Whether hunting as a freelancer hunter or with an outfitter, Manitoba's new waterfowl hunting regulations affects all foreign resident hunters intending to hunt waterfowl there. The recent announcement that foreign residents are now required to draw for 7-day waterfowl hunting permits exploded in controversy, with fingers pointing blame and casting suspicions in many directions. But the reasoning behind these controversial new regulations are, in fact, pretty darned simple. Birdtail Waterfowl's ...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 366
"Times have changed and I'd not be able to do it again," says Ryan Graves in speaking of his impressive antique duck call and duck hunting memorabilia collection. What started as a childhood hobby buying duck calls--because they were cheap--has grown up into an expertise that takes him neck deep into waterfowl's nostalgic past, and throughout modern-day United States with other call collecting associates. He gives Ramsey a tour of his collection--and a glimpse into the stories that collection re...
Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 365
From a Mississippi hilltop overlooking Gator Point Kennel's incredible technical pond and proven training grounds, Ramsey and long-time retriever trainer Alan Sandifer visit on the tailgate while resurrected-from-the-ashes Char Dawg pants quietly at their feet. Sandifer tells about how and why he got into professional training, describing what makes good retrievers, how retrievers all have different personalities, how best to prepare pups for training, why his training game differs from our hunt...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 364
From a 1.1 million peak in the late-1990s, the Great Lakes mallard population has declined to about 700 thousand. Meanwhile, there's been increased genetic infusion of game farm mallards that don't necessarily migrate as do wild-originated mallards. That could be a good thing for Great Lakes hunters, right? Or not? As part of a major study to determine why mallard populations are declining in the US, Brad Luukonen is completing his dissertation and University of Michigan. Luukonen sheds light on...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 363
In his legendary book Wild New World: The Epic Story of Animals & People in America , Dan Flores spins an incredible, historically-based yarn about North America's amazing wildlife resource from inception until now. Today we discuss unimaginably abundant fur, feather and flesh commodities the likes of which humanity had never before--nor since--ever witnessed, how and why that resource was so quickly depleted as compared to preceding centuries, and how the same capitalistic ideals applied th...
May 29, 2023•2 hr•Ep. 362
Urban sprawl exists a half-hour drive away. But Greg Harkins's lifestyle is embodied by hand-crafting wooden rockers from personally selected, start-to-finish milled red oaks from the swamp behind his Madison County, Mississippi, home. They're intended to last generations. And do. His shop is a half-century-old pole barn rife with antlers, chickens, raw lumber and various other natural materials necessary for plying this lost art. A natural storyteller, he fondly remembers hunting with his dad, ...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 361
"No one in Manhattan is ever further than 30 feet from a rat," explains Richard Reynolds, a long-time associate of the Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society, or R.A.T.S. for short. And in New York City's legendary rat abundance, Reynolds and associates find huge recreational opportunities--hunting Norwegian rats with savvy 8-dog packs. Reynolds colorfully describes how and where rats are hunted, strategies, rat characteristics and habitat, dog breeds and, associated perils-- like why first-timers sh...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 360
Ridr Knowelton grew up in New York's Catskill Mountains, cutting his teeth on small game like the rest of us. He's since spent the past 30 years fishing and hunting around the world. Interestingly, it isn't so much critters hunted that he most remembers but hunting guides--and especially their stories. Today he shares stories about a harrowing arctic rescue mission during a whiteout blizzard that lead to marriage, mules dancing in local saloons, growing up in yesteryear Everglades and much more....
