Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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Judy Harmon on the Life and Legacy of Ted Harmon (Ep. 701) Aug 26, 2025

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In this episode, Judy Harmon reflects on her late husband Ted Harmon’s remarkable journey from Cape Cod house painter to one of the most respected decoy collectors and auctioneers in the country. Alongside sons Steve and Doug, she shares stories from Ted’s early hunts in Maine, his first decoy finds, and the bold leap from the family painting business into the world of antiques and auctions. The family recounts how exposure to fine art on Cape estates sharpened Ted’s collector’s eye, why the best birds were stored away in safes and bank lockers, and the legendary Massachusetts discoveries—from Melvin Gardner Lawrence sleepers to barrels of Keyes Chadwick's ferried off Martha’s Vineyard. They also share personal stories about family road trips, auctions, and the unforgettable “dryer story.” Listeners will come away with not only a better understanding of Ted’s impact on the decoy world but also a glimpse of the Harmon family’s life immersed in history, travel, and collecting.

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

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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.

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RELOADED EP23 | Two Sides Of A Drought Aug 23, 2025

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Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss an Understanding Waterfowl column Brasher wrote several years ago regarding how drought impacts waterfowl habitats negatively and positively. Brasher explains that while most people think that drought is detrimental to habitat, it actually has many benefits.

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

Ducklings, Drones, and Thermal Imagery (Ep. 700) Aug 21, 2025

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Catrina Terry and Dr. John Coluccy join Kayci Messerly and Dr. Mike Brasher for an in-depth look at the life of a duckling and how new technology is enabling researchers to study this important life stage like never before. Using advanced drones and state-of-the-art thermal imaging, researchers can now locate and count ducklings more consistently and accurately, giving greater confidence in our understanding of the type of habitat preferred by ducklings, how productive those habitats are, and what it means for our conservation actions. This episode also includes incredible videos collected during recent research, illustrating the game-changing nature of this new technology.

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

Ep. 699 - Bid on Your Dream Adventure: A Deep Dive into the National Trip Auction Aug 18, 2025

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The Ducks Unlimited National Trip Auction is an exciting annual online auction event that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike. It offers a diverse array of trips and experiences that cater to various interests and budgets. Now in its fourth year, the auction has evolved significantly since its inception, showcasing a wide range of adventures that extend beyond traditional hunting trips. Tune in to learn more about the exciting trips up for auction and get a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that makes it all possible!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW & BID! NATIONAL TRIP AUCTION

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

RELOADED EP404 | Arctic to the Yucatan and 32 Years of Advice: Tales of a Pilot Biologist, Part 2 Aug 16, 2025

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We’re back with more adventures from retired USFWS pilot biologist Fred Roetker! This episode is highlighted by memorable observations, including a wolverine, barren ground grizzlies, expansive beaver ponds, a military intercept in Mexico, and a rare sighting of the elusive prairie skinny dipper! Fred concludes with sage advice for young people looking to enter the waterfowl profession, and DU extends a sincere “thank you” to Fred and his fellow pilot biologists!

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

Ep. 698 - Sydnie Wells, Tim Wells, Dive Bomb Industries & More at DUX2025 Aug 14, 2025

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Sydnie Wells, Tim Wells, and Nathan Hogg of Dive Bomb Industries join hosts Matt Harrison and Jimbo Robinson live from DUX 2025. From swapping stories about memorable past hunts to sharing their excitement for upcoming seasons, the crew dives into the passion, projects, and plans shaping the year ahead. It’s a laid-back, fun conversation straight from the show floor at DUX.

Join us next year at DUX 2026!!

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

Ep. 697 - FFA and Ducks Unlimited Are Shaping Future Leaders Aug 12, 2025

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In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Jimbo Robinson welcomes an inspiring group of FFA leaders: Thad Bergschneider and Caroline Groth, National FFA Officers. They discuss the longstanding partnership between FFA and Ducks Unlimited, which began in 2014 during the National Expo. Mark Horobetz shares insights on how this collaboration has evolved, highlighting the shared values and opportunities for engagement between the two organizations. Tune in to learn more about the impact of youth leadership in conservation and how Ducks Unlimited continues to work alongside FFA to foster new chapters and volunteers.

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

RELOADED EP403 | Half Million Miles of Duck Habitat: Tales of a Pilot Biologist, Part 1 Aug 09, 2025

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Retired USFWS pilot biologist Fred Roetker reflects on his 32-year career of surveying ducks and geese across North America and shares stories of the places he saw, people he met, and experiences he amassed over that time. With nearly 500,000 air miles to his credit, ranging from the Yucatan to the Arctic Circle, some say that Fred has seen more waterfowl habitat than anyone else in North America. After listening to his stories, they might be right!

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

Ep. 696 - What Makes the Peterson Collection So Special? Aug 07, 2025

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In this episode of the DU Podcast, host Katie Burke is joined by Zac Zetterberg, Curator of Art at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, and Korey Rodgers, Director of Collections at the Shelburne Museum, for an in-depth conversation about the renowned Peterson Collection of goose decoys.

Together, they discuss the origins of the collection, their personal connections to it, and some of their favorite decoys. The episode also explores regional decoy styles, contemporary artists featured in the collection, and what makes this body of work so historically and artistically significant.

Katie, Zac, and Korey preview upcoming exhibitions where the Peterson Collection will be featured, highlighting the continued efforts to preserve and share the legacy of waterfowl artistry and craftsmanship.

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

Ep. 695 - Habitat Update - Is It Time to Sell Your Decoys? Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

DU chief scientist, Dr. Steve Adair, joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Scott Stephens to discuss reports and observations of spring and summer habitat conditions, what it might mean for duck numbers, and how it could affect your hunting success this year. Anecdotal reports indicate continued widespread prairie drought, dry conditions and fire in the Boreal Forest, but stable to good conditions in eastern Canada. Drs. Steve, Mike, and Scott offer their annual prognostications for what the duck and pond numbers will be, while speculating about what it could mean for recommended harvest regulations in 2026. Although numbers are expected to be down, Dr. Scott advises that you not sell your decoys!

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

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