Podcast
Midwest Flyways Podcast
Hosted by Midwest Flyways · EN
Duck Hunting and Goose Hunting is in our blood and we live it everyday! The Midwest Flyways Podcast is an authentic take on waterfowl hunting from Midwest Flyways. Duck and goose hunting has continued to evolve throughout the years and we aim to connect duck hunting traditions with the future of waterfowling. If you‘re passionate about ducks and geese then come hang with Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness as they talk duck hunting, goose hunting and everything else in between.
39episodes
Episodes
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Sports Guyz Only; The Kaprizov Debate
5d ago00:47:18Tap to summarizeThis week on Sports Guyz Only, Nathaniel is out sick, which leaves the rest of the crew plenty of time to roast Carter's wedding, question whether jeans belong at formal events, and pitch perhaps the greatest wedding job of all time: making Joey the official beer vendor at a future reception. Then it's time for sports. The guys dive into one of the biggest debates of the podcast: did the Minnesota Wild have any choice but to pay Kirill Kaprizov? Using Sidney Crosby's historic contract as the measuring stick, they break down NHL salary cap percentages, Florida's tax advantage, whether Kaprizov is truly a top-tier superstar, and just how much a franchise player should command. It's a passionate hockey debate that has the crew ranking the NHL's best players and arguing over what it really takes to build a Stanley Cup contender. The conversation shifts to the NBA as Victor Wembanyama's decision to leave money on the table sparks a discussion about stars sacrificing salary to chase championships. That naturally leads back to the latest LeBron James rumors, with the guys debating whether Minnesota still has a legitimate shot, why Cleveland might make the most sense, and whether pairing LeBron with LaMelo Ball would actually work. The episode closes with fantasy football season officially on the horizon. The crew brainstorms new league rules, dynasty formats, hilarious punishments, and ways to make every season just a little more chaotic. Plus: •Ranking the NHL's current superstars •NFL dynasty debates •Odell Beckham Jr.'s comments on "generational wealth" •Blake Bortles' legendary retirement mindset •Kendrick Perkins as sports television entertainment •Nathaniel's impressive World Cup predictions As always, it's hockey arguments, NBA offseason rumors, fantasy football trash talk, and enough random tangents to remind everyone why no topic is ever truly off limits. Thanks so much for listening to Sports Guyz Only and be sure to subscribe and review! Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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Market Hunting Debate, Say What?! Finale
6d ago00:50:27Tap to summarizeThis week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the crew tackles one of the most interesting "what would you do?" questions in waterfowl history: market hunting. Rather than looking at it through today's lens, they discuss what it must have been like for hunters whose entire livelihood disappeared when new conservation laws changed duck hunting forever. The guys also discuss how those same debates over conservation, regulations, and personal freedoms still exist in different forms today. Then, Joey, Cal, and Carter close out the final Say What?! of the season. The championship comes down to the wire with trivia covering snow geese, Jack Miner, duck stamp history, and crazy duck stories. Topics Covered: •The history of market hunting •The Migratory Bird Treaty Act •Why market hunters kept hunting •Early waterfowl conservation •Historic game warden stories •Say What?! Season Finale Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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History Lesson: The Outlaw Era
1w ago00:15:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys dive into one of the most fascinating chapters in waterfowl history: the outlaw era. After the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act changed the future of duck hunting, generations of market hunters suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of the law. What followed was a hidden world of ducklegging, undercover game wardens, and illegal waterfowl markets that stretched across the country. The episode explores how poachers operated under the cover of darkness, the elaborate systems used to process and transport hundreds of ducks overnight, and the dangerous cat-and-mouse game between market hunters and early conservation officers. Along the way, the guys discuss famous undercover investigations, why entire communities often protected illegal hunters, and the difficult reality of asking families to abandon the only livelihood they had ever known. It becomes a conversation not just about laws, but about how conservation changed the culture of waterfowl hunting forever. Whether you're interested in duck hunting history, waterfowl conservation, or the untold stories that shaped modern hunting, this episode offers a fascinating look at a time when marshes were home to smugglers, secret camps, and some of the biggest changes the sport has ever seen. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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Sports Guyz Only; LeBron to Minnesota?
2w ago01:06:21Tap to summarizeThe guys kick things off with Joey's brutally honest assessment of Team USA after their disappointing World Cup exit, and things somehow spiral into presidential phone calls, VAR controversies, and whether the U.S. accidentally gave Belgium all the motivation they needed. From there, the conversation turns into a debate over some of the greatest athletes and dynasties in sports history. The crew compares Tiger Woods' unbelievable peak to legends like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James while asking what truly makes an athlete the greatest of all time. The NBA discussion focuses on the growing rumors surrounding LeBron James and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Would LeBron actually fit alongside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball? Could Minnesota become an instant championship favorite? The guys break down the basketball fit, leadership impact, and whether the Wolves should go all-in if the opportunity presents itself. The episode wraps up with some of the strangest competitions in sports, including the controversial Enhanced Games, Joey Chestnut somehow continuing to redefine competitive eating, and an all-time hypothetical: who wins a race between Usain Bolt and Joey Chestnut if both have to eat a hot dog before crossing the finish line? Plus: The biggest World Cup moments of all time Kylian Mbappé's chase for history David Beckham's iconic free kicks Scottie Scheffler vs. Tiger Woods comparisons How dominant the Big Three were in tennis Goalkeeper evolution in modern soccer The greatest sports dynasties ever As always, it's World Cup overreactions, GOAT debates, championship dreams, and enough ridiculous hypotheticals to turn a sports podcast into complete chaos. Thanks so much for listening to Sports Guyz Only and be sure to subscribe and review! Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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Copper Shot Controversy
2w ago00:40:50Tap to summarizeThis week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the crew catches up on everything happening in the waterfowl world before diving into another round of Say What? trivia. The guys discuss the temporary concerns surrounding copper shot approval and speculate on how changing ammunition regulations could impact waterfowl hunters. Then they share their thoughts on conservation, habitat conditions, and the promising duck hatch they've been seeing this summer. Along the way, the conversation wanders into everything from golf course chemicals and self-sufficient living to travel, history, and some classic Midwest Flyways rabbit holes. To wrap things up, they play another round of Say What?! Topics Covered: Copper shot discussion Ducks Unlimited Expo and summer show season Duck hatch updates and breeding conditions Waterfowl & 4th of July Trivia Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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Hawaiin Ducks, Say What?!
3w ago00:13:07Tap to summarizeThis week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the guys keep things short but pack plenty of laughs into another round of Say What? Can you beat Cal and Joey in waterfowl trivia? This week's questions cover everything from Hawaiian ducks and conservation seasons to shovelers, Canada geese, coots, wigeon, and some surprising facts from waterfowl history. Along the way, the crew discusses hunting in Hawaii, dives into some fascinating waterfowl facts, and battles through another close round of trivia as the season-long competition heats up. It may be a shorter episode, but we’ve got trivia, laughs, and plenty of Midwest Flyways banter. Topics Covered: Hawaiian ducks and island wildlife Conservation goose season history Canada geese causing highway traffic Wigeon and coot feeding behavior Northern shoveler facts Hunting opportunities in Hawaii Another battle in Say What? Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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Off Season Blues
3w ago00:13:03Tap to summarizeWaterfowl season may still be months away, but that doesn't mean duck hunters have to sit around waiting for opening day. In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys talk about beating the off-season blues and staying connected to hunting when the marshes are quiet. From organizing decoys, boats, trailers, and hunting gear to attending summer trade shows like Dux and Game Fair, they share some of their favorite ways to keep the excitement alive throughout the summer. They also discuss sporting clays, trap shooting, golfing, chasing better scores, and why now is the perfect time to get your gear—and yourself—ready for another season. Whether you're counting down the days until fall or just looking for ways to scratch the waterfowl itch, this episode is full of ideas to help make the off-season go by a little faster. And as always, the guys mix in plenty of laughs, hunting stories, and the usual Midwest Flyways banter along the way. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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Sports Guyz Only; Billion Dollar Athlete
4w ago01:07:14Tap to summarizeThis week on Sports Guyz Only, the crew goes all-in on the biggest sporting event on the planet: the FIFA World Cup. Joey jumps into the studio for a soccer-heavy episode as the guys break down the tournament's biggest storylines, the best players in the world, and why this World Cup feels different than any before it. The conversation starts with a debate over what actually qualifies as a sport before quickly shifting into World Cup fever. The guys discuss Lionel Messi's incredible start to the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo's pursuit of history, Erling Haaland's dominance, and why France still looks like the team to beat. They also dive into Team USA's surprising run, whether the Americans can finally make a deep World Cup push, and why international soccer creates an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event. Along the way, they explain how international eligibility works, debate dual citizenship in world soccer, and compare the different playing styles across Europe and South America. Plus, a spirited argument over the eternal question: Messi or Ronaldo? Joey gives his perspective as a longtime soccer fan, while the rest of the crew weighs pure talent versus longevity, work ethic, and overall impact on the game. The guys also wander into plenty of classic Sports Guyz territory with discussions about Olympic athletes getting paid, the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, whether prestigious colleges actually matter in the real world, terrible fast-food chains, Waffle House adventures, and why Bojangles somehow became the most controversial topic of the night. To close things out, they hit the latest NBA offseason rumors, Timberwolves trade possibilities, the future of Jaden McDaniels, Jaylen Brown speculation, and the staggering amount of money today's global superstars are making. From Ronaldo's Saudi contract to Messi's MLS deal, the crew wonders just how much money is too much—and whether any athlete is really worth a billion dollars. Thanks so much for listening to Sports Guyz Only! Be sure to subscribe and review! Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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Bad Decisions, Good Hunts
4w ago00:43:14Tap to summarizeThis week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the crew shares some of the dumbest, sketchiest, and most questionable decisions they've ever made in an effort to save a hunt. From dead boat batteries and disappearing decoy spreads to flooded boats, forgotten gear, and wading way deeper than they should have, the guys relive some of their most memorable hunting disasters—and the creative solutions that somehow turned bad situations into successful hunts. The conversation also takes a turn into a series of waterfowl-themed "Would You Rather" questions. Would you rather hunt public land forever or have one perfect private property? Hunt alone and limit every time, or hunt with your best buddies and never shoot another limit? The answers might surprise you. To wrap things up, the crew battles through another round of Say What?, covering pintails, mergansers, swans, sea ducks, waterfowl history, and some surprisingly difficult trivia questions. Topics Covered: The dumbest things we've done to save a hunt Boat failures and hunting mishaps Lost decoys and flooded boats Forgotten guns, shells, and waders Waterfowl hunting "Would You Rather" Public land vs. private land hunting Hunting alone vs. hunting with friends Pintail, merganser, and sea duck trivia Another round of Say What? Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and review! Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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History Lesson: Sink Boxes
4w ago00:11:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys dive into the fascinating history of sink boxes—one of the most effective and controversial duck hunting methods ever invented. From the legendary waters of Maryland’s Susquehanna Flats to the heyday of Chesapeake Bay market hunting, they explore how hunters developed a way to disappear among the decoys and bring ducks closer than ever before. The episode covers the origins of sink boxes, how these unique floating hunting platforms operated, the massive decoy spreads and crews required to run them, and the incredible harvest numbers they produced. Along the way, they discuss famous visitors like President Grover Cleveland and Annie Oakley, the role sink boxes played in the development of Chesapeake Bay waterfowl culture, and why these hunting systems eventually became a target of conservation efforts. Whether you view sink boxes as a brilliant innovation or a relic of a bygone era, their impact on waterfowl hunting is impossible to ignore. Join the guys as they unpack the rise, dominance, and eventual fall of one of the most fascinating chapters in duck hunting history. Thanks so much for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP
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