Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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How John and Amy Sarver Built a Life Around Decoys, Art, and Community (Ep 742) Jan 22, 2026

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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, how painting and sculpting became a shared language, and why they’re committed to keeping regional traditions alive. The pair also reflect on shows, mentors, travel hunts, and how inspiration from wild birds translates into their work.

Takeaways:

How childhood exposure to Illinois and Mississippi River traditions shaped their collecting
Why Pat Gregory’s push got the whole family carving—and why their first decoys “weren’t round”
How Amy’s art background fuels both painting and wildlife study
The history, growth, and youth engagement of the 58‑year‑old Henry Decoy Show
Hunting trips—from Alaska to California—that influence their carving and painting
What it’s like being featured carvers as a young team in the craft

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

SPONSORS:
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Whether 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.

How a Top Waterfowl Photographer Plans, Hides, and Captures the Shot (Ep 741) Jan 20, 2026

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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 without, and why hiding is the single most underrated factor for success—whether you carry a gun or a camera.

Takeaways:

The one moment that proved he could make magazine‑quality images
Why success is “10x harder than a duck hunt” and how he prepares
Hiding as the critical skill: getting birds below the horizon
Light, wind, access, and backgrounds—how he chooses a spot
Pintails as the wariest, redheads as camera‑friendly, and why cans thrill him
Ethics in wildlife photography: wild birds, wild places, honest portrayal

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

RELOADED EP189 - Author Of Hidden War Joins the DU Podcast: 2 of 2 Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

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/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

Lessons from the Ward Brothers: Oliver “Tuts” Lawson on Decoy Tradition (Ep 740) Jan 15, 2026

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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.

Takeaways:

How Oliver Lawson learned carving and painting from Lem and Steve Ward
Why oil paint creates depth and patina unmatched by modern acrylics
The evolution from hunting decoys to ornamental birds—and why he returned to gunning style
How early carvers shared techniques versus today’s secretive approach
Stories behind rare swans, auctions, and the founding of the Ward Foundation
Why tradition and accessibility keep decoy carving alive

Late-Season Waterfowl Strategy: What Migration Reports Reveal (Ep. 739) Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

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 how these factors impact success and strategy.

SIGN UP FOR MIGRATION ALERTS HERE!

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

RELOADED EP188 - Author Of Hidden War Joins the DU Podcast: 1 of 2 Jan 10, 2026

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Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

How Mark McNair Turns Wood into Working Waterfowl Art (Ep. 738) Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

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 carvers.

The moment he asked “Who’s in charge here?” and took control of the carve.
Why form should guide paint—and when paint distracts from the sculpture.
How mentors (from Madeleine Shar to peers like Cameron McIntyre and Grayson Chesser) shape better work through real critique.
Building decoys with raised wings and two‑part construction; borrowing ideas from Cobb, Shang Wheeler, Blair, and John English to solve design problems.
The liberating lesson of throwing a failed piece in the wood stove and moving on.
Community moments: Easton Waterfowl Festival, Barrier Island Center’s Meet the Carvers, and teaching with his son Ian.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

ASCEND: Finding Confidence, Creativity, and the Outdoors with Priscilla Block (Ep. 737) Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

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 grows
Being visible for the next generation
Balancing creativity and real life
Finding grounding outdoors

Follow Priscilla Block
@PriscillaBlock on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

RELOADED EP170 - Lifetime Skills For Waterfowl Hunters Jan 03, 2026

Show notes

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/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

Mapping the Modern Duck Hunt: Insights from OnX (Ep. 736) Jan 01, 2026

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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/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

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