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
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

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
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

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

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

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
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

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
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

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
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

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
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

Ducks Unlimited Podcast: Season Wrap-Up Live Stream

Hosts: Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, Matt Harrison
Location: Ducks Unlimited HQ, Memphis, TN
Presented by: Purina ProPlan & Bird Dog Whiskey

🔹 Episode Summary

In this special live-stream wrap-up, the DU Podcast team reviews the 2024-2025 waterfowl season! From epic hunts and migration trends to avian flu updates and new hunting tactics, this episode has it all. Plus, we answer listener questions, preview off-season activities, and share key conservation insights.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Best & worst hunts of the season – Personal stories from Mike, Matt & Katie.
Duck migration & weather trends – How warm fall & late cold fronts impacted hunts.
Avian flu update – What waterfowl hunters need to know in 2025.
New hunting strategies – Motion decoys, pulsators & hand-carved decoys.
Off-season tips – Training your retriever, gear maintenance & turkey hunting.
Conservation & research – Duck DNA Project results & upcoming DU events.

🔹 Upcoming Events

DU Expo: August 1-3, Memphis, TN → CLICK HERE!
DU Banquets & Events: Find one near you → ducks.org/events
DU Careers: Internships & jobs → ducks.org/jobs

🔹 Follow & Subscribe

Follow on Instagram: @ducksunlimited
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Listen now & get ready for next season!