Ducks Unlimited Podcast

America’s farmers and ranchers feed and clothe our families and steward our lands. More than ever, they are among DU’s strongest partners in accelerating the pace and scale of conservation. In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and Billy Gascoigne, DU’s director of agriculture and strategic partnerships, are joined by Amy Skoczlas-Cole and Jimmy Emmons from Trust In Food, a Farm Journal Initiative, to discuss our organizations’ growing partnership. Learn how new initiatives in regenerative agriculture and ranching being developed in collaboration with DU are helping the bottomline of farmers while improving our environment and helping sustain wildlife.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Shawn Stahl, producer for RNT-V and Purina Pro Plan Ambassador, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about Stahl’s Labrador retriever, Karl. Stahl’s retriever travels the country with him during waterfowl season, but competed in field trials throughout the summer, giving him a full year-round experience. While not everyone agrees to having a dog that does both, Stahl explains the reasons why he allowed Karl to compete on a national level throughout the off season. The two also dig deeper into field trials and Stahl shares some tips for getting involved and why he felt it was important for his retriever to live in both worlds.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On the episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, Katie Burke interviews decoy carver, Josh Brewer. Brewer describes his unique journey in the profession from carving and competiting as a kid to a career in family medicine and then finally returning back to carving full time. Together they discuss Brewer’s influences in carving and his evoluntion of a carver. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.joshbrewer.comwww.nadecoycollectors.org

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Matt Harrison, communications specialist for Ducks Unlimited, to discuss improving your social media content. Harrison formerly worked as full-time content creator for several brands and social outlets. His insights into creating content and getting started may help improve your approach to posting hunting content on your social media. The two discus everything from equipment to approaching brands to work with on a regular basis. If you want to improve the way you post social content, give this show a listen.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

First-time guest and recent DU Canada postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Sarah Gutowsky, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip around the world studying birds, leading polar expeditions, and an immersive life in science and conservation. Having visited some of Earth’s most remote and inaccessible locations, including Midway Atoll in the North Pacific, Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea, the Kuril Islands and the Sea of Okhotsk, Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island in the South Atlantic, Kerguelen in the southern Indian Ocean, and the New Zealand sub-Antarctic Islands, Sarah brings a view of the wonder and expansiveness of our planet that few possess. What advice does she have for others seeking a similar career, what was it like to meet “Wisdom,” the oldest known wild bird on Earth, was being seasick for 2 consecutive weeks worth the payoff, and what did we learn from her recent research on common eiders and harlequin ducks? See for yourself why we’ve dubbed Sarah our “ornithological badass.”www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon interviews English Cocker Spaniel specialist Jordan Horak. He shares insights into the these dynamic little dogs capabilities, highlighting their skills both as upland bird flushers and waterfowl retrievers. Learn more about the unique traits and hunting abilities of English Cockers, and flushing dogs in general for those more familiar with the retriever breeds.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Well, here it is— a look back on what has been referred to as “one of the worst hunting seasons in memory.” Co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Jim Ronquest, Vice President of Development for Drake Waterfowl, to discuss the season from start to finish, north to south, and east to west. Numerous factors conspired to make the 2023-24 season a challenging one for even the most seasoned hunters, including low breeding populations, El Nino, widespread drought, limited snowfall, record low ice cover, and temperature swings from record warmth to record cold. As one season ends another begins, and the group looks ahead to dry conditions on the prairies and what is needed to turn things around.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke visits Grayson Chesser's decoy shop in Virginia. Grayson, a decoy carver and hunting guide, shares his background in hunting and the deep connection his family has with the land. Greyson also describes how the history of the region has influenced his carving and how the relationship with fellow decoy carvers has enriched his life and career.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

A hard freeze followed by rapid warm up and widespread rain made for an interesting and somewhat productive end to the 2023-24 hunting season. Chris Jennings, Katie Burke, and Dr. Mike Brasher look back on the closing weeks of the season and discuss other recent happenings around the waterfowl world. Mike reports on a jam-packed but rejuvenating week with science colleagues at the North American Duck Symposium, status of duckDNA, and future podcast episodes. Chris shares stories from his final weeks, including SHOT show and an unwelcome encounter with snakes in a pit blind in late January, while Katie reports on successful hunts in Mississippi and upcoming podcast recordings and new happenings with the Waterfowling Heritage Center. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon sits down with Ray Voigt, former professional retriever trainer and current Purina senior specialist, and Karl Gunzer, Purina Sporting Dog Group Director, discussing all things dogs. They talk about their love for sporting breeds, canine nutrition, training tips, and the Bird Dog Hall of Fame. If you're a dog lover, this episode is a must-listen as they dive into the history and importance of sporting dogs.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher recently joined the crew from Campus Waterfowl for an opportunity to reconnect with his roots, as he shared a soggy morning in the cypress swamp with current and former students of his alma mater, Mississippi State University. This episode, which originally aired on Campus Waterfowl, recaps an exciting ring-neck hunt and shines a spotlight on the passion this group has for waterfowl and wetland conservation through their work on the Mississippi State chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Joining on the podcast were Derek Christians of Campus Waterfowl and Drew Brown and Hunter Yelverton from Mississippi State. The group also discussed duckDNA, the exciting project that is connecting duck hunters with scientists to inform some of today’s most ground-breaking research. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.campuswaterfowl.com

In this episode, host Chris Jennings talks with Jay Anglin about the rapid movement of geese in the Mid-South and Northwest regions. They highlight the unpredictability of the birds' movements and how scouting can sometimes be ineffective due to their fast pace. Jennings and Anglin also mention the presence of juveniles in this year's migration, which is a departure from previous years. Overall, they provide insights into the current state of migration and the excitement it brings for hunters.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews guest Rick Milligan, a call and decoy collector. Rick shares his passion for collecting and discusses those who served as mentors to him in the field. They also talk about an upcoming exhibition in the museum and delve into Rick's introduction to the outdoors and hunting. Tune in to hear Rick's journey as an outdoorsman and call collector.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Buckle Up for fun and laughter as Sydnie Wells of Barstool Outdoors joins Dr. Mike Brasher on this special episode with first-time duck hunters Wonton Don and Feitelberg of Barstool Sports, along with DU’s own Matt Harrison and Mallori Murphey. Topics include anxious energy amid the morning darkness, mallards backpedaling over decoys, shooting clays among friends, bird migration and the importance of conservation, neckties in the timber, and our love of sharing outdoor experiences with others.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this special edition re-air of the brant species profile, Dr. Mark Lindberg shares insights from his 30+ year career as a waterfowl scientist on arguably the most fascinating of all North American geese. The episode begins with a discussion about taxonomy, distribution, epic migrations, changes in wintering distributions, foraging ecology, and different behaviors and productivity observed among individual birds. The episode concludes with discussions about brant breeding ecology, its population status, harvest estimates, and changes in survival and productivity driven by complex interactions between climate and biology. Looking forward, Dr. Lindberg ponders what the future might hold for this species as the regions and habitats it relies on continue to be modified by changing climate, human activities, and other pressures.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Jeff McCreary, director of operations for DU’s Western Region, for a recap of the 2023-24 waterfowl season and the struggles it delivered to Pacific Flyway hunters. Jeff shares observations from California, reflects on low breeding population estimates from Alaska in 2023, and describes the season for many as the worst ever. Also discussed are “The Big Four” priority geographies in the Pacific Flyway and looking forward to breeding conditions for local waterfowl.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher reunites with graduate students Jordan Thompson and Caroline Blommel and research assistants Lydia Martin, Laura Wallace, and Jacob Tepsa to recount their summer experiences at a remote brant research camp on Alaska’s Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. The group reflects on primitive living, the beauty and solitude of an Alaskan landscape, unique bird life, quirky books, scientific understanding, entertaining stories, going months without a shower, and lifelong friendships.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Region migration editor for ducks.org, and the two discuss the impacts of the most recent winter storm which barreled into the Great Lakes last week. As the season’s closed across many Great Lakes states, the region remained very mild, leaving ducks and geese to hold tight. The recent winter storm sent them packing from Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, northern Indiana and Illinois. With a quick thaw in the short-term forecast, hunters who hunt in areas where the seasons are still open, may be in for a strong finish.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Brasher and Katie Burke are on location at a family hunting camp in the Mississippi Delta for the January roundup. Joined by DU Podcast producer, Chris Isaac, and return guest Dr. Ronal Roberson, the group reflects on the morning hunt and tackles recent questions from listeners, including the ethics of water swatting and origins of the term “bull” when referring to studly drakes. Also discussed are the incoming Arctic weather, lingering drought, and family bonds built around duck camps.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host sits down with renowned decoy carver Mr. Pete Peterson. They discuss Pete's background in the outdoors and hunting, his journey into the world of decoy carving, and his passion for preserving the art of decoy making. Listeners get a glimpse into Pete's workshop and his incredible craftsmanship. Tune in for a fascinating conversation with a true master of his craft.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher live and in-person to discuss the latest chatter about low duck numbers, drought, and challenging hunting conditions. Most importantly, what factors are at play, and should we be surprised? Dr. Stephens also provides an update on drought conditions on the prairies and discusses a recent career change that brings him back to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Welcome back, Scott!!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In addition to being one of the world’s leading exploration and production companies based on both production and reserves, ConocoPhillips is the largest private wetlands owner in Louisiana. John Harrington, Director of ConocoPhillips Coastal Wetlands, and Cassidy Lejeune, DU Director of Conservation Programs, share the inspirational story of an innovative partnership that is restoring and protecting vital wetlands and migratory bird habitat in coastal Louisiana and across North America.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Katie welcomes Logan Webster, founder of Camo Retro. They discuss Logan's background in the outdoors and his love for waterfowl. Logan expresses his gratitude for the mentors who introduced him to the outdoors and shares his experience growing up hunting. Logan speaks on his love of story-telling and how the connection or story and objects led him to create his business. Tune in to hear more about Logan's journey and his passion for the outdoors. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww. camoretro.com

Few activities are better for strengthening partnerships and building memories than bird hunts afield. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Jake Wallace of Winchester Ammunition, Will Brantley of Field and Stream, and Mallori Murphey of Ducks Unlimited to share stories from a recent weekend featuring new products from Winchester, successful duck hunts, first experiences with snipe hunting, the perils of gumbo mud, ammo manufacturing insights, and a shared commitment to conservation.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to talk about a feature article Pollmann wrote for an upcoming issue. Pollmann discuss multiple tips he gleaned from waterfowl experts across the country. As winter shuffles into your region, ducks and geese begin behavioral shifts due to weather, feeding habits, or available habitat. These tips may offer some useful tactics to target these late-season birds, even when the hunting gets difficult. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Known by many names – sprig, pinny, bull – but unmistakable in appearance, the northern pintail is one of North America’s most recognizable, graceful, and well-studied duck species. Unfortunately, much of that attention was garnered because of dramatic population declines and the mystery surrounding it. Dr. Scott Stephens joins Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to profile this iconic species, discussing its ecology, population status, causes of its decline, and conservation opportunities.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, hosts Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, and Chris Jennings provide updates on recent activities and upcoming events in waterfowl conservation and hunting. They discuss their recent trips, including Katie's visit to Easton for podcast content and museum-related activities. Tune in to get the latest updates in the world of waterfowl.www.duck.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Trey Reid, Arkansas Game and Fish Commision assistant chief of communications to talk about Arkansas hunting conditions and several key programs they are doing to conserve and promote waterfowl hunting. The two discuss Greentree Reservoir conservation and the WRICE program. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John interviews Justin Carpenter, the senior vice president and director of brand strategy at Drake Waterfowl. They discuss the behind-the-scenes process of product development and the great gift options available for Christmas. Justin also shares his recent hunting experiences and the challenges of duck and pheasant hunting in cold weather. Tune in to learn more about Drake Waterfowl's partnership with Ducks Unlimited and their dedication to creating quality products for waterfowl enthusiasts.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings dive into North America’s most populous waterfowl species in this episode. Brasher and Jennings expand the mallard conversation into its entire life cycle, preferred habitats, and even close relatives. This is the all-things mallard episode you’ve been waiting for. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Molly Kneece, waterfowl biologist for South Carolina DNR, makes her podcast debut by discussing ducks, dogs, habitat, and public hunting opportunities in The Palmetto State. Kneece takes us on a virtual tour of her state, sharing her career path, identifying the most harvested ducks in the state, updating on early season hunting and habitat, highlighting new duck research and data collection in the state, and describing how South Carolina was once the rice production capital of the U.S. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, DU Central Flyway migration editor, and the two discuss the current conditions in much of the Central Flyway. Pollmann, a South Dakota native, offers insight into his season along with an update from throughout the region. He describes quite the lull in migration as temperatures have remained fairly mild, even warmer than normal. Reports he is hearing is that North Dakota, and some parts of the Canadiana Prairie are still holding a significant number of mallards and Canada geese.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Will Brantley, Field & Stream magazine hunting editor, to discuss Brantley’s feature in Ducks Unlimited magazine, Divers the Hard Way. Brantley and Jennings share stories about adventures the two have been on in the past, and what hunting with the next generations means to them. Both share stories about hunting with their kids, and offer some helpful advice to those taking kids afield. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

2009 World Duck Calling Champion Mike Anderson joins the DU Podcast to talk calls, calling and his favorite pastime, chasing river ducks. Anderson takes us on his journey from childhood to putting in the time and road miles that lead to becoming World Champion. We also discuss his favorite competition and hunting style calls and how Rich-N-Tone founder Butch Richenback mentored him all the way to the top of the contest calling mountain. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

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

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, to talk about habitat in across the state of Texas. With Texas covering such a vast area, and featuring so many types of waterfowl habitat, Kraai explains that there is good habitat is some areas, but many of the traditional hunting areas are still waiting on rain. Hear more about a wrap up on teal season, and expectations for improved habitat as the season progresses.

Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss updates from across the world of waterfowl. Reports are emerging of minor avian flu outbreaks across the US. What do you need to know? How have recent weather patterns influenced migration and hunting. What’s behind above average duck counts in Missouri and record lows in Louisiana? Get the latest update on duckDNA, and learn about new science on the dogs of Chernobyl. Lastly, we dispel myths about HIP certification and harvest estimation.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke is joined by Wes Dillon, an independent consultant for the firearms industry, and Josh Loewensteiner, Fine Arms Division Head with Guyette and Deeter. They discuss the G&D Fine Sporting Arms Auction and the enthusiasm in the market for high-quality sporting guns. Wes and Josh share their background growing up in a hunting and outdoor environment and joining the Fire Arms industry. Wes shares the story of when the legendary gun, Bo Whoop was found and auctioned. The trio also discuss some interesting parts of American fire arms history. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, WF360 Great Lakes migration editor, and the two discuss current conditions across the Great Lakes Region. Anglin, who keeps a keen eye on the migration in the region went into detail about Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, while touching on other Great Lakes states. Warmer temperatures have the puddle duck migration stalled out, but Anglin has heard of many hunters overcoming this and having success. For more details, download and listen.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Tim Fehringer, national director of event fundraising for DU, and Lake Pickle, social marketing director for OnX, and the trio discuss the new Ducks Unlimited layer built within the OnX app. Fehringer explains how the relationship between the two companies began and shares what the new layer will offer users. Pickle goes into detail about the benefits of OnX for waterfowl hunters and some of the new features for this year. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.onxmaps.com/

Which ducks or geese do you prefer as table fare? Some hunters prefer certain species over others, yet Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist explains why hunters should approach every species the same way in the kitchen. Host Chris Jennings and Leysath share some personal experiences with different species of waterfowl as they discuss the best, and worst ways to cook ducks and geese.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Do strange and spooky things happen while hunting? In this Halloween special episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Kyle Philson and Cam Hale from the Expanded Perspectives Podcast. This episode explores a few spooky hunting destinations, bizarre stories and some of the folklore associated with them. The hosts talk about these locations, share their reactions, and Dr. Mike takes on the role of debunking and searching for facts. Get ready to have some fun and be spooked by stories of ghosts, ghouls, and more!Make sure you also check out the Expanded Perspectives podcast here… www.expandedperspectives.comwww.ducks.org/TheDUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jake Wallace, marketing brand and content coordinator for Winchester Ammunition, and the two discuss the iconic “Big Red W” and all-things Winchester Ammunition. Wallace shares his interesting background as a competitive shooter before joining Winchester. Wallace goes into detail about several new loads for waterfowlers launched in the last couple of years.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens, Director of Conservation Strategy and Support for Ducks Unlimited Canada, to discuss this week’s massive cold front that hit Prairie Canada, potentially kicking off a massive migration out of the region. Stephens explains that some areas received upwards of five to six inches of snow and freezing temperatures that will stick around. While not all ducks and geese will move south by the weekend, Stephens feels that within a week, that may be the case.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Schummer, Roosevelt Waterfowl Ecologist at SUNY ESF, joins host Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss an incoming winter storm, how it will influence duck migration, and the implications of Siberian snow cover and a moderate El Nino for winter weather forecasts across eastern North America. Dr. Schummer also shares insights from early-season duck hunts in New York, an exciting update on his new podcast project, The FowlWeather Podcast, and common ground for conservation.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, to discuss a variety of unique waterfowl recipes. Leysath’s feature from the July/Aug issue – International Flavors – offers some excellent opportunities to expand your culinary expertise. He dives into each of the six recipes and explains why he chose these specific recipes for this feature.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews Lyndee Zeller, the festival director for the Easton Waterfowl Festival. They discuss what makes the Easton Waterfowl Festival unique compared to other festivals of its kind. Zeller highlights the small-town charm and rich heritage of the Eastern Shore, bringing together the traditions of watermen, culture, and sporting. The festival, which has been running for 52 years, stays true to its conservation mission while showcasing Eastern Shore art, food, and sporting activities. Listeners get a taste of the area's delicacies such as oysters and crabs, as well as enjoy calling contests, decoys, antiques, and artifacts.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Spread Oaks Ranch located near Bay City, Texas, is home to waterfowl, wildlife, and Chef Ric Rosser. His cooking style featuring local ingredients is second to none. In this DU Podcast, find out how he started and where he is going with incredible recipes that keep guests coming back year after year.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews Cooper Rossner from Guyette and Deeter. Cooper shares his journey from teaching high school to becoming a decoy carver and working with Guyette and Deeter. Cooper shares the impact that decoy carving mentors like Jamie Hand and George Strunk have had on his career. He also gives us the ins and outs of Guyette and Deeter’s Weekly Online Auctions.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, to discuss traveling with a firearm. Bourjaily, no stranger to traveling around the world with a shotgun, offers some helpful tips to keep you on schedule for your next adventure. The pair talk about cases, extra guns, and several experiences they’ve had when traveling for a shoot or a waterfowl hunt. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast