Ducks Unlimited Podcast

On this episode of the DU podcast, hosts Jimbo Robinson and Tim Fehringer welcome university chapter volunteers for the summer leadership summit, Third Term. With over 300 students attending from 80 different colleges, the summit promises to be an exciting and engaging event. Tune in to hear a special episode featuring these students discussing their experiences and involvement in the program.Check out Third Term here!

Host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by co-hosts Katie Burke, Derek Christians, Dr. Mike Brasher, and Matt Harrison in the new studio. They welcome guest Rob Southwick from Southwick Associates to discuss what motivates people to hunt, sharing new research on hunter personas for R3 and other insights from his 35 years of experience in understanding and analyzing hunting participation and trends data. Rob highlights the importance of engaging people in hunting and fishing for conservation efforts and enhancing future opportunities. Tune in to learn more about the driving factors behind hunting participation and how this can impact wildlife conservation.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Chuck Black, the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Competition winner and wildlife artist, joins the Ducks Unlimited podcast to discuss his busy year and upcoming events. Chuck talks about the competition, his duties, and the transition to selling prints after the first day of sales. Tune in to hear about Chuck's experiences as the Federal Duck Stamp winner and his upcoming plans in the world of wildlife art.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

With duckDNA season 1 now in the books, DU teams up with Ramsey Russell of It’s Duck Season Somewhere and Dr. Phil Lavretsky to review early scientific insights, odd ducks, and the overall excitement around the project. Co-hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Jerad Henson visit with Ramsey and Phil compare notes on their experiences and take a deep dive into some of the results, including an examination of several unique hybrids. Also discussed are the status of season 2, important changes coming your way, and a reminder of how you can participate. Follow the project this season on Instagram at @theduckDNA, and apply to participate at www.duckDNA.com.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this second part of host Katie Burke's interview with carver Guy Taplin, we explore his fascination with past American decoy carvers and his understanding of the landscape and place where they worked. He delves into his experiences in America and the influence of key figures like Henry Fleckenstein and John Sullivan. He reflects on how his current friendships and mentorships have shaped his view of decoys and his artwork and how his experiences of visiting places like the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Cobb Island have been reflected in his work. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Today on the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Katie Burke is joined by special guest Guy Taplin from Essex, England, to discuss waterfowl carving and the unique landscape of Essex. Taplin describes his early life growing up in the countryside during and after World War II and how he first became enamored with waterfowl and waterfowl hunting. Tune in to learn more about the early years of Guy Taplin's life and how it led to his becoming a full-time carver. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this special episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Scott Stephens break down the freshly released U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2024 Waterfowl Population Status report and important changes coming to hunters. Listen in to find out which species increased, where the major surprises were, and how rainfall in April and May affected prairie pond conditions and duck settling patterns. Also discussed are implications of these data for the 2025-26 hunting season, including potential continuation of liberal seasons, new pintail regulations, and early teal seasons. Get the latest news on the best waterfowl data on the planet, with special thanks to our partners in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, and state and provincial agencies.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by DU magazine contributor John Pollmann to discuss a popular topic – freelancing the prairies. Pollmann’s experiences as a South Dakota resident provides a different perspective to freelancing and the pair discuss common tactics, including best practices to approach landowners.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

As waterfowlers peer ahead to the approaching hunting season, botulism has become a headline in the West and state agencies have released results from their 2024 waterfowl breeding population surveys. Today’s conversation begins with Jeff McCreary, DU’s director of operations for the Western Region, giving the latest update on avian botulism in the Klamath Basin and the solutions that DU and partners are trying to deliver. We then go across the country with Nathan Ratchford, Dr. Dan Smith, Dr. John Coluccy, and Dr. Mike Brasher to review results from state waterfowl surveys in California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. What were population and habitat conditions like this spring? How do these data inform harvest regulations and our knowledge of duck populations? And what can hunters take from these surveys as we await the release of the much larger U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service waterfowl status report.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

So, you want to hunt that field where there’s a big feed? Time to start knocking on doors. Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, freelance contributor to Ducks Unlimited magazine and ducks.org, to talk about the best, and worst ways to ask for permission. The pair also discuss some different tactics to improve success rates on getting permission, and also keeping it for the long term. For waterfowlers looking to gain access to private ground, this podcast is a must-listen before the season begins.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Jerad Henson and DU conservation communications coordinator, Nathan Ratchford, to provide the latest update on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention new rules for bringing dogs into the U.S. Also discussed is the status of USDA APHIS guidelines for importing harvested game birds from Canada. Spoiler Alert--they remain unchanged from 2023. If you are a waterfowl hunter or dog owner heading north to harvest some feathered ‘fowl, you need this episode!

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, freelance contributor to Ducks Unlimited magazine and ducks.org, to talk about the excitement of opening day of waterfowl season and ways to avoid making simple mistakes. As opening day continues to creep closer, there are several tactics many duck and goose hunters don’t take into account, leaving them open to potential failure. Follow along as these two discuss best practices to make your opening day a success.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

After overwhelming response, duckDNA has officially returned for year 2! On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Jerad Henson share this exciting news and what you need to know about the upcoming season. Also discussed are the forthcoming release of the breeding population survey, what it might mean for harvest regulations, the latest on Avian Influenza, and new programs that are improving DU’s ability to conserve waterfowl habitats through sustainability and ecosystem service benefits.

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels to discuss retriever training during the peak of summer heat. The conversation leads to a discussion on summer training for dogs, touching on different locations and the importance of adjusting training routines based on weather conditioning. Stewart brings to light several training, nutrition, and health tips to keep your retriever in shape and safe from heat stroke.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

PART 2: On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke sits down with Joe and Donna Tonelli, avid hunters, collectors, and historians. Joe shares his early introduction to hunting through family traditions, while Donna's expertise in writing about decoys and ducks adds depth to their shared passion. Tune in to hear about their journey into the outdoors, from childhood memories to their love for hunting and collecting decoys.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

PART 1: On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke sits down with Joe and Donna Tonelli, avid hunters, collectors, and historians. Joe shares his early introduction to hunting through family traditions, while Donna's expertise in writing about decoys and ducks adds depth to their shared passion. Tune in to hear about their journey into the outdoors, from childhood memories to their love for hunting and collecting decoys.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Beau Brooks, digital marketing specialist for Higdon Outdoors, to talk about the highly popular whistle. Brooks specializes in calling ducks with a whistle. He explains his best practices calling teal, wood ducks, wigeon, pintails, and mallards. Listeners are sure to pick up a handful of helpful tips as Brooks details how, when, and why he uses these species-specific calls.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

After 4 years of extended drought, spring and summer rains finally provide relief to the US and Canadian prairies, but what does it mean for the fall flight? Dr. Scott Stephens joins co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher for a mid-July update on breeding habitat conditions across the prairies and boreal forest. Because much of the rain came after ducks had settled and managers expect a relatively small breeding population count, waterfowlers probably shouldn’t expect a banner crop this fall. Nevertheless, renesting and brood survival should benefit, and wetland conditions heading into fall will be better than they’ve been in years.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Much has been said about increasing prevalence of game-farm genes in mallard populations, but evidence has been scarce on whether these genes produce differences in behavior and demography…until now. Pivotal research by Dr. Ben Luukkonen reveals that game-farm hybrids differ from wild mallards in their movements, migration, habitat use, and nest incubation. The conclusion? Game-farm hybrids are different, and not in a good way. In this episode, Dr. Luukkonen and Dr. John Coluccy share details of these results and much more. What are harvest rates of Great Lakes mallards, and what role has hunting played in the decline, if any? Could the loss of over 3 million acres of CRP from this landscape be partly to blame? And how do these results affect our conservation efforts?www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Great Lakes mallards are an important source of local harvest for hunters in the region, but their population has declined by nearly 60% since 1997. Recently completed research sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and a host of other partners provides insights into the potential causes. In the first of this 2-part discussion, Dr. Ben Luukkonen, imminent PhD graduate from Michigan State University, and Dr. John Coluccy, DU’s director of conservation planning and science for the Great Lakes and Atlantic Region, introduce the background for this research and highlight the questions it explored, ranging from changes in survival to influence of game-farm genetics. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Happy Independence Day, everyone! You inspire us to innovate and improve. We cannot wait to share these exciting new chapters with you and continue our journey together in preserving our wetlands and waterfowl for generations to come. Please don't ever hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, or suggestions for content. Thank you for listening and being part of the Ducks Unlimited podcast community. Enjoy your 4th of July weekend and be safe. Cheers.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Every 2 years, there is a transition at the top of DU’s volunteer leadership, as the membership approves a new President and the outgoing president takes the helm as Chairman of the Board. On this episode, DU’s new President, Bob Spoerl, joins Chairman of the Board, Chuck Smith, and podcast host Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the ins and outs of this biennial action. We get to know our new president, hear his plans for the coming years, and learn about his passion for wetlands and waterfowl conservation. We also reflect on Chuck’s time as president and the organizational growth that has occurred on his watch. We say thank you to Bob, Chuck, and all volunteers for the limitless contributions and leadership they provide to Ducks Unlimited, in turn making us a unstoppable force for conservation.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Dr. Jerad Henson hosts Dr. Mike Brasher, senior waterfowl scientist, and Dr. Ellen Herbert, senior scientist for Sustainability and Nature-Based Solutions. They dive into the value of wetlands, discussing the importance of wetlands for waterfowl and sustainability. They highlight the significance of wetlands in the priority landscapes of the prairie pothole region and Mississippi River valley. Tune in to explore the vital role wetland ecosystems play in our world and the work being done at Ducks Unlimited to protect them.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Thanks to a newly approved pintail harvest strategy, waterfowl hunters in the Lower 48 may soon have the opportunity for a 3-pintail bag limit for the first time since 1997. In this June roundup, Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher provide updates on the new strategy and what it might mean for hunters, and when we should expect to learn more. New information on spring habitat conditions and the continued spread of avian flu in dairy cattle is also provided, and we get a virtual sneak peek at the New Guns & Gear segment in the forthcoming Ducks Unlimited magazine.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s chief conservation officer, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to share two unprecedented announcements reflecting DU’s continued growth and impact for waterfowl conservation. First was a monumental $100 Million gift from Jim Kennedy and the James M. Cox Foundation to support permanent protection of wetlands and grasslands in DU’s highest priority landscape – the Prairie Pothole Region. Second was DU’s organizational milestone of having delivered 1 Million acres of conservation in a single year for the first time in our history. These achievements put DU in an elite category of the non-profit world and demonstrate the power and appeal of our conservation mission.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The feeding call is fundamental for all callers to understand. However, Jimbo Ronquest, vice president of development for Drake Waterfowl and world duck calling champion, explains the variations that can be added to your arsenal to improve your calling abilities. Ronquest and host Chris Jennings discuss his feeding calls and break down when he uses them and why. Get your calls ready. This lesson in duck calling will take your duck calling to the next level.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ryan Taylor, DU’s director of public policy and self-professed “rancher in residence” for the Great Plains Region, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to share stories as a 4th Generation rancher while explaining how these experiences help him work effectively with ranchers and farmers. Ryan is a firm believer that agriculture and ranching can work well with duck habitat conservation, and after listening you’ll likely agree that he’s the perfect person to lead DU’s conservation policy in the prairies. Lastly, we learn how eating a steak or hamburger this weekend will support healthy duck populations!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Duck and goose hunting equipment is expensive. Why not have a plan to protect your gear during the summer months? Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor to discuss best practices for storing your duck and goose hunting equipment in the off season.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Dr. Jered Henson introduces himself as a new host and project manager at Ducks Unlimited. He welcomes guests Kate Hackett and Josh Green from the lands team to discuss how Ducks Unlimited ensures the longevity of their conservation work. Kate, the managing director of lands in Memphis, shares insights into land protection efforts at Ducks Unlimited. Join them as they delve into the importance of sustainability and conservation programs in their mission.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR), joins Dr. Mike Brasher and guest host Adam Putnam, Ducks Unlimited CEO, for an inspiring conversation that spans football fields to forests. Congressman Westerman speaks of his “unchosen obligations” as a conservationist and how it shapes his decisions in crafting and passing legislation to benefit America’s wildlife, their habitats, and the millions of outdoorsmen and women that enjoy them. Ducks Unlimited thanks Chairman Westerman for supporting conservation and for sharing his insights on everything from duck blinds to forest management, avian influenza, legislative priorities, and our responsibility to conserve resources for the future. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Sanctuary…it is perhaps the most controversial and poorly understood aspect of habitat management for wintering waterfowl, yet potentially most important. In Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Nick Masto and Dr. Abby Blake-Bradshaw, we dig deeper into their study of wintering mallards in western Tennessee, with a focus on the relationship between ducks and sanctuary. How did mallards respond to experimental disturbance, and how did it affect shooting opportunities of hunters? How does the amount and distribution of sanctuary affect mallard movements and habitat use patterns, and did mallards return to the same areas year after year? Does extreme cold weather drive birds south, or does it depend? The answers to these and other questions may surprise you, and you could find yourself questioning long-held beliefs about sanctuary.ww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

A research idea, born in a duck blind, matures into a $2 million cutting-edge study, is funded heavily by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency through dollars collected from hunters and shooters, and sets out to answer dozens of questions about the wintering ecology of mallards in the Mid-South. In this episode, Dr. Abby Blake-Bradshaw and Dr. Nick Masto join Dr. Mike Brasher for Part 1 of their long-awaited discussion about the study we’ve all heard about. Led by the Cohen Wildlife Lab at Tennessee Tech, the study sought to answer questions about winter movements of mallards, their use of sanctuary, effects of disturbance, interactions with food, and how this information can help improve our conservation and management of wintering landscape for mutual benefits to ducks, hunters, and other outdoorspeople. Listen in as we lay the groundwork on this exceptional science.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke chats with Bruce Lowe, a collector of Louisiana and teal decoys. They delve into Bruce’s introduction to hunting and the outdoors, sharing how he got started waterfowl hunting. Bruce also shares how he got into collection and why both Louisiana and teal decoys are important to him. Tune in to her more about Bruce’s passion for the outdoors and vintage decoys.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Freshwater is a basic requirement of all birds, but it can be in short supply during extreme drought and in marine environments. In these situations, how do birds cope, can they drink salt water, and how might it affect their health? Dr. Sarah Gutowsky, quantitative wildlife biologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the adaptations that birds use for helping overcome the challenges and stresses of saltwater. From salt glands that remove salt from the blood to extraction of freshwater from food and behavioral changes to access dietary fresh water, we learn that birds are quite skilled at dealing with salty systems.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Reports of recent rain in the Dakotas and Canadian Prairies have stirred optimism among duck hunters already looking forward to the fall. How much rain fell, was it enough to fill wetlands, and did it arrive in time to benefit breeding ducks? Long-time guest Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Katie Burke for a mid-May update on habitat conditions across the U.S. and Canadian prairies. Also discussed are continuing drought in the Boreal Forest and predictions for the 2024 waterfowl breeding population. Will they be up or down from 2023? Listen to find out what our team has to say.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls and the trio talk Canada goose calling. Powers, three-time World Goose Calling Champion, among other titles, brings a whole new level of calling capabilities to the DU Podcast. He provides an easy step-by-step guide to improve your capabilities in a goose field. The trio also discuss decoy tactics, flagging, and combining calling into all of these to make you a more successful Canada goose hunter.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

This episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast features Mike Valley, a decoy carver, hunter, and commercial fisherman. Host Katie Burke delves into Mike's family history of carving, with his grandfather carving decoys during the Depression and his father continuing the tradition in the 50s until his recent passing. Mike shares insights into the rich carving history in Prairie du Chien and the influence of prominent carvers in the area. Tune in to hear about the deep-rooted carving legacy that shaped Mike's upbringing and passion for the craft.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls to discuss calling whitefronts. Richard grew up hunting and guiding “specklebellies” in south Louisiana and has followed them north as their main wintering landscapes have shifted. He has called in competitions and is eager to teach others. Richard breaks down the basics of calling these fantastic geese and even walks through step-by-step scenarios of when, why, and how to put whitefronts in the decoys. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

“Sky carp” and “Saving the Tundra” are phrases that have become commonplace in the vernacular of light goose hunters across North America. Although born from well-intentioned conversations around once-hyperabundant light geese and the Light Goose Conservation Order, waterfowl managers consider these derogatory phrases undeserved and unfortunate. On this episode, Kevin Kraai of Texas Parks and Wildlife makes the case for changing this narrative and bringing respect back to light geese. We also dig into data showing an 86% decline in the midcontinent light goose population, shrinking breeding colonies, recovery of arctic staging grounds, and new science on how repeated disturbance may influence light goose body condition. If this evolving story tells us anything it’s that what we know today is likely different from what we’ll learn in the future and why we should never stop asking questions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Beginning in spring 2025, for the first time in over 25 years, light geese wintering in Texas will find it a quieter and more welcoming place. That is because in April 2024, Texas became the first state to officially end their use of the Federally allowed Light Goose Conservation Order. On this episode, Kevin Kraai, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) waterfowl program manager, joins Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss this recent decision and explain the reasoning behind it. Join us for part 1 of this fascinating and intricate story about how the complex interplay of numerous factors are driving changes in Texas waterfowling, why TPWD believes the Conservation Order is no longer needed, and what they hope to achieve by ending it in their state.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Spring is a time for waterfowl nesting, and it’s also a time when our feathered friends venture into our neighborhoods and back yards looking for a safe place to lay eggs and raise their brood. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and guest host Dr. Jerad Henson are joined by Tim Jasinski of the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center to share expert advice on how to deal with these annual visitors. As a wildlife rehab specialist, Tim is always eager to provide guidance and insight on the curious ways of waterfowl and other wildlife that make unexpected and sometimes unwelcome entrances into our world. Covering everything from injured birds to aggressive geese, hen mallards in flower pots, and duckling in swimming pools, there aren’t many things Tim hasn’t experienced. Join us as we learn from the expert and hear a few fascinating stories in the process. And the question we all need answered… Should I feed bread to park ducks??www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls to break the ice on how to become a better duck caller. This step-by-step instruction is designed to help you improve your calling techniques this off season. Richard and Powers offer a simple approach to improvement and they provide real-life scenarios for various calling techniques, including team calling. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, Derek Wolf, shares his background growing up in Northeast Ohio and his introduction to the outdoors through hunting. Despite the challenges, Derek's stepdad introduced him to hunting and football, shaping his passion for both activities. Tune in to hear more about Derek's unique upbringing, his deep connection to the outdoors, and how these things became integral parts of his life.Watch the Derek Wolfe DU Nation Episode Here!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Rusty Creasey, manager of the Coca Cola Woods in Arkansas, for a discussion about the off season. First, the two discuss the highs and lows of the 2023-2024 season and Creasey provides information on a few oddities he saw throughout the duck season. With water off the property, Creasey is preparing to clean up boat lanes, beaver dams, and a few blow downs that happened in the woods, all before preparing for planting season. Good duck hunting doesn’t just happen, there is typically some well thought out management behind the scenes, and Creasey brings that to the DU Podcast.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews John Fandrey, a Wisconsin decoy collector. John shares his introduction to the outdoors as a child, following his father’s passion for duck hunting. John and Katie discuss the many types of decoys in Wisconsin and how the carvers’ styles change throughout the state. Stay tuned to learn more about John’s journey into decoy collecting and Wisconsin decoy carvers.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher sit down and discuss the hot topics of discussion for duck and goose hunters this spring. It may be turkey season, but avid duck and goose hunters still want to talk about waterfowl. Brasher provides an in-depth overview of avian flu, Season in Review document, habitat conditions, and a few other bits of must-know information.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Region Migration Editor for ducks.org to talk about the pace of the light goose migration in 2024. Anglin brings insight into the spring migration across the Mississippi and Central Flyways and offers information he has gathered throughout the entire season. Late January’s mild temperatures sent the spring migration into overdrive, but as the geese pushed further north, they have run into the snowline along the US and Canadian border.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Lesser scaup are one of several duck species in North America that have experienced long-term population declines, and despite decades of research, the exact cause of this decline remains unclear. Because of its profound importance as a spring stopover site for migrating scaup and other divers, Pool 19 on the Mississippi River has played a crucial role in numerous scientific studies. In this episode, PhD candidate Cheyenne Beach and field assistant extraordinaire Jack Johnson join Dr. Mike Brasher to explain why so many divers show up on Pool 19 each spring; what we hope to learn from long-term banding of scaup, canvasbacks, and redheads; and how an ongoing GPS tracking study is helping understand how the invasive faucet snail may affect scaup health and productivity.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Johann Walker, DU’s director of operations for the Great Plains region, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a mid-March update on the status of drought in the prairies and why we should not expect a rapid turnaround. We also learn about the important conservation that continues, why your support is vital, how sustained investments in science are necessary to identify and adapt to changes across the landscapes, and why at the end of the day personal relationships are what make conservation possible. Lastly, what can be said about the possibility of restrictive seasons in light of declining populations and continuing drought, and what does it mean for our conservation work?www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

The Forbes Biological Station in Havanna, Illinois, is North American’s oldest inland wildlife research station. Over its 130-year history, it has become one of our greatest sources of scientific information for waterfowl ecology and management. In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher visits with current staff of the Station – Dr. Auriel Fournier, Josh Osborne, and Therin Bradshaw – to celebrate the 130-year anniversary; pay tribute to its pioneering leaders of the name Forbes, Bellrose, Havera, and others; and reflect on the Station’s contributions on topics including wood ducks, migration ecology, aerial surveys, lead poisoning, sanctuary management, wetland management, foraging ecology, and new research on duck foods and the effect of hunting disturbance on bird movements. And hear also what it’s like to flip through the pages of an 84-year-old field notebook of Dr. Frank Bellrose.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast