Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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DUX SERIES: Rough Country & the Modern Hunt (Ep 781) Jun 11, 2026

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Today’s hunters don’t just rely on skill — they rely on the tools that get them there.

In this episode of the DUX Series, host David Schuessler is joined by co‑host Logan Nevins and guest Seth Dortch of Rough Country, one of the fastest‑growing vehicle accessory brands in the outdoor space.

From truck lifts and bed systems to fully outfitted UTV builds, Seth shares how Rough Country has evolved from a suspension company into a full‑scale outdoor lifestyle brand — and how that evolution parallels the way modern hunters access, transport, and experience the outdoors.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

Seth Dortch’s background growing up in West Tennessee and DU banquets
The early partnership between Rough Country and Ducks Unlimited
How Rough Country grew from a small suspension company to a major manufacturer
The role of aftermarket accessories in hunting and outdoor lifestyles
Why modern hunters rely on UTVs and fully customized vehicles
The rise of UTV accessories and how the category exploded in the last decade
How Rough Country designs products specifically for hunters and outdoorsmen
Bed caps, cargo systems, and the “full system” approach to gear
The complexity of fitting products across vehicle makes and models
How innovation and competition drive better gear for consumer
American manufacturing and the impact on local communities
What Rough Country is bringing to the DUX show in Memphis

This episode highlights how gear and mobility have become essential parts of the modern hunting experience — and how brands like Rough Country are helping drive that evolution.

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

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Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited
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.

Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

California’s Central Valley: Water, Wetlands & the Future of Ducks (Ep 780) Jun 09, 2026

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California’s Central Valley is one of the most important — and most intensively managed — waterfowl landscapes in North America.

In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Matt Kaminski, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, and Dr. Dan Smith, DU Waterfowl Scientist, for a deep dive into habitat conditions, conservation challenges, and the future of wetlands in the Pacific Flyway.

From highly engineered water systems to changing land use and declining snowpack, the conversation highlights how water management decisions shape waterfowl populations across the entire annual cycle — from breeding to migration and wintering.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

Current breeding habitat conditions in the Central Valley
The role of snowpack and water supply in wetland availability
Why California remains critical for wintering AND breeding ducks
Declines in mallard production and possible causes
Changes in agriculture, especially rice, and impacts on ducks
The importance of watergrass as a key food resource
Highly engineered water systems and wetland infrastructure
Seasonal vs. semi‑permanent wetlands explained
The concept of “reverse cycle wetlands” and brood habitat
Why summer water is critical — but difficult and expensive to maintain
DU and partner programs incentivizing habitat for breeding waterfowl

This episode provides an inside look at one of the most complex conservation landscapes in North America — and how Ducks Unlimited is working with partners to keep it productive for waterfowl.

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

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RELOADED EP230 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 13: Remembering The Point System Jun 06, 2026

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Mathematics was once a required practice in the duck blind, courtesy of the point system of the 70s and 80s. Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip down memory lane to discuss the origination, objectives, implementation, and critiques of the old point system, a once common regulatory alternative for duck harvest. Although liked and enjoyed by managers and hunters alike, it wasn’t without its challenges.

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

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Sporting Art & Shell Boxes: Collecting the History of Hunting (Ep 779) Jun 04, 2026

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Behind every vintage shell box, calendar, or advertisement is a story — not just about products, but about the history and culture of hunting itself.

In this episode, host Katie Burke is joined by Lee Schulz, a long‑time collector of sporting art and hunting-related advertising, live from the North American Decoy Collectors Show. From hotel rooms turned antique shops to decades of collecting rare pieces, this conversation explores a side of the waterfowl world many hunters overlook — the art and artifacts that helped define it.

Lee shares how collecting evolved over the last 40 years, the artists behind iconic advertising, and why these pieces still resonate with hunters today.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

What sporting art and advertising collectibles are
How Lee got started collecting shell boxes and antique advertising
The role of hunting culture in shaping early American advertising
Why companies like Winchester and Remington relied on fine artists
Legendary artists like Philip Goodwin, Lynn Bogue Hunt, and Frank Benson
The connection between early advertising art and duck stamp artists
How artwork was designed to sell products and tell stories
Why nostalgia and outdoor heritage are driving renewed interest

This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of art, history, and hunting — and why preserving these pieces matters for future generations.

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

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Rice & Ducks: Why Farming Practices Matter for Waterfowl (Ep 778) Jun 02, 2026

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Rice fields aren’t just agricultural landscapes — they’re one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America.

In this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren of Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center and Patrick Dill, Ducks Unlimited’s Manager of Agricultural Programs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), to break down the science, management, and real‑world decisions behind rice agriculture and waterfowl habitat.

From energy-rich food resources to water management and farming practices, the group explains why rice fields have become a cornerstone of wintering habitat — and what’s at risk as modern agriculture continues to evolve.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

The history of rice agriculture and its connection to waterfowl
Why rice fields function as “surrogate wetlands” in the MAV
Duck Energy Days explained and why they matter
The massive difference between harvested vs. unharvested rice fields
How modern harvesting techniques affect food availability
Residue management (burning, rolling, disking) and its impact on ducks
Why water depth (2–8 inches) is critical for feeding waterfowl
The importance of invertebrates and diverse food sources in rice fields
How infrastructure (levees, impoundments) helps hold water on the landscape
The role of geese, weather, and timing in food depletion
Why early flooding and late-season water retention matter
How pressure, disturbance, and refuge areas affect duck behavior
The realities of farming decisions: input costs, markets, and water scarcity
Emerging trends in rice production (row rice, AWD irrigation, ratoon crops)
Habitat loss risks when rice acres shift to other crops
Practical tips for managing rice fields specifically for waterfowl

This episode connects agriculture and conservation in a way that shows how farm-level decisions directly influence continental duck populations.

