Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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RELOADED EP602: How to Avoid Opening Day Blunders Aug 08, 2026

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Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, freelance contributor to Ducks Unlimited magazine and ducks.org, to talk about the excitement of opening day of waterfowl season and ways to avoid making simple mistakes. As opening day continues to creep closer, there are several tactics many duck and goose hunters don’t take into account, leaving them open to potential failure. Follow along as these two discuss best practices to make your opening day a success.

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Duck Hodges on Club Country, Duck Hunting & Following Your Own Path (Ep 797) Aug 06, 2026

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Success in the outdoors starts with being yourself and finding ways to share your passion with others.

Recorded live from DUX 2026, host Jimbo Robinson sits down with former NFL quarterback and outdoorsman Devlin “Duck” Hodges to discuss the launch of Club Country, his first major brand collaboration, and why authenticity matters more than ever in hunting culture.

The conversation covers everything from waterfowl hunting and golf to mentorship, social media, and the importance of introducing new people to the outdoors. Duck shares the story behind Club Country’s rapid growth, the inspiration behind his first collaboration with Gunner Kennels, and why his platform is focused on helping the next generation enjoy hunting without feeling pressured by comparison, competition, or online expectations.

Topics Covered

The launch of Club Country at DUX 2026
Why golf and hunting naturally fit together
The story behind the Gunner Kennels collaboration
Social media, authenticity, and outdoor culture
Advice for young hunters entering the sport
The importance of mentorship and community
Future plans for Club Country
Why enjoying the hunt matters more than the outcome

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Factory Decoys, History & Collecting with Bill Dodge (Ep 796) Aug 04, 2026

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Decoy collecting isn’t just about objects — it’s about history, craftsmanship, and the people who built the tradition.

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Katie Burke sits down with longtime collector Bill Dodge at the North American Decoy Collectors Association show. Recorded in one of the show’s unique “room‑to‑room” dealer spaces, the conversation offers an inside look at the world of vintage decoys and the community behind it.

Bill shares how a single purchase at a farm auction sparked a lifetime passion for collecting — eventually leading him to focus on factory-made decoys, particularly those tied to the historic Detroit makers. They also break down what defines a “factory decoy,” the evolution of materials and craftsmanship, and the balance between standardization and hand-finished detail. From early catalog sales to regional styles and grading systems, the episode highlights how these decoys bridged utility and artistry during a critical period in waterfowling history.

Beyond the technical side, Bill emphasizes the importance of mentorship, relationships, and shared knowledge within the collecting community — a recurring theme that defines both collectors and conservationists.

This episode offers a deeper appreciation for decoys not just as tools, but as artifacts that tell the story of hunting, innovation, and tradition.

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Big Honker Podcast at DUX, the Duck Factory Fight & the Future of Conservation Aug 03, 2026

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Learn why Ducks Unlimited is mobilizing hunters across North America and what’s at stake for the future of duck habitat and conservation.

In this special DUX 2026 crossover episode, Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver of the Big Honker Podcast sit down with Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam to discuss record attendance at DUX, the growing influence of Ducks Unlimited, and the urgent conservation issues facing waterfowl hunters today.

The conversation focuses heavily on the ongoing effort to protect Prairie Pothole Region wetlands, often referred to as the "Duck Factory," and why DU is asking hunters to speak up regarding proposed changes affecting wetland easements funded by generations of Duck Stamp buyers. Adam also shares his vision for Ducks Unlimited’s future, the role of volunteers in the organization's success, the growth of collegiate conservation programs, and what lies ahead as DU approaches its 90th anniversary.

Topics Covered

Record-setting attendance and growth at DUX 2026
Why the Prairie Pothole Region is known as the Duck Factory
The importance of Duck Stamp-funded conservation easements
Proposed federal changes affecting wetland protections
How agriculture and waterfowl conservation can coexist
The future of Ducks Unlimited and volunteer leadership
Recruiting the next generation of hunters and conservationists
DU’s upcoming 90th anniversary celebration

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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RELOADED EP708: Willie Robertson at DUX 2025: Faith, Family, and Ducks Aug 01, 2026

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Willie Robertson stopped by the Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis to reflect on his family’s journey from selling duck calls to building Duck Commander and becoming household names through Duck Dynasty. In this conversation, Willie shares stories about his father Phil, the values of faith and family that shaped their legacy, and the importance of passing down traditions in the outdoors to future generations.

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DUX Series: Winchester, Waterfowl Ammo & Getting Ready for Duck Season (Ep 795) Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Duck season is getting closer, and waterfowl hunters are facing a few big changes—especially when it comes to ammunition.

In this final episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Nathan Robinson of Winchester Ammunition to discuss the current state of waterfowl loads, rising tungsten prices, new product innovations, and what hunters can expect heading into the upcoming season.

The conversation explores everything from the growing popularity of sub-gauge shotguns to the realities of ammunition manufacturing and supply. Nathan explains how changing material costs are impacting the industry, why steel remains the backbone of waterfowl hunting, and what makes Winchester’s newer products like Final Pass unique. Along the way, the group also talks shooting sports, shotgun patterning, legendary Winchester history, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming DUX Waterfowl Show.

Topics Covered

Why tungsten prices have increased dramatically
Winchester's Final Pass blended waterfowl load
The future of sub-gauge waterfowl hunting
Why shotgun patterning matters more than most hunters realize
Winchester's legacy and role in conservation
Shooting sports and youth participation
What visitors can expect at the Winchester booth during DUX
Upcoming DU 90th Anniversary collaborations

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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UPDATE: Why Prairie Wetland Protections Need Your Support Right Now Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Follow these links!
Direct link to petition: https://ducks.quorum.us/campaign/duckfactory/

Link to DU page and federal register link: https://www.ducks.org/save-the-duck-factory

Learn why Ducks Unlimited is asking waterfowl hunters to take action on one of the most important conservation issues affecting duck production in North America.

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens for an update on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ongoing review of regulations related to drain tile setbacks around permanently protected wetland easements in the Prairie Pothole Region.

Building on an earlier emergency update, Mike and Scott explain new information regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services's Request for Information on determining drain tile setbacks for landowners on property where the Service owns wetland easements. They discuss a newly found document that states the Service's proposal to repeal the 2024 rule. They remind us why these easements matter, how Duck Stamp dollars have helped protect millions of acres of critical waterfowl habitat, and why DU believes maintaining these protections is essential for the future of duck production and wetland conservation.

Topics Covered

New developments regarding the 2024 drain tile setback rule
How wetland conservation easements work
The role of Duck Stamp dollars in protecting prairie habitat
Why prairie wetlands are known as the Duck Factory
How drain tile can affect wetlands and duck production
What Ducks Unlimited is asking hunters to do
The importance of participating in the federal comment process
Why this issue is considered a top conservation priority

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

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Why Waterfowl in the Klamath Basin Need Help Right Now (Ep. 794) Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Learn what’s driving a new botulism outbreak in the Klamath Basin and what conservation partners are doing to help protect thousands of waterfowl.

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Jeff McCreary, Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Operations for the Western Region, and Dr. Dan Smith, DU waterfowl scientist, to discuss deteriorating habitat conditions in one of North America’s most important waterfowl landscapes.

After a winter of record-low snowpack and a spring that produced exceptional numbers of ducklings, water levels in the Klamath Basin are rapidly declining. Those conditions have created an elevated risk of avian botulism, threatening young ducks and molting birds concentrated on the region’s wetlands. Jeff and Dan explain how the outbreak developed, why the Klamath Basin remains critical to the Pacific Flyway, and how Ducks Unlimited and partners are working to bring additional water into the refuge system before conditions worsen.

Topics Covered

Why botulism outbreaks occur during drought conditions
The connection between snowpack, water availability, and wetland health
How more than 100,000 ducklings were produced despite current challenges
What “flow-through” water management could mean for the Klamath Basin
The importance of Lower Klamath and Tule Lake refuges
Why collaboration is essential to solving long-term water issues
How DU and partners are responding to current conditions
The future of waterfowl habitat in the Pacific Flyway

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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RELOADED EP698 - Sydnie Wells, Tim Wells, Dive Bomb Industries & More at DUX2025 Jul 25, 2026

Show notes

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 this year at DUX 2026!!

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Chêne Gear, ChêneFest & the Power of the Hunting Community (Ep 793) Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Great gear gets people in the door. Community keeps them coming back.

In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Dennis Zuck and Carter Oliver of Chêne Gear to discuss the company's growth, its people-first philosophy, and how Chêne has become one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl hunting.

What started as a mission to build a better wader has grown into something much larger. Dennis and Carter share the story behind Chêne’s rise, the importance of customer service, and why relationships remain at the center of everything they do. The conversation also includes major announcements about new products debuting exclusively at DUX, the continued evolution of ChêneFest, and the growing partnership between Chêne and Ducks Unlimited.

Topics Covered

How Chêne Gear got started
The philosophy behind building better hunting gear
Why customer service remains a company priority
New products launching for the first time at DUX
The growth and impact of ChêneFest
Chêne’s partnership with Ducks Unlimited
Expanding the brand beyond waterfowl gear
Building community in the modern hunting industry

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

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