Reports of recent rain in the Dakotas and Canadian Prairies have stirred optimism among duck hunters already looking forward to the fall. How much rain fell, was it enough to fill wetlands, and did it arrive in time to benefit breeding ducks? Long-time guest Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Katie Burke for a mid-May update on habitat conditions across the U.S. and Canadian prairies. Also discussed are continuing drought in the Boreal Forest and predictions for the 2024 waterfowl breeding population. Will they be up or down from 2023? Listen to find out what our team has to say.

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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls and the trio talk Canada goose calling. Powers, three-time World Goose Calling Champion, among other titles, brings a whole new level of calling capabilities to the DU Podcast. He provides an easy step-by-step guide to improve your capabilities in a goose field. The trio also discuss decoy tactics, flagging, and combining calling into all of these to make you a more successful Canada goose hunter.

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This episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast features Mike Valley, a decoy carver, hunter, and commercial fisherman. Host Katie Burke delves into Mike's family history of carving, with his grandfather carving decoys during the Depression and his father continuing the tradition in the 50s until his recent passing. Mike shares insights into the rich carving history in Prairie du Chien and the influence of prominent carvers in the area. Tune in to hear about the deep-rooted carving legacy that shaped Mike's upbringing and passion for the craft.

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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls to discuss calling whitefronts. Richard grew up hunting and guiding “specklebellies” in south Louisiana and has followed them north as their main wintering landscapes have shifted. He has called in competitions and is eager to teach others. Richard breaks down the basics of calling these fantastic geese and even walks through step-by-step scenarios of when, why, and how to put whitefronts in the decoys.

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“Sky carp” and “Saving the Tundra” are phrases that have become commonplace in the vernacular of light goose hunters across North America. Although born from well-intentioned conversations around once-hyperabundant light geese and the Light Goose Conservation Order, waterfowl managers consider these derogatory phrases undeserved and unfortunate. On this episode, Kevin Kraai of Texas Parks and Wildlife makes the case for changing this narrative and bringing respect back to light geese. We also dig into data showing an 86% decline in the midcontinent light goose population, shrinking breeding colonies, recovery of arctic staging grounds, and new science on how repeated disturbance may influence light goose body condition. If this evolving story tells us anything it’s that what we know today is likely different from what we’ll learn in the future and why we should never stop asking questions.

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Beginning in spring 2025, for the first time in over 25 years, light geese wintering in Texas will find it a quieter and more welcoming place. That is because in April 2024, Texas became the first state to officially end their use of the Federally allowed Light Goose Conservation Order. On this episode, Kevin Kraai, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) waterfowl program manager, joins Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to discuss this recent decision and explain the reasoning behind it. Join us for part 1 of this fascinating and intricate story about how the complex interplay of numerous factors are driving changes in Texas waterfowling, why TPWD believes the Conservation Order is no longer needed, and what they hope to achieve by ending it in their state.

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Spring is a time for waterfowl nesting, and it’s also a time when our feathered friends venture into our neighborhoods and back yards looking for a safe place to lay eggs and raise their brood. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and guest host Dr. Jerad Henson are joined by Tim Jasinski of the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center to share expert advice on how to deal with these annual visitors. As a wildlife rehab specialist, Tim is always eager to provide guidance and insight on the curious ways of waterfowl and other wildlife that make unexpected and sometimes unwelcome entrances into our world. Covering everything from injured birds to aggressive geese, hen mallards in flower pots, and duckling in swimming pools, there aren’t many things Tim hasn’t experienced. Join us as we learn from the expert and hear a few fascinating stories in the process. And the question we all need answered… Should I feed bread to park ducks??

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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls to break the ice on how to become a better duck caller. This step-by-step instruction is designed to help you improve your calling techniques this off season. Richard and Powers offer a simple approach to improvement and they provide real-life scenarios for various calling techniques, including team calling. 

 
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On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, Derek Wolf, shares his background growing up in Northeast Ohio and his introduction to the outdoors through hunting. Despite the challenges, Derek's stepdad introduced him to hunting and football, shaping his passion for both activities. Tune in to hear more about Derek's unique upbringing, his deep connection to the outdoors, and how these things became integral parts of his life.

Watch the Derek Wolfe DU Nation Episode Here!

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Host Chris Jennings is joined by Rusty Creasey, manager of the Coca Cola Woods in Arkansas, for a discussion about the off season. First, the two discuss the highs and lows of the 2023-2024 season and Creasey provides information on a few oddities he saw throughout the duck season. With water off the property, Creasey is preparing to clean up boat lanes, beaver dams, and a few blow downs that happened in the woods, all before preparing for planting season. Good duck hunting doesn’t just happen, there is typically some well thought out management behind the scenes, and Creasey brings that to the DU Podcast.

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On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews John Fandrey, a Wisconsin decoy collector. John shares his introduction to the outdoors as a child, following his father’s passion for duck hunting. John and Katie discuss the many types of decoys in Wisconsin and how the carvers’ styles change throughout the state. Stay tuned to learn more about John’s journey into decoy collecting and Wisconsin decoy carvers.

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