienced trainer, also gets into the details about his experiences as a field trial trainer 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

Brandon Cerecke, founder of Boss Shotshells, joins the show to discuss the ballistics of their loads. Chris Jennings and Cerecke get into the technical side of Boss, and how Cerecke started an ammunition company based upon his personal experiences as a waterfowl hunter. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings, co-host Dr. Mike Brasher, and (retired) DU Chief Scientist Dr. Tom Moorman, break down the 2020-2021 waterfowl season from late summer 2020 until the end. The trio discusses La Niña impacts on waterfowl, physiology of ducks and geese, and a glimpse of regional conditions gleaned from past Podcasts. While it wasn’t all bad news, this podcast brings to light significant issues hunters faced throughout the season. Brasher and Jennings wrap up Season 3 and preview Season 4: The Off Season, which begins May 1.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Hear how a generous land donation from the DeLuca family to the University of Florida has turned into a conservation, education opportunity for the next generation and beyond. Host Chris Jennings discusses this massive land donation with DU CEO Adam Putnam; Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation CEO Andy Walker; and Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Florida Dr. Scott Angle. Each provide insights as to the how this conservation effort benefits a wide range of organizations, people, wildlife, the next generation. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Mark Horobetz, DU’s manager of youth and education programs, joins the DU Podcast to provide an overview on the history and growth of DU’s youth programs, starting with Greenwings and continuing to today’s Varsity and University chapters. Also discussed are green shoots from these efforts including DU’s University Scholarship Program and other exciting new initiatives. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastIf you know someone who qualifies for the DU Scholarship, apply here: https://www.ducks.org/get-involved/ducks-unlimited-youth-programs/du-varsity/ducks-unlimited-national-scholarship-program

Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss a recent column – The Physics of Shotgunning. Bourjaily breaks down the science behind being a better shooter. He also provides an update on his duck season. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Scott Boomer, USFWS wildlife biologist, rejoins the show to offer his thoughts on sex-specific regulations and provide a brief update on the ongoing revision to the Pintail harvest strategy. Scott also shares his thoughts on the relative importance of harvest management vs. habitat conservation in achieving duck population goals. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

First developed for midcontinent mallards, Adaptive Harvest Management has since been expanded to eastern and western mallards, black ducks, pintails, and scaup. Dr. Scott Boomer, wildlife biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joins the DU Podcast to discuss modern changes to AHM and provides insights on what all has to be considered when expanding AHM to new species or entertaining alternative ideas for harvest regulations. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois rejoins the DU Podcast to share the stories behind his recently launched video project, “Duck Camp Dinners”. This new show details duck camp life at a floating lodge in south Louisiana. He walks through the full process of shopping for meals, cutting brush, and even just getting to the camp. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastTo watch "Duck Camp Dinners" visit https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=52_-Le-9jKM&list=PLAn10MBzyX9QCKH1tXYfXeaOQbJVEU0i8&index=1

Like most states in the eastern U.S., the 2020-21 waterfowl season has been a rocky road. Dr. Justyn Foth, the waterfowl, turkey, and upland game bird program leader for Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, joins the DU Podcast to share results from the recent mid-winter survey and discuss how habitat conditions and weather patterns have affected duck numbers and hunting success. The permit system and hunting opportunities for tundra swans are also discussed. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, rejoins the DU Podcast to provide nostalgic reflection as he share insights on the role of sex-specific duck regulations, how they were formulated under the point system, and what determined if a bird was worth 10, 15, or 35 points. Despite being conceptually sound, the point system was withdrawn in 1994, largely due to challenges with the practicality of its implementation and enforcement.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Mathematics was once a required practice in the duck blind, courtesy of the point system of the 70s and 80s. Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip down memory lane to discuss the origination, objectives, implementation, and critiques of the old point system, a once common regulatory alternative for duck harvest. Although liked and enjoyed by managers and hunters alike, it wasn’t without its challenges. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Steve Cordts, waterfowl staff specialist for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to provide a recap of the 2020-21 waterfowl season and share insights on a waterfowl hunter opinion survey being used to gather input from Minnesotans on preferences for future waterfowl regulations. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast To provide input, visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/waterfowl/waterfowl-public-input.html

The northeastern U.S. provides habitat for waterfowl throughout the annual cycle, making it a critical region for DU’s conservation work on breeding, migration, and wintering habitats. Sarah Fleming, DU’s director of conservation programs in the northeastern U.S., joins the DU Podcast to discuss important habitats, waterfowl species, and priority conservation activities in the New England states. Our discussion closes with a look at how wetland conditions for breeding waterfowl are shaping up. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Mallori Murphey and Katie Burke welcome back Colin McNair, Decoy Specialist for Copley Fine Art Auctions. In this episode, Mallori must endure Katie and Colin nerding out on the history of decoys and their evolution from utilitarian object to highly sought-after collectibles. The crew also discusses what collecting is like during the pandemic and how you can still find that elusive missing piece to your collection.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast