Ducks Unlimited Podcast

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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 wi...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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 conv...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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.

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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. No...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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:
W...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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 "Du...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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:
Wh...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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 ex...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Follow these links!
Direct link to petition:  https://ducks.quorum.us/campaign/duckfactory/

Link to DU page and federal register link:   https://www.ducks.org/save-the-duck-factory

Learn why Ducks Unlimited is asking waterfowl hunters to take action on one of the most important conservation issues affecting duck production in North America. 

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens for an update on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ongoing review of regulations related to drain tile setbacks around...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Learn what’s driving a new botulism outbreak in the Klamath Basin and what conservation partners are doing to help protect thousands of waterfowl. 

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Jeff McCreary, Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Operations for the Western Region, and Dr. Dan Smith, DU waterfowl scientist, to discuss deteriorating habitat conditions in one of North America’s most important waterfowl landscapes.

After a winter of record-low snowpack and a spring that produced exceptional numbers of ducklings, water levels in the Klamath Basin a...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Sydnie Wells, Tim Wells, and Nathan Hogg of Dive Bomb Industries join hosts Matt Harrison and Jimbo Robinson live from DUX 2025. From swapping stories about memorable past hunts to sharing their excitement for upcoming seasons, the crew dives into the passion, projects, and plans shaping the year ahead. It’s a laid-back, fun conversation straight from the show floor at DUX.

Join us this year at DUX 2026!!

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

SPONSORS:

Bird Dog Wh...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Great gear gets people in the door. Community keeps them coming back.

In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Dennis Zuck and Carter Oliver of Chêne Gear to discuss the company's growth, its people-first philosophy, and how Chêne has become one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl hunting.

What started as a mission to build a better wader has grown into something much larger. Dennis and Carter share the story behind Chêne’s rise...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Learn how a speaker built for the outdoors became one of the most recognizable brands in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

Recorded live at Ducks Unlimited’s 89th National Convention, Jimbo Robinson sits down with Turtlebox CEO Russell Laeding and newly inducted Ducks Unlimited President Dr. Rex Schulz for a conversation about entrepreneurship, conservation, outdoor culture, and the future of both organizations.

Russell shares the unlikely origin story of Turtlebox, which started when four friends built a rugged speaker in a garage for use on the Texas co...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

What does it mean to carry a legacy forward while building something new?

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Jacob Mayo, brand manager for Duck Commander and founder of General Vintage, for a conversation about legacy, family, entrepreneurship, and the future of one of the most recognizable names in waterfowling.

Recorded inside the Duck Commander warehouse in West Monroe, Louisiana, the discussion explores how Duck Commander evolved from a duck call company into a cultural phenomenon, what Phil Robertson’s...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

This episode wraps up our 18 part series.

As eastern mallards declined in the early 2000s, waterfowl managers developed a new approach for setting duck harvest frameworks in the Atlantic Flyway. Termed “multi-stock management,” this approach steps away from mallards and relies on 4 species that better capture harvest opportunities for eastern hunters. Dr. Min Huang and Dr. Pat Devers rejoin the podcast to provide details behind this approach and discuss other issues on the horizon for waterfowl management in the U.S.
 
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Se...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

The best hunting gear starts with real hunters solving real problems.

In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Brooke Richard of Higdon Outdoors to talk decoys, motion, product development, and what’s driving innovation in modern waterfowl hunting.

The conversation explores Higdon’s history, from the original motion decoys that helped define the brand to the newest products making their debut at DUX. Brooke shares how feedback from hunters influences every stage of development and why the comp...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Discover how preserving hunting stories can support firefighter health and cancer prevention.

Host Wade Shoemaker talks with Gray Schneider, founder of Season of Stories, a traveling journal project inspired by the loss of his brother-in-law, firefighter Wade Cannon, to occupational cancer.

What began as a way to preserve outdoor memories and family stories has grown into a fundraising and awareness effort focused on helping firefighters gain access to life-saving cancer screenings. Along the way, the project has become a unique collection of hunting stories, personal reflections, and...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

In the late 1990s, waterfowl harvest managers in the Atlantic Flyway began exploring new approaches to tie harvest regulations for their states to eastern mallards and other duck populations that were the primary source of Atlantic Flyway harvest. Dr. Min Huang, Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Dr. Pat Devers, USFWS, join the podcast to lead a discussion on these early days and eventual implementation of Eastern Mallard AHM.

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

SPONSORS:

Bird...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

What happens when a hunting brand focuses on people first?

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Dennis Zuck, CEO of Chêne Gear, and Grayson Morris, Chêne’s Community Marketing Manager, for a conversation about community, innovation, conservation, and the future of waterfowl hunting.

The discussion begins with Chêne’s growth within the hunting industry and how the company has blended heritage-inspired design with modern technology to create products that resonate with hunters. But as Dennis explains, the com...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Great hunts depend on great gear — and the details behind that gear matter more than most people realize.

In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host Logan Nevins sit down with Zach Scheidegger and Joe Schroeder of ALPS Outdoors to talk product innovation, design challenges, and what it takes to build gear for serious hunters.

The conversation dives into ALPS’ evolution from mountaineering equipment into a full outdoor brand with thousands of products spanning hunting, camping, and beyond. From layout blinds to blind...

Hey everyone, this is Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to just take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and meaningful 4th of July, our Independence Day. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded of the freedoms that we cherish and the responsibility that we all share to protect the natural resources that make this country so special. At Ducks Unlimited, our mission has always been rooted in conservation, stewardship, and service to something larger than ourselves. And none of that's possible without you, our dedicated volunteers...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

What will the 2026 duck season look like? It all starts on the prairies.

In this annual Ducks Unlimited tradition, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens and Dr. Steve Adair to break down current habitat conditions across the Prairie Pothole Region and make early predictions for the breeding population survey.

The conversation highlights a familiar but important theme: variability. While parts of the Canadian prairies have benefited from recent precipitation, other regions — particularly across portions of the U.S. prairies — remain dry. 

...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

The Texas Gulf Coast is one of the most important — and most dynamic — waterfowl landscapes in North America.

In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Taylor Abshire, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, to explore how wetlands along the Texas coast support waterfowl across the entire annual cycle — from early fall migration to late spring departure.

The conversation highlights the unique nature of this region, where birds like blue‑winged teal may begin arriving as early as August and still be present well into May. That extended...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Behind every great hunt is a great dog — and behind that dog is the right nutrition.

In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host David Schuessler sit down with Karl Gunzer of Purina Pro Plan, the presenting sponsor of the DUX Waterfowl Show and a long‑time partner of Ducks Unlimited.

The conversation highlights the role of high-performance dog nutrition in hunting success and why Purina has invested so heavily in the waterfowl community. Karl shares how Pro Plan approaches dog food throug...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

What makes a great waterfowl shotgun — and how has that standard evolved?

Recorded live from Ducks Unlimited’s National Convention, host Jimbo Robinson is joined by Jeremy Smith and guests from Benelli USA, including Vice President of Sales Lee Colquitt and Channel Sales Manager Jeff Serner.

The conversation explores Benelli’s long-standing role in the waterfowl community and the brand’s continued investment in innovation, performance, and durability. From the iconic Super Black Eagle platform to new advancements like Advanced Impact (AI) technology, the group dives into how mode...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Dr. Scott Boomer, USFWS wildlife biologist, rejoins the show to offer his thoughts on sex-specific regulations and provide a brief update on the ongoing revision to the Pintail harvest strategy. Scott also shares his thoughts on the relative importance of harvest management vs. habitat conservation in achieving duck population goals.

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

SPONSORS:

Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

The Ducks Unlimited Podcast is adding a new voice — and a new perspective.

In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher and co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson introduce Wade Shoemaker, the newest member of the DU Podcast team. Wade brings a fresh, field‑driven perspective rooted in years of experience as a passionate, everyday duck hunter.

Growing up in North Louisiana, Wade’s journey into waterfowling didn’t begin with perfect hunts or polished knowledge — it started like it does for many hunters: borrowed gear, cold mornings, and figuring thi...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Great outdoor gear doesn’t just perform — it tells a story.

In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson is joined by co‑host David Schuessler and guest Radcliffe Menge, founder and CEO of Tom Beckbe, a brand built on heritage materials, modern design, and a deep connection to the outdoor lifestyle.

Recorded ahead of the upcoming DUX Waterfowl Show, this conversation explores how Tom Beckbe grew from a single custom waxed jacket into a full-scale outdoor apparel brand. Radcliffe shares how the company has stayed...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

First developed for midcontinent mallards, Adaptive Harvest Management has since been expanded to eastern and western mallards, black ducks, pintails, and scaup. Dr. Scott Boomer, wildlife biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joins the DU Podcast to discuss modern changes to AHM and provides insights on what all has to be considered when expanding AHM to new species or entertaining alternative ideas for harvest regulations.

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

SPONSORS:

Purina Pro Plan: The o...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Decoy carving lives at the intersection of hunting, history, and personal expression.

In this episode, host Katie Burke sits down with Josh Brewer, decoy carver, at the North American Decoy Collectors Association show — a unique gathering where hotel rooms turn into galleries, workshops, and meeting spaces for collectors and artists alike.

The conversation explores what it means to make decoys today: balancing tradition with innovation, function with form, and personal creativity with the expectations of collectors. Josh shares how his work has evolved, why simplifying design can be...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Recorded at the Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Tampa, this episode brings together leaders from conservation and the outdoor industry to discuss where things are headed.

Bob Spoerl, DU’s new Chairman of the Board, and Ken Eubanks, CEO of Rather Outdoors, join host Jimbo Robinson to talk about leadership transitions, conservation milestones, and the challenges facing hunting and fishing today. The conversation explores how outdoor participation is changing, why younger generations are harder to engage, and what it takes to build the next wave of hunters, anglers, and co...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, rejoins the DU Podcast to provide nostalgic reflection as he share insights on the role of sex-specific duck regulations, how they were formulated under the point system, and what determined if a bird was worth 10, 15, or 35 points. Despite being conceptually sound, the point system was withdrawn in 1994, largely due to challenges with the practicality of its implementation and enforcement.

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

SPONSORS:

...

DUCKS UNLIMITED NATION TRIP AUCTION!

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...