Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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

Mike Sertle, manager of conservation programs, and Sara Burns, water program specialist, join Dr. Mike Brasher to share the exciting story of how DU is growing conservation through innovative partnerships around the many benefits of wetlands and waterfowl habitat. From water quality to flood water retention and coastal resiliency, DU’s new work in Sustainability and Nature-based Solutions is attracting more partners, funding sources, and ideas to our waterfowl and wetlands conservation mission.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews Brian Byers, a callmaker and collector, are at RnT’s Callapalooza in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Byers discusses the evolution of the event, including the call build-offs. The two also discuss Byers' passion for callmaking and the detail and science behind making one of a kind custom calls. He also describes in detail the work that goes into creating a winning call for the NWTF call making competition.www.ducks.org/DUpodcastwww.rntcalls.com/

Ducks Unlimited and the University of Texas at El Paso announce the launch of duckDNA, a new project where waterfowl hunters will collect and submit tissue samples from harvested ducks for genetic analysis. Participants will be contributing to cutting-edge science, and in exchange will receive certificates of genetic analysis for their harvested ducks. Join Dr. Phil Lavretsky, Dr. Mike Brasher, and Ashley Tunstall to learn how you can get involved. duckDNA: Where You Become the Scientist!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the DU Podcast, dedicated Arkansas outdoorsman and freelance videographer Austin Brown joins host and DUTV producer John Gordon. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of waterfowl hunting TV, shedding light on the intricate challenges that come with capturing the essence of this beloved outdoor sport on camera.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, WF360 Central Flyway migration editor, for a quick roundup of Great Plains habitat conditions. Pollmann notes that the Dakotas are looking very good, based on North Dakota Game and Fish Commission reports, and the same goes for South Dakota. Optimism from waterfowl habitat managers and hunters is running high. Meanwhile, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma desperately need precipitation in some areas. It’s time to start keeping a close eye on the weather as waterfowl seasons in the northern portions of the US are kicking off.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Matt Dyson, DU Canada waterfowl research scientist, and Dr. Mike Brasher join forces to discuss the exciting growth and application of science in waterfowl and wetland conservation across Canada. Matt shares insights on the ecology of boreal forests, effects of wildfires on waterfowl, difficulties of studying ducks in this vast landscape, and new science by DUC colleagues. Matt also recalls stories from his upbringing and accepts the challenge of identifying his favorite fish. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.ducks.ca

Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Sydnie Wells, host of Barstool Outdoors. Wells explains how she became a part of Barstool, and discusses what her experiences have been hosting the show. Wells, an avid deer hunter also shares some of her best days afield, including hunting with her father, Tim Wells. As a strong advocate for conservation, Wells explains how others can create compelling content to engage with a broad audience from a hunter’s perspective.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.barstoolsports.com/shows/85/barstool-outdoors

For nearly 4 decades, the U.S. Farm Bill has stood as the most influential piece of legislation for improving waterfowl habitat on private land across America. With it now up for renewal, Julia Peebles and Zach Hartman join Dr. Mike Brasher to share how DU is working with ag and conservation groups to advocate for a Farm Bill that prioritizes the needs of American farmers and ranchers while delivering robust funding for voluntary, incentive-based conservation to benefit ducks, wildlife, and people.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this special bonus episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Katie Burke checks in with Sam Soholt as he hikes 100 miles in the Prairie Pothole region to raise money to buy Federal Ducks Stamps. Sam is the co-owner of Public Land Tees and created this fundraiser, Stamp It Forward, 5 years ago. In an effort to, reach 100,000 dollars to buy 4,000 duck stamps he decided to hike 100 miles in 3 days. The DU Podcast catches up with Sam on Day 1 at mile 23 of his adventure. You can help support Sam and the Stamp It Forward team by donating at...www.publiclandtees.com/duckruckwww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke introduces two special guests, artists Kira Sabin and Adam Grimm, who discuss the upcoming federal Duck Stamp competition. Adam, a two-time Duck Stamp winner, and Kira, an enthusiastic artist who shares her duck stamp journey with her social media followers. Both discuss their different paths toward the same goal -- winning the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Tune in to learn more about their experiences and insights into the world of Duck Stamps. www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.fws.gov/service/buy-duck-stamp-or-e-stamp

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon interviews Kyle Green, the host and executive producer of The Green Way Outdoors podcast. Kyle shares his excitement about an upcoming one-minute conservation segment about Ducks Unlimited that will be airing on A&E and History Channel, showcasing how DU is making a difference in his hometown. He also discusses his journey in the outdoor industry and his goal of reaching new audiences.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.thegreenwayoutdoors.com

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Region Migration Editor for ducks.org, to discuss habitat conditions in and around the Great Lakes Region. Anglin describes dry, hot conditions throughout much of the area, but notes that there are some highlights in quality habitat and a cool front pushing through later this week. An early cool front, combined with last week’s full moon may have hurt some teal hunters in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, but the next front could bring additional bluewings to traditional migration corridors. Anglin also notes that the early Canada goose seasons in the region should be a highlight as some fields are being cut and there appears to be a strong molt migration returning to areas of Michigan, northern Indiana, and parts of Wisconsin.www.duck.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews Len Guldman, a call collector, firearm specialist, and decoy collector, at the RnT Callapalooza event in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Len tells the story of his unusual introduction to waterfowling. The conversation touches on Len’s gun collection and what was uniques about early waterfowling shotguns. Len also shares some of his best stories of finding duck calls. He also speaks on the emergence on duck calls on the larger auction market.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings to reflect on the recently released BPOP Survey Results. After revisiting earlier predictions for the spring BPOP estimate, which were quite wrong, the discussion turns to habitat conditions, population trends, favorable results from the Eastern Survey Area, and the North Dakota brood survey. In closing, Dr. Stephens leaves us with sage advice given the low BPOP results..."Life is Short, You Better Hunt!" www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this DU Podcast episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Zack Shannon, a former collegiate and professional baseball player. Discover how resilience, determination, and adaptability can not only overcome the challenges life throws at us but also inspire others along the way. Shannon's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and seizing new opportunities.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Amy Hall, host of Her Wild Outdoors Podcast and Brand Manager of Operations for Tetra Hearing, joins Chris Jennings to talk about female waterfowl hunters and how she became a hunter. The two discuss empowering female hunters within the hunting community, from introducing new hunters to the ranks to mentoring young hunters. Hall explains how she began hunting and talks about how she became comfortable around other hunters through different programs and her mentors.

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin and Jeremy Ullmann, owner and operator of Mi Guide Service, which offers big-water diving duck hunts in Michigan. Ullmann explains what a day hunting with his outfit looks like and how hunters should prepare to hunt divers. Anglin offers his experience growing up hunting divers on Lake Michigan and surrounding lakes, including shotshell recommendations and shooting techniques. Often overlooked by hunters, diving duck hunting can offer spectacular decoying shots and an abundance of divers on Lake St. Clair, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron make this Upper Midwest hunting style as unique as it is exciting.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Today, the USFWS released its annual report on breeding waterfowl in North America. Highlights from the traditional survey area indicated a 7% decline in total ducks, 18% decline in mallards, 19% decline in blue-winged teal, 24% increase in pintails, and much more. Join hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher as they take an early dive into the results and discuss reactions from DU scientists and colleagues.Make sure to join us for our live stream as we discuss the number more in depth, this Monday, August 21st at 7PM. Sign up here...https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-season-outlook

Maddie Lohman, a PhD student from University of Nevada-Reno and 2-time DU research fellow, joins host Mike Brasher to discuss her research on mallards, pintails, and blue-wings in the Prairie Pothole Region. She shares how an initial dislike of math turned into a fascination with quantitative ecology and how she hopes her research will inform conservation. The two also reminisce about their trip to Alaska with friends and colleagues to study black brant on the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Addison Edmonds, founder of Gunner Kennels, hops on the DU Podcast with host Chris Jennings to discuss several new and exciting products from Gunner. Edmonds walks Jennings through the innovative new design of the Gunner Bumper, including a necked-down center for proper holds, hollow center with end cap for adding feathers, and he explains the durable, yet soft material these new bumpers are made with. The two discuss the why and how Edmonds and his team created these new bumpers and he also teases some new products launching later this August. Be sure to listen for your chance to be first in line to receive new Gunner products.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Taniya Bethke and Swanny Evans from the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports join DU’s Mike Brasher and Mark Horobetz in an entertaining discussion of the integral role of hunters and gun owners in conservation. Learn about the R3 initiative (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) and the significance of the Pittman-Robertson Act to wildlife management. The group also explores the effectiveness of new hunter recruitment programs and societal attitudes toward hunting.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Katie Burke interviews Mark Warmath, a Tennessee call collector and outdoor enthusiast. They discuss Callapalooza and the vintage call competition. Mark also tells the story of his personal evolution as a call collector. He describes early days attending the Reelfoot Call Collectors Show and hunting Reelfoot Lake with the Cochrane family. Marks lastly tells us how the Wild Turkey Federation Call Competition came to be and its evolution to what it is today.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

With over $1.1 Billion raised and 6 Million acres conserved, the Federal Duck Stamp Program is the most successful and efficient wetlands conservation program on the planet. Katie Burke and Mike Brasher go behind the scenes with Jerome Ford, assistant director of USFWSMigratory Bird Program, and Suzanne Fellows, manager of USFWS Duck Stamp Program, to learn about its history, conservation successes, art competitions, and new efforts underway to grow interest and investments in this iconic program.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.fws.gov/service/buy-duck-stamp-or-e-stamp

Join host Dr. Mike Brasher and guest Cason Short, owner/operator of the Bill Byers Hunter Club, for a recap of an early season white-fronted goose hunt recently featured on DU TV. Hear in-depth accounts of how the hunts unfolded, adaptations made to ensure quality footage, and perspectives on how shifting distributions of specks are creating both new opportunities and challenges. The two also discuss the connection between landowners and the birds and their desire to do what’s best for the resource.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Dr. Richard Webby, faculty member at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and global expert on influenza viruses, joins Drs. Mike Brasher, Karen Waldrop, and DU staff for a look back on the 2022 Avian Flu outbreak. In this science-heavy episode we ask where it came from, is it here to stay, and what can we expect going forward? We also learn why it is showing up in mammals and what this means for our pets. Also, will mutations increase the human health risk and are waterfowl hunters at higher risk?www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Rusty Creasey, manager of the Coca Cola Club in northeast Arkansas. Creasey has been managing the Coca Cola Club for 20 years and brings a wealth of habitat management knowledge to the discussion. From beaver dams to snakes, planting rice crops in the woods is a challenging undertaking and Creasey explains his process and how it has changed over time. The two discuss moist-soil management, along with how they are able to manage hunting pressure throughout the season.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Sarah Fleming, DU’s Director of Conservation Programs for the Northeastern U.S., gives an update on habitats in eastern North America, including the Great Lakes, eastern Canada, and northeastern U.S. Conditions were mostly fair to good as the breeding season got underway, but drought has since developed in some locations. Sarah also updates on wildfire conditions across Canada and provides scientific insight on whether we should expect fires to have noticeable impacts on breeding ducks this year.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Effective waterfowl habitat is often made, not born. On this DU Podcast, Texas’ Thunderbird Hunting Club manager Todd Steele takes you inside the world of moist soil wetlands management. He tells his secrets for attracting ducks and keeping them happy throughout the season. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke is joined by wildlife artist Joe Hautman. They discuss Joe's impressive six-time winning streak at the federal duck stamp competition. They also delve into Joe's love for the outdoors and how his upbringing in Minnesota, influenced by his parents, shaped his passion for art and wildlife. Tune in to hear more about Joe's journey and his unique perspective as a wildlife artist.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, repeat guest John Stevens discusses Callapalooza, an event that celebrates the art of duck and goose calling. Stevens, a three-time world duck-calling champion, talks about the hard work that goes into organizing the event and making it a first-class experience for all attendees. Listeners who enjoy duck hunting or the world of duck and goose calling will find this episode to be informative and entertaining.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Linda Powell, director of media relations for Mossberg. The pair talk about Powell’s 27-year career in media relations in the outdoor industry. Powell offers guidance for anyone wanting to work in the outdoor/gun industry and how she prioritizes relationships to improve her business. They also discuss several exciting new offerings for waterfowl hunters in 2023 from Mossberg.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

On this episode of Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews Master Carver Jerry Talton. In this interview, Talton talks about how he got interested in carving decoys and shares his experience of growing up in the outdoors and his introduction to hunting and fishing. Growing up in North Carolina, he was initially interested in surfing and even carved his own surfboards. He explains how after coming across a decoy he eventually gifted to his brother, he began to become increasingly interested in how decoys were carved and began to carve them himself. Talton further explains the story of his first duck hunt, where he shot a green-winged teal, which he claims to be God's favorite duck to shoot and eat, as it tastes the best.Instagram: @jerrytaltondecoyswww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Brad Bortner, retired Chief of the Division of Migratory Bird Management for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joins the podcast to discuss his 38-year career in wildlife conservation and provide advice to those interested in pursuing a similar path. Bortner shares his experiences and career path, while also discussing challenging issues and favorite memories. Listeners interested in wildlife conservation and related fields can gain valuable insights from Brad's wealth of knowledge and expertise.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon welcomes guests Chase Gartner, the owner-operator of Nomad Outfitters and Kristian Lilley, of Aberdeen Wild Wings from Scotland. The conversation centers around snow goose hunting in the Arkansas Delta, with the guests sharing their past experiences, what they love about the snow goose hunting challenge and this season’s completely unpredictable weather.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews author Steve Knutson about his book "Minnesota Duck Camps: 160 Years of History and Tradition". Knutson shares his background in duck hunting and how he got into the outdoors and waterfowl as a child growing up in West Central Minnesota. The conversation dives deeper into the history and significance of duck camps in Minnesota, including their unique culture and traditions. If you're interested in hunting or the history of Minnesota's duck camps, this episode is definitely worth a listen.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Dr. Mike Brasher discusses the important role of auctioneers for Ducks Unlimited. They are joined by Junior Staggs, an auctioneer and instructor at Auctioneer University, who shares his story of overcoming stage fright to become an auctioneer. DU's Director of Event Marketing and Field Support Jimbo Robinson also joins the conversation and explains the significance of fundraising events for DU's mission. The hosts and guests discuss the auctioneer's chant, its history, and its importance in generating excitement and raising funds. Overall, the episode highlights auctioneers's crucial contribution to helping conserve wetlands and associated habitats.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Brian Hepworth, Director of Operations for the Prairie and Boreal, Ducks Unlimited Canada, as well Dr. Fritz Reid (retired), to discuss breeding habitat conditions in Prairie Canada, Boreal, California, and other duck-producing regions in the Pacific Flyway. Overall, both provide a positive report on the majority of habitats. Reid offers insight into California’s Central Valley habitats which produce a large number of mallards and other ducks for the Pacific Flyway. Listen in to stay in tune with current habitat conditions this summer.

The DU Podcast visits with Dr. Brian Davis, Mississippi State University, and Dr. Phil Lavretsky, University of Texas El Paso, to discuss the latest discoveries in duck genetics and how these are changing our traditional view of mallard populations. New research shows westward expansion of game-farm mallard genes and reveals potential impacts on behavior, morphology, and potentially migration. So what’s the big deal and how might this impact the future of waterfowl management? Listen in and find out!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jim Ronquest, vice president of development for Drake Waterfowl, to chat about exciting new gear for duck and goose hunters from Drake. Ronquest touches on his duck season last year, the rumor mill of duck production, and the two chat about some changes in product design and launch from Drake Waterfowl and McAlister.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Gigi Hopkins is the author of Massachusetts Masterpieces: The Decoy as Art and a guest on the Ducks Unlimited podcast. She grew up in a family of birders and hunters in Dover, Massachusetts. Through Philip de Normandy, she was introduced to the world of decoys. Gigi is now a respected restorer, historian, and connoisseur.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon interviews Doug Pike about the Houston waterfowling culture. Throughout the podcast, Doug shares stories of hunting the East and West sides of Houston, dives into the people and places of the region, and tells the story of his father’s inadvertent hunting in a game reserve. Doug also recounts his own journey of becoming a professional writer with the Houston Chronicle, and explains why hunting geese was always special to him.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, makes his return to the DU Podcast as he and host Dr. Mike Brasher discuss habitat conditions and duck observations across the Prairies. After a late spring, ducks are breeding, surveys are underway, and habitat conditions are trending in the right direction. Also revealed is a new schedule for the DU Podcast, and Mike shares the story of how cleaning out a woodshed led to the discovery of 30-year old fox urine!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Kyle Spragens of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joins the podcast for a look back on the 2022-23 season in the Pacific Northwest and a wide-ranging discussion about the hidden gems that Washington offers to waterfowl hunters. Items discussed include drought, 2022 duck production, important geographies and duck species across Washington, avian flu, the pace of migration, hunter success, and the diverse goose hunting opportunities available in the state. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Jay Anglin, who covers the Great Lakes Region throughout the waterfowl season for DU’s highly popular Migration Alerts. Anglin details Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio hunting and habitat conditions as the season progressed through the fall. The trio discuss the storms that played out across the region and how precipitation, temperatures, and habitat variance impacted waterfowl migrations and hunting.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Heath Hagy, waterfowl ecologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for a deep dive into how this waterfowl season shaped up for Mississippi and Central Flyway hunters. The trio discuss the timeline of events from spring breeding habitat all the way through January and how changing conditions impacted specific regions. Hagy provides an in-depth perspective from the National Wildlife Refuges he surveyed throughout the season and points out key weather patterns that impacted waterfowl distribution.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Hunting seasons are winding down, ducks and geese are gearing up for breeding, and it’s never too early to think about prairie habitat conditions. Dr. Scott Stephens joins the show in glorious fashion to share insights on late winter snowpack, prairie moisture, and what needs to happen to improve wetland conditions prairie-wide. We also discuss winter trapping, ice fishing, and learn about Scott’s favorite walleye lure. Spoiler alert, it’s not nightcrawlers!www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In recent weeks, avian flu has received increasing media coverage as new infections have been documented in mammals. Following from conversations with wildlife disease experts, observations from waterfowl managers, and new data from the field, this episode provides the latest on our understanding of how the disease unfolded across North America this past fall, its impacts on waterfowl populations, and what the continued risks and uncertainties are for hunters, waterfowl, poultry, and beyond. www.ducks.org/dupodcast

We’ve all heard the stories or experienced it ourselves…bright moonlit nights affecting duck behaviors and making for tough hunting the next day. But what does science tell us about this phenomenon? Do ducks really move more during bright nights and less the next day? Starla Phelps, graduate student at University of Arkansas-Monticello sits down with Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss her recently completed research and share what she learned by marking and tracking over 200 ducks.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Listen in as John Gordon, host of the DU Podcast, welcomes Henry and Lakeisha Woodard of HALO to the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters in Memphis. In this episode, the Woodard’s share their thoughts on their recent appearance on DU Nation, discuss the vital role the outdoors plays in their family life, and reminisce about memorable hunting experiences. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the importance of preserving and promoting the outdoor lifestyle.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast