Duck Call Room: Uncle Si Loses it Over Why John Luke’s Good Aim Ended a Relationship

Podcast: Duck Call Room
Hosts: Si Robertson & Justin Martin
Episode Date: January 6, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of the Duck Call Room, the Duck Commander crew gathers to share their signature mix of hilarious stories, hunting adventures, reflections on tradition, and family tales. The conversation weaves through poker night antics, favorite holiday foods, hunting mishaps, and the trials and triumphs of teaching loved ones about shooting and the outdoors. An underlying theme is the bonds of family, tradition, and a good laugh, mixed with memorable moments and classic Southern wisdom, especially from Uncle Si.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Poker Night Philosophy & Antics

• The episode kicks off with an inside look at their regular Texas Hold 'Em games, with Uncle Si laying down his "keys" to winning poker and why he never sticks to them.
  • “I know how to win, okay? But I don’t ever do it.” (Si, 00:21)
• The group cracks up over how much money circulates at the table and how discipline is required to play well.
• Si emphasizes the camaraderie: “It ain’t about the money with me. I said, I love the guys I’m playing with.” (Si, 04:07)
• Dealer’s choice games are out – “Hold ‘em only, two cards, no spit pots.” (Si, 02:50)
• Timestamp: 00:07 – 04:50

2. Shirts, Mending, and Family Banter

• The guys realize John Luke and Si are wearing matching shirts, sparking jokes about free swag, Buck Commander, and being fashion-forward without knowing.
• Discussion turns to mending clothes, with stories about who patches their own pants and sentimental jabs on holes and home repairs.
• Timestamp: 05:00 – 07:30

3. Squirrel Hunting Tales

• Si and Martin reminisce about squirrel hunting, black squirrels, and legendary shots, including debates about mounting versus eating their quarry.
• The tradition of teaching kids to hunt and stories of squirrel forts brings laughs and nostalgia.
• Si: “All I did was skin that sucker out, fried him up, jerk the britches off of him, and eat him.” (Si, 08:26)
• Timestamp: 07:43 – 08:36

4. Word of the Year & Personal Growth

• Each contribute their "word of the year." Jacob picks “evolve”—explaining the importance of not getting stagnant and always learning new things.
  • “I want to do the things I’m doing already, but make them keep going… and evolve into other things while having those go their own way, too.” (Jacob, 09:40)
• Discussion is peppered with gaming analogies (Pokémon, Minecraft, D&D).
• Martin connects this to evolving their business and podcast, highlighting the importance of communication.
• Timestamp: 08:55 – 12:18

5. Holiday Foods, Traditions, and Superstitions

• The crew swaps stories about their favorite Christmas foods: banana caramel pie, cherry pie, and famous "Jersey’s" wood duck meatballs.
  • “Jersey, that’s some good red sauce. He said, that’s gravy.” (Justin, 13:25)
• New Year’s superstitions (black-eyed peas for luck, cabbage for wealth) are debated.
  • “I lost out on the wealth. They already ate all that cabbage!” (Jacob, 15:28)
• Timestamp: 12:22 – 16:14

6. Duck & Deer Hunting Adventures

• Plenty of hunting stories: Bella’s success at the shooting range, Martin’s mishaps throwing decoys ("That weight hit me right between the teeth..." (Justin, 27:16)).
• Teaching spouses and kids to hunt and shoot, both for bonding and practical sustenance.
  • “She shoots that one and hits it… she goes, ‘I’m a gunslinger.’” (Jacob, 31:53)
• Headshots on squirrels are a point of pride – “Headshots only, boy.” (Si, 35:25)
• Timestamp: 16:14 – 35:01

7. Why Good Aim Ends Relationships – John Luke’s Epic Squirrel Tale

• John shares how his good aim ended a relationship: using a crossbow to shoot a squirrel in the backyard, his then-girlfriend was so mortified she broke up with him the next week.
  • “Girlfriend crying the whole time. She broke up with me the next week... I’ve never squirrel hunted again.” (John, 41:46)
• Si counters with his daughter’s willingness to gut and fry squirrels—true love in the Robertson household!
• Timestamp: 41:21 – 42:51

8. Love, Marriage, and Cigar Band Rings

• Si retells his unconventional proposal and wedding story (slipping a cigar band on Christine’s finger rather than a ring).
  • “When I married that woman… I slipped a cigar band on that finger.” (Si, 46:31)
  • “Really, I think that’s why we’re still married today, wasn’t no money involved in this.” (Si, 47:00)
• Hilarious April Fool’s story about pranking Christine’s friend about their wedding.
  • “If looks could kill, I’d have had about 20 daggers in my chest!” (Si, 49:16)
• Timestamp: 43:00 – 50:33

9. College Football & Betting

• Analysis of recent football games, upsets, and a lively rundown of coach Lane Kiffin’s contract incentives and big paydays.
  • “The best thing the whole time is Lane Kiffin made 250 grand for sitting at his house last night.” (Justin, 53:36)
• Good-natured bets and ribbing about SEC football and bowl games.
• Timestamp: 50:41 – 54:45

10. Uncle Si’s Closing Wisdom

• Uncle Si closes the episode with a heartfelt reflection on Jeremiah 29:11:
  • “God talking – you don’t know the plans I have for you. Not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future.” (Si, 54:58)
  • “Don’t hurt yourself. God has a plan for your life.” (Si, 55:57)
• Timestamp: 54:56 – 56:11

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I know how to win, okay? But I don’t ever do it.” – Si (00:21)
• “It ain’t about the money with me… I love the guys I’m playing with.” – Si (04:07)
• “I want to do the things I’m doing already, but... evolve into other things.” – Jacob (09:40)
• “She shoots that one and hits it… she goes, ‘I’m a gunslinger.’” – Jacob (31:53)
• “Girlfriend crying the whole time. She broke up with me the next week.” – John (41:46)
• “When I married that woman… I slipped a cigar band on that finger.” – Si (46:31)
• “God talking – you don’t know the plans I have for you...” – Si (54:58)

Structure & Flow

The conversation moves fast, bouncing between poker and wild game meals, to family and faith, filled with rich stories and laughter. The tone is casual, authentic, and distinctively Southern. Listeners are welcomed straight into the Duck Call Room community—a place where stories are bigger than life, but genuine relationships and wisdom are the heart of every episode.

For First-Time Listeners

This episode blends humor, tradition, outdoor tales, and a heartfelt look at faith and family. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just enjoy good storytelling, you'll appreciate the camaraderie and life lessons—sometimes learned the funny way—shared by Uncle Si, Martin, and crew.