Episodes
RELOADED EP264 | 7 Tips From Guides Waterfowl guides hunt every day, they’ve seen it all. John Pollmann, DU Magazine freelance contributor, joins Chris Jennings to talk about learning special tips and tactics from lifelong waterfowl guides. Pollmann goes into detail about specific tactics some guides use to decoy ducks and geese, as well as sharing some personal stories about hunting with guides.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected]
Published 11/16/24
Published 11/16/24
Join Dr. Mike Brasher and three expert meteorologists as they break down the upcoming weather patterns that could make or break your next duck hunt! 🦆 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting into the game, this livestream will equip you with the insights you need to plan your best hunting days.     Our Special Guests:  🌩️ Mandy Bailey – Chief Meteorologist for KTEN TV, Denison, TX   👉 IG: [@mandybaileywx](https://www.instagram.com/mandybaileywx    🌤️ Chance Gotsch – Meteorologist for...
Published 11/15/24
The Prairie Pothole Region is DU’s highest priority landscape, as it supports over 50 percent of breeding ducks in North America annually. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens and Graydon Garner, agricultural programs and extension specialist for DU Canada, to highlight the activities used to conserve grasslands and wetland in prairie Alberta. From forage conversion to wetland restoration and permanent protection of intact habitats, DU applies a diverse portfolio...
Published 11/14/24
After a behind-the-scenes tour of their shot shell manufacturing facility in East Alton, Illinois, Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with Nate Robinson, Ben Frank, and Grant Jeremiah from Winchester Ammunition to discuss how a long-standing passion for waterfowl hunting has helped Winchester become the most trusted name in waterfowl ammunition. From Dry-Lok to Blindside and new waterfowl loads such as Bismuth and Last Call TSS, the group discusses the innovation behind these products, their...
Published 11/12/24
Are you curious about field trials and hunt tests? Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Purina Pro Plan, joins the show to discuss his decades of experience with field trial training and competing. Gunzer shares his personal experiences and advice for those interested in getting started.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected]
Published 11/09/24
Join Dr. Scott Stephens, Dr. Mike Brasher, and ultra special guest Dr. Brian Davis for storytelling of days gone by and a report on hunting and habitat conditions from one end of the Mississippi Flyway to the other. Warm weather has kept wetlands open and birds around in the Canadian prairies, and when coupled with light hunting pressure, hunting success has been good. Conditions for early white-front hunting in Arkansas have also been dry, but with young birds around, Dr. Davis reports of...
Published 11/08/24
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke welcomes wildlife artist Jared Ducote. The episode begins with a quick visit from Jared's service dog, Whiskey. Throughout the episode, Jared shares his journey as an artist. He speaks on what it was like to make the decision to make art his career and how his work has changed over time. Jared also shares his experience as DU's Artist of the Year and how DU has positively impacted not only his art but his life and family, too....
Published 11/07/24
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, a senior veterinarian from Purina and an expert in canine care, to discuss dogs' vital role in waterfowl hunting. Dr. Lobos shares her extensive knowledge, offering valuable insights into the dos and don'ts of hunting with your dog. Listeners will gain practical tips to ensure their canine companions are healthy, safe, and effective while out in the field. With a background rooted in veterinary...
Published 11/05/24
This episode was originally aired on: December 14, 2020John Pollmann, a freelance contributor to DU magazine, rejoins the DU Podcast to discuss decoy strategies with Chris Jennings. The two review a magazine feature Pollmann wrote detailing how to create the simplest, most effective decoy spread possible. They also discuss the varying habitats where these unique spreads are used and how other hunters can recreate the scenarios in their hunting areas. Read the full Feature:...
Published 11/02/24
They're Baaaack! Do strange and spooky things happen while hunting? Early morning hunts tend to produce some of the wildest stories of the unknown. Host Matt Harrison and guest hosts Clay Baird and Kayleigh Michell are joined by Kyle Philson and Cam Hale, the hosts of Expanded Perspectives Podcast, to discuss the weird, unexplainable, creepy, and unusual experiences hunters have had while in the field. Get ready to have fun and be spooked by stories of ghosts, Bigfoot, and more! Make sure you...
Published 10/31/24
Dr. Mike Brasher is on location with Fred Zink Jr., co-host of DU TV and owner of Avian-X and Zink Call, and John Simpson, manager of Winous Point Shooting Club, for an early-season migration update and a discussion about the history of waterfowl hunting in northwestern Ohio. The group reflects on the vital role that private landowners and duck clubs play in conserving and managing high-quality wetlands and how warmer winters, less snow, and greater hunting pressure are affecting the timing...
Published 10/29/24
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Dr. Jerad Henson and co-host Dr. Mike Brasher welcome special guest Pete Stoddart, Director of Corporate Responsibility at Cargill, along with Adam DeHaan, DU’s Senior Director of Development for Minnesota and Iowa. The discussion centers around Playa wetlands and the innovative funding opportunities and unique partnerships that are overcoming conservation challenges in Kansas and Nebraska. Pete and Adam discuss the DU and Cargill...
Published 10/24/24
In this episode, host Katie Burke chats with call maker Ron Gould about his journey from hunting in Fayette County, Illinois, to mastering the craft of call-making. Starting in the late '90s with turkey calls, Ron eventually perfected his duck calls through years of practice. He shares how mentors and friends influenced his style and discusses the deep connection between hunting, call-making, and the joy of the outdoors. Whether you're a hunter or curious about the craft, this episode offers...
Published 10/22/24
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Matt Harrison sits down with waterfowl legend Jim Ronquest. With over 50 years of experience, Ronquest offers valuable hunting tips, personal stories from the field, and insights on elevating your waterfowl hunting game. He also reflects on his deep passion for conservation and the future of waterfowl habitats. Whether you're new to hunting or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with knowledge and inspiration from one of the best in the...
Published 10/17/24
Despite recent declines in some goose populations, fresh data suggest that hunters have reasons to be optimistic about the number of young birds flying south this fall. Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by goose experts Josh Dooley (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and Frank Baldwin (Canadian Wildlife Service) to discuss indices for arctic and subarctic goose populations from Alaska to Atlantic Canada. Many areas experienced early spring and good to excellent conditions for nesting, with multiple...
Published 10/15/24
In this bonus episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens, Josh Dooley (USFWS), and Frank Baldwin (CWS) for an impromptu update on the status of waterfowl migration and wetland conditions from Yellowknife to South Dakota. Cold weather in the far north is ushering birds south, while continued warmth in the prairies has blue-wings holding strong. Wetland conditions in the Canadian prairies are some of the driest ever seen by Dr. Stephens, yet Frank reports good success on bigger...
Published 10/11/24
In this episode, host Katie Burke sits down with acclaimed wildlife artist and carver Jett Brunet. Jett shares insights into his early life, growing up under the influence of his equally renowned father, a master carver. He reflects on the pressures and inspirations of living up to such a legacy, discussing how his artistic journey has evolved over the years. From his initial motivations to his current creative process, Jett offers a candid look at what has shaped him as an artist and how his...
Published 10/10/24
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes his good friend Brodie Swisher. They reminisce about their memorable hunting camp experience that started their friendship. Matt highlights Brodie's incredible passion for the outdoors, youth involvement, and community betterment. Brodie shares insights into his own podcast and brand, Hunting Roots, which focuses on reconnecting with the traditions of hunting and sharing personal stories from the hunting community....
Published 10/08/24
Duck hunters are obsessive weather watchers, as it influences everything from large-scale migration to local movements and habitat use. In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher welcomes Skot Covert, chief meteorologist at CBS 5News Fort Smith-Fayetteville, AR, and Chance Gotsch, meteorologist at ABC17 Columbia, MO, to discuss early season forecasts for the upcoming fall and winter. Recorded on September 16, 2024, Skot and Chance provide an education on La Nina, El Nino, and how they influence the...
Published 10/03/24
As temperatures drop, it's important to ensure your retriever stays safe and healthy. Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss essential cold-weather retriever care. From icy conditions and snow to bitter winds, Stewart highlights key warning signs to watch for when hunting in winter. He also delves into important topics such as cold-tail, essential items for retriever blind bags, hypothermia prevention, and proper feeding routines. Have recommendations or...
Published 10/01/24
On this episode of the Ducks Limited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes co-host Dr. Mike Brasher and special guest Edward Wall, a professional photographer and owner of Wall Media. Ed shares his journey from a hobbyist taking pictures of his dog and duck hunting to building a successful photography business over the past 10-12 years. He reflects on the learning curve he experienced, mentioning the many bad photos he took early on and the occasional good ones that inspired him to keep going....
Published 09/26/24
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes 2008 ATA trap shooting world champion Foster Bartholow. The conversation delves into Foster's journey into the world of shooting, beginning with his childhood experiences in the outdoors and hunting alongside his family. Foster shares how a youth shooting program at his high school sparked his passion for trap shooting, leading to his rapid success in the sport. Listeners will gain insights into Foster's dedication to...
Published 09/24/24
It’s early September, and duck hunting is back! But it’s also the time of year when identifying ducks can be most challenging, as most have yet to attain their signature breeding plumage. On this made-for-video episode, Chris Jennings is joined by Dr. Mike Brasher, Dr. Jerad Henson, and Katie Burke as they discuss the popular pastime of sexing and aging ducks based on wing and tail characteristics. Tune in to learn more about this educational skill and how you can apply it on your next hunt,...
Published 09/19/24
Chris Jennings, Mallori Murphey, and Dr. Scott Stephens join Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the current status of teal migration, habitat conditions, and how you can stay informed during the hunting season. Through DU’s Migration Alerts, hunters will be “in the know” about bird numbers, weather systems, hunting success, and habitat conditions. Waterfowl 360 is here with a plethora of hunting resources, including decoy tactics, recipes, waterfowl ID, hunting stories, and more. Lastly, Dr. Scott...
Published 09/17/24