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.
57episodes
Episodes
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Rice & Ducks: Why Farming Practices Matter for Waterfowl (Ep 778)
5d ago01:07:34Tap to summarizeRice fields aren’t just agricultural landscapes — they’re one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America.In this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren of Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center and Patrick Dill, Ducks Unlimited’s Manager of Agricultural Programs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), to break down the science, management, and real‑world decisions behind rice agriculture and waterfowl habitat.From energy-rich food resources to water management and farming practices, the group explains why rice fields have become a cornerstone of wintering habitat — and what’s at risk as modern agriculture continues to evolve.In this episode, listeners will hear about:The history of rice agriculture and its connection to waterfowlWhy rice fields function as “surrogate wetlands” in the MAVDuck Energy Days explained and why they matterThe massive difference between harvested vs. unharvested rice fieldsHow modern harvesting techniques affect food availabilityResidue management (burning, rolling, disking) and its impact on ducksWhy water depth (2–8 inches) is critical for feeding waterfowlThe importance of invertebrates and diverse food sources in rice fieldsHow infrastructure (levees, impoundments) helps hold water on the landscapeThe role of geese, weather, and timing in food depletionWhy early flooding and late-season water retention matterHow pressure, disturbance, and refuge areas affect duck behaviorThe realities of farming decisions: input costs, markets, and water scarcityEmerging trends in rice production (row rice, AWD irrigation, ratoon crops)Habitat loss risks when rice acres shift to other cropsPractical tips for managing rice fields specifically for waterfowlThis episode connects agriculture and conservation in a way that shows how farm-level decisions directly influence continental duck populations.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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RELOADED EP224 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 12: AHM – Learning, Legacy, and Influence
1w ago00:38:41Tap to summarizeIn this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time.SPONSORS: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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DUX SERIES: The Evolution of Banded: Waterfowl Innovation, Legacy & What’s Next (Ep 777)
1w ago00:50:32Tap to summarizeREGISTER FOR DUX 2026!Innovation in waterfowl hunting gear doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from hunters solving real problems in the field.In this episode of the DUX Series, hosts Jimbo Robinson and David Schuessler sit down with Art Diaz, Community Manager for Banded Hunting Gear, to explore the evolution of one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl — from its roots in Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear to its modern identity under the Banded name.The conversation blends culture, history, and innovation, diving into how gear has changed, what drives new product development, and why authenticity still matters in a crowded outdoor market.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Art Diaz’s journey from musician to outdoor industry professionalGrowing up hunting in South Dakota and discovering waterfowlThe connection between music, creativity, and the outdoorsThe legacy of Avery Outdoors and Greenhead GearGame‑changing innovations like breathable waders and detailed decoysBehind‑the‑scenes stories from the early days of GHGHow the internet changed product perception and adoptionWhy honesty and problem‑solving drive Banded’s design philosophyThe importance of community and real hunter feedbackWhat sets Banded gear apart in today’s saturated marketThe continued demand for high‑quality decoys and technical gearInfluencers, ambassadors, and real‑world experience in product validationThe growing connection between outdoor culture and broader audiencesWhat to expect from Banded at this year’s DUX showA preview of major upcoming innovations (without giving too much away)This episode is a deep look at how heritage brands evolve — and how Banded is positioning itself for the next generation of waterfowl hunters.REGISTER FOR DUX 2026!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.
