On the episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, Katie Burke interviews decoy carver, Josh Brewer. Brewer describes his unique journey in the profession from carving and competiting as a kid to a career in family medicine and then finally returning back to carving full time. Together they discuss Brewer’s influences in carving and his evoluntion of a carver. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast www.joshbrewer.com www.nadecoycollectors.org...
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Matt Harrison, communications specialist for Ducks Unlimited, to discuss improving your social media content. Harrison formerly worked as full-time content creator for several brands and social outlets. His insights into creating content and getting started may help improve your approach to posting hunting content on your social media. The two discus everything from equipment to approaching brands to work with on a regular basis. If you want to improve the way yo...
First-time guest and recent DU Canada postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Sarah Gutowsky, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip around the world studying birds, leading polar expeditions, and an immersive life in science and conservation. Having visited some of Earth’s most remote and inaccessible locations, including Midway Atoll in the North Pacific, Wrangel Island in the Chukchi Sea, the Kuril Islands and the Sea of Okhotsk, Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island in the South Atlantic, Kerguelen in the south...
On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon interviews English Cocker Spaniel specialist Jordan Horak. He shares insights into the these dynamic little dogs capabilities, highlighting their skills both as upland bird flushers and waterfowl retrievers. Learn more about the unique traits and hunting abilities of English Cockers, and flushing dogs in general for those more familiar with the retriever breeds. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Well, here it is— a look back on what has been referred to as “one of the worst hunting seasons in memory.” Co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Jim Ronquest, Vice President of Development for Drake Waterfowl, to discuss the season from start to finish, north to south, and east to west. Numerous factors conspired to make the 2023-24 season a challenging one for even the most seasoned hunters, including low breeding populations, El Nino, widespread drought, limited snowfall,...
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke visits Grayson Chesser's decoy shop in Virginia. Grayson, a decoy carver and hunting guide, shares his background in hunting and the deep connection his family has with the land. Greyson also describes how the history of the region has influenced his carving and how the relationship with fellow decoy carvers has enriched his life and career. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
A hard freeze followed by rapid warm up and widespread rain made for an interesting and somewhat productive end to the 2023-24 hunting season. Chris Jennings, Katie Burke, and Dr. Mike Brasher look back on the closing weeks of the season and discuss other recent happenings around the waterfowl world. Mike reports on a jam-packed but rejuvenating week with science colleagues at the North American Duck Symposium, status of duckDNA, and future podcast episodes. Chris shares stories from his final w...
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon sits down with Ray Voigt, former professional retriever trainer and current Purina senior specialist, and Karl Gunzer, Purina Sporting Dog Group Director, discussing all things dogs. They talk about their love for sporting breeds, canine nutrition, training tips, and the Bird Dog Hall of Fame. If you're a dog lover, this episode is a must-listen as they dive into the history and importance of sporting dogs. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Dr. Mike Brasher recently joined the crew from Campus Waterfowl for an opportunity to reconnect with his roots, as he shared a soggy morning in the cypress swamp with current and former students of his alma mater, Mississippi State University. This episode, which originally aired on Campus Waterfowl, recaps an exciting ring-neck hunt and shines a spotlight on the passion this group has for waterfowl and wetland conservation through their work on the Mississippi State chapter of Ducks Unlimited. ...
In this episode, host Chris Jennings talks with Jay Anglin about the rapid movement of geese in the Mid-South and Northwest regions. They highlight the unpredictability of the birds' movements and how scouting can sometimes be ineffective due to their fast pace. Jennings and Anglin also mention the presence of juveniles in this year's migration, which is a departure from previous years. Overall, they provide insights into the current state of migration and the excitement it brings for hunters. w...
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews guest Rick Milligan, a call and decoy collector. Rick shares his passion for collecting and discusses those who served as mentors to him in the field. They also talk about an upcoming exhibition in the museum and delve into Rick's introduction to the outdoors and hunting. Tune in to hear Rick's journey as an outdoorsman and call collector. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast...
Buckle Up for fun and laughter as Sydnie Wells of Barstool Outdoors joins Dr. Mike Brasher on this special episode with first-time duck hunters Wonton Don and Feitelberg of Barstool Sports, along with DU’s own Matt Harrison and Mallori Murphey. Topics include anxious energy amid the morning darkness, mallards backpedaling over decoys, shooting clays among friends, bird migration and the importance of conservation, neckties in the timber, and our love of sharing outdoor experiences with others. w...
In this special edition re-air of the brant species profile, Dr. Mark Lindberg shares insights from his 30+ year career as a waterfowl scientist on arguably the most fascinating of all North American geese. The episode begins with a discussion about taxonomy, distribution, epic migrations, changes in wintering distributions, foraging ecology, and different behaviors and productivity observed among individual birds. The episode concludes with discussions about brant breeding ecology, its populati...
Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Jeff McCreary, director of operations for DU’s Western Region, for a recap of the 2023-24 waterfowl season and the struggles it delivered to Pacific Flyway hunters. Jeff shares observations from California, reflects on low breeding population estimates from Alaska in 2023, and describes the season for many as the worst ever. Also discussed are “The Big Four” priority geographies in the Pacific Flyway and looking forward to breeding conditions for local waterfowl. ww...
Dr. Mike Brasher reunites with graduate students Jordan Thompson and Caroline Blommel and research assistants Lydia Martin, Laura Wallace, and Jacob Tepsa to recount their summer experiences at a remote brant research camp on Alaska’s Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. The group reflects on primitive living, the beauty and solitude of an Alaskan landscape, unique bird life, quirky books, scientific understanding, entertaining stories, going months without a shower, and lifelong friendships. w...
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Region migration editor for ducks.org , and the two discuss the impacts of the most recent winter storm which barreled into the Great Lakes last week. As the season’s closed across many Great Lakes states, the region remained very mild, leaving ducks and geese to hold tight. The recent winter storm sent them packing from Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, northern Indiana and Illinois. With a quick thaw in the short-term forecast, hunters who...
Dr. Mike Brasher and Katie Burke are on location at a family hunting camp in the Mississippi Delta for the January roundup. Joined by DU Podcast producer, Chris Isaac, and return guest Dr. Ronal Roberson, the group reflects on the morning hunt and tackles recent questions from listeners, including the ethics of water swatting and origins of the term “bull” when referring to studly drakes. Also discussed are the incoming Arctic weather, lingering drought, and family bonds built around duck camps....
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host sits down with renowned decoy carver Mr. Pete Peterson. They discuss Pete's background in the outdoors and hunting, his journey into the world of decoy carving, and his passion for preserving the art of decoy making. Listeners get a glimpse into Pete's workshop and his incredible craftsmanship. Tune in for a fascinating conversation with a true master of his craft. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher live and in-person to discuss the latest chatter about low duck numbers, drought, and challenging hunting conditions. Most importantly, what factors are at play, and should we be surprised? Dr. Stephens also provides an update on drought conditions on the prairies and discusses a recent career change that brings him back to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Welcome back, Scott!! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
In addition to being one of the world’s leading exploration and production companies based on both production and reserves, ConocoPhillips is the largest private wetlands owner in Louisiana. John Harrington, Director of ConocoPhillips Coastal Wetlands, and Cassidy Lejeune, DU Director of Conservation Programs, share the inspirational story of an innovative partnership that is restoring and protecting vital wetlands and migratory bird habitat in coastal Louisiana and across North America. www.duc...
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Katie welcomes Logan Webster, founder of Camo Retro. They discuss Logan's background in the outdoors and his love for waterfowl. Logan expresses his gratitude for the mentors who introduced him to the outdoors and shares his experience growing up hunting. Logan speaks on his love of story-telling and how the connection or story and objects led him to create his business. Tune in to hear more about Logan's journey and his passion for the outdoors. w...
Few activities are better for strengthening partnerships and building memories than bird hunts afield. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Jake Wallace of Winchester Ammunition, Will Brantley of Field and Stream, and Mallori Murphey of Ducks Unlimited to share stories from a recent weekend featuring new products from Winchester, successful duck hunts, first experiences with snipe hunting, the perils of gumbo mud, ammo manufacturing insights, and a shared commitment to conservation. ww...
Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to talk about a feature article Pollmann wrote for an upcoming issue. Pollmann discuss multiple tips he gleaned from waterfowl experts across the country. As winter shuffles into your region, ducks and geese begin behavioral shifts due to weather, feeding habits, or available habitat. These tips may offer some useful tactics to target these late-season birds, even when the hunting gets difficult. www.ducks.org/...
Known by many names – sprig, pinny, bull – but unmistakable in appearance, the northern pintail is one of North America’s most recognizable, graceful, and well-studied duck species. Unfortunately, much of that attention was garnered because of dramatic population declines and the mystery surrounding it. Dr. Scott Stephens joins Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to profile this iconic species, discussing its ecology, population status, causes of its decline, and conservation opportunities. www....
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, hosts Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, and Chris Jennings provide updates on recent activities and upcoming events in waterfowl conservation and hunting. They discuss their recent trips, including Katie's visit to Easton for podcast content and museum-related activities. Tune in to get the latest updates in the world of waterfowl. www.duck.org/DUPodcast
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Trey Reid, Arkansas Game and Fish Commision assistant chief of communications to talk about Arkansas hunting conditions and several key programs they are doing to conserve and promote waterfowl hunting. The two discuss Greentree Reservoir conservation and the WRICE program. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John interviews Justin Carpenter, the senior vice president and director of brand strategy at Drake Waterfowl. They discuss the behind-the-scenes process of product development and the great gift options available for Christmas. Justin also shares his recent hunting experiences and the challenges of duck and pheasant hunting in cold weather. Tune in to learn more about Drake Waterfowl's partnership with Ducks Unlimited and their dedication to ...
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings dive into North America’s most populous waterfowl species in this episode. Brasher and Jennings expand the mallard conversation into its entire life cycle, preferred habitats, and even close relatives. This is the all-things mallard episode you’ve been waiting for. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Molly Kneece, waterfowl biologist for South Carolina DNR, makes her podcast debut by discussing ducks, dogs, habitat, and public hunting opportunities in The Palmetto State. Kneece takes us on a virtual tour of her state, sharing her career path, identifying the most harvested ducks in the state, updating on early season hunting and habitat, highlighting new duck research and data collection in the state, and describing how South Carolina was once the rice production capital of the U.S. www.duck...
Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, DU Central Flyway migration editor, and the two discuss the current conditions in much of the Central Flyway. Pollmann, a South Dakota native, offers insight into his season along with an update from throughout the region. He describes quite the lull in migration as temperatures have remained fairly mild, even warmer than normal. Reports he is hearing is that North Dakota, and some parts of the Canadiana Prairie are still holding a significant numb...
