Advertise on podcast: The Voice of the Duck Hunter – A Delta Waterfowl Podcast

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Welcome to The Voice of the Duck Hunter — the official podcast of Delta Waterfowl, the Duck Hunters Organization. Each episode dives deep into the world of duck hunting, wetland conservation, and the people driving the future of waterfowling. From prairie potholes to Capitol Hill, we share stories and insights from biologists, policy leaders, gear experts, and dedicated hunters who live for migration. Discover how research, habitat conservation, duck production tools, and smart policies keep ducks flying — and why your voice as a duck hunter is more important than ever. Tune in for: -Waterfowl population trends and breeding-ground science -Habitat restoration and conservation policy breakdowns -Gear innovation, retriever training, and hunting strategy -Hunter recruitment and education (First Hunt, University Hunting Program) -Conversations from the marsh — stories, heritage, and community Whether you’re chasing ducks in the prairies, pursuing divers along the coast, hunting them in southern timber, or just a passionate waterfowl enthusiast, this show connects the science and stories that make healthy duck populations and duck hunting possible. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen — and join the movement that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and ensure the future of waterfowl hunting. Visit deltawaterfowl.org to learn more about our efforts to achieve our vision of abundant ducks and endless opportunities for all waterfowl hunters.

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Check latest episodes from The Voice of the Duck Hunter – A Delta Waterfowl Podcast podcast

Ep. 97 | 2026 Duck Season Outlook: What We’re Seeing Right Now | Matt Chouinard & Mike Buxton

2026/04/22

Each spring, official waterfowl surveys help shape the outlook for duck seasons across North America—but at Delta Waterfowl, we don’t wait for reports. Our teams are on the ground year-round across the Prairie Pothole Region, tracking habitat conditions, weather patterns, and wetland health long before the data is released. In this episode, host Joel Brice sits down with Delta Waterfowl Programs Directors Matt Chouinard and Mike Buxton to break down what they’re seeing—and hearing—across the breeding grounds heading into the 2026 season. If you care about duck numbers, habitat conditions, and the future of waterfowl hunting… this is one you need to hear. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 96 | Rebuilding America’s Refuges | Director Brian Nesvik

2026/04/09

Delta Waterfowl is leading the charge among non-government conservation groups to rebuild the staffing and infrastructure of America’s national wildlife refuges through its Restoring Our Refuges initiative. Stronger public lands mean better habitat for migrating waterfowl—and more quality hunting opportunities for hunters across the country. In this episode, Joel sits down with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik and Delta’s own John Devney at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Columbus, Ohio. They discuss the current state of the refuge system, why restoring it matters for the future of waterfowl hunting, and how Delta plans to work alongside federal leadership to make a lasting impact. If you care about the future of public lands, habitat, and duck hunting, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 95 | Duck Hunting Ammo Explained: Steel vs HEVI vs Modern Loads | Dan Compton

2026/03/25

Nearly 50 years ago, waterfowl hunting changed forever. What started as a targeted conservation effort—requiring non-toxic shot in select areas—quickly expanded across North America and reshaped the way we hunt ducks and geese. Today, entire generations of hunters have never experienced hunting with lead shot. But the transition wasn’t smooth. Early steel loads in the late 1970s and 1980s were widely criticized for poor performance and inconsistency. Since then, advancements in ammunition technology have dramatically improved effectiveness—and expanded the options available to today’s hunters. So how did we get from those early days of steel… to the high-performance loads we have today? And where is waterfowl ammunition headed next? In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Compton, Global Product Line Director at The Kinetic Group, representing brands like Remington, Federal, and HEVI-Shot. Dan breaks down: The history of non-toxic shot regulationsThe evolution of steel and alternative materialsWhat modern waterfowl hunters need to know about their ammo choicesIf you’re serious about duck hunting, conservation, and getting the most out of your gear—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 94 | A Historic Milestone for Waterfowl Hunting | John Devney & Jim Fisher

2026/03/11

In this episode, Delta Waterfowl celebrates a monumental milestone: 100,000 people introduced to waterfowl hunting through Delta’s First Hunt program. This achievement marks a historic moment and highlights a bright future for duck and goose hunting across North America. Joining Joel to discuss the significance of this milestone are two of Delta’s most tenured leaders—Chief Policy Officer John Devney and Vice President of Canadian Policy Jim Fisher. Together, they reflect on decades of work growing waterfowl hunting participation and the role Delta chapters have played in mentoring the next generation of hunters. Tune in as we celebrate this incredible accomplishment and what it means for the future of waterfowling. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 93 | Building a Case: Baiting Under the Microscope | Rich Grosz & Jay Pilgrim

2026/02/25

Welcome back to another episode of Delta Waterfowl’s The Voice of the Duck Hunter. Two retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents join us for a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Rich Grosz — one of our most requested guests — returns, and this time he’s joined by his longtime colleague and friend Jay Pilgrim. In this episode, we dive deeper into one of the most controversial and commonly misunderstood violations in waterfowl hunting: baiting. How do federal agents detect it? What really counts as baiting? And how do good hunters sometimes find themselves in serious trouble? Rich and Jay share firsthand stories from decades in the field enforcing federal waterfowl laws, along with lessons every duck hunter should understand before stepping into the blind. If you care about ethical hunting and protecting the future of waterfowl, this is a must-watch episode. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 92 | Baiting Laws Explained: Federal Agents Break It Down | Rich Grosz & Jay Pilgrim

2026/02/18

Welcome back to another episode of Delta Waterfowl’s The Voice of the Duck Hunter. Two retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents join us for a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Rich Grosz — one of our most requested guests — returns, and this time he’s joined by his longtime colleague and friend Jay Pilgrim. In this episode, we dig into one of the most controversial and commonly misunderstood violations in waterfowl hunting: baiting. How do federal agents detect it? What really counts as baiting? And how do good hunters sometimes find themselves in serious trouble? Rich and Jay share firsthand stories from decades in the field enforcing federal waterfowl laws, along with lessons every duck hunter should understand before stepping into the blind. If you care about ethical hunting and protecting the future of waterfowl, this is a must-watch episode. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 91 | Does Duck Hunting Really Hurt Duck Populations? | Senior Scientist Todd Arnold

2026/02/05

🚨 CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAY VIDEO! 🚨 Details and entry info are linked in that videos description. Subscribe to The Delta Network: ⁨@TheDeltaNetwork⁩ Enter the Giveaway: https://deltawaterfowl.org/pull-up-a-chair-giveaway/ Welcome to Delta Waterfowl’s Voice of the Duck Hunter podcast. When hunters experience a poor season, the natural response is to want to fix it — to take responsibility and be part of the solution. One of the most common reactions we hear after a tough year is, “We’re shooting too many ducks. We need to cut limits or shorten seasons.” But that idea is built on some assumptions that don’t always line up with the science. Today’s guest is Delta Waterfowl Senior Scientist Dr. Todd Arnold, who joins us to break down what decades of research actually show about modern hunting harvest and its impact on duck populations. Todd explains why today’s regulated harvest has an insignificant effect on overall duck numbers — and more importantly, what truly drives duck population growth and decline. If you’ve ever wondered whether hunting pressure is really the problem, or what hunters should be focused on instead, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 90 | A Duck Hunter’s Legacy: The Legacy of John V. Mesh | Jim Mesh

2026/01/21

Welcome to another episode of Delta Waterfowl’s The Voice of the Duck Hunter. In October of 2015, Kansas City firefighters John Mesh and Larry Leggio lost their lives in the line of duty while battling an arson fire. A wall collapse claimed both men—an unimaginable loss felt deeply by their families, their fellow firefighters, and their community. John Mesh grew up in a family of eight brothers and sisters, raised with a deep respect for the outdoors and a passion for hunting and fishing. Those values shaped his life—and he was already passing them on to his four daughters. In the year following John’s death, his family, friends, and fellow firefighters established the John V. Mesh Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his life and continue the hunter recruitment efforts that meant so much to him. In this episode, I had the honor of spending time in the duck blind with Jim Mesh, John’s brother, to learn more about the man behind the name—the firefighter, the duck hunter, the family man—and how his legacy continues through conservation, mentorship, and tradition. This is a story about sacrifice, purpose, and the enduring bond between the outdoors and those who cherish it. Let’s welcome Jim Mesh to the podcast. Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 89 | Inside the Hunt Fish Rule With Cyrus Baird

2026/01/07

If you hunt waterfowl on public land, this is an episode you need to hear. In this episode of The Voice of the Duck Hunter Podcast, host Joel Brice is joined by Cyrus Baird, Delta Waterfowl’s Vice President of Government Affairs, to break down one of the most important — and least understood — policies impacting hunters today: the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Hunt Fish Rule. Cyrus is on the front lines every day defending waterfowl hunting access, working to protect the opportunities hunters currently have while pushing to expand quality public hunting across the country. We dive into how the Hunt Fish Rule mandates expanded access on national wildlife refuges, why it matters to duck hunters, and the critical role Delta Waterfowl plays in making sure hunters still have a seat at the table. Whether you hunt refuges every season or care about the future of public land hunting, this conversation is essential. 🎧 Listen, learn, and stay informed — because access doesn’t protect itself. Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 88 | Meat Science 101 for Duck Hunters | Blake Robbins

2025/12/17

What happens after the shot matters just as much as the hunt itself. In this episode of Delta Waterfowl’s Voice of the Duck Hunter, Joel Brice sits down with Blake Robbins, a graduate student in meat science at Oklahoma State University, and Dr. Morgan Pfeiffer, professor of Animal & Food Sciences, to break down best practices for caring for waterfowl meat from field to table. Whether you’re a new hunter chasing sustainable, natural food or a seasoned waterfowler looking to improve meat quality, this conversation covers: -Proper meat care after the hunt -Common mistakes that ruin duck and goose meat -Preservation techniques between cleaning and cooking -How science meets tradition in wild game nutrition If you care about honoring the bird, the hunt, and the meal that follows — this episode is for you. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 87 | Restoring Our Refuges: Delta Waterfowl’s Bold New Plan to Save Habitat & Hunting Access

2025/12/05

Delta Waterfowl has just announced what may become one of the most significant efforts in our organization’s history — the Restoring Our Refuges initiative. This groundbreaking project focuses on two critical missions: • Restoring vital habitat for migrating waterfowl across the flyways • Rebuilding hunting access lost as habitat on National Wildlife Refuges and state wildlife areas has declined Joining Joel are Delta CEO Jason Tharpe and Chief Policy Officer John Devney — the leaders at the forefront of this initiative. Together, they break down why Restoring Our Refuges has the potential to change the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. With early-season reports showing urgent habitat challenges, the time to act is now. Hit play and learn what’s coming next for hunters, conservation, and our refuges. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep.86 | Field Stories from a U.S. Wildlife Agent | Part 2

2025/11/26

Part 2 of our interview with retired U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Special Agent Rich Grosz. In this episode he shares some of the most unbelievable stories from his years in the field—cases, encounters, and operations most people never hear about. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 85 | The Frontlines of Conservation | Part 1

2025/11/20

Join us on Delta Waterfowl’s Voice of the Duck Hunter Podcast as Joel Brice sits down with Rich Grosz, retired U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Special Agent and lifelong waterfowl hunter. Rich spent his career standing on the thin green line, taking down dangerous poachers, protecting migratory birds, and carrying on the legacy of his father, legendary warden Terry Grosz. In this episode, Rich shares what it’s really like to confront wildlife criminals, why hunters and wardens must work together, and how passion for ducks shaped his entire life. If you care about waterfowl, conservation, or the stories behind the badge — this episode is for you. Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 84 | 60 Minute Duck Hunts: Make Every Minute Count

2025/11/05

In our busy lives, finding time to hunt can be tough—whether it’s before work, before church, or between other commitments. But even a one-hour hunt can be productive if you approach it the right way. Joining me is longtime Delta contributor and outdoor writer Brian Lovett, who shares practical tips for setting spreads, getting shots, and maximizing your time in the blind. If you’ve ever felt like there’s never enough time to hunt, this episode is packed with insights to help you hunt smarter, not longer. 🎯 Topics Covered: -How to plan an effective one-hour hunt -Tips for fast setup and decoy placement -Maximizing your chances in short windows Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips, stories, and strategies from Delta Waterfowl’s Voice of the Duck Hunter. #DeltaWaterfowl #DuckHunting #VoiceOfTheDuckHunter #WaterfowlTips #HuntingPodcast Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/

Ep. 83 | Meet Our New Scientist | Dr. Jay VonBank and Dr. Todd Arnold

2025/10/22

In this episode, host Joel Brice sits down with two of the newest members of Delta’s research team—Dr. Todd Arnold and Dr. Jay VonBank. Todd, a longtime professor at the University of Minnesota, and Jay, formerly with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, bring decades of combined field and academic experience to Delta’s mission. Together, they’ll share their backgrounds, the exciting research projects they’re leading, and what their work means for both ducks and duck hunters. You’ll also pick up some fascinating—and flat-out cool—facts about ducks along the way. 👉 Subscribe to The Voice of the Duck Hunter for more conversations at the heart of waterfowl science and conservation. Want me to also spin out a few alternative, punchier titles (more YouTube-style hooks like “Duck Facts You Didn’t Know”)? Website and Social Media Links: Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: /DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/ Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/