Transcribe →Duck Science at Scale: AI, Satellites & the Future of Conservation (Ep 776)
2w ago00:44:06Tap to summarizeWaterfowl science is entering a new era — and Ducks Unlimited is right in the middle of it.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson and guest Dr. Patrick Donnelly, Research Scientist with Ducks Unlimited’s Western Region, for a deep dive into how emerging technologies are transforming the way we understand ducks, wetlands, and flyways.Patrick brings decades of experience from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joint ventures, and academia, and now applies cutting‑edge tools like AI, cloud computing, GPS telemetry, remote sensing, and environmental DNA to answer some of the most important conservation questions at continental scales.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Patrick Donnelly’s journey from the Fish & Wildlife Service to Ducks UnlimitedMovement ecology and why scale matters for migratory birdsHow GPS transmitters revolutionized waterfowl researchUsing satellite imagery to map wetlands across 40+ years“Functional wetland loss” and why water matters as much as land protectionThe role of snowpack, hydrology, and climate in western wetlandsDisease risk, botulism, and crowding during molting periodsLinking bird movements, habitat conditions, and timeThe Western Mallard Project and tracking 800 birds across the Pacific FlywaySentinel and Landsat satellites explained in plain languageCloud computing and why conservation can now run at scaleUsing citizen‑science data (eBird) alongside satellite dataNew applications of environmental DNA (yes — duck poop)How AI helps identify patterns humans can’t seeTraining the next generation of conservation scientistsWhy this moment feels like a “second revolution” in waterfowl scienceThis episode pulls back the curtain on how Ducks Unlimited is using modern science to maximize conservation return on investment, ensuring that every dollar delivers the greatest benefit for waterfowl now and into the future.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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RELOADED EP336 - Collector’s Series: Stan Van Etten TRIBUTE
2w ago00:43:53Tap to summarizePast Editor-in-Chief of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Stan Van Etten, joins host, Katie Burke, to chat about the magazine’s 20-year run. The duo reminisces about some of the magazine’s great articles over years of its publication. Stan discusses what led him to start the publication of the magazine, as well as his reason for retiring it.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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ASCEND: The Truth About Hunting : Host Round Table, Real Stories & Lessons (Ep 775)
2w ago00:58:10Tap to summarizeWhat really happens behind the highlight reels of hunting and outdoor life?In this candid roundtable episode, Bethany, Adrienne, Erin, and Julia sit down to reflect on a full season of conversations, hunts, and hard-earned lessons. Instead of a single guest, this episode brings together the voices behind the podcast to unpack what stood out most from unforgettable guests and powerful community moments to the realities that don’t always make it onto social media. The group shares personal hunting stories, including first harvests, missed shots, and the emotional highs and lows that come with time in the field. From elk hunts in the mountains to first-time duck hunters finding their confidence, this episode highlights how growth often comes through failure, persistence, and shared experiences. They also dive into deeper themes: the rise of women in hunting, the importance of mentorship and communication, and how intentional time outdoors can restore balance in an otherwise fast-paced life. Whether it’s teaching beginners, navigating fear around firearms, or simply making time to get outside, the conversation emphasizes progress over perfection. Above all, this episode is a reminder that no one starts as an expert—and that the most meaningful moments often come from the messy, imperfect, real parts of the journey.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why storytelling and community have been the most impactful part of this season How women are building confidence and connection through hunting and outdoor skills The importance of communication when mentoring new hunters Real hunting experiences from missed shots to first harvests How social media can create unrealistic expectations (and why showing failure matters) Why beginners often struggle with fear, perfectionism, and information overload How small wins in the outdoors can be just as meaningful as a harvest The role of conservation and why new hunters (especially women) are essential to its future Practical tips for introducing someone new to hunting or shooting Why intentional time outdoors can improve mental clarity and overall well-beingFollow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.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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DUX SERIES: The Reeds Story & the Ducks Unlimited Expo Experience (Ep 774)
3w ago00:54:14Tap to summarizeREGISTER FOR DUX 2026!ReedsGunsAndAmmo.com - DISCOUNT COUPON: VIPDEALSThis episode kicks off a new DUX Series on the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, hosted by Jimbo Robinson and David Schuessler, highlighting the companies and partners shaping the DUX event and the broader outdoor lifestyle.In this first installment, the hosts are joined by Adam and Drew Arnold of Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters, a third‑generation, family‑owned business based in Walker, Minnesota. What started as a small bait shop in the 1950s has evolved into one of the most respected retail and destination outdoor brands in the country.From retail to resorts, customer experience to conservation partnerships, the Arnolds share how Reeds became more than a store — it became a destination.In this episode, listeners will hear about:The origin story of Reeds and its roots on Leech LakeGrowing a family business across multiple generationsFrom sports shows to e‑commerce: adapting to industry changesBuilding a destination retail experience like Buc‑ee’sThe importance of partnerships with top outdoor brandsHow Reeds supports Ducks Unlimited events and chaptersThe evolution of Sportsman’s Night Out and DUX eventsWhy in‑person events still matter in a digital worldCreating all‑inclusive outdoor experiences at Trapper’s Landing LodgeHow fishing, retail, and hospitality connect into one ecosystemThe future of the outdoor retail industryWhat makes DUX a true destination for families and huntersWhether you’re a hunter, angler, retailer, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode offers insight into how experience, service, and partnership drive success in today’s outdoor industry.ReedsGunsAndAmmo.com - DISCOUNT COUPON: VIPDEALSREGISTER FOR DUX 2026!SPONSORS: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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RELOADED EP223 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 11: AHM – Alternative Hypotheses and Optimal Decisions
3w ago00:35:34Tap to summarizeIs duck harvest mortality additive or compensatory? Is duck production strongly or weakly density dependent? Which habitat features most influence duck production? And how are optimal duck harvest regulations selected in the face of this imperfect knowledge? The DU Podcast is again thankful to be joined by Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist and Adaptive Harvest Management expert, to dig deeper into the workings of AHM and how annual duck regulations are selected. SPONSORS: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.
Transcribe →Seeing Beyond the Duck: Conservation at Scale in the Great Lakes & Atlantic Region (Ep 773)
3w ago00:41:54Tap to summarizeThe Great Lakes and Atlantic Region may be Ducks Unlimited’s largest and most diverse — and it’s where conservation relevance is helping drive growth in habitat delivery.In this episode, DU podcast host and Senior Waterfowl Scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, continues our trip around the regions with Jamie Rader, Ducks Unlimited's Director of Operations for the Great Lakes & Atlantic Region. Spanning 21 states from Maine to Minnesota, Jamie oversees one of DU’s fastest‑growing conservation teams and shares what it takes to deliver wetland conservation at scale in landscapes shaped by people, agriculture, and development.Jamie reflects on his path from West Tennessee duck hunts to graduate work in Hawaii, mentorship under legendary waterfowlers, and leadership across nearly every DU region before taking the helm in Ann Arbor. From there, the discussion turns to breeding conditions, migration, and the innovative partnerships driving record conservation growth across the region.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Jamie Rader’s career path through Ducks Unlimited and field biologyMentorship, duck hunting culture, and lessons learned in the blindThe scope of the Great Lakes & Atlantic Region (“the five M’s”)Explosive growth in staff, funding, and conservation delivery since 2020Spring breeding conditions across the Great Lakes, Midwest, and NortheastFlooding, snowfall, and late‑season wetland replenishmentMajor conservation programs including H2Ohio and Chesapeake Bay initiativesWater quality funding as a pathway to waterfowl habitat gainsWorking lands conservation with farmers and producersSoil health, wetland restoration, and nutrient reduction strategiesExpanding DU’s relevance beyond traditional waterfowl audiences“Seeing beyond the duck” in coastal, urban, and population‑dense regionsWhy relevance, partnerships, and innovation are essential to future successThis episode highlights how Ducks Unlimited continues to adapt — delivering habitat for waterfowl while meeting the broader environmental needs of people and communities across the Great Lakes & Atlantic Region.SPONSORS: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.
Transcribe →People Still Matter: Conservation Policy, Advocacy & the Power of Relationships (Ep 772)
4w ago01:06:48Tap to summarizeConservation isn’t just about habitat — it’s about people, relationships, and showing up when decisions are being made.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with Bill Cooksey, Partnerships Program Leader for the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, to talk about a career spent at the intersection of conservation, policy, industry, and grassroots advocacy. Bill brings decades of experience from Avery Outdoors, National Wildlife Federation, and now TWF, offering a unique perspective on how conservation decisions actually get made — and why personal relationships still matter more than emails, posts, or press releases.The conversation spans conservation advocacy, wildlife policy, changes in the hunting community, misinformation, and how sportsmen can still shape the future if they’re willing to engage directly.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Bill Cooksey’s path through the outdoor industry, conservation NGOs, and policyThe role of state wildlife federations and how they differ from national organizationsWhy conservation advocacy is ultimately about relationships and trust“Pick up the damn phone” — why real conversations still move the needleHow sportsmen influence policy at the state and federal levelsProtecting hunting rights through proactive engagementA landmark Tennessee case involving duck hunters and municipal restrictionsWhy misinformation spreads faster than science — and how to respond productivelyChanges in how hunters get information and engage with conservationThe decline of CRP, habitat loss, and consequences for duck populationsThe chronic underfunding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceWhy engagement — not social media outrage — creates real impactPractical advice for contacting legislators and making your voice heardReasons for optimism about the future of waterfowl conservationThis episode is a reminder that conservation success still depends on individuals willing to speak up, build relationships, and advocate for the resources they care about.SPONSORS: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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