The Fowl Life

The story of Banded Drake Ranch continues. In Part 2, Chad is back with Matt, Seth, and Denny to dig even deeper into the vision that made this place unique and exceptional from the start. With a shared goal of creating a higher-end duck club that’s rooted in conservation and building a legacy, the guys walk us through the intense planning, improvements, and hands-on work that went into shaping th...

What does it take to turn a vision into one of the most elite duck-hunting properties in the country? In this episode, you'll find out. Chad sits down with Matt and Seth to dive into the origins of Banded Drake Ranch. They rewind the clock to the first time they ever laid eyes on the land, the moment the dream took shape and the strategy behind transforming it into a premier waterfowl destination....

Welcome to the first of our new short-format Provider Series episodes, where we bring you quick, inspiring, wild game recipes to level up your cooking. In this episode, Joel is joined by certified French chef Ellie Lawton as they dive into Provider Swine, alligator, and wild hog, paired with a bold Provider Right Wing Sauce remoulade. These episodes will give you the confidence to get creative in...

In this episode of Safari Club International's Fowl Thoughts, Chad sits down solo at the mic to dive into the early days of The Fowl Life, sharing stories of the OGs who were there from the start, some moments that shaped the brand, and how he landed on the name that hunters everywhere know today. Who mentored him? Who was in the blind from the beginning? Listen in for a nostalgic look at the orig...

Chad sits down solo on the mic to share his thoughts about Axl, and the incredible dogs we are so blessed to hunt with. Do they even know how incredible they are? The way they make us look good in the field, how they never ask for anything in return… Just a pat on the head, a ride in the truck, and maybe a spot on the couch when the hunt is done. Do they remember all the states we’ve hunted togeth...

Ah, the Canada Goose. Often a challenge on the water or in the field, but let’s be honest, sometimes the biggest issue is getting folks to love it on the dinner table. Well, fear not! In this episode of The Fowl Life Podcast Provider Series Eat Wild Edition, Certified French Culinarian, Chef Ellie Lawton, shows us an easy way to make goose protein the star of the feast. Hear step by step instructi...

Chad hits the studio solo to give an honest, insider’s review on Mojo’s newest motion decoy, The Mallard Machine! This thing is unbelievable. There are so many aspects that go into being a successful hunter. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-on outfitter, or something in between, this will change your success rate, hands down. Chad is known for being one of the most passionate waterfowlers...

Let’s talk outfitters! In this solo episode, Chad dives into what makes a top-tier outfitter and why partnering with the best can make all the difference in your next hunting trip. Listen to the details of what makes Basswood Lodge in New York and the molt migration so legendary. From fresh geese pouring out of Canada into New York hitting the agricultural fields for the first time, to his passion...

Chad sits down in the studio for an inside recap on his 2024/25 waterfowl season and everything that comes with this incredible lifestyle. He is a passionate member and partner of Safari Club International, and he touches on the vital role of SCI in safeguarding our rights as hunters. SCI tirelessly advocates for hunters daily, ensuring the next generation can continue our time-honored traditions....

Master Chef and award-winning culinary creator, Jan Sather, "hops to it" with a rabbit dish that will blow your mind and taste buds. In this Fowl Life Podcast Provider Series Eat Wild Edition learn step by step how to easily put a 5-star wild game dinner on the table. Glean the expertise of Master Chef Jan and gain the approval of your family. Join Host Joel Kleefisch, Fowl Life Midwest Pro Staffe...

The Boys are back in camp and coming at you with an episode that’s equal parts funny, true, and full of waterfowl wisdom. Chad is joined by Spencer Proulx, Tom Miller, and Denny Reid of Camospace—Someone burnt the bread… but who’s taking the blame? From calling bad shots to calling out the importance of guides bringing the same fire as their clients, this conversation is honest and inspiring. What...

Welcome back to camp! in this episode, Chad sits down with his good friend and country music star, Chase Rice. This episode feels less like an interview and more like pulling up a chair next to two good buddies swapping stories over a glass of Jack. the guys let the mics roll for a personal and unfiltered conversation that gives you an inside look at what it’s really like when they get together. N...

In this episode, Chad sits down with Spencer Proulx of Twin Branch Hunt Co. and Curtis Morgan of Jargon Game Calls to dive into all the intricacies of duck hunting strategies. They discuss the challenges of not always being on the 'X' and the importance of running traffic and running mojos to position yourself under the birds. The conversation covers the consistency and variability of flight lines...

We are thrilled to share the first integrated Fowl Life Podcast Provider Series and cooking video! In this episode, "Venison Milanese with Wisconsin Maple Syrup Sweet Potatoes," TFL Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch teams up with classically trained French Chef, Ellie Lawton, to create a Venison Milanese recipe that will exceed all your dinner expectations. Chef Lawton, an avid waterfowl and big game hu...

You cannot miss this edition of The Fowl Life Podcast Midwest Series. In an exclusive interview for The Fowl Life only fans, Host Joel Kleefisch, digs into the dark corners of the Midwest flyway magician, Taylor Finger’s, mind to unleash the secrets ducks and geese don’t want us to know. From how these bird's eyes work to which spreads land em at the footbag. Wisconsin DNR’s Chief Game Bird ecolog...

What’s wrong with Chad’s duck calling? The guys in this episode sure have a lot to say about it. Join Chad, Hunter McLemore, Tyler Farr, and Drew Beam as they bring the unfiltered, straight-up, hilarious energy of duck camp to the podcast. This is real duck camp talk—four unique personalities, all passionate duck hunters, each with wildly different careers and stories, coming together to talk ever...

In this episode, Chad sits down with representatives, Scott, Brian, and Zach, from the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) to dive into the details of their impactful conservation efforts. The guys discuss the inside story of landowners contributing to the future of hunting by donating properties, which CWA then restores into thriving waterfowl habitats. These lands not only support wildlife bu...

It’s a Raised in Wisco takeover on The Fowl Life Podcast! Chad is joined by an all-star lineup featuring Tuffy Stone, 6-time World BBQ Champion and pitmaster; Denny Ried, inventor of Camospace; Cody Stamann, UFC fighter; Joel Kleefisch, and Danielle Fairman, co-host of Raised in Wisco for a one-of-a-kind episode that brings together hunting, cooking, and hilarious converastion. The TFL crew is in...

Get ready for a story that’s as inspiring as it is rooted in the outdoors. Chad sits down with Greg Camp, the founder of Halo Waterfowl, to dive into his journey from a lifelong turkey hunter to a man completely captivated by the magic of ducks. The first time Greg saw ducks breaking through the timber, that moment changed everything for him. He quickly realized his mission was to make an impact f...

If you think great wild game dishes are complicated you need to listen to this episode of The Fowl Life Podcast Provider series. TFL Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch hosts award winning Deciple of Escoffier award winning Chef Jan Sather as she simplifies extravagant dishes fit for royalty. From Provider Roast Peking Duck to Duck Coq Au Vin and Jack Link’s Duck/Jerky Pho, come along on the adventure. Th...

Chad and Joel sit down with Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor, Sarah Rodriguez, and get into a few of the many reasons why the Badger State holds a special place in the hearts of its residents and visitors. As an avid outdoorswoman and certified archery teacher, Sarah has a deep passion for the natural beauty and traditions that define Wisconsin. They discuss the critical role of the Lieutenant Gove...

Live from Wisconsin, Chad and Joel sit down with retired Chief Conservation Warden Todd Schaller, for an eye-opening discussion into the complexities of hunting laws and ethics. From outdated regulations that might surprise you to the subtle missteps hunters could be making without realizing it, this conversation is full of insight to keep you on the right side of the law. It’s so important to und...

Chad is coming to you live from Kansas with the migration report and some holiday season updates! Whats going on with the birds right now? what is the crew seeing from state to state? what are the reposts saying about waterfowl numbers? What decoys and gear are working to stay consistent with success? Listen in, and find out! We hope you enjoy this episode, and your holiday season! This episode is...

In this episode, live from Wisconsin, Chad sits down with Joel, Denny Reid, Cody Stamann, and world-renowned pitmaster, Tuffy Stone, to talk about their hunt earlier that day. They dive into the details of hunting in rough weather, sharing a few tips and inside tricks to adapt and succeed when conditions get tough. The group debates the ethics of shooting hens versus drakes, explores the role of c...

Being a hunter and a provider is something we wear with pride! But in today’s world, especially on social media, hunters are constantly under fire, with platforms demonizing those who put wild game on the table for their friends and families. Today's guest had enough of the shadow bans, censorship and blocked images. Denny Reid, the man behind CamoSpace, the social media app built just for hunters...