n this episode of the UpDuck Podcast, we sit down with Mike Hagerty, better known online as Outdoors_Dad_Life, for an honest and deeply relatable conversation about raising kids in the outdoors — and what it really means to hunt with family.

Mike shares his journey from growing up deer hunting in North Carolina, to serving 29 years in the U.S. Army, to now raising seven kids who hunt, fish, and live life outside. We dive into the realities of duck hunting with kids in the blind, introducing children to harvesting animals with respect, managing safety and maturity, and redefining success beyond limits and straps.

This episode covers:

Duck hunting with kids and first hunts
Teaching respect for wildlife and ethical harvesting
Balancing sports, school, and hunting seasons
Girls in the outdoors and breaking stereotypes
Why comfort isn’t the goal — memories are
How to make tough hunts meaningful for young hunters

From forgotten shotguns and wet waders to diner breakfasts and lifelong lessons, this conversation is packed with real stories, humor, and perspective every hunting parent can relate to.

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