Duck Season Somewhere

Hunter, butcher and James Beard award-winning Chef Jesse Griffiths doesn't just talk the locally sourced talk—he hunts it, guts it, cooks it, and plates it with style. We dive into Jesse's wild game philosophy, lead-free ethics, duck recipes that'll change your life, and how he's somehow never pulled the trigger on a mallard!  From feral hog feasts--and have to admit that this interview rekindled...

Shannon Kelly built a reputation crafting some of the finest species-specific duck calls on the market, dialing in the true sounds of pintails, wigeons, and whistling ducks . He explains how materials, technique, and hard-earned field experience shaped his designs—and why realism matters more than ever for modern hunters. From early influences to the toughest challenges in call-making, Kelly offer...

From rugged Atlantic marshes to southern wintering grounds, Ted Barney lays out the story of the American black duck—where they go, how they survive, and why they matter. A long-time Canadian Wildlife Services biologist, Barney uses hard data, field insights, and decades of banding to reveal what separates black ducks from the rest. Habitat battles, breeding and wintering distributions, migrationa...

North America has lost nearly 3 billion—that's BILLION with a B—birds, and while ducks are the brightest spot on the horizon, their lights are dimming. Dr. Mike Brasher of Ducks Unlimited breaks down bird declines by major groupings, explains why birds are disappearing—some faster than others—describes why hunter-funded conservation still matters now more than ever, and shares his thoughts on what...

Jack Zimmerman returns to talk about the moments that matter—small conversations, big truths, family, friends and the stories behind his new book, Beyond 5 Minutes . From brotherhood to purpose, civilian life to personal growth, we dig into what's changed, what still anchors him, and why the little things aren't really so little after all.  ------------ Read: Jack Zimmerman's Beyond 5 Minutes http...

Four-time world champion David Coleman breaks down the craft, grit, and tradition of goose calling with a tube call--that few can use, let alone master. But you better believe it has its advantages! Coleman is living proof. Just take a listen! From hunting fields to the competition stage, hear how a tube caller, sharp strategy, and relentless drive set him apart—and what every goose hunter can lea...

What started as a simple idea in the blind has since exploded across the hunting scene to become  HuntProof —a powerful tool helping hunters level up! HuntProof has turned the tables on handwritten hunting logs and field notes—no more writer's cramp or scribbled notes, for starters. Retriever training, turkey hunting, AI tools, faster insights, seasonal retrieves, birds and species totals, photo a...

In this no-holds-barred, part 2-of-2 conversation, Dr. Michael Schummer challenges dangerous misinformation circulating throughout our waterfowling community. From social media myths to conspiracy-fueled rhetoric directed towards waterfowl population modeling science, Schummer builds on FowlWeather Podcast Ep 74. Burning it All Down , calling for a return to truth, critical thinking, and trust in...

Today's special topic cuts deeper than science or partisan politics---it defends North American duck hunting's essential back bone, wetland health and abundance, continued public land access, and our legacy to future duck hunting generations. Right now, powerful forces are dismantling the foundations of North America's greatest success story--waterfowl hunting as you've known it your entire life....

Get the grease HOT! We're walking through waist-deep river water in waders today, boys and girls, but the air is heavy with pollen, the weather's beautiful, spawning slabs are transitioning to shallow water--and the bite is underway! Near a fabled Mississippi lake that consistently produces some the largest slab crappie in America, I join John "Little Riddle" Blake, Jimmy "The Mayor" Dean, and Joh...

In this no-holds-barred, part 1-of-2 conversation, Dr. Michael Schummer challenges dangerous misinformation circulating throughout our waterfowling community. From social media myths to conspiracy-fueled rhetoric directed towards waterfowl population modeling science, Schummer builds on FowlWeather Podcast Ep 74. Burning it All Down , calling for a return to truth, critical thinking, and trust in...

This past year was drier in Mazatlan, Mexico than it's been since 1964! Needless to say that with less water on the landscape there were fewer ducks. Given advanced notice, most guests came anyway and even had a great time. Because it's a total-experience adventure. While seasons come and go, today's guest made the absolute most of their Mazatlan duck hunting vacation, bringing home both bucket-li...

Our colorful journey into Sparkleberry Swamp's remote reaches continues  as 79-year-old Toy McCord reflects on how Sparkleberry—and duck hunting there—have changed over the decades. He discusses shifting migration patterns, evolving hunting ethics, and the growing pressures on swamp ecosystems. As a lifelong hunter, guide, and witness to the swamp's transformation, Toy offers hard truths, old-scho...

Outdoor legends Will Primos and Anthony Matarese Jr. break down the habits, mindset, and gear choices that separate good shooters from great ones. From mastering fundamentals to understanding ethical shot selection, their practical, no-nonsense advice that will help you become a more confident and capable shotgunner in the field. Biggest misconcenptions in shotgunning, most common mistakes, world-...

Seventy-nine-year-old Mr. Toy McCord takes us deep into the heart of Sparkleberry Swamp—where he was raised, mentored, and shaped by wild water and duck hunting tradition. He shares vivid memories from his earliest days--like the time a 5-year-old Toy, his brothers and Dad were stranded in the swamp for days--the people who taught him the swamp's secrets, and how his duck hunting passion became a...

Been a real long time since catching up with buddies Brady Davis and Matt McCormick ( Ep 76. Of Hippies and Cowboys, Bozeman, MT ), but they've been busy since then--that's for danged sure!   Like an Alberta clipper sweeping across open range, we race through a lot of fun topics---swapping 10-gauge for 28-gauge shotguns, running Chesapeake Bay retrievers in Montana, forming their Flying V companie...

Having south-of-the-border fun entailed an action-packed couple weeks in Nayarit, Mexico, but as usual it was about way, way more than just trigger pulls. Our appetites for ducks, doves, local eats and delicious margaritas satiated, Ramsey meets with hunters that came from throughout the US and even from far away as Denmark to hear their recollections of feathers, friendships and fond memories. Wh...

onX Maps's Lake Pickle and I jump into the most powerful navigational app ever invented, exploring the many ways it's revolutionizing our hunting adventures. We discuss what sets it apart from other mapping tools, its key features for hunters, and how its used to put you on the X and then some. Lake shares real-world applications and experiences; popular features he and others most oftentimes use;...

Though he's built and managed wildlife habitat on Maryland's Eastern Shore for the past couple decades, Spencer Waller quickly points out that he's no wildlife biologist--but knows what ducks want, what ducks like to eat and how to make it happen. His heartbeat may be black mud marsh duck hunting, but he's in the business of helping landowners put together hunting properties across the Bay from un...

Goose hunting has been a pretty big deal on Maryland's eastern Shore since forever, and John Taylor's introductions began when first shaking hands with his high school sweetheart's dad. Cutting his teeth back in the days of "junk yard rigs," he remembers laying out a small fortune for a newfangled Eastern Shoreman goose call, later saying that "the Moratorium (the 6-year period that Canada goose h...

What began as buck-fever-of-epic-proportions first deer hunt with a neighboring mentor began a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing worldwide for Alabama native and storyteller Clint Ward. From an elk hunt that culminated in a marriage proposal to nearly dying atop a British Columbia mountain, Ward shares colorful stories about how hunting experiences shaped his life and taught him what's most...

In case you haven't noticed, North American duck populations--duck harvests--have declined from the highs of the late-90s. Dead hens don't lay eggs, for sure, but is the fix that simple? What are the root causes for these declines in waterfowl populations? How bad is it, why might it get way worse before it gets better, and what can we duck hunters really do about it? Scott Stephens, DU's Senior D...

Following in his father's footsteps, Joel Tavera joined the military and was fast-tracked into the sandbox of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He returned a different man, eventually gaining consciousness in a San Antonio, Texas military hospital where a very long-row-to-hoe recovery awaited. He's now an active waterfowl hunter, well on his way to achieving the North American slam, but past life events ha...

Off-the-beaten-path Azerbaijan duck hunting is a real duck hunt for real duck hunters. For many reasons. Following an eventful week, Ramsey recounts their adventure with US hunters who describe the hunting, people, hunting techniques, unique culture, foods, and other indelible take-aways from their immersive visit. Our Azeri associate wraps the episode, bringing context to duck hunting this part o...

After a couple decades hiatus from quail hunting due to work and family commitments, hunting his family farm near West Point, Mississippi, brought disappointment to Mr. Jimmy Bryant.  Gone were the wild bobwhite quail coveys of yesteryear. It began a lifelong commitment to restoring habitat, quail, and hunting culture that is now manifest in his world-class Prairie Wildlife facilities.   Visit MOJ...