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

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RELOADED EP224 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 12: AHM – Learning, Legacy, and Influence May 30, 2026

Show notes

In this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time.

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DUX SERIES: The Evolution of Banded: Waterfowl Innovation, Legacy & What’s Next (Ep 777) May 28, 2026

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REGISTER FOR DUX 2026!

Innovation in waterfowl hunting gear doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from hunters solving real problems in the field.

In this episode of the DUX Series, hosts Jimbo Robinson and David Schuessler sit down with Art Diaz, Community Manager for Banded Hunting Gear, to explore the evolution of one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl — from its roots in Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear to its modern identity under the Banded name.

The conversation blends culture, history, and innovation, diving into how gear has changed, what drives new product development, and why authenticity still matters in a crowded outdoor market.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

Art Diaz’s journey from musician to outdoor industry professional
Growing up hunting in South Dakota and discovering waterfowl
The connection between music, creativity, and the outdoors
The legacy of Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear
Game‑changing innovations like breathable waders and detailed decoys
Behind‑the‑scenes stories from the early days of GHG
How the internet changed product perception and adoption
Why honesty and problem‑solving drive Banded’s design philosophy
The importance of community and real hunter feedback
What sets Banded gear apart in today’s saturated market
The continued demand for high‑quality decoys and technical gear
Influencers, ambassadors, and real‑world experience in product validation
The growing connection between outdoor culture and broader audiences
What to expect from Banded at this year’s DUX show
A preview of major upcoming innovations (without giving too much away)

This episode is a deep look at how heritage brands evolve — and how Banded is positioning itself for the next generation of waterfowl hunters.

REGISTER FOR DUX 2026!

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

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Duck Science at Scale: AI, Satellites & the Future of Conservation (Ep 776) May 26, 2026

Show notes

Waterfowl science is entering a new era — and Ducks Unlimited is right in the middle of it.

In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson and guest Dr. Patrick Donnelly, Research Scientist with Ducks Unlimited’s Western Region, for a deep dive into how emerging technologies are transforming the way we understand ducks, wetlands, and flyways.

Patrick brings decades of experience from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joint ventures, and academia, and now applies cutting‑edge tools like AI, cloud computing, GPS telemetry, remote sensing, and environmental DNA to answer some of the most important conservation questions at continental scales.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

Patrick Donnelly’s journey from the Fish & Wildlife Service to Ducks Unlimited
Movement ecology and why scale matters for migratory birds
How GPS transmitters revolutionized waterfowl research
Using satellite imagery to map wetlands across 40+ years
“Functional wetland loss” and why water matters as much as land protection
The role of snowpack, hydrology, and climate in western wetlands
Disease risk, botulism, and crowding during molting periods
Linking bird movements, habitat conditions, and time
The Western Mallard Project and tracking 800 birds across the Pacific Flyway
Sentinel and Landsat satellites explained in plain language
Cloud computing and why conservation can now run at scale
Using citizen‑science data (eBird) alongside satellite data
New applications of environmental DNA (yes — duck poop)
How AI helps identify patterns humans can’t see
Training the next generation of conservation scientists
Why this moment feels like a “second revolution” in waterfowl science

This episode pulls back the curtain on how Ducks Unlimited is using modern science to maximize conservation return on investment, ensuring that every dollar delivers the greatest benefit for waterfowl now and into the future.

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

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RELOADED EP336 - Collector’s Series: Stan Van Etten TRIBUTE May 23, 2026

Show notes

Past Editor-in-Chief of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Stan Van Etten, joins host, Katie Burke, to chat about the magazine’s 20-year run. The duo reminisces about some of the magazine’s great articles over years of its publication. Stan discusses what led him to start the publication of the magazine, as well as his reason for retiring it.

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

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ASCEND: The Truth About Hunting : Host Round Table, Real Stories & Lessons (Ep 775) May 21, 2026

Show notes

What really happens behind the highlight reels of hunting and outdoor life?

In this candid roundtable episode,Bethany, Adrienne, Erin, and Julia sit down to reflect on a full season of conversations, hunts, and hard-earned lessons. Instead of a single guest, this episode brings together the voices behind the podcast to unpack what stood out most from unforgettable guests and powerful community moments to the realities that don’t always make it onto social media. The group shares personal hunting stories, including first harvests, missed shots, and the emotional highs and lows that come with time in the field. From elk hunts in the mountains to first-time duck hunters finding their confidence, this episode highlights how growth often comes through failure, persistence, and shared experiences. They also dive into deeper themes: the rise of women in hunting, the importance of mentorship and communication, and how intentional time outdoors can restore balance in an otherwise fast-paced life. Whether it’s teaching beginners, navigating fear around firearms, or simply making time to get outside, the conversation emphasizes progress over perfection. Above all, this episode is a reminder that no one starts as an expert—and that the most meaningful moments often come from the messy, imperfect, real parts of the journey.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why storytelling and community have been the most impactful part of this season
How women are building confidence and connection through hunting and outdoor skills
The importance of communication when mentoring new hunters
Real hunting experiences from missed shots to first harvests
How social media can create unrealistic expectations (and why showing failure matters)
Why beginners often struggle with fear, perfectionism, and information overload
How small wins in the outdoors can be just as meaningful as a harvest
The role of conservation and why new hunters (especially women) are essential to its future
Practical tips for introducing someone new to hunting or shooting
Why intentional time outdoors can improve mental clarity and overall well-being

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.

Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

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

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