Podcast
Ducks Unlimited Podcast
Hosted by Ducks Unlimited Inc. · EN
Ducks Unlimited Podcast is a constant discussion of all things waterfowl; from in-depth hunting tips and tactics, to waterfowl biology, research, science, and habitat updates. The DU Podcast is the go-to resource for waterfowl hunters and conservationists. Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands conservation.
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Episodes
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RELOADED EP346- Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 18: Atlantic Flyway Multi-Stock Harvest Management
3d ago00:50:24Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN This episode wraps up our 18 part series. As eastern mallards declined in the early 2000s, waterfowl managers developed a new approach for setting duck harvest frameworks in the Atlantic Flyway. Termed “multi-stock management,” this approach steps away from mallards and relies on 4 species that better capture harvest opportunities for eastern hunters. Dr. Min Huang and Dr. Pat Devers rejoin the podcast to provide details behind this approach and discuss other issues on the horizon for waterfowl management in the U.S. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
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DUX Series: Inside Higdon Outdoors: Decoys, Motion & Waterfowl Innovation (Ep 791)
5d ago00:57:33Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN The best hunting gear starts with real hunters solving real problems.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Brooke Richard of Higdon Outdoors to talk decoys, motion, product development, and what’s driving innovation in modern waterfowl hunting.The conversation explores Higdon’s history, from the original motion decoys that helped define the brand to the newest products making their debut at DUX. Brooke shares how feedback from hunters influences every stage of development and why the company continues to push improvements in realism, durability, and usability.Whether you're a gear enthusiast, serious waterfowler, or simply curious about what goes into designing products hunters rely on every season, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recognized names in waterfowl hunting.Topics CoveredThe story behind Higdon Outdoors and its evolutionWhy motion remains one of the biggest innovations in decoyingNew product launches debuting at DUXHow hunter feedback shapes product developmentFavorite waterfowl destinations across North AmericaMentorship, calling culture, and the next generation of huntersListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Transcribe →The Storytelling Project Helping Firefighters and Preserving Traditions (Ep 790)
1w ago00:54:17Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Discover how preserving hunting stories can support firefighter health and cancer prevention.Host Wade Shoemaker talks with Gray Schneider, founder of Season of Stories, a traveling journal project inspired by the loss of his brother-in-law, firefighter Wade Cannon, to occupational cancer.What began as a way to preserve outdoor memories and family stories has grown into a fundraising and awareness effort focused on helping firefighters gain access to life-saving cancer screenings. Along the way, the project has become a unique collection of hunting stories, personal reflections, and outdoor traditions written by hunters from across North America.In this episode:How Season of Stories was inspired by a firefighter’s fight against cancerWhy handwritten journals still matter in a digital worldThe connection between storytelling, hunting traditions, and legacyHow the project funds cancer screenings for firefightersThe journey of a traveling journal through the hunting communityPlans to expand beyond waterfowl into other outdoor pursuitsListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
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RELOADED EP345 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 17: Eastern Mallard AHM, the Beginnings
1w ago00:37:16Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN In the late 1990s, waterfowl harvest managers in the Atlantic Flyway began exploring new approaches to tie harvest regulations for their states to eastern mallards and other duck populations that were the primary source of Atlantic Flyway harvest. Dr. Min Huang, Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Dr. Pat Devers, USFWS, join the podcast to lead a discussion on these early days and eventual implementation of Eastern Mallard AHM.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
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Chêne Gear, Relationships & Why Community Matters (Ep 789)
2w ago00:56:35Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN What happens when a hunting brand focuses on people first?In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Dennis Zuck, CEO of Chêne Gear, and Grayson Morris, Chêne’s Community Marketing Manager, for a conversation about community, innovation, conservation, and the future of waterfowl hunting.The discussion begins with Chêne’s growth within the hunting industry and how the company has blended heritage-inspired design with modern technology to create products that resonate with hunters. But as Dennis explains, the company’s true mission extends beyond gear—it's about creating a place where people feel connected, welcomed, and valued.Along the way, the group shares hunting stories from Arkansas and Montana, discusses memorable product-testing experiences, and reflects on the realities of duck hunting in different regions of the country. They also reveal some of their favorite pieces of Chêne gear and provide a glimpse into upcoming product development and future innovations.The conversation also explores leadership within the hunting industry, the importance of collaboration over competition, and how brands can help create a more welcoming culture for future generations of hunters. From conservation commitments to community events and public-land stewardship, the guests emphasize that healthy hunting traditions require more than great gear—they require intentional investment in people.This episode offers an honest look at what it means to build a brand around relationships, service, and conservation while helping shape the future of the outdoors.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
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DUX Series: ALPS Outdoors: Gear, Innovation & Beyond (Ep 788)
2w ago01:01:22Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Great hunts depend on great gear — and the details behind that gear matter more than most people realize.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host Logan Nevins sit down with Zach Scheidegger and Joe Schroeder of ALPS Outdoors to talk product innovation, design challenges, and what it takes to build gear for serious hunters.The conversation dives into ALPS’ evolution from mountaineering equipment into a full outdoor brand with thousands of products spanning hunting, camping, and beyond. From layout blinds to blind bags to unexpected hits like their collapsible fire pit, Zach and Joe share how ideas move from concept to finished product — often through years of testing and refinement.A major focus is their partnership with Ducks Unlimited, including the growing line of DU‑branded gear and how those products help connect customers with conservation. The discussion also highlights the importance of direct feedback from hunters, with events like DUX giving the ALPS team valuable insight into how their gear is used in real-world conditions.This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how modern waterfowl gear is built — and why thoughtful design makes all the difference when it matters most.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
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Happy 4th of July! Happy 250 years America!
2w ago00:02:12Tap to summarizeHey everyone, this is Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to just take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and meaningful 4th of July, our Independence Day. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded of the freedoms that we cherish and the responsibility that we all share to protect the natural resources that make this country so special. At Ducks Unlimited, our mission has always been rooted in conservation, stewardship, and service to something larger than ourselves. And none of that's possible without you, our dedicated volunteers, our generous supporters, and our passionate listeners. You're the reason we're able to restore wetlands, preserve critical habitats, and ensure that future generations will experience the same wild places and rich traditions that we hold dear. So on this Independence Day, we want to say thank you. Thank you for standing by us. Thank you for believing in our mission. And thank you for being part of the DU family. From all of us here at Ducks Unlimited, happy 4th of July. And may your day be filled with good company, great memories, and time outdoors. God bless you, and God bless America.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Transcribe →Prairie Conditions & Duck Predictions | 2026 Habitat Update
3w ago00:49:18Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN What will the 2026 duck season look like? It all starts on the prairies.In this annual Ducks Unlimited tradition, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens and Dr. Steve Adair to break down current habitat conditions across the Prairie Pothole Region and make early predictions for the breeding population survey.The conversation highlights a familiar but important theme: variability. While parts of the Canadian prairies have benefited from recent precipitation, other regions — particularly across portions of the U.S. prairies — remain dry. The group discusses how timing of moisture plays a critical role in duck production, noting that late-season rainfall may improve brood survival but won’t necessarily influence where birds settle to nest. They also revisit last year’s conditions, including below-average pond counts and moderate production, which could translate into slightly lower breeding populations this spring. The episode concludes with their annual “prognostications” for pond counts and duck numbers and a reminder that the prairie landscape continues to drive waterfowl success across North America.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Transcribe →Texas Coast Wetlands: Habitat, Migration & Conservation in Action (Ep 787)
3w ago00:45:51Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN The Texas Gulf Coast is one of the most important — and most dynamic — waterfowl landscapes in North America.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Taylor Abshire, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, to explore how wetlands along the Texas coast support waterfowl across the entire annual cycle — from early fall migration to late spring departure.The conversation highlights the unique nature of this region, where birds like blue‑winged teal may begin arriving as early as August and still be present well into May. That extended timeline creates both opportunities and challenges for wetland managers trying to balance habitat for migrating birds, wintering waterfowl, and resident species like mottled ducks.Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: successful conservation on the Texas coast depends on working lands and the people who manage them. From water timing and vegetation management to infrastructure and long-term habitat design, landowners play a critical role in maintaining the wetlands that waterfowl depend on.This episode offers a comprehensive look at how science, partnerships, and on-the-ground management come together to sustain one of the continent’s most important waterfowl regions.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
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DUX SERIES: Purina Pro Plan & the Hunting Dog: Performance, Science & DU Partnership (Ep 786)
3w ago00:58:51Tap to summarizeJOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Behind every great hunt is a great dog — and behind that dog is the right nutrition.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host David Schuessler sit down with Karl Gunzer of Purina Pro Plan, the presenting sponsor of the DUX Waterfowl Show and a long‑time partner of Ducks Unlimited.The conversation highlights the role of high-performance dog nutrition in hunting success and why Purina has invested so heavily in the waterfowl community. Karl shares how Pro Plan approaches dog food through science, research, and performance — and how that differs from trends driven purely by marketing.They also discuss how nutrition impacts everything from stamina and recovery to long-term health, and why feeding a premium diet can make a measurable difference in working dogs. Beyond performance, the episode explores Purina’s broader commitment to conservation, including support for habitat work and sustainability initiatives that directly benefit waterfowl and hunters.The discussion also looks ahead to DUX, where Purina’s interactive presence has become a centerpiece of the show — bringing dog owners closer to the science, training, and real-world experience that define a great hunting companion.At its core, this episode is about the connection between hunters, dogs, and conservation — and the role nutrition plays in keeping that tradition strong.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
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