Lured to Ramsey's Mississippi hunting camp by the prospect of cooking black bear venison for her first time--and it was absolutely amazing--The Gatherin' Girl, Chef Tori Loomis, takes a break from the kitchen to visit. After describing the several ways she's preparing venison heart, tenderloins, backstrap and shank, Loomis tells Ramsey about recent life happenings stretching from Florida to Utah and all points in between during her 35th journey around the sun. Loomis's recipe philosophy is like ...
May 16, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 246
There's a time and place everything. Kevin Nelms and Ramsey discuss planting agricultural hot crops such as corn, rice, and various millets to provide high-energy food sources for wintering waterfowl, complimenting natural moist-soil habitat to form a waterfowl complex. What are the pros and cons? How do site limitations affect crop selection, what excellent online resources are available to landowners for determining your property's soil type limitations? What is chiwapa millet and where's it a...
May 12, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 245
The times they are a-changin'. Hook-and-bullet waterfowl managers are becoming replaced by a new generation inspired into wildlife management more by watching nature channels than by formative hunting experiences. But isn't it kind of important that they recognize hunting's importance--the real dollars-and-cents support that we duck hunters bring to agency budgets? Joel Brice and Cyrus Baird explain why Delta Waterfowl thought it was very important and what they did about it. Describing why hand...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 244
In last week's episode we learned that Mexico is vital to many of our favorite North American duck species. Managing waterfowl that spans North America's entirety requires collective efforts, continental scale. After all, a chain's only as strong as its weakest link. What are habitat conditions like in Mexico, how productive are they, how much do they have? What are some of the greatest habitat threats? At the human level, how do you foster appreciation for such vital wetlands in a country where...
May 05, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 243
It's the classical story of art imitating life, of creative works being inspired by actual events. See, Tom Becke isn't a person; it's the original namesake of a very specific place on a map. And it was near there, as Radcliffe Menge describes in great detail, that ancestors ignited in him a passion for hunting. Importantly, the old school values they instilled are evident throughout his company's growing product line that in many ways pay tribute to those old-timers' family lore. Related Links:...
May 02, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 242
Many iconic North American duck species--some of our most favorite-- overwinter South-of-the-Border in Mexico sunshine and wetlands, but what awaits them down there? Is unregulated hunting why we're shooting so few pintails in the Lower 48?! Eduardo Carrera is a professional biologist and CEO of Ducks Unlimited Mexico (DUMAC). He and Ramsey have a fascinating, in-depth conversation that you definitely do not want to miss! Getting deep into the tules, Carrera covers waterfowl distribution, specie...
Apr 28, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 241
Internet news agencies are adding avian influenza headlines daily, and as waterfowl migrate northwards our social media feeds are streaming with ducks and geese succumbed to bird flu. Should we be worried? What's bird flu, how long's it existed, how does it spread, what are its different forms? Why are waterfowl important vectors? Will it be deleterious to waterfowl populations? Dr. Rebecca Poulson is an assistant research scientist at University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, Sout...
Apr 25, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 240
First recorded in 1929, did you know that the acclaimed Led Zepplin song "When the Levee Breaks" was about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927? On April 21, 1927, following months of unprecedented rainfall throughout a watershed covering much of the United States, the mainline Mississippi River levee crevassed north of Greenville, Mississippi, creating the worse US national disaster until Hurricane Katrina. The event shaped the Delta, Mississippi, national flood control policy. Some claim it eve...
Apr 21, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 239
Just a few minutes from home, Ramsey catches up with long-time friend Johnny McKinion on the antler-strewn front porch of Camp King Chekka Bobo. They cover a lot of interesting ground, about nothing mostly, to include in no particular order deer, ducks, turkeys, Rankin County, Old Charter bourbon, hunting camp rules and traditions, food, family. And after 20-plus years of friendship, Ramsey finally has to ask: what the heck does King Chekka BoBo even mean?! Damned good answer! Podcast Sponsors: ...
Apr 18, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 238
Managing waterfowl habitat to produce desirable, duck-beneficial moist-soil vegetation combines art, science and sometimes just plain luck because Mother Nature loves throwing curve balls. Kevin Nelms and Ramsey discuss problematic plant species and remedies. As USDA NRCS Wildlife Biologist in the Mississippi Delta, Nelms has spent decades designing and developing numerous private-lands waterfowl impoundments. He's worked extensively with private landowners throughout the region, improving desir...
Apr 14, 2022•57 min•Ep. 237
Food is one of the truest measures of local culture worldwide, maybe even more so among duck hunters. While exploring duck hunting in Guatemala, Ramsey's hosts made sure he experienced everything the small Central American country had to offer. None more so than today's guest, Alvaro Aguilar, who has a US background in culinary arts and is the official camp cook. He and Ramsey discuss time spent in the Southern US, classic Guatemalan dishes versus Mexican, why Guatemalan tamales are better, and ...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 236
Spring is in the air, meaning that for many private landowner's next year's duck season begins right now--it's time to start implementing waterfowl habitat plans, whipping those duck holes into shape. But how to begin? Building on previous discussions, Ramsey meets with wildlife biologist Kevin Nelms to discuss moist-soil vegetation management specifics, covering habitat types, natural most-soil vegetation values, water drawdown strategies and plant responses. As USDA Natural Resources Conservat...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 235
Ramsey continues exploring Guatemala duck hunting culture by visiting with host Andres Collia, discussing how suddenly the trip came together and Guatemala's famous "eternal spring" like weather. What were Collia's waterfowl hunting origins in a country with so few hunters? What species are hunted and what are bag limits like in Guatemala? Where do they get most of their hunting gear, guns and ammo? How has American duck hunting influenced Guatemala duck hunting, and how does hunting in his home...
Apr 04, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 234
Michael L. Schummer has been an avid duck hunter since way back when. What began humbly enough as a scientific way for putting more ducks over his decoys spawned into a career, eventually leading to his becoming a Senior Research Associate at SUNY ESF, where he conducts myriad waterfowl-related research. Having developed an algorithm that accurately predicts waterfowl migrational timing, he shares with Ramsey reasons that waterfowl migrate -- or not. Lots of fun and interesting stories, somethin...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 233
During an inaugural exploratory visit to Guatemala this month, Ramsey immersed himself fully into the local duck hunting culture thanks to the help of amazingly hospitable hosts he now regards as family. Though considered a world-class bill fishing destination, this small Central American country was full of many interesting surprises, great food, and blue-winged teal. Today's conversation with friend Eduardo "Toto" Samayoa is the first of a 3-part Guatemala duck hunting series that proves yet a...
Mar 28, 2022•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 232
Ducks all colors and sizes, white-winged doves, black brant, unique quail species and chunky large-mouth bass seasonally draw hunters and anglers from throughout the United States to this part of Mexico, but for different reasons. Duck hunting is highly subjective. Hunter expectations vary. Following eventful week-long hunts, Ramsey meets with freshly tanned Obregon guests to hear what they will most remember about their hunting experiences here. Beyond just the trigger-pulling, some of their an...
Mar 24, 2022•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 231
Situated in the Sonora Desert along the Sea of Cortez, the Yaqui Valley is one of Mexico's most productive breadbaskets, a fertile oasis of irrigation-based wheat production. Frank Ruiz grew up here and has delivered guided hunts since forever. He and Ramsey have now been working exclusively together for a decade. What was it like growing up in this part of Mexico, what are his hunting origins, and how'd he start outfitting? What makes hunting here unique? When did wheat farming come to the Yaqu...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 230
Really! What the heck is a "honeymoon duck hunt"?! As another fun-filled week winds to an end in sunny Mazatlan, Mexico, Ramsey meets poolside with duck hunters and non-hunting spouses to learn the answer to that burning question while enjoying frosty margaritas. How was the duck hunting? What duck species? How'd the hunting compare to duck hunting back home? Do non-hunters really enjoy it? Where do guests stay and how's the service? What do the ladies do while the men are hunting, what do they ...
Mar 17, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 229
It's another beautiful sunshine-filled February day in Mazatlan, Mexico and the resort is buzzing with happy tourists. Following the usual fast-paced morning duck hunt, Ramsey meets with long-time associate Ivan Paplovich, discussing all aspects of Mazatlan, Mexico duck hunting. What was it like growing up in Mexico and how'd Ivan get into the hunting industry decades ago? Why is Mazatlan a popular destination for both duck hunters and tourists alike? Are there really bag limits in Mexico--and a...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 228
Ramsey catches up with Boss Shotshells' Brandon Cerecke, discussing the past season, Cerecke's old school duck camp and habitat. They then get down to copper-plated business. What makes BOSS's cast of characters unique? How does good old fashioned work bring about life purpose? Are materials and components going to be easier to get this year? Is the global supply chain mended? What's BOSS's top-selling load? How do 3/5 loads compare to straight up 4s? What's Ramsey think of the little 1-ounce St...
