Episodes
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It's springtime, which means ducks are migrating north to their breeding grounds and hunters are wondering what they'll encounter when they get there. Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an update on breeding habitat conditions across the prairies, boreal forest, and Alaska, including prognostications of what he expects to hear once the survey results are released later this year. And yes, Breeding Population surveys are expected to happen, but the long-term future is uncertain. Join this episode for early insights on what the ducks might be encountering and why maps still can't take the place of boots on the ground.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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So, you found yourself with a mallard or Canada goose nesting in your flowerpot. Why is this happening, what should you know, and what are your options? Join the DU Podcast as hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher share their answers to these questions and more, when discussing urban nesting waterfowl.
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Missing episodes?
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Paranormal Podcast icons Kyle Philson and Cam Hale from Expanded Perspectives join DU Podcast host Matt Harrison for a follow-up to their wildly popular episode that racked up millions of views. This time, they dive deeper into why eerie, unexplained moments in the outdoors captivate us—and how storytelling turns those chills into connections. This episode explores how sharing the strange creates community, from orbs and shadows in the trees to stories that hit close to home. If you’ve ever felt watched in the woods, this one’s for you.
www.expandedperspectives.com
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss waterfowl mating systems and how behavior changes related to mating and courtship directly impact hunting as the season progresses.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes Doug Larson, co-host of DUTV. The conversation dives into Doug's journey in the outdoor industry, highlighting his early experiences and how he transitioned into the world of duck hunting. Doug shares insights into his background in marketing and writing, including his inspiration to author a duck hunting book. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with stories and the history of Doug's involvement with Ducks Unlimited.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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For the first time in decades, American duck hunters will have the opportunity to legally harvest three pintails during the 2025–26 season due to a new interim pintail harvest strategy that was approved in 2024. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by state migratory bird managers Brandon Reishus (Oregon) and Mike Szymanski (North Dakota) to discuss this new strategy and what it means going forward. Duck hunters have been asking lots of questions about the new strategy, and this episode aims to answer them. Why was a new strategy needed, and how did hunters contribute to the data that made it possible? Why are liberal regulations being offered when the pintail population is near historic lows? What are the objectives of the new strategy? How will it be evaluated? Why does the new strategy not include sex restrictions? How and when will the strategy be evaluated? Lastly, why is habitat conservation ultimately more important than harvest regulations for the future of pintail populations?
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, hosts welcome special guests John Nelson and John Hubner from the USA Clay Target League, along with Justin Aycock, Ducks Unlimited's manager of youth engagement programs. The discussion revolves around the league's mission to engage students in clay target shooting sports as part of extracurricular activities in secondary and post-secondary schools. Since its inception in 2008, the league has grown from just 30 kids and three teams to the largest clay target shooting organization in the U.S. The guests share insights on how the league operates within high schools and colleges, fostering a passion for shooting sports among young athletes. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of the clay target league and how it supports youth engagement in shooting sports.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher debunk the myth of the northern, or “red leg” mallard, and discuss an interesting taxonomic issue related to a North American waterfowl species. Download and subscribe to follow along with all things waterfowl as the DU Podcast brings the resource to you.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Matt Harrison is joined by renowned wild turkey scientist Dr. Mike Chamberlain (@wildturkeydoc) and Dr. Mike Brasher to announce wildturkeyDNA, a new partnership that will enlist hunters in the study of wild turkey genetics. Building from the success of duckDNA, this exciting project brings together DU, Wild Turkey Lab, National Wild Turkey Federation, Low Country Game Bird Foundation, and the University of Texas at El Paso around a shared interest in science to inform conservation. Year 1 will focus on collecting tissue from harvested turkeys having unique or odd plumages to understand the origin of these beautiful birds. Are they color morphs of wild turkeys or do they originate from heritage breeds? Tune in to hear how you can participate and learn about additional questions that will be answered in future years.
Visit www.wildturkeyDNA.com and follow the team on Instagram and Facebook (@wildturkeydna) for updates and announcements.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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The U.S. State of the Birds is a report developed every 2–3 years by a veritable who’s who of bird-related agencies and organizations. The goal is to provide an update on the status and health of America's birds, to celebrate successes, highlight concerning trends, and inspire solutions for the widespread challenges our feathered friends are facing. The 2025 report builds on past reports but again documents widespread declines across nearly every bird group. While ducks and wetland birds remain above historical levels, demonstrating the success of partner-based conservation, recent drought-induced declines remind us of the importance of not letting off the gas. In this podcast crossover episode, American Birding Podcast host Nate Swick welcomes Mike Brasher of Ducks Unlimited and the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, Amanda Rodewald of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Bradley Wilkinson of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to talk about the report and what birders and hunters can do to support bird science and conservation.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison sits down with longtime friend Jim Ronquest to share their favorite hunting stories. They reflect on the busy months following duck season and discuss the upcoming turkey season. As they reminisce about past adventures, listeners can expect a blend of entertaining anecdotes and insights into the world of hunting. Tune in for a lively conversation filled with camaraderie and anticipation for the spring season ahead!
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings are joined by Dr. Mark Lindberg, professor at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology to discuss the ways hunters play a vital role in citizen-science programs. Banding, HIP, and other various programs are supported by hunters, and are crucial to waterfowl science.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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duckDNA recently concluded its second season, which brought continued enthusiasm from hunters and several never-before-seen hybrids! On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by conservation science assistants, Kayci Messerly and Katie Tucker, and Dr. Phil Lavretsky to share initial results from season 2 while discussing genetic mysteries uncovered through the analysis of several unique hybrid ducks. Also discussed are behind-the-scenes interactions with participating hunters and the potential future of duckDNA. Thanks to hunters for their support and participation and a special thanks to our year 2 funding partners -- Pinola Conservancy, Rice Pond Preserve, and Brian Hornung.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings on the DU podcast to discuss several must-have items for every wild game chef. Leysath explains that some of these items are specific to recipes, but most of these are handy in every kitchen style. The pair talk about how Leysath uses several key items in his kitchen.
Read the full article: 10 Must-Have Cooking Items for Waterfowl Hunters:
https://www.ducks.org/hunting/10-must-have-cooking-items-for-waterfowl-hunters
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In this episode, host Katie Burke sits down with Grant Cole, owner of Auctioneers, Inc., to discuss his journey into the world of outdoor hunting, waterfowl decoy collecting, and the auction industry. Grant shares his early hunting experiences in Michigan, his father's influence on his love for the outdoors, and how he transitioned into selling and collecting decoys. Grant also provides insight into the world of decoy auctions, the importance of relationships in the collecting community, and his role in various decoy organizations. He and Katie discuss the crossover between DU members and decoy collectors, the evolution of auctioneering, and the passion behind preserving hunting heritage through decoys.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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In the final installment of this special series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding discuss the 2 critical surveys that are part of this process: Migratory Bird Hunter Survey and Parts Collection Survey. This episode sheds light on how these data are collected and used, and why none of this would be possible without the interest, cooperation, and participation by hunters. This is episode 3 of a 3-part series.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Join host Katie Burke as she sits with renowned decoy carver Jamie Hand in his Cape May County workshop. Jamie shares his family's deep-rooted history in waterfowl hunting, the artistry behind traditional decoy carving, and the evolution of the craft. From learning under legendary mentors to passing on his knowledge to new generations, Jamie’s passion for carving and conservation shines through. Watch the video version on YouTube to see Jamie’s shop and carving process in action.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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In part 2 of this series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding go in-depth on the Harvest Information Program, known to most people simply as “HIP,” to explain how it works and how the data are used to select hunters for participating in the core surveys from which harvest is estimated. We also discuss additional uses of waterfowl harvest data. This is episode 2 of a 3-part series.
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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