Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher jump into the new season with the recently announced 2022 Waterfowl and Habitat Survey. The pair breakdown the overall numbers released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and set the table for future discussions focusing on induvial species.

To get the full report and species chart, visit https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-surveys/2022/duck-numbers

On this special episode, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams joins co-hosts Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, and Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist, to talk about her love of the outdoors, priorities for the USFWS, the importance of hunters and private landowners to conservation, the longstanding partnership between DU and the USFWS, and much more. Status of the highly anticipated Waterfowl Breeding and Population Habitat Survey is also mentioned!

This DU Podcast features Browning Arms Media and Events Manager Shaundi Campbell.

Hear Browning history, what?s new in shotguns for 2022, and learn more about Browning?s commitment to wetlands conservation, DU TV and more!

?Volunteers are the gasoline that makes the DU engine work.? On this episode we sit down with Doug Schoenrock (DU President), Chuck Smith (DU 1st Vice President), Kurt Cazayoux (Louisiana DU State Chair), and Jay Owen (DU Regional Vice President) to discuss the important role that annual state conventions play in celebrating our volunteers for their contributions to DU?s mission. From Roadkill Cookoffs to Bingo tournaments, learn about state conventions and why you should attend.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews former DU TV co-hosts Field Hudnall, Zach Pederson and Ainsley Beeman Kenworthy on the final 25th anniversary podcast. All three hosted DU TV episodes around North America, collecting incredible experiences and developing a strong respect and admiration for DU?s wetlands conservation mission. Tune in and listen to favorite show moments and discover why their time on DU TV meant so much to each of them.  

DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV. 

Chris Lee, Integrated Marketing Manager for FNBO, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about how the DU Visa Card is benefitting wetlands conservation. Lee discusses how the owners of the largest privately owned bank are strong supporters of DU?s wetland conservation mission and how the DU Visa Card program provides funding. Offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a portion of every purchase going directly to DU?s conservation mission, it?s easy to see why both parties are excited about this partnership.

Visit ducks.org/visa to learn more.

Jon Deeter, owner of at Guyette and Deeter, Inc. decoy auction house, returns to the show to chat with host Katie Burke about their Spring auction at the North American Decoy Collectors Show, the largest sporting collector show in the country. Jon and Katie talk about the importance of this show not only in terms of the auction, but to decoy collecting in general. Jon gives us some insight into the catalog for this sale and how it was selected. He also talks about Guyette and Deeter Inc?s upcoming venture into antique waterfowling shotguns.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Guest host and DUTV producer John Gordon interviews Mike Checkett and Hampton Bourne on this DU podcast, continuing the DU TV 25 anniversary celebration. Bourne is the son of legendary DU TV co-host and writer Wade Bourne, he talks about his dad and the conservation legacy he left that still resonates today. Checkett is another longtime DU TV co-host and former DU staff member, he and Wade shared many sunrises together on DU TV. Tune in to hear great stories from the past from America?s longest running waterfowl hunting show.

DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.

Addison Edmonds, founder of Gunner Kennels, joins the DU Podcast to share the news about the new partnership with Ducks Unlimited. Edmonds and host Chris Jennings talk about Gunner?s commitment to wetlands conservation as well as the new Gunner offerings that fall under the umbrella of official Ducks Unlimited products. The two talk about Edmonds new Labrador retriever, as well as new training challenge he is facing along the way. Join in for a fantastic introduction to new products and Gunner Kennels.

www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

As the 2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey nears completion, Dr. Ken Richkus, chief of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, reflects on the steps involved in planning and resuming the survey this year. Ken also discusses whether any changes were made, directs us to field updates from pilot biologists, and shares the timeline for survey completion and release of the final numbers. DU extends a special thanks to all the men and women involved in the survey!

2022 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Surveys - Field Reports | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Excitement abounds as DU prepares to celebrate 85 years of wetland and waterfowl conservation at our National Convention in New Orleans, July 13-16, 2022.  Legendary quarterback Archie Manning will serve as keynote speaker, and activities throughout the week will include redfish fishing tournament, Roadkill Cookoff, Wings Over Wetlands celebration, guided tours, organizational and conservation updates, and the convention reception and gala. Listen for details and prepare to join us! 

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU?s chief conservation officer and Bob Locke, DU?s director of development for North Texas, sit down with Mr. Trammell Crow at the EarthX Expo 2022 in Dallas, TX. Founder of EarthX and a Dallas-based businessman and entrepreneur, Trammell explains how his upbringing and career led to the creation of EarthX, and how it eventually inspired him to host the US-Mexico Hunting & Wildlife Conservation Forum this past October to help protect hunting rights in Mexico.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

DU Podcast host, Katie Burke, chats with the President of the North American Decoy Collectors Association, Rick Sandstrom. The pair met up in Chicago to discuss the show and auction. They talk about the importance of the show and what it means to the decoy collecting community. How the absence of the show over the past years has had an impact on the community and it?s return this year. The two also chat about the evolution of the club from the Midwest to North American title and why it?s important for new and longtime collectors to attend this event and others like it. 

 www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

­­Guest host and DUTV producer John Gordon interviews Guy Shepperd and Richie Davenport of Moose Media, Mossy Oak?s video production company. Moose has field produced DU TV since 2013, capturing the best of waterfowl hunting and wetlands conservation around North America. Shepperd and Davenport discuss some of their favorite moments over the seasons while offering a behind-the-scenes look at DU TV.

DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV. 

Farmers, ranchers, and private landowners are essential partners in DU?s conservation efforts. An exciting new partnership between DU and the Future Farmers of America stands to enhance our shared values and collective ability to train and educate America?s future farmers and conservationists. On this episode we hear from FFA representatives Cortney Zimmerman and Chris Bell and DU?s Mark Horobetz on the growth and future plans for this partnership. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Smiling faces. Barbeque grills overflowing with hot dogs and hamburgers. Pool parties with friends and family. A pleasant boat ride around the lake.

These are the scenes of Memorial Day, celebrated every May on the month?s final Monday. It?s a three-day weekend, school is out, summer begins, good times in the sun are ahead.

But we can?t forget what?s behind this day.

The name itself tells the tale, memorial signifying recognition of meritorious service. Another word comes to mind immediately though, sacrifice. Memorial Day signifies a day of remembrance for the fallen in wars throughout history around the globe.

At Ducks Unlimited, we urge everyone to take a moment this weekend to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and give thanks to those who gave everything so we could live in a country where freedom is enjoyed and not wished for.       

Thanks to all of you for supporting Ducks Unlimited?s wetlands conservation mission. And thank you to those brave souls who embraced their call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice.

As you spend time in the outdoors this weekend, think about the fact that it?s all possible because someone?s courageous act ensured our freedoms.

From all of the staff and volunteers at Ducks Unlimited, Happy Memorial Day and thanks to everyone who has served and continues to serve our great nation.

Retired USFWS pilot biologist, Fred Roetker, joins the DU Podcast from Fort Chipewayan, Alberta, deep in the Canadian boreal forest for a real-time update on progress and conditions encountered during the 2022 waterfowl breeding population survey. Although 2022 is proving to be one of the later springs in recent memory, boreal wetlands are in good to excellent condition and ducks are once again being counted across this diverse and massive landscape.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Dave Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, answers more questions and provides guidance on how hunters need to prepare for avian flu. Topics include modes of transmission, vaccines, herd immunity, safety precautions, carcass disposal, how to report sick or dead birds, and whether it is safe to consume harvested birds. We conclude with a discussion about risks to wild turkeys and advice to not panic but stay informed and observant.

www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Dr. Dave Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, provides an in-depth description of the current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. How did we get here, and what are the risks to ducks and geese, poultry, humans, hunters, dogs, and other birds? We also learn about symptoms, infection rates, mortality rates, and the amazing similarities to the concerns and terminology that we all became familiar with during COVID-19. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Purina Pro Plan, joins the DU Podcast once again. Gunzer has 25 years of experience as a field trail trainer and offers his expertise on the subject. Host Chris Jennings and Gunzer discuss what?s new with Purina Pro Plan and the pair get into the weeds about field trial training. Gunzer offers his advice to anyone out there thinking about becoming a field trail trainer, and details the expectations of training at this high level.

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings welcome legendary fisherman and outdoor personality Bill Dance to the DU Podcast. Dance shares some personal stories about his path to becoming a professional fisherman and beyond. The trio discuss conservation and how fish and fishermen can benefit from Ducks Unlimited?s wetlands conservation efforts. You?ll most certainly enjoy these conversations as the always-entertaining Dance, showcases his story-telling abilities. (Part #2)

www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Hosts Dr. Mike Brasher and Chris Jennings welcome legendary fisherman and outdoor personality Bill Dance to the DU Podcast. Dance shares some personal stories about his path to becoming a professional fisherman and beyond. The trio discuss conservation and how fish and fishermen can benefit from Ducks Unlimited?s wetlands conservation efforts. You?ll most certainly enjoy these conversations as the always-entertaining Dance, showcases his story-telling abilities. (Part #1)

