Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by colleague and native Texan, Dr. Todd Merendino to learn about the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project, one of the longest running and most successful private land wetland conservation programs in North America. Recognized in 2019 with a Texas by Nature award, since 1991, the TPWP has allowed DU and partners to restore or enhance more than 85,000 acres of wetlands on the Texas Gulf Coast.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Mike Stewart, owner and operator of Wildrose Kennels joins the show to talk with host Chris Jennings about his operation and his training methods. Stewart has branched out from his original facility and build regional Wildrose training facilities throughout the country. Learn more about Wildrose Kennels and the various methods Stewart uses for each client.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Continuing our virtual tour of wetland conditions in the Canadian prairie provinces, the DU Podcast visits with Ron Maher, DU Canada’s Manager of Provincial Operations in Alberta, to receive an update on habitat conditions in that province. Reports of a delayed spring, decent runoff, and recent rains has produced generally average wetland conditions in the southern prairies, but better wetland conditions in the parklands and boreal forests to the north.

The DU podcast is again joined by Dr. Susan Felege to discuss additional ways in which she and her students are applying new technologies to study waterfowl ecology. In this episode we learn how drones, video cameras, and thermal cameras are being used to collect massive amounts of data more efficiently, at larger scales, and with less disturbance to ducks and geese.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Another week, another bonus episode on breeding habitat conditions in the Duck Factory. This update, provided by Dr. Mike Anderson, Emeritus Scientist with DU Canada’s Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, shares on-the-ground insights from a location considered a historical hotbed of waterfowl research – Minnedosa, Manitoba. Based on more than 40 years of observations, Dr. Anderson shares how this year is shaping up compared to past.

Dr. Susan Felege from the University of North Dakota is conducting pioneering research using video cameras to study nesting ducks in the U.S. prairies. Dr. Felege joins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss some of this work and shares some of the interesting observations that she and her students have collected, including at least one example of white-tailed deer eating duck eggs! www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Mike Carter of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture and Matt Hough of DU rejoin the show to describe a terrific example of how DU’s conservation footprint can grow through approaches that deliver diverse benefits for birds and people. As a principle source of groundwater recharge for the Ogallala Aquifer, playa wetland conservation is being valued by a growing number of communities and landowners for the benefits they provide in securing the future of regional water supplies.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

For the first time in its 65-year history, the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey is not being conducted. With questions swirling about what this means for population management and harvest regulations, we reached out to Dr. Ken Richkus, Chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Bird Management, for first-hand answers to these questions and more. Settle in as we discuss this most important survey and unprecedented decision.

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Mike Carter, Coordinator of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, and Matt Hough, DU’s Director of Conservation Programs for Kansas, to discuss playa wetland conservation in the Western Great Plains. Our guests describe the importance of playa wetlands for wetland birds and groundwater recharge and provide an overview of historical and exciting new approaches to playa conservation.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

The DU Podcast is joined by our colleague from DU Canada, Kelly Rempel, Head of Habitat Asset Management Saskatchewan Provincial Operations, to discuss early observations of wetland conditions in the prairies and parklands of Saskatchewan, The Land of the Living Skies. It’s generally dry in the prairies with favorable conditions farther north in the parklands and Boreal Forest.

Waterfowl, for the most part, have returned to the breeding grounds. Join co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher as they discuss the processes involved with their return to nesting areas. The two discuss the preferred habitats of breeding ducks, the risks involved in nesting, the perils of being a duckling, and how science helps us better conserve and manage these habitats to benefit waterfowl populations.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

In the absence of typical habitat and duck reports from the May survey, we are turning to our folks in the field for first-hand updates and insights. On this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher visits with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, for an early spring update on habitat conditions across the Canadian Prairies.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist joins host Chris Jennings for another in-depth conversation on what waterfowlers should be doing in the off-season to prepare for the coming season. Bourjaily provides great detail on 10 additional tactics hunters can use to improve their shotgunning.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist joins host Chris Jennings for a discussion on what waterfowlers should be doing in the off-season to prepare for the coming season. Bourjaily provides great detail on 10 tactics hunters can use to improve their shotgunning.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

We conclude our 3-part series with Jerry Holden by discussing our organizational mission, the legacy of conservation support from waterfowl hunters, pursuit of expanded partnerships, and the broad-based benefits of DU’s wetlands conservation in the Southern Region. Lastly, Jerry and host Dr. Mike Brasher share personal experiences and the inspiration that comes from working with DU’s dedicated volunteers, members, and staff.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

We continue with part 2 of a 3-part conversation with Jerry Holden, Director of Operations for DU’s Southern Region. In this episode, Jerry introduces the people, places, habitats, and conservation efforts within the Southern Region, and what makes it both incredibly special and immensely challenging.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

In early February, we sat down for a wide-ranging discussion with Jerry Holden, Director of Operations for DU’s Southern Region. In the first of a 3-part series, Jerry shares his path to DU, his passion for conservation, and trades stories with podcast host Dr. Mike Brasher about the challenges and rewards of waterfowl hunting, including personal experiences from the 2019-20 hunting season.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Today, we go off the beaten path to discuss an entertaining adventure and important lesson on predatory journals. Dr. Dan Baldassarre, Assistant Professor of Zoology at SUNY Oswego, recently made headlines for the successful publication of a satirical article designed to expose the existence and dangers of unscrupulous actors among scientific journals. Listen and get wiser as we learn about The Deal With Birds!www.ducks.org/dupodcast

So, you found yourself with a mallard or Canada goose nesting in your flowerpot. Why is this happening, what should you know, and what are your options? Join the DU Podcast as hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher share their answers to these questions and more, when discussing urban nesting waterfowl.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

DU Podcast is back for Season 2: The Off Season! Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher return to bring the DU audience discussions on conservation, science and research, off-season shotgunning, retriever training, and much more. The DU Podcast will continue to be a source of information on all-things waterfowl conservation. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher wrap up the first season of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast. The duo discusses the trials and tribulations, but also explains what listeners should be excited about for Season 2. Thanks to everyone who joined the show and all who listened. Stay tuned! Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast.

Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department talks with hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher about Texas light goose hunting and the reasons why there has been a shift in the birds’ wintering grounds. Learn how this historical hunting area has all but disappeared. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department talks with hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher about Texas habitat changes that may be leading to shifts in wintering distribution. Kraai breaks down Texas’ various habitat types and explains what has changed. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with DU’s new Director of Conservation Strategy, Dr. Steve Adair, to learn about DU’s efforts to grow our conservation influence and footprint. Specifically, we discuss the importance of championing and marketing the benefits of DU’s conservation work beyond providing waterfowl habitat. These include benefits to water quality, water quantity, stormwater retention, storm surge mitigation, and a host of other ecosystem services. Dr. Adair shares his excitement for this position and the opportunities it presents while remaining true to our core organizational priority of waterfowl populations and the people that enjoy them. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Host Chris Jennings gets Tony Vandemore, guide and co-owner of Habitat Flats, on the line to discuss the pace of the light goose migration. Vandemore moved from Arkansas up to his home turf near Sumner, Missouri in the middle of the month. Listen to find out more. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Dr. Scott Stephens rejoins host Dr. Mike Brasher to continue their discussion about DU Canada’s conservation programs in the Canadian Prairies. This episode describes some of the new conservation partnerships that DU Canada is forging within the farming and ranching communities, and how these efforts are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes. Scott also discusses opportunities within the broader ecosystem services arena. We also get a sneak peek at how wetland conditions are shaping up as we look forward to the breeding season. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Friend and colleague Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss some of the important habitat conservation work being undertaken to benefit breeding waterfowl in the Canadian Prairies. This discussion highlights some of the historical and traditional programs that DU Canada has used to protect and restore priority wetlands and grasslands for waterfowl but also introduces exciting new programs that are being used to increase DU’s capacity to conserve waterfowl habitats. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined in studio by a trio of special guests to discuss trends in waterfowl hunter numbers and the importance of recruiting our next generation of hunter-conservationists. Former DU Chief Scientist Dale Humburg, University of Nebraska PhD student Katherine Graham, and Professor of Human Dimensions Research Dr. Chris Chisznski share their expertise on this subject and provide insights gained from recently completed research. www.ducks.org

In the final installment of this special series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding discuss the 2 critical surveys that are part of this process: Migratory Bird Hunter Survey and Parts Collection Survey. This episode sheds light on how these data are collected and used, and why none of this would be possible without the interest, cooperation, and participation by hunters. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, DU Great Lakes Migration Editor, to discuss light goose migrations into Illinois and Indiana. The two also talk about Arkansas goose numbers and opportunities for hunters to take advantage of these late hunts. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

In part 2 of this series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding go in-depth on the Harvest Information Program, known to most people simply as “HIP,” to explain how it works and how the data are used to select hunters for participating in the core surveys from which harvest is estimated. We also discuss additional uses of waterfowl harvest data. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Waterfowl hunters harvest 12–14 million ducks and 3 million geese annually in the U.S. The process used to estimate annual waterfowl harvest has several components and relies on the cooperation and participation by State wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and most importantly waterfowl hunters. Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service join Dr. Mike Brasher to help explain the harvest estimation process and some of the important uses of these estimates. This is episode 1 of a 3-part series. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Kevin Kraai, Waterfowl Program Leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department joins the podcast to discuss the history of the Texas Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey and results from the most recent survey in January 2020. We learn about the numerous ecoregions and important waterfowl habitats across the state of Texas and converse about notable observations in duck and goose abundance from the survey. The 2020 survey revealed the 3rd highest state-wide estimate for dabbling ducks since 1997. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes migration editor for ducks.org. Anglin brings to light some interesting observations by hunters throughout the region, including an influx of white-fronted geese and light geese into southern Illinois and Indiana. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Amelia Raquel, DU Biologist from California, for a discussion about waterfowl habitats and conservation in Southern Oregon and Northeastern California, also known as SONEC. Although an arid landscape, wetland habitats provided in the SONEC region are continentally some of the most important for fall and spring migrating waterfowl. Listen in for an introduction to DU conservation efforts in the region. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Dr. Mike Schummer, SUNY-ESF, rejoins the show with host Dr. Mike Brasher to provide a late season update on prevailing weather patterns in the eastern U.S. and how these have influenced waterfowl migration since the outbreak of cold weather in November. We wade into a discussion about large-scale atmospheric patterns that affect weather across the U.S. with a specific focus on the “polar vortex.” The show concludes with advice on how hunters can adapt their strategies in the face of weather patterns that aren’t conducive to strong bird movements. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Host Christ Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited freelance contributor, to discuss the best practices to plan and execute a youth hunt. Pollmann goes into detail regarding his Sept/Oct feature from DU Magazine and talks about his personal experiences hunting with his young son. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Rocky Rockwell and learn about the lasting effects of hyperabundant snow geese on Arctic habitats and their potential for recovery. We then discuss other interesting research at La Perouse Bay including goose productivity, drones, bear ecology, sea ice, and the genetic analysis of bear poop. We conclude with sage advice from Dr. Rockwell about learning from and working with the animals and the people around us. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Light goose populations in North America have grown exponentially since the 1960s. The famed goose colony at La Perouse Bay, Manitoba, became the epicenter for studying this explosive growth and its damaging effects on Arctic ecosystems. In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by special guests Drs. Rocky Rockwell and Tom Moorman to discuss the emergence of this issue, along with other topics including the evolution of white and blue phases of snow geese and their increasing hybridization. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Widely considered the most successful wildlife conservation plan on the planet, for over 30 years the North American Waterfowl Management Plan has set the bar for effective and relevant partner-based conservation of an internationally shared resource. Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dale Humburg for a discussion about the evolution and legacy of the NAWMP. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Former DU Chief Scientist, Dale Humburg, joins hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the history and significance of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in shaping international waterfowl conservation as we know it today. Ambitious in scale and intent, the NAWMP was signed in 1986 and immediately created a bold new vision for waterfowl conservation in North America. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Coordinator for Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings to discuss results from Mississippi’s December aerial waterfowl surveys. Listen in to learn about the history of Mississippi’s survey effort, the latest on duck numbers in the state, and what biologists are saying about the effects of 2019’s prolonged summer flooding on waterfowl habitat conditions this winter.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Mike Casazza rejoins the show to continue our discussion about cutting edge radio telemetry and its importance to waterfowl science. Specific topics on this episode include new estimates of waterfowl flight speed and why this is important, unexpected movements and behaviors of waterfowl, and what a hunter should do if they harvest a bird outfitted with a transmitter.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Since its introduction to wildlife research in the mid-20th century, radio telemetry has enabled scientists and conservationists to understand waterfowl behaviors and ecology at levels previously not imagined. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Research Biologist Mike Casazza to learn about the history, advancements, capabilities, and unique insights obtained from modern-day radio telemetry. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Previously published (Ep. 9 – 10) Host Dr. Mike Brasher discusses interesting research being done on urban mallards and the role they play in hunter harvest with Dr. Ben O’Neal. O’Neal serves as a wildlife ecology professor at Franklin College just south of Indianapolis and is studying the impacts of urban mallards in relation to harvest opportunities for hunters near metro areas. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

In this episode we bring you updates on mid-December waterfowl numbers and habitat conditions in Missouri and Illinois. Friends of the show, Frank Nelson and Aaron Yetter, explain that ice is prevalent and duck numbers continue to decline across much of their respective states. Hardy mallards, geese, and a few straggling pintails and gadwalls are holding out on rivers and other big waters as the year 2019 nears its end. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Mark Biddlecomb, DU director of operations for the Western Region, joins the podcast and shares information about DU’s Sacramento office, along with some of the unique conservation challenges faced in the Pacific Flyway. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Dan Wrinn, DU national director of government affairs, to discuss DU’s D.C. office and the importance of policy work for wetlands conservation and waterfowl hunting. Craig LeShack, DU director of conservation operations, joins in on the conversation to explain how DU implements NAWCA. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

DU Regional Biologist from the San Joaquin Valley in Central California, Matt Kaminski, joins the show to discuss a multitude of topics, including a description of DU’s conservation efforts in the California Central Valley, an update on waterfowl migration in the region, and insights on West Coast weather patterns that influence duck movements. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Scott Leysath, DU Magazine cooking columnist, talks about some of his favorite non-waterfowl recipes. Venison, quail, etc. Get some tips on cooking wildgame, even non-waterfowl species. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast