Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Latest Episodes:

RELOADED EP39 | Waterfowlers Play An Important Role In Citizen Scientist Programs Mar 08, 2025

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Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Mark Lindberg, professor at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology to discuss the ways hunters play a vital role in citizen-science programs. Banding, HIP, and other various programs are supported by hunters, and are crucial to waterfowl science.

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

Ep. 664 - Amazing Hybrids from duckDNA, Season 2 Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

duckDNA recently concluded its second season, which brought continued enthusiasm from hunters and several never-before-seen hybrids! On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by conservation science assistants, Kayci Messerly and Katie Tucker, and Dr. Phil Lavretsky to share initial results from season 2 while discussing genetic mysteries uncovered through the analysis of several unique hybrid ducks. Also discussed are behind-the-scenes interactions with participating hunters and the potential future of duckDNA. Thanks to hunters for their support and participation and a special thanks to our year 2 funding partners -- Pinola Conservancy, Rice Pond Preserve, and Brian Hornung.

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

RELOADED EP245 | Must-Have Cooking Items for Every Waterfowler Mar 01, 2025

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Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings on the DU podcast to discuss several must-have items for every wild game chef. Leysath explains that some of these items are specific to recipes, but most of these are handy in every kitchen style. The pair talk about how Leysath uses several key items in his kitchen.

Read the full article: 10 Must-Have Cooking Items for Waterfowl Hunters:
https://www.ducks.org/hunting/10-must-have-cooking-items-for-waterfowl-hunters

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

Ep. 663 - Decoy Collecting 101: Stories & Insights from Auctioneer Grant Cole Feb 27, 2025

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In this episode, host Katie Burke sits down with Grant Cole, owner of Auctioneers, Inc., to discuss his journey into the world of outdoor hunting, waterfowl decoy collecting, and the auction industry. Grant shares his early hunting experiences in Michigan, his father's influence on his love for the outdoors, and how he transitioned into selling and collecting decoys. Grant also provides insight into the world of decoy auctions, the importance of relationships in the collecting community, and his role in various decoy organizations. He and Katie discuss the crossover between DU members and decoy collectors, the evolution of auctioneering, and the passion behind preserving hunting heritage through decoys.

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

RELOADED EP80 | Estimating Annual Waterfowl Harvest Part 3 of 3 Feb 22, 2025

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In the final installment of this special series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding discuss the 2 critical surveys that are part of this process: Migratory Bird Hunter Survey and Parts Collection Survey. This episode sheds light on how these data are collected and used, and why none of this would be possible without the interest, cooperation, and participation by hunters. This is episode 3 of a 3-part series.

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

Ep. 662 - The Art of Decoy Carving with Jamie Hand Feb 20, 2025

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Join host Katie Burke as she sits with renowned decoy carver Jamie Hand in his Cape May County workshop. Jamie shares his family's deep-rooted history in waterfowl hunting, the artistry behind traditional decoy carving, and the evolution of the craft. From learning under legendary mentors to passing on his knowledge to new generations, Jamie’s passion for carving and conservation shines through. Watch the video version on YouTube to see Jamie’s shop and carving process in action.

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

RELOADED EP78 | Estimating Annual Waterfowl Harvest Part 2 of 3 Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

In part 2 of this series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding go in-depth on the Harvest Information Program, known to most people simply as “HIP,” to explain how it works and how the data are used to select hunters for participating in the core surveys from which harvest is estimated. We also discuss additional uses of waterfowl harvest data. This is episode 2 of a 3-part series.

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

Ep. 661 - Season Recap: Epic Hunts, Avian Flu & Conservation Wins Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Ducks Unlimited Podcast: Season Wrap-Up Live Stream

Hosts: Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, Matt Harrison
Location: Ducks Unlimited HQ, Memphis, TN
Presented by: Purina ProPlan & Bird Dog Whiskey

🔹 Episode Summary

In this special live-stream wrap-up, the DU Podcast team reviews the 2024-2025 waterfowl season! From epic hunts and migration trends to avian flu updates and new hunting tactics, this episode has it all. Plus, we answer listener questions, preview off-season activities, and share key conservation insights.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Best & worst hunts of the season – Personal stories from Mike, Matt & Katie.
Duck migration & weather trends – How warm fall & late cold fronts impacted hunts.
Avian flu update – What waterfowl hunters need to know in 2025.
New hunting strategies – Motion decoys, pulsators & hand-carved decoys.
Off-season tips – Training your retriever, gear maintenance & turkey hunting.
Conservation & research – Duck DNA Project results & upcoming DU events.

🔹 Upcoming Events

DU Expo: August 1-3, Memphis, TN → CLICK HERE!
DU Banquets & Events: Find one near you → ducks.org/events
DU Careers: Internships & jobs → ducks.org/jobs

🔹 Follow & Subscribe

Follow on Instagram: @ducksunlimited
Subscribe & Leave a Review!

Listen now & get ready for next season!

Ep. 660 - Inspiring the Next Generation: The North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Camp Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Dr. Jerad Henson discusses a unique educational opportunity for young people interested in conservation and waterfowl science. He is joined by 3 special guests: Jennifer Kross, an education biologist from Ducks Unlimited's Great Plains office; Elizabeth Palarski, a program manager from Texas Brigades, and Chase Schmidt, an assistant leader for Texas Brigades at the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade. Jennifer and Elizabeth share a background on the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade and the Texas Brigades, designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Chase shares his experience as a cadet and the opportunities that have resulted from the brigades. Tune in to learn more about these impactful programs and their significance in promoting waterfowl education and conservation efforts.

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

Ep. 659 - Species Profile: Common Eider, Part 2 Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

What do eiders eat, how do they feed, why is their poop so stinky, how do they taste, how many are there, and what are the most pressing conservation concerns affecting them? These and other questions are explored as Kate Martin and Dr. Sarah Gutowsky rejoin Dr. Mike Brasher to wrap up our common eider species profile. Also discussed is new research that is improving our knowledge of eider population trends and identifying important breeding and winter sites. New telemetry results are revealing fascinating insights about eider migration, and we learn of the important cultural and economic tie between common eiders and local communities, including why an eider down duvet could set you back $10,000!

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

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