The North American Waterfowler

In this solo episode, I sit down with my Patreon crew for a live Q&A and cover a wide range of topics from duck hunting strategy to gear, pressure, and real world experiences in the field. We get into the spinner vs water motion debate, how I pack for out of state hunts, decoy spread differences on big water vs small water, and the reality of public land pressure. I also share thoughts on non resident hunting regulations, what I’m seeing across Kansas, and what might be coming next. On top of that, we dive into dog training resources, gear that actually makes a difference, and answer a bunch of listener questions from Patreon, Instagram, and Facebook. If you’re serious about freelance duck hunting and want honest answers without the fluff, this one’s for you. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code: NAW18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpetproducts.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Want to join the live Q&As, get your questions answered first, and be part of the conversation? https://patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting For partnerships or inquiries: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Contact Elliott: [email protected] Join Elliott on Patreon: www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Elliott sits down with Matt Zavlonek of High Prairie Sportsman to break down the past waterfowl season from start to finish. They dive into warm winters, changing bird patterns, and what hunters are seeing across multiple states including Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and beyond. This episode covers everything from mountain hunts and Salt Lake teal shoots to the deeper reason why we keep going back to the marsh. If you’ve been wondering what’s really going on with duck seasons lately, this is one you’ll want to hear. PARTNERS This episode is brought to you by: Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpetproducts.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code NAW18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode turned into a full blown shooting breakdown with Scott Vix. If you’ve ever struggled hitting birds, especially that first shot, this one is for you. We get into the fundamentals most hunters never actually learn. Proper gun mount, where your eyes should be, how to move with the bird, and why so many guys miss even when they’re doing everything they think is right. I also walk through my own shooting struggles this season and where things started falling apart, especially when hunting in groups. Scott gives real world advice that applies directly to duck hunting, not just the clay range. If you want to become a more consistent shooter this season, this episode will help. Partners: Flight Day Ammunition → https://www.flightdayammo.com (Code: NAW10) Shotty Gear → https://www.shottygear.com (Code: FDH10) Weatherby Shotguns → https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates → https://mammothpet.com (Code: GUARDIAN15) TideWe → https://www.tidewe.com (Code: NAW18) Patreon: Want to join live recordings, ask questions, and be part of the conversation? Join here → patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patreon If you want more content like this and to go deeper into the hunts, join the Patreon. You’ll get: Early access to all videos Full length hunt videos with extra footage Exclusive podcasts and interviews Live streams and Q&A sessions Access to a community of serious waterfowl hunters This simulated hunt video will be available on Patreon before it goes live on YouTube. Join here:https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting In this episode, I break down a spring simulated duck hunt that turned into something way more valuable than I expected. What started as a fun way to get out with the dog and run some retrieves quickly turned into a reminder of just how important offseason scouting really is. From limited bird movement to adjusting on the fly, and ultimately finding a hidden backwater that I had completely overlooked, this hunt reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time. OnX is a great tool… but it’s not enough. There is no substitute for boots on the ground, putting in the time, and seeing these places with your own eyes. I also walk through: How I set up and ran the simulated hunt What I look for in early spring scouting Why certain spots are better for teal vs big ducks How water levels and vegetation impact your season And how one small decision can lead to finding your next great hunting location If you’re serious about improving your success this fall, this is the kind of work that separates average hunts from consistently good ones. As always, I appreciate you being here. If you have thoughts or questions, reach out on Instagram @freelanceduckhunting or @thenorthamericanwaterfowler. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 Weatherby Shotguns & Rifleshttps://www.weatherby.com TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code: NAW18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Search “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description: In this episode, I sit down with Missouri farmer and waterfowl hunter Derrick Lindstrom to get a different perspective on some of the challenges in today’s waterfowl world. We talk through what modern farming looks like, how it impacts habitat, and how that connects to access and hunting pressure. We also get into: • Why access to private land has changed • The relationship between hunters and landowners • Public land pressure • Getting started in waterfowl hunting without a mentor • Ideas for doing things better moving forward It’s a good, honest conversation from someone living on the other side of it. Partners: This episode is brought to you by: Flight Day Ammunition Use code NAW10⁠https://www.flightdayammo.com⁠ TideWe Use code NAW18⁠https://www.tidewe.com⁠ Shotty Gear⁠https://www.shottygear.com⁠ Weatherby Shotguns⁠https://www.weatherby.com⁠ Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Use code GUARDIAN15 Search “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I break down a recent snow goose hunting weekend with Jake Maxwell and Aiden the Golden Boy, including a field hunt and a couple of classic snow goose stalks. We talk about the strategy behind those hunts, the dog work involved, and why these late season weekends have become one of my favorite traditions. After that, I respond to some listener comments from recent episodes featuring Dr. Michael Brasher and Dr. Goins. There has been a lot of discussion around duck population surveys, harvest impact, and whether hunters should trust the science behind waterfowl management. I read some of the comments and give my thoughts on the debate. Finally, I read a letter from a newer waterfowl hunter who had a tense situation unfold on public land involving decoys, a blind, and a confrontation with another hunter. It raises some interesting questions about ethics, etiquette, and how situations like that should be handled. If you have thoughts on the situation or want to share your own experiences, reach out and let me know. Flight Day AmmunitionPremium steel loads built for waterfowl hunters.Visit flightdayammo.comDiscount code: NAW10 Weatherby ShotgunsReliable shotguns built for the field and marsh.Learn more at weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesDurable and secure kennels built to keep your dog safe during travel.Available on Amazon or at mammothpet.comDiscount code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty GearWaterfowl gear built by hunters for hunters.Shell holders, gun cases, backpacks, and more.Visit shottygear.comDiscount code: FDH10 TideWeAffordable outdoor gear including waders, outerwear, blinds, and packs.Visit tidewe.comDiscount code: NAW18 Contact Elliott: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist for Ducks Unlimited, for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in waterfowl hunting right now. Mallard numbers are down, pond counts are below average, and hunters across the country are asking the same question. Should seasons and limits be reduced? Dr. Brasher walks us through the science behind duck population surveys, how breeding population estimates are actually conducted, and how Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) determines the frameworks for duck seasons in North America. We also discuss the ongoing debate about compensatory vs additive mortality, whether harvest is impacting duck populations, how pond counts affect productivity, and why the current regulatory system still supports liberal seasons despite declining mallard numbers. This conversation covers the full picture of how waterfowl populations are monitored and how hunting regulations are set. Topics covered include: • How duck population surveys are conducted • What the breeding population estimate actually represents • The role of the May pond count • Why habitat drives duck populations • The science behind Adaptive Harvest Management • Compensatory vs additive mortality • Whether harvest impacts duck populations • Why we are still in liberal seasons If you want to better understand how duck populations are managed and what the future of waterfowl seasons may look like, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code: NAW18 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 Support the Podcast If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the show, consider joining the Patreon community. Patreon supporters get access to exclusive content, bonus material, and help make these conversations possible. Join here:https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Titus Headings from Mid Valley Mercenaries joins me to talk about where he has been and why he has been absent from YouTube and the MVM Show. We dig into his outstanding duck season, what has changed in his life over the past year, and some deeper conversations about faith and perspective. Titus is a guy I think the world of, and this was a really enjoyable conversation with a good friend. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Use code NAW10 (or FDH10) for 10% off Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.comUse code FDH10 for 10% off TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Use code NAW18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpetproducts.com Use code GUARDIAN15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since my recent conversation with Josh Goins, there’s been a lot of debate about duck numbers, hunting pressure, flooded corn, and the Adaptive Harvest Management system. In this episode, I step back from the noise, dig into the actual data, and explain what I’ve learned. We break down how AHM works, why seasons have remained liberal despite declining mallard numbers, and what the science says about additive vs compensatory mortality. I also compare current duck populations and prairie pond conditions to long-term averages and historic drought years to put today’s numbers into context. I’ll also revisit my recent reel about ducks going nocturnal around flooded corn and discuss what we actually know — and don’t know — about its impact on migration. Finally, I tease an upcoming Patreon-only livestream interview with Dr. Mike Brasher, Chief Scientist at Ducks Unlimited, where we’ll go even deeper into habitat, harvest management, and the future of waterfowl hunting. This episode is about facts, context, and understanding — not outrage. Partners Flight Day Ammunition Premium bismuth loads built specifically for waterfowl hunters. Reliable performance and clean kills. Use code NAW10https://www.flightdayammo.com TideWe Affordable, dependable hunting gear built for real conditions. Waders, blinds, backpacks, apparel, and more. Use code NAW18https://www.tidewe.com Weatherby High-performance shotguns trusted by serious waterfowl hunters. Built for reliability, durability, and performance in harsh conditions. https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy-duty aluminum crates designed to keep your dog safe in the field and on the road. Use code GUARDIAN15Search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products store Shotty Gear Rugged, affordable gear built by hunters for hunters. Blind bags, shell pouches, gun cases, lighting, apparel, and more. Use code FDH10https://www.shottygear.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Goins, founder of Flyway Federation, is one of the most controversial figures in modern waterfowl hunting. Supporters call him a truth teller fighting for everyday hunters. Critics say his claims oversimplify complex science. In this rare appearance, Josh sits down to explain his views on flooded corn, short stopping, migration changes, and the future of duck hunting across North America. This conversation dives into the data, the history, and the growing divide within the waterfowl community. Whether you agree with him or not, this is a perspective every hunter should hear. Love him or hate him, Josh Goins has changed the conversation. Support the companies that support this podcast: Flight Day Ammunition Premium bismuth waterfowl loads built for real world performancehttps://www.flightdayammo.com Use code NAW10 TideWe Quality hunting gear and apparel built for durability and valuehttps://www.tidewe.com Shotty Gear Waterproof, rugged gear designed by hunters for tough conditionshttps://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy duty protection for your retriever at home and on the road Search “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Use code GUARDIAN15 Weatherby Shotguns Precision built shotguns trusted by serious waterfowl huntershttps://www.weatherby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION After Episode 250, the feedback poured in from hunters across the country. Some agree. Some strongly disagree. Many are seeing completely different realities depending on where they hunt. In this episode, Elliott reads and responds to real listener comments about duck numbers, migration patterns, hunting pressure, public vs private access, and what success actually looks like across different regions. From concerns about declining mallards to debates over effort, habitat, and expectations, this episode captures a wide cross section of opinions from the waterfowl community. No experts. No scripts. Just honest reactions to what hunters are experiencing on the ground right now. Shotty GearWaterproof, durable gear built by hunters for hunters. From shell pouches to gun cases, this is rugged equipment made to survive real conditions.🔗 https://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 TideWeAffordable, reliable hunting gear for every season, including waders, apparel, optics, and more.🔗 https://www.tidewe.comCode: NAW18 Weatherby ShotgunsDependable performance and fit right out of the box, trusted by hunters for generations.🔗 https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesSafe, rugged transport for your hunting partner, whether in the cab or the truck bed.🔗 https://www.mammothpet.comCode: GUARDIAN15 Flight Day AmmunitionMaximum payload steel loads designed for dense patterns and reliable performance in the field.🔗 https://www.flightdayammo.comCode: NAW10 Support the show and connect with Elliott’s core community of serious waterfowl hunters. Patreon members get bonus content, hunt giveaways, live events, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting 🤝 PARTNERS🔒 JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices