Upduck Podcast

This week the guys kick back with an unscripted Q&A session that covers everything from upgrading boats with splash pods to the great debate over buying ammo by the box or by the case. They trade stories about brushing in blinds, getting ready for the Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Expo, and share fresh updates on new products hitting the field this fall. Plus, they tackle community questions like: C...

The whole Upduck gang is finally back together, and they’re joined by a special guest: Ben Fretz from North Country Sporting Dogs up in Alberta, Canada. Ben dives deep into the world of Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas—how this rare, versatile breed works in the uplands, waterfowl blinds, and even on big game. From the breed’s young history to its tiny worldwide numbers, he shares what it takes to dev...

The guys sit down with Tony Smith and Aaron from Red Cedar Retrievers to break down what it’s like running your very first hunt test. Tony shares how he went from barely knowing what a winger is to passing his first tests, what went right, what went sideways, and the rookie lessons learned along the way. From holding blind wrestling matches and the “junior scoop” trick to handling real flyers and...

We take a new approach in this episode where we focus on real world hunting scenarios and how they translate (or don’t) to the training field. Matt and Tyler break down the disconnect between off-season drills and what actually happens in the marsh, with a focus on blind retrieves. From 20 yard real life retrieves to 100+ yard training setups, we unpack what your retriever is learning in the field...

Topics include a controversial land use proposal making its way through the Senate, an impressive upland bird season in the Midwest, and regulatory changes shaping the upcoming teal season in the Southeast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this jam-packed episode of the Upduck Podcast, we sit down with legendary waterfowl photographer and hunter Phil Kahnke to cover everything from epic boat blind strategies to balancing a camera with a shotgun. Phil dives into his early roots in southern Minnesota, how duck dogs changed his hunting style, and why concealment trumps everything. We also break down his calling philosophy, the “Supe...

We sit down with Keith Warnke, R3 Coordinator for the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, to dive into the real issues shaping the future of hunting. From hunter recruitment and reactivation to funding shortfalls and the social image of hunters, Keith breaks it all down with clarity and conviction. We talk conservation, access, splash limits, and how the words and images we choose a...

We’re back with two key updates this week: 1️⃣ A snapshot of North American waterfowl breeding habitat conditions, based on Delta Waterfowl’s latest report—some regions are off to a strong start, while others raise concerns. 2️⃣ Details on the 2025 Waterfowl Hunters Expo in Oshkosh, WI, now expanded to two days! Plus, don’t miss the Father’s Day BOGO ticket special running June 4–16. Learn more ab...

fter 15+ years of building some of the most rugged duck hunting gear in the business, Zach Hoeschen of Backwater Inc. joins the Upduck crew again to talk all things boats, motors, dogs, and the evolving world of duck hunting rigs. From long tail mud motors and custom hull builds to American-made trailers and a sneak peek at electric motors, Zach dives deep into what makes Backwater tick. We cover:...

The Upduck crew sits down with Zack Weaver of RedBeards Waterfowl Outfitters to break down Oklahoma’s controversial new hunting laws, including a proposed $543 price tag for non-residents to hunt public land. Zack shares how these changes could impact guides, hunters, and local economies—and why he’s sticking to a “homies-only” hiring policy. From goose snack sticks and veteran-run outfits to wild...

The boys are back with turkey tales, training wins, and some serious talk about waterfowl policy. Jeff recaps a frustrating but memorable hunt with his nephew—and stress-tests his new turkey rig in brutal spring weather. Meanwhile, Tyler celebrates a win with his dog Mack at a field trial event, and then teases out big questions about changing hunter access laws. The crew digs into the vetoed Kans...

Tyler and Matt sit down with Jacob Perry of Superior Upland to talk life as a full-time upland guide in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From building a guiding business with seven pointing dogs to why Gordon Setters stole his heart, Jake covers everything: bird habitat, client stories, gear advice, dog training philosophy, and the joy of sharing the woods with first-timers. Learn more about your ad ch...

In this episode of The Feathered Report, Jeff dives into two hot-button issues shaping the upland and waterfowl world. First, a follow-up to the "Is hunting harder than it used to be?" debate—this time spotlighting the impact of predators on pheasant populations and the slow resurgence of trapping. Then, he unpacks Kansas’ controversial vetoed bill that would have restricted non-resident hunters t...

Fresh off a busy expo, the crew dives into a surprisingly deep debate: is duck and upland hunting harder today than it was 50 years ago? From declining access and rising pressure to better gear, smarter dogs, and nostalgic bias, we break it all down—with some actual stats to back it up. Plus, Jeff finally launches his turkey rig site, Matt’s rebuilding a deck (maybe just to sell it), and we ask th...

In this episode we dive into the latest headlines from the upland and waterfowl world. Illinois hunters, take note—open houses are coming up in May to shape your hunting seasons. We also highlight groundbreaking research at UW-Stevens Point, where drones with thermal cameras are revolutionizing how we monitor waterfowl populations. Then, it’s a feel-good story out of Minnesota, as nearly $1 millio...

The crew reunites for a much-needed catch-up session, covering everything from boat builds and camera gear to dog training updates and spring birdwatching. Jeff shares the full story behind his brand-new 1542 All-Weld duck boat, complete with a custom-built light box and a fresh long-tail motor, while Matt dives into his journey into photography and how he's prepping to get better shots in the mar...

We sit down with Todd Schaller, Vice President of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association (WWA), to discuss all things conservation, hunting legislation, and upcoming events. Todd shares insights on the WWA’s wetland restoration projects, the push for a Sandhill crane hunting season, and how hunters can get involved in conservation efforts. We also talk about prepping for the Open Season Expo, what to...

In this episode of The Feathered Report, Tyler covers three key updates in the world of upland and waterfowl conservation. First, we discuss the appointment of Jason Tharp as the new CEO of Delta Waterfowl and what his leadership might bring to the organization. Next, we dive into the nationwide expansion of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s PATH program, which opens up private lands for publi...

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The latest episode of the Upduck Podcast dives into hunting, shooting, and everything in between with top female sporting clays shooter Madison Sharp. The hosts and Madison cover a range of topics, from discussions on competitive shooting, duck hunting, and training retrievers. Madison shares her experiences hunting across multiple states, training her new Labrador, and her ambitious goal of compl...

In this episode of The Feathered Report, the Jeff breaks down the impact of recent tariffs and global trade shifts on the firearms industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the crew dives headfirst into the always-heated debate around pheasant stocking programs. From hunting politics to passionate rants, they're breaking down whether states should prioritize habitat restoration or continue stocking birds to keep hunting opportunities alive. Special guest Dave Nelson—aka the "Upland Meme Master" behind Cock Patrol—joins to share his unapologetic views...

In the first episode of the Feathered Report, Tyler discusses a proposed pheasant stocking ban in NY, the bird flu in gun dogs, and a story about a duck feather stuck in someone’s heel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back, and we’ve got a special guest on the UpDuck Podcast! Meet Max Step—a guy who describes himself as somewhere between a redneck and a hippie, and after this episode, you’ll see exactly why. From guiding ice fishing trips in Alaska to chasing waterfowl in Oklahoma, Max has built a life around the outdoors in ways most people can only dream of. We talk about everything from roadkill moose...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Ingram, hunter, photographer, writer, and marketing manager for American Field Sportsman’s Journal. We dive into his journey from Midwest deer hunter to East Coast waterfowler, his passion for all things bird dogs, and the unique world of squirrel dogs (yes, that's a thing!). Chris also gives us the inside scoop on the relaunch of the legendary American Fiel...