Mar 07, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 227
Stale ducks. No ducks. Whether real or perceived, it sometimes comes with the territory. But is it getting better or worse? Is it really a function of flooded corn fields further up the flyway, or might there be other factors influencing migratory duck behaviors? Might modern duck hunter behavior be conditioning ducks to learn new scripts? Dr. Cohen is an Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Tennessee Tech. A long-time duck hunter himself, much of his research involving duck...
Mar 03, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 226
Born and raised duck hunting in Connecticut, Bill Embacher began carving traditional gunning decoys as a youngster. While he makes his living doing so today, it's come to mean more than that. Ramsey and he got to know each other through a black duck travel decoy. How'd he get started carving decoys? Who influenced his carving style? What's it like duck hunting in Connecticut, what's his typical gunning rig, how's hunting there changed--and how does practicing old-school traditions keep things on...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 225
Though he and Ramsey connected over their shared waterfowl hunting interest, Trevor Santos is Director of Government Relations and State Affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. In the same way that neither great duck hunts nor quality habitat happen by accident, there's a lot of behind-the-scenes efforts in ensuring that the firearms and hunting industries remain healthy in today's political climate. Today's episode gives us a glimpse behind that curtain. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shot...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 224
A gifted communicator, J. Alain Smith is a hunter, writer, musician and adventurer who has explored the world's farthest reaches. He's collected 350 different game species to include World Slams of Sheep and Goats, the North American Grand Slam of Sheep and the African Big 5. He's authored 6 books, produces the hit outdoor TV show Rugged Expeditions, is a Conklin Award winner, Weatherby Conservation Award recipient, and SCI International Hunter of the Year--and it all began as a youngster while ...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 223
Following 2 years of crazy pandemic-related border closures, Ramsey and long-time friend and indispensable GetDucks team-member Martha Ciaffoni are reunited at conventions. They recall memorable times working together and with clients in Argentina during the past decade-plus, discuss what Argentina hunting at Rio Salado and La Paz might be like after nearly 3 years of ducks not hearing shotguns, making plans for the upcoming season--and beyond. Ramsey also mentions a couple huge upcoming celebra...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 222
Described as the greatest outdoor TV producer is history, Chris Dorsey is a former wildlife biologist, author of many outdoor books, past Editor-in-Chief for Ducks Unlimited and Sports Afield magazines with works appearing not only in most outdoor magazines but in Newsweek, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal and Forbes. Having produced more than 2,000 episodes across 55 series, he's hunted and fished on 5 continents, taking all 29 North American big game species, Africa's Deadly 7 and ...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 221
Huh?! Can you hear me now?! Ramsey meets with audiologist Bill Dickinson, TETRA Hearing co-founder. This episode is purely tell-not-sell and highly informational. While comfortably delivering premium technology, TETRA gives hunters natural hearing experiences while still protecting their hearing. An articulate communicator, Dickinson explains how hearing works, how loud noise impairs hearing and why hunting different critters is not one-size-fits-all as far as our ears are concerned. He explains...
Feb 10, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 220
Spend a few day chasing ducks by day and huddling in hole-in-the-wall Mexican food restaurants at night teaches you a lot about the folks with whom you're sharing the best of times. Today's guest is no exception. Carlos Gomez recently retired as a game warden Oklahoma Department Wildlife Conservation. How'd Gomez growing up hunting in Oklahoma? How'd he get started into this particular line of work? How'd he work cases, and what were some of the most memorable? What's his sobering opinion on how...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 219
James Morel is a born-and-raised in Oklahoma, do-it-yourself waterfowler who especially loves sandhill crane hunting. He's also Wetlands and Migratory Bird Coordinator for Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, overseeing waterfowl habitat management, mid-winter waterfowl counts and various other waterfowl management responsibilities throughout Oklahoma. What's the big deal about sandhill cranes, how are they hunted? Which sandhill crane subspecies are hunted in Oklahoma and what are the ...
Feb 03, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 218
Real life isn't all rainbows and wildflowers. Sloane Brown is the Hunting Marketing Manager for one of the hottest name brands in the entire outdoor world, but that's what this episode is about. At all. Sloane's circuitous journey to the top began at the very bottom. Hunting fueled an addiction that ultimately became personal salvation, compelling him to new highs. Proving it ain't where you start but where you finish, today's episode is unvarnished testimony that you absolutely do not want to m...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 217
