Kyle Spragens of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joins the podcast for a look back on the 2022-23 season in the Pacific Northwest and a wide-ranging discussion about the hidden gems that Washington offers to waterfowl hunters. Items discussed include drought, 2022 duck production, important geographies and duck species across Washington, avian flu, the pace of migration, hunter success, and the diverse goose hunting opportunities available in the state. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Feb 28, 2023•45 min
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Jay Anglin, who covers the Great Lakes Region throughout the waterfowl season for DU’s highly popular Migration Alerts. Anglin details Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio hunting and habitat conditions as the season progressed through the fall. The trio discuss the storms that played out across the region and how precipitation, temperatures, and habitat variance impacted waterfowl migrations and hunting. www.ducks.or...
Feb 24, 2023•33 min
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Heath Hagy, waterfowl ecologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for a deep dive into how this waterfowl season shaped up for Mississippi and Central Flyway hunters. The trio discuss the timeline of events from spring breeding habitat all the way through January and how changing conditions impacted specific regions. Hagy provides an in-depth perspective from the National Wildlife Refuges he surveyed throughout the season and poin...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 27 min
Hunting seasons are winding down, ducks and geese are gearing up for breeding, and it’s never too early to think about prairie habitat conditions. Dr. Scott Stephens joins the show in glorious fashion to share insights on late winter snowpack, prairie moisture, and what needs to happen to improve wetland conditions prairie-wide. We also discuss winter trapping, ice fishing, and learn about Scott’s favorite walleye lure. Spoiler alert, it’s not nightcrawlers! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Feb 17, 2023•31 min
In recent weeks, avian flu has received increasing media coverage as new infections have been documented in mammals. Following from conversations with wildlife disease experts, observations from waterfowl managers, and new data from the field, this episode provides the latest on our understanding of how the disease unfolded across North America this past fall, its impacts on waterfowl populations, and what the continued risks and uncertainties are for hunters, waterfowl, poultry, and beyond. www...
Feb 15, 2023•28 min
We’ve all heard the stories or experienced it ourselves…bright moonlit nights affecting duck behaviors and making for tough hunting the next day. But what does science tell us about this phenomenon? Do ducks really move more during bright nights and less the next day? Starla Phelps, graduate student at University of Arkansas-Monticello sits down with Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss her recently completed research and share what she learned by marking and tracking over 200 ducks. www.ducks.org/DUPodc...
Jan 31, 2023•41 min
Listen in as John Gordon, host of the DU Podcast, welcomes Henry and Lakeisha Woodard of HALO to the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters in Memphis. In this episode, the Woodard’s share their thoughts on their recent appearance on DU Nation, discuss the vital role the outdoors plays in their family life, and reminisce about memorable hunting experiences. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the importance of preserving and promoting the outdoor lifestyle. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Jan 27, 2023•42 min
Few things are more exciting for waterfowl hunters than harvesting that once-in-a-lifetime hybrid. Invariably, the feat leads to excited discussion and questions about which two species produced it, how it happened, and of course, whether hybrids are sterile. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher asks the expert, Dr. Phil Lavretsky, that most important question… Are hybrid waterfowl sterile? www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Jan 26, 2023•23 min
Photographer and retired waterfowl biologist, Gary Kramer, joins hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings to share how he traveled to some of the most remote places on Earth to photograph several of the rarest waterfowl species for his book, “Waterfowl of the World" . Kramer's book is the greatest collection of waterfowl photography for every single species of waterfowl in the world, including a summary of information about each species. The 524-page book is an ideal coffee-table addition for w...
Jan 25, 2023•58 min
It turns out there are many paths to a career in waterfowl and wetlands conservation. On this episode, we learn about Wes Prebeck’s transition from a 20+ year career in law enforcement to now slogging through swamps and marshes in support of the Wetlands Reserve Easement program. Part of this path, inspired by a love of duck hunting, is Wes’s education through Oregon State University and a Masters research project on factors influencing mallard harvest in the Mississippi Flyway. www.ducks.org/DU...
Jan 23, 2023•28 min
Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher peruse a series of fun facts about waterfowl, including questions such as how many invertebrates a wood duck eats, which waterfowl species is the largest, which lives the longest, which is the fastest and why is it not green-winged teal. The duo also discuss observations from past research including multiple paternity, double brooding, long-distance migration, which acorns wood ducks consider the tastiest, and several others. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Jan 20, 2023•52 min
On this episode of the DU Podcast, host Katie Burke sits down with friend and past guest, Robbie Smith, to catch up on his journey as Sporting Art Director at Leland Little. In their conversation, Robbie delves into the evolution of his role over the past two years and how it has shaped his collecting habits and appreciation for different styles of art. He also shares his newfound love for carvers he may have previously overlooked. Additionally, Katie and Robbie discuss the upcoming Leland Littl...
Jan 18, 2023•47 min
Hunters and habitats in the western U.S. have whipsawed from drought to deluge in recent weeks, as a series of atmospheric rivers have brought extreme rain, snow, and flooding. Dr. Fritz Reid joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an update on the California hunting season and how the storms have affected the outlook on drought and water conditions. While totals are well above seasonal averages, many lakes remain below capacity and additional moisture is needed between now and spring. www.ducks.org/DUPodcas...
Jan 16, 2023•37 min
Houston is America's fourth largest city, but it also has a rich hunting culture, particularly when it comes to waterfowling. On this episode of the DU Podcast, we talk to longtime Houston Chronicle outdoor journalist Shannon Tompkins, who grew up on the city's east side. Tompkins has extensive knowledge and experience of the people, places and traditions that make this area's waterfowling heritage special. Join us as we dive deep into the characters and locations that make Houston's east side w...
Jan 13, 2023•54 min
Band recoveries are used to understand linkages between breeding and wintering areas, and sometimes to identify areas responsible for producing birds harvested in a given state or region. However, new research suggests that where birds are banded may not be where they were hatched. Dr. Mike Schummer, waterfowl ecologist with SUNY ESF, shares insights from new research completed by his graduate students and offers thoughts on possible implications for managing eastern mallards. www.ducks.org/DUPo...
Jan 11, 2023•51 min
Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to discuss a recent magazine feature in the January/February 2023 issue of Ducks Unlimited magazine. Pollmann reached out to several veteran goose hunters to find out their go-to spreads for hunting geese over water. These species-specific decoy and calling tactics may prove valuable as the season continues. Jennings and Pollmann talk about each decoy spread and the unique aspects of each hunter’s approach. If ...
Jan 09, 2023•31 min
Rock Island Auction Company's Outside Consultant and Collector Richard Ellis and Director of Acquisitions Rick Henley join us to discuss the big guns of waterfowling and some of their favorite gun find stories. Richard tells us about his personal collection on display at the DU museum, and he also helps dispel some of the myths surrounding these guns. https://www.rockislandauction.com/ www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Jan 06, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor and Migration Editor for the Central Flyway. Pollmann breaks down the habitat conditions across the Great Plains and into Missouri, based on reports he is hearing from his contacts throughout the flyway. As South Dakota is being pummeled by another winter storm, Pollmann explains that places like Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are still facing water issues, but that is improving in some areas. The hunting report...
Jan 05, 2023•17 min
Join us for an exciting episode about the waterfowl hunting heritage and traditions of Louisiana with special guest, Dale Bordelon. As a lifelong hunter and resident of Louisiana, Dale will share his insights and experiences on the rich history of duck hunting in the state. We'll discuss the importance of preserving these traditions and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with hunting in the bayous of Louisiana. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating aspect of southern cultur...
Jan 04, 2023•40 min
Host Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Derek Christians, coordinator of R3 Media/Campus Waterfowl Productions, to discuss how Campus Waterfowl came to fruition under the Ducks Unlimited brand. Christians shares the story of how Campus Waterfowl began and how engaging with collegiate waterfowl hunters is contributing to Ducks Unlimited’s mission of wetlands conservation. www.campuswaterfowl.com www.youtube.com/campuswaterfowl www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Jan 02, 2023•38 min
In this episode of the DU Podcast, host, Katie Burke, speaks with decoy collector, John Munson. John takes our listeners on a in depth look at Ladysmith, Wisconsin, decoy company, Evans Decoy Factory. He begins by sharing his journey to learning about Evans birds and ends with describing many of the nuances that make an Evans bird special. John finishes up by introducing the carver Jack Musgrove to Katie. https://decoyrelics.com/evans-factory-decoy-book www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Dec 30, 2022•51 min
Opportunities for introducing people to hunting come about in many different ways, accompanied by many different perspectives. In this episode, we hear from Patty Rodrigues, a practicing vegetarian, PhD candidate, and self-professed bird nerd about her recent life-changing experience hunting ducks in northwest Louisiana. Dr. Kevin Ringelman also joins to share insights on the First Hunt Program at Louisiana State University that made it all possible. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Dec 28, 2022•54 min
This DU Podcast features Browning Arms Media and Events Manager Shaundi Campbell. Hear Browning's history, what’s new in shotguns for 2022, and learn more about Browning’s commitment to wetlands conservation, DU TV and more!
Dec 26, 2022•29 min
'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some festive cocktails? For our Christmas episode, we'll be joined by special guests from Old Dominick's, a craft distillery in Memphis known for its delicious spirits and commitment to sustainability, who share some of their favorite holiday cocktail recipes to pair with wild game. We'll also enjoy some holiday tunes performed by Ducks Unlimited staff and a year-end message from DU CEO Adam Putnam. So grab...
Dec 23, 2022•39 min
Zach Hopper and Adam Davis of BG Calls join Chris and Mike in the DU Podcast studio for a ranging discussion about all things waterfowl. Topics include the latest on avian flu, nationwide migration and hunting update, drivers of waterfowl migration, the importance of reliable data, band recovery research, mallard harvest, and more. We close with an update from BG Calls on company rebranding and new products hitting the market. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Dec 21, 2022•59 min
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin to discuss the powerful winter storm bearing down on much of the country. The two discuss habitat changes that will impact waterfowl migrations and push waterfowl south by the end of the week. While Anglin has a good feel for the mid-latitude states, Jennings offers some insight into what hunters should expect throughout the Mid-South. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dec 20, 2022•15 min
Scott Williams, CEO of Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, and Past DU President, George Dunklin, announce DU's exciting new partnership with Discovery Park that includes a waterfowl hunting and conservation exhibit . https://discoveryparkofamerica.com/ www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dec 19, 2022•38 min
Dr. Mike Schummer, waterfowl ecologist with SUNY ESF, provides an update from the Atlantic Flyway while sharing insight on challenging conditions that have confronted hunters thus far. Fortunately, weather is on the way, bringing snow and frigid temps over the next week, which Schummer expects will move birds and create new opportunities. A lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, Schummer also shares why he is looking forward to a snowy game with the Dolphins this Saturday. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Dec 16, 2022•28 min
Paul Dickson of Shreveport, Louisiana, is a lover of ducks and a duck hunter. He’s also an entrepreneur, self-taught waterfowl ecologist, world-class aviculturist, supporter of Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust, and giving philanthropist. In this episode, Paul Dickson and Jacob Kraemer, director of the Dickson-owned Pinola Aviary, share a behind-the-scenes look into the aviary, its inspiration, its 130 species of waterfowl, and how it is conserving waterfowl worldwide. www.ducks.org/DUP...
Dec 16, 2022•55 min
In part 2 of this species profile, Drs. Mark Lindberg and Mike Brasher discuss the breeding ecology of brant, its population status and uncertainty around it, harvest estimates, and changes in survival and productivity driven by complex interactions between climate and biology. Looking forward, Dr. Lindberg ponders what the future might hold for this species as the regions and habitats it relies on continue to be modified by changing climate, human activities, and other pressures. www.ducks.org/...
Dec 14, 2022•1 hr 1 min
