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What would I do differently if I could go back to day one as a duck hunter? In this episode, I break down five things I would absolutely change if I had the chance to start over—mistakes I made, lessons I learned the hard way, and the little details that make the biggest difference in the field. Whether you’re a new waterfowler or a seasoned hunter, these reflections might just change how you approach your next hunt.
Flight Day Ammunition
Premium bismuth and high-performance steel waterfowl loads.
Discount Code: FDH10https://www.flightdayammo.com
Shotty Gear
Rugged, waterproof duck hunting gear built in a basement—not a boardroom.
Shell pouches, blind bags, straps, apparel, and boat lighting.
Discount Code: FDH10https://www.shottygear.com
Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates
Heavy-duty kennels with optional roll cage add-on.
Search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products store.
OnX Hunt
The #1 hunting GPS app for public/private land boundaries, offline maps, and scouting tools.
Weatherby Shotguns
Field-proven shotguns designed for hard hunts and high performance.
Purina Pro Plan
Trusted performance dog food. “What Georgie runs on.”
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From California duck clubs to Idaho fields, Scott Vix has seen it all—and he’s back to share lessons from 40 years of chasing birds. In this conversation, we talk shot ethics, sub-gauge controversy, and the mindset of hunters who last. Scott explains how to earn a spot in someone’s blind (and keep it), what makes a great partner or spouse, and why calling ducks isn’t just about sound—it’s about respect. One of the most well-rounded and honest duck hunting convos we’ve had on the show.
🎯 Podcast Partners for This Episode:
Flight Day Ammunition – Premium bismuth waterfowl loads. Use code FDH10 for 10% off at flightdayammo.com
AlClair Audio – Custom in-ear hearing protection for hunters. Use code FDH10 for $100 off at alclair.com/partners/fdh
Weatherby Shotguns – High-performance shotguns built for the field. Explore options at weatherby.com
OnX Hunt – Know where you stand with the #1 hunting GPS app. onxmaps.com/hunt-app
Purina Pro Plan – Trusted performance dog food for your retriever. purina.com/pro-plan
Shotty Gear – Rugged, waterproof duck hunting gear. Shell pouches, blind bags, gun cases & more. Use code FDH10 at shottygear.com
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It’s May 26, 2025, and Elliott is fired up and not slowing down. In this episode, he breaks down Georgie’s AKC Master Hunt Test weekend at Flint Oak, one of the most unique venues around. From fine dining to thunder delays to tight whistle stops, Elliott shares every moment of the three-series challenge, including the bank cheating drama that almost cost them a pass. He also takes on a critical Facebook comment in “Comment of the Week,” digging into why training dogs not to run the bank is about more than ribbons.
Catch the full hunt test breakdown and the video version of this episode on the Freelance Duck Hunting YouTube channel. And don’t forget—there’s still time to join the June Patreon float trip and enter the gear + hunt giveaway!
Podcast Partners:
Flight Day Ammunition – Premium bismuth waterfowl loadshttps://www.flightdayammo.comCode: FDH10 for 10% off
AlClair Audio – Custom & universal in-ear hearing protectionhttps://alclair.com/partners/fdhCode: FDH10 for $100 off EXP Pro
Purina Pro Plan – Trusted performance dog foodhttps://www.purina.com/pro-plan
Weatherby – Shotguns, rifles, and high-performance firearmshttps://weatherby.com
OnX Hunt – Powerful GPS mapping tools for huntershttps://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app
Shotty Gear – Rugged, waterproof duck hunting gearhttps://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 for 10% off
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, Elliott is joined by longtime friend Woody for a full-length catch-up session. They break down the upcoming Patreon float trip, share stories about why wood ducks are misunderstood, and debut Woody’s original song “Good Duck.” Then it’s time for Woody’s Top 5, where he ranks his favorite wild game meats. From crappie to venison, this list stirs up some strong opinions and classic backwoods storytelling.
Want to join the float trip or enter the summer giveaway? Visit patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting.