www.ducks.org/DUpodcast

Dr. Johann Walker and Dr. Scott Stephens join the podcast to provide an armchair view of habitat conditions in the U.S. and Canadian Prairies and openly speculate about what we should expect for the 2022 breeding duck population and production. While winter and early spring storms refilled wetlands in North Dakota, Manitoba, and the Canadian parklands, variable and dry conditions remain across important breeding regions of Montana and southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host John Gordon interviews Marc Pierce and Jared Brown. Longtime friends and DU supporters, these former DUTV hosts talk about how they became involved with the show and some of their favorite moments through the years. What snacks did Wade Bourne bring to the blind? Listen in and find out! 

DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.

While lethal collection and gnarly lab work is the gold standard for measuring body condition of waterfowl, scientists also need non-lethal methods to answer other research questions. Katharine Cody, graduate student from the Univ. of Arkansas at Monticello, explains the importance of winter body condition for ducks and describes her research that sought to identify a reliable, non-lethal way to measure it for Arkansas mallards.  www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Guest host and DUTV producer, John Gordon, interviews Eric Keszler, executive editor of Ducks Unlimited magazine, about the origin of the longest-running waterfowl hunting show on television, DUTV, in this first installment of a five-part series celebrating DUTV's 25th anniversary. Keszler spent several years producing DUTV and offers a great perspective on the history of the show.

DUTV's 25th season kicks off in July on The Sportsman Channel. Watch your favorite episodes on ducks.org/media/du-tv/video, Ducks Unlimited's YouTube page, or MOTV.

Dr. Mark Petrie, DU?s director of conservation planning for the Western Region, provides a quick update on drought conditions in the western U.S. for April 2022. With intensifying drought, we should expect limited local duck production, significant declines in planted rice, reduced wetland management, and concerning carry-over effects into fall and winter. Mark also provides insights on what this means for waterfowl and how DU is responding.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

We've been gearing up for SEASON 6. We hope you'll join us for more exciting content beginning this Wednesday, May 4th!

Join us at DUX 2022!

For everything outdoors... from biking, shooting, dog demonstrations, and exhibitors, there's something for all ages and skill levels at the Ducks Unlimited Expo!

TICKETS starting @ $10 - https://www.duckexpo.com/tickets

**Kids 12 and under are admitted free with an adult ticket purchase.
**Active/Retired Military, First Responders are free with valid ID.

As the dust settles, the DU Podcast looks back on the 2021-22 waterfowl season. Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Dr. Heath Hagy, USFWS Waterfowl Ecologist, to discuss everything from the 2021 drought to roller coaster weather patterns, personal hunting experiences, duck research, mid-winter surveys, and a look ahead to habitat conditions for the 2022 breeding season. Jam-packed with information you?ll only get here, join us for a reflection on the season that was.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this final episode of The DU Podcast, show hosts Chris, Mike, & Katie reminisce on the season, but also look forward to season 6 and beyond. 

But don't worry! We will keep releasing content every so often to keep you updated on what is happening in the wetlands and with the ducks.

Thank you for helping us reach and surpass a million total downloads. You'll hear from us soon!

With duck season winding down, we look ahead to the 2022 breeding season. Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins the podcast to provide late winter insights on snow cover and what it might mean for recharging prairie wetlands. Although a welcome start, more precip will be needed to bring significant improvements for returning birds. The other big issue that remains is the spring BPOP survey. With hopeful anticipation, DUC staff are primed and ready to assist. 

Dr. Mike Brasher visits with Virginia Getz, DU?s director of conservation programs for CA, NV, AZ, and HI, to recap the erratic weather and hunting success across California. Significant rain in Oct and Dec brought relief from drought and created abundant waterfowl habitat. While good for birds, hunting success was mixed, with a feeling that neither birds nor hunters could find their normal ?rhythm.? We now hope for more rain and mountain snow to improve breeding conditions. 

DU Podcast host, Katie Burke, chats with renowned decoy carver Cameron McIntyre about his early love of nature and waterfowl and how both have informed his life as an artist and carver. McIntyre describes the years of hard work, trial and error that led him to be the skilled carver he is today. He also talks about the influence of the carvers he spent time with along his journey, as well the influence of the decoys of past master carvers he was lucky enough to work with as a restorer. McIntyre also describes in detail why nature is his primary passion and muse.

