Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Few things are more exciting for waterfowl hunters than harvesting that once-in-a-lifetime hybrid. Invariably, the feat leads to excited discussion and questions about which two species produced it, how it happened, and of course, whether hybrids are sterile. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher asks the expert, Dr. Phil Lavretsky, that most important question… Are hybrid waterfowl sterile?www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Photographer and retired waterfowl biologist, Gary Kramer, joins hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings to share how he traveled to some of the most remote places on Earth to photograph several of the rarest waterfowl species for his book, “Waterfowl of the World". Kramer's book is the greatest collection of waterfowl photography for every single species of waterfowl in the world, including a summary of information about each species. The 524-page book is an ideal coffee-table addition for waterfowl enthusiasts, but the stories behind how he captured the images are even better.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

It turns out there are many paths to a career in waterfowl and wetlands conservation. On this episode, we learn about Wes Prebeck’s transition from a 20+ year career in law enforcement to now slogging through swamps and marshes in support of the Wetlands Reserve Easement program. Part of this path, inspired by a love of duck hunting, is Wes’s education through Oregon State University and a Masters research project on factors influencing mallard harvest in the Mississippi Flyway.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher peruse a series of fun facts about waterfowl, including questions such as how many invertebrates a wood duck eats, which waterfowl species is the largest, which lives the longest, which is the fastest and why is it not green-winged teal. The duo also discuss observations from past research including multiple paternity, double brooding, long-distance migration, which acorns wood ducks consider the tastiest, and several others.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

On this episode of the DU Podcast, host Katie Burke sits down with friend and past guest, Robbie Smith, to catch up on his journey as Sporting Art Director at Leland Little. In their conversation, Robbie delves into the evolution of his role over the past two years and how it has shaped his collecting habits and appreciation for different styles of art. He also shares his newfound love for carvers he may have previously overlooked. Additionally, Katie and Robbie discuss the upcoming Leland Little Sporting Art Fair, and give listeners a sneak peek of what to expect in its 3rd year. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the world of sporting art and the fascinating journey of Robbie Smith.www.ducks.org/DUPodcastwww.lelandlittle.com

Hunters and habitats in the western U.S. have whipsawed from drought to deluge in recent weeks, as a series of atmospheric rivers have brought extreme rain, snow, and flooding. Dr. Fritz Reid joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an update on the California hunting season and how the storms have affected the outlook on drought and water conditions. While totals are well above seasonal averages, many lakes remain below capacity and additional moisture is needed between now and spring.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Houston is America's fourth largest city, but it also has a rich hunting culture, particularly when it comes to waterfowling. On this episode of the DU Podcast, we talk to longtime Houston Chronicle outdoor journalist Shannon Tompkins, who grew up on the city's east side. Tompkins has extensive knowledge and experience of the people, places and traditions that make this area's waterfowling heritage special. Join us as we dive deep into the characters and locations that make Houston's east side waterfowling culture unique, and gain an understanding of why this heritage is so important to the local community.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Band recoveries are used to understand linkages between breeding and wintering areas, and sometimes to identify areas responsible for producing birds harvested in a given state or region. However, new research suggests that where birds are banded may not be where they were hatched. Dr. Mike Schummer, waterfowl ecologist with SUNY ESF, shares insights from new research completed by his graduate students and offers thoughts on possible implications for managing eastern mallards.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to discuss a recent magazine feature in the January/February 2023 issue of Ducks Unlimited magazine. Pollmann reached out to several veteran goose hunters to find out their go-to spreads for hunting geese over water. These species-specific decoy and calling tactics may prove valuable as the season continues. Jennings and Pollmann talk about each decoy spread and the unique aspects of each hunter’s approach. If you’re planning to hunt late-season geese, this will be your playbook.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Rock Island Auction Company's Outside Consultant and Collector Richard Ellis and Director of Acquisitions Rick Henley join us to discuss the big guns of waterfowling and some of their favorite gun find stories. Richard tells us about his personal collection on display at the DU museum, and he also helps dispel some of the myths surrounding these guns. https://www.rockislandauction.com/www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor and Migration Editor for the Central Flyway. Pollmann breaks down the habitat conditions across the Great Plains and into Missouri, based on reports he is hearing from his contacts throughout the flyway. As South Dakota is being pummeled by another winter storm, Pollmann explains that places like Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are still facing water issues, but that is improving in some areas. The hunting reports have been consistent throughout much of south Texas, and another round of cold weather later this month could shift some birds around throughout the mid-latitude and southern states.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Join us for an exciting episode about the waterfowl hunting heritage and traditions of Louisiana with special guest, Dale Bordelon. As a lifelong hunter and resident of Louisiana, Dale will share his insights and experiences on the rich history of duck hunting in the state. We'll discuss the importance of preserving these traditions and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with hunting in the bayous of Louisiana. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating aspect of southern culture and wildlife conservation. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Derek Christians, coordinator of R3 Media/Campus Waterfowl Productions, to discuss how Campus Waterfowl came to fruition under the Ducks Unlimited brand. Christians shares the story of how Campus Waterfowl began and how engaging with collegiate waterfowl hunters is contributing to Ducks Unlimited’s mission of wetlands conservation.www.campuswaterfowl.comwww.youtube.com/campuswaterfowlwww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this episode of the DU Podcast, host, Katie Burke, speaks with decoy collector, John Munson. John takes our listeners on a in depth look at Ladysmith, Wisconsin, decoy company, Evans Decoy Factory. He begins by sharing his journey to learning about Evans birds and ends with describing many of the nuances that make an Evans bird special. John finishes up by introducing the carver Jack Musgrove to Katie.https://decoyrelics.com/evans-factory-decoy-bookwww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Opportunities for introducing people to hunting come about in many different ways, accompanied by many different perspectives. In this episode, we hear from Patty Rodrigues, a practicing vegetarian, PhD candidate, and self-professed bird nerd about her recent life-changing experience hunting ducks in northwest Louisiana. Dr. Kevin Ringelman also joins to share insights on the First Hunt Program at Louisiana State University that made it all possible.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

This DU Podcast features Browning Arms Media and Events Manager Shaundi Campbell.Hear Browning's history, what’s new in shotguns for 2022, and learn more about Browning’s commitment to wetlands conservation, DU TV and more!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some festive cocktails? For our Christmas episode, we'll be joined by special guests from Old Dominick's, a craft distillery in Memphis known for its delicious spirits and commitment to sustainability, who share some of their favorite holiday cocktail recipes to pair with wild game. We'll also enjoy some holiday tunes performed by Ducks Unlimited staff and a year-end message from DU CEO Adam Putnam. So grab your shaker and join us as we raise a glass to wetlands conservation and the holiday season. Cheers! https://olddominick.com/ www.ducks.org.DUPodcast

Zach Hopper and Adam Davis of BG Calls join Chris and Mike in the DU Podcast studio for a ranging discussion about all things waterfowl. Topics include the latest on avian flu, nationwide migration and hunting update, drivers of waterfowl migration, the importance of reliable data, band recovery research, mallard harvest, and more. We close with an update from BG Calls on company rebranding and new products hitting the market.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin to discuss the powerful winter storm bearing down on much of the country. The two discuss habitat changes that will impact waterfowl migrations and push waterfowl south by the end of the week. While Anglin has a good feel for the mid-latitude states, Jennings offers some insight into what hunters should expect throughout the Mid-South.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Scott Williams, CEO of Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, and Past DU President, George Dunklin, announce DU's exciting new partnership with Discovery Park that includes a waterfowl hunting and conservation exhibit.https://discoveryparkofamerica.com/www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Mike Schummer, waterfowl ecologist with SUNY ESF, provides an update from the Atlantic Flyway while sharing insight on challenging conditions that have confronted hunters thus far. Fortunately, weather is on the way, bringing snow and frigid temps over the next week, which Schummer expects will move birds and create new opportunities. A lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, Schummer also shares why he is looking forward to a snowy game with the Dolphins this Saturday.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Paul Dickson of Shreveport, Louisiana, is a lover of ducks and a duck hunter. He’s also an entrepreneur, self-taught waterfowl ecologist, world-class aviculturist, supporter of Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust, and giving philanthropist. In this episode, Paul Dickson and Jacob Kraemer, director of the Dickson-owned Pinola Aviary, share a behind-the-scenes look into the aviary, its inspiration, its 130 species of waterfowl, and how it is conserving waterfowl worldwide.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In part 2 of this species profile, Drs. Mark Lindberg and Mike Brasher discuss the breeding ecology of brant, its population status and uncertainty around it, 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

Often overlooked among mid-continent goose hunters, brant are arguably the most fascinating of all North American geese. Based on his 30+ year career as a waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mark Lindberg joins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the life history and ecology of this marvelous species, including taxonomy, distribution, epic migrations, changes in wintering distributions, and foraging ecology. We conclude part 1 with a discussion about “individual heterogeneity” and how some birds are more successful than others.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor, to talk migration and habitat throughout the region. Anglin provides a state-by-state breakdown of how the hunting was, or is up to this date. A cold weather system next week should shake things up a bit for those states that remain open. He also notes that Canada goose migration has been strong these past few weeks and offered consistent quality hunts for hunters in Indiana and Michigan. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Returning guest Colin McNair, Decoy Specialist with Copley Fine Art, joins us in studio to chat about the decoy auction market over the past year and some of the upcoming events happening with Copley. Colin and host, Katie Burke, discuss 2022 highlights including the Shang Wheeler Wood Duck pair and the process of researching these decoys, the resurgence of Nantucket Shorebirds and Sporting Art Paintings, and the future of the first big sale of Pacific Coast decoys and what that will mean for decoys of that region.https://www.copleyart.com/www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

With cases of avian flu in wild waterfowl on the rise across, Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings sit down for a quick update on the latest understanding around the risk to dogs, humans, and other animals. While the overall risk to dogs and humans remains low, experts are highlighting areas of potential concern and advising on steps that hunters can take to further reduce their exposure and risk.www.ducks.org/avianfluwww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Mobile phones and data applications have transformed every aspect of our daily lives, and this is increasingly extending to migratory bird conservation. Dr. Orin Robinson of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology joins the podcast to discuss eBird – the birdwatching app that has become a worldwide phenomenon – and how it is being used to understand bird migration and improve waterfowl conservation planning. Also discussed are Merlin and BirdCast, two other super cool bird applications.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Professional retriever trainer and SportDOG senior Prostaff member Lyle Steinman joins the show to talk retrievers and e-collars. We also discuss retriever talent evaluation, hunt test vs field trial, and e-collar evolution.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Every hunt has its own unique set of challenges, blunders, and highlights that create the perfect conditions for camaraderie, belly laughs, and lifelong memories. This Thanksgiving, the DU Podcast crew invite you to hang out and share our pain as we recall our first waterfowl hunt as a team.www.ducks.org/dupodcast

Ducks Unlimited President Chuck Smith shares his volunteer journey from working the door at a DU event to becoming president. He also discusses his plan to lead the organization moving forward.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Bill Gibson, Director of Gundogs for Mossy Oak's Game Keeper Kennels, shares his training methodology and discusses the history of the kennel. If you're looking to add a gundog to your family, you won't want to miss this episode.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Limited water and fewer hunting opportunities continue to be the story in the California Central Valley, but a recent weather system has improved water supplies and delivered much needed mountain snow. Virginia Getz, DU’s director of conservation programs, offers an update on habitat conditions, waterfowl migration, and hunter success in the Central Valley. We also learn of several National Wildlife Refuges that will be opening for hunting in response to recent rains and new water.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Trey Reid, Assistant Chief of Communications for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, discusses Arkansas' upcoming waterfowl season, ongoing Greentree Reservoir conservation efforts, and the WRICE program benefitting waterfowl and making more public land available to hunters in the Natural State.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Taking a great photo of your gun dog is priceless. In this episode, professional outdoor photographer Mark Atwater shares his insights on how to capture these picture-perfect moments with your gun dog in and out of the field. We also discuss the golden retriever, its breeding history, and why it holds a special place in Mark's life.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Returning guest Ryan Graves joins John Stephens, owner of RNT calls and J. Stephens Calls, to discuss the resurgence of modern call-making, vintage call collecting, and the importance of their personal call-collecting mentors. Stephens also shares his unique story of growing up in one of the most historic waterfowl areas in the country and how that influence shaped his career and his passion for collecting. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Across the southern great plains, extreme drought has produced a parched landscape and caused iconic wetlands such as Cheyenne Bottoms to go dry, leaving few options for migrating waterfowl and hunters. Dr. Mark Vrtiska, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Tom Bidrowski, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, join the podcast to discuss how an unseasonably warm fall and now an extended arctic air mass will bring further challenges to waterfowl hunters of their states.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

As three major weather systems clash in the Upper Midwest, duck hunters clamored to get to their hunting spots. Temperatures went from the mid-60s to single-digit blizzard conditions and trapped many hunters on shorelines and islands throughout the Midwest. Chris Madsen, DU Magazine freelance contributor and author of the feature A Deadly Day for Duck Hunters, shares his insights into the horrific tales of survival many hunters faced as the storm pummeled the region. Madsen discusses safety lessons learned from the Armistice Day Storm of 1940 and how the tragic story has stuck with generations of waterfowl hunters.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

With subfreezing temperatures and wintery weather descending across the Mid-Continent, the 2022 duck season is quickly closing for hunters in the U.S. and Canadian prairies as wetlands freeze and birds make major moves southward. In this episode, Dr. Scott Stephens gives an update on the likely effect of this early November weather system and recaps what was a largely successful hunting season on the prairies. We close with a discussion of Scott’s newfound decoy tactic…the song dog displacement.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Wayne Capooth, the author of “The Golden Age of Waterfowling”, joins us for a journey through the history of Mississippi Delta duck clubs from their origins to their impact on waterfowling in the region. We also discuss the early duck hunting clubs of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. If you love waterfowling history then this is a show you don't want to miss. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Avian flu is impacting backyard flocks of chickens and turkeys as well as commercial poultry facilities in virtually every state and province in North America. Dr. Julie Lenoch, USDA Wildlife Services, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the national response to the disease, provide an update on the outbreak, and share guidance to waterfowl hunters on actions we can take to reduce further spread and assist in surveillance monitoring.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In part two of this species profile of the white-fronted goose, or specklebelly goose, USGS research ecologist, Dr. Jay Von Bank, wraps up our discussion about “specks.” We talk about spring migration, the rigors of Arctic nesting, population size and growth, the oldest white-front ever documented, patterns of harvest, why specklebellies are such great table fare, and how they have changed the waterfowl hunting landscape.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor for ducks.org, provides a brief hunting and habitat update for the Great Lakes region where stale conditions will soon be changing to more seasonal temperatures.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Avian flu is a naturally occurring disease but can cause near 100% mortality in backyard birds and commercial poultry. Wild, free-ranging waterfowl are one of the primary means by which the avian flu virus can spread across long distances. Dr. Julie Lenoch, USDA Wildlife Services, shares guidance to hunters on how we can help reduce the spread into backyard flocks and commercial facilities through proper handling of harvested waterfowl and responsible cleaning of gear.www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

In part one of this species profile of the white-fronted goose, or specklebelly goose, Dr. Jay Von Bank, USGS research ecologist, discusses this increasingly popular species that is providing new opportunities for hunters as they continue to expand their distribution. In this episode, we address whether barring can be used to determine the age or sex of birds; how and why the “speck” distribution has changed; what we’re learning from telemetry studies; and how their diet changes during winter. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Are you dreading your gun dog’s final waterfowl season or last hunt? Addison Edmonds, founder of Gunner Kennels, and Luke Moore, marketing coordinator for Gunner Kennels, join the DU Podcast to talk about Moore’s 12-year-old black Labrador retriever, “Goose”. Edmonds spent several seasons with his retriever, “Gunner”, thinking it would be his last, and he offers some words of wisdom to Moore who fears this may be Goose’s final run. They also discuss the newest products Gunner Kennels will release in the near future.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Do strange and spooky things happen while hunting? Early morning hunts tend to produce some of the wildest stories of the unknown. Host Chris Jennings and guest host Clay Baird, DU senior media director, are joined by Kyle Philson and Cam Hale, hosts of Expanded Perspectives Podcast to discuss the weird, unexplainable, creepy, and unusual experiences hunters have had while in the field. Get ready to have some fun and be spooked by stories of ghosts, bigfoot, and more!Make sure you also check out the Expanded Perspectives podcast here… www.expandedperspectives.comwww.ducks.org/TheDUPodcast

Join Host John Gordon as he travels to Houston, Texas; America’s fourth largest city, built on the oil economy. But it’s also home to large wintering duck and goose concentrations on the east and west sides. Hear the differences in both areas with Texas waterfowling historian Rob Sawyer on this DU Podcast edition recorded at Spread Oaks Ranch.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Clay Thompson, SportDOG Brand category manager, and the two discuss various training and dog-related topics. Thompson gets into the details about various uses for a wide range of SportDOG Brand products available to trainers of all types. He also discusses how he has the opportunity to deal with trainers from all over the country to talk product developments, helping to ensure E-collars, dummies, fences, and other products are designed for trainers to be successful. He also shares his tips for beginners, along with helping Jennings piece together a list of talking points for his wife, when he eventually gets a new dog.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Katie Burke introduces a very special guest to the DU Podcast audience, her dad, Dr. Ronal Roberson. Together with host, Mike Brasher, they discuss Dr. Roberson’s journey to becoming a senior ranking DU Volunteer. The journey starts with hunting a kid in the MS Delta, becoming an Area Chairman in a small town in Mississippi, and all the way to serving as a member of the board at the highest levels. The trio discover some of the key elements of what it really means to be a Ducks Unlimited Volunteer.www.ducks.org/DUPodcast