Dr. Fritz Reid, DU’s director of Boreal and Arctic conservation, provides the DU Podcast with an unplanned and optimistic update on habitat conditions and population reports from the boreal forest and Alaska. In welcome contrast to the prairies, anecdotal reports suggest large number of ducks and excellent wetland conditions across these massive landscapes, which may boost production of boreal-nesting species such as greenwings, ringnecks, wigeon, among others.
Winding down the summer season, the DU Podcast reconnects with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada director of regional operations for the prairies and boreal, for a late summer update on habitat conditions and expectations for fall hunting. Dr. Stephens also responds to a listener’s question about why breeding wetlands aren’t intensively managed similarly to what occurs for migrating and wintering birds.
Kayle Browning, first-time Olympic trap shooter, joins the Ducks Unlimited Podcast to talk about her path to earning her spot on Team USA, as well as her excitement for the upcoming Olympic Games. Browning, a well-accomplished shooter on the world stages, is also an avid duck hunter who grew up hunting Arkansas’ storied, flooded timber habitats with her family. Hear how she is preparing for her upcoming trip to Tokyo, and all that entails being a member of Team USA. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Dr. Jennell Appel, DVM, CCRT with SPORTVET Canine Rehab & Sports Medicine, joins the DU Podcast to talk with host Chris Jennings about ways to avoid commons injuries in sporting dogs. Dr. Appel explains how to avoid these injuries, but also goes into detail about how to properly rehabilitate your retriever. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Curious about field trials and hunt tests? Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Purina Pro Plan, joins the show discuss his decades of experience with field trial training and competing. Gunzer shares his personal experiences and advice for those interested in getting started. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
2021 marked the first year in which Manitoba offered a spring conservation season for overabundant resident Canada geese. Join us in the episode as we speak with Frank Baldwin, waterfowl biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, to learn about the season, why it was deemed necessary, what science was used to inform it, how it avoids harvest of non-target populations, and whether non-resident hunters can participate.
For the second consecutive year, the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey has been cancelled. Dr. Ken Richkus, chief of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, describes how the situation and decisions unfolded in 2021, including initial optimism and advanced planning that ultimately had to be shelved. How will this affect harvest regs, what other methods were considered, and what is the plan going forward? We answer these questions and more on the DU Podcast.
Dr. Steve Adair, DU chief scientist, joins the DU Podcast to talk about how DU uses science to make conservation decisions and to share some updates on some research. Adair and host Chris Jennings talk about DU’s Ecosystem Services programs and how wetlands benefit more than just waterfowl.
Although severe drought has gripped the U.S. and Canadian prairies over the past year, recent rains are providing welcome relief. How much rain, how widespread, and was it too late to benefit duck production in 2021 are relevant questions of the day. On this episode, Pat Kehoe, DU Canada’s director of international partnerships shares his observations based on a recent trip across the Canadian prairies.
Founder of Gunner Kennels, Addison Edmonds, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about Gunner Kennels. Edmonds shares the emotional story of how Gunner Kennels got its name and the loss of hunting partner. All dog owners can relate to the passion that drives Edmonds to create the safest kennels on the market. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Mike Szymanski, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, joins the DU Podcast to discuss the results of his agency’s 2021 Breeding Duck Survey. Highlights include a record 80% year-over-year decline in pond counts and a nearly 50% decline in the number of mallards settling in North Dakota. How widespread is the drought, what are its implications for waterfowl and hunters, and have the recent rains provided any relief? Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Frank Baldwin, waterfowl biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service, shares insights regarding challenges and complications in Canada that contributed to the cancellation of the 2021 BPOP and Habitat Survey, along with other waterfowl field work. Host Dr. Mike Brasher and Baldwin discuss implications for harvest regulations and population management, while also exploring habitat conditions and the latest update on the border closure. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine freelance contributor, joins the show to talk about some off-season projects for waterfowl hunters. Summer can seem like it lasts forever, but there’s plenty to do. Pollmann discusses several things he does during the off season, but also provides an update on South Dakota habitat conditions. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels hops on the DU Podcast to discuss common corrections for your retriever with hose Chris Jennings. Stewart explains that there are several very common mistakes retrievers begin to make after a long duck season and the spring and summer is the best time to correct these mistakes. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Bill Buckley, professional freelance photographer and Ducks Unlimited magazine columnist joins the DU Podcast to talk about ways people can improve their photography. Pretty much everyone with a camera is now a content creator, but professionals like Buckley still manage to rise to the top when it comes to hunting images. He offers some examples of how to make easy adjustments to improve the quality of your hunting images. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Field Hudnall, co-owner of Field Proven Calls and World Goose Calling Champion joins the show to talk with Chris Jennings about all-thing calling, hunting, kids in the field, and YETI Products. The pair discuss competition goose calling and how he got his start in the industry. Hudnall also serves as a YETI Ambassador in the Hunting category and shares some of his favorite products. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins host Chris Jennings to share some of his best tips for traveling with your retriever. The two discuss safety concerns, health tips, and some of the most important things to avoid when taking your retriever on the road. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
DU CEO Adam Putnam joins the DU Podcast to talk with Chris Jennings about DU’s transition to in-person events in many areas and the excitement that provides within the organization. Putnam also shares insights to how DU exceeded the conservation mission in the past year, along with upcoming events everyone needs to add to their calendar. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
T. Edward Nickens, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributing editor, joins Chris Jennings to discuss Nickens’ new book, “The Last Wild Road: Adventures and Essays from a Sporting Life” among many other topics. Nickens brings a lifetime of outdoor writing experience to the show and shares some of his adventures with the DU Podcast. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Order The Last Wild Road: www.thelastwildroad.com
Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist joins Chris Jennings to talk about ways to improve your wingshooting during the off season. Bourjaily explains the repetition is the key, but there are several ways to focus your training on shots typically seen in the duck blind. Pick up a few helpful off-season shooting tips as the pair discuss techniques and best practices. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
It’s turning out to be a dry year on the prairies, but exactly how dry and widespread is it? Dr. Scott Stephens, DU Canada, joins us to share early observations, data insights, and thoughts on how waterfowl are likely to respond and what it may mean for duck production and hunter experiences later this year. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist joins host Chris Jennings to talk about buying used waterfowl guns. Bourjaily offers some tips for finding quality used guns, modifying an old gun, and even what to avoid when searching for a used shotgun. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings on the DU podcast to talk about 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 style kitchen. The pair talk about how Leysath uses several of the key items in his kitchen.
Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Read the full article: 10 Must-Have Cooking Items for Waterfowl Hunters
It’s the off season and you’re thinking about a new retriever. Mike Stewart, owner and operator of Wildrose Kennels, joins Chris Jennings to discuss the Wildrose process. There’s a lot more to picking out a new hunting partner than showing up and picking a dog from a litter, and Stewart decades of experience to the show to discuss the best ways to approach picking a puppy. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Scott Leysath, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist, joins Chris Jennings to talk about his favorite summer waterfowl recipes. Leysath also shares some insight into how he prepares these dishes, the sauces, sides and some tricks to help even a novice wild-game chef bring these recipes to the table. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Read full article: 5 Small Bites for Summer https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-recipes-wild-game-cooking/5-small-bites-for-summer
Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co-host Chris Jennings to discuss a feature article from the March/April DU Magazine, Duck Camp on Wheels. Jennings explains how he became an RV owner and how his decisions to turn it into a mobile duck camp led to the feature article. The pair talk everything from choosing an RV to where to take it on your next waterfowling adventure. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
Host Chris Jennings is joined by Karl Gunzer, director of the Sporting Dog Group for Nestle Purina PetCare, to talk about Purina’s scientific approach to creating quality pet foods. Gunzer, an experience trainer also gets into the details about his experiences as a field trial trainer and much more. Please subscribe, rate, and review the DU Podcast and contact the DU Podcast via email at DUPodcast@ducks.org with recommendations or questions.
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