May 18, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 359
Dave Gaston Custom Calls' origin is a winds-like-a-snake duck hunting story that begins with western Alabama childhood, meanders through memorable friendships while chasing ducks in Mississippi and Arkansas, finds him apprenticing under one of Arkansas's most legendary call makers, and leaves him at home right where it all began. Only nowadays he spends his time carrying on on the tradition; turning duck calls as a tribute, in part, to those great people now passed. That and telling damned good ...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 358
Renown waterfowl photographer Gary Kramer is back with lots of amazing new stories gleaned while putting together his legendary Waterfowl of the World and beyond. He takes us 'round-the-world, covering recent bucket-list trips like Antartica penguin watching and Greenland king eider hunting, as well as photo safariing India wild tigers, Morocco red-crested pochards and ever-elusive masked ducks. Bringing it home, he describes balancing photographing with shotgunning and how both have shaped his ...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 357
Nearly 9,500 miles away from the US, the heated battle between Australian duck hunters and anti-hunters has hit a fevered pitch. Sustainable duck hunting for future generations seems dire. Providing an update from the front lines, my long-time Australian duck hunting associates, Glenn Falla and Trent Leen, describe what's going on, why the ongoing season is a critical juncture, and how antis have forsaken science-based waterfowl conservation practices and funding to serve an emotionally fueled a...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 356
Here's the deal: You plan the absolute hunt-of-a-lifetime many months in a advance and then--BAM--when you least expect it, expect it. Life happens! Your long-awaited hunting trip is interupted, cancelled or worse. Now what? After 20-plus years organizing hunts worldwide, we've seen it all. Global Rescue's Justin Walker and Ramsey discuss sticky and unfortunate clients experiences they've seen over the years, discussing best and most affordable options for anyone hunting anything, anywhere. Whet...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 355
"There's hardly been a day in my life I've not owned a bird dog," says 100-years-old Garrett Lockee while telling about chasing wild quail for most of his life. The National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee, became his tribute to yesteryear bird hunters and the beloved bird dogs that define a bygone American era. Describing in colorful detail stories about his family, fondest memories and favorite dogs, Lockee characterizes perfectly the heyday of American quail hunting, how and why ...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 354
Waterfowl historian Dr. Wayne Capooth describes duck hunting in America way back in the 1600-1700s when the first colonists arrived to a real-life Garden of Eden. Describing their growing pains, how they hunted, what they hunted with and how natives taught them to hunt better, we end up discussing hunting George Washington's duck hunting experiences and other famous duck hunting US presidents. __________ Wayne Capooth's Historic Duck Hunting Stories Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 353
How does pressure affect duck hunting success? Or does it? Is it just the shooting, or do other related disturbance factors affect hunting success? How do ducks respond to hunting pressure? And what about busting out refuges -- or changing sanctuary areas up to ensure ducks fly over our decoys instead? Dr. Bradley Cohen is back to explain the complex relationship between hunters, hunting pressure and waterfowl behavior, offering research-based suggestions for how we can mitigate disturbing "our ...
Apr 24, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 352
To hear old school Mississippi wildlife photographer Stephen Kirkpatrick tell it, the passion began while duck hunting with his father in Louisiana swamps but quickly evolved. Countless hours immersing himself in neck-deep water, getting eyeball level with wild ducks in a home-made muskrat hut, changing film rolls with frozen fingers, snapping photos a single frame at a time culminated in 1989 with "Whistling Wings," the first-ever-of-its-kind book depicting only wild ducks in flight. Kirkpatric...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 351
You'd about have to figure that "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" likely has tremendous waterfowl hunting history. It sure does! One hundred sixty years worth of duck club history and then some! Steve Knutson grew up an avid duck hunter in Otter Tail County, that has more lakes than any other county in the US. In today's episode, he takes us on a colorful tour of famous lakes, prominent yester-year waterfowlers, historic duck camps, far-reaching traditions, and the much sought-after ducks that shaped M...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 350
Established in 1895, Dockery Plantation was a sprawling 25,000-acre property in the primeval Mississippi Delta, employing 2,000 laborers and now deeply entrenched in blues music history. In describing Dockery Plantation's colorful past, local historian and avid turkey hunter Bill Lester shares his own artistry with listeners. It's certain to be familiar music to the ears of anyone that enjoys the springtime woods! Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns htt...
Apr 13, 2023•59 min•Ep. 349
Listen up, folks! Lucas Mashtare has been with Tetra Hearing since the very beginning. And in the world of pursuit-based hearing protection, they're now at the very top of the heap. But why? Lucas explains how Tetra Hearing systems work to protect the only only set of hearing the Good Lord gave us, how their innovative systems have evolved, and what systems are available. He also describes how Tetra Hearing--and customers--give back with a 2% for Conservation Program. Can you hear me now? Dang s...
Apr 10, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 348
Duck Unlimited's David Schuessler is back in the studio! We recap the past duck season, agreeing that for many reasons it was the best its been in along while. He also gives an update of the Into the Vault online auction, hinting at what items are already showing up for next year! "You can see, try and buy anything duck hunting related under the sun," he says about the upcoming everything outdoors Ducks Unlimited Expo (DUX) that'll be May 5-7 at Texas Motor Speedway. Tune in to hear why you'll p...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 347
Lt. John Nores, Jr. (now retired) grew up duck hunting in California. He was still a young game warden when accidentally stumbling into his first illegal marijuana grow in the heavily wooded outskirts of California civilization. His career remainder was defined by Marijuana Eradication Taskforce investigations throughout California. The scope of illegal grows in California and throughout the entire United States is staggering, generating cash-crop sales exponentially greater than the sum of whea...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 346
Hunting destinations attract certain hunter mind-sets. During a recent Mazatlan Mexico duck hunting adventure, guests came from all walks of life, a real US coast-to-coast representation of hunters. Most were solo hunter bookings. They describe how duck hunting in Mazatlan compares to hunting back home, what they enjoyed most, favorite species, meals, lodging, and, of course, the people they met. Their vacation experiences are absolute proof that birds of a feather flock together. Whether curiou...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 345
Mallard ducks, absolute rockstars of duck hunting universe. Found throughout Northern Hemisphere, they're prized for their beauty, size, and succulence. Practically the entire dabbling duck hunting playbook was scripted for mallards. But did you know there are 13 mallard-like species worldwide (both hemispheres among 5 continents)? They share similar habitats, vocalizations and behavior, but why does only the iconic Mallard have colorful breeding plumage? From which of the 13 did they all origin...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 344
Howard Harlan lives on the outskirts Nashville, where he grew up duck hunting and has been a hunting memorabilia collector for as long as can be remembered. At one time, his duck call collection was world's largest and depicted in his book, "The Legacy of the American Duck Call." In discussing American duck call origins, he describes where and why the duck call was likely invented, how and why it evolved, favorite call makers, how he got started and why he sold his collection. Plenty of great st...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 343
Hunting is conservation, and we all preach its merits. Unfortunately, too oftentimes we're mostly just preaching to our own choir members. Introduced by her immigrant father to the great outdoors while a child, it wasn't until pursuing a journalism degree that Gabriella Hoffman embraced guns and hunting--and found footing in hunting advocacy. The myriad ways anti-hunters undermine hunting value is mind-boggling, and we discuss ways you'd never imagine. For her, it's about setting the record stra...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 342
Guatemala is a new up-and-coming, work-in-progress GetDucks hunt. It'll eventually get there, but while visiting recently, was reminded of just how challenging these start-from-scratch hunts can be. In today's episode, I meet with a couple longtime, been-there-done-that associates to hear their thoughts. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes glimpse that social media posts don't really depict. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/sh...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 59 min
A lifelong Virginian, 22 year-old Chris Lacativa cut his teeth hunting with his dad and was first introduced to Safari Club International at age 10. He's now their digital marketing specialist. Our conversation spins around hunting in Virginia, how a young person became involved with the preeminent First For Hunters organization in America, and its importance to all hunters of all ages--or damned well should be. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 340
Last year's plans were derailed when we received positive test results on the way, but we finally made it to Azerbaijan happen. Meeting with father and son operators of North Dakota's oldest waterfowl resort, our long awaited Azerbaijan duck hunt is discussed. Tun in to hear about this unique hunting destination. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns Tetra Hearing https://tetrahearing.com/ Ducks Unlim...
Mar 06, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 339
The Great Confluence is North America's largest, occurring just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, and comprised of the Missouri, Illinois and Missouri rivers. There are 75,000-100,000 acres nearly contiguous habitat managed by private landowners and clubs dating back to the 1800s. In a state that's lost 90% of its wetlands habitat, the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance was created to hold the fort. Long-time friend Mike Checkett joins us today, describing this amazing region, it's long-standing import...
Mar 02, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 338
The world's a whole lot bigger than our own back yards, and about half-way around the world nestled right up against the Caspian Sea is Azerbaijan. Find it on a map. We all had to the first time. There are surprisingly long-standing duck hunting traditions. While there chasing unicorn duck species, there's no ignoring cool-factor surroundings. Back for the first time since the pandemic, Ramsey meets with long-time associate, deep diving into a cultural backdrop that makes Azerbaijan duck hunting...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 337
