The Mississippi teal opener was lackluster except for the fact that I was joined by both sons, Forrest and Duncan, and our long-time Mr. Ian for the first time in several years. We've shared Mississippi blue-winged teal and duck openers for nearly 20 years, since before the boys could shoot. Together again at camp, we recall past times. Podcast Sponsors: Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Ducks Unlimited https://www...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 396
To alleviate burgeoning traffic, 10 possible traffic routes have been proposed for a new Tennessee River bridge in Decatur, a northern Alabama town. SIX proposed routes cut through Swan Creek WMA, favored by duck hunters for generations, directly and negatively impacting duck hunting in one of the only public properties available regionally. Regional Director Franz Schnabl, along with Alabama Delta Waterfowl volunteers James Moyer, Keaton Kenny, Connor Forteberry and Kylie Suchy explain the deba...
Sep 20, 2023•54 min•Ep. 395
Behind the levee is magical; a wonderland if hunting and fishing wild, mostly untamable places in the Deep South is your thing. Long-time friend and storyteller, Jim Crews, takes us behind the levee, sharing stories from a special place his family's now hunted for 4 generations. Podcast Sponsors: Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Flash Back Decoys https://www.duckcreekdecoys.co...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 394
"Luring that fish from his world into mine was life changing," remembers American outdoors legend Bill Dance when describing earliest fishing memories. It changed his life and many others, like myself, that have followed him since the 1970s. Bill Dance talks about his greatest influences, proudest accomplishments, getting started into professional fishing, life lessons, self-deprecating bloopers, and much, much more. His incredible wealth of treasured information and gifted storytelling will hav...
Sep 14, 2023•2 hr 15 min•Ep. 393
Wingshooting South Africa is an amazingly immersive tour encompassing ducks, geese, and upland game birds spanning 3 provinces--from Jo'berg to the Indian Ocean--but what types of hunters does this half-way-across-the-world hunt attract? Are they trophy species collectors? Experience collectors? Are they since-forever seasoned hunters? Relatively new to the sport? Tune in as Ramsey wraps up an epic 11-day South Africa tour by visiting with a collection of hunters that are as unique as the numero...
Sep 11, 2023•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 392
Atlantic Flyway mallard and Canada goose limits have doubled for the upcoming season! But why? US Fish and Wildlife Service's Atlantic Flyway Representative, Patrick Devers, explains this and much more. Sprawling civilization and a broad array of species complicates waterfowl management in the Atlantic Flyway. In discussing issues and strategies, we fall headlong into topics involving differing adaptive harvest management models applied among US flyways, old world mallard genetic influences, bla...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 391
For Illinois River decoy carver, Pat Gregory, carving gunning waterfowl decoys is a family tradition that reflects where, what and how he, his ancestors and mentors have hunted waterfowl since way back when. He's big into traditions and waterfowling history like that. While sitting in ankle-deep wood chips at his makeshift shop at Delta Waterfowl Expo, Gregory explains how his decoys and carving methods speak about him as a carver, hunter and human being. So why not just pitch plastic decoys? In...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 390
Listen up! Tetra Hearing revolutionized hearing technology by perfecting protection and enhancing targeted listening. American hunters responded and they've quickly risen all the way to the very top. Likewise, their staff's grown leaps and bounds, too. Because great companies are about their people--about staff that respond to your customer service needs and help you find the very best solutions--in today's episode we introduce you the Tetra Hearing's growing family members. Amy Hall, Heath Hanc...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 389
International duck hunts are great ways to extend hunting season, see more world, put your hands on new waterfowl species. Whether collecting experiences, trophies, or both, most traveling hunters want to bring home beautiful specimens. While it's mostly "just paperwork and protocols," it's still kind of a big deal---necessarily way, way more involved than bringing home a sombrero or gift shop coffee mug. Long-time US Fish and Wildlife Inspector, Jeff Moore, works several ports of entry along th...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 388
The Shoshone River, the world-famous Big Horn River and the Clark’s Fork of the Yellow Stone River make northeast Wyoming special. Especially when it comes to chasing fat greenheads and honkers--and what a view! Noah Miller talks about growing up, hunting experiences, what lead him into guiding waterfowl, and why duck hunting this out-of-the-way corner of Wyoming is unique. Mountain View Mallards: Call Matt Schauer at 952-212-4828 to inquire. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshe...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 387
"He wasn't just telling history and collecting stuff. He was writing about a lot of people he grew up with, collecting many things he'd actually used or heard about during boyhood," says Joe Walsh of his father, Dr. Harry Walsh that authored the landmark book, Outlaw Gunner. Covering some market hunting tools-of-the-trade and old-ways practices while speculating when the last punt guns were likely fired on the Chesapeake Bay--because some old habits died hard--gives way to stories about who Joe'...
Aug 21, 2023•59 min•Ep. 386
When and why did the great State of Arkansas become synonymous with mallard ducks? Describing land features then and now, and legendary properties, hunting guides and call makers, Brent Birch of Little Rock, Arkansas, explains. Related Links: The Grand Prairie https://arkansasgrandprairie.com/products/the-grand-prairie-hard-cover Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns Tetra Hearing https://tetrahearing...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 385
Eight-two year-young Phil Stanton cut his teenaged duck hunting teeth hunting among salty, yesteryear watermen that braved Massachusetts's rocky coast for seaducks, quandy and coots, as they were colloquially referred. Eider ducks have predominated his entire life since. His incredibly colorful then-versus-now stories about eiders, hunters, techniques and gear; about oil-spill rehabilitation attempts; and about pioneering new eider breeding colonies leaves little doubt that he is, indeed, the Ei...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 384
Following an action-packed week shooting ducks, doves, decoying pigeons and catching golden dorado, Ramsey gathers round the supper table to hear what guests will most remember about their week at La Paz. He then visits with world famous hostess, Martha Martha. Their answers might surprise you. Then again, maybe not! Whether curious about hunting south of the equator or choosing your next destination, you'll appreciate these candid perspectives. Related Link: GetDucks La paz Argentina Duck-Dove-...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 383
When you come to a fork in the road, take it. Today's conversation proves the point. John Odell was Arizona's Migratory Game Bird Coordinator when, 20 years into his career, he abruptly moved to Buenos Aires to pursue culinary arts. But he's now cooking up way more than "meat over fire!" While many people--myself included--have believed that overharvest inevitably resulted in the near-total collapse of Cordaba's formerly immense eared dove population, Odell thinks otherwise. He's now setting the...
Aug 07, 2023•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 382
Justin Mueller grew up on a central Minnesota dairy farm and recalls the time his mother broke out a map to figure out where his first videography assignment was taking him (in Iowa). He's since seen lots of hunting world through the lens! Following a couple weeks working together, Ramsey meets with Mueller to hear how Argentina as viewed through a camera lens compared to his own over-the-shotgun view. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.ben...
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 381
Argentina's Parana River Delta is second only to the Amazon River in size. But as viewed from a floating duck camp located tens of miles from even the nearest dirt road, you'd hardly know the difference--wild, unspoiled marsh stretching to the horizon in all directions. And ducks. Lots of them. Accessing such remoteness requires an hour-and-a-half boat ride, but accommodations, services and hospitality are far from spartan. To the contrary. Immersed in the middle of nowhere, world-class duck hun...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 380
This Argentina duck hunting combo has been a long-time client favorite, but besides hot-barrel action for ducks, doves, and decoying wild pigeons, what makes it really stand out? We 5 hunters brought our non-hunting spouses along, too. Fun-filled vacation for everyone? Tune in to hear how you really can have your cake and eat it too! Related Links: La Paz Argentina Duck Hunting Combo Wingshooting Adventure https://www.getducks.com/hunts/argentina-duck-hunting-la-paz/ Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shots...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 379
American evolutionary biologist Shane Campbell-Staton is host of the 6-part PBS documentary Human Footprint. He recounts some of the most interesting, funny and surprising experiences--like running down a river wearing a helmet and covered in fish slime. We wonder why some folks seem so disconnected from nature and who humans should be as a species. Check out Human Footprint on PBS, details below. __________ HUMAN FOOTPRINT , a new six-part PBS science documentary, premieres Wednesdays, July 5 -...
Jul 24, 2023•59 min•Ep. 378
"Making turtle soup," is how today's guest, Douglas Spale from Kansas City describes a round-about conversation of topics like the one we enjoy in today's episode. Though he grew up hunting along Nebraska's Platte River, a move to Chicago gave him the bug for travel hunting throughout the United States with a couple retriever and bird dog sidekicks, mixing it up on public land, and sharing his stories. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.ben...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 377
Argentina's ongoing drought is the worse since 1901, and in a landscape predominated by ephemeral wetlands, that's a really big deal. Unless you've got a foolproof plan. Gathered before a roaring fire in a newly renovated, 1800s-era estancia, Ramsey joins the Argentina Duck Hunt Giveaway Contest Winner, first-time and long-time guests--and the outfitter that always makes it happen--to hear their perspectives about this trip-of-a-lifetime Argentina duck hunting experience. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS ...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 376
Hunting generates gazillions of dollars for wildlife conservation, and everyone in society benefits from wildlife conservation, right? Then why are anti-hunting organizations reinventing the world-envied North American Model by removing crucial hunting-related funding from wildlife management?! Just who the f-bomb are these groups, how are they replacing hard science with social science, how are they leveraging the public trust doctrine against us and--you can not make this stuff up--putting us ...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 375
Falconry, an ancient sport dating back thousands of years, has been called the Sport of Kings. Casey Everett's passion for falconry started humbly while observing manned hawks hunting squirrels during a homeschooling field trip. In a captivating exploration of this fascinating sport, Everett delves into the tight-knit falconry culture. He discusses selecting different bird species based on their personalities and hunting styles, as well as the processes of capturing, conditioning, and training f...
Jul 10, 2023•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 374
There's just something about snow geese---and what better way to muster through scorching hot summer days than talking about cooler weather while watching white birds spinning overhead?! Full-time waterfowl outfitter Mat Schauer of Northern Skies Outfitters hunts snow geese in Saskatchewan during the fall and spring, chasing them down their entire flyway and back again. Schaur and Ramsey compare hunting snow geese north of the border versus further south, and more. __________ Northern Skies Outf...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 373
These are interesting--and challenging--times. Especially for northern pintails and us duck hunters that hold these sprig-tailed, chocolate-headed beauties in high regard. On the one hand, science now demonstrates unequivocally that a 3-pintail bag limit will not affect pintail populations---and might be forthcoming in upcoming seasons! On the other hand, the continental pintail population is perilously close to the threshold below which there will be no hunting them at all in the Lower 48! Mitc...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 372
Like many others, Nick Johnson began waterfowl hunting with his dad, soon becoming the most skilled caller in the blind. And like many others, as he grew older he wanted to experience more of North America's waterfowling than was available in his home state. Determined to create opportunities for himself, he hatched a plan. Now a guide for Prairie Limits Outfitters, he's also developed the instructional Goose Tec mobile app and has his own signature call among the Pacific Calls' lineup. Whether ...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 371
"Wildlife dies without a sound; the only voice is yours," says retired US Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Rich Grosz in reference to soul-shaping life lessons gleaned as a child while patrolling with his dad, who was himself a larger-than-life federal game warden. Knowing in grade school he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, Grosz's federal law enforcement career ran the thin green line gamut--wildlife inspector, refuge law enforcement, special agent. Even in retirement, his pas...
Jun 26, 2023•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 370
Delta Waterfowl's John Devney and Ramsey run through a flurry of interesting waterfowl-related topics. Now-versus-then habitat conditions, pintail productivity, an ever-changing landscape, predator communities, and much more are covered. Boom or bust? It's all about more ducks, right? Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns Tetra Hearing https://tetrahearing.com/ Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Mo...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 369
Evolutionary biologist turned film producer Nate Dappen describes "Human Footprint," an upcoming 6-part documentary, as a profound exploration of how humans shape the planet and what it reveals about our collective identity. As the documentary delves into human impact, it raises questions about the role of waterfowl hunting in today's world and how the experience of duck hunting may influence non-hunting viewers. These intriguing topics were intimately explored while filming the “Top Predator” e...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 368
"Storm is threatening my life today. If I don't get some shelter. ooh yeah I'm gonna fade away" sing The Rolling Stones. But regards duck hunting success, does sanctuary help or hurt? Opinions vary from opening refuges to hunting or closing refuges up north to just moving sanctuary boundaries seasonally. What are your thoughts?! Based on research projects he's been involved with during his career, US Fish and Wildlife Service waterfowl ecologist Heath Hagy takes Ramsey on a deep dive into the co...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 367
