"The better you get, the better you get," says today's guest, Dirk Sorrels while describing the meandering path that lead to his becoming an integral part of Team Boss Shotshells and then an ardent duck hunter. How'd he end up becoming a tattoo artist, how'd he connect with clients, and what does he most remember about one of his most famous clients? How is duck hunting like surfing? Another must-hear conversation bearing the reminder that when you come to a fork in the road--just take it! Podca...
Jan 27, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 216
From his home base in California, where he formerly worked in Refuges, full-time professional outdoor photographer Gary Kramer set out to film the world's entire collection of ducks, geese and swans for his recent book achievement. How many waterfowl species exist worldwide, and how many of them did he film for his monumental coffee table book Waterfowl of the World? How many countries did he visit, how long did it take? What were some of his greatest challenges, fondest memories? What were some...
Jan 24, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 215
Ramsey visits an exclusive swamp property that is a Mississippi Delta landmark and among a precious handful of crown-jewel properties strung together in Tallahatchie County, only recently trading hands for the first time in a half-century. It was at this particular camp house that a popular bourbon-based, ceremonial duck hunting concoction was formulated. Meeting with host Craig Rozier and long-time caretaker, John T, Ramsey learns something of this property's colorful history and ongoing waterf...
Jan 20, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 214
Located in Hyde County, Lake Mattamuskeet is North Carolina's largest natural lake. The surrounding area is rich in hunting traditions. Meeting a collection of friends at their "Fetch More" hunting camp, Ramsey learns about hunting ducks, swans, and bears in the area. And more. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks USHuntList It's really duck season somewhere for 365 days per year. Follow Ramsey Ru...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 213
Following a successful North Carolina tundra swan hunt during this year's epic North American Waterfowl Tour, Ramsey visits with host, Tyler Odell and other members of his swan hunting party. Food, camaraderie and fun times shared in the blind while chasing North America's largest waterfowl. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com Podcast Sponsors: BOSS S...
Jan 13, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 212
Ramsey connects with friend-client Jon Esposito for a few days duck hunting in the "Constitutional State" of Connecticut, learning that in some ways it's anything but. What's easier to get in Pakistan than in Connecticut? How and what do they duck hunt in second-smallest US state? Connecticut duck hunters are a whole 'nuther level of seriously committed as this conversation explains. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Busin...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 211
Isn't it interesting that the oldest waterfowl hunting decoys know to exist on earth were found the the driest state in America? After 3 days hunting swans and ducks in Nevada, Ramsey meets with Nevada Department of Wildlife's Waterfowl Staff Specialist, Russell Woolstenhulme, to discuss waterfowl hunting and management there. What's up with swan hunting in Nevada, and how are swan managed differently in the Pacific Flyway than elsewhere? How is waterfowl habitat managed in America's driest stat...
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 210
Now in his 13th season guiding ducks and geese in Kansas, Big Kansas Outdoors' Ben Webster takes a few minutes out of a hectic mid-season hunting schedule to meet with Ramsey. The 2 cover a range of topics to include duck and goose hunting in Kansas and in Canada, where Webster's Prairie Limits Outfitters is going into his 6th season, Canada's pandemic policies, dealing with problem clients and spring snow goose hunting in Kansas and Saskatchewan. The Dream Job is a tough life, but someone has t...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 209
Guiding in the mallard-rich southeast Kansas duck bottomlands comes naturally to Drake Carter. He was born into it, accompanying his dad, Roy, and member-guests to the duck blind for as far back as he can recall. And it was there in the duck blind that he developed skillsets that serve him well at Carter's Big Island, where he guides duck hunters daily. Between duck hunts, Drake describes some of those life lessons to Ramsey, explaining how he's continuing family traditions in a pretty special c...
Dec 30, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 208
Following an incredible morning duck hunt along a fabled river name he'd never before heard uttered, Ramsey meets with Roy Carter to learn more about this extremely unique and mallard-rich Kansas corner that's as wooded as Missouri's Bootheel region. Carter plows full steam ahead, describing why this area overwinters so many darned mallards, how his family's long history on the island began, why "diesel kills ducks," why he started Carter's Big Island Hunting Club decades ago--and much, much mor...
Dec 27, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 207
Ramsey Russell shares a great duck hunt on Colorado's South Platte River with Colin Mulligan and family. Their paths crossed while hunting in North Dakota. Mulligan tells Ramsey about growing up duck hunting in Colorado, his capstone project that has become bigger than he'd ever imagined, and where he sees himself and duck hunting going. Great glimpse into the future. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi G...
Dec 23, 2021•56 min•Ep. 206
Colorado's Front Range has a surprisingly good goose hunting and an interesting history. In the small town of Severance, Colorado, the billboard located in town center pretty much spells it out. In today's episode, Ramsey Russell swings through for a morning goose hunt and lunch, sharing a conversation with locals about why "geese fly and bulls cry" here. Bon appetit. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi G...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 205
From a small generator-powered cabin nestled beneath whispering cottonwoods on the South Platte River bank, Ramsey Russell meets with Flashback decoy inventor Tyler Baskfield between hunts. In a world slap full of gimmicky duck hunting stuff that usually doesn't doesn't perform as intended or last as long as we'd hoped, Baskfield's new American-made flashback decoy is a genuine ace up the sleeve in the "arms race" of duck hunting gear. In hearing Baskfield's interesting story, Ramsey learns that...
Dec 16, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 204
The North Platte River winds it’s way snake-like through the tumbleweed-infused Wild West on its eventual passage to the Gulf of Mexico, making this part of Wyoming a waterfowl-rich area that attracts many mallards and Canada geese. But it’s not the only reason this region has exceptional waterfowl hunting. Wyobraska Waterfowl’s personable JJ Randolph has been hunting and guiding along the North Platte River near here since forever. An incredibly articulate storyteller, he describes the local hu...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 203
Cody, Wyoming, was established in 1895 and epitomizes Wild West Wyoming. It bears Buffalo Bill Cody's name, but what was his true involvement in the town's origins? What was the area like when Cody was established, what was the significance of its location, what were some of the local industries, who were some colorfully notable characters? And how'd the Shoshone River derive its name? Taking a brief break from duck blind, Ramsey Russell adds cultural context to his Wyoming duck hunt by meeting ...
Dec 10, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 202
As the North American Waterfowl Tour takes him further into Wyoming, Ramsey Russell falls in with Todd Helms, Managing Editor of Eastmans' Hunting Journal and host of Eastmans' Wingmen USA podcast. Between a couple epic mornings mallard hunting private stretches of the nearby Shoshone River, Helms tells Ramsey about his waterfowl hunting origins at family "Goose Camp" in Michigan, what life events led him to Wyoming, what duck hunting and living in Wyoming entails. Contemplating the ongoing drou...
Dec 09, 2021•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 201
After a couple days chasing ducks together, Ramsey Russell discusses Wyoming duck hunting with Levi Cary. Born-and-raised Wyoming, Levi grew up hunting big game with family and only recently began seriously waterfowl hunting. Levi tells about growing up in Wyoming, why duck hunting appeals to him, how he began the Pull 'N Feathers podcast, and nuances of duck hunting in this part of the US. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Fla...
Dec 06, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 200
On the banks of an unnamed Montana river absolutely loaded with ducks and geese, Ramsey Russell meets with true friend "Redbeard" Ryan Yarnell after a couple challenging duck hunting days. A couple years in the making, the 2 hunting buddies got way more than they'd bargained, stories to last a lifetime and incentive for another hunt together. Life sometimes happens, but it's all about playing the hand you're dealt. Yarnell's story is living proof. Like hyper-planing over real skinny water down a...
Dec 02, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 199
Taking a break from this year's North America Waterfowl Tour, Ramsey Russell joins son, Forrest Russell and long-time friend Mr. Ian Munn, at camp for the Mississippi duck season opener. They talk about weekend highlights, habitat, life happenings and reminisce about their tradition of sharing the Mississippi Opener for decades. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks USHuntList It's really duck seas...
Nov 29, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 198
The front porch thermometer read 6 degrees one morning while Ramsey tried filling his swan tag in Eastern Montana. But hunting couple Chad and Tonya Sylvestre from New England had plenty other hunting opportunities to share in an open landscape stretching to all horizons. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys GetDucks USHuntList It's really duck season somewhere for 365 days per year. Follow Ramsey Russell's world...
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 197
Dr. Frank Rohwer grew up duck hunting the Chesapeake Bay, pursued a career in waterfowl-related applied sciences, and is currently President and Chief Scientist for Delta Waterfowl. After spending time together in a North Dakota duck blind, Rohwer and Ramsey Russell discuss Delta Waterfowl's origins and pertinent North American waterfowl management issues, to include a new proposed management scenario for northern pintails. How'd Rohwer's earlier hunting experiences influence career direction? W...
