Midwest Flyways Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Jeremy Cmiel, Something Deeply Human May 14, 2026

Show notes

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, we sit down with our buddy Jeremy Cmiel after his very first duck hunting trip — a South Dakota waterfowl adventure that ended up becoming much more than just a hunt.

What starts as a conversation about first-time hunters, migration, and getting humbled by educated mallards slowly turns into something deeper: why experiences like this affect people so profoundly in the first place.

We talk about waking up before sunrise, laying under massive migrations of birds, hearing snow geese cut the cold air overhead, earning meals from the land, and the strange way hunting makes you notice nature everywhere you go afterward. Jeremy shares what surprised him most about waterfowl hunting — not just the shooting, but the reverence for wildlife, the connection to the outdoors, and the camaraderie that comes from chasing birds with good friends.

Along the way, we get into:

• South Dakota duck camp stories
• Permission hunting and meeting local farmers
• Duck stroganoff that changed Jeremy’s life
• Liar’s Dice marathons until 2am
• And why waterfowl hunting feels different than almost anything else

At its core, this episode is about more than hunting. It’s about reconnecting with something honest, ancestral, and deeply human — the kind of experience modern life rarely gives us anymore.

Whether you’re a lifelong waterfowler or someone who’s never stepped foot in a blind, this conversation will probably make you understand why people keep coming back to the flyway year after year. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Sports Guyz Only; Trouble in Paradise May 08, 2026

Show notes

The Sports Guyz are back with another chaotic, hilarious, and debate-filled episode. The crew dives deep into the NBA playoffs, breaking down the Timberwolves’ physical series, Anthony Edwards’ growth, Rudy Gobert’s defensive impact, and whether the Wolves are true contenders. They also debate Kevin Durant’s legacy, NBA superteams, and the value of draft picks across the NBA and NFL.

The conversation shifts into the NHL playoffs as the guys react to the Wild’s struggles, playoff physicality, and whether Minnesota has the depth to survive a brutal postseason run. Along the way, the crew goes off the rails discussing streaming services ruining sports viewing, billion-dollar sports franchises, horse racing predictions from the Kentucky Derby, and even the strange reality of burnt-hotdog courtroom evidence involving Stefon Diggs.

Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Department of Grievances May 07, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Cal is joined by Carter (no Joey this week) to break down a controversial topic that’s been gaining traction—the proposed Greyhound Protection Act and its potential impact on bird dog training, live bird use, and hunting culture as a whole.

What starts as a conversation about legislation quickly turns into a deeper discussion about federal overreach, unclear laws, and how vague wording could affect hunters, dog trainers, and field trials across the country. If you run dogs, train dogs, or care about the future of hunting, this is one you need to hear.

Then… things take a turn.

We introduce a brand new segment: The Flyways Department of Grievances—and the first submission might be the most unhinged hunting story we’ve ever heard. It involves a dog, a public boat ramp, and a situation that spirals completely out of control. You’ve been warned.

Topics covered:

What the Greyhound Protection Act is and why it matters
How it could affect bird dog training and live bird use
The role of organizations like the AKC and hunting groups
Animal welfare vs. hunting tradition
Why clarity in legislation matters more than ever
Flyways Department of Grievances (Case #1)

Don’t forget, duck hunting is still fun. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

From Open Marshes to Regulated Access: The Hunting License May 05, 2026

Show notes

There was a time when hunting required no permission. If you could reach the marsh, you could hunt it.

In this episode, we explore how that changed—and why.

As waterfowl populations collapsed in the late 1800s, states began asking a new question: who owns the wildlife? What followed was the birth of the hunting license—an idea that sparked resistance, challenged tradition, and reshaped the future of hunting.

From early pushback in places like Minnesota to the enforcement era, the Lacey Act, and the rise of hunter-funded conservation, this is the story of how conflict turned into stewardship.

Because the hunting license didn’t start as conservation—it started as confrontation.

And today, it represents something bigger:

The shift from taking what you can… to protecting what remains.

Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Sports Guyz Only; Law Offices of SGO May 01, 2026

Show notes

This week on Sports Guyz Only, the law offices of Kolles and Kolles are officially open. Gavin fights tooth and nail to make the Kaprizov contract make sense. Nathaniel sits back and enjoys the show while Carter adds fuel to the fire.

We also discuss the change baseball has seen with the pitch clock. Is it changing the way the game is played for the better? We’re seeing a whole new era in pitching. Finally, the NFL Draft provides a renewed look at the coming season for some, and the NBA Playoffs are heating up and injuries are becoming part of the game.

Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Looking Back, Looking Ahead Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Cal, Joey, and Carter dive deep into waterfowl culture, breaking down the truth about goose calls, why gear matters (and when it doesn’t), and how different regions shape the way hunters hunt.

But this one goes way beyond hunting. The guys get real about chasing passions, building Midwest Flyways over the past decade, and what it actually takes to balance family, work, and an obsession with the outdoors.

From hilarious stories and industry insights to a raw conversation about dream lifestyles—owning land out west, building cabins by hand, and refusing to give up the things that make life worth living—this episode hits on what it means to build a life you’re proud of.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to hunt more, create more, or just live differently… this one’s for you.

Plus: gear talk, giveaways, and why a $20 goose call might be holding you back. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Sports Guyz Only; Flopping for Championships Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

The guyz are back—well, mostly. With Cal out, Nathaniel, Gavin and Carter dive into a packed week in sports. From the Minnesota Wild battling the Dallas Stars in a gritty playoff series to heated debates about physicality, dirty play, and whether fighting still belongs in hockey.

They also break down the growing frustration with NBA officiating, foul-baiting, and how it’s impacting the flow of the game—plus whether players are forced to adapt to the system to win.

To wrap it up, the crew looks ahead to the NFL Draft, debating quarterback value, trade scenarios, and whether proven talent is worth more than a risky first overall pick.

A mix of live reactions and bold takes this week. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Logan Webster; Love Island Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

This week Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness are joined by our friend, Logan Webster. Earlier this year, Logan was invited to hunt a very special and unknown spot in the gulf and he tells us all about his experience. This is the type of place you can really only dream about and hearing a first hand account of all the little details that go into making a truly one of a kind hunting experience. Above all, hearing about the tradition that is being preserved is what stands out to us. We also talk about hunting in general and our different experiences. Please make sure to check out everything Logan is working on including Camoretro and Chicken Sheet! Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Shotgun Evolution: From Flintlocks to Semi-Autos Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

In this Ten Minute Tuesday History Lesson episode, Cal traces the full evolution of the shotgun and how it shaped waterfowl hunting from the earliest days of market hunting to today.

We start in the pre-1800s era of flintlock muskets, smoothbores, and punt guns—when ducks were harvested for survival and commerce, not sport. From there, we move into the birth of the true shotgun in Europe with early innovators like Joseph Manton and Purdey, and follow its arrival in America as wingshooting begins to take form.

The episode breaks down the biggest turning points in shotgun history: the invention of the self-contained shell, the rise of breech-loading doubles, and the golden age of American makers like Parker, L.C. Smith, Ithaca, and Remington. We then explore how repeating shotguns changed everything—Winchester 1897 pump actions, Browning’s Auto-5 semi-auto revolution, and the regulatory response that followed, including the 3-shell federal limit that still shapes waterfowl hunting today.

From mid-century workhorses like the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 to the global shift brought by imports from Beretta, Browning, and more, we track how accessibility and reliability transformed the average hunter’s experience.

Finally, we land in the modern era with purpose-built waterfowl platforms like the Weatherby Sorix, advanced materials, steel and tungsten shot, and the ongoing debate that has echoed for over 150 years: how much firepower is “too much” for fair chase hunting?

From black powder to precision machines—this is the story of the shotgun, and the culture of waterfowl hunting it built.

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP

Sports Guyz Only; Boys 2 Men Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

This week on Sports Guyz Only, we’re lucky to be joined in studio by our good buddy Logan Webster. Logan spent 4 and a half years photographing all sorts of sporting events and media happenings from press conferences to football, basketball and you name it for the University of Arkansas. He got a good look at the grind that is collegiate athletics across the board. We hear all about his experiences behind the scenes. Then we pivot to a little of this and a little of that around the sports world. Nathaniel pretends he actually picked Rory and back to back and we all know he didn’t. Carter believes Kyler Murray is the answer to all the Vikings problems and Gavin can’t take much more of it. We wrap up with another one of Carters diabolical games set as a trap for Gavin, but things quickly derail. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club

New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana

Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite

(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX

Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions

Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby

Support Conservation: DU

(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear

Live Free: Turtlebox

Add motion to your spread: Flashback

Better Merch: /SHOP