Advertise on podcast: The North American Waterfowler

In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott sits down with Michael Flaspohler, Kale Flaspohler, and Dan Crigler from the Waterfowl Management Academy to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of duck numbers: spring habitat. The discussion breaks down moist soil versus flooded corn, why invertebrates are critical during spring migration, and how water depth, timing, and habitat diversity directly impact duck production. With decades of experience managing public and private wetlands across Missouri and the Mississippi Flyway, the Waterfowl Management Academy team explains how spring habitat determines how many ducks make it back to the breeding grounds in good condition. They also introduce the Spring Habitat Campaign and explain how private landowners, hunters, and supporters can play a role in improving habitat during the most important season of the year. Learn more about the Waterfowl Management Academy and their spring habitat resources athttps://www.waterfowlmanagement.com Spring Habitat Campaign shirts support Ducks Unlimited, with proceeds helping fund habitat work on the breeding grounds. Support the podcast and get access to exclusive content, livestreams, and giveaways by joining Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Podcast Partners TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com NAW18 for 18% off Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Use code NAW10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Use code GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I wrap up the 2025–26 waterfowl season and break down my final numbers, including harvest totals, shooting percentage, and what made this my second best season ever. I recap my final hunt of the year in brutal cold, ice hole mallards, and some absolutely unreal dog work that capped the season the right way. I also answer listener questions pulled from Instagram, covering topics like finding open water during deep freezes, boat choices for marshes and reservoirs, teal decoy setups, off season plans, and whether marshes or reservoirs are more enjoyable to hunt. Finally, I dig into a topic I keep hearing over and over. Is duck hunting really being “ruined”? By social media, guides, influencers, or pressure. I give my honest take based on decades in the field and why effort still matters more than anything else. If you’re wondering what to do now that the season is over, how to stay sharp in the off season, or you just enjoy honest waterfowl talk, this one’s for you. As always, thanks for listening and supporting the North American Waterfowler podcast. Partners: Shotty Gear Waterproof, rugged hunting gear built by hunters for hunters. Shell pouches, blind bags, backpacks, gun cases, and more.https://www.shottygear.com Code FDH10 for 10% off Flight Day Ammunition Quality steel waterfowl loads at a great price. I ran Flight Day all season.https://www.flightdayammo.com Code FDH10 for 10% off TideWe Waders, heated gear, jackets, gloves, and ground blinds. I use their heated vest and outerwear all season long.https://www.tidewe.com Podcast code NAW18 for 18% off Weatherby Shotguns From the Element and Orion to the 18i and beyond, Weatherby makes dependable shotguns for the field.https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Safe, durable dog crates with an optional roll cage system for travel. Search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate on Amazon or visithttps://www.mammothpet.com Code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support the Podcast North American Waterfowler Apphttps://www.thenorthamericanwaterfowler.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Episode Description In this episode, Elliott sits down with Chris Jobman for a wide ranging late season conversation that hits everything from weather driven duck movement to why some regions see more bands than others. They talk about the hunt giveaway crew, band stories, and the wild odds of killing two mallard pintail hybrids in the same spot just days apart. They also dig into habitat and food. Millet versus corn. Imprinting birds on a new marsh. Why ducks shortstop when conditions stay warm. Then they tackle the flooded corn debate head on, including the claim that it stops migration and the argument that it is baiting. Chris gives his take and Elliott adds perspective from Kansas and the Central Flyway. To wrap it up, Chris answers a listener question about force fetching a soft dog and why training the owner is often harder than training the dog. If you want to watch these recordings live and be part of the chat, join the Patreon community. Podcast Partners and Links Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Discount Code FDH10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Discount Code GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.comDiscount Code FDH10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Discount Code NAW18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The North American Waterfowl Podcast, Elliott sits down with Harrison Collins of Hark Outdoors to talk North American waterfowl, chasing birds across the flyways, and the idea behind pursuing all 41 species. Harrison shares his path into waterfowl hunting, from not growing up hunting at all to traveling for ducks, hunting Arkansas public land, and building a product that celebrates the full spectrum of North American waterfowl. They dig into public land pressure, Arkansas timber hunts, migration struggles, dog work, and why the 41 species goal resonates with so many hunters. This conversation is about the culture of waterfowl hunting, the memories behind the birds, and finding meaningful ways to remember the hunts that matter. TideWe Waterproof and insulated hunting gear built for real hunters in real conditions Website https://bit.ly/4qHt5jB Discount code: NAW18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy duty dog crates built for safety and serious travel Website https://www.mammothpet.com Discount code GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gear Hunter owned gear built to handle the marsh, the boat, and the blind Website https://www.shottygear.com Discount code FDH10 Flight Day Ammunition Premium ammunition for waterfowl hunters Website https://www.flightdayammo.com Discount code FDH10 Weatherby Shotguns Reliable shotguns trusted by hunters across North America Website https://www.weatherby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Elliott covers a wide range of topics including recent YouTube warnings related to hunting content and why more of his best videos are being moved to Patreon. He shares honest thoughts on the current state of social media, addresses claims about toxicity within the waterfowl community, and explains why he believes social media itself is the real issue. Elliott also reflects on his most recent hunting decisions, the importance of small group and solo hunts, and how filming allows him to relive meaningful moments from the season. He discusses a major video project he is working on that captures his entire waterfowl season in one compilation. Additional topics include Kansas commission discussions around potential non resident hunting restrictions and Elliott’s thoughts on what changes may realistically be coming. To wrap up the episode, Elliott introduces a brand new feature on The North American Waterfowler app and website called Ask Elliott. This tool pulls from every episode of the podcast to answer waterfowl related questions based on years of recorded experience and conversations. Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.comCode: FDH10 for 10 percent offHigh quality steel loads with excellent patterns and consistent performance. Weatherbyhttps://www.weatherby.comFrom the Element series to the 18i and Orion shotguns, Weatherby continues to deliver reliable firearms for waterfowl and beyond. Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10Shell pouches, blind bags, backpacks, gun cases, and rugged gear built by hunters for hunters. TideWehttps://www.tidewe.comCode: NAW18 for 18 percent offWaders, blinds, rain gear, and waterfowl equipment that continues to improve in quality and durability. Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesSearch “Mammoth dog crate” on AmazonDurable crates designed to keep your dog safe without the high price tag of premium brands. Roll cage attachment sold separately. The North American Waterfowler App and Websitehttps://www.thenorthamericanwaterfowler.comLog hunts, track birds, connect with friends, and now use the Ask Elliott feature which pulls answers from every podcast episode. Patreon Exclusive Content and Hunt Giveawayshttps://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhuntingAccess Patreon only hunts, full length videos, live podcast recordings, giveaways, and a strong waterfowl community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Elliott sits down with Spencer Lewis, better known as The Wetland Gypsy, for an honest and wide ranging conversation about modern waterfowl hunting, social media, and changing priorities. Spencer shares the origin of the Wetland Gypsy name, his upbringing in Texas, and how he found hunting without growing up in a traditional hunting family. He walks through his early days duck hunting out of a canoe, buying his first boat, and how traveling the Central Flyway completely reshaped his understanding of waterfowl hunting. The conversation dives into Spencer’s unexpected rise on TikTok through viral mudboat videos, how social media changed the way he hunted, and why constant pressure, competition, and ego within the waterfowl space have started to drain the joy from the sport. Elliott and Spencer talk candidly about hunting pressure, OnX, traveling hunters, public versus private land, and why it feels harder every year to simply find birds. They also discuss fatherhood, shifting priorities, and why Spencer is intentionally stepping back from being known as a waterfowl influencer. The episode closes with thoughts on respect for the resource, ethics, humility in hunting, and what really matters as seasons and stages of life change. This is a thoughtful conversation about ducks, identity, family, and