Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 594 – Mallards of the Great Lakes – New Research into Population Declines Jul 09, 2024

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Great Lakes mallards are an important source of local harvest for hunters in the region, but their population has declined by nearly 60% since 1997. Recently completed research sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and a host of other partners provides insights into the potential causes. In the first of this 2-part discussion, Dr. Ben Luukkonen, imminent PhD graduate from Michigan State University, and Dr. John Coluccy, DU’s director of conservation planning and science for the Great Lakes and Atlantic Region, introduce the background for this research and highlight the questions it explored, ranging from changes in survival to influence of game-farm genetics.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 593 – Thank You for Your Support! New Adventures for the DU Podcast Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Happy Independence Day, everyone! You inspire us to innovate and improve. We cannot wait to share these exciting new chapters with you and continue our journey together in preserving our wetlands and waterfowl for generations to come. Please don't ever hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, or suggestions for content. Thank you for listening and being part of the Ducks Unlimited podcast community. Enjoy your 4th of July weekend and be safe. Cheers.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 592 – Transition of Power – Meet DU’s New President, Bob Spoerl Jul 02, 2024

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Every 2 years, there is a transition at the top of DU’s volunteer leadership, as the membership approves a new President and the outgoing president takes the helm as Chairman of the Board. On this episode, DU’s new President, Bob Spoerl, joins Chairman of the Board, Chuck Smith, and podcast host Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss the ins and outs of this biennial action. We get to know our new president, hear his plans for the coming years, and learn about his passion for wetlands and waterfowl conservation. We also reflect on Chuck’s time as president and the organizational growth that has occurred on his watch. We say thank you to Bob, Chuck, and all volunteers for the limitless contributions and leadership they provide to Ducks Unlimited, in turn making us a unstoppable force for conservation.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 591 – The Value of a Wetland: Exploring the Benefits of Wetlands to Waterfowl, Wildlife, and People. Jun 27, 2024

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On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Dr. Jerad Henson hosts Dr. Mike Brasher, senior waterfowl scientist, and Dr. Ellen Herbert, senior scientist for Sustainability and Nature-Based Solutions. They dive into the value of wetlands, discussing the importance of wetlands for waterfowl and sustainability. They highlight the significance of wetlands in the priority landscapes of the prairie pothole region and Mississippi River valley. Tune in to explore the vital role wetland ecosystems play in our world and the work being done at Ducks Unlimited to protect them.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 590 – Pintails, Guns & Gear, Mediocre Habitat, and Avian Flu Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

Thanks to a newly approved pintail harvest strategy, waterfowl hunters in the Lower 48 may soon have the opportunity for a 3-pintail bag limit for the first time since 1997. In this June roundup, Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher provide updates on the new strategy and what it might mean for hunters, and when we should expect to learn more. New information on spring habitat conditions and the continued spread of avian flu in dairy cattle is also provided, and we get a virtual sneak peek at the New Guns & Gear segment in the forthcoming Ducks Unlimited magazine.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 589 – $100 Million for the Prairies and 1 Million Acres of Conservation Delivery Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s chief conservation officer, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to share two unprecedented announcements reflecting DU’s continued growth and impact for waterfowl conservation. First was a monumental $100 Million gift from Jim Kennedy and the James M. Cox Foundation to support permanent protection of wetlands and grasslands in DU’s highest priority landscape – the Prairie Pothole Region. Second was DU’s organizational milestone of having delivered 1 Million acres of conservation in a single year for the first time in our history. These achievements put DU in an elite category of the non-profit world and demonstrate the power and appeal of our conservation mission.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 588 – Breaking Down the Feeding Call with Jimbo Ronquest Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

The feeding call is fundamental for all callers to understand. However, Jimbo Ronquest, vice president of development for Drake Waterfowl and world duck calling champion, explains the variations that can be added to your arsenal to improve your calling abilities. Ronquest and host Chris Jennings discuss his feeding calls and break down when he uses them and why. Get your calls ready. This lesson in duck calling will take your duck calling to the next level.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 587 – Eat Beef…Produce More Ducks Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Ryan Taylor, DU’s director of public policy and self-professed “rancher in residence” for the Great Plains Region, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to share stories as a 4th Generation rancher while explaining how these experiences help him work effectively with ranchers and farmers. Ryan is a firm believer that agriculture and ranching can work well with duck habitat conservation, and after listening you’ll likely agree that he’s the perfect person to lead DU’s conservation policy in the prairies. Lastly, we learn how eating a steak or hamburger this weekend will support healthy duck populations!

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 586 – Summer Gear Storage Tips Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Duck and goose hunting equipment is expensive. Why not have a plan to protect your gear during the summer months? Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor to discuss best practices for storing your duck and goose hunting equipment in the off season.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 585 – Ensuring Conservation Legacies: The Role of Conservation Easements Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Dr. Jered Henson introduces himself as a new host and project manager at Ducks Unlimited. He welcomes guests Kate Hackett and Josh Green from the lands team to discuss how Ducks Unlimited ensures the longevity of their conservation work. Kate, the managing director of lands in Memphis, shares insights into land protection efforts at Ducks Unlimited. Join them as they delve into the importance of sustainability and conservation programs in their mission.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

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