Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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

The DU Podcast is expanding its reach and soon you’ll begin to hear shows focusing on the history of our waterfowling heritage. Katie Burke, manager of the Waterfowling Heritage Center, and Mallori Murphey, social media specialist, will be hosting heritage-oriented shows. These shows will include decoy carvers, collectors, call collectors, and the wide variety of other historical topics. This show introduces you to Katie and Mallori. 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 hunting season in full swing in Canada and beginning to get underway in the U.S., we’re all clamoring for more information out of Prairie Canada, and the DU Podcast is happy to oblige. We are joined again by Pat Kehoe for a mid-October update on the status of waterfowl hunting, waterfowl migration, and weather conditions. Plus, what’s the status of hunter activity, and how are the birds responding? 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 is well-documented that predators kill ducks and destroy millions of nests annually. What is less understood is how landscape features may interact to influence rates of predation and whether we can thwart predator success by more targeted and strategic habitat conservation efforts. Today, we visit with Samantha Fino, PhD Candidate and recipient of DU’s Bonnycastle Fellowship for Prairie Ecosystem Studies, to learn how her research is helping answer these questions. 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

Anthony Jones, DU digital media and marketing director, joins Chris Jennings on the podcast to talk about the various digital tools built by waterfowl hunters, for waterfowl hunters. The list of tools for duck and goose hunters includes the highly popular DU Migration Map, DU App, and the all-encompassing Waterfowl360.com. Jones gets into the details of each and shares other insights into how you can use these tools. 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

While there is no doubt that non-hunters can be effective wildlife conservation professionals, our four guests share their beliefs and experiences with how active engagement in hunting helped them develop a deeper appreciation and connection to the resource. In this concluding episode about University Hunt Programs, we hear stories about visceral connection, emotional reward, and personal enlightenment that resulted from the conscious decision to hunt. 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 today’s university-based wildlife conservation programs, it is increasingly common for enrolled students to lack prior exposure to or experience with hunting. In response to this trend, initiatives commonly referred to as “University Hunt Programs” are being developed, whereby students are given an opportunity to learn about and participate in waterfowl hunting. On this episode, we are introduced to these programs by 4 guests that have been active participants in them. 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 continued closure of the Canadian border to non-essential travel, the DU Podcast is rejoined by Dr. Scott Stephens to hear about and live vicariously through his latest pursuits of migratory game birds in the Land of the Living Skies --- Saskatchewan. Always a great guest with informative content and entertaining exchanges, Dr. Stephens shares his successes and challenges in chasing (and calling) cranes, specks, and ducks. 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 Josh Miller, product training specialist for SportDOG Brand and owner of River Stone Kennels. Miller explains his transition to becoming a full-time trainer, and shares his expertise in choosing dogs, utilizing training tools, and even becoming a duck hunter. The two discuss their first retrievers and how these specific dogs improved their training and hunting over the years. 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

Perhaps unbeknownst to many North American waterfowlers, the state of Washington year-in and year-out supports a respectable population of breeding waterfowl, mostly mallards, that contribute to early harvest in that state. Matt Wilson, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, joins the podcast to share insights on breeding waterfowl in Washington and provides an update on summer habitat conditions and what we might expect 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

Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor for Waterfowl360.com joins the show to discuss some early hunting and habitat conditions across the Great Lakes. Anglin, based in Northern Indiana shares some insights on hunting conditions in his area and reports he has heard from other hunters in the Great Lakes Region. 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 the Upper Midwest, trematodes that are ingested through consumption of faucet snails are known to cause mortality in lesser scaup and other waterbirds every year, yet the effects of trematode infection on those birds that survive is not well understood. Cheyenne Beach, recipient of the Ed and Sally Futch Fellowship through Ducks Unlimited, joins the podcast to update us on her research that is investigating this very question. 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 the show to talk about goose guns. Bourjaily discusses what he prefers when it come to a solid, late-season goose gun and shares some slight modifications for hunters looking to find the perfect goose gun. 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

Duck energy days (DED) are discussed regularly among conservation and waterfowl managers, but what does that mean? In this episode, hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings have an in-depth conversation about this metric used by conservation leaders across 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

George Thompson, director of product management for Benelli USA, joins the podcast to discuss Benelli’s new Benelli Best Surface Treatment (BE.ST). Thompson and host Chris Jennings talk about this new product, along with a breakdown of all Benelli’s waterfowl and upland shotguns. 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

Doug Schoenrock, DU President, joins the DU Podcast to share his experiences within the organization and how he rose through the volunteer ranks of the world’s leader in wetlands conservation. 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

Earlier this month the DU Podcast was joined by Larry Reynolds to discuss the results of LDWF’s early September teal survey as well observations of the damage and destruction left in the path of Hurricane Laura. Ducks Unlimited extends its support and prayers to all those affected by the storm and are wishing for a speedy and effective recovery. 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 worldwide pandemic upended nearly all traditional research projects and banding efforts for Arctic-nesting geese in 2020, but that won’t stop the DU Podcast from asking the questions you want to hear. Frank Baldwin, Wildlife Biologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, joins us to share a few insights on goose production in 2020 and an interesting side story on summer duck banding. 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

During his research into hybridization between mallards and black ducks, Dr. Phil Lavretsky identified a mysterious genetic signature among mallards in North America. Playing the role of waterfowl detective, Phil and his colleagues uncovered the source of this signature and brought a surprising discovery to the world of waterfowl management. We explore this discovery and what it means in our concluding episode of this exciting series! 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. Phil Lavretsky dives into the latest scientific findings on the prevalence of mallard hybridization with black ducks, mottled ducks, Mexican ducks, and what to look for when identifying hybrids. We also learn that rumors of the demise of the American Black Duck due to mallards have been greatly exaggerated. Phil delivers the good news in the field of genetics. 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 DU Podcast is joined by genetics expert, Dr. Phil Lavretsky of the University of Texas El Paso, to discuss genetics, the prevalence of hybridization in waterfowl, and their importance to waterfowl management. We also discuss mallards, their relationship to the many mallard-like ducks across the world, and what scientists have recently learned regarding the origin of “greenheads” in 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

We continue our discussion with Colorado State PhD student Casey Setash about her ongoing duck research in Colorado. Casey shares what she learned from her Master’s research in Colorado’s San Luis Valley about nesting and incubation habits of cinnamon teal. We also discuss her ongoing PhD research, in which she is studying a hay production practice known as “flood irrigation” and how it benefits breeding ducks. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The drake cinnamon teal is arguably one of North America’s most distinctive and striking species of waterfowl, yet it’s one about which we know comparatively little. In this episode, we are joined by Casey Setash, a PhD student at Colorado State and one of only a few “experts” on this curious species, for a brief introduction to its ecology, distribution, and other interesting facts and unknowns. 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. Scott Stephens, Ducks Unlimited Canada, shares his teal hunting experiences and offers some insight to the migration in Manitoba. Stephens also discusses current weather conditions impacting teal and local 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

John Pollmann, DU Magazine contributor discusses targeting teal and how to prepare for early season ducks. Pollmann, a South Dakota native, brings to light a few helpful tactics for targeting early-season puddlers in the Prairies and beyond. 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

Tom Dokken, owner of Dokken’s Oak Ridge Kennels, joins the DU Podcast to talk about exciting new products from SportDOG Brand. Dokken brings more than 45 years of retriever training experience to the podcast and he discusses the changes in training over that span. 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. Dale Wrubleski rejoins the DU Podcast to continue our discussion of the decline and recovery of the Delta Marsh. With common carp identified as the principle trouble-maker, scientists, engineers, and conservationists devised a plan to combat the problematic fish and restore Delta Marsh to its historical productivity. Join us to learn how the marsh has responded and what’s next for this fabled location. 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 Delta Marsh in southern Manitoba is the birthplace for some of the most foundational science upon which North American waterfowl management is built. It is also a place steeped in the traditions and history of waterfowling. Dr. Dale Wrubleski joins us to discuss some of this history and the long-term declines in habitat that have affected this area, ultimately leading to a discussion of recent restoration efforts for Delta Marsh. 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 and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss waterfowl identification and its importance for not only waterfowl hunters, but also birders. Mike talks about identifying characteristics of certain species and shares a handful of helpful tips to improve your waterfowl identification. 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

He’s harvested every species of waterfowl in North America except two, and he knows his way around the waterfowl landscapes of Canada like nobody else. Pat Kehoe, DU Canada’s Director of International Relationships, gives an update on late summer habitat conditions in Canada, the border closure, reduced hunting pressure in Canada, and his expectations for the 2020 Fall Flight. 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

Heading into fall, Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam joins the DU Podcast to discuss his thoughts on the upcoming waterfowl season, a few personal experiences, and provides a State of the Organization. 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

Is your retriever ready for opening day? Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels joins the show to discuss some early-season training options to have them better prepared for the first few days afield. 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 DU Podcast kicks off with an introduction show and a re-introduction for many. Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the oddities of the current pandemic and how DU has reacted from a conservation perspective. The pair also discuss upcoming episodes and what listens should expect to hear throughout 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