Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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

Mallori Murphey and Katie Burke are joined by Colin McNair, Decoy Specialist at Copley Fine Art Auctions. In this episode, Colin talks about his life growing up carving decoys and hunting waterfowl with his dad and brother. The crew dives into the world of a decoy specialist as well as the practice of using x-rays to prove authenticity. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

With the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Tradeshow canceled for 2021, the DU Podcast is excited to be able to introduce a new waterfowling product to the market with Benelli USA. George Thompson, director of product management for Benelli USA, joins Chris Jennings to discuss the new Super Black Eagle 3 (3-inch & 20-gauge), along with other new guns for 2021. Experience a SHOT Show product launch, without attending the show.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastIf you have questions for George Thompson, or for the DU Podcast, please email us at [email protected]

In this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Is duck harvest mortality additive or compensatory? Is duck production strongly or weakly density dependent? Which habitat features most influence duck production? And how are optimal duck harvest regulations selected in the face of this imperfect knowledge? The DU Podcast is again thankful to be joined by Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist and Adaptive Harvest Management expert, to dig deeper into the workings of AHM and how annual duck regulations are selected. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

As regular duck seasons wind down, Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Region migration editor, joins the show to talk about weather, habitat, and late-season goose hunting opportunities. Anglin and host Chris Jennings discuss solid Canada goose numbers throughout Illinois, Indiana, southern Michigan, and Ohio. The pair preview an early glimpse of light goose opportunities as well. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Luke Naylor, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission waterfowl program coordinator, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the current state of habitat and hunting conditions in the Natural State. Naylor recently finished tabulating the mid-winter aerial survey and the pair discuss numbers and potential causes for the end results.Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Jim Nichols rejoins the DU Podcast to share stories about early champions of Adaptive Harvest Management and how they promoted it as a better way of setting harvest regulations, with unexpected support resulting from unusual political maneuverings in the mid-90s. Dr. Nicholas and Dr. Mike Brasher also begin discussing key components of AHM, including harvest management objectives and regulatory packages, with a goal of demystifying some of the “black box” of AHM. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Concern for waterfowl populations and frustration with the status quo of duck harvest management in the late 80s stimulated new ideas for setting annual regulations and learning about their effects. Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist from Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and one of the godfathers of Adaptive Harvest Management, joins the DU Podcast to introduce waterfowl harvest dynamics, adaptive management, and the regulatory atmosphere that ultimately produced AHM. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

With the 2020-21 duck season winding down, we look ahead at how spring wetland conditions may be shaping up. Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada’s director of regional operations for prairies and boreal, rejoins the DU Podcast to discuss conditions needed to produce abundant spring wetlands and provides an update on where we currently stand. Lingering drought from 2020, poor frost seal, and sparse winter snow across much of the Canadian prairies create a grim forecast at this stage. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The ideas of “fair” and “equitable” in harvest distribution have been a challenging undercurrent for regulatory decisions over the years. Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock join the DU Podcast one last time to discuss zones and splits, “shortstopping” in geese, the frustration it caused, and how managers tried to adapt. Also discussed are lead poisoning, non-toxic shot regulations, and the birth of Adaptive Harvest Management, each of which brought their own need for adaptation. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The 1970s and 80s brought a flurry of activity, including early teal seasons, stabilized regulations, foundational analyses of compensatory vs. additive mortality, new views on harvest management, and the most important development for waterfowl management in at least 50 years – the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Repeat guests Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg rejoin the DU Podcast to continue a discussion about the history of waterfowl harvest management. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Tom Moorman, former DU Chief Scientist, shares in-depth information about certain aquatic vegetation ducks prefer over others. Host Chris Jennings and Moorman discuss species-specific food preferences and how duck and goose hunters can find, and identify, these natural food sources. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Kyle Spragens and Brandon Reishus rejoin Dr. Mike Brasher to expand their discussion about harvest management for Canada and Cackling geese in Oregon and Washington. Today’s discussion focuses on Dusky Canada Geese and how harvest regulations are crafted to protect them from harvest without undue risks and burdens for hunters and other regional stakeholders. Brandon and Kyle also dispel misconceptions about subsistence harvest and whether the Dusky is endangered. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Kyle Spragens, waterfowl section manager for Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Brandon Reishus, migratory game bird coordinator for Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, join the DU Podcast to discuss the 7 subspecies of white-cheeked geese found in the Pacific northwest. Topics covered include population status, historical and current distributions, causes for recent changes in abundance and distribution, and how these 7 subspecies influence harvest regulations. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Kelly Warren, DU regional biologist in western Oregon, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an introduction to geese and goose hunting in the Pacific Northwest. We learn about the 7 subspecies of white-cheeked geese, including the dusky Canada goose for which harvest is not allowed, goose identification tests, and harvest challenges surrounding these sub-species. We also discuss white-fronts, snows, and how conservation efforts by DU and state and federal partners benefit these species www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Building from earlier discussions in episodes 41, 42, and 43, Dr. Mike Brasher visits with John Vradenburg, USFWS supervisory biologist for the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex to get an update on the alarmingly low waterfowl numbers, habitat conditions, and difficult hunting in the Klamath Basin. John concludes on an optimistic tone by discussing some of the positive work underway and opportunities for future wetland and waterfowl improvements in the region. www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Threats of a closed season in the Mississippi Flyway in 1968 led to intense disagreement, restrictive regulations, and amplified the challenges of managing the resource while considering the interests of people. Collectively, these times generated solid foundations for future progress. Dr. Mike Brasher is rejoined by Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg to discuss these topics, while also introducing an elegant alternative regulation system that began in the 1960s– the Point System. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

With growing band recoveries and a newly implemented Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, waterfowl managers in the 1950s sought a more science-based understanding of population dynamics and harvest regulations. The 1960s brought plummeting waterfowl populations, reductions in harvest limits, declining hunter numbers, and shifts in waterfowl distribution. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher discusses these important changes and concerning times with Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast