Ducks Unlimited Podcast

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Hear how a carver–painter duo learned the craft together, built a collection, and now run one of Illinois’ longest‑running decoy shows. Host Katie Burke talks with John and Amy Sarver—carvers, collectors, and organizers of the Henry Decoy Show—about their path into waterfowl art, carving...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Learn how pro waterfowl photographer Phil Kahnke scouts, sets up, and times the moment for jaw‑dropping duck images—and how it improves your hunting. Host Matt Harrison interviews photographer and lifelong hunter Phil Kahnke, known for striking waterfowl images and a methodical, hunt-firs...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels . Nores Jr., talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how Californi...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Discover how a Crisfield carver kept Chesapeake Bay decoy traditions alive—and what he learned from the legends. Host Katie Burke sits down with Oliver “Tuts” Lawson, a master decoy maker who grew up in the Ward brothers’ shop and spent decades shaping waterfowl art and heritage. From car...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Find out why mild weather and drought are reshaping waterfowl migration—and what hunters can do now. Hosts Matt Harrison and Dr. Jared Henson break down the latest Ducks Unlimited migration alerts across the Chesapeake Bay, New York, and the Central Flyway. This episode dives into why som...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Lt. John Nores, Jr. (Retired) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discusses his most recent book, Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens are reclaiming America’s wildlands from drug cartels . Nores Jr., talks about issues with water, wildlife, and how Californi...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Host Katie Burke visits Virginia carver Mark McNair , a lifelong artist shaped by Connecticut folk art, Easton’s decoy scene, and decades of hands‑on craft. In this conversation recorded at McNair’s marsh‑side home, he traces his path from Guilford, Connecticut to the Eastern Shore of Vir...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Success doesn’t mean losing who you were or what you love. Country music artist Priscilla Block joins Ascend to talk about confidence, creativity, staying grounded, and how the outdoors plays a role in her life beyond the stage. This episode is about representation, inspiration, and showi...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor, to take a deep dive into lifetime skills for waterfowl hunters. Pollmann wrote a piece that relates to this topic for ducks.org , but the pair go even further into the discussion about becoming an all-ar...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  In this episode, Dr. Jared Henson and Jimbo Robinson welcome OnX Hunt marketing manager and Backwoods University host Lake Pickle. The crew dives into everything from habitat changes in the Mississippi Delta and evolving agricultural pressures to the latest OnX features like LiDAR and col...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Matt Harrison and Dr. Mike Brasher welcome outdoor writer and DU ASCEND Host Bethany Beathard to discuss her MeatEater article on North America’s four waterfowl flyways. Bethany shares her background, research process, interviews with banders and guides, and insights into how hunting tact...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Welcome to a festive Christmas special of the Ducks Unlimited podcast! Join hosts Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, and Dr. Jared Henson as they celebrate the holiday season with special guest Malcom Reed from " How to BBQ Right ." Malcom brings his expertise in barbecue and shares his exper...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  On this episode, We are joined by Santa. 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! Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback : DUPodcast@ducks.org SPO...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Katie Burke sits down with renowned call maker Ronnie Turner at Reelfoot Lake to explore the rich history of duck call making, the evolution of craftsmanship, and why passing the tradition to the next generation matters. Ronnie shares stories from his Tennessee roots, his hunting adventur...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  As the overall number of waterfowl hunters continues to decline, it is increasingly important that we invite and welcome new hunters from all backgrounds. An encouraging trend is a recent increase in the number of women participating in hunting. In part 2 of our discussion on Women in Wat...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  This special Ducks Unlimited migration alert covers three major flyways experiencing dramatic shifts caused by early winter storms. The hosts discuss teal surges and goose arrivals out West, peak‑level movement in the Atlantic Flyway, and Kansas lighting up after northern systems locked u...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Despite a recent Arctic plunge, the outlook for duck hunters through the end of the year isn’t exactly promising. Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Mandy Bailey, Chief Meteorologist at KTEN in Denison, Texas, and Skot Covert, Chief Meteorologist at 5News in Fayetteville/Fort Smith, Arkansas,...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  For the longest time, the vast majority of waterfowl professionals and waterfowl hunters have been men. Although the balance continues to tilt in this direction, we are witnessing an exciting shift in female participation and leadership in waterfowl science, management, and conservation,...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  In this episode, Matt Harrison and Dr. Jared Henson discuss the current state of bird migration across various flyways, focusing on the impact of recent cold fronts and weather patterns. They provide insights into the conditions in the Central, Atlantic, and Mississippi Flyways, highlight...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Join Matt Harrison and Jim Ronquest as they dive into all things ducks! This episode covers everything from migration timing and habitat conditions to motion decoys and calling etiquette. Learn how acorns impact duck numbers, why motion matters in decoys, and get pro-level calling tips fo...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Join Matt Harrison and special guest Guy Halbert as they dive into Arkansas’ first split of duck season. From unexpected warm weather and mosquito-filled mornings to big pushes of birds as of late, Guy shares insights on hunting conditions, water levels, and the impact of acorn abundance...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  This episode blends waterfowl and big game stories as Tim and Sydney Wells share their experiences from Illinois to Texas. Hear about hunting ducks, chasing mallards, and the adrenaline rush of rattling whitetails. Packed with practical tips and memorable stories, it’s a must-listen for h...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  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 ramifications of band targeting and how targeting banded birds can have repercussions on the data. Listen now : www.ducks.org...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Host Katie Burke sits down with carver Cameron McIntyre in his Virginia studio to discuss his upcoming solo auction, Portrait of a Farm , presented by Guyette & Deeter. Cameron shares insights into the artistry and methodology behind his decoys, while also opening up about the collect...

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  In this episode, we dive into the world of custom duck calls with Farrel Charpentier, a maker whose roots run deep in South Louisiana. Hear how he transitioned from offshore work to call making, why he chose the Arkansas-style call, and the challenges of perfecting sound and design. Plus,...