Nov 22, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 196
For 33 years, self-proclaimed snow goose capital of the world Kenmare, North Dakota (population 900) has held a week-long, community-wide celebration of local goose hunting traditions. It's called GooseFest. Ramsey Russell spent the week hunting with locals and enjoying festivities, meeting with organizers Arlen Gartner and Rick Harris to discuss how this event originated and why it remains important to Kenmare and surrounding communities. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanat...
Nov 19, 2021•53 min•Ep. 195
Autumn is usually incredible for field hunting ducks and geese in North Dakota, but this hard-boiled collection of dedicated diver duck hunters march to a different drum beat, choosing to chase canvasbacks, bluebills, redheads and more over a massive spread of traditional, hand-carved wooden blocks. Following a brisk morning in the blind, Ramsey Russell joins die-hard diver enthusiasts Jeff Pelayo, Eric Smith and Texan Mike Hruby for conversations about why this kind of hunting most appeals to t...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 194
The sun is setting on the rooftops of fabled Delta Waterfowl Research Station across the road, and gregarious Canada goose flocks are trading along the sprawling shores of Lake Manitoba when Ramsey Russell meets with Jim Leafloor, Head of Aquatic Unit for the Canadian Wildlife Service. Responsible for all migratory gamebird management activities throughout Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, Leafloor's team also oversees arctic goose banding programs. A lifelong waterfowl hunter himself, Leafloo...
Nov 15, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 193
Monday, November 11, 1940 was a federal holiday. The weather was mild but a cold front was rumored to be blowing in. Everyone went duck hunting. And many never returned. Jon Steffes of La Crescent, Minnesota, wrote the book Wings in the Wind: The Armistice Day Storm of 1940 (link below) based on his father's first-hand accounts as a 16 year-old duck hunter that was there and with old-timers that remembered that fateful day in US duck hunting history. On the 81st anniversary of the famous Armisti...
Nov 11, 2021•49 min•Ep. 192
There's no telling what surprising topic the next duck blind conversation will entail. Today's episode is proof. Before becoming a full-time Canadian hunting and fishing guide, Jason Hamilton was a marine mammal biologist in remote reaches of the Canadian Arctic. What was it like growing up in Canada, how'd he get started hunting, and what inspired him to such a career path? What's it like working in that part of the world and what critters did he work? Why did they have to handle process polar ...
Nov 10, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 191
It began on the Garwood Prairie. The famous Blue Goose Hunting Club was brainchild of colorfully legendary waterfowl hunting guide Marvin Tyler and spawned Texas's once world-famous snow goose hunting industry. Mike Lanier was only 13 years-old when his dad dropped him off at the Blue Goose Hunting Club to work. In this special episode of Duck Season Somewhere, he describes hunting snow geese back in the good ol' days before ATVs, e-callers, full-body decoys, telling stories about the salty pion...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 190
Paul Conchâtre owns and operates Birdtail Waterfowl in Manitoba Canada, served as President of Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association for 10 years, and remains extremely active in Manitoba tourism. When he says, "I'm all in," what's he mean? How'd he get started, what were his influences? How does he distinguish his program as very best? What advice does he offer to hunters shopping for hunts, and to those considering guide or outfitting careers? How important is hunting tourism to Canada? W...
Nov 05, 2021•59 min•Ep. 189
Alberta, Canada born-and-raised, Kerra Nisbet is a young, professional wildlife biologist that's been tagging snakes near major hibernaculars. Having developed a profound passion for ducks pursuant to volunteer banding activities, she explains how her recent duck hunting introductions brought her full circle as a biologist and, importantly, as a human being. How and why did she pursue a career in wildlife biology and how'd she find renewed life purpose handling ducks? How'd duck hunting complete...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 188
Known to their buddies as "the mixed bag kings," Jake Dahl and Spencer Podgurski have forsaken traditional big game hunting pursuits most popular among Canadian hunters for feathered fowl. They're a couple of young, savvy heavy-hitters that put in the miles and time scouting, playing for keeps while hunting. Snow geese are their passion. What was it like growing up in Canada, how many of their classmates hunted waterfowl, and what lead them to waterfowl over big game? What's the power hour? What...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 187
