Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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Ep. 623 - 2024 Goose Production Gives Reasons for Optimism Oct 15, 2024

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Despite recent declines in some goose populations, fresh data suggest that hunters have reasons to be optimistic about the number of young birds flying south this fall. Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by goose experts Josh Dooley (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and Frank Baldwin (Canadian Wildlife Service) to discuss indices for arctic and subarctic goose populations from Alaska to Atlantic Canada. Many areas experienced early spring and good to excellent conditions for nesting, with multiple indicators suggesting better production than what was experienced a few years in the past. New data and hunter reports from the prairies support these conclusions, so good luck to goose hunters as you head afield.

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

(01:06) - - Introduction and Guest Introductions
(03:39) - - Josh Dooley's Role and Responsibilities
(04:38) - - Focus on Goose Productivity for 2024
(05:52) - - Western Goose Populations Overview
(06:52) - - Defining Spring Phenology
(08:00) - - Diverse Goose Species in North America
(08:36) - - Data Sets for Assessing Goose Productivity
(11:38) - - Resources for Goose Population Information
(14:51) - - Management Plans and Their Importance
(15:35) - - Transition to Alaska Goose Production
(16:34) - - Alaska Goose Production Overview
(20:36) - - Black Brant Nesting Success and Challenges
(22:13) - - Additional Goose Populations in the Pacific Flyway
(23:40) - - General Decline in Goose Population Indices
(26:54) - - Transition to Mid-Continent Goose Production
(27:38) - - Productivity Survey Genesis and Importance
(31:09) - - Spring Conditions and Expectations for Production
(33:45) - - Preliminary Productivity Survey Results
(36:24) - - Mid-Continent Snow Goose Production
(38:57) - - Ross's Goose Productivity Overview
(40:13) - - Western Arctic Goose Production Insights
(41:12) - - Delayed Breeding and Population Dynamics
(42:47) - - Atlantic Canada Goose Populations Overview
(45:33) - - Greater Snow Goose Productivity Insights
(46:09) - - Harvest Age Ratios and Their Significance
(47:48) - - Cackling Goose Production Overview
(48:52) - - Temperate Nesting Canada Geese Productivity
(49:35) - - Local Productivity and Migrant Vulnerability

Ep. 623 - Delayed Migration and Words from the North Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

In this bonus episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens, Josh Dooley (USFWS), and Frank Baldwin (CWS) for an impromptu update on the status of waterfowl migration and wetland conditions from Yellowknife to South Dakota. Cold weather in the far north is ushering birds south, while continued warmth in the prairies has blue-wings holding strong. Wetland conditions in the Canadian prairies are some of the driest ever seen by Dr. Stephens, yet Frank reports good success on bigger waters. With cooler weather on the horizon, many are hoping for a new push of birds as the season gets into full swing.

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

(00:00) - - Introduction and Sponsors
(01:05) - - Episode Overview
(02:03) - - Guest Introduction: Josh Dooley
(02:52) - - Guest Introduction: Frank Baldwin
(04:03) - - Migration and Goose Production Update
(04:42) - - Yellowknife Migration Insights
(06:39) - - Weather and Migration Patterns
(08:05) - - Manitoba Hunting and Bird Observations
(10:21) - - Wetland Conditions in Manitoba
(12:08) - - Snow Geese and Cacklers Arrival
(12:19) - - Teaser for Goose Production Episode
(13:37) - - Introduction of Dr. Scott Stevens
(15:04) - - Scott Stevens' Recent Travels
(16:07) - - Hunting in Saskatchewan
(17:08) - - Weather and Bird Conditions in Saskatchewan
(18:59) - - Mallard and Pintail Observations
(20:56) - - Weather Impact on Migration
(22:02) - - Blue-winged Teal Sightings
(23:25) - - Bird Numbers in North Dakota and South Dakota
(24:18) - - Goose Production Observations
(25:46) - - Future Hunting Plans
(27:00) - - Border Crossing with Birds and Dogs
(28:24) - - Closing Remarks and Thanks

Ep. 622 - Crafting Legacy: Jett Brunet on Carving and Competition Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, host Katie Burke sits down with acclaimed wildlife artist and carver Jett Brunet. Jett shares insights into his early life, growing up under the influence of his equally renowned father, a master carver. He reflects on the pressures and inspirations of living up to such a legacy, discussing how his artistic journey has evolved over the years. From his initial motivations to his current creative process, Jett offers a candid look at what has shaped him as an artist and how his passion for the craft has transformed.

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

Ep. 621 - Back to Our Roots: Rediscovering the True Meaning of a Successful Hunt Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes his good friend Brodie Swisher. They reminisce about their memorable hunting camp experience that started their friendship. Matt highlights Brodie's incredible passion for the outdoors, youth involvement, and community betterment. Brodie shares insights into his own podcast and brand, Hunting Roots, which focuses on reconnecting with the traditions of hunting and sharing personal stories from the hunting community. Tune in to hear about the importance of storytelling in hunting and how it plays a role in fostering connections and preserving the heritage of the sport.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 620 - Two Meteorologists and a Duck Scientist Walk into a Studio… Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Duck hunters are obsessive weather watchers, as it influences everything from large-scale migration to local movements and habitat use. In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher welcomes Skot Covert, chief meteorologist at CBS 5News Fort Smith-Fayetteville, AR, and Chance Gotsch, meteorologist at ABC17 Columbia, MO, to discuss early season forecasts for the upcoming fall and winter. Recorded on September 16, 2024, Skot and Chance provide an education on La Nina, El Nino, and how they influence the weather we experience. Although the outlook isn’t great for southern hunters, wild cards in play, so tune in for the details.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 619 - Winter Wellness Tips for Your Retriever Oct 01, 2024

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As temperatures drop, it's important to ensure your retriever stays safe and healthy. Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss essential cold-weather retriever care. From icy conditions and snow to bitter winds, Stewart highlights key warning signs to watch for when hunting in winter. He also delves into important topics such as cold-tail, essential items for retriever blind bags, hypothermia prevention, and proper feeding routines. Have recommendations or questions? Reach out to the DU Podcast team at DUPodcast@ducks.org.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 618 - Behind the Lens: Ed Wall’s Life in Waterfowling and Photography Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of the Ducks Limited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes co-host Dr. Mike Brasher and special guest Edward Wall, a professional photographer and owner of Wall Media. Ed shares his journey from a hobbyist taking pictures of his dog and duck hunting to building a successful photography business over the past 10-12 years. He reflects on the learning curve he experienced, mentioning the many bad photos he took early on and the occasional good ones that inspired him to keep going. The conversation highlights Ed's passion for photography and his dedication to capturing moments and showcasing the evolution of his craft. Tune in for insights into the world of photography and the stories behind the lens!

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 617 – Shooting for Success: Tips and Techniques from Champion Foster Bartholow Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes 2008 ATA trap shooting world champion Foster Bartholow. The conversation delves into Foster's journey into the world of shooting, beginning with his childhood experiences in the outdoors and hunting alongside his family. Foster shares how a youth shooting program at his high school sparked his passion for trap shooting, leading to his rapid success in the sport. Listeners will gain insights into Foster's dedication to shooting and his perspective on the importance of outdoor activities. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with tips, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of the shooting sports community.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 616 – Sex and Age on the Fly: Blue-winged Teal Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

It’s early September, and duck hunting is back! But it’s also the time of year when identifying ducks can be most challenging, as most have yet to attain their signature breeding plumage. On this made-for-video episode, Chris Jennings is joined by Dr. Mike Brasher, Dr. Jerad Henson, and Katie Burke as they discuss the popular pastime of sexing and aging ducks based on wing and tail characteristics. Tune in to learn more about this educational skill and how you can apply it on your next hunt, even if you aren’t all that confident!

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www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 615 – Migration Alerts, Decoy Tactics, and Waterfowl 360 Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Chris Jennings, Mallori Murphey, and Dr. Scott Stephens join Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the current status of teal migration, habitat conditions, and how you can stay informed during the hunting season. Through DU’s Migration Alerts, hunters will be “in the know” about bird numbers, weather systems, hunting success, and habitat conditions. Waterfowl 360 is here with a plethora of hunting resources, including decoy tactics, recipes, waterfowl ID, hunting stories, and more. Lastly, Dr. Scott Stephens shares the latest from Prairie Canada and his first week of the new season. Spoiler alert…it’s dry again, but skinny teal decoys once again proved their worth!
“Life is Short. You Better Hunt.”

www.ducks.org/migration
www.waterfowl360.com

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

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