Partners
Shotty Gear
Waterproof shell pouches, rugged gun cases, duck straps, blind bags, apparel, and boat lighting built by hunters for hunters.
shottygear.com
Use code FDH10 for 10% off
Alclair Audio
High-performance hearing protection and audio gear for hunters. Custom-molded options that preserve sound while protecting your ears.
alclair.com
Use code FDH10 for $100 off the EXP Pro model
Flight Day Ammunition
Premium bismuth and steel loads with unbeatable patterns and consistent performance.
flightdayammo.com
Use code FDH10 for 10% off
Purina Pro Plan
Nutrition backed by science to help your retriever stay healthy, sharp, and strong in the field.
proplan.com
OnX Hunt
Reliable GPS mapping and private/public land boundaries for scouting and hunting anywhere in the country.
onxmaps.com
Weatherby Shotguns
From the 18i to the Orion to the SORX, Weatherby offers shotguns designed for serious waterfowlers.
weatherby.com
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott responds to a long-time subscriber’s comment that sparks a deep dive into the early years of Freelance Duck Hunting. He reflects on the unforgettable crew of Dan, Aiden, and Fumbles, and how the channel has changed since those early, personality-packed seasons.
Then Elliott transitions into Georgie’s 2025 hunt test journey—recapping their recent HRC run, breaking down her progress toward the AKC Master Hunter title, and sharing insights into what it’s like to train a duck dog from scratch as an amateur. If you’ve ever thought about entering the hunt test world, this is your episode.
▶️ Watch the video version:North American Waterfowler YouTube Channel
🎁 Patreon Giveaway now live!
Win a Weatherby shotgun, Flight Day ammo, Shotty Gear, a 2-day hunt with Elliott and Ben Meyers, and more.
Enter now at patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting
Weatherby Shotguns
Legacy name in performance and reliability.
🌐 https://weatherby.com
OnX Hunt
Mobile mapping for hunters—mark pins, plan routes, scout smarter.
🌐 https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt
Purina Pro Plan
Fuel for working dogs. Trusted nutrition behind Georgie’s drive.
🌐 https://www.purina.com/pro-plan
Flight Day Ammunition
Premium bismuth and steel shot for real-world waterfowlers.
💥 Use code FDH10 for 10% off
🌐 https://www.flightdayammo.com
Alclair Hearing Protection
Custom-molded hearing tech for hunters and shooters.
🎧 Use code FDH10 for $100 off
🌐 https://www.alclair.com
Shotty Gear
Tough, waterproof gear made by hunters—for hunters.
🦆 Use code FDH10 for 10% off
🌐 https://www.shottygear.com
🔥 Podcast Partners:
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In this heartfelt solo episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott Snider responds to a powerful listener letter that opens the door to deep conversations on solo hunting, spiritual growth, and finding purpose in the marsh. He unpacks how full immersion hunting has restored him through seasons of personal struggle, and gives detailed advice to new hunters trying to succeed on their own—including a boots-on-the-ground blueprint for breaking into public land waterfowling.
Elliott also reveals his daydream plans for the ultimate off-grid hot tent duck hunt in the remote hills of Nebraska. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone searching for meaning in the stillness of a solo sunrise, this episode will speak to your soul.
Partners Mentioned:
Shotty Gear — Use code FDH10 for 10% off waterproof shell pouches, gun cases, and gear
Flight Day Ammunition — Premium bismuth and steel loads; use FDH10 for 10% off
AlClair Audio — Custom-fit hearing protection; code FDH10 for $100 off the EXP Pro
Weatherby — Shotguns, rifles, and legacy quality
OnX Hunt — Essential for scouting, tracking, and sharing duck spots
Purina Pro Plan — Because your retriever deserves elite nutrition
Watch or listen on:
Patreon: patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting (Tuesdays @ 7PM CST for live recordings)
YouTube: The North American Waterfowler
Spotify (video episodes available in-app)
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, I’m joined by longtime listener and passionate hunter Ben Kraja, a U.S. Forest Service liaison and board member for the Utah chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Ben brings deep insight into hunting the Great Salt Lake—one of the Pacific Flyway’s most important waterfowl ecosystems.
We talk about:
The variety and pressure of Utah’s public waterfowl management areas
Hunting with coffin blinds and silhouettes on the open salt flats
How brine shrimp fuel the migration
The environmental crisis facing the Great Salt Lake and why it matters
His family’s journey from communist Albania to America
Duck hunting with his identical twin and how deep the obsession runs
Whether you’re interested in hunting new regions, conservation advocacy, or hearing about brutal five-hour day-trip hunts, this one’s packed with great storytelling and perspective.
Flight Day Ammunition – 10% off with code FDH10 at flightdayammo.com
Alclair Audio – $100 off custom ear protection with code FDH10 at alclair.com
Weatherby Shotguns – Proven performance from early teal to late mallards
OnX Hunt – The best mapping tool for duck hunters
Purina Pro Plan Sport – Trusted fuel for hard-working retrievers
🔊 Presented By:
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In this episode, Elliott sits down with Alex Wilson from Washington—his top bucket list state—to talk about life in the Pacific Northwest, chasing ducks and geese across flooded fields, and what it’s like hunting with his black lab, Buster. They break down the differences between east and west Washington, debate whether black or yellow labs hide better, and swap stories about late-season greenheads, layout boat struggles, and the universal duck hunter rule: never pick up early. It’s a passionate, wide-ranging conversation that any waterfowler will relate to.
Partners
Flight Day Ammunition
Website: https://www.flightdayammo.com
Discount Code: FDH10
AlClair Audio
Website: https://alclair.com/partners/fdh
Discount Code: FDH10 for $100 off EXP Pro or EXP Curve
Weatherby Shotguns
Website: https://weatherby.com
OnX Hunt
Website: https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt
Purina Pro Plan (Dog Food)
Website: https://www.purina.com/pro-plan
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In this powerful episode, Elliott sits down with Jason Williams, author of Committed to the Call, a 365-day devotional written specifically for waterfowl hunters. Jason shares how God radically transformed his life—taking him from hard-hearted corrections officer to minister of the gospel—and how the stillness of the marsh became the backdrop for his most meaningful encounters with Christ. If you're a waterfowler who's ever felt God tugging on your heart while in the blind, this one is for you.
Partners featured in this episode:
Flight Day Ammunition – Premium bismuth and new steel loads. Use code FDH10 at flightdayammo.com for 10% off.
AlClair Hearing Protection – Get $100 off the EXP Pro with code FDH10 at alclair.com.
Weatherby Shotguns – Check out their elite line of waterfowl-ready shotguns at weatherby.com.
OnX Hunt – Use the built-in distance gauge, offline maps, and more with the app every serious hunter should have.
Purina Pro Plan – Georgie eats it every day, and it shows. For performance and health, trust Purina.
Watch these podcast interviews live every Tuesday at 7PM Central over at Patreon.com/FreelanceDuckHunting, where members also get access to exclusive hunts, bonus videos, and more.
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In this mid-April episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott introduces a major new feature in the NAW app: the hunt satisfaction score. He shares how it works, how he scored his last two seasons, and what it reveals about enjoying hunts beyond just bird numbers. Then he dives into listener questions, covering drone use, hunting pressure, choosing coves on windy days, public access, his love for the 20-gauge, and the recent Kansas non-resident bill. He also reflects on moments of feeling closest to God—whether in the church or the marsh.
Partners:
Flight Day Ammunition – Premium Bismuth and steel loads. Use code FDH10 for 10% off at flightdayammo.com
Alclair Hearing Protection – Get $100 off the EXP Pro Ear Molds with code FDH10 at alclair.com/partners/fdh
Weatherby Shotguns – Trusted gear for your season
OnX Hunt – Scout smarter. Hunt better. Download OnX and elevate your success.
Purina Pro Plan – What Georgie eats every day
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, Elliott sits down with David Plyler, a passionate duck hunter from North Carolina who’s combining his love of waterfowl with off-season conservation work. David shares how building and maintaining wood duck boxes has helped increase local populations on his lease and public land. The two dive deep into their shared experiences with HRC and AKC hunt tests, training high-drive Labradors, and what it’s like hunting wood ducks in the Carolinas. Plus, they swap stories about how duck hunting has changed over the years and what keeps them hooked on the sport.
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In this Patreon live stream episode, Elliott sits down with Ben Meyers—owner of Flight Day Ammunition—for one of the most raw, transparent conversations they’ve ever had on the podcast. The guys kick it off with personal updates, teaching talk, and bourbon mishaps before diving deep into hunting dogs, last season’s hits and misses, and the exciting future of Flight Day Ammo.
Ben reveals the shocking truth behind the bismuth shortage, explains why Flight Day is shifting away from bismuth, and drops some mind-blowing ballistic science about why slower steel may actually be better. You’ll also hear about the new loads Flight Day is developing, including some heavy steel options that promise tight patterns and high pellet counts—all built for hunters who shoot inside 40 yards.
This episode is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep insights for serious waterfowlers.
SPONSORS
Flight Day Ammunition
Visit flightdayammo.com and use code FDH10 for 10% off. Get your hands on bismuth while supplies last—once it’s gone, it may not return for years.
Alclair Audio
Check out the EXP Pro and EXP Curve hearing protection at alclair.com/partners/fdh. Use code FDH10 to get $100 off the EXP Pro ear mold.
Weatherby Shotguns
Built by waterfowlers for waterfowlers. Tough, reliable, and trusted by the Freelance crew.
OnX Hunt
The most powerful mapping tool in waterfowl hunting. Upgrade your scouting and find better birds this season.
Purina Dog Food
Feed your hunting dog the best. Georgie runs on Purina, and it shows in her coat and performance.
JOIN THE PATREON COMMUNITY
Be part of the live podcast audience, enter giveaways, and even join us on our Kansas River Float Trip in June. Sign up at: patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting
Upcoming Trip
June 13–15, 2025: 12-mile Kansas River sandbar float with patrons, camping, fishing, and wild adventure.
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In this episode, Elliott sits down with Art Diaz—waterfowl photographer, former touring musician, and current rep for Alclair Outdoors. They talk about Art’s journey from playing guitar on the road to chasing ducks with a camera in hand. Art shares how he got into waterfowl photography, his experience with dog training, and the tough decision to part ways with his first lab. They also dive into hearing protection, how Alclair custom molds work, and the rise of non-resident hunting restrictions across the country. A laid-back, honest conversation about life, ducks, and the things that matter most.
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In this explosive episode, Elliott sits down with Rusty Fix to tackle two of the most controversial topics in modern waterfowling: the looming restrictions on non-resident hunters in Kansas and the impact of flooded corn on duck migration. Is Kansas really about to ban non-residents from hunting public land except Sunday through Tuesday? And is Missouri's flooded corn to blame for birds bypassing the South?
Rusty brings his deep knowledge and candid insights to the table in a conversation that goes way deeper than what you’ve heard elsewhere. Elliott also opens up about turning 51, bouncing back from a heart attack, and his new obsession with VR boxing as a way to stay in hunting shape.
If you're serious about public land waterfowling—or just love a good deep dive—you don't want to miss this one.
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, I’m joined by Tyler Grethen, Marketing Manager at Weatherby. We dive into his journey from growing up in Missouri to becoming an avid hunter in the West. Tyler shares his experiences chasing big game, upland birds, and waterfowl, along with his love for tough, physically demanding hunts. We also discuss solo hunting, the challenges of balancing a hunting lifestyle with relationships, and his path into the outdoor industry.
Sponsors:
🎯 Flight Day Ammunition – Get 10% off with code FDH10 at FlightDayAmmo.com
🎧 AlClair – Custom ear protection for hunters. Use code FDH10 for $100 off at AlClair.com
🔍 OnX Hunt – The ultimate mapping tool for hunters
🐶 Purina Dog Food – Fueling top retrievers with premium nutrition
Tune in and let us know what you think!
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott is joined by patron and friend Bret Travis to dive deep into the changing migration patterns and the impact of flooded corn on duck movement. They discuss whether ducks are being artificially held north and what that means for Southern waterfowlers.
This episode is brought to you by our great partners:
🔹 Flight Day Ammunition – Get 10% off your bismuth loads at FlightDayAmmo.com with code FDH10
🔹 AlClair – Protect your hearing with custom ear protection at Alclair.com/partners/fdh. Use FDH10 for $100 off!
🔹 Weatherby Shotguns – Quality shotguns built for waterfowlers.
🔹 OnX Hunt – The best mapping tool for hunters. Find the best public and private hunting spots with OnX Hunt.
🔹 Purina Pro Plan – Fuel your retriever with top-tier nutrition from Purina Pro Plan.
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, I dive into a full-on debate with ChatGPT, challenging AI on key waterfowl hunting topics. We cover the ethics of promoting hunting on social media, out-of-state hunting pressure, the never-ending steel vs. bismuth debate, and whether so-called "trash ducks" deserve their reputation. I also share insights on overcoming shooting slumps and discuss controversial regulations like shell limits and afternoon hunting bans.
Plus, I talk about how AI can be a useful tool for hunting discussions, research, and even those random road trip curiosity moments.
This episode is brought to you by:
🦆 Flight Day Ammunition – Premium bismuth loads. Use code FDH10 for 10% off at flightdayammo.com
🎧 Alclair Audio – High-quality in-ear monitors. Get $100 off with code FDH10 at alclair.com/partners/fdh
🔥 Weatherby Shotguns – Trusted performance in the field.
📍 OnX Hunt – The ultimate mapping tool for hunters.
🐶 Purina Dog Food – Nutrition that fuels your retriever.
🦆 Final Approach – Gear built for serious waterfowlers. Use code FDH10 at fabrand.com
🛒 Rogers Sporting Goods – Your go-to hunting gear destination.
For more exclusive content and a chance to win a hunt, join the Patreon community at patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting.
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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Patreon guest Todd Day joins Elliott to talk all things waterfowl, from retriever training to hunting the Bootheel of Missouri. Todd shares his journey from growing up in Georgia to leasing prime hunting land, the evolution of his dog training knowledge, and the impact of his uncle’s championship retriever. Elliott and Todd also discuss the differences in hunting styles, the role of Christian faith in history, and what makes a great hunting dog. Plus, Elliott spins the Patreon wheel to select the next guest!
🦆 Want to be part of the conversation? Join us on Patreon for exclusive content, full-length hunts, and live-streamed podcast recordings.
Sign up at patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting
💥 Special thanks to our partners:
Flight Day Ammunition – Premium bismuth loads at flightdayammo.com (Use code FDH10 for 10% off)
AlClair – High-performance ear protection at alclair.com (Use code FDH10 for $100 off)
Weatherby Shotguns – Trusted performance in the blind
OnX Hunt – The ultimate digital scouting tool
Purina Dog Food – Fueling champions in the field
Final Approach – Legendary waterfowl gear at fabrand.com (Use code FDH10)
Rogers Sporting Goods – Your one-stop shop for hunting gear
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Snow goose hunting is one of the most challenging pursuits in waterfowling, but for those who love the chase, the reward is worth it. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Zavala Nick from High Prairie Sportsman to break down the strategies, struggles, and success rates of hunting snow geese. We talk about decoy spreads, the unpredictability of fields, and whether the grind is really worth it. Plus, we discuss our 2024 waterfowl seasons, the best states for duck hunting, and whether shooting hen mallards affects populations.
🔸 Sponsors:
Flight Day Ammunition – Get 10% off with code FDH10 at FlightDayAmmo.com
AlClair – Custom in-ear protection, $100 off with code FDH10 at AlClair.com
Weatherby Shotguns – Trusted performance in the field
OnX Hunt – The best digital mapping tool for hunters
Purina Dog Food – Keeping your retriever fueled and ready
Final Approach – Waterfowl gear built for hardcore hunters. Use FDH10 for a discount at FABrand.com
Rogers Sporting Goods – Your go-to destination for waterfowl gear
Join the conversation and hear all about the highs, lows, and lessons of snow goose hunting. Don't forget to check out Matt's work over at High Prairie Sportsman on YouTube and Instagram!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
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