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CONVENTION SPONSORS: Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails, Benelli, & Raymond James. The Ducks Unlimited National Convention is more than a meeting — it’s a celebration of people, conservation, and one of the greatest fundraising achievements in conservation history. In this episode, host Jimbo Robinson is joined by DU President Bob Spoerl, National Convention Chair Jared Brown, and Managing Director of National Conferences Pattie Kempka for a full preview of the 2026 Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Tampa, Florida. From opening night at the Florida Aquarium to the culmination of DU’s historic $3‑billion conservation campaign, this conversation breaks down why the national convention is unlike any DU event at the state or local level. The group walks listeners through the full week — fishing tournaments, conservation tours, business sessions, recognition events, keynote speakers, and the energy that comes with gathering more than a thousand committed DU volunteers and supporters in one place. Whether you’re a longtime volunteer, a first‑time convention attendee, or someone who has supported DU in any way over the past few years, come hear why Tampa is the place to be! REGISTER NOW! @ Convention.ducks.org SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Water drives everything in the western United States — and right now, it’s increasingly scarce. In this episode, Ducks Unlimited's senior waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, sits down with Jeff McCreary, director of operations for the Western Region, to discuss waterfowl conservation across the Pacific Flyway. From declining snowpack and drying wetlands to competing water demands from agriculture, people, industry, and fish, Jeff breaks down the realities DU faces — and the solutions they’re working toward. He also introduces the new Alaska Initiative and how it will inform the future of conservation in the Pacific Flyway's most important area for breeding waterfowl. The conversation spans the Central Valley of California, Klamath Basin, Great Salt Lake, and Alaska, highlighting how DU operates in some of the most complex and water‑limited landscapes in North America. In this episode: Why snowpack is the single most important driver of wetlands in the WestHow declining snow and rising temperatures affect ducks, farms, and citiesCurrent wetland conditions in California’s Central Valley and Klamath BasinBotulism risk and innovative water management solutions in KlamathWhy rain helps short‑term but snowpack determines fall habitatThe drying trend across the western U.S. and climate implicationsGreat Salt Lake: why it matters to millions of birds and peopleDU’s $100 million Great Salt Lake Initiative explainedControlling “the thirsty three” invasive plants: phragmites, tamarisk & Russian oliveAlaska’s outsized role in producing Pacific Flyway waterfowlDU’s new Alaska Initiative – Born to FlyWorking with native corporations, agencies, and industry in AlaskaWhy conservation in Alaska is about understanding — not restorationSurprising work DU does on endangered fish recoveryKeeping the Junior Duck Stamp program alive in Washington StateThis episode offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at how DU operates where water is most precious — and why collaboration, science, and community matter more than ever. SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

The 1970s and 80s brought a flurry of activity, including early teal seasons, stabilized regulations, foundational analyses of compensatory vs. additive mortality, new views on harvest management, and the most important development for waterfowl management in at least 50 years – the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Repeat guests Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg rejoin the DU Podcast to continue a discussion about the history of waterfowl harvest management. SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Can you raise a hunting dog without sacrificing your family or your sanity? Bethany Beathard sits down with professional dog trainer Destiny Thomasson of Hund + Soul to talk about training gun dogs in real life. They cover puppy foundations, introducing gunfire safely, managing training with kids at home, and keeping dogs conditioned year-round. This episode is for women who want working dogs and functional family life, without perfection or expensive gear. Topics include: Choosing the right breed for your lifestylePuppy training basics that actually transfer to the fieldIntroducing dogs to gunfire safelyBudget-friendly training alternativesFinding community and mentorship in dog trainingDestiny's Social Media: Hund + Soul  (FB) https://www.facebook.com/share/1GgjxBLFfU/?mibextid=wwXIfr (IG) Instagram Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Great gun dogs aren’t built overnight — they’re shaped through patience, consistency, experience, and mentorship. In this episode, host Jimbo Robinson sits down with Adam Campbell of Campbell’s Hillside Kennels, a certified gun dog instructor based in Alabama, to talk deeply and honestly about training dogs, developing young pups, and building lifelong partnerships between handlers and dogs. Adam shares his journey from small‑town Alabama to professional dog training, the mentors who shaped his approach, and the philosophy that guides everything he does — from puppy development to finished, hunt‑ready dogs. The conversation blends practical advice with heartfelt stories about legacy, discipline, parenting, and the importance of unseen work. In this episode: Adam Campbell’s path from schoolteacher to professional dog trainerHow strong mentorship can change the trajectory of a lifeWhy the first 6 months of a puppy’s life are criticalIntroducing gunfire the right way — and avoiding gun shynessThe difference between started, seasoned, and finished dogsHow hunt tests (AKC Master Hunter) fit into real‑world huntingWhy experience matters more than perfectionManaging dog burnout and winding dogs down after seasonLongevity in modern gun dogs: nutrition, supplements & carePicking the litter vs. picking the puppyWhy work ethic matters more than raw talentTraining mindset parallels between dogs, sports & parentingPassing discipline, humility, and love of work to the next generationPacked with wisdom, laughs, and perspective, this episode is as much about life as it is about dogs. SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Threats of a closed season in the Mississippi Flyway in 1968 led to intense disagreement, restrictive regulations, and amplified the challenges of managing the resource while considering the interests of people. Collectively, these times generated solid foundations for future progress. Dr. Mike Brasher is rejoined by Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg to discuss these topics, while also introducing an elegant alternative regulation system that began in the 1960s– the Point System. SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

One of the most important events in the history of decoy collecting is about to unfold. Host Katie Burke sits down with Jon Deeter of Guyette & Deeter Auction Company to discuss the Jim & Diane Cook Collection — a 400‑piece assemblage widely regarded as the most valuable and significant decoy collection ever assembled. The collection will be offered at auction beginning this April during the North American Decoy Collectors Association (NADCA) show. In this episode, Jon shares the story behind Jim Cook — a visionary entrepreneur, avid waterfowler, and early conservationist — and how his passion, resources, and eye for quality shaped a once‑in‑a‑generation collection that spans nearly every major carving region in North America. In this episode: Who Jim Cook was and how the collection came togetherWhy this is one of the most important decoy events everHow Guyette & Deeter vetted nearly 400 top‑tier decoysThe role of private collectors in preserving decoy historyJim Cook’s early prairie pothole conservation effortsWhy now is a historic moment for new collectorsThe importance of collection provenance and maker stampsWhy collections break up — and why it matters for the hobbyHow collectors, museums, and historians benefit from this saleThe conversation then dives deep into highlights from the collection, including works by Joe Lincoln, Elmer Crowell, the Ward Brothers, Robert Elliston, Charlie & Edna Perdew, and Enoch Reindahl — explaining why these pieces matter and what sets them apart. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Discover how modern women are reclaiming ancestral skills—from raising and processing their own meat to handling unexpected encounters with Florida gators. Host Bethany Beathard sits down with Tiffany Sanders, homesteader, hunter, nurse, and nuisance‑gator responder, to explore what self‑sufficiency really looks like in today’s world. Tiffiny shares firsthand stories from the field, including the wildest gator call she and her husband ever responded to, how her children got involved, and what it’s like navigating communities that protect nuisance wildlife. The conversation shifts into the heart of Tiffiny’s work: empowering women to take ownership of their food sources. From home butchering and dispatching animals humanely to growing nutrient‑dense produce, she teaches women that you don’t have to be “born” into homesteading to thrive in it. Her background as a nurse opened her eyes to the connection between diet and health—and sparked her drive to grow and raise food intentionally. Together, Bethany and Tiffany dig into the historical roots of women feeding their families, the rise in self‑sufficiency post‑COVID, and why today’s homesteaders are simply rediscovering what women have always done. In this episode, you’ll learn: The wild reality of nuisance‑gator calls—and how Tiffiny ended up in the middle of one neighborhood’s “gator protection squad”Why nursing school led Tiffiny to grow, raise, and process her own foodHow women historically provided for their families through gardening, preserving, and animal harvestingWhy more women are learning dispatching and butchering skills todayThe importance of humane, low‑stress animal processing on small homesteadsHow COVID reshaped food security and sparked a self‑sufficiency movementGarden staples Tiffiny never goes without—especially her obsession with red potatoesWhy perfection isn’t the goal—intentionality isFollow along with Bethany for more homesteading conversations, practical skills, and stories from women who live close to their roots. SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

With growing band recoveries and a newly implemented Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, waterfowl managers in the 1950s sought a more science-based understanding of population dynamics and harvest regulations. The 1960s brought plummeting waterfowl populations, reductions in harvest limits, declining hunter numbers, and shifts in waterfowl distribution. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher discusses these important changes and concerning times with Dale Humburg and Ken Babcock.  Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS: Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Spring is one of the most critical — and overlooked — periods for creating great duck hunting in the fall. In this episode, host Matt Harrison is joined by experienced land manager Guy Halbert to break down what spring land management really looks like and why the work done now sets the table for the entire waterfowl season. From one of the driest springs in recent memory to drawing down moist‑soil units, improving timber stands, controlling invasive vegetation, and planning for planting season, Guy shares real‑world experience, practical advice, and hard‑earned lessons from managing duck habitat year‑round. In this episode: Why spring is the foundation of successful duck seasonManaging through an unusually dry springTimber stand improvement: thinning, girdling & releasing oaksWhy sunlight and diversity matter in duck woodsHow to read vegetation & decide when to plant vs. let it grow naturallyThe value of keeping management notes & logs year‑to‑yearCrop rotation concepts for duck foodMoist‑soil management vs. planted crops like corn & milletWater control: the single most important management factorAdvice for first‑time landowners and new duck managersCommon mistakes & why slowing down saves money and habitatIf you’ve ever said “duck season will take care of itself,” this episode explains why spring is when the real work — and success — begins. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Learn how women are taking safety, confidence, and responsibility into their own hands—both in the field and everyday life. Professional shotgun shooter and DU Ascend host Julia Stallings sits down with Audrey Wikan, Drake Waterfowl spokeswoman and former gun‑industry marketer, to discuss what women need to know about concealed carry, field carry, legal realities, holsters, draw practice, and staying equipped on hunts. Audrey shares her early experiences working behind a gun‑store counter at age 19, why women beelined to her with questions, what she carries now, and how she mentors new shooters. Together, they unpack the realities of traveling with firearms, carrying while hunting or fishing, choosing the right gun, staying legal across state lines, and building confidence through training and mentorship. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why more women are choosing to carry in the outdoorsTraining, mentorship, and how to find the right firearmHolsters, appendix vs. backpack carry, and drawing safelyWhat to know about carrying while hunting, fishing, or hikingTraveling with firearms: TSA tips, ammo rules, and packing hacksUnderstanding caliber choices, recoil, and comfort for smaller handsWhy confidence and comfort determine whether you’ll actually carrySubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

World War II brought global upheaval in the 1940s and caused a redirection of national priorities and placed a temporary pause on regulatory and conservation momentum of the 1930s. After the war, returning veterans became the pioneers in waterfowl management and led to a new era of scientific discovery, regulatory creativity, and a growing need for state and federal coordination via Flyways. The DU Podcast continues its discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Ducks are heading north, and we’re getting the first hints of what breeding habitat may look like this spring. DU's senior waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, sits down with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU's senior director of conservation strategy, for a timely update on prairie conditions, recent snowfall, runoff potential, and what these early signs may mean for breeding ducks in 2026. They also break down the migration chronology of different duck species — who arrives first, who lingers longest, and why evolutionary history shapes these patterns. In this episode: A flyover view of recent prairie snowfall and soil moistureWhere runoff potential looks promising — and where it doesn’tHow dry wetland basins from last fall influence spring habitat recoveryWhy “some water” doesn’t equal “full recovery”The importance of seasonal vs. semi‑permanent wetlands for brood successHow multiple years of improved conditions are needed for strong fall flightsMigration timing: early (mallards, pintails), mid (shovelers, teal, divers), and late (gadwall, scaup)Why ducks “follow the ice line” and how late storms disrupt timingBoreal nesters vs. prairie nesters — who waits for the thawCanada geese and snow geese movement patterns during March–AprilLong‑term conservation reminders: habitat base matters more than any one wet yearJoin us for a concise, informative episode for anyone tracking habitat conditions and dreaming about next fall’s duck season. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Spring turkey season has arrived — and while the weather has been unpredictable and the gobblers uncooperative at times, that won’t stop host Matt Harrison, his brother Michael Harrison, and friend Trent Camden from diving into the opening‑week action. The trio breaks down their hunts from the first few days of Mississippi’s season, including successful youth hunts, tough cold mornings, henned-up gobblers, green woods that feel “ahead of schedule,” and the wild behavior that makes turkey season so addictive. Along the way, they share lessons learned, personal stories, and real‑world tips for hunters at all experience levels. In this episode: Opening‑week reports: gobbling activity, flock dynamics & weather impactsWhy birds seem “ahead of schedule” this yearCalling strategies when gobblers aren’t vocalDealing with henned‑up toms & broken‑up flocksPatience, timing, and understanding mid‑morning movementHow weather (cold, sun, wind) changes where birds want to bePatterning early-season gobblers vs. late-season behaviorChase stories, close calls & first‑time turkey successesPopulations: jakes, hens, and hatch observations across MS & LALessons from the hunt: adapting, looping ahead, staying patientWhether you’re new to turkey hunting or a seasoned spring addict, this episode is packed with the relatable highs, lows, and “what just happened?” moments that make chasing longbeards so special. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Into the 1920s, the Federal government endured growing pains in its new-found regulatory responsibilities for waterfowl harvest. Then, the 1930s brought a Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and catalysts for conservation, eventually producing the Duck Stamp Act, National Wildlife Refuge expansions, Pittman-Robertson Act, and organizations such as DU. Dr. Mike Brasher resumes his discussion with Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg about the history of waterfowl harvest management. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: [email protected] SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation. Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.