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! Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPod...
Aug 16, 2025•50 min
Sydnie Wells, Tim Wells, and Nathan Hogg of Dive Bomb Industries join hosts Matt Harrison and Jimbo Robinson live from DUX 2025. From swapping stories about memorable past hunts to sharing their excitement for upcoming seasons, the crew dives into the passion, projects, and plans shaping the year ahead. It’s a laid-back, fun conversation straight from the show floor at DUX. Join us next year at DUX 2026!! Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
Aug 14, 2025•30 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Jimbo Robinson welcomes an inspiring group of FFA leaders: Thad Bergschneider and Caroline Groth, National FFA Officers. They discuss the longstanding partnership between FFA and Ducks Unlimited, which began in 2014 during the National Expo. Mark Horobetz shares insights on how this collaboration has evolved, highlighting the shared values and opportunities for engagement between the two organizations. Tune in to learn more about the impact of...
Aug 12, 2025•55 min
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! Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feed...
Aug 09, 2025•40 min
In this episode of the DU Podcast, host Katie Burke is joined by Zac Zetterberg, Curator of Art at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, and Korey Rodgers, Director of Collections at the Shelburne Museum, for an in-depth conversation about the renowned Peterson Collection of goose decoys. Together, they discuss the origins of the collection, their personal connections to it, and some of their favorite decoys. The episode also explores regional decoy styles, contemporary artists featured in the collectio...
Aug 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
DU chief scientist, Dr. Steve Adair, joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Scott Stephens to discuss reports and observations of spring and summer habitat conditions, what it might mean for duck numbers, and how it could affect your hunting success this year. Anecdotal reports indicate continued widespread prairie drought, dry conditions and fire in the Boreal Forest, but stable to good conditions in eastern Canada. Drs. Steve, Mike, and Scott offer their annual prognostications for what the duck and p...
Aug 05, 2025•50 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DU...
Aug 02, 2025•37 min
In this episode, podcast co-host Matt Harrison dives deep into the world of land management with an experienced and passionate panel: land manager Guy Halbert, fellow outdoorsman Michael Harrison, and co-host of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Dr. Jerad Henson. Together, they share conversations about the ups and downs of managing land for waterfowl and conservation. From battling tough seasons to celebrating the rewarding results of restoration and habitat creation, this episode sheds light on the...
Jul 31, 2025•46 min
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 Katie, 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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@duc...
Jul 26, 2025•32 min
On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast Dr. Jerad Henson welcomes the guys back from Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center to discuss all things about ducks and acorns. Dr. Ryan Askren, the center’s director, and Biologist Brandon Bennett share their insights and knowledge on bottomland hardwood and red oak ecology and management for waterfowl. Tune in to learn more about this storied waterfowl habitat and how we are now getting better ideas on best management practices. Listen now :...
Jul 24, 2025•59 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
Jul 19, 2025•33 min
In this episode of the DU Podcast, host Katie Burke is joined by Mark Petrie, Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Conservation Planning, and co-host Mike Brasher to discuss Mark’s new book, The Canada Goose: Etched in Time, Carved in Wood . Together, they explore the process behind the book’s creation, the historical and conservation themes woven throughout, and the artistry of Canada goose decoy carving. Katie also shares details about the upcoming Canada Goose exhibition at the Ducks Unlimited Water...
Jul 17, 2025•58 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
Jul 12, 2025•42 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by guest co-host Dr. Ellen Herbert and Ducks Unlimited biologist Abe Lollar to discuss the Ogallala Aquifer Program. The conversation highlights how this initiative addresses societal issues while aligning with DU's mission of waterfowl conservation and habitat work. Dr. Herbert shares her insights on the broader impact of DU's work beyond just benefiting ducks, emphasizing the value it brings to other wildlife and p...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
Jul 05, 2025•46 min
Hey everyone, this is Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to just take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and meaningful 4th of July, our Independence Day. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded of the freedoms that we cherish and the responsibility that we all share to protect the natural resources that make this country so special. At Ducks Unlimited, our mission has always been rooted in conservation, stewardship, and service to something large...
Jul 04, 2025•2 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
Jun 28, 2025•30 min
Celebrate the 4th with BBQ legend Malcom Reed of How to BBQ Right as he joins host Jerad Henson for a cookout packed with flavor and tips. From smoked queso to duck breast and firecracker wings, this episode is your guide to simple, crowd-pleasing holiday recipes. Whether you're at the lake or in the backyard, this episode has everything you need for a delicious, no-fuss 4th of July. What’s Inside: Easy smoked queso with wild game sausage Crispy, juicy wings with firecracker sauce Duck done righ...
Jun 26, 2025•27 min
"There's nothing adaptive about AHM!" Why is this viewpoint wrong? "Follow the science!" Why is it not that simple? On this episode, Kayci Messerly and Dr. Mike Brasher go on location at the US Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center to visit with Dr. Mike Runge, quantitative ecologist, to learn about the unparalleled history and legacy of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in making North American waterfowl management the envy of the world. Home to the Bird Banding Lab, Waterfowl...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 29 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Jun 21, 2025•26 min
In this episode, renowned outdoorsman Fred Zink sits down with host Matt Harrison for a conversation full of wild stories, expert insights, and practical tips for hunters at any level. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In the final installment of our Labrador Retriever series, host Nathan Ratchford, co-host John Gordon, and guest Craig Koshyk—a respected dog historian, photographer, and author of Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals —explore the breed’s history coming back to North America. This episode explores the rise of field trials in North America, the influence of key breeders and trainers, and the legendary dogs—like King Buck—who left an indelible mark on the sporting world. Listen now : www.du...
Jun 17, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and Kayci Messerly sit down with Dr. Tony Celis-Murillo and Dr. Lauren Walker of the USGS Bird Banding Lab (BBL) for a deep dive into the history and legacy of bird banding. They explore the function of the BBL, the vital roles of its staff, and how banding data contribute to our understanding of waterfowl populations, migration patterns, and annual harvest regulations. From reward bands to surprising recoveries, Tony and Lauren bring to life the science and ded...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 17 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Jun 14, 2025•26 min
Paranormal powerhouses Kyle Philson and Cam Hale from Expanded Perspectives are back with DU Podcast host Matt Harrison for another chilling, campfire-worthy episode. Following the massive success of their previous conversation, this follow-up digs even deeper into the eerie stories shared by DU Podcast listeners. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or a curious skeptic, these stories will make you think twice before your next walk in the woods. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback ...
Jun 12, 2025•58 min
In Part 2 of our Labrador history series, host Nathan Ratchford, co-host John Gordon, and special guest Craig Koshyk—a dog historian, photographer, and author of Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals —continue their discussion with a focus on the breed’s development in the United Kingdom. They examine how selective breeding refined the Labrador into a capable and reliable gun dog, the role of the British aristocracy in shaping early bloodlines, and how the breed began to gain popularity qu...
Jun 10, 2025•40 min
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 brings his decades of experience to the show to discuss the best ways to approach picking a puppy. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
Jun 07, 2025•32 min
Dr. Lisa Kercher, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Kayci Messerly for a lesson in Virology 101 and an update on the hunt for genetic changes in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Learn about the process of reassortment, how it produces new viruses, and how these changes influence the evolving risks of HPAI. Dr. Kercher also shares stories from her mobile testing lab (BIRDWATCH), including experiences and anxious days in the field with duck researchers and b...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds, and while ducks and geese have long been a bright spot, their lights are dimming. On this co-branded episode, join Ramsey Russell of "It's Duck Season Somewhere," as he interviews Dr. Mike Brasher and breaks down bird declines by major groupings and explains why birds are disappearing—some faster than others. Also discussed are the challenges of celebrating successes without become complacent and a reminder that hunter-funded conservatio...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 7 min
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. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
May 31, 2025•31 min
