Ducks Unlimited Podcast

The future of waterfowl hunting depends on more than ducks. It depends on community, storytelling, and getting new people involved. Recorded live from the Duck Den at DUX 2026 , host Jimbo Robinson sits down with the team behind Split Reed : Zach , Brennan , and Max . The conversation explores how a digital waterfowl publication grew into a community-driven platform focused on hunting, conservation, storytelling, and helping new hunters find their place in the sport. The group discusses the origins of Split Reed, the success of the Road Duck Tour series, public land hunting culture, and why authentic storytelling continues to resonate in an increasingly crowded digital world. Along the way, they share thoughts on recruiting young hunters, building friendships through waterfowling, and why community is still the most important part of the sport. Topics Covered The origin and mission of Split Reed Building a waterfowl-focused media community The Road Duck Tour series Public land duck hunting and DIY adventures Storytelling in modern hunting culture Recruiting and inspiring new hunters Waterfowl industry friendships and partnerships Why community remains central to waterfowling DUX 2026 highlights and favorite products Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

We welcome Dan Thiel back to the podcast for the second part of the series discussing the history and formation of Ducks Unlimited. In this episode, Dan and host, Katie Burke, take a side bar and chat about the influence of Jay “Ding” Darling on waterfowl and wetland conservation in the United States. The pair discuss Darling’s pivotal role in creating the Federal Duck Stamp program and other works ultimately influencing the direction of DU. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

What happens when a Louisiana duck hunter builds one of the fastest-growing HVAC companies in the region and turns a small convenience store into a destination for hunters? Host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Seth Chapman , owner of Chapman’s Air Conditioning and Perry Outfitters , for a conversation about entrepreneurship, waterfowl hunting, social media, and the values that guide both his businesses and his life. Seth shares stories from growing up in coastal Louisiana, hunting the marshes around Pecan Island, and learning the outdoors from his father and generations before him. The conversation explores everything from building a company from a single service truck to managing dozens of employees, opening Perry Outfitters, and creating a community centered around hunting and the outdoors. Along the way, Seth reflects on how duck hunting has changed over the years, memorable hunts with family and friends, social media's role in modern outdoor culture, and why authenticity still matters in an increasingly online world. Topics Covered Growing up hunting in coastal Louisiana Life around Pecan Island and Vermilion Parish Building Chapman’s Air Conditioning from scratch The creation and growth of Perry Outfitters Changes in Louisiana duck hunting over the years Memorable hunts and waterfowl traditions Social media and outdoor culture Why authenticity matters in hunting and business Balancing family, work, and the outdoors Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

The 2026 duck numbers are out, and there are a few surprises. In this special update, Dr. Mike Brasher gives a quick breakdown of the newly released Waterfowl Population Status Report and highlights the most important takeaways for duck hunters. Be sure to click here and check out our website for more information. In this episode: Total duck numbers remained relatively stable. Mallards declined to their lowest estimate in decades. Prairie pond numbers improved from last year. Most other duck species were relatively unchanged. Early signs point to improved duck production this year. For the full breakdown and expert analysis, tune in to the Waterfowl Season Outlook livestream on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 @ 6pm CDT. Ducks Unlimited salutes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, and the member agencies of the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific flyway councils for their ongoing leadership in conducting the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

For rising country artist Maddox Batson, the outdoors isn't just a hobby. It's where he goes to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most. Recorded live from DUX 2026 , hosts Jimbo Robinson & Matt Harrison sit down with Maddox Batson for a conversation about family, music, hunting, and navigating success at a young age. Maddox shares how his grandfather first introduced him to the outdoors, why duck hunting quickly became an obsession, and how hunting remains an important escape from the demands of a rapidly growing music career. The discussion also covers songwriting, social media, Nashville, mentorship, and the values that continue to keep him grounded as his platform continues to grow. Along the way, Maddox talks about the influence of his parents, his appreciation for mentors like Lainey Wilson and Devlin "Duck" Hodges, and why being kind to others is one of the most important lessons he hopes to pass on to the next generation. Topics Covered Growing up hunting with his grandfather How duck hunting became a passion Moving to Nashville and pursuing music The role social media played in his career Songwriting and creative inspiration Mentors in the music and outdoor industries Why hunting helps him disconnect and recharge Advice for young people navigating life and success Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

Dan Thiel, Executive Secretary of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of Wetlands America Trust, joins podcast host, Katie Burke, in this part of a multiple part series discussing the history and formation of Ducks Unlimited. In this episode the pair talk about Nash Buckingham, the famous sportsman and writer, and the important role he played in the founding of our organization. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

What makes a wooden decoy worth more than a million dollars? Recorded live at DUX 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee , host Katie Burke sits down with Jon Deeter of Guyette & Deeter , one of the most respected names in the world of sporting collectibles, decoys, and duck calls. The conversation explores the historic sale of the Jim and Diane Cook Collection , which produced the first two decoys in history to sell for more than $1 million at auction. Jon shares behind-the-scenes stories from the landmark sales, discusses the passion that drives serious collectors, and explains why collecting is about much more than prices and records. The discussion also covers the thrill of discovery, including a newly found Victor Glodo duck call that surfaced just days before DUX, proving that important pieces of waterfowling history are still waiting to be found. Along the way, Katie and Jon discuss collector culture, first decoys, waterfowl heritage, and why the friendships built through collecting matter just as much as the artifacts themselves. Topics Covered The record-breaking Jim and Diane Cook Collection auctions The first decoys to surpass $1 million at auction Why collectors remember their first decoy forever The history and significance of Victor Glodo duck calls Waterfowl heritage and sporting collectibles Decoy collecting culture and community Hidden collections still waiting to be discovered Why collecting is about more than money Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

Birds don’t recognize borders. Conservation shouldn't either. Host Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with longtime Ducks Unlimited volunteer leaders Rogers Hoyt and Bill Ansell , along with DU Interim Chief Conservation Officer Craig LeSchack , to discuss the critical role of Ducks Unlimited de México (DUMAC) in North American waterfowl conservation. From wintering habitat for millions of ducks to community-based conservation projects that improve wetlands and local livelihoods, DUMAC plays a vital role in sustaining waterfowl populations across the continent. The conversation explores the history of the organization, the influence of legendary conservationists like John e. (Johnny) Walker III, and how conservation efforts in Mexico directly support the ducks that hunters enjoy throughout the United States and Canada. The group also discusses the John E. Walker III Research and Training Center in Celestún, the internationally recognized RESERVA training program, mangrove restoration, wetland science, and the importance of supporting conservation on a continental scale. Topics Covered The history and mission of Ducks Unlimited de México (DUMAC) Why birds and conservation ignore political borders Mexico’s importance to wintering waterfowl populations The legacy of John E. Walker III and DUMAC leadership Community-based conservation projects across Mexico Mangrove restoration and wetland management The RESERVA conservation training program How DUMAC benefits both wildlife and local communities Why you should join the John E. Walker III Society Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

Host Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss waterfowl identification and its importance for not only waterfowl hunters, but also birders. Mike talks about identifying characteristics of certain species and shares a handful of helpful tips to improve your waterfowl identification. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

What if saving one species could help protect entire ecosystems and ways of life? Recorded at Ducks Unlimited's 89th National Convention, host Jimbo Robinson sits down with renowned National Geographic photographer Carlton Ward Jr. for a conversation about storytelling, wildlife conservation, and the connections between people, landscapes, and the species that depend on them. Carlton shares how a career that began documenting wildlife in Africa eventually led him back home to Florida, where he became one of the leading voices behind the Florida Wildlife Corridor movement. The discussion explores the role of photography in conservation, the importance of connected habitat, and how species like the Florida panther help tell a larger story about preserving working lands, watersheds, and wildlife for future generations. Along the way, Carlton explains how storytelling helped inspire real conservation policy, why private land conservation matters, and how hunters, landowners, and conservationists can work together to protect landscapes at scale. Topics Covered Carlton Ward Jr.'s path into conservation photography The Florida Wildlife Corridor project Wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity How photography can influence conservation policy The story behind Path of the Panther Florida panthers, bears, and landscape conservation Private land conservation and conservation easements Lessons for hunters and conservationists nationwide Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

Learn how the survey behind duck population estimates and hunting regulations is being evaluated for the future. Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. John Yeiser of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Frank Baldwin of the Canadian Wildlife Service to discuss an ongoing review of the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey—one of the most important wildlife monitoring programs in North America. For more than 70 years, the survey has provided the foundation for waterfowl population estimates, conservation planning, and harvest management decisions. Now, agencies and partners are evaluating how new analytical tools, technologies, and datasets can improve efficiency while maintaining the long-term integrity of one of wildlife management’s most important data series. Topics Covered: Why the breeding population survey is being reviewed How duck population estimates influence hunting regulations The role of banding, harvest surveys, and breeding surveys Potential future uses of remote sensing and new technologies Challenges associated with survey timing and changing conditions Why long-term datasets remain critical to waterfowl management How the U.S. and Canada work together to monitor duck populations Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined in studio by a trio of special guests to discuss trends in waterfowl hunter numbers and the importance of recruiting our next generation of hunter-conservationists. Former DU Chief Scientist Dale Humburg, University of Nebraska PhD student Katherine Graham, and Professor of Human Dimensions Research Dr. Chris Chisznski share their expertise on this subject and provide insights gained from recently completed research. Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

Conservation starts with the small things, and the future of hunting depends on what we choose to leave behind. Recorded live from DUX 2026 , host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Ryan Yarnell , Hunt Marketing Manager for Turtlebox Audio, for a conversation about duck hunting, outdoor traditions, conservation, and the responsibility hunters have to protect the places they love. Ryan shares stories from a lifetime spent outdoors, from growing up duck hunting with family in Arkansas and East Texas to guiding hunters, working in the outdoor industry, and eventually joining one of the fastest-growing outdoor brands in America. The conversation explores Turtlebox’s rapid growth, the importance of community, and why stewardship matters more than ever in today's hunting culture. Along the way, Ryan reflects on public-land hunting, the value of mentorship, raising the next generation of outdoorsmen, and how simple actions like picking up trash or helping another hunter can leave a lasting impact on conservation. Topics Covered Growing up hunting in Arkansas and East Texas Waterfowl hunting traditions passed down through family Ryan's journey through guiding and the outdoor industry Turtlebox Audio's growth and outdoor community Public-land hunting lessons and stories Raising the next generation of hunters Conservation, stewardship, and hunter responsibility Why small actions make a big difference outdoors Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

Every decoy has a story, and some of those stories stretch back more than a century. Host Katie Burke sits down with longtime collector, outdoorsman, and former Ducks Unlimited Canada volunteer leader Paul Brisco at the North American Decoy Collectors Show for a conversation about decoy history, waterfowling traditions, and a lifetime spent preserving pieces of North America's hunting heritage. Paul shares how a chance encounter with a $40 decoy sparked a collecting journey that has lasted more than four decades. Along the way, he discusses the regional differences found in Canadian decoys, the connection between hunting and collecting, his long involvement with Ducks Unlimited Canada, and why hands-on learning remains one of the most important parts of the decoy community. The conversation also explores how hunting traditions, conservation efforts, and decoy craftsmanship have evolved over generations while remaining closely tied to waterfowl and wetlands. Topics Covered How Paul Brisco got started collecting decoys Waterfowl hunting traditions in Ontario Early involvement with Ducks Unlimited Canada Regional differences in Canadian decoy carving How form and function shaped decoy design Market hunting, conservation, and changing waterfowl traditions The importance of decoy shows and collector communities Why collecting remains connected to hunting heritage Listen now : www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

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

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

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

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 Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.

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

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 Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS : 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.