Advertise on podcast: Duck Season Somewhere

John Lynch devoted his life to understanding birds, flyways, and fragile wetland habitats--work that shaped modern waterfowl conservation, earning him recognition as the "father of flyway biologists." But to his daughter, today's guest Mary Courville, he was simply Dad. Mrs. Courville shares the man behind the legend--field stories, family memories, and the quiet values that guided his life and work. From the last whooping crane in Louisiana to orchids in the windowsill, this conversation traces how patience, observation, and humility passes from one generation to the next, and underscores the simple truths by which John Lynch lived.  

Ducks. Food. Hunting. More food. Friendships. Family. Traditions. And open doors. That's what cajun hospitality is all about. Big John Hebert and I wrap a 3- or 4-day duck hunting tour of his homeland with a conversation covering all of it---the local lay of the land, a never quit mentality but why marsh hunting is a young man's game, the perfect gumbo trio to include his dad's famous "grassy gumbo," sweet potato versus potato salad sides, making family-recipe hoghead cheese, labeling ducks simply as "northerns", why naming blue-winged teal "god's birds" fits local culture, local call makers and early influences, and how some things have changed--but some things never, ever will--and more. Not in this part of the world.  C'est bon!     Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]  

Following a great morning duck hunt among ancient cypress--and post-hunt hoghead cheese, boudin and oyster poboys on the tailgate--Big John Hebert and I join friends Chester Begnaud, Paul Begnaud and Mike Clay at a floating camp house in Henderson Swamp. With over 125 years worth of Louisiana duck hunting under their belt, topics include past times, memorable local hunters, changes since Louisiana "usedta"--and tips on how to keep shot shells in pristine condition.  It wasn't until weeks later, a certain Louisiana politician fingered other reasons.     Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]       Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]    

Her recent Federal Duck Stamp entry sparked this conversation with Jenn Kokal, host of The Bible Explained podcast. We trace her path from wildlife art and stewardship--to include her thoughts about hunting--to Scripture, a life calling, and a daily podcast that's changing how people engage God's Word--by listening. This episode's about faith, obedience, creation, how God often connects the dots long before we see the pattern--and how "reading" the Bible has never been easier.   ********** Learn More: Does reading the Bible feel like a chore? In The Bible Explained podcast, Jenn Kokal brings you a simple and relatable explanation of the Bible each morning. https://www.p40ministries.com **********   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]    

Has duck migration stopped making sense--or has it just stopped matching our assumptions? Dr. Bradley Cohen returns to break down what the latest-greatest GPS data, field observations and long-term research reveals about migrational timing, pre- and post-winter equinox movement, hunting pressure, planted food sources, sanctuary, and shifting waterfowl distribution. We dig deep into what hunters may misunderstand about weather, how pressure/disturbance really affects ducks, what refuges actually do in today's changing landscape, and how USFWS staffing and budget cuts may be reshaping waterfowl migration and distribution. The Number One thing that puts ducks on your tote? Yeah, that too. 

So many of y'all requested this conversation that we crafted an entire episode around Advanced Impact and SBE3 A.I. with Benelli's Brett Maffett!  From missed birds to measurable gains, Benelli's Advanced Impact system builds on prior successes of the popular Super Black Eagle platform, and was engineered to solve real problems faced by us waterfowlers. Topics include: inertia versus gas-operated shotguns limitations and advantages, the evolution of the Super Black Eagle platform, changes in AI barrel design, why downrange energy matters more than muzzle velocity, shot penetration claims, field reviews and much more! Whether shopping for a new killing stick or just wanted to stay abreast of the latest shotgunning technology, you'll appreciate this informative conversation.   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]  

While passing through London enroute to the hallowed Holkham Estate--where driven shooting is said to have originated way back when--I visited the shop of Fredrick Beesley on Kings Road, established 1879, to get properly sorted. And Bradley Davis does just that. What's all the fuss about "bespoke" English shotguns, what makes English shotguns different, and why do they use two-shooters across the pond instead of semi-auto shotguns? Is the dress code all about pomp and circumstance--or is it something else? What's meant by "peg etiquette," what's the significance of "elevenses", and what other need-to-know customary traditions should I be aware before donning plus-fours like a Mississippi fish out of water? From the outside looking in, it's a whole 'nuther world. But one that resonates on many levels. Listen to find out why and let us know your thoughts.   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]  

Thousands of hunter-provided samples. Real genetic answers. duckDNA is changing what we know about ducks. Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Phil Lavretsky break down what the project has revealed so far--hybridization trends, surprising genetic patterns, hunter participation, and where this groundbreaking, hunter-powered research is headed next!   ****** More info: duckDNA.com https://www.duckdna.com ******   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]  

America's national wildlife refuges face a growing infrastructure crisis--ducks and hunters are suffering the consequences. Delta Waterfowl's John Devney and Jason Tharp reveal a bold new plan; break down why aging water systems along with underinvestments and staffing decreases limit habitat performance and waterfowl utilization--and why it matters. What will it take to restore federal refuges to their former glory, how might this improve waterfowl populations and duck hunting access in your own back yard, and how can you help? Listen to find out.    Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]

With bellies full from eating 4th-generation Brunswick stew--it's a secret recipe cooked in batch sizes that'll nourish sizable zip codes--longtime duck hunter and call-maker David Gaston slides across the table to tune calls and tell stories. And always, boy does he have them: camp origins and history, memorable leg band stories, "no shoot da' ringneck," hunting in the good old days, converting from Arkansas public to private, respect, changes, Brunswick stew, cast iron skillets and bacon grease, mentor Alvin Taylor, duck calls he couldn't part with, and more!   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]

The Public Timber Project's shut-up-and-show-up attitude for taking personal responsibility of Arkansas public land--and now across state lines--is contagiously growing. Because it resonates among hunters and managers. Lifelong public land hunters themselves, Ich Stewart, Blakely Cobb and Jeremy Brown discuss what drew each of them to TPTP and more: the history and inevitable changes of duck hunting in Arkansas's river bottoms, intensely passionate public land duck hunter mindsets, who public lands really "belong" to, how--and why--The Public Timber Project is being embraced by state and federal agencies, waterfowl-related NGOs, the waterfowl industry, and volunteering waterfowl hunters from across the US. For starts. Growing pains? Some. But at a time it's needed more than ever before, these boys are all give, and no take, going far beyond boat ramp pick-ups--and into future generations.       ****** Learn More: The Public Timber Project https://publictimberproject.org ******   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]

After some action-packed duck hunting with buddy Jay Prather--because it's pure full-steam-ahead, pedal-to-the-metal adventure anytime he's around--we kick back at his camp to talk about the Louisiana duck hunting, why the marsh is in such excellent shape this season, controlling giant salvania, the vanishing paradise, viral instagram posts, more. But the name McKinney kept resurfacing.  This camphouse used to be their home. "Liked by some and respected by all," they carved out livings on the wild 15,000 acre swamp our back. Lived forgotten ways. Weathered the region's legendary hurricanes at home. And left lasting impressions on those that knew them. Especially Jay.   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]  

DO NOT listen to this episode unless you can handle big boy topics. While chasing ducks on Arkansas public lands, Jeremy Brown and I huddle for a pre-meal discussion, covering everything from bacon grease to hand-made custom duck straps to conversations enjoyed while hunting ducks together in Arkansas--because where better to talk about the most things in life? And then the conversation took a turn. For the better. ********** MERRY CHRISTMAS! "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2:10-11. ***********   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]    

After pouring post-hunt cups of hot coffee, Western Oregon Ducks Unlimited Biologist and lifelong Willamette Valley hunter, Kelly Warren, provides an insightful, been-there-done-that tour of Oregon duck hunting traditions and ongoing conservation sustaining them. Explaining how his grandfather's duck-blind lessons ignited his interests, he talks about what Alaska banding seasons taught him about waterfowl and migrations, how-private lands partnerships anchor Pacific Flyway waterfowl habitat, Willamette valley restoration wins, coastal wetland habitat insights, Dusky Canada and myriad other cackler and honker species that overwinter in Oregon--he wrote the Identification Field Guide to the Geese of the Willamette Valley and Lower Columbia River, by the way--limiting, water-related pressure on Oregon waterfowl, diversity of waterfowl and other game bird species that define hunting experiences in this amazing landscape. Warren's hunter-biologist's clear-eyed take on turning ideas into habitat, measuring successes years later and building a conservation legacy for future generations is worth hearing. Guaranteed his grandfather'd be proud.   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]

Hang on, boys and girls--here's a fast-moving, story-rich conversation about chasing ducks on Oregon's amazing Columbia River with a couple diver diehards--retired Migratory Bird Chief Brad Bortner and decoy carver Pat Gregory--and long-time Oregonian outdoor writer M.D. Johnson. The Columbia River shapes everything about duck hunting coastal Oregon--weather, water, ducks and even the people chasing them. And we get into it all--the mighty river itself, open-water spreads and river tactics, a-little-something-for-everyone opportunities, hair-raising dangers, hand-carved decoy traditions, defining species--choose one of over 20-something waterfowl--and regional topics such as the "pineapple express" or "atmospheric river" phenomena, Lewis and Clarke, razor clamming, the mystical big foot and who the heck knows what else--like a wild ride down the Columbia River, this one took a life all of its own!    Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell [email protected]