what happens when passion meets burnout. Podcast Partners TideWe Durable hunting apparel built for real world conditions. From waders to outerwear, TideWe gear is designed for hunters who spend serious time in the field. Exclusive link: https://bit.ly/49ghKzG Discount code: NAW18 Flight Day Ammunition High quality waterfowl ammunition trusted by serious hunters.https://www.flightdayammo.com Discount code: FDH10 Weatherby Premium shotguns known for performance, reliability, and craftsmanship.https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Pet Products Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates are built for hunters who demand durability and safety. The optional roll cage is sold separately and features steel bars with welded tie down points and a chrome plated heavy duty door frame.https://www.mammothpet.com Discount code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gear Hunter owned brand producing rugged and affordable waterfowl gear including shell pouches, blind bags, backpacks, gun cases, duck straps, apparel, and boat lighting.https://www.shottygear.com Discount code: FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast Description This episode was recorded during an active duck hunt. Between flights and shots, I kept the mics rolling and captured the hunt as it unfolded in real time. In this episode, you will hear ducks being shot while the conversation continues. I walk through what I carry with me while hunting, go through my blind bag piece by piece, and give a real world update on the Cruchanator 2000. There is no studio, no pause button, and no cleanup. Just hunting, talking, and letting the morning play out naturally. This is a raw, in the field episode recorded exactly where the hunt was happening. Partners and Links Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Use code FDH10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Use Code: FDH18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Use code GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a mix of two things. A full recap of a killer Christmas weekend with Stormy Crook and Aiden, and then a real talk discussion on using treats in retriever training. I start with why a simple comment I left on a Facebook video turned into a bigger conversation. The video showed a young pup being sent to a place board using treats, and I explain why I personally avoid treats with average to high drive retrievers. I get into intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, why I want my dog working for the relationship and teamwork, and why I believe that foundation matters later when you are asking a dog to trust you on blinds and fight factors like wind and pressure. I am also going to ask Chris Jobman about this directly on the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, and I am open to being corrected. Before we get to that, I take you through one of my favorite stretches of the year, Christmas break, Mallard season, and the obsessive nature of waterfowl hunting. Then I break down an unforgettable weekend hosting Stormy and Aiden. We hunted hard, dealt with ice, ran the boat where other guys could not, and ended up with back to back three man Mallard limits with a bunch of feet down finishes. It was one of those rare weekends where expectations were low, the hunts were incredible, and everything came together. Wives had a great weekend too, and the new muck room got put to use the way it was meant to be used. Partners Shotty Gear 🔗 https://www.shottygear.com 💸 Code: FDH10 — 10% off TideWe 🔗 https://www.tidewe.com 💸 Code: FDH18 — 18% off Flight Day Ammunition 🔗 https://www.flightdayammo.com 💸 Code: FDH10 — 10% off Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate / Mammoth Pet Products 🔗 https://www.mammothpetproducts.com 💸 Code: GUARDIAN15 — 15% off (Also available on Amazon — search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate) Weatherby Shotguns 🔗 https://www.weatherby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, I’m joined by Austin Williams, a Missouri waterfowler who was randomly selected from Patreon to come on the show. These Patreon wheel episodes have become some of my favorites because they’re simple, honest conversations with everyday waterfowlers who live this life just like the rest of us. We talk about the recent Hunt Giveaway weekend, ice eaters, cold mornings, stubborn ducks, and how these trips have become about much more than just killing birds. I also reflect a bit on how waterfowl hunting, fellowship, and faith have helped me weather a very difficult couple of years and why these weekends in the blind matter more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered what the Patreon community is really about, this episode gives you a clear picture. It’s not just content. It’s friendships, shared experiences, and time spent doing what we all love. Shotty GearWaterproof, durable hunting gear built by hunters for hunters. From shell pouches to blind bags and packs, Shotty Gear is designed to take abuse and keep working.https://www.shottygear.comUse code FDH10 for 10 percent off Flight Day AmmunitionPremium steel waterfowl loads designed for consistent patterns and clean kills. I run Flight Day shells all season and trust them when it matters.https://www.flightdayammo.comUse code FDH10 for 10 percent off Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesA rugged, affordable dog crate system with an optional steel roll cage for added protection in the truck bed. A great option without paying premium crate prices.https://www.mammothpetproducts.comUse code GUARDIAN15 for 15 percent off TIDEWEAffordable and functional waterfowl gear including heated vests, jackets, waders, and ground blinds. Perfect for cold late season hunts when layering matters.https://www.tidewe.comUse code FDH18 for 18 percent off WeatherbyReliable shotguns built for hunters who actually use their gear. From the Element series to the Orion and SORIX, Weatherby continues to deliver field proven performance.https://www.weatherby.com Episode DescriptionPodcast Partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description In this episode, I’m joined by Capt. Casey, Ben Meyers from Flight Day Ammunition, and Brian Halblieb, host of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast. We spent the weekend together at an Airbnb for a hunt giveaway weekend after Casey was drawn as the winner. We break down both Day 1 and Day 2 of the hunt, what conditions were like, how the birds worked, and how the weekend unfolded from camp conversations to the field. We talk about adjustments, success, and the moments that made this hunt memorable. We were able to shoot full limits over the two days, and Casey capped off the weekend by shooting a banded mallard. This episode is part hunt recap, part camp talk, and a good look at what these giveaway weekends are really like behind the scenes. Flight Day Ammunition Flight Day Ammunition produces premium waterfowl loads that are built by hunters for hunters. Their shells are clean, consistent, and designed to perform in real world hunting conditions. Websitehttps://www.flightdayammo.com Discount Code FDH10 Use code FDH10 at checkout to save on your order. Partner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Elliott Snider and returning guest Jordan Fromer for a wide open conversation covering everything from tech troubles and early-season memories to Jordan’s incredible ice hole streak in Indiana. Jordan breaks down why this cold snap has produced some of his best mallard hunts ever, how he scouts fast flowing rivers, and what’s behind the sudden push of ducks into his state. Elliott and Jordan also react to the bizarre Utah scenes Matt Zavonic has been reporting, including driveway corn piles, domesticated ducks, discarded birds, and a mysterious caged animal left at a WMA. The two discuss ethics in the field, band stories, river access laws, duck behavior during freeze lines, and why fresh birds make all the difference. A fun, honest, hunt-heavy episode with plenty of laughs and solid waterfowl insight. Flight Day Ammunition High performance bismuth and steel loads. Link: https://www.flightdayammo.com Code: FDH10 Weatherby Shotguns and rifles built for waterfowlers. Link: https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Rugged kennel systems built for serious hunters. Search "Mammoth dog crate" on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products Store. Code: GUARDIAN15Note: The roll cage is sold separately with welded tie down points and a chrome-plated heavy duty door frame. Shotty Gear Waterproof, durable blind bags, shell pouches, straps, apparel, and boat lighting. Built by a small hunter owned operation.Link: https://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I walk through the long term mallard population trends and ask a simple question. Can the average hunter actually feel the effects of this decline. Mallard numbers have dropped from more than eleven million in 2016 to around six and a half million today. I look at the historical highs and lows, compare them to my own data since 2016, and talk about whether the current dip is truly changing the way our hunts unfold or if our success still comes down to weather patterns, decisions, and being in the right place at the right time. I also break down the recent cold snaps, the sudden migration push across the Central Flyway, and how difficult it can be to make good decisions when the shallow marshes freeze solid. I talk about yesterday’s frustrating river hunt, why finishing ducks has been so tough this year, what I am seeing from other hunters, and why this season feels so strange. Later in the episode I preview the Patreon hunt giveaway weekend with Captain Casey, Brian H. from the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, and Ben Meyers. I also share early thoughts on planning the spring Patreon float trip and what the next few weeks of December may look like. If you watch on Spotify you can drop comments and share your thoughts on whether declining mallard populations are affecting your hunting. I would love to hear what you think. PARTNER LINKS Flight Day Ammunition www.flightdayammo.com Shotty Gear http://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 for ten percent off TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Use code FDH18 for eighteen percent off Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Search Mammoth Dog Crate on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products store Use code GUARDIAN15 for fifteen percent off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Elliott as he recounts his Thanksgiving week filled with waterfowl hunting adventures. From unpredictable weather challenges to the camaraderie with fellow hunters, Elliott shares insights on bird movements, gear choices, and memorable hunts, including a top five hunt of his life. Tune in for a deep dive into the art of waterfowl hunting and the strategies that make it successful. Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Discount code FDH10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpetproducts.com Discount code GUARDIAN15Reminder that the roll cage is sold separately and includes steel bars with welded tie downs and a chrome plated heavy duty door frame Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Discount code FDH10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Discount code FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, Elliott goes full rant mode. From holiday nostalgia to Chiefs stress to duck hunting “experts” who speak in absolutes, this one covers it all. Elliott breaks down why claims about mallards, cold fronts, ice, and snow often get tossed around like scientific fact when most of it is nothing more than opinion dressed up as truth. He also dives into weather frustration, the chaos of unpredictable forecasts, and the strategy game of stale-bird hunting. Then the big one: Georgie’s escalating whining problem. Elliott lays out exactly how it’s getting worse, why it’s such a devastating issue for a dog guy, and why even top pros don’t have a real solution. The episode wraps with November hunt stats, comment of the week, and a powerful message for hunters dealing with trials and stress during the holiday season. PARTNERS AND DISCOUNT CODES Flight Day Ammunition Website: flightdayammo.com Code: FDH10 Details: Steel sixes, fives, threes and fours. Available in 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and 12 gauge. Cases of 200 or 250. Shotty Gear Website: shottygear.com Code: FDH10 Details: Waterproof packs, gun cases, shell pouches, blind bags and gear built for waterfowlers. Backpacks restocking soon. TideWe Website: tidewe.com Code: FDH18 Details: Heated vests and gloves, breathable waders from entry level to high end, and reliable cold weather gear. Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Website: mammothpetproducts.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Details: Heavy duty dog crates with optional roll cage. Available on the Mammoth Pet Products site or by searching “Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate” on Amazon. Weatherby Shotguns Website: weatherby.com Details: Elliott is running the Element shotguns this year, including the 20 gauge with sixes and the 12 gauge 18. Also includes the Orion over-under series. North American Waterfowler App iOS and Android Website version: thenorthamericanwaterfowler.com Details: New photo library feature showing all hunt photos in one place. Tap a picture to pull up every hunt detail. Patreon Community patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Details: Supports the show and includes full access to the NAW app plus bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Meyers from Flight Day Ammunition is back and we tell the full story behind recent comments about Flight Day on the Boss Shot Shells fan page. We walk through the pattern comparison that started it, how Flight Day steel edged out Boss Steel Reserve on the board, and why Ben thinks muzzle velocity myths just will not die. Ben breaks down copper shot versus premium slow steel, real gel test results, pattern percentages at forty yards, and what actually matters from thirty to fifty yards when birds are over the decoys. We also talk pump failures, flooding timber for mallards, Thanksgiving weather, and why I am still running sixes in my twenty gauge with a Muller decoy choke. Flight Day Ammunition Premium slow steel designed for serious duck hunters who care about pattern density and clean kills. Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.comCode: FDH10 for a discount on your order Weatherby ShotgunsThe shotguns I rely on for every hunt and every video. Weatherby sitehttps://www.weatherby.com TideWe Waders, boots, and hunting gear that actually match the way we hunt. TideWe site Code: FDH18https://www.tidewe.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy duty crates built to protect your retriever at duck camp or on the road.Mammoth sitehttps://www.mammothpet.com/products/guardianCode: GUARDIAN15 for a discount on Guardian crates Shotty Gear Waterproof blind bags, shell pouches, apparel, and gear built by real waterfowl hunters. Shotty Gear sitehttps://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 for a discount on your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices