Ducks Unlimited Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Ducks Unlimited Podcast is a constant discussion of all things waterfowl. From in-depth hunting tips and tactics, to waterfowl biology, research, science, and habitat updates. The DU Podcast is the go-to resource for waterfowlers and conservationists. Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands conservation.
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/duckruck
www.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/DUPodcast
www.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/DUPodcast
www.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
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 it’s 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/DUPodcast
www.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 Creasy, manager of the Coca Cola Club in northeast Arkansas. Creasy 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 Creasy 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.
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 Hoffman. 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.
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.
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.
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: @jerrytaltondecoys
www.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.
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
In this episode, Mike Brasher discusses the important role of auctioneers in fundraising events for Ducks Unlimited, a conservation organization. They are joined by Junior Staggs, an auctioneer and instructor at Auctioneer University, who shares his story of how he overcame stage fright to become an auctioneer. Jimbo Robinson, Ducks Unlimited's Director of Event Marketing and Field Support, also joins the conversation and explains the significance of fundraising events for conservation efforts. The hosts and guests discuss the auctioneer's chant, its history, and its importance in generating excitement and raising funds. Overall, the episode highlights the crucial contribution of auctioneers in helping to preserve natural habitats and wildlife.
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
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
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/DUPodcast
www.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.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-book
www.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/avianflu
www.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.com
www.ducks.org/TheDUPodcast
TOMORROW, Friday, Oct 28th for The DU Podcast Halloween Special...
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 the Expanded Perspectives Podcast. They discuss the weird, unexplainable, creepy, and unusual experiences hunters have had while in the field. Get ready to have fun and be spooked by stories of ghosts, bigfoot, and more!
Make sure you also check out the Expanded Perspectives podcast here… www.expandedperspectives.com
www.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
Join Us Friday, Oct 28th for The DU Podcast Halloween Special...
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 the Expanded Perspectives Podcast. They discuss the weird, unexplainable, creepy, and unusual experiences hunters have had while in the field. Get ready to have fun and be spooked by stories of ghosts, bigfoot, and more!
Make sure you also check out the Expanded Perspectives podcast here… www.expandedperspectives.com
www.ducks.org/TheDUPodcast
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 become 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
Host Chris Jennings is joined by owner and operator of Bill Byers Hunter Club, Cason Short. Short grew up around the property and shares the legacy left behind by his grandfather and father, one that he now keeps alive. This Hunter, Arkansas-based club was one of the first properties to offer day leases for duck hunters in the 1950s. Short shares the stories behind the property and how he is using it today to assist with conservation and research operations focusing on white-fronted geese.
www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by the always popular, Dr. Scott Stephens, Ducks Unlimited Canada in the Boreal and prairie regions. With waterfowl season open since the beginning of September, Stephens has had several opportunities to get afield locally, and has heard from other biologists in Canada regarding conditions. The two discuss habitat conditions in Canada and Stephens offers some insight into the pace of the fall migration in Canada.
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings discuss a Ducks Unlimited magazine project – The Ultimate Duck Boat. Jennings shares the process of how the magazine feature came together and why certain accessories were added to the boat. The feature was released in the July/August 2022 Gear Issue and the boat was on the cover. The two talk about how that image was captured by magazine and creative staff. If you’re looking for ideas to add to your duck boat, or build one from scratch, this episode might provide some useful insights. To read the full feature, visit https://bit.ly/3e8tYSq
While baseball fans will understand the phrase, “Ducks on the Pond,” what is one to make of “A Goose in Shallow Right Field”? Last night America watched as a greater white-fronted goose took up temporary residency in Dodger Stadium. The DU Podcast caught up with Dr. Jay VonBank, a leading expert on the species, for his opinion about what may have caused this bird to fly “afowl” of normal behaviors.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
On this episode, host, Katie Burke, sits down with Doug Lodermeier, author of Minnesota Duck Calls and Minnesota Duck Decoys Vol.1-2. Doug is an expert on all things Minnesota Duck Calls and Decoys. The two chat about the state’s abundant waterfowling history. Doug describes his path into collecting Minnesota’s waterfowling history, as well as, his journey as the chronicler of these stories over the past 20 years.
For a copy of Doug’s latest book visit: http://www.dougandpaul.com/index.html
High-quality bird taxidermy is an art that freezes a unique hunting moment in time forever. Micah and Alyssa Godwin of Feathered Arts strive to make every duck and goose they mount cherished by their clients. Find out the story behind this dynamic husband and wife taxidermy team on this special Ducks Unlimited Podcast edition recorded on location at Spread Oaks Ranch in Texas.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kevin Kraai, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department waterfowl program leader, to discuss habitat across the state of Texas. The two discuss habitat conditions last season and how late cold fronts and precipitation helped some hunters in the Lonestar State. This season, Kraai explains that the conditions are very dry throughout much of the state, but these conditions can change. Kraai also shares some insights following the early teal season.
www.ducks.org/TheDUpodcast
Partnerships are the key to conservation, and state fish and wildlife agencies have long been some of DU’s most reliable and critical partners. With a focus on Louisiana, Mike Carloss and Cassidy Lejeune (DU) join Jason Olszak (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries) to discuss the people, programs, and funding that fuels this work. They also share recently completed projects that are already providing benefits to waterfowl and hunters in Sportsman’s Paradise.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Special guests Mike Carloss (DU), Dave Kostersky (DU Canada), and Jason Olszak (Louisiana Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries) join the podcast to discuss the important partnership that exists between DU and state agencies. The Fall Flights program is a powerful vehicle by which states and DU leverage resources to fund vital wetland and grassland conservation on the breeding grounds, in turn producing ducks that are enjoyed by waterfowl hunters across North America.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to talk about why early-season Canada goose hunts can cause you fits. The two discuss tips and tactics for bagging these big Canadas and some best practices to follow during these early hunts. Pollmann and Jennings share some personal experiences from past hunts where they utilized unique tactics to bag honkers on a consistent basis. This is a must-listen if you are planning to hunt Canadas this fall.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Earlier this year, DU celebrated 85 years of conservation success at our National Convention in New Orleans. Join us as we visit with Mike Benge, DU volunteer and board member, and Pattie Kempka, DU director of national meetings and conferences, on the history of DU national conventions, what it takes to put one on, and the unique experiences and events that awaited this year’s attendees. Listen in and get inspired to join us in 2023 in Las Vegas!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
We’re back with more adventures from retired USFWS pilot biologist Fred Roetker! This episode is highlighted by memorable observations, including a wolverine, barren ground grizzlies, expansive beaver ponds, a military intercept in Mexico, and a rare sighting of the elusive prairie skinny dipper! Fred concludes with sage advice for young people looking to enter the waterfowl profession, and DU extends a sincere “thank you” to Fred and his fellow pilot biologists!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Retired USFWS pilot biologist Fred Roetker reflects on his 32-year career of surveying ducks and geese across North America and shares stories of the places he saw, people he met, and experiences he amassed over that time. With nearly 500,000 air miles to his credit, ranging from the Yucatan to the Arctic Circle, some say that Fred has seen more waterfowl habitat than anyone else in North America. After listening to his stories, they might be right!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Field Hudnall, YETI Ambassador and owner of Field Proven Calls, and the pair chat about YETI’s new book, Ducks. Hudnall was instrumental in helping YETI piece this coffee-table style book together, and the book will be sold with a portion of proceeds going to wetlands conservation. The two also catch up on Hudnall’s season last year, expectations for the coming season, and what’s the latest with Field Proven Call.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Inspired by a listener challenge, on this episode Dr. Mike Brasher visits with Kelly Warren, DU regional biologist in western Oregon, for an update on what the latest surveys reveal about the status and opportunities around the many goose species that call the Pacific Flyway home. Covering emperor geese, brant, snow geese, white-fronts, and 3 subspecies each of cackling and Canada geese, if you’re a Pacific Flyway goose hunter, this episode is for you.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Hunting resident Canada Geese takes patience and skill to ensure success. Join host John Gordon as he talks with Tennessee hunters, Alec Brown and Will Preuett, who have both mastered these skills. Listen to the latest DU Podcast to learn how they put more resident geese on the ground every September.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jim Ronquest, Vice President of Development for Drake Waterfowl on this episode. The two discuss Ronquest’s new role within Drake Waterfowl, along with some of the exciting products the company has. Ronquest shares some memories of great days afield and both talk about memorable moments from hunts past.
www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Meet the black-bellied whistling duck, one of the more intriguing stories among North American waterfowl. With an ever-expanding range and growing population, this species is triggering numerous research studies, providing new harvest opportunities, and demonstrating remarkable abilities to adapt to pressure. Dr. Jerad Henson, associate professor at Christian Brothers University, joins us to share insights from his research and others on this most interesting species.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Revised restrictions by USDA APHIS are now in place that allow hunters in Canada to bring their harvested birds back into the U.S. Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s chief conservation officer, joins the podcast to discuss the new restrictions and how DU helped inform them. Also covered are data that made the difference, hunters that provided the data, importance of partner voices, significance of HPAI as a threat to U.S. poultry, and USDA APHIS’s willingness to make a change.
www.ducks.org
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the show regarding introducing young hunters to the basics of shotgunning. Bourjaily has mentored, and taught young hunters for decades, including his own children and he coached a high school trap and sporting clays team. The two discuss the first steps on introducing guns to young hunters, all the way through their first hunt. Anyone looking to mentor or introduce a youth hunter to the ranks of waterfowlers needs to use this show as a checklist for a safe, appropriate introduction.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Extreme drought continues in the western U.S., and Jeff McCreary and Dr. Mark Petrie join us for the latest update. How severe is the drought? What were its impacts on breeding waterfowl? Why are National Wildlife Refuges going dry? What can western hunters expect for waterfowl habitats and hunting opportunities? What is Ducks Unlimited doing to help, and how can you make a difference? These topics and more on today’s episode.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
While DU has been involved in TV and video for many years, never has it taken on a feature length film, until now! George Dunklin, DU volunteer and board member, and James Roberts, DU director of development, share the exciting story of Wings Over Water, DU’s first ever foray into IMAX films. Learn about how the idea was hatched, the people and partners that made it happen, and why it is important for the future of wetlands conservation. For more information, check out www.wingsoverwaterfilm.com
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to discuss a common theme of missing bluewings. The pair talk through an article Pollmann once wrote where he shared tips from veteran waterfowlers on how they consistently shoot bluewings. These acrobatic, flighty little puddle ducks make difficult shots in the early-morning light, and there are ways to improve your odds. Give this show a listen.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
The DU Podcast visits with Dr. Dale James, past director of conservation and science for DU’s southern region, to provide additional insights about his recent article on prehistoric waterfowl that appeared in the July/August issue of DU magazine. From the Demon Duck of Doom to the Wonderchicken, ancient waterfowl are no doubt entertaining! We also thank Dale and offer him an opportunity to reflect on his 18 years of service with DU as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.
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
RE-AIR OF Ep. 275
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher join forces to bring you the first in a series of species profiles covering our North American waterfowl. The blue-winged teal enjoys the spotlight in this episode. One of our most unique dabbling ducks, spending summer in the prairies and winter in the mangroves of Mexico, bluewings are the last to arrive on the breeding grounds and the first to head south, providing hunters with an early opportunity to return afield after a long hot summer.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
duck hunting, ducks, ducks unlimited, goose hunting, waterfowl, waterfowl survey, science, surveys, hunting, duck populations, birds, geese, waterfowl managers, conservation, wetlands, habitat, habitat conservation
Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher continue their discussion about the 2022 Waterfowl Population Survey results and what they mean for you. Looking flyway-by-flyway, species-by-species, and other unique ways of summarizing the data, this episode provides insights on breeding populations, habitat conditions, prospects for summer production, an uptick in Eastern Mallards, and what it all means for waterfowl hunters in the Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic Flyways.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Chris Jennings, Dr. Mike Brasher, and DU Magazine Editorial Director Matt Young begin a deep dig into the 2022 BPOP results. Matt shares 30-years of perspective on what the BPOP data mean to seasoned waterfowlers and how times have changed. The group then reviews 2022 results, discusses implications for mid-continent hunters, explores the pintail predicament, ponders Great Lakes mallards, and touches on harvest regulations. This episode is chock-a-block full!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
THIS IS A RE-AIR of EP. 289
Green-winged teal are the smallest of our North American dabbling ducks with a short neck and small bill. Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings go into the details about this fascinating species. The pair discuss the species’ breeding habits, migrating, and wintering distribution. Prized by hunters for their abundance and as table fare, there’s a lot to learn about Green-wings.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher jump into the new season with the recently announced 2022 Waterfowl and Habitat Survey. The pair breakdown the overall numbers released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and set the table for future discussions focusing on induvial species.
To get the full report and species chart, visit https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-surveys/2022/duck-numbers
On this special episode, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams joins co-hosts Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, and Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist, to talk about her love of the outdoors, priorities for the USFWS, the importance of hunters and private landowners to conservation, the longstanding partnership between DU and the USFWS, and much more. Status of the highly anticipated Waterfowl Breeding and Population Habitat Survey is also mentioned!
This DU Podcast features Browning Arms Media and Events Manager Shaundi Campbell.
Hear Browning history, what’s new in shotguns for 2022, and learn more about Browning’s commitment to wetlands conservation, DU TV and more!
“Volunteers are the gasoline that makes the DU engine work.” On this episode we sit down with Doug Schoenrock (DU President), Chuck Smith (DU 1st Vice President), Kurt Cazayoux (Louisiana DU State Chair), and Jay Owen (DU Regional Vice President) to discuss the important role that annual state conventions play in celebrating our volunteers for their contributions to DU’s mission. From Roadkill Cookoffs to Bingo tournaments, learn about state conventions and why you should attend.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews former DU TV co-hosts Field Hudnall, Zach Pederson and Ainsley Beeman Kenworthy on the final 25th anniversary podcast. All three hosted DU TV episodes around North America, collecting incredible experiences and developing a strong respect and admiration for DU’s wetlands conservation mission. Tune in and listen to favorite show moments and discover why their time on DU TV meant so much top each of them.
DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.
Chris Lee, Integrated Marketing Manager for FNBO, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about how the DU Visa Card is benefitting wetlands conservation. Lee discusses how the owners of the largest privately owned bank are strong supporters of DU’s wetland conservation mission and how the DU Visa Card program provides funding. Offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a portion of every purchase going directly to DU’s conservation mission, it’s easy to see why both parties are excited about this partnership.
Visit ducks.org/visa to learn more.
Jon Deeter, owner of at Guyette and Deeter, Inc. decoy auction house, returns to the show to chat with host Katie Burke about their Spring auction at the North American Decoy Collectors Show, the largest sporting collector show in the country. Jon and Katie talk about the importance of this show not only in terms of the auction, but to decoy collecting in general. Jon gives us some insight into the catalog for this sale and how it was selected. He also talks about Guyette and Deeter Inc’s upcoming venture into antique waterfowling shotguns.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews Mike Checkett and Hampton Bourne on this DU podcast, continuing the DU TV 25 anniversary celebration. Bourne is the son of legendary DU TV co-host and writer Wade Bourne, he talks about his dad and the conservation legacy he left that still resonates today. Checkett is another longtime DU TV co-host and former DU staff member, he and Wade shared many sunrises together on DU TV. Tune in to hear great stories from the past from America’s longest running waterfowl hunting show.
DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.
Addison Edmonds, founder of Gunner Kennels, joins the DU Podcast to share the news about the new partnership with Ducks Unlimited. Edmonds and host Chris Jennings talk about Gunner’s commitment to wetlands conservation as well as the new Gunner offerings that fall under the umbrella of official Ducks Unlimited products. The two talk about Edmonds new Labrador retriever, as well as new training challenge he is facing along the way. Join in for a fantastic introduction to new products and Gunner Kennels.
www.ducks.org/DUpodcast
As the 2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey nears completion, Dr. Ken Richkus, chief of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, reflects on the steps involved in planning and resuming the survey this year. Ken also discusses whether any changes were made, directs us to field updates from pilot biologists, and shares the timeline for survey completion and release of the final numbers. DU extends a special thanks to all the men and women involved in the survey!
2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Surveys - Field Reports | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Excitement abounds as DU prepares to celebrate 85 years of wetland and waterfowl conservation at our National Convention in New Orleans, July 13-16, 2022. Legendary quarterback Archie Manning will serve as keynote speaker, and activities throughout the week will include redfish fishing tournament, Roadkill Cookoff, Wings Over Wetlands celebration, guided tours, organizational and conservation updates, and the convention reception and gala. Listen for details and prepare to join us!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s chief conservation officer and Bob Locke, DU’s director of development for North Texas, sit down with Mr. Trammell Crow at the EarthX Expo 2022 in Dallas, TX. Founder of EarthX and a Dallas-based businessman and entrepreneur, Trammell explains how his upbringing and career led to the creation of EarthX, and how it eventually inspired him to host the US-Mexico Hunting & Wildlife Conservation Forum this past October to help protect hunting rights in Mexico.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
DU Podcast host, Katie Burke, chats with the President of the North American Decoy Collectors Association, Rick Sandstrom. The pair met up in Chicago to discuss the show and auction. They talk about the importance of the show and what it means to the decoy collecting community. How the absence of the show over the past years has had an impact on the community and it’s return this year. The two also chat about the evolution of the club from the Midwest to North American title and why it’s important for new and longtime collectors to attend this event and others like it.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews Guy Shepperd and Richie Davenport of Moose Media, Mossy Oak’s video production company. Moose has field produced DU TV since 2013, capturing the best of waterfowl hunting and wetlands conservation around North America. Shepperd and Davenport discuss some of their favorite moments over the seasons while offering a behind-the-scenes look at DU TV.
DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.
Farmers, ranchers, and private landowners are essential partners in DU’s conservation efforts. An exciting new partnership between DU and the Future Farmers of America stands to enhance our shared values and collective ability to train and educate America’s future farmers and conservationists. On this episode we hear from FFA representatives Cortney Zimmerman and Chris Bell and DU’s Mark Horobetz on the growth and future plans for this partnership. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Smiling faces. Barbeque grills overflowing with hot dogs and hamburgers. Pool parties with friends and family. A pleasant boat ride around the lake.
These are the scenes of Memorial Day, celebrated every May on the month’s final Monday. It’s a three-day weekend, school is out, summer begins, good times in the sun are ahead.
But we can’t forget what’s behind this day.
The name itself tells the tale, memorial signifying recognition of meritorious service. Another word comes to mind immediately though, sacrifice. Memorial Day signifies a day of remembrance for the fallen in wars throughout history around the globe.
At Ducks Unlimited, we urge everyone to take a moment this weekend to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and give thanks to those who gave everything so we could live in a country where freedom is enjoyed and not wished for.
Thanks to all of you for supporting Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation mission. And thank you to those brave souls who embraced their call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice.
As you spend time in the outdoors this weekend, think about the fact that it’s all possible because someone’s courageous act ensured our freedoms.
From all of the staff and volunteers at Ducks Unlimited, Happy Memorial Day and thanks to everyone who has served and continues to serve our great nation.
Retired USFWS pilot biologist, Fred Roetker, joins the DU Podcast from Fort Chipewayan, Alberta, deep in the Canadian boreal forest for a real-time update on progress and conditions encountered during the 2022 waterfowl breeding population survey. Although 2022 is proving to be one of the later springs in recent memory, boreal wetlands are in good to excellent condition and ducks are once again being counted across this diverse and massive landscape.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Dave Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, answers more questions and provides guidance on how hunters need to prepare for avian flu. Topics include modes of transmission, vaccines, herd immunity, safety precautions, carcass disposal, how to report sick or dead birds, and whether it is safe to consume harvested birds. We conclude with a discussion about risks to wild turkeys and advice to not panic but stay informed and observant.
www.ducks.org/DUpodcast
Dr. Dave Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, provides an in-depth description of the current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. How did we get here, and what are the risks to ducks and geese, poultry, humans, hunters, dogs, and other birds? We also learn about symptoms, infection rates, mortality rates, and the amazing similarities to the concerns and terminology that we all became familiar with during COVID-19. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Purina Pro Plan, joins the DU Podcast once again. Gunzer has 25 years of experience as a field trail trainer and offers his expertise on the subject. Host Chris Jennings and Gunzer discuss what’s new with Purina Pro Plan and the pair get into the weeds about field trial training. Gunzer offers his advice to anyone out there thinking about becoming a field trail trainer, and details the expectations of training at this high level.
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings welcome legendary fisherman and outdoor personality, Bill Dance, to the DU Podcast. Dance shares some personal stories about his path to becoming a professional fisherman and beyond. The trio discuss conservation and how fish and fishermen can benefit from Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation efforts. You’ll most certainly enjoy these conversations as the always-entertaining Dance, showcases his story-telling abilities. (Part #2)
www.ducks.org/DUpodcast
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings welcome legendary fisherman and outdoor personality, Bill Dance, to the DU Podcast. Dance shares some personal stories about his path to becoming a professional fisherman and beyond. The trio discuss conservation and how fish and fishermen can benefit from Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation efforts. You’ll most certainly enjoy these conversations as the always-entertaining Dance, showcases his story-telling abilities. (Part #1)
www.ducks.org/DUpodcast
Dr. Johann Walker and Dr. Scott Stephens join the podcast to provide an armchair view of habitat conditions in the U.S. and Canadian Prairies and openly speculate about what we should expect for the 2022 breeding duck population and production. While winter and early spring storms refilled wetlands in North Dakota, Manitoba, and the Canadian parklands, variable and dry conditions remain across important breeding regions of Montana and southern Saskatchewan and Alberta.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host John Gordon interviews Marc Pierce and Jared Brown. Longtime friends and DU supporters, these former DUTV hosts talk about how they became involved with the show and some of their favorite moments through the years. What snacks did Wade Bourne bring to the blind? Listen in and find out!
DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.
While lethal collection and gnarly lab work is the gold standard for measuring body condition of waterfowl, scientists also need non-lethal methods to answer other research questions. Katharine Cody, graduate student from the Univ. of Arkansas at Monticello, explains the importance of winter body condition for ducks and describes her research that sought to identify a reliable, non-lethal way to measure it for Arkansas mallards. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews Eric Keszler, executive editor of Ducks Unlimited magazine, about the origin of the longest-running waterfowl hunting show on television, DUTV, in this first installment of a five-part series celebrating DUTV's 25th anniversary. Keszler spent several years producing DUTV and offers a great perspective on the history of the show.
DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.
Dr. Mark Petrie, DU’s director of conservation planning for the Western Region, provides a quick update on drought conditions in the western U.S. for April 2022. With intensifying drought, we should expect limited local duck production, significant declines in planted rice, reduced wetland management, and concerning carry-over effects into fall and winter. Mark also provides insights on what this means for waterfowl and how DU is responding.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
We've been gearing up for SEASON 6. We hope you'll join us for more exciting content beginning this Wednesday, May 4th!
Join us at DUX 2022!
For everything outdoors... from biking, shooting, dog demonstrations, and exhibitors, there's something for all ages and skill levels at the Ducks Unlimited Expo!
TICKETS starting @ $10 - https://www.duckexpo.com/tickets
Kids 12 and under are admitted free with an adult ticket purchase.
Active/Retired Military, First Responders are free with valid ID.
As the dust settles, the DU Podcast looks back on the 2021-22 waterfowl season. Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dr. Heath Hagy, USFWS Waterfowl Ecologist, to discuss everything from the 2021 drought to roller coaster weather patterns, personal hunting experiences, duck research, mid-winter surveys, and a look ahead to habitat conditions for the 2022 breeding season. Jam-packed with information you’ll only get here, join us for a reflection on the season that was.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
In this final episode of The DU Podcast, show hosts Chris, Mike, & Katie reminisce on the season, but also look forward to season 6 and beyond.
But don't worry! We will keep releasing content every so often to keep you updated on what is happening in the wetlands and with the ducks.
Thank you for helping us reach and surpass a million total downloads. You'll hear from us soon!
With duck season winding down, we look ahead to the 2022 breeding season. Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins the podcast to provide late winter insights on snow cover and what it might mean for recharging prairie wetlands. Although a welcome start, more precip will be needed to bring significant improvements for returning birds. The other big issue that remains is the spring BPOP survey. With hopeful anticipation, DUC staff are primed and ready to assist.
Dr. Mike Brasher visits with Virginia Getz, DU’s director of conservation programs for CA, NV, AZ, and HI, to recap the erratic weather and hunting success across California. Significant rain in Oct and Dec brought relief from drought and created abundant waterfowl habitat. While good for birds, hunting success was mixed, with a feeling that neither birds nor hunters could find their normal “rhythm.” We now hope for more rain and mountain snow to improve breeding conditions.
DU Podcast host, Katie Burke, chats with renowned decoy carver, Cameron McIntyre about how his early love of nature and waterfowl and how both have informed his life as an artist and carver. McIntyre describes the years of hard work, trial and error that led him to be the skilled carver he is today. He also talks about the influence of the carvers he spent time with along his journey, as well the influence of the decoys of past master carvers, he was lucky enough to work with as a restorer. But McIntyre describes in detail why nature is his primary passion and muse.
You can view Cameron’s work by visiting, http://www.camerontmcintyre.com/
Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss shotgunning techniques for waterfowl hunters. Bourjaily explains the processes and importance of making sure your hands and eyes are working together to find and remain on a target. The two also get into the details of one of the most difficult shots in waterfowling, the high, overhead shot.
In this very special Fact or Fiction episode, Dr. Ray Alisauskas applies his expertise to a few questions and statements about the ecology of snow and Ross’s geese. We discuss color morphs, caruncles, rarity of blue phase Ross’s geese, flight altitude, and more! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Kevin Kraai, Texas Parks and Wildlife waterfowl program leader, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the most recent waterfowl survey. The 2022 survey showed impressive numbers in several parts of the state. Kraai discusses specific species and why some areas in Texas were holding strong numbers of ducks and other were not.
Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores shares stories from the book about tactics and cleanup of illegal grow operations, and how these operations contaminate water supply, kill wildlife, and damage public lands.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how California game wardens dealt with an attack on public and private lands, and how the issue continues across the U.S.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Eddie Nickens, contributing editor of Ducks Unlimited magazine, and his son Jack, join host Chris Jennings in studio to discuss their travels over the years. The two were visiting National Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee on their way to an Arkansas duck hunt. Eddie and Jack explained how they built bonds through the outdoors and how things have changed since Jack was young, hunting at his father’s side. This interesting conversation details the dynamics of a father and a son growing up in the outdoors, both learning about life along the way.
As eastern mallards declined in the early 2000s, waterfowl managers developed a new approach for setting duck harvest frameworks in the Atlantic Flyway. Termed “multi-stock management,” this approach steps away from mallards and relies on 4 species that better capture harvest opportunities for eastern hunters. Dr. Min Huang and Dr. Pat Devers rejoin the podcast to provide details behind this approach and discuss other issues on the horizon for waterfowl management in the U.S.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
In the late 1990s, waterfowl harvest managers in the Atlantic Flyway began exploring new approaches to tie harvest regulations for their states to eastern mallards and other duck populations that were the primary source of Atlantic Flyway harvest. Dr. Min Huang, Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Dr. Pat Devers, USFWS, join the podcast to lead a discussion on these early days and eventual implementation of Eastern Mallard AHM. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
In this inaugural episode of our Fact or Fiction series, hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher give the straight talk on three questions brought to us by our listeners. How much of DU's work occurs on public vs. private land, do you have to register for HIP separately in each state in which you hunt, and does DU provide corn for managed impoundments? The waters can get a little muddy out there, so we’re jumping in to provide some clarity.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
In this concluding episode, Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, explains neck collars, web tags, nasal saddles, geolocators, transmitters, GPS units, and more. How are they used, how have they evolved, and how are scientists using them to learn more than ever about movements, migrations, and behaviors of waterfowl across North America? Listen and learn from our friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Nicolai.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host Katie Burke is joined by wildlife artist, Adam Grimm. Adam is a two-time Federal Duck Stamp winner and two-time DU Artist-of-the-Year. In this conversation, Adam goes into detail discussing his journey to become a professional wildlife artist, particularly, how his love of art and the outdoors came together to in his professional career. The two also discuss the significance of the Federal Duck Stamp program to wildlife artists, and the significance winning has had on Adam’s career.
You can view Adam’s artwork by visiting, https://www.adamgrimm.com/
Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, rejoins Dr. Mike Brasher for a “bird nerd” discussion about waterfowl banding. This episode covers everything from the basics of what it is and when it happens to more detailed coverage of reward bands, survival estimation, calculating population size using the “Lincoln-Petersen” method, and what banding data can reveal about individual decisions. Thank you for reporting your bands! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
An alternative recipe for your harvested ‘fowl, the DU Podcast and Dr. J.-M. DeVink bring you a French-inspired dish that pairs well with red wine and a blustery winter day – Acadian duck pie. Perfect for any species of waterfowl or wild game, including those considered less than stellar table fare, J.-M. steps through the recipe and provides educational insights on its origin and preparation. Find the complete recipe here: https://bit.ly/32y02sL
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the incoming cold front happening New Year’s Day. This influx of cold weather throughout much of the Central and Mississippi Flyway could have major impacts on waterfowl wintering in mid-latitude states. Anglin shares local and regional updates across Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan as many of these states are holding strong numbers of ducks and geese. Waterfowl hunters throughout the lower portions of the Central and Mississippi Flyways may have the opportunity to begin 2022 with a bang. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an extended, in-depth discussion about the science and application of marking individual birds. In the first of 3 episodes, we discuss the early days of marking, the type of data and information gathered from it, its advantages over other methods of study, and how the technologies and techniques continue to evolve, providing increasingly detailed data on the waterfowl life cycle. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Join Chris, Mike, & Katie as they take a walk down memory lane discussing Christmas presents from their youth, reflecting on Christmas traditions, and considering why Dec 25th might be the safest day for the ducks. You'll also hear songs recorded by local Ducks Unlimited staff and a Christmas letter reading from all of us to all of you! We hope you have a safe and joyous holiday. Merry Christmas!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Past Editor-in-Chief of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Stan Van Etten, joins host, Katie Burke, to chat about the magazine’s 20-year run. The duo reminisces about some of the magazine’s great articles over years of its publication. Stan discusses what led him to start the publication of the magazine, as well as his reason for retiring it.
To purchase back issues of H&FC Magazine, visit http://hfcollectibles.com/
Dr. Jean Michel DeVink, DU Canada’s National Manager of Conservation Planning, joins the DU Podcast to share bits of scientific expertise and culinary insights from his journey to becoming a better cook of wild game. We discuss an introductory fajita recipe, slow cooking goose legs, wild game during the holiday season, and other elements that even the most seasoned chefs will appreciate.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Fresh off a November elk harvest, Dr. Ray Alisauskas of Environment and Climate Change Canada joins the podcast to discuss early data on productivity of Mid-continent light geese in 2021. Evidence continues to indicate a “nose-diving” population trajectory for snow and Ross’s geese in the mid-continent. Earlier spring thaw and phenological mismatch are primary culprits, but what about the Conservation Order?
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Heath Hagy rejoins the podcast to continue a discussion about how plants differ in their value to waterfowl. From smartweed and millet to oaks and corn, this episode covers a plethora of plants commonly mentioned in waterfowl management and discusses the good, bad, and ugly. Are all exotic plants bad for waterfowl, are all grasses and sedges of similar value, and what’s the story with cultivated crops? All these questions and more are answered on this episode.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Heath Hagy, waterfowl ecologist for the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System, joins host Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the diversity of wetland plants and how they differ in their value to waterfowl. Beginning with a reflection on the history of waterfowl food habits and its importance to effective management, this episode launches our exploration of the food, cover, and secondary benefits of various plant communities commonly found in wetlands.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Most get their first introduction to the world’s leader in wetlands conservation by attending a local banquet or other style of event. David Schuessler, DU national director of event fundraising and R3 programs, joins Chris Jennings to talk about DU’s successful event system. Schuessler shares some of the history and the current successes of today. The two talk about must-attend unique events throughout the country along with the volunteers and staff who make it all happen.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Luke Naylor, AGFC waterfowl program coordinator, joins the DU Podcast to talk about hunting and habitat in Arkansas as the state prepares reopen the season after the first split. Naylor explains that water is a major problem throughout the Natural State and landscape-level water is what attracts and holds ducks. Some success was reported during the first portion of the season, but it was short-lived. Naylor did mention that the white-fronted goose hunting has been a highlight so far. He remains optimistic that if precipitation improves, so will the remainder of the season.
