Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Facing difficult hunting conditions in the early portions of the season, Richard talks about how he used certain techniques to overcome stale ducks. He discusses how he uses footage from Higdon Outdoors TV to help him find discrepancies in his decoy spreads and hides. He also hints at some new Higdon products for 2021. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The DU Podcast is joined by Dr. Andy Raedeke, migratory game bird coordinator for Missouri Department of Conservation, for a Christmas week update on habitat conditions, waterfowl numbers, and hunting reports from the show-me state. It’s a message similar to that shared by other states and waterfowl hunters, but hope remains for a minor Christmas gift or perhaps a change in the long-term forecast. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The DU Podcast is excited to welcome Brandon Reishus, migratory game bird coordinator for Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and Kyle Spragens, waterfowl section manager for Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife, for a quick update on migration status, habitat conditions, and hunter success from their respective states. A bout of favorable weather may be on the horizon, just in time for a welcome Christmas change. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

World War II brought global upheaval in the 1940s and caused a redirection of national priorities and placed a temporary pause on regulatory and conservation momentum of the 1930s. After the war, returning veterans became the pioneers in waterfowl management and led to a new era of scientific discovery, regulatory creativity, and a growing need for state and federal coordination via Flyways. The DU Podcast continues its discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Into the 1920s, the Federal government endured growing pains in its new-found regulatory responsibilities for waterfowl harvest. Then, the 1930s brought a Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and catalysts for conservation, eventually producing the Duck Stamp Act, National Wildlife Refuge expansions, Pittman-Robertson Act, and organizations such as DU. Dr. Mike Brasher resumes his discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg about the history of waterfowl harvest management. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Weather is one of many variables that play heavily into a decoy strategy. John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine freelance contributor, talks with Chris Jennings about several odd weather situations where an outside-the-box tactic may work. Pollmann shares details of a past, popular article he wrote about the topic and the two go into great lengths discussing these helpful strategies. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastRead the full article: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/decoys/weather-driven-decoy-tactics

Jay Anglin, WF360 Great Lakes Migration editor, joins the DU Podcast to give an overview of the hunting and habitat in several key Great Lakes states. Anglin, like many hunters, points out the lack of weather throughout the region, but is optimistic about late-season opportunities in all states. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

As the mercury dips, keep a close eye on your retriever. Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins host Chris Jennings for a cold-weather retriever care discussion. Ice, snow, extremely cold winds can have an impact on your dog, and Stewart points out several things to look for when hunting in wintry conditions. He also talks about some other topics like cold-tail, retriever blind bags, hypothermia, and feeding regimens. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastFor our next episode with Mike Stewart, email him your questions and he will answer on the DU Podcast. Email [email protected]

Following legal challenges to early attempts at Federal protection of migratory birds, policy makers and conservation leaders sought alternative avenues for establishing Federal jurisdiction. Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock rejoin Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the Migratory Bird Treaty Act becoming law in 1918, its role in a landmark Supreme Court case, and its emergence as the foundation for regulated waterfowl harvest and migratory bird management.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

At the turn of the 19th Century, market hunting and unregulated harvest was taking a toll on waterfowl and other migratory birds. Growing concern produced the first attempts at federal regulation of migratory birds. In part 1 of the DU Podcast’s series on the history of waterfowl harvest management, Dale Humburg, former DU chief scientist, and Ken Babcock, former DU senior director of regional operations, discuss these early days and the resistance to federal intervention.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, DU magazine freelance contributor, rejoins the DU Podcast to talk decoy strategies with Chris Jennings. The two go through a magazine feature Pollmann wrote, detailing how to create the simplest, most effective decoy spread possible. The two talk about the varying habitats where these unique spreads are used and how other hunters can recreate the scenarios in their hunting areas. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastRead the full Feature: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/decoys/five-simple-spreads-for-waterfowl

The Ducks Unlimited Podcast is joined by Aaron Yetter, waterfowl ecologist from the Forbes Biological Station, for an early December report on habitat conditions and duck numbers in the Illinois and Mississippi River Valleys. After a brief freeze that concentrated ducks for the previous survey, wetlands have thawed, spreading ducks across the landscape. Duck numbers are down and habitats remain dry, which has made for challenging outings in the 2020 waterfowl season. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

DU President Doug Schoenrock joins host Chris Jennings to discuss DU events, conservation, and even chat about Schoenrock’s recent hunts. Schoenrock provides an update on fall event successes, in-person and digital, and talks about a specific new DU-member benefit, DU Sportsman Protection Plan. He shares his Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays message for all DU supporters and how excited he is to forge into 2021 for wetlands conservation. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastDU Sportsman Protection Plan: www.ducksplan.com.

Lee Kjos, co-owner and brand manager of Boss Shotshells, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about how Boss Shotshells was born from the passion of waterfowling and conservation. Kjos explains the mentality that drives Boss Shotshells – quality shotshells and ethical hunting. Learn about the wide variety of shotshells available direct to consumer. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcasthttps://bossshotshells.com/

Managing hunting pressure is one of the single greatest challenges for waterfowl managers today, as it is important for conserving the waterfowl resource while also providing quality hunting experiences. Dr. Mike Brasher is rejoined by Larry Reynolds and Mike Carloss to discuss the Atchafalaya Delta as a prime example of these challenges, the consequences of management decisions, and the evolution of understanding as hunters and scientists. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The DU Podcast resumes its discussion about history and change at the Atchafalaya and Wax Lake Deltas. Mike Carloss relives his experiences as manager at the Atchafalaya Delta WMA, including stories of remote living and hunter rescues in the dark. Larry Reynolds tells of the glory days of hunting at the Delta, including brute force navigation, hunting the rising tides, and increased hunting pressure that began to change bird behavior. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Larry Reynolds and Mike Carloss join Dr. Mike Brasher for a multi-faceted conversation about coastal Louisiana. We start with a summary of the November waterfowl survey and then begin a discussion about one of the most unique subregions along the Louisiana coast – the Atchafalaya River Delta. We introduce the region, the processes responsible for its development, and the incredible waterfowl resources it historically supported.Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Our eyes are upon Texas in this episode, as we visit with Andy Stetter, USFWS Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, to get an update on waterfowl abundance, habitat conditions, and general hunting success along the Texas coast during the early season. Andy also shares a personal retriever story that while somber at the outset, ultimately produces a surprising development and new hunting partner. We thank Andy for sharing! Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Cindy Anchor, a Master’s student at South Dakota State University, joins the show to discuss preliminary results from her telemetry-based study of the post-fledging and migration movements of mallards from North and South Dakota. Listen to our extended discussion about Cindy’s research, sponsored through DU’s Waterfowl Research Foundation Fellowship, and what it revealed regarding mallard movements out of the Dakotas and into winter. Contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores shares stories from the book about tactics and cleanup of illegal grow operations, and how these operations contaminate water supply, kill wildlife, and damage public lands. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at [email protected] with recommendations or questions.

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

Jon Deeter, co-owner of Guyette and Deeter Auction House, joins the show to discuss the business side of collecting waterfowling history. Hosts Mallori and Katie discuss the current decoy market and the impact of COVID-19. Deeter discusses the auction house’s record-breaking sales and some of the industry’s most historic finds. Katie and Jon lament on the wonderful community of collectors and how they both can’t wait for things to be back in person again. 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

Brook Richard, manager of corporate relations for Higdon Outdoors, joins the DU Podcast to talk about Higdon Outdoors' full line of decoys, MOMarsh blinds, Powers Calls, and even provides a few decoy tips in the process. Richard talks about the importance of motion in your decoys and new products from Higdon. 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

Re-air from 2019. Our Thanksgiving show, plucked from the DU Magazine archives (Nov/Dec 2007), is a humorous story about the idiosyncrasies of waterfowl hunters. "Duck Blind Intervention" written by Doug Larson and narrated by Tom Gallagher.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

When people think of waterfowl habitats in California, places such as Humboldt Bay and San Francisco Bay probably aren’t the first that come to mind. However, these areas provide valuable habitat for hundreds of thousands of wintering waterfowl annually. On this episode, we visit with DU Regional Biologist, Dr. Renee Spenst, to learn about DU’s wetland conservation priorities, unique restoration opportunities, and a diverse supporter base along the California coast. 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 Lewis, Arkansas Duck Call Collector and Current Chairman of the Board of Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, joins hosts Mallori and Katie to talk about his journey into call collecting. Lewis speaks about what drew him to Arkansas duck calls and the state’s rich history in waterfowling. He also describes his personal relationship with Call Carver, Billy Ray Starks, and his influence on Lewis’s own call making and collecting. The trio talks about Lewis’s book “Calling the Wild: The History of Arkansas Duck Calls” and the years of research that went into such an endeavor. 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

Ducks Unlimited’s goal of abundant waterfowl populations depends fundamentally on a robust base of productive wetlands across North America. In many regions, wetlands face persistent threats from the exotic, invasive plant known as Phragmites. Today we visit with Emily Tarsa, PhD student at Utah State University and DU Fellowship Recipient, to hear about her research into the restoration of native wetland vegetation in the Great Salt Lake following removal and control of Phragmites. 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

Luke Naylor, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission waterfowl program coordinator, joins the DU Podcast to discuss current conditions going into the 2020-2021 Arkansas waterfowl season. Naylor explains that the state is fairly dry, yet remains optimistic about the opener, and the season to follow. 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, DU magazine contributor, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about all-things blinds. The two discuss different approaches for various styles of waterfowling blinds and address the benefits and drawbacks to each one for waterfowl hunters. 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 migration region 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

Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeios joins the DU Podcast to talk about his new project promoting duck-camp cooking and recipes from south Louisiana. He also shares a handful on cooking tips and rants about the ethics of Instagram chefs. 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, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist, joins Chris Jennings to talk about the 20-gauge as a viable waterfowl gun. Bourjaily is currently testing out several models and shares his opinions of the 20-gauge. The two discuss new models, improved ammunition options, and other highlights of choosing this small- bore option. 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

Hunter reports on snow geese suggest everything from a horrible hatch to great production, but what do researchers say? Lacking data from goose banding operations, we turn to field-based surveys of staging geese in prairie Saskatchewan. Worldwide snow goose expert, Dr. Ray Alisauskas, provides our first empirical look at snow and Ross’s goose production in 2020, and we then discuss explanations for low production and populations declines for white geese in the Midcontinent.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Aaron Yetter of the Forbes Biological Station in Havana, Illinois, joins the DU Podcast to provide an update on waterfowl numbers in the Illinois and Mississippi River Valleys during late October and early November. We also discuss recent reports of hunting success and hear about the crazy movements of a radiomarked wood duck. 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 hunt clubs have played an important role in waterfowl and wetlands conservation since the mid-19th Century. The Winous Point Shooting Club, at the southwestern end of Lake Erie, stands as North America’s oldest, continuously running duck club. In this episode, we visit with John Simpson, manager of Winous Point, for an introduction to its history and vital contributions to waterfowl hunting, wetland conservation, scientific research, and habitat management. 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 Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings have a quick discussion on the basics of what separates these waterfowl types. Brasher explains anatomy, feeding types, and other differences between these ducks, while Jennings brings a handful of fun facts to the show. 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 John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to take a deep dive into lifetime skills for waterfowl hunters. Pollmann wrote a piece that relates to this topic for ducks.org, but the pair go even further into the discussion about becoming an all-around duck and goose hunter. 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

Continuing with a focus on winter weather and how it is influencing waterfowl migrations, we are joined by Dr. Mike Schummer, SUNY ESF, to discuss his use of weather metrics to forecast duck migration in the eastern U.S. We also get an update on conditions in the Northeast and discuss the potential implications of a strengthening La Nina for winter weather, habitat conditions, and hunter opportunities. 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, DU’s Great Lakes Region Migration Editor joins the show to talk about the current state of migration. Multiple weather systems have pushed ducks and geese into historical migration corridors and Anglin provides a glimpse into the current hunting conditions. He also explains that the best is yet to come. 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

As a series of strong mid-October cold fronts settles across the prairies and Midwest, there are widespread reports of frozen wetlands, snow-covered fields, and an exodus of waterfowl out of Canada. On this episode, we go back to our trusty source of intel from the Canadian Prairies, Dr. Scott Stephens, fresh from his likely “last hunt of the season” for a report on weather conditions, migration, and a bit of informed speculation on how these conditions are affecting behaviors of ducks and geese. 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

Guest hosts, Mallori Murphey and Katie Burke, are joined by Marty Hanson, world-renowned decoy carver, to discuss how he became a carver and much more. Hanson gets into detail about different species and even individual species he prefers to carve. The trio talk about his unique approach and what makes his carving style different from other carvers throughout North America. 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 hunters are certainly familiar with leg bands on waterfowl, but there are sometimes other markers they should look for and report. One example is web tags. Clemson University grad student Jake Shurba joins the podcast to tell us about web tags and provides a Public Service Announcement on how to report them when encountered. 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

With the regular waterfowl season opener in Missouri creeping closer, Tony Vandemore joins the show to talk about habitat management, the upcoming season, and new changes at Habitat Flats. Vandemore shares some information about local habitat in comparison to last year, and what we he is looking forward to in 2020.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

A remarkable wildlife success story and amazing table fare, the growth and expansion of the eastern population of sandhill cranes is providing a delightful new opportunity for migratory bird hunters in portions of the eastern U.S. Dr. John Brunjes rejoins the podcast to share insights on the process that was followed to open a sandhill crane season in the eastern U.S. and describe steps taken to ensure harvest does not harm the population. 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

Many waterfowl hunters and migratory bird enthusiasts have crossed paths with sandhill cranes somewhere along the way. Dr. John Brunjes, Kentucky Dept of Fish and Wildlife Resources, joins the podcast to educate us on their ecology, distribution, taxonomy, management, and changes in their population size and distribution, with an emphasis on eastern North America. 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

Dan Drust, Filson director of wholesale sales, joins Chris Jennings to talk about the fantastic history of Filson and how the iconic brand transitioned into the markets of today, yet maintained their quality standards. Drust also shares information on several new products from a lifestyle and a waterfowling perspective. 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

As the overall number of waterfowl hunters continues to decline, it is increasingly important that we invite and welcome new hunters from all backgrounds. An encouraging trend is a recent increase in the number of women participating in hunting. In part 2 of our discussion on Women in Waterfowl, our guests share their experiences and accomplishments as female hunters. We close with advice and guidance for other women interested in hunting or joining the waterfowl and wetland conservation profession.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

For the longest time, the vast majority of waterfowl professionals and waterfowl hunters have been men. Although the balance continues to tilt in this direction, we are witnessing an exciting shift in female participation and leadership in waterfowl science, management, and conservation, as well as in the blind. The DU Podcast is joined by Dr. Susan Ellis-Felege, Dr. Karla Guyn, and Casey Setash to discuss this change and hear first-hand of their experiences as women in the waterfowl profession.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast