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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Will Brantley, Field & Stream magazine hunting editor, to discuss Brantley’s feature in Ducks Unlimited magazine, Divers the Hard Way. Brantley and Jennings share stories about adventures the two have been on in the past, and what hunting with the next generations means to them. Both share stories about hunting with their kids, and offer some helpful advice to those taking kids afield.   www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

2009 World Duck Calling Champion Mike Anderson joins the DU Podcast to talk calls, calling and his favorite pastime, chasing river ducks.  Anderson takes us on his journey from childhood to putting in the time and road miles that lead to becoming World Champion. We also discuss his favorite competition and hunting style calls and how Rich-N-Tone founder Butch Richenback mentored him all the way to the top of the contest calling mountain.    www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Our Thanksgiving show, plucked from the DU Magazine archives (Nov/Dec 2007), is a humorous story about the idiosyncrasies of waterfowl hunters. "Duck Blind Intervention" written by Doug Larson and narrated by Tom Gallagher. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kevin Kraai, waterfowl program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, to talk about habitat in across the state of Texas. With Texas covering such a vast area, and featuring so many types of waterfowl habitat, Kraai explains that there is good habitat is some areas, but many of the traditional hunting areas are still waiting on rain. Hear more about a wrap up on teal season, and expectations for improved habitat as the season progresses.