You can view Cameron?s work by visiting, http://www.camerontmcintyre.com/

Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss shotgunning techniques for waterfowl hunters. Bourjaily explains the processes and importance of making sure your hands and eyes are working together to find and remain on a target. The two also get into the details of one of the most difficult shots in waterfowling, the high, overhead shot.

In this very special Fact or Fiction episode, Dr. Ray Alisauskas applies his expertise to a few questions and statements about the ecology of snow and Ross?s geese. We discuss color morphs, caruncles, rarity of blue phase Ross?s geese, flight altitude, and more! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Kevin Kraai, Texas Parks and Wildlife waterfowl program leader, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the most recent waterfowl survey. The 2022 survey showed impressive numbers in several parts of the state. Kraai discusses specific species and why some areas in Texas were holding strong numbers of ducks and other were not.

Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America?s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores shares stories from the book about tactics and cleanup of illegal grow operations, and how these operations contaminate water supply, kill wildlife, and damage public lands.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America?s wildlands from drug cartels. Nores talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how California game wardens dealt with an attack on public and private lands, and how the issue continues across the U.S.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Eddie Nickens, contributing editor of Ducks Unlimited magazine, and his son Jack join host Chris Jennings in studio to discuss their travels over the years. The two were visiting National Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, on their way to an Arkansas duck hunt. Eddie and Jack explained how they built bonds through the outdoors and how things have changed since Jack was young, hunting at his father?s side. This interesting conversation details the dynamics of a father and a son growing up in the outdoors, both learning about life along the way.

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. 

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

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.  www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

In this inaugural episode of our Fact or Fiction series, hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher give the straight talk on three questions brought to us by our listeners. How much of DU's work occurs on public vs. private land, do you have to register for HIP separately in each state in which you hunt, and does DU provide corn for managed impoundments? The waters can get a little muddy out there, so we?re jumping in to provide some clarity. 

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast 

In this concluding episode, Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, explains neck collars, web tags, nasal saddles, geolocators, transmitters, GPS units, and more. How are they used, how have they evolved, and how are scientists using them to learn more than ever about movements, migrations, and behaviors of waterfowl across North America? Listen and learn from our friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Nicolai.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Host Katie Burke is joined by wildlife artist Adam Grimm. Adam is a two-time Federal Duck Stamp winner and two-time DU Artist-of-the-Year. In this conversation, Adam goes into detail discussing his journey to become a professional wildlife artist, particularly, how his love of art and the outdoors came together to in his professional career. The two also discuss the significance of the Federal Duck Stamp program to wildlife artists, and the significance winning has had on Adam?s career.

You can view Adam?s artwork by visiting, https://www.adamgrimm.com/

Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, rejoins Dr. Mike Brasher for a ?bird nerd? discussion about waterfowl banding. This episode covers everything from the basics of what it is and when it happens to more detailed coverage of reward bands, survival estimation, calculating population size using the ?Lincoln-Petersen? method, and what banding data can reveal about individual decisions. Thank you for reporting your bands! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

An alternative recipe for your harvested ?fowl, the DU Podcast and Dr. J.-M. DeVink bring you a French-inspired dish that pairs well with red wine and a blustery winter day ? Acadian duck pie. Perfect for any species of waterfowl or wild game, including those considered less than stellar table fare, J.-M. steps through the recipe and provides educational insights on its origin and preparation. Find the complete recipe here: https://bit.ly/32y02sL

 www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Migration Editor, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss the incoming cold front happening New Year?s Day. This influx of cold weather throughout much of the Central and Mississippi Flyway could have major impacts on waterfowl wintering in mid-latitude states. Anglin shares local and regional updates across Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan as many of these states are holding strong numbers of ducks and geese. Waterfowl hunters throughout the lower portions of the Central and Mississippi Flyways may have the opportunity to begin 2022 with a bang. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Dr. Chris Nicolai, waterfowl scientist for Delta Waterfowl, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an extended, in-depth discussion about the science and application of marking individual birds. In the first of 3 episodes, we discuss the early days of marking, the type of data and information gathered from it, its advantages over other methods of study, and how the technologies and techniques continue to evolve, providing increasingly detailed data on the waterfowl life cycle. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Join Chris, Mike, & Katie as they take a walk down memory lane discussing Christmas presents from their youth, reflecting on Christmas traditions, and considering why Dec 25th might be the safest day for the ducks. You'll also hear songs recorded by local Ducks Unlimited staff and a Christmas letter reading from all of us to all of you! We hope you have a safe and joyous holiday. Merry Christmas!

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast