Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings have a quick discussion on the basics of what separates these waterfowl types. Brasher explains anatomy, feeding types, and other differences between these ducks, while Jennings brings a handful of fun facts to the show. 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 D...

Hear how a carver–painter duo learned the craft together, built a collection, and now run one of Illinois’ longest‑running decoy shows.Host Katie Burke talks with John and Amy Sarver—carvers, collectors, and organizers of the Henry Decoy Show—about their path into waterfowl art, carving as a team, and growing a younger decoy community.John grew up on the Illinois River surrounded by hunters and collectors, while Amy came from an artistic family with early exposure to Mississippi River decoys. They share how Pat Gregory pushed them into carving, h...

Learn how pro waterfowl photographer Phil Kahnke scouts, sets up, and times the moment for jaw‑dropping duck images—and how it improves your hunting.Host Matt Harrison interviews photographer and lifelong hunter Phil Kahnke, known for striking waterfowl images and a methodical, hunt-first approach behind the lens.Kahnke traces his path from a hand‑me‑down film camera to modern digital work, explaining why his scouting mirrors a duck hunt and why perfect light, wind, and hide are non‑negotiable. He shares close calls on the ice, gear he won’t work witho...

Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores Jr., talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how California game wardens dealt with an attack on public and private lands by drug cartels, and how the issue continues across the U.S.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a...

Discover how a Crisfield carver kept Chesapeake Bay decoy traditions alive—and what he learned from the legends.Host Katie Burke sits down with Oliver “Tuts” Lawson, a master decoy maker who grew up in the Ward brothers’ shop and spent decades shaping waterfowl art and heritage.From carving his first birds at age eight to repairing hunting decoys for Eastern Shore clubs, Lawson shares stories of mentorship, craftsmanship, and community. Hear how oil paints, raised wings, and open-door shops defined a culture—and why preserving tradition matters more than chasing ribbons.<...

Find out why mild weather and drought are reshaping waterfowl migration—and what hunters can do now.Hosts Matt Harrison and Dr. Jared Henson break down the latest Ducks Unlimited migration alerts across the Chesapeake Bay, New York, and the Central Flyway.This episode dives into why some regions are stacked with birds while others struggle, how weather patterns and habitat conditions influence duck and goose movement, and what late-season hunters should expect. From drought in the Chesapeake to ice challenges in New York and warm spells in the Dakotas, learn ho...

Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores Jr., talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how California game wardens dealt with an attack on public and private lands by drug cartels, and how the issue continues across the U.S.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a...

Host Katie Burke visits Virginia carver Mark McNair, a lifelong artist shaped by Connecticut folk art, Easton’s decoy scene, and decades of hands‑on craft.In this conversation recorded at McNair’s marsh‑side home, he traces his path from Guilford, Connecticut to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, sharing mentors, influences, and the community that keeps carving vibrant. You’ll hear how form leads paint, why some heads go to the scrap pile, and how a celebrated swan decoy gathered its story over time. McNair also explains his “alchemist workshop” demos, opening the process to families and new carver...

Success doesn’t mean losing who you were or what you love.Country music artist Priscilla Block joins Ascend to talk about confidence, creativity, staying grounded, and how the outdoors plays a role in her life beyond the stage.This episode is about representation, inspiration, and showing younger women what’s possible.Topics include:Staying authentic as success growsBeing visible for the next generationBalancing creativity and real lifeFinding grounding outdoorsFollow Priscilla Block @PriscillaBlock on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explo...

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to take a deep dive into lifetime skills for waterfowl hunters. Pollmann wrote a piece that relates to this topic for ducks.org, but the pair go even further into the discussion about becoming an all-around duck and goose hunter. 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 t...

In this episode, Dr. Jared Henson and Jimbo Robinson welcome OnX Hunt marketing manager and Backwoods University host Lake Pickle. The crew dives into everything from habitat changes in the Mississippi Delta and evolving agricultural pressures to the latest OnX features like LiDAR and collaborative folders. Lake shares his journey from Mississippi kid to Primos videographer to OnX manager, and even unpacks the surprising roots of Santa’s flying reindeer. This one blends conservation insight, hunt strategy, mapping tech, family traditions, and plenty of laughs.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org...

Matt Harrison and Dr. Mike Brasher welcome outdoor writer and DU ASCEND Host Bethany Beathard to discuss her MeatEater article on North America’s four waterfowl flyways. Bethany shares her background, research process, interviews with banders and guides, and insights into how hunting tactics differ across regions. Dr. Brasher expands on migration science, flyway councils, Adaptive Harvest Management, and why reliable data is critical for the future of waterfowl conservation.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited<br...

Welcome to a festive Christmas special of the Ducks Unlimited podcast! Join hosts Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, and Dr. Jared Henson as they celebrate the holiday season with special guest Malcom Reed from "How to BBQ Right." Malcom brings his expertise in barbecue and shares his experiences and favorite recipes, perfect for hunting camp and duck camp. Listen in for a delightful conversation filled with holiday cheer, barbecue tips, and memorable Christmas stories.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog...

On this episode, We are joined by Santa. Hear songs recorded by local Ducks Unlimited staff and a Christmas letter reading from all of us to all of you! We hope you have a safe and joyous holiday. Merry Christmas!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...

Katie Burke sits down with renowned call maker Ronnie Turner at Reelfoot Lake to explore the rich history of duck call making, the evolution of craftsmanship, and why passing the tradition to the next generation matters. Ronnie shares stories from his Tennessee roots, his hunting adventures, and how he uses his craft to support meaningful causes.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...

As the overall number of waterfowl hunters continues to decline, it is increasingly important that we invite and welcome new hunters from all backgrounds. An encouraging trend is a recent increase in the number of women participating in hunting. In part 2 of our discussion on Women in Waterfowl, our guests share their experiences and accomplishments as female hunters. We close with advice and guidance for other women interested in hunting or joining the waterfowl and wetland conservation profession.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro...

This special Ducks Unlimited migration alert covers three major flyways experiencing dramatic shifts caused by early winter storms. The hosts discuss teal surges and goose arrivals out West, peak‑level movement in the Atlantic Flyway, and Kansas lighting up after northern systems locked up wetlands. With freeze‑ups, warmups, and rapid weather swings influencing bird behavior, the episode highlights how hunters can adapt to unpredictable migration waves while staying safe during dangerous ice conditions.SIGN UP FOR MIGRATION ALERTS HERE!Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:P...

Despite a recent Arctic plunge, the outlook for duck hunters through the end of the year isn’t exactly promising. Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Mandy Bailey, Chief Meteorologist at KTEN in Denison, Texas, and Skot Covert, Chief Meteorologist at 5News in Fayetteville/Fort Smith, Arkansas, to recap the latest winter weather outbreak and discuss what’s ahead as we close out the season. Early La Niña forecasts have largely held true, and that pattern appears to continue—warm and dry conditions dominate the southern Central and Mississippi Flyways, while frigid air grips the north. Out West, hunters...

For the longest time, the vast majority of waterfowl professionals and waterfowl hunters have been men. Although the balance continues to tilt in this direction, we are witnessing an exciting shift in female participation and leadership in waterfowl science, management, and conservation, as well as in the blind. The DU Podcast is joined by Dr. Susan Ellis-Felege, Dr. Karla Guyn, and Casey Setash to discuss this change and hear first-hand of their experiences as women in the waterfowl profession.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro...

In this episode, Matt Harrison and Dr. Jared Henson discuss the current state of bird migration across various flyways, focusing on the impact of recent cold fronts and weather patterns. They provide insights into the conditions in the Central, Atlantic, and Mississippi Flyways, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for waterfowl hunters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of wetlands for bird habitats and the value of staying informed through migration alerts to enhance hunting success.SIGN UP FOR MIGRATION ALERTS HERE!Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:<...