For the fourth installment of the History series, Dan Thiel returns to discuss with host, Katie Burke, the impact of Thomas C. Main on the newly founded Ducks Unlimited. Main was DU’s first General Manager in Canada and had a significant impact on the early conservation work done in the organization. Dan and Katie walk through those early years of Main’s career telling the story that informed much of the work DU does today.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
John Pollmann, freelance contributor for DU Magazine and ducks.org, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss running traffic for ducks and geese. This common reference is used by hunters who can’t quite be on the ‘X’, but can get in the flight line to try and divert birds into their decoys. The two share some personal experiences, along with tactics from a recent DU Magazine article.
To read Pollmann’s full article, visit https://bit.ly/3rjcHu9
Chief Curator of the Shelburne Museum in Burlington, Vermont, Kory Rogers, joins Katie Burke to discuss the Joel Barber decoy collection. The two chat about Barber’s unique influence on the collecting community as the father of decoy collecting. They also briefly discuss the Shelburne’s new online exhibit, In Plain Sight: Rediscovering Charles Sumner Bunn’s Shorebird Decoys, as well as the important role of the museum which is separate from that of the private collector.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
As DU seeks broader partnerships and support for wetlands conservation, so grows the need for new science to quantify the diverse benefits it provides. Dr. Steve Adair, DU chief scientist, and Dr. Ellen Herbert, DU ecosystem service scientist, join the podcast to share exciting news about a recently awarded $3.2M grant from the USDA to investigate the potential for wetlands restored through the Conservation Reserve Program to mitigate climate change.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Katie Burke welcomes returning guest, Dan Thiel, to discuss the founder of Ducks Unlimited, Joseph P. Knapp. In telling the history of Knapp, the two discuss the creation of More Game Birds for America and the evolution that inspired the same group to create Ducks Unlimited. The pair layout out the timeline of events plus Knapp’s role that ultimately lead to our organizations’ creation.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
On this episode, we introduce one of DU’s newest waterfowl scientists, Catrina Terry, and learn of the adventurous and exciting path she took to become a duck expert! Catrina also share insights from her graduate research on duckling survival in the prairies, which revealed than even wetlands in intensively cultivated landscapes provide habitat for ducklings and provides justification for diversified strategies for wetland conservation.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
This unique episode is all about food. Guest Jennifer Chandler, chef and author, joins Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher for a Thanksgiving discussion that is centered around the theme of “Best Thing I Ever Ate at Duck Camp.” The trio talk about their personal Thanksgiving plans, the waterfowling aspect of the holiday season, and also break down multiple clips from past guests talking about their favorite duck camp meals. This engaging conversation will leave you thinking about your favorite things to eat at duck camp, and hungry for a Thanksgiving feast. Happy Thanksgiving!
David Schuessler, National Director of Event Fundraisng and R3, joins the DU Podcast to talk about Into the Vault 2, an online auction launched by DU on Nov. 22. Into the Vault 2 features unique items from across the country including rare guns, prints, original paintings, trips, decoys, and so much more. Schuessler and Chris Jennings discuss the auction, several items, and even discuss how this money conserves habitat in North America. To bid on one of these fantastic items, visit www.ducks.org/vault.
Will Kutscher, Filson content producer, joins host Chris Jennings for an exciting talk about producing the high-quality content at Filson.com. Kutscher has traveled the globe creating in-depth stories of the men and women who rely on Filson gear to live their lives or make a living. Kutscher shares his favorite adventure to date and his best advice for amateur content creators out there to take their content to the next level.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings dive into another one of the more popular waterfowl species in North America. Brasher explains some of the unique characteristics of this species in regards to feeding habitat, breeding habitats, and life cycle needs. The two discuss the habitat preferences as well as preferred food sources of the gadwall. It’s everything you’ve wanted to know about the gadwall.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Matt Wilson, statewide waterfowl specialist for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, joins the show to provide a quick update on habitat conditions and hunter reports across the state of Washington. Pacific storms have improved habitats in eastern parts of the state, but have produced damaging floods west of the Cascades and have changed the landscape for waterfowl and hunters. On balance, its been a mixed bag and generally an average season thus far.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Chris Akin, owner and operator of Webb Footed Kennels, hops on the Podcast with Chris Jennings to chat about SportDog BRAND E-Collar introductions, mid-season training sessions, and even the best way to prepare a retriever for a light goose hunt. Akin, with more than 30 years of experience training retrievers, brings a wealth of e-collar advice to trainers of all experience levels.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Austin Booth, director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, joins the DU Podcast to conclude our discussion about the difficult yet necessary changes to water management in Arkansas’s famed greentree reservoirs. From his perspective as a father, hunter, and agency director, Austin shares insights on leadership, outreach efforts, hunter concerns, and why AGFC is so committed to seeking long-term solutions to preserve the legacy of Arkansas’s flooded timber.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Luke Naylor (Arkansas Game and Fish) and Jake Spears (Ducks Unlimited) are back for part 2 of our in-depth discussion about changes in water level management for Arkansas’s GTRs. With the problem diagnosed, AGFC and partners are beginning to implement solutions, none of which will be easy, quick, or inexpensive. Change is coming and it will require increased adaptability of Arkansas’s hunters, but embracing a longer-term view of GTR management is vital for preserving its legacy.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Few scenes evoke more wonder than flocks of mallards descending into flooded timber of Arkansas’s GTRs. While consistent management of water levels for more than half a century has produced predictable habitat for waterfowl and hunters, it has come with a price. In the first of this 3-part series, Luke Naylor, waterfowl program coordinator for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Jake Spears, DU biologist, join the podcast to discuss the history and declining health of Arkansas’s GTRs.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Following an abnormally mild fall, winter temps and regional snowfall are triggering an abrupt change on the Canadian prairies. Dr. Scott Stephens shares insights on recent weather systems that dropped up to 20” of snow in parts of Manitoba and are certain to usher south any waterfowl that remain in Canada. Does this change the outlook for the prairie drought and what should U.S. hunters expect as they head afield? Join us for perhaps our last discussion with Scott for this season.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Motivated by a phone call from 17-year old Brynna Malley from San Antonio, Texas, this episode introduces us to the Texas Brigades youth education program and how it is making a difference in training our next generation of conservationists. Michael Petter, a volunteer with the Brigades, shares details about the program, while Brynna inspires us with her story and how she plans to spread the conservation message.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
We welcome Dan Thiel back to the podcast for the second part of the series discussing the history and formation of Ducks Unlimited. In this episode, Dan and host, Katie Burke, take a side bar and chat about the influence of Jay “Ding” Darling on waterfowl and wetland conservation in the United States. The pair discuss Darling’s pivotal role in creating the Federal Duck Stamp program and other works ultimately influencing the direction of DU.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Daniel and Neill Haas from Mossy Oak. The two share the story of Mossy Oak, from the early days when their grandmother was sewing garments in the attic, to today’s global distribution. The conversation turns to duck hunting and conservation, and both share the reason behind the company’s passion for waterfowl and habitat conservation.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Johann Walker, director of operations for DU’s Great Plains region, provides an update on prairie habitat conditions and introduces us to the vital role that Duck Stamps and the USFWS Small Wetland Acquisition Program play in protecting prairie wetlands and grasslands. With roots to 1934 and nearly 4 million acres of breeding duck habitat protected, this program remains one of DU’s highest priorities. Johann also shares Christmas shopping advice to help protect wetlands.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
In this science-heavy episode, Dr. Heath Hagy and Mike Brasher take a deep dive into duck foraging ecology, how we study it, and why it’s important for effective habitat management and conservation planning. Using entertaining analogies of crowded buffet tables and Thanksgiving feasts, we learn about complexities of foraging decisions and why feeding behavior doesn’t always indicate food in the water.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
C. John Sullivan, historian and collector joins host, Katie Burke, to talk about the history of waterfowling on the Chesapeake Bay. The pair discuss topics ranging from historic guns clubs to market hunters to the rise of conservation on this infamous waterfowling landscape.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about the hunting and habitat around the Great Lakes. Anglin breaks down Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio in this discussion and provides reports from waterfowl managers and hunters he has spoken to. With more typical fall weather in the forecast, Anglin is optimistic about the coming weeks.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Bill Buckley, professional photographer and freelance contributor for Ducks Unlimited magazine, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss photographing dogs in the field. Buckley gets into the basics of shooting good photography and dealing with common retriever-related problems when trying to capture the perfect images of your four-legged hunting companion.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
John Veon, Masters student from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to answer the question of whether body mass of harvested mallards in Arkansas has changed since the late 1970s. What role have weather patterns, habitat management, or other landscape changes played in the observed trends, and what can hunters and managers take from these findings. Special thanks to all the hunters that provided these data and made the project possible!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Addison Edmonds, found of Gunner, along with Cory Loeffler, owner of DRC Calls, join host Chris Jennings to talk about a recent hunt they had in Northern Minnesota and discuss Loeffler’s Labrador retriever, Rue. Edmonds explains how Gunner is looking to highlight the story of other dogs he meets on hunts and other adventures and how Rue had an impact on him during their hunt. Loeffler also goes into detail about Rue’s unique training and early accomplishments.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dan Thiel, Executive Secretary of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of Wetlands America Trust, joins podcast host, Katie Burke, in this part of a multiple part series discussing the history and formation of Ducks Unlimited. In this episode the pair talk about Nash Buckingham, the famous sportsman and writer, and the important role he played in the founding of our organization.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Mark Gloutney, DU Canada’s director of regional operations for eastern Canada and British Columbia, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an introduction to the diverse wetland systems and waterfowl populations of eastern Canada. Mark also provides an update on 2021 breeding habitat conditions and early observations from the hunting season.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Mike Schummer from SUNY ESF joins the DU Podcast to provide an update on early season hunting and habitat conditions from New York. Mike also shares insights on how climate systems and weather patterns are unfolding this fall. Signs are pointing to a cold outbreak in early November, likely triggering additional migration, but the outlook beyond that may be less encouraging. Listen in for all the details and possibilities.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
McNeill Dinkins (Jackson, MS) and Max Shackelford (Memphis, TN), winners of the 2021 DU National Scholarships, join Mark Horobetz, manager of DU’s Youth and Education Programs and host Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss their stories, future plans, and what it means to be a leader among DU’s volunteers. Mature beyond their age, McNeill and Max are perfect examples of why DU invests in our youth.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Tom Dokken, veteran trainer, joins the DU Podcast on behalf of SportDOG Brand to talk about the processes he uses when training with e-collar. Dokken shares insights into the step-by-step process of introducing the e-collar into your training sessions, and how he approaches the timing of those introductions. He also discusses common errors made by amateur trainers that you should avoid at all cost.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Robbie Smith, Sporting Arts Director at Leland Little Auctions and North Carolina decoy collector, joins the podcast with host, Katie Burke, to discuss his journey into waterfowling and collecting North Carolina decoys. The two discuss the importance of mentorship and friendships when beginning your collecting career. Robbie talks about his interest in carvers like James Best and Malachi Waterfield and why their work speaks to him. He also speaks on the insurgence of North Carolina decoys on the market in the last 10 years.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Retired DU Chief Scientist, Dr. Tom Moorman, and DU Canada’s Dr. Scott Stephens join the podcast to provide an informative and entertaining recap of recent hunting exploits on the Canadian prairies. “Dry” remains the operative word, yielding low hunting success, scattered ducks, and interesting observations. Dr. Stephens also shares insights from his experimentation with a new decoy tactic…enter the “song dog!” www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Former collegiate footballer and current USFWS waterfowl ecologist, Dr. Heath Hagy, joins Dr. Mike Brasher on the DU Podcast to discuss his role in helping the USFWS Refuge System meet habitat needs of waterfowl in the southeastern U.S. What is the role of sanctuary, why are crops grown on Refuges, how are Refuge priorities set, what are the Refuges greatest challenges, and much more, all in one episode!
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
APEX Ammunition hit the market in the turkey woods several years back, but the owners had a vision to move these high-performance loads into the waterfowling community. APEX Ammunition CEO Jason Lonsberry joins host Chris Jennings on the DU Podcast to talk about their multiple ammunition offerings for duck and goose hunters, and the pair discuss the technical aspects of TSS, blends, and APEX’s S3 Steel loads.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Colin McNair, decoy specialist at Copley Fine Art Auctions, returns to the show to chat with host Katie Burke about the last year of auctions and health of the decoy market. Katie and Colin also express their excitement for the return of decoys shows and the reuniting of the decoy community. They speak on the difference between the silent bidder and the social one and how they both play important roles in the wealth of collectible decoys. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Waterfowl guides hunt every day, they’ve seen it all. John Pollmann, DU Magazine freelance contributor, joins Chris Jennings to talk about learning special tips and tactics from lifelong waterfowl guides. Pollmann goes into detail about specific tactics some guides use to decoy ducks and geese, as well as sharing some personal stories about hunting with guides.
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Last summer, Chêne Gear announced their new waders. Rumors spread throughout the industry about these new waders. Jeff Jones, Chief Product Officer for Chêne Gear joins host Chris Jennings to talk about this exciting new product for waterfowlers. Jones and Jennings get into the weeds about the technical aspects of these new waders and much more. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Tony Vandemore, co-owner of Habitat Flats joins the DU Podcast to discuss the ups and downs of his teal season in Missouri. Vandemore shares some insights into what he is hearing from guys north of the border, as far as bird numbers and habitat. Host Chris Jennings and Vandemore talk about his habitat management efforts throughout the summer and leading up to the season opener.
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Intense drought and constrained water supplies are causing unprecedented dry conditions in the Klamath Basin in 2021, resulting in minimal habitat for fall migrating waterfowl. DU regional biologists Amelia Raquel and Chris Colson provide an update on the dire conditions, but look forward with optimism to partner-drive solutions and silver linings emerging from the drought.
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Green-winged teal are the smallest of our North American dabbling ducks with a short neck and small bill. Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings go into the details about this fascinating species. The pair discuss the species’ breeding habits, migrating, and wintering distribution. Prized by hunters for their abundance and as table fare, there’s a lot to learn about Green-wings.
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The Canadian Boreal Forest is an important breeding region for many species of ducks, but it is regularly influenced by wildfire and other disturbances. Moriah Tanguay, a master’s student and DU Fellowship winner from the University of Saskatchewan, joins the podcast to discuss how her research is helping answer questions about how these disturbances may affect scaup and scoters, and what it means for DU conservation in the Boreal Forest.
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Mark McBride of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joins the podcast to introduce us to the diverse waterfowl and habitats of the Sunshine State. A wetland rich landscape, supporting numerous species of ducks and home to nearly 15,000 waterfowl hunters, Florida is not to be overlooked. Mark also shares an update on the 2021 early teal season and explains why their regulations differ from most other states.
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DU’s Chief Policy Officer, Zach Hartman, offers an exciting overview of the important role that policy efforts play in helping DU achieve our waterfowl and wetland conservation mission. Despite the many challenges we faced in 2020 and 2021, the year was very successful from a policy perspective, with important wins in NAWCA, the Land and Water Conservation Funds, and numerous state-level issues. We also learn of the value of bi-partisan support for conservation and the role our volunteers play in making it happen.
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Virginia Getz, DU’s director of conservation programs for CA, NV, AZ, and HI, joins the DU Podcast for an in-depth discussion of how drought is impacting the Central Valley of California. Fewer acres of winter-flooded rice and less water for managed wetlands will provide fewer hunting opportunities and likely change waterfowl behaviors and movements. Listen in for updates and insights on what hunters need to know. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Katie Burke, manager of the Waterfowling Heritage Center, is back to discuss call collecting and the history of Illinois ducks calls with Ryan Graves. Graves shares his journey of becoming a call collector and how that has evolved into the first-rate collection of duck calls he owns today. He speaks on the importance of mentorship in collecting. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with questions.
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Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for TPWD, joins the Podcast to discuss hunting and habitat throughout Texas. Kraai details the impacts Hurricane Nicholas may have on the current conditions and how that can impact the rest of teal season. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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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. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dr. Fritz Reid, DU’s director of Boreal and Arctic conservation, joins the show to share in-depth information about the birds and the habitats of boreal and Arctic. This large expansive area is critical for many species of North American waterfowl, along with many other wildlife species. Reid shares some Boreal facts and announces new, successful partnerships for conservation. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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It’s early September, and that means bluewing talk with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada’s director of operations for the Prairie and Boreal. Scott shares insights from his early season hunts, continuing drought conditions, and assists with a bonus duckology discussion about how to age and sex blue-winged teal based on wing plumage alone. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Host Chris Jennings is joined by DU magazine contributor John Pollmann to discuss a popular topic – freelancing the prairies. Pollmann’s experiences as a South Dakota resident provides a different perspective to freelancing and the pair discuss common tactics, including best practices to approach landowners. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The entire U.S. west of the Continental Divide is enveloped in drought, and some of the most extreme conditions occur in areas of greatest importance to waterfowl. From DU’s western region, Jeff McCreary, director of operations, and Dr. Mark Petrie, director of conservation planning, join the podcast to provide an overview of the severity of the drought, its effects on wetlands, and what it might mean for waterfowl and hunters during the upcoming fall and winter.
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For additional information on this issue, please visit "The Other Drought"
https://www.ducks.org/conservation/national/the-other-drought
Dr. Mike Anderson, emeritus scientist of DU Canada’s Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, rejoins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss wetland conditions, duck production, and the advance of wetland drainage in the famed Minnedosa landscape of southwestern Manitoba. Dr. Anderson shares that late summer wetlands were “not as bad as expected” and some broods were observed. We also hear thoughts on where this year ranks among previous droughts and what the road into fall-winter may look like. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Brad Allen, owner of Elite Calls, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about competitive calling, meat calling, and just learning how to be a better duck caller. He explains how he got into calling, practice sessions, and the mentors he had coming up. Allen also details his own method of teaching people to be better duck callers. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher join forces to bring you the first in a series of species profiles covering our North American waterfowl. The blue-winged teal enjoys the spotlight in this episode. One of our most unique dabbling ducks, spending summer in the prairies and winter in the mangroves of Mexico, bluewings are the last to arrive on the breeding grounds and the first to head south, providing hunters with an early opportunity to return afield after a long hot summer. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Jay Anglin, WF360 Great Lakes Migration Editor, joins Chris Jennings to talk about habitat and teal numbers throughout the Great Lakes. Anglin explains that many areas appear to have good to fair habitat and property managers are reporting an influx of bluewings. Canada goose numbers also appear to be strong as that season begins as well. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Beginning in 2021, duck hunters in Nebraska and South Dakota will participate in an experiment, choosing between a typical duck harvest option and one that allows a daily harvest of 3 ducks regardless of species or sex. Listen in as Rocco Murano, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Commission, and Matt Garrick, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, describe this two-tier regulatory option, why it’s being offered, how it affects hunters, and what we hope to learn from it.
Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher recap Season 4 and then provide a brief overview of new content coming in Season 5. Brasher discusses habitat conditions and what he has been hearing about conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region, along with some other habitat updates. There’s an exciting lineup of shows for the fall! Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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In this concluding episode, Drs. Dave Mauser and Mark Petrie discuss recent developments that have further eroded the ability of Refuges in the Klamath Basin to effectively manage wetlands for waterfowl. The consequences of these developments are likely to include fewer birds, less hunting opportunities, and more frequent outbreaks of avian botulism. We close with a discussion of how DU is helping to imagine and deliver conservation solutions for the future. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The mid-20th Century was a period of variation and transition for Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges, in the hey days supporting upwards of 6 million migrating pintails, but in troubled years being an avian botulism hotspot. The emergence of endangered fish species in the 1990s, however, began to fundamentally change the fate of waterfowl habitat in the region. Our story continues on this episode of the DU Podcast. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Located in southern Oregon and northern California, the Klamath Basin was once known as the most important wintering area for waterfowl on the planet. On this episode, join us and our guests, Dr. Dave Mauser and Dr. Mark Petrie, to learn about the region, its historical importance, and how legislation and water developments from over 100 years ago helped shape its conservation legacy and modern-day tribulations. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dr. Fritz Reid, DU’s director of Boreal and Arctic conservation, provides the DU Podcast with an unplanned and optimistic update on habitat conditions and population reports from the boreal forest and Alaska. In welcome contrast to the prairies, anecdotal reports suggest large number of ducks and excellent wetland conditions across these massive landscapes, which may boost production of boreal-nesting species such as greenwings, ringnecks, wigeon, among others. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Winding down the summer season, the DU Podcast reconnects with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada director of regional operations for the prairies and boreal, for a late summer update on habitat conditions and expectations for fall hunting. Dr. Stephens also responds to a listener’s question about why breeding wetlands aren’t intensively managed similarly to what occurs for migrating and wintering birds. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Kayle Browning, first-time Olympic trap shooter, joins the Ducks Unlimited Podcast to talk about her path to earning her spot on Team USA, as well as her excitement for the upcoming Olympic Games. Browning, a well-accomplished shooter on the world stages, is also an avid duck hunter who grew up hunting Arkansas’ storied, flooded timber habitats with her family. Hear how she is preparing for her upcoming trip to Tokyo, and all that entails being a member of Team USA. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dr. Jennell Appel, DVM, CCRT with SPORTVET Canine Rehab & Sports Medicine, joins the DU Podcast to talk with host Chris Jennings about ways to avoid commons injuries in sporting dogs. Dr. Appel explains how to avoid these injuries, but also goes into detail about how to properly rehabilitate your retriever. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Curious about field trials and hunt tests? Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Purina Pro Plan, joins the show discuss his decades of experience with field trial training and competing. Gunzer shares his personal experiences and advice for those interested in getting started. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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2021 marked the first year in which Manitoba offered a spring conservation season for overabundant resident Canada geese. Join us in the episode as we speak with Frank Baldwin, waterfowl biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, to learn about the season, why it was deemed necessary, what science was used to inform it, how it avoids harvest of non-target populations, and whether non-resident hunters can participate.
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For the second consecutive year, the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey has been cancelled. Dr. Ken Richkus, chief of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, describes how the situation and decisions unfolded in 2021, including initial optimism and advanced planning that ultimately had to be shelved. How will this affect harvest regs, what other methods were considered, and what is the plan going forward? We answer these questions and more on the DU Podcast. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Steve Adair, DU chief scientist, joins the DU Podcast to talk about how DU uses science to make conservation decisions and to share some updates on some research. Adair and host Chris Jennings talk about DU’s Ecosystem Services programs and how wetlands benefit more than just waterfowl. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Although severe drought has gripped the U.S. and Canadian prairies over the past year, recent rains are providing welcome relief. How much rain, how widespread, and was it too late to benefit duck production in 2021 are relevant questions of the day. On this episode, Pat Kehoe, DU Canada’s director of international partnerships, shares his observations based on a recent trip across the Canadian prairies. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Founder of Gunner Kennels, Addison Edmonds, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about Gunner Kennels. Edmonds shares the emotional story of how Gunner Kennels got its name and the loss of hunting partner. All dog owners can relate to the passion that drives Edmonds to create the safest kennels on the market. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Mike Szymanski, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, joins the DU Podcast to discuss the results of his agency’s 2021 Breeding Duck Survey. Highlights include a record 80% year-over-year decline in pond counts and a nearly 50% decline in the number of mallards settling in North Dakota. How widespread is the drought, what are its implications for waterfowl and hunters, and have the recent rains provided any relief? Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Frank Baldwin, waterfowl biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, shares insights regarding challenges and complications in Canada that contributed to the cancellation of the 2021 BPOP and Habitat Survey, along with other waterfowl field work. Host Dr. Mike Brasher and Baldwin discuss implications for harvest regulations and population management, while also exploring habitat conditions and the latest update on the border closure. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine freelance contributor, joins the show to talk about some off-season projects for waterfowl hunters. Summer can seem like it lasts forever, but there’s plenty to do. Pollmann discusses several things he does during the off season, but also provides an update on South Dakota habitat conditions. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dr. Mike Anderson, aka Dr. Canvasback, joins the DU Podcast to provide field-based insights on wetland conditions in the heart of the canvasback breeding region – Minnedosa, Manitoba. Poor wetland conditions are the rule this year, with ample evidence of delayed or forgone breeding by numerous species. We also sidetrack for a brief discussion of ground-nesting vs. overwater-nesting habits of different duck species. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels hops on the DU Podcast to discuss common corrections for your retriever with hose Chris Jennings. Stewart explains that there are several very common mistakes retrievers begin to make after a long duck season and the spring and summer is the best time to correct these mistakes. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Bill Buckley, professional freelance photographer and Ducks Unlimited magazine columnist joins the DU Podcast to talk about ways people can improve their photography. Pretty much everyone with a camera is now a content creator, but professionals like Buckley still manage to rise to the top when it comes to hunting images. He offers some examples of how to make easy adjustments to improve the quality of your hunting images. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Field Hudnall, co-owner of Field Proven Calls and World Goose Calling Champion joins the show to talk with Chris Jennings about all-thing calling, hunting, kids in the field, and YETI Products. The pair discuss competition goose calling and how he got his start in the industry. Hudnall also serves as a YETI Ambassador in the Hunting category and shares some of his favorite products. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins host Chris Jennings to share some of his best tips for traveling with your retriever. The two discuss safety concerns, health tips, and some of the most important things to avoid when taking your retriever on the road. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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DU CEO Adam Putnam joins the DU Podcast to talk with host Chris Jennings about DU’s transition to in-person events in many areas and the excitement that provides within the organization. Putnam also shares insights to how DU exceeded the conservation mission in the past year, along with upcoming events everyone needs to add to their calendar. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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T. Edward Nickens, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributing editor, joins Chris Jennings to discuss Nickens’ new book, “The Last Wild Road: Adventures and Essays from a Sporting Life” among many other topics. Nickens brings a lifetime of outdoor writing experience to the show and shares some of his adventures with the DU Podcast. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Order The Last Wild Road: www.thelastwildroad.com
Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins Chris Jennings to talk about ways to improve your wingshooting during the off season. Bourjaily explains that repetition is the key, but there are several ways to focus your training on shots typically seen in the duck blind. Pick up a few helpful off-season shooting tips as the pair discuss techniques and best practices. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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It’s turning out to be a dry year on the prairies, but exactly how dry and widespread is it? Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins us to share early observations, data insights, and thoughts on how waterfowl are likely to respond and what it may mean for duck production and hunter experiences later this year. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist joins host Chris Jennings to talk about buying used waterfowl guns. Bourjaily offers some tips for finding quality used guns, modifying an old gun, and even what to avoid when searching for a used shotgun. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings on the DU podcast to talk about several must-have items for every wild game chef. Leysath explains that some of these items are specific to recipes, but most of these are handy in every style kitchen. The pair talk about how Leysath uses several of the key items in his kitchen.
Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Read the full article: 10 Must-Have Cooking Items for Waterfowl Hunters
https://www.ducks.org/hunting/10-must-have-cooking-items-for-waterfowl-hunters
It’s the off season and you’re thinking about a new retriever. Mike Stewart, owner and operator of Wildrose Kennels, joins Chris Jennings to discuss the Wildrose process. There’s a lot more to picking out a new hunting partner than showing up and picking a dog from a litter, and Stewart decades of experience to the show to discuss the best ways to approach picking a puppy. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings to talk about his favorite summer waterfowl recipes. Leysath also shares some insight into how he prepares these dishes, the sauces, sides and some tricks to help even a novice wild-game chef bring these recipes to the table. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Read full article: 5 Small Bites for Summer https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-recipes-wild-game-cooking/5-small-bites-for-summer
Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co-host Chris Jennings to discuss a feature article from the March/April DU Magazine, Duck Camp on Wheels. Jennings explains how he became an RV owner and how his decisions to turn it into a mobile duck camp led to the feature article. The pair talk everything from choosing an RV to where to take it on your next waterfowling adventure. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Nestle Purina PetCare, to talk about Purina’s scientific approach to creating quality pet foods. Gunzer, an experience trainer also gets into the details about his experiences as a field trial trainer and much more. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Brandon Cerecke, founder of Boss Shotshells, joins the show to discuss the ballistics of their loads. Chris Jennings and Cerecke get into the technical side of Boss, and how Cerecke started an ammunition company based upon his personal experiences as a waterfowl hunter. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Host Chris Jennings, co-host Dr. Mike Brasher, and (retired) DU Chief Scientist Dr. Tom Moorman, break down the 2020-2021 waterfowl season from late summer 2020 until the end. The trio discusses La Niña impacts on waterfowl, physiology of ducks and geese, and a glimpse of regional conditions gleaned from past Podcasts. While it wasn’t all bad news, this podcast brings to light significant issues hunters faced throughout the season. Brasher and Jennings wrap up Season 3 and preview Season 4: The Off Season, which begins May 1.
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Hear how a generous land donation from the DeLuca family to the University of Florida has turned into a conservation, education opportunity for the next generation and beyond. Host Chris Jennings discusses this massive land donation with DU CEO Adam Putnam; Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation CEO Andy Walker; and Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Florida Dr. Scott Angle. Each provide insights as to the how this conservation effort benefits a wide range of organizations, people, wildlife, the next generation. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Mark Horobetz, DU’s manager of youth and education programs, joins the DU Podcast to provide an overview on the history and growth of DU’s youth programs, starting with Greenwings and continuing to today’s Varsity and University chapters. Also discussed are green shoots from these efforts including DU’s University Scholarship Program and other exciting new initiatives. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
If you know someone who qualifies for the DU Scholarship, apply here:
https://www.ducks.org/get-involved/ducks-unlimited-youth-programs/du-varsity/ducks-unlimited-national-scholarship-program
Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss a recent column – The Physics of Shotgunning. Bourjaily breaks down the science behind being a better shooter. He also provides an update on his duck season. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Scott Boomer, USFWS wildlife biologist, rejoins the show to offer his thoughts on sex-specific regulations and provide a brief update on the ongoing revision to the Pintail harvest strategy. Scott also shares his thoughts on the relative importance of harvest management vs. habitat conservation in achieving duck population goals. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
First developed for midcontinent mallards, Adaptive Harvest Management has since been expanded to eastern and western mallards, black ducks, pintails, and scaup. Dr. Scott Boomer, wildlife biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joins the DU Podcast to discuss modern changes to AHM and provides insights on what all has to be considered when expanding AHM to new species or entertaining alternative ideas for harvest regulations. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois rejoins the DU Podcast to share the stories behind his recently launched video project, “Duck Camp Dinners”. This new show details duck camp life at a floating lodge in south Louisiana. He walks through the full process of shopping for meals, cutting brush, and even just getting to the camp. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
To watch "Duck Camp Dinners" visit
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=52_-Le-9jKM&list=PLAn10MBzyX9QCKH1tXYfXeaOQbJVEU0i8&index=1
Like most states in the eastern U.S., the 2020-21 waterfowl season has been a rocky road. Dr. Justyn Foth, the waterfowl, turkey, and upland game bird program leader for Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, joins the DU Podcast to share results from the recent mid-winter survey and discuss how habitat conditions and weather patterns have affected duck numbers and hunting success. The permit system and hunting opportunities for tundra swans are also discussed. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, rejoins the DU Podcast to provide nostalgic reflection as he share insights on the role of sex-specific duck regulations, how they were formulated under the point system, and what determined if a bird was worth 10, 15, or 35 points. Despite being conceptually sound, the point system was withdrawn in 1994, largely due to challenges with the practicality of its implementation and enforcement.
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Mathematics was once a required practice in the duck blind, courtesy of the point system of the 70s and 80s. Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip down memory lane to discuss the origination, objectives, implementation, and critiques of the old point system, a once common regulatory alternative for duck harvest. Although liked and enjoyed by managers and hunters alike, it wasn’t without its challenges. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Steve Cordts, waterfowl staff specialist for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to provide a recap of the 2020-21 waterfowl season and share insights on a waterfowl hunter opinion survey being used to gather input from Minnesotans on preferences for future waterfowl regulations. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
To provide input, visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/waterfowl/waterfowl-public-input.html
The northeastern U.S. provides habitat for waterfowl throughout the annual cycle, making it a critical region for DU’s conservation work on breeding, migration, and wintering habitats. Sarah Fleming, DU’s director of conservation programs in the northeastern U.S., joins the DU Podcast to discuss important habitats, waterfowl species, and priority conservation activities in the New England states. Our discussion closes with a look at how wetland conditions for breeding waterfowl are shaping up. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Mallori Murphey and Katie Burke welcome back Colin McNair, Decoy Specialist for Copley Fine Art Auctions. In this episode, Mallori must endure Katie and Colin nerding out on the history of decoys and their evolution from utilitarian object to highly sought-after collectibles. The crew also discusses what collecting is like during the pandemic and how you can still find that elusive missing piece to your collection.
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Mallori Murphey and Katie Burke are joined by Colin McNair, Decoy Specialist at Copley Fine Art Auctions. In this episode, Colin talks about his life growing up carving decoys and hunting waterfowl with his dad and brother. The crew dives into the world of a decoy specialist as well as the practice of using x-rays to prove authenticity. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
With the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Tradeshow canceled for 2021, the DU Podcast is excited to be able to introduce a new waterfowling product to the market with Benelli USA. George Thompson, director of product management for Benelli USA, joins Chris Jennings to discuss the new Super Black Eagle 3 (3-inch & 20-gauge), along with other new guns for 2021. Experience a SHOT Show product launch, without attending the show.
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If you have questions for George Thompson, or for the DU Podcast, please email us at DUPodcast@ducks.org
In this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Is duck harvest mortality additive or compensatory? Is duck production strongly or weakly density dependent? Which habitat features most influence duck production? And how are optimal duck harvest regulations selected in the face of this imperfect knowledge? The DU Podcast is again thankful to be joined by Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist and Adaptive Harvest Management expert, to dig deeper into the workings of AHM and how annual duck regulations are selected. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
As regular duck seasons wind down, Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Region migration editor, joins the show to talk about weather, habitat, and late-season goose hunting opportunities. Anglin and host Chris Jennings discuss solid Canada goose numbers throughout Illinois, Indiana, southern Michigan, and Ohio. The pair preview an early glimpse of light goose opportunities as well. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Luke Naylor, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission waterfowl program coordinator, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the current state of habitat and hunting conditions in the Natural State. Naylor recently finished tabulating the mid-winter aerial survey and the pair discuss numbers and potential causes for the end results.
Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Jim Nichols rejoins the DU Podcast to share stories about early champions of Adaptive Harvest Management and how they promoted it as a better way of setting harvest regulations, with unexpected support resulting from unusual political maneuverings in the mid-90s. Dr. Nicholas and Dr. Mike Brasher also begin discussing key components of AHM, including harvest management objectives and regulatory packages, with a goal of demystifying some of the “black box” of AHM. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Concern for waterfowl populations and frustration with the status quo of duck harvest management in the late 80s stimulated new ideas for setting annual regulations and learning about their effects. Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist from Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and one of the godfathers of Adaptive Harvest Management, joins the DU Podcast to introduce waterfowl harvest dynamics, adaptive management, and the regulatory atmosphere that ultimately produced AHM. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
With the 2020-21 duck season winding down, we look ahead at how spring wetland conditions may be shaping up. Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada’s director of regional operations for prairies and boreal, rejoins the DU Podcast to discuss conditions needed to produce abundant spring wetlands and provides an update on where we currently stand. Lingering drought from 2020, poor frost seal, and sparse winter snow across much of the Canadian prairies create a grim forecast at this stage. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
The ideas of “fair” and “equitable” in harvest distribution have been a challenging undercurrent for regulatory decisions over the years. Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock join the DU Podcast one last time to discuss zones and splits, “shortstopping” in geese, the frustration it caused, and how managers tried to adapt. Also discussed are lead poisoning, non-toxic shot regulations, and the birth of Adaptive Harvest Management, each of which brought their own need for adaptation. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
The 1970s and 80s brought a flurry of activity, including early teal seasons, stabilized regulations, foundational analyses of compensatory vs. additive mortality, new views on harvest management, and the most important development for waterfowl management in at least 50 years – the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Repeat guests Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg rejoin the DU Podcast to continue a discussion about the history of waterfowl harvest management. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Tom Moorman, former DU Chief Scientist, shares in-depth information about certain aquatic vegetation ducks prefer over others. Host Chris Jennings and Moorman discuss species-specific food preferences and how duck and goose hunters can find, and identify, these natural food sources. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Kyle Spragens and Brandon Reishus rejoin Dr. Mike Brasher to expand their discussion about harvest management for Canada and Cackling geese in Oregon and Washington. Today’s discussion focuses on Dusky Canada Geese and how harvest regulations are crafted to protect them from harvest without undue risks and burdens for hunters and other regional stakeholders. Brandon and Kyle also dispel misconceptions about subsistence harvest and whether the Dusky is endangered. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Kyle Spragens, waterfowl section manager for Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Brandon Reishus, migratory game bird coordinator for Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, join the DU Podcast to discuss the 7 subspecies of white-cheeked geese found in the Pacific northwest. Topics covered include population status, historical and current distributions, causes for recent changes in abundance and distribution, and how these 7 subspecies influence harvest regulations. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Kelly Warren, DU regional biologist in western Oregon, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an introduction to geese and goose hunting in the Pacific Northwest. We learn about the 7 subspecies of white-cheeked geese, including the dusky Canada goose for which harvest is not allowed, goose identification tests, and harvest challenges surrounding these sub-species. We also discuss white-fronts, snows, and how conservation efforts by DU and state and federal partners benefit these species www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Building from earlier discussions in episodes 41, 42, and 43, Dr. Mike Brasher visits with John Vradenburg, USFWS supervisory biologist for the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex to get an update on the alarmingly low waterfowl numbers, habitat conditions, and difficult hunting in the Klamath Basin. John concludes on an optimistic tone by discussing some of the positive work underway and opportunities for future wetland and waterfowl improvements in the region. www.ducks.org/DUpodcast
Threats of a closed season in the Mississippi Flyway in 1968 led to intense disagreement, restrictive regulations, and amplified the challenges of managing the resource while considering the interests of people. Collectively, these times generated solid foundations for future progress. Dr. Mike Brasher is rejoined by Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg to discuss these topics, while also introducing an elegant alternative regulation system that began in the 1960s– the Point System. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
With growing band recoveries and a newly implemented Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, waterfowl managers in the 1950s sought a more science-based understanding of population dynamics and harvest regulations. The 1960s brought plummeting waterfowl populations, reductions in harvest limits, declining hunter numbers, and shifts in waterfowl distribution. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher discusses these important changes and concerning times with Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Facing difficult hunting conditions in the early portions of the season, Richard talks about how he used certain techniques to overcome stale ducks. He discusses how he uses footage from Higdon Outdoors TV to help him find discrepancies in his decoy spreads and hides. He also hints at some new Higdon products for 2021. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The DU Podcast is joined by Dr. Andy Raedeke, migratory game bird coordinator for Missouri Department of Conservation, for a Christmas week update on habitat conditions, waterfowl numbers, and hunting reports from the show-me state. It’s a message similar to that shared by other states and waterfowl hunters, but hope remains for a minor Christmas gift or perhaps a change in the long-term forecast. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The DU Podcast is excited to welcome Brandon Reishus, migratory game bird coordinator for Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and Kyle Spragens, waterfowl section manager for Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife, for a quick update on migration status, habitat conditions, and hunter success from their respective states. A bout of favorable weather may be on the horizon, just in time for a welcome Christmas change. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
World War II brought global upheaval in the 1940s and caused a redirection of national priorities and placed a temporary pause on regulatory and conservation momentum of the 1930s. After the war, returning veterans became the pioneers in waterfowl management and led to a new era of scientific discovery, regulatory creativity, and a growing need for state and federal coordination via Flyways. The DU Podcast continues its discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg.
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Into the 1920s, the Federal government endured growing pains in its new-found regulatory responsibilities for waterfowl harvest. Then, the 1930s brought a Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and catalysts for conservation, eventually producing the Duck Stamp Act, National Wildlife Refuge expansions, Pittman-Robertson Act, and organizations such as DU. Dr. Mike Brasher resumes his discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg about the history of waterfowl harvest management. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Weather is one of many variables that play heavily into a decoy strategy. John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine freelance contributor, talks with Chris Jennings about several odd weather situations where an outside-the-box tactic may work. Pollmann shares details of a past, popular article he wrote about the topic and the two go into great lengths discussing these helpful strategies. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Read the full article: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/decoys/weather-driven-decoy-tactics
Jay Anglin, WF360 Great Lakes Migration editor, joins the DU Podcast to give an overview of the hunting and habitat in several key Great Lakes states. Anglin, like many hunters, points out the lack of weather throughout the region, but is optimistic about late-season opportunities in all states. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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As the mercury dips, keep a close eye on your retriever. Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins host Chris Jennings for a cold-weather retriever care discussion. Ice, snow, extremely cold winds can have an impact on your dog, and Stewart points out several things to look for when hunting in wintry conditions. He also talks about some other topics like cold-tail, retriever blind bags, hypothermia, and feeding regimens. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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For our next episode with Mike Stewart, email him your questions and he will answer on the DU Podcast. Email DUPodcast@ducks.org
Following legal challenges to early attempts at Federal protection of migratory birds, policy makers and conservation leaders sought alternative avenues for establishing Federal jurisdiction. Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock rejoin Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the Migratory Bird Treaty Act becoming law in 1918, its role in a landmark Supreme Court case, and its emergence as the foundation for regulated waterfowl harvest and migratory bird management.
Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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At the turn of the 19th Century, market hunting and unregulated harvest was taking a toll on waterfowl and other migratory birds. Growing concern produced the first attempts at federal regulation of migratory birds. In part 1 of the DU Podcast’s series on the history of waterfowl harvest management, Dale Humburg, former DU chief scientist, and Ken Babcock, former DU senior director of regional operations, discuss these early days and the resistance to federal intervention.
Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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John Pollmann, DU magazine freelance contributor, rejoins the DU Podcast to talk decoy strategies with Chris Jennings. The two go through a magazine feature Pollmann wrote, detailing how to create the simplest, most effective decoy spread possible. The two talk about the varying habitats where these unique spreads are used and how other hunters can recreate the scenarios in their hunting areas. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Read the full Feature: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/decoys/five-simple-spreads-for-waterfowl
The Ducks Unlimited Podcast is joined by Aaron Yetter, waterfowl ecologist from the Forbes Biological Station, for an early December report on habitat conditions and duck numbers in the Illinois and Mississippi River Valleys. After a brief freeze that concentrated ducks for the previous survey, wetlands have thawed, spreading ducks across the landscape. Duck numbers are down and habitats remain dry, which has made for challenging outings in the 2020 waterfowl season. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
DU President Doug Schoenrock joins host Chris Jennings to discuss DU events, conservation, and even chat about Schoenrock’s recent hunts. Schoenrock provides an update on fall event successes, in-person and digital, and talks about a specific new DU-member benefit, DU Sportsman Protection Plan. He shares his Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays message for all DU supporters and how excited he is to forge into 2021 for wetlands conservation. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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DU Sportsman Protection Plan: www.ducksplan.com.
Lee Kjos, co-owner and brand manager of Boss Shotshells, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about how Boss Shotshells was born from the passion of waterfowling and conservation. Kjos explains the mentality that drives Boss Shotshells – quality shotshells and ethical hunting. Learn about the wide variety of shotshells available direct to consumer. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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https://bossshotshells.com/
Managing hunting pressure is one of the single greatest challenges for waterfowl managers today, as it is important for conserving the waterfowl resource while also providing quality hunting experiences. Dr. Mike Brasher is rejoined by Larry Reynolds and Mike Carloss to discuss the Atchafalaya Delta as a prime example of these challenges, the consequences of management decisions, and the evolution of understanding as hunters and scientists. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The DU Podcast resumes its discussion about history and change at the Atchafalaya and Wax Lake Deltas. Mike Carloss relives his experiences as manager at the Atchafalaya Delta WMA, including stories of remote living and hunter rescues in the dark. Larry Reynolds tells of the glory days of hunting at the Delta, including brute force navigation, hunting the rising tides, and increased hunting pressure that began to change bird behavior. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Larry Reynolds and Mike Carloss join Dr. Mike Brasher for a multi-faceted conversation about coastal Louisiana. We start with a summary of the November waterfowl survey and then begin a discussion about one of the most unique subregions along the Louisiana coast – the Atchafalaya River Delta. We introduce the region, the processes responsible for its development, and the incredible waterfowl resources it historically supported.
Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Our eyes are upon Texas in this episode, as we visit with Andy Stetter, USFWS Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, to get an update on waterfowl abundance, habitat conditions, and general hunting success along the Texas coast during the early season. Andy also shares a personal retriever story that while somber at the outset, ultimately produces a surprising development and new hunting partner. We thank Andy for sharing! Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Cindy Anchor, a Master’s student at South Dakota State University, joins the show to discuss preliminary results from her telemetry-based study of the post-fledging and migration movements of mallards from North and South Dakota. Listen to our extended discussion about Cindy’s research, sponsored through DU’s Waterfowl Research Foundation Fellowship, and what it revealed regarding mallard movements out of the Dakotas and into winter. Contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores shares stories from the book about tactics and cleanup of illegal grow operations, and how these operations contaminate water supply, kill wildlife, and damage public lands. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores Jr., talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how California game wardens dealt with an attack on public and private lands by drug cartels, and how the issue continues across the U.S. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Jon Deeter, co-owner of Guyette and Deeter Auction House, joins the show to discuss the business side of collecting waterfowling history. Hosts Mallori and Katie discuss the current decoy market and the impact of COVID-19. Deeter discusses the auction house’s record-breaking sales and some of the industry’s most historic finds. Katie and Jon lament on the wonderful community of collectors and how they both can’t wait for things to be back in person again. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Brook Richard, manager of corporate relations for Higdon Outdoors, joins the DU Podcast to talk about Higdon Outdoors' full line of decoys, MOMarsh blinds, Powers Calls, and even provides a few decoy tips in the process. Richard talks about the importance of motion in your decoys and new products from Higdon. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Re-air from 2019. 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.
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When people think of waterfowl habitats in California, places such as Humboldt Bay and San Francisco Bay probably aren’t the first that come to mind. However, these areas provide valuable habitat for hundreds of thousands of wintering waterfowl annually. On this episode, we visit with DU Regional Biologist, Dr. Renee Spenst, to learn about DU’s wetland conservation priorities, unique restoration opportunities, and a diverse supporter base along the California coast. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Mike Lewis, Arkansas Duck Call Collector and Current Chairman of the Board of Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, joins hosts Mallori and Katie to talk about his journey into call collecting. Lewis speaks about what drew him to Arkansas duck calls and the state’s rich history in waterfowling. He also describes his personal relationship with Call Carver, Billy Ray Starks, and his influence on Lewis’s own call making and collecting. The trio talks about Lewis’s book “Calling the Wild: The History of Arkansas Duck Calls” and the years of research that went into such an endeavor. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Ducks Unlimited’s goal of abundant waterfowl populations depends fundamentally on a robust base of productive wetlands across North America. In many regions, wetlands face persistent threats from the exotic, invasive plant known as Phragmites. Today we visit with Emily Tarsa, PhD student at Utah State University and DU Fellowship Recipient, to hear about her research into the restoration of native wetland vegetation in the Great Salt Lake following removal and control of Phragmites. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Luke Naylor, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission waterfowl program coordinator, joins the DU Podcast to discuss current conditions going into the 2020-2021 Arkansas waterfowl season. Naylor explains that the state is fairly dry, yet remains optimistic about the opener, and the season to follow. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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John Pollmann, DU magazine contributor, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about all-things blinds. The two discuss different approaches for various styles of waterfowling blinds and address the benefits and drawbacks to each one for waterfowl hunters. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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In this concluding episode, Drs. Dave Mauser and Mark Petrie discuss recent developments that have further eroded the ability of Refuges in the Klamath Basin to effectively manage wetlands for waterfowl. The consequences of these developments are likely to include fewer birds, less hunting opportunities, and more frequent outbreaks of avian botulism. We close with a discussion of how DU is helping to imagine and deliver conservation solutions for the future. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The mid-20th Century was a period of variation and transition for Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges, in the hey days supporting upwards of 6 million migrating pintails, but in troubled years being an avian botulism hotspot. The emergence of endangered fish species in the 1990s, however, began to fundamentally change the fate of waterfowl habitat in the region. Our story continues on this episode of the DU Podcast. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Located in southern Oregon and northern California, the Klamath Basin was once known as the most important migration region for waterfowl on the planet. On this episode, join us and our guests, Dr. Dave Mauser and Dr. Mark Petrie, to learn about the region, its historical importance, and how legislation and water developments from over 100 years ago helped shape its conservation legacy and modern-day tribulations. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeios joins the DU Podcast to talk about his new project promoting duck-camp cooking and recipes from south Louisiana. He also shares a handful on cooking tips and rants about the ethics of Instagram chefs. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist, joins Chris Jennings to talk about the 20-gauge as a viable waterfowl gun. Bourjaily is currently testing out several models and shares his opinions of the 20-gauge. The two discuss new models, improved ammunition options, and other highlights of choosing this small- bore option. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Hunter reports on snow geese suggest everything from a horrible hatch to great production, but what do researchers say? Lacking data from goose banding operations, we turn to field-based surveys of staging geese in prairie Saskatchewan. Worldwide snow goose expert, Dr. Ray Alisauskas, provides our first empirical look at snow and Ross’s goose production in 2020, and we then discuss explanations for low production and populations declines for white geese in the Midcontinent.
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Aaron Yetter of the Forbes Biological Station in Havana, Illinois, joins the DU Podcast to provide an update on waterfowl numbers in the Illinois and Mississippi River Valleys during late October and early November. We also discuss recent reports of hunting success and hear about the crazy movements of a radiomarked wood duck. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Waterfowl hunt clubs have played an important role in waterfowl and wetlands conservation since the mid-19th Century. The Winous Point Shooting Club, at the southwestern end of Lake Erie, stands as North America’s oldest, continuously running duck club. In this episode, we visit with John Simpson, manager of Winous Point, for an introduction to its history and vital contributions to waterfowl hunting, wetland conservation, scientific research, and habitat management. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings have a quick discussion on the basics of what separates these waterfowl types. Brasher explains anatomy, feeding types, and other differences between these ducks, while Jennings brings a handful of fun facts to the show. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to take a deep dive into lifetime skills for waterfowl hunters. Pollmann wrote a piece that relates to this topic for ducks.org, but the pair go even further into the discussion about becoming an all-around duck and goose hunter. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Continuing with a focus on winter weather and how it is influencing waterfowl migrations, we are joined by Dr. Mike Schummer, SUNY ESF, to discuss his use of weather metrics to forecast duck migration in the eastern U.S. We also get an update on conditions in the Northeast and discuss the potential implications of a strengthening La Nina for winter weather, habitat conditions, and hunter opportunities. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Jay Anglin, DU’s Great Lakes Region Migration Editor joins the show to talk about the current state of migration. Multiple weather systems have pushed ducks and geese into historical migration corridors and Anglin provides a glimpse into the current hunting conditions. He also explains that the best is yet to come. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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As a series of strong mid-October cold fronts settles across the prairies and Midwest, there are widespread reports of frozen wetlands, snow-covered fields, and an exodus of waterfowl out of Canada. On this episode, we go back to our trusty source of intel from the Canadian Prairies, Dr. Scott Stephens, fresh from his likely “last hunt of the season” for a report on weather conditions, migration, and a bit of informed speculation on how these conditions are affecting behaviors of ducks and geese. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Guest hosts, Mallori Murphey and Katie Burke, are joined by Marty Hanson, world-renowned decoy carver, to discuss how he became a carver and much more. Hanson gets into detail about different species and even individual species he prefers to carve. The trio talk about his unique approach and what makes his carving style different from other carvers throughout North America. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Waterfowl hunters are certainly familiar with leg bands on waterfowl, but there are sometimes other markers they should look for and report. One example is web tags. Clemson University grad student Jake Shurba joins the podcast to tell us about web tags and provides a Public Service Announcement on how to report them when encountered. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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With the regular waterfowl season opener in Missouri creeping closer, Tony Vandemore joins the show to talk about habitat management, the upcoming season, and new changes at Habitat Flats. Vandemore shares some information about local habitat in comparison to last year, and what we he is looking forward to in 2020.
Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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A remarkable wildlife success story and amazing table fare, the growth and expansion of the eastern population of sandhill cranes is providing a delightful new opportunity for migratory bird hunters in portions of the eastern U.S. Dr. John Brunjes rejoins the podcast to share insights on the process that was followed to open a sandhill crane season in the eastern U.S. and describe steps taken to ensure harvest does not harm the population. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Many waterfowl hunters and migratory bird enthusiasts have crossed paths with sandhill cranes somewhere along the way. Dr. John Brunjes, Kentucky Dept of Fish and Wildlife Resources, joins the podcast to educate us on their ecology, distribution, taxonomy, management, and changes in their population size and distribution, with an emphasis on eastern North America. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dan Drust, Filson director of wholesale sales, joins Chris Jennings to talk about the fantastic history of Filson and how the iconic brand transitioned into the markets of today, yet maintained their quality standards. Drust also shares information on several new products from a lifestyle and a waterfowling perspective. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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As the overall number of waterfowl hunters continues to decline, it is increasingly important that we invite and welcome new hunters from all backgrounds. An encouraging trend is a recent increase in the number of women participating in hunting. In part 2 of our discussion on Women in Waterfowl, our guests share their experiences and accomplishments as female hunters. We close with advice and guidance for other women interested in hunting or joining the waterfowl and wetland conservation profession.
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For the longest time, the vast majority of waterfowl professionals and waterfowl hunters have been men. Although the balance continues to tilt in this direction, we are witnessing an exciting shift in female participation and leadership in waterfowl science, management, and conservation, as well as in the blind. The DU Podcast is joined by Dr. Susan Ellis-Felege, Dr. Karla Guyn, and Casey Setash to discuss this change and hear first-hand of their experiences as women in the waterfowl profession.
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The DU Podcast is expanding its reach and soon you’ll begin to hear shows focusing on the history of our waterfowling heritage. Katie Burke, manager of the Waterfowling Heritage Center, and Mallori Murphey, social media specialist, will be hosting heritage-oriented shows. These shows will include decoy carvers, collectors, call collectors, and the wide variety of other historical topics. This show introduces you to Katie and Mallori. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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With the hunting season in full swing in Canada and beginning to get underway in the U.S., we’re all clamoring for more information out of Prairie Canada, and the DU Podcast is happy to oblige. We are joined again by Pat Kehoe for a mid-October update on the status of waterfowl hunting, waterfowl migration, and weather conditions. Plus, what’s the status of hunter activity, and how are the birds responding? Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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It is well-documented that predators kill ducks and destroy millions of nests annually. What is less understood is how landscape features may interact to influence rates of predation and whether we can thwart predator success by more targeted and strategic habitat conservation efforts. Today, we visit with Samantha Fino, PhD Candidate and recipient of DU’s Bonnycastle Fellowship for Prairie Ecosystem Studies, to learn how her research is helping answer these questions. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Anthony Jones, DU digital media and marketing director, joins Chris Jennings on the podcast to talk about the various digital tools built by waterfowl hunters, for waterfowl hunters. The list of tools for duck and goose hunters includes the highly popular DU Migration Map, DU App, and the all-encompassing Waterfowl360.com. Jones gets into the details of each and shares other insights into how you can use these tools. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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While there is no doubt that non-hunters can be effective wildlife conservation professionals, our four guests share their beliefs and experiences with how active engagement in hunting helped them develop a deeper appreciation and connection to the resource. In this concluding episode about University Hunt Programs, we hear stories about visceral connection, emotional reward, and personal enlightenment that resulted from the conscious decision to hunt. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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In today’s university-based wildlife conservation programs, it is increasingly common for enrolled students to lack prior exposure to or experience with hunting. In response to this trend, initiatives commonly referred to as “University Hunt Programs” are being developed, whereby students are given an opportunity to learn about and participate in waterfowl hunting. On this episode, we are introduced to these programs by 4 guests that have been active participants in them. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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With continued closure of the Canadian border to non-essential travel, the DU Podcast is rejoined by Dr. Scott Stephens to hear about and live vicariously through his latest pursuits of migratory game birds in the Land of the Living Skies --- Saskatchewan. Always a great guest with informative content and entertaining exchanges, Dr. Stephens shares his successes and challenges in chasing (and calling) cranes, specks, and ducks. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Josh Miller, product training specialist for SportDOG Brand and owner of River Stone Kennels. Miller explains his transition to becoming a full-time trainer, and shares his expertise in choosing dogs, utilizing training tools, and even becoming a duck hunter. The two discuss their first retrievers and how these specific dogs improved their training and hunting over the years. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Perhaps unbeknownst to many North American waterfowlers, the state of Washington year-in and year-out supports a respectable population of breeding waterfowl, mostly mallards, that contribute to early harvest in that state. Matt Wilson, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, joins the podcast to share insights on breeding waterfowl in Washington and provides an update on summer habitat conditions and what we might expect later this year. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor for Waterfowl360.com joins the show to discuss some early hunting and habitat conditions across the Great Lakes. Anglin, based in Northern Indiana shares some insights on hunting conditions in his area and reports he has heard from other hunters in the Great Lakes Region. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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In the Upper Midwest, trematodes that are ingested through consumption of faucet snails are known to cause mortality in lesser scaup and other waterbirds every year, yet the effects of trematode infection on those birds that survive is not well understood. Cheyenne Beach, recipient of the Ed and Sally Futch Fellowship through Ducks Unlimited, joins the podcast to update us on her research that is investigating this very question. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist joins the show to talk about goose guns. Bourjaily discusses what he prefers when it come to a solid, late-season goose gun and shares some slight modifications for hunters looking to find the perfect goose gun. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Duck energy days (DED) are discussed regularly among conservation and waterfowl managers, but what does that mean? In this episode, hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings have an in-depth conversation about this metric used by conservation leaders across North America. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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George Thompson, director of product management for Benelli USA, joins the podcast to discuss Benelli’s new Benelli Best Surface Treatment (BE.ST). Thompson and host Chris Jennings talk about this new product, along with a breakdown of all Benelli’s waterfowl and upland shotguns. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Doug Schoenrock, DU President, joins the DU Podcast to share his experiences within the organization and how he rose through the volunteer ranks of the world’s leader in wetlands conservation. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Earlier this month the DU Podcast was joined by Larry Reynolds to discuss the results of LDWF’s early September teal survey as well observations of the damage and destruction left in the path of Hurricane Laura. Ducks Unlimited extends its support and prayers to all those affected by the storm and are wishing for a speedy and effective recovery. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The worldwide pandemic upended nearly all traditional research projects and banding efforts for Arctic-nesting geese in 2020, but that won’t stop the DU Podcast from asking the questions you want to hear. Frank Baldwin, Wildlife Biologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, joins us to share a few insights on goose production in 2020 and an interesting side story on summer duck banding. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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During his research into hybridization between mallards and black ducks, Dr. Phil Lavretsky identified a mysterious genetic signature among mallards in North America. Playing the role of waterfowl detective, Phil and his colleagues uncovered the source of this signature and brought a surprising discovery to the world of waterfowl management. We explore this discovery and what it means in our concluding episode of this exciting series! Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dr. Phil Lavretsky dives into the latest scientific findings on the prevalence of mallard hybridization with black ducks, mottled ducks, Mexican ducks, and what to look for when identifying hybrids. We also learn that rumors of the demise of the American Black Duck due to mallards have been greatly exaggerated. Phil delivers the good news in the field of genetics. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The DU Podcast is joined by genetics expert, Dr. Phil Lavretsky of the University of Texas El Paso, to discuss genetics, the prevalence of hybridization in waterfowl, and their importance to waterfowl management. We also discuss mallards, their relationship to the many mallard-like ducks across the world, and what scientists have recently learned regarding the origin of “greenheads” in North America. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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We continue our discussion with Colorado State PhD student Casey Setash about her ongoing duck research in Colorado. Casey shares what she learned from her Master’s research in Colorado’s San Luis Valley about nesting and incubation habits of cinnamon teal. We also discuss her ongoing PhD research, in which she is studying a hay production practice known as “flood irrigation” and how it benefits breeding ducks. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast.
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The drake cinnamon teal is arguably one of North America’s most distinctive and striking species of waterfowl, yet it’s one about which we know comparatively little. In this episode, we are joined by Casey Setash, a PhD student at Colorado State and one of only a few “experts” on this curious species, for a brief introduction to its ecology, distribution, and other interesting facts and unknowns. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dr. Scott Stephens, Ducks Unlimited Canada, shares his teal hunting experiences and offers some insight to the migration in Manitoba. Stephens also discusses current weather conditions impacting teal and local hunters. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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John Pollmann, DU Magazine contributor discusses targeting teal and how to prepare for early season ducks. Pollmann, a South Dakota native, brings to light a few helpful tactics for targeting early-season puddlers in the Prairies and beyond. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Tom Dokken, owner of Dokken’s Oak Ridge Kennels, joins the DU Podcast to talk about exciting new products from SportDOG Brand. Dokken brings more than 45 years of retriever training experience to the podcast and he discusses the changes in training over that span. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Dr. Dale Wrubleski rejoins the DU Podcast to continue our discussion of the decline and recovery of the Delta Marsh. With common carp identified as the principle trouble-maker, scientists, engineers, and conservationists devised a plan to combat the problematic fish and restore Delta Marsh to its historical productivity. Join us to learn how the marsh has responded and what’s next for this fabled location. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The Delta Marsh in southern Manitoba is the birthplace for some of the most foundational science upon which North American waterfowl management is built. It is also a place steeped in the traditions and history of waterfowling. Dr. Dale Wrubleski joins us to discuss some of this history and the long-term declines in habitat that have affected this area, ultimately leading to a discussion of recent restoration efforts for Delta Marsh. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Host Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss waterfowl identification and its importance for not only waterfowl hunters, but also birders. Mike talks about identifying characteristics of certain species and shares a handful of helpful tips to improve your waterfowl identification. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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He’s harvested every species of waterfowl in North America except two, and he knows his way around the waterfowl landscapes of Canada like nobody else. Pat Kehoe, DU Canada’s Director of International Relationships, gives an update on late summer habitat conditions in Canada, the border closure, reduced hunting pressure in Canada, and his expectations for the 2020 Fall Flight. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Heading into fall, Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam joins the DU Podcast to discuss his thoughts on the upcoming waterfowl season, a few personal experiences, and provides a State of the Organization. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Is your retriever ready for opening day? Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels joins the show to discuss some early-season training options to have them better prepared for the first few days afield. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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The DU Podcast kicks off with an introduction show and a re-introduction for many. Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the oddities of the current pandemic and how DU has reacted from a conservation perspective. The pair also discuss upcoming episodes and what listens should expect to hear throughout the fall. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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Season 2: The Off Season is a wrap! Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the technical difficulties of publishing the show during the summer, and they talk about highlights from the season. The DU Podcast will take a break in August but will return with all-things waterfowl content in September. Catch up on all of Seasons 1 and 2 before September 1!
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Migratory Bird Hunters, Listen up! The DU Podcast welcomes back Brad Bortner and Larry Reynolds for an informative and unusually candid conversation about some concerning issues with the Harvest Information Program registration process and how it may influence the data. Importantly, we also discuss diagnosis of the issues and exploratory efforts that are underway to improve and modernize the HIP certification process.
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Brad Bortner, retired Chief of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, and Larry Reynolds, Waterfowl Study Leader for Louisiana, join the show for a refresher on the Harvest Information Program. We review its importance for enabling hunting seasons, how it works, and why hunter participation in HIP is critical. This episode lays the foundation for a future discussion of potential changes to the HIP certification process.
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Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins Chris Jennings on this podcast to discuss introductions. There’s a right way and a wrong way to introduce dogs, even puppies, to the world of duck and goose hunting. Stewart talks about introducing gunfire, water, blinds, decoys, and the various obstacles waterfowling presents.
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Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Johann Walker, director of operations Great Plains Region, for an update on current habitat conditions throughout the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region. Good conditions early in the summer have continued to provide suitable wetlands and associated habitats. Walker shares some insight as to what biologists are seeing in the field. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Scott Stephens, director of operations Prairie and Boreal for DU Canada, joins host Dr. Mike Brasher to provide an update on breeding habitat conditions across Prairie Canada. The pair discuss late rains, which may not benefit nesting waterfowl, but will help brood rearing efforts. Stephens also discusses potential scenarios with border closures. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Jim Ronquest, Rich-N-Tone Calls, joins host Chris Jennings for an off-season conversation. The two discuss summer calling tips, and Ronquest points out a few tactics callers should be doing this time of year to stay ready for duck season. They also dive into new duck calls, look back at last year’s duck season, and talk about the excitement of having new puppy. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the numbers behind U.S. hunters in Canada and the hypothetical impacts on waterfowl if the border doesn't open for waterfowl season. Will U.S. hunters see more ducks? Brasher brings some interesting non-resident information from the Canadian Wildlife Service and the pair chat about potential what-if scenarios on the Dakotas.
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We continue our fascinating discussion about brood parasitism in waterfowl. In particular, Dr. John Eadie walks us through a most remarkable study of this phenomenon in wood ducks, using innovative tracking methods and state-of-the-art genetics to reveal previously unimaginable behaviors and unraveling long-standing mysteries in avian brood parasitism. You will never look at a wood duck box the same way again. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
We like to think of ducks as a fairly innocent and an honest group of species, but that isn’t always the case. Nesting hens of some ducks, along with other non-waterfowl species, often deposit their eggs in the nests of other individuals, in a practice known as avian brood parasitism. In this first episode of an exciting two-part series, we begin the discussion with our distinguished guest, Dr. John Eadie, UC Davis, as we explore this phenomenon and what we know about it. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
A screech owl hatched a couple of wood ducks? Nothing could go wrong there, could it? Listen in as we discuss this oddity of nature and other observations from an ongoing, large-scale study of wood ducks in the eastern United States. Clemson graduate student, Emily Miller and her research technicians, Sam Fishman and Jake Merendino, join Dr. Mike Brasher for this educational and entertaining discussion.
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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels to discuss retriever training during the peak of summer heat. Stewart brings to light several training, nutrition, and health tips to keep your retriever in shape and safe from heat stroke.
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Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins Chris Jennings for a in-depth conversation about safety in the duck blind. Bourjaily stresses the importance of communicating safety rules and clearly defining what should and should not be done while hunting ducks and geese.
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The DU Podcast is joined by Mike Szymanski, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, to discuss the results of their 2020 Breeding Duck Survey. By all accounts the numbers are encouraging. The North Dakota wetland index was the 6th highest on record and the duck numbers were the 13th highest on record signaling a likely good year for duck production in that state. Join us on this episode to hear the details. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Partnerships among public and private entities are the lifeblood for successful waterfowl conservation programs across North America. A long-time participant in one such partnership, Dean Harrigal, formerly of South Carolina DNR, joins the podcast to discuss a particularly noteworthy example and the landscape-scale wetland conservation that has resulted in the ACE Basin of South Carolina.
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Dr. Mark Petrie, Director of Conservation Planning for DU’s Western Region, joins co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the double-edged sword of abundant populations of Arctic geese. On one hand, they provide expanded hunting opportunities, but on the other they also compete for the same food resources as ducks, presenting new challenges to hunters, habitat managers, and conservation planners.
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John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine freelance contributor and South Dakota resident, joins host Chris Jennings for an informative update on what the habitat conditions look like this summer in South Dakota, North Dakota, and eastern Montana. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Jay Anglin joins host Chris Jennings to discuss a few calling tips for the summer, including tuning and cleaning your calls. Summer is the ideal time to get your calls into working order and Anglin even discusses shipping calls back to call makers for tuning and replacement parts. You want to address any calling issue now, rather than wait until opening day. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by colleague and native Texan, Dr. Todd Merendino to learn about the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project, one of the longest running and most successful private land wetland conservation programs in North America. Recognized in 2019 with a Texas by Nature award, since 1991, the TPWP has allowed DU and partners to restore or enhance more than 85,000 acres of wetlands on the Texas Gulf Coast.
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Mike Stewart, owner and operator of Wildrose Kennels joins the show to talk with host Chris Jennings about his operation and his training methods. Stewart has branched out from his original facility and build regional Wildrose training facilities throughout the country. Learn more about Wildrose Kennels and the various methods Stewart uses for each client.
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Continuing our virtual tour of wetland conditions in the Canadian prairie provinces, the DU Podcast visits with Ron Maher, DU Canada’s Manager of Provincial Operations in Alberta, to receive an update on habitat conditions in that province. Reports of a delayed spring, decent runoff, and recent rains has produced generally average wetland conditions in the southern prairies, but better wetland conditions in the parklands and boreal forests to the north.
The DU podcast is again joined by Dr. Susan Felege to discuss additional ways in which she and her students are applying new technologies to study waterfowl ecology. In this episode we learn how drones, video cameras, and thermal cameras are being used to collect massive amounts of data more efficiently, at larger scales, and with less disturbance to ducks and geese.
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Another week, another bonus episode on breeding habitat conditions in the Duck Factory. This update, provided by Dr. Mike Anderson, Emeritus Scientist with DU Canada’s Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, shares on-the-ground insights from a location considered a historical hotbed of waterfowl research – Minnedosa, Manitoba. Based on more than 40 years of observations, Dr. Anderson shares how this year is shaping up compared to past.
Dr. Susan Felege from the University of North Dakota is conducting pioneering research using video cameras to study nesting ducks in the U.S. prairies. Dr. Felege joins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss some of this work and shares some of the interesting observations that she and her students have collected, including at least one example of white-tailed deer eating duck eggs! www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Mike Carter of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture and Matt Hough of DU rejoin the show to describe a terrific example of how DU’s conservation footprint can grow through approaches that deliver diverse benefits for birds and people. As a principle source of groundwater recharge for the Ogallala Aquifer, playa wetland conservation is being valued by a growing number of communities and landowners for the benefits they provide in securing the future of regional water supplies.
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For the first time in its 65-year history, the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey is not being conducted. With questions swirling about what this means for population management and harvest regulations, we reached out to Dr. Ken Richkus, Chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Bird Management, for first-hand answers to these questions and more. Settle in as we discuss this most important survey and unprecedented decision.
Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Mike Carter, Coordinator of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, and Matt Hough, DU’s Director of Conservation Programs for Kansas, to discuss playa wetland conservation in the Western Great Plains. Our guests describe the importance of playa wetlands for wetland birds and groundwater recharge and provide an overview of historical and exciting new approaches to playa conservation.
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The DU Podcast is joined by our colleague from DU Canada, Kelly Rempel, Head of Habitat Asset Management Saskatchewan Provincial Operations, to discuss early observations of wetland conditions in the prairies and parklands of Saskatchewan, The Land of the Living Skies. It’s generally dry in the prairies with favorable conditions farther north in the parklands and Boreal Forest.
Waterfowl, for the most part, have returned to the breeding grounds. Join co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher as they discuss the processes involved with their return to nesting areas. The two discuss the preferred habitats of breeding ducks, the risks involved in nesting, the perils of being a duckling, and how science helps us better conserve and manage these habitats to benefit waterfowl populations.
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In the absence of typical habitat and duck reports from the May survey, we are turning to our folks in the field for first-hand updates and insights. On this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher visits with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, for an early spring update on habitat conditions across the Canadian Prairies.
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Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist joins host Chris Jennings for another in-depth conversation on what waterfowlers should be doing in the off-season to prepare for the coming season. Bourjaily provides great detail on 10 additional tactics hunters can use to improve their shotgunning.
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Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist joins host Chris Jennings for a discussion on what waterfowlers should be doing in the off-season to prepare for the coming season. Bourjaily provides great detail on 10 tactics hunters can use to improve their shotgunning.
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We conclude our 3-part series with Jerry Holden by discussing our organizational mission, the legacy of conservation support from waterfowl hunters, pursuit of expanded partnerships, and the broad-based benefits of DU’s wetlands conservation in the Southern Region. Lastly, Jerry and host Dr. Mike Brasher share personal experiences and the inspiration that comes from working with DU’s dedicated volunteers, members, and staff.
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We continue with part 2 of a 3-part conversation with Jerry Holden, Director of Operations for DU’s Southern Region. In this episode, Jerry introduces the people, places, habitats, and conservation efforts within the Southern Region, and what makes it both incredibly special and immensely challenging.
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In early February, we sat down for a wide-ranging discussion with Jerry Holden, Director of Operations for DU’s Southern Region. In the first of a 3-part series, Jerry shares his path to DU, his passion for conservation, and trades stories with podcast host Dr. Mike Brasher about the challenges and rewards of waterfowl hunting, including personal experiences from the 2019-20 hunting season.
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Today, we go off the beaten path to discuss an entertaining adventure and important lesson on predatory journals. Dr. Dan Baldassarre, Assistant Professor of Zoology at SUNY Oswego, recently made headlines for the successful publication of a satirical article designed to expose the existence and dangers of unscrupulous actors among scientific journals. Listen and get wiser as we learn about The Deal With Birds!
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So, you found yourself with a mallard or Canada goose nesting in your flowerpot. Why is this happening, what should you know, and what are your options? Join the DU Podcast as hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher share their answers to these questions and more, when discussing urban nesting waterfowl.
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DU Podcast is back for Season 2: The Off Season! Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher return to bring the DU audience discussions on conservation, science and research, off-season shotgunning, retriever training, and much more. The DU Podcast will continue to be a source of information on all-things waterfowl conservation. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher wrap up the first season of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast. The duo discusses the trials and tribulations, but also explains what listeners should be excited about for Season 2. Thanks to everyone who joined the show and all who listened. Stay tuned! Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast.
Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department talks with hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher about Texas light goose hunting and the reasons why there has been a shift in the birds’ wintering grounds. Learn how this historical hunting area has all but disappeared. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department talks with hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher about Texas habitat changes that may be leading to shifts in wintering distribution. Kraai breaks down Texas’ various habitat types and explains what has changed. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with DU’s new Director of Conservation Strategy, Dr. Steve Adair, to learn about DU’s efforts to grow our conservation influence and footprint. Specifically, we discuss the importance of championing and marketing the benefits of DU’s conservation work beyond providing waterfowl habitat. These include benefits to water quality, water quantity, stormwater retention, storm surge mitigation, and a host of other ecosystem services. Dr. Adair shares his excitement for this position and the opportunities it presents while remaining true to our core organizational priority of waterfowl populations and the people that enjoy them. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Chris Jennings gets Tony Vandemore, guide and co-owner of Habitat Flats, on the line to discuss the pace of the light goose migration. Vandemore moved from Arkansas up to his home turf near Sumner, Missouri in the middle of the month. Listen to find out more. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Scott Stephens rejoins host Dr. Mike Brasher to continue their discussion about DU Canada’s conservation programs in the Canadian Prairies. This episode describes some of the new conservation partnerships that DU Canada is forging within the farming and ranching communities, and how these efforts are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes. Scott also discusses opportunities within the broader ecosystem services arena. We also get a sneak peek at how wetland conditions are shaping up as we look forward to the breeding season. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Friend and colleague Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss some of the important habitat conservation work being undertaken to benefit breeding waterfowl in the Canadian Prairies. This discussion highlights some of the historical and traditional programs that DU Canada has used to protect and restore priority wetlands and grasslands for waterfowl but also introduces exciting new programs that are being used to increase DU’s capacity to conserve waterfowl habitats. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Mike Brasher is joined in studio by a trio of special guests to discuss trends in waterfowl hunter numbers and the importance of recruiting our next generation of hunter-conservationists. Former DU Chief Scientist Dale Humburg, University of Nebraska PhD student Katherine Graham, and Professor of Human Dimensions Research Dr. Chris Chisznski share their expertise on this subject and provide insights gained from recently completed research. www.ducks.org
In the final installment of this special series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding discuss the 2 critical surveys that are part of this process: Migratory Bird Hunter Survey and Parts Collection Survey. This episode sheds light on how these data are collected and used, and why none of this would be possible without the interest, cooperation, and participation by hunters. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, DU Great Lakes Migration Editor, to discuss light goose migrations into Illinois and Indiana. The two also talk about Arkansas goose numbers and opportunities for hunters to take advantage of these late hunts. Download, subscribe, and rate the DU Podcast. https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
In part 2 of this series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding go in-depth on the Harvest Information Program, known to most people simply as “HIP,” to explain how it works and how the data are used to select hunters for participating in the core surveys from which harvest is estimated. We also discuss additional uses of waterfowl harvest data. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Waterfowl hunters harvest 12–14 million ducks and 3 million geese annually in the U.S. The process used to estimate annual waterfowl harvest has several components and relies on the cooperation and participation by State wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and most importantly waterfowl hunters. Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service join Dr. Mike Brasher to help explain the harvest estimation process and some of the important uses of these estimates. This is episode 1 of a 3-part series. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Kevin Kraai, Waterfowl Program Leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department joins the podcast to discuss the history of the Texas Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey and results from the most recent survey in January 2020. We learn about the numerous ecoregions and important waterfowl habitats across the state of Texas and converse about notable observations in duck and goose abundance from the survey. The 2020 survey revealed the 3rd highest state-wide estimate for dabbling ducks since 1997. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes migration editor for ducks.org. Anglin brings to light some interesting observations by hunters throughout the region, including an influx of white-fronted geese and light geese into southern Illinois and Indiana. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Amelia Raquel, DU Biologist from California, for a discussion about waterfowl habitats and conservation in Southern Oregon and Northeastern California, also known as SONEC. Although an arid landscape, wetland habitats provided in the SONEC region are continentally some of the most important for fall and spring migrating waterfowl. Listen in for an introduction to DU conservation efforts in the region. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Mike Schummer, SUNY-ESF, rejoins the show with host Dr. Mike Brasher to provide a late season update on prevailing weather patterns in the eastern U.S. and how these have influenced waterfowl migration since the outbreak of cold weather in November. We wade into a discussion about large-scale atmospheric patterns that affect weather across the U.S. with a specific focus on the “polar vortex.” The show concludes with advice on how hunters can adapt their strategies in the face of weather patterns that aren’t conducive to strong bird movements. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Christ Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited freelance contributor, to discuss the best practices to plan and execute a youth hunt. Pollmann goes into detail regarding his Sept/Oct feature from DU Magazine and talks about his personal experiences hunting with his young son. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Rocky Rockwell and learn about the lasting effects of hyperabundant snow geese on Arctic habitats and their potential for recovery. We then discuss other interesting research at La Perouse Bay including goose productivity, drones, bear ecology, sea ice, and the genetic analysis of bear poop. We conclude with sage advice from Dr. Rockwell about learning from and working with the animals and the people around us. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Light goose populations in North America have grown exponentially since the 1960s. The famed goose colony at La Perouse Bay, Manitoba, became the epicenter for studying this explosive growth and its damaging effects on Arctic ecosystems. In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by special guests Drs. Rocky Rockwell and Tom Moorman to discuss the emergence of this issue, along with other topics including the evolution of white and blue phases of snow geese and their increasing hybridization. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Widely considered the most successful wildlife conservation plan on the planet, for over 30 years the North American Waterfowl Management Plan has set the bar for effective and relevant partner-based conservation of an internationally shared resource. Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dale Humburg for a discussion about the evolution and legacy of the NAWMP. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Former DU Chief Scientist, Dale Humburg, joins hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the history and significance of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in shaping international waterfowl conservation as we know it today. Ambitious in scale and intent, the NAWMP was signed in 1986 and immediately created a bold new vision for waterfowl conservation in North America. www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Coordinator for Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings to discuss results from Mississippi’s December aerial waterfowl surveys. Listen in to learn about the history of Mississippi’s survey effort, the latest on duck numbers in the state, and what biologists are saying about the effects of 2019’s prolonged summer flooding on waterfowl habitat conditions this winter.
www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Mike Casazza rejoins the show to continue our discussion about cutting edge radio telemetry and its importance to waterfowl science. Specific topics on this episode include new estimates of waterfowl flight speed and why this is important, unexpected movements and behaviors of waterfowl, and what a hunter should do if they harvest a bird outfitted with a transmitter.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Since its introduction to wildlife research in the mid-20th century, radio telemetry has enabled scientists and conservationists to understand waterfowl behaviors and ecology at levels previously not imagined. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Research Biologist Mike Casazza to learn about the history, advancements, capabilities, and unique insights obtained from modern-day radio telemetry. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Previously published (Ep. 9 – 10) Host Dr. Mike Brasher discusses interesting research being done on urban mallards and the role they play in hunter harvest with Dr. Ben O’Neal. O’Neal serves as a wildlife ecology professor at Franklin College just south of Indianapolis and is studying the impacts of urban mallards in relation to harvest opportunities for hunters near metro areas. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
In this episode we bring you updates on mid-December waterfowl numbers and habitat conditions in Missouri and Illinois. Friends of the show, Frank Nelson and Aaron Yetter, explain that ice is prevalent and duck numbers continue to decline across much of their respective states. Hardy mallards, geese, and a few straggling pintails and gadwalls are holding out on rivers and other big waters as the year 2019 nears its end. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Mark Biddlecomb, DU director of operations for the Western Region, joins the podcast and shares information about DU’s Sacramento office, along with some of the unique conservation challenges faced in the Pacific Flyway. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Dan Wrinn, DU national director of government affairs,to discuss DU’s D.C. office and the importance of policy work for wetlands conservation and waterfowl hunting. Craig LeShack, DU director of conservation operations joins in on the conversation to explain how DU implements NAWCA. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
DU Regional Biologist from the San Joaquin Valley in Central California, Matt Kaminski, joins the show to discuss a multitude of topics, including a description of DU’s conservation efforts in the California Central Valley, an update on waterfowl migration in the region, and insights on West Coast weather patterns that influence duck movements. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Scott Leysath, DU Magazine cooking columnist, talks about some of his favorite non-waterfowl recipes. Venison, quail, etc. Get some tips on cooking wildgame, even non-waterfowl species. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Jamie Rader, director of conservation programs in DU’s South Atlantic Field Office, joins host Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the region. Rader provides great information regarding specific projects and habitat efforts in the South Atlantic Region. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Vanessa Harriman, Ducks Unlimited Canada, joins us again to share the rest of the story about how flea infestations affect nest success of snow and Ross’s geese. We also discuss what this might mean for population dynamics of goose colonies and explore a few other questions about this curious phenomenon. Have an itch for knowledge? We try to scratch it on this episode.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Vanessa Harriman, Ducks Unlimited Canada, to discuss the curious case of flea infestations in nests of snow and Ross’s geese. We learn about their discovery, prevalence, the hazards of studying them, and what leads a person to study fleas in the first place. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Luke Naylor, Arkansas waterfowl program coordinator for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, joins hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to talk about Arkansas November Aerial Survey, Arkansas duck season, and current habitat. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Jay Anglin, WF360 Great Lakes Region migration editor, joins host Chris Jennings for a quick discussion regarding the current hunting conditions in the Great Lakes Region. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Jamie Rader, DU’s director of conservation programs in the South Atlantic Region, joins host Chris Jennings for a quick update on habitat and hunting in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss waterfowl mating systems and how behavior changes related to mating and courtship directly impact hunting as the season progresses. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Dr. Mike Brasher talks with Dr. Drew Fowler, Wisconsin DNR, to explore the question of whether the birds we shoot over decoys have lower body condition than those in the larger population, and if so, why that might be. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Scott Leysath, DU Magazine cooking columnist, and the pair talk about sides. Leysath brings some unique sides to the forefront and discusses his favorite side dishes when serving wild game. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher debunk the myth of the northern, or “red leg” mallard, and discuss an interesting taxonomic issue related to a North American waterfowl species. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Celebrity Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois joins host Chris Jennings and shares his go-to approach to preparing and cooking ducks for those who may not otherwise try a wild game dish. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://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
On this special episode, we go out west to hear from DU’s Manager of Conservation Programs for Montana, Bob Sanders. Recorded during an ongoing blizzard in that state, Bob shares insights and experiences regarding this year’s duck and goose migration and habitat conditions in Montana. Although many of the less hardy species have departed the state, mallards and geese remain on the big rivers.
www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Ray Alisauskas, Research Scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, joins us again to discuss nesting ecology of snow and Ross’s geese and the types of data collected annually to estimate production. We conclude by discussing observations of goose production during the 2019 breeding season and what hunters might expect this winter. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Larry Reynolds, Waterfowl Program Manager for Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, makes a return visit to the show to update their November waterfowl surveys. Larry shares that duck and goose numbers in the northern part of the state are above the long-term average for this time of year. We also learn about apparently good hunter success at Catahoula Lake during the East Zone opener.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
World-renowned snow goose ecologist Dr. Ray Alisauskas joins the show to educate us about snow and Ross’s goose nesting colonies across the Arctic and sub-Arctic. We also discuss the long-term ecological studies conducted at these sites and the challenges of working in this environment. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Missouri Dept. of Conservation (MDC) recently completed their mid-November waterfowl surveys. Frank Nelson, MDC wetland ecologist, joins the show to discuss their surveys and what they are observing on managed wetland complexes in Missouri. Join us as we hear about current waterfowl, habitat, and weather conditions in Missouri and the frequently changing dynamics of wintering waterfowl. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Scott Leysath, DU Magazine cooking columnist joins host, Chris Jennings to discuss cooking whole ducks. Leysath provides some very valuable insights as to why you shouldn’t cook your ducks whole. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Mark Lindberg, professor at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology to discuss the ramifications of band targeting and how targeting banded birds can have repercussions on the data. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Mark Lindberg, professor at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology to discuss the ways hunters play a vital role in citizen-science programs. Banding, HIP, and other various programs are supported by hunters, and are crucial to waterfowl science. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher talk Boreal Forest with Dr. Fritz Reid, director of conservation programs for the Boreal and Arctic for Ducks Unlimited. Reid explains some of the unique aspects to conservation efforts in the Boreal, including partners and difficulty in even getting there. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Scott Leysath, DU Magazine cooking columnist joins host Chris Jennings to talk more waterfowl recipes. The two specifically talk about brines and how to best prepare your ducks and geese. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
In this episode, Aaron Yetter, Waterfowl Ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, shares results and observations from their most recent aerial waterfowl survey. The combination of cold weather and open hunting seasons helped push up mallard numbers, while other species were variable from the previous survey.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Drew Fowler from Wisconsin DNR joins the shows to give a quick update on migration conditions in Wisconsin. We learn that smaller wetlands are now frozen, but open water still remains in rivers and larger water bodies. A few ducks and healthy numbers of geese remain for the chasing!
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher talk Boreal Forest with Dr. Fritz Reid, director of conservation programs for the Boreal and Arctic for Ducks Unlimited. Reid details his role and brings to light the importance of Boreal habitats for waterfowl and other birds. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois rejoins host Chris Jennings on the show to talk about his best day duck hunting. Bourgeois describes a day in the south Louisiana marshes, the birds, and the meal shared after the hunt. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
DU Chief Scientist Dr. Tom Moorman joins host Chris Jennings to discuss how and why ducks and geese learn. These conditioned behaviors such as being able to identify decoys, spinning-wing decoys and sensing danger are a part of waterfowl’s ability to survive. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Scott Leysath, DU Magazine cooking columnist joins host Chris Jennings on this episode to share his five favorite waterfowl recipes. A few of these recipes may surprise you. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by special guests Larry Reynolds, Waterfowl Program Manager for Louisiana Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Dr. Tom Moorman, DU Chief Scientist, to discuss the results from the November aerial waterfowl survey in coastal Louisiana. Listen in to learn about the survey and what it revealed for waterfowl abundance and habitat conditions in advance of the coming cold fronts. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Scott Leysath, DU Magazine cooking columnist joins host Chris Jennings and shares his story about how he become a well-known wild game chef. Leysath also explains his number one rule for cooking waterfowl. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
With winter weather immanent across the Great Lakes, host Chris Jennings brings Jay Anglin, DU’s Great Lakes Region migration editor on the show to discuss what he is seeing and hearing in Indiana and Michigan. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Dr. Mike Brasher brings in Dr. Mike Schummer to explain his current project of a weekly duck migration forecast. Schummer is the Roosevelt Waterfowl Ecologist at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher talk with Andy Stetter, supervisory wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex in south Texas. Stetter spent the weekend chasing ducks along the coast and witnessed huge flocks of redheads arriving along the coast. Listen to his report. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Dr. Mike Brasher brings in Dr. Mike Schummer to explain his current project of a weekly duck migration forecast. Schummer is the Roosevelt Waterfowl Ecologist at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Dr. Mike Brasher talks with Kali Rush, regional biologist in DU’s Ann Arbor, Michigan office about elevated lake levels and how the high levels in 2019 impact waterfowl habitat. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss an Understanding Waterfowl column Brasher wrote several years ago regarding how drought impacts waterfowl habitats negatively and positively. Brasher explains that while most people think that drought is detrimental to habitat, it actually has many benefits. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Tom Moorman, DU chief scientist joins host Chris Jennings to discuss one of the biggest questions from last season, “Where were the ducks?” In this episode, Moorman focuses the conversation on hunting pressure, and how that can impact wintering waterfowl distribution. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Tom Moorman, DU chief scientist joins host Chris Jennings to discuss one of the biggest questions from last season, “Where were the ducks?” Moorman brings to light several landscape changes that can shift wintering distribution of waterfowl in North America. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Tom Moorman, DU chief scientist joins host Chris Jennings to discuss one of the biggest questions from last season, “Where were the ducks?” Moorman brings to light the perfect-storm of weather conditions that created frustrating waterfowl seasons for many throughout the country. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Dr. Scott Stephens, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s director of operations for the prairie and Boreal Forest goes into detail about how the migration progressed across the Canadian Prairie Pothole Region. Stephens also shares some insight into why the latest cold front will send the majority of waterfowl south. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss Brasher’s Master’s Degree research project that focused on learning what unpaired males did during the breeding period. His research worked to get a better understanding and definition of bachelor groups that are not counted in waterfowl breeding surveys.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss DU’s Marsh Terracing Projects in Coastal Louisiana. Marsh Terracing is one of the many ways DU, working with many partners, is combating marsh loss along the Gulf Coast. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
http://www.ducks.org/
Host Chris Jennings sits down with Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois, celebrity chef and Ducks Unlimited supporter. Bourgeois talks about his affinity for the outdoors, wild game cooking, and growing up with DU in south Louisiana. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
https://www.ducks.org/dupodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by co-host Dr. Mike Brasher from the North American Duck Symposium. Mike brings to light the fascinating research being done by waterfowl scientists all over the continent. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
http://www.ducks.org/
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher talk about blue-winged ducks – blue-winged teal, cinnamon teal, and northern shovelers. Mike discusses these species unique abilities and what separates them from other waterfowl. He also provides an update on how these species’ names have been updated based on phylogenetic classing. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
http://www.ducks.org/
For more information on Blue-winged Ducks, visit https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/understanding-waterfowl-the-blue-winged-ducks?poe=DUPodcast
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the unique life cycle period in which waterfowl stage on the prairie, preparing for migration. Ducks and geese alike have a singular focus at this time, which is also valuable information for hunters in these regions. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
http://www.ducks.org/
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher catch up with Tony Vandemore, co-owner and operator of Habitat Flats. The crew discuss the habitat changes brought on by spring and summer flooding in Vandemore’s region of northwest Missouri and how this may impact migration and wintering. They also touch on 2019 Light Goose Conservation Order and a few other topics.
www.Ducks.org/
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher catch up with Tony Vandemore, co-owner and operator of Habitat Flats. The crew discuss the habitat changes brought on by spring and summer flooding in Vandemore’s region of northwest Missouri and how this may impact migration and wintering. They also touch on 2019 Light Goose Conservation Order and a few other topics.
www.Ducks.org/
Host Dr. Mike Brasher discusses interesting research being done on urban mallards and the role they play in hunter harvest with Dr. Ben O’Neal. O’Neal serves as a wildlife ecology professor at Franklin College just south of Indianapolis and is studying the impacts of urban mallards in relation to harvest opportunities for hunters near metro areas. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
www.Ducks.org/
Host Dr. Mike Brasher discusses interesting research being done on urban mallards and the role they play in hunter harvest with Dr. Ben O’Neal. O’Neal serves as a wildlife ecology professor at Franklin College just south of Indianapolis and is studying the impacts of urban mallards in relation to harvest opportunities for hunters near metro areas. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
www.Ducks.org/
Host Chris Jennings talks with Jim Ronquest, RNT-V producer and world-champion duck caller about duck hunting etiquette, calling, and even what Ronquest’s best day of duck hunting may look like. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
To learn more about becoming a better duck caller, visit ducks.org/duckcalling
Host Chris Jennings talks white-fronted goose hunting with Brook Richard, Higdon Outdoors manager of corporate relations. Richard is a respected white-fronted goose caller and hunter who offers insights into becoming a better specklebelly hunter. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
To learn more about hunting white-fronted geese, visit ducks.org/hunting
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Dr. Tom Moorman, DU Chief Scientist to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report on 2019 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS, Canadian Wildlife Service, and other partners. This episode focuses on diving duck species breeding estimates in the U.S. and Canada. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
To learn more about the 2019 Duck Numbers, visit https://www.ducks.org/ducknumbers
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dr. Tom Moorman, DU Chief Scientist to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report on 2019 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS, Canadian Wildlife Service, and other partners. This episode focuses on Green-winged teal, Gadwall, and American Wigeon breeding estimates in the U.S. and Canada. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
To learn more about the 2019 Duck Numbers, visit https://www.ducks.org/ducknumbers
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dr. Tom Moorman, DU Chief Scientist to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report on 2019 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS, Canadian Wildlife Service, and other partners. This episode focuses on blue-winged teal, northern pintails, and northern shoveler breeding estimates in the U.S. and Canadian Prairies. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
For more information on the 2019 Duck Numbers, visit www.ducks.org/ducknumbers
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dr. Tom Moorman, DU Chief Scientist to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report on 2019 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS, Canadian Wildlife Service, and other partners. This episode focuses on Pond Counts and breaks down what pond counts are, and what that means for breeding waterfowl habitat, and they discuss 2019 mallard numbers and distribution. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
For more information on the 2019 Duck Numbers, visit www.ducks.org/ducknumbers
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dr. Tom Moorman, DU Chief Scientist to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report on 2019 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS, Canadian Wildlife Service, and other partners.
The trio dive into what the survey does for waterfowl managers and what it means for waterfowl hunters. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
Visit ducks.org
Welcome to the Ducks Unlimited Podcast. Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher provide a brief overview of what to expect with the DU Podcast moving forward. The DU Podcast will focus on conservation, research, the science behind the Ducks Unlimited mission, as well as hunting tactics and prominent guests throughout the waterfowl community. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
www.Ducks.org/