In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Nathan Ratchford and co-host John Gordon welcome special guest Craig Koshyk, a passionate dog historian, photographer, and author of Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals . Together, they trace the early origins of the Labrador Retriever—from the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland to its journey across the Atlantic. Craig brings his deep knowledge of sporting breeds to the conversation, unpacking the breed’s original purpose, key historic...
May 29, 2025•39 min
Host John Gordon returns with a chance encounter turned memorable episode, featuring field trial trainer Hunter Hastings. Their story starts at a gas station in Crockett, Texas, where a shared love of retrievers sparked a connection. In this episode, they talk about off-season training—how to keep your retriever in shape, avoid heat stress, and stay ready for fall. Whether you're training for the field or just keeping your pup active, you’ll find useful advice and a great conversation rooted in ...
May 27, 2025•36 min
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels to discuss retriever training during the peak of summer heat. Stewart brings to light several training, nutrition, and health tips to keep your retriever in shape and safe from heat stroke. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
May 24, 2025•29 min
Hosts Dr. Jerad Henson and Nathan Ratchford welcome back Dr. Jason Robinson for a deep dive into cold-weather safety during hunting season. This Ducks Unlimited Podcast episode focuses on how to prevent hypothermia, recognize cold-related injuries like limber tail, and keep your retriever warm, conditioned, and ready in the blind all season long. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
May 22, 2025•39 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host John Gordon is joined by Paul McKinnon from Prince Edward Island to dive into the profile of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Paul shares his experiences training his dog, Jaxie. The conversation highlights the bond between a handler and their dog, the importance of solid training, and the joy of learning together. Tune in to hear insights about this remarkable breed and the dedication that goes into training them. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPo...
May 20, 2025•36 min
Jay Anglin joins host Chris Jennings to discuss a few calling tips for the summer, including tuning and cleaning your calls. Summer is the ideal time to get your calls into working order and Anglin even discusses shipping calls back to call makers for tuning and replacement parts. You want to address any calling issue now, rather than wait until opening day. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
May 17, 2025•21 min
Hosts Dr. Jerad Henson and Nathan Ratchford sit down with veterinarian and hunter Dr. Jason Robinson for a timely conversation on summer training safety. This Ducks Unlimited Podcast episode covers essential precautions for keeping your retriever healthy in the heat, including hydration, water quality, and common warm-weather hazards. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org (00:00) - - Intro (03:10) - - Dr. Jason’s Background (04:54) - - Heat and Hydration for Hun...
May 15, 2025•47 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast , host John Gordon continues his breed profile series with a deep dive into the Golden Retriever. He shares heartfelt stories about his own dog, Buster—a loyal companion for over three years—and introduces special guest Ann Everett, an expert recommended by friend and DU contributor Mark Atwater. Together, they explore the breed’s history, temperament, field ability, and what makes Goldens such a favorite among hunters and families alike. Whether yo...
May 13, 2025•36 min
Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine shotgunning columnist joins host Chris Jennings for another in-depth conversation on what waterfowlers should be doing in the off-season to prepare for the coming season. Bourjaily provides great detail on 10 additional tactics hunters can use to improve their shotgunning. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
May 10, 2025•42 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, we sit down with Kat and Ethan Pippit of Standing Stone Kennels for an in-depth discussion on versatile hunting breeds and their role in the duck blind. From training strategies to the key differences between versatile dogs and traditional retrievers, Kat and Ethan share expert insights to help you find the right fit for your hunting style. Whether you're considering a versatile breed or just want to learn more, this episode offers the full breakdo...
May 08, 2025•45 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast , host John Gordon returns with a spotlight on one of his favorite breeds—the Boykin Spaniel. He's joined by Eric Grubbs of South Carolina and shares how a Boykin named Paw brought joy and purpose to his family’s life during a time of transition. From their compact size and energetic spirit to their loyal hearts, discover why the Boykin is winning over hunters and families alike. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.o...
May 06, 2025•34 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, we're joined by Dr. RuthAnn Lobos of Purina. We dive deep into puppy health, discussing essential vaccines, building immunity, the science behind proper nutrition, and why it all matters for your duck dog. Plus, Dr. Lobos shares valuable socialization tips to help your puppy grow into a confident hunting companion. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
May 01, 2025•46 min
Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine's shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss what waterfowlers should do in the off-season to prepare for the coming season. Bourjaily provides great detail on 10 tactics hunters can use to improve their shotgunning. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Apr 26, 2025•23 min
It's springtime, which means ducks are migrating north to their breeding grounds and hunters are wondering what they'll encounter when they get there. Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an update on breeding habitat conditions across the prairies, boreal forest, and Alaska, including prognostications of what he expects to hear once the survey results are released later this year. And yes, Breeding Population surveys are expected to happen, but the long-term future is uncertain. Join t...
Apr 22, 2025•34 min
So, you found yourself with a mallard or Canada goose nesting in your flowerpot. Why is this happening, what should you know, and what are your options? Join the DU Podcast as hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher share their answers to these questions and more, when discussing urban nesting waterfowl. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Apr 19, 2025•32 min
Paranormal Podcast icons Kyle Philson and Cam Hale from Expanded Perspectives join DU Podcast host Matt Harrison for a follow-up to their wildly popular episode that racked up millions of views. This time, they dive deeper into why eerie, unexplained moments in the outdoors captivate us—and how storytelling turns those chills into connections. This episode explores how sharing the strange creates community, from orbs and shadows in the trees to stories that hit close to home. If you’ve ever felt...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss waterfowl mating systems and how behavior changes related to mating and courtship directly impact hunting as the season progresses. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Apr 12, 2025•23 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes Doug Larson, co-host of DUTV. The conversation dives into Doug's journey in the outdoor industry, highlighting his early experiences and how he transitioned into the world of duck hunting. Doug shares insights into his background in marketing and writing, including his inspiration to author a duck hunting book. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with stories and the history of Doug's involvement with Ducks Unlimit...
Apr 10, 2025•36 min
Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois rejoins host Chris Jennings on the show to discuss his best day duck hunting. Bourgeois describes a day in the south Louisiana marshes, the birds, and the meal shared after the hunt. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Apr 05, 2025•10 min
For the first time in decades, American duck hunters will have the opportunity to legally harvest three pintails during the 2025–26 season due to a new interim pintail harvest strategy that was approved in 2024. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by state migratory bird managers Brandon Reishus ( Oregon ) and Mike Szymanski ( North Dakota ) to discuss this new strategy and what it means going forward. Duck hunters have been asking lots of questions about the new strategy, and this episo...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, hosts welcome special guests John Nelson and John Hubner from the USA Clay Target League, along with Justin Aycock, Ducks Unlimited's manager of youth engagement programs. The discussion revolves around the league's mission to engage students in clay target shooting sports as part of extracurricular activities in secondary and post-secondary schools. Since its inception in 2008, the league has grown from just 30 kids and three teams to the largest ...
Mar 31, 2025•36 min
Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher debunk the myth of the northern, or “red leg” mallard, and discuss an interesting taxonomic issue related to a North American waterfowl species. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org
Mar 29, 2025•15 min
Matt Harrison is joined by renowned wild turkey scientist Dr. Mike Chamberlain (@wildturkeydoc) and Dr. Mike Brasher to announce wildturkeyDNA, a new partnership that will enlist hunters in the study of wild turkey genetics. Building from the success of duckDNA, this exciting project brings together DU, Wild Turkey Lab, National Wild Turkey Federation, Low Country Game Bird Foundation, and the University of Texas at El Paso around a shared interest in science to inform conservation. Year 1 will ...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min
The U.S. State of the Birds is a report developed every 2–3 years by a veritable who’s who of bird-related agencies and organizations. The goal is to provide an update on the status and health of America's birds, to celebrate successes, highlight concerning trends, and inspire solutions for the widespread challenges our feathered friends are facing. The 2025 report builds on past reports but again documents widespread declines across nearly every bird group. While ducks and wetland birds remain ...
Mar 25, 2025•41 min
Mar 22, 2025•28 min
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison sits down with longtime friend Jim Ronquest to share their favorite hunting stories. They reflect on the busy months following duck season and discuss the upcoming turkey season. As they reminisce about past adventures, listeners can expect a blend of entertaining anecdotes and insights into the world of hunting. Tune in for a lively conversation filled with camaraderie and anticipation for the spring season ahead! Listen now : w...
Mar 13, 2025•45 min
Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Mark Lindberg, professor at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology to discuss the ways hunters play a vital role in citizen-science programs. Banding, HIP, and other various programs are supported by hunters, and are crucial to waterfowl science. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org...
Mar 08, 2025•24 min
duckDNA recently concluded its second season, which brought continued enthusiasm from hunters and several never-before-seen hybrids! On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by conservation science assistants, Kayci Messerly and Katie Tucker, and Dr. Phil Lavretsky to share initial results from season 2 while discussing genetic mysteries uncovered through the analysis of several unique hybrid ducks. Also discussed are behind-the-scenes interactions with participating hunters and the potential...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings on the DU podcast to discuss several must-have items for every wild game chef. Leysath explains that some of these items are specific to recipes, but most of these are handy in every kitchen style. The pair talk about how Leysath uses several key items in his kitchen. Read the full article: 10 Must-Have Cooking Items for Waterfowl Hunters: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/10-must-have-cooking-items-for-waterfowl-hunters...
Mar 01, 2025•33 min
In this episode, host Katie Burke sits down with Grant Cole, owner of Auctioneers, Inc., to discuss his journey into the world of outdoor hunting, waterfowl decoy collecting, and the auction industry. Grant shares his early hunting experiences in Michigan, his father's influence on his love for the outdoors, and how he transitioned into selling and collecting decoys. Grant also provides insight into the world of decoy auctions, the importance of relationships in the collecting community, and his...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min
