This episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast features Mike Valley, a decoy carver, hunter, and commercial fisherman. Host Katie Burke delves into Mike's family history of carving, with his grandfather carving decoys during the Depression and his father continuing the tradition in the 50s until his recent passing. Mike shares insights into the rich carving history in Prairie du Chien and the influence of prominent carvers in the area. Tune in to hear about the deep-rooted carving legacy that shaped Mike's upbringing and passion for the craft. 
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 577 – Decoy Carving: A Family Tradition

Ducks Unlimited Podcast is a constant discussion of all things waterfowl; from in-depth hunting tips and tactics, to waterfowl biology, research, science, and habitat updates. The DU Podcast is the go-to resource for waterfowl hunters and conservationists. Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands conservation.

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Ryan Taylor, DU’s director of public policy and self-professed “rancher in residence” for the Great Plains Region, joins Dr. Mike Brasher to share stories as a 4th Generation rancher while explaining how these experiences help him work effectively with ranchers and farmers. Ryan is a firm believer that agriculture and ranching can work well with duck habitat conservation, and after listening you’ll likely agree that he’s the perfect person to lead DU’s conservation policy in the prairies. Lastly, we learn how eating a steak or hamburger this weekend will support healthy duck populations! www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 587 – Eat Beef…Produce More Ducks

Duck and goose hunting equipment is expensive. Why not have a plan to protect your gear during the summer months? Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, Ducks Unlimited magazine contributor to discuss best practices for storing your duck and goose hunting equipment in the off season. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 586 – Summer Gear Storage Tips

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, Dr. Jered Henson introduces himself as a new host and project manager at Ducks Unlimited. He welcomes guests Kate Hackett and Josh Green from the lands team to discuss how Ducks Unlimited ensures the longevity of their conservation work. Kate, the managing director of lands in Memphis, shares insights into land protection efforts at Ducks Unlimited. Join them as they delve into the importance of sustainability and conservation programs in their mission. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 585 – Ensuring Conservation Legacies: The Role of Conservation Easements

Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR), joins Dr. Mike Brasher and guest host Adam Putnam, Ducks Unlimited CEO, for an inspiring conversation that spans football fields to forests. Congressman Westerman speaks of his “unchosen obligations” as a conservationist and how it shapes his decisions in crafting and passing legislation to benefit America’s wildlife, their habitats, and the millions of outdoorsmen and women that enjoy them. Ducks Unlimited thanks Chairman Westerman for supporting conservation and for sharing his insights on everything from duck blinds to forest management, avian influenza, legislative priorities, and our responsibility to conserve resources for the future.   
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 584 – Congressman Bruce Westerman: A Champion for Conservation

Sanctuary…it is perhaps the most controversial and poorly understood aspect of habitat management for wintering waterfowl, yet potentially most important. In Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Nick Masto and Dr. Abby Blake-Bradshaw, we dig deeper into their study of wintering mallards in western Tennessee, with a focus on the relationship between ducks and sanctuary. How did mallards respond to experimental disturbance, and how did it affect shooting opportunities of hunters? How does the amount and distribution of sanctuary affect mallard movements and habitat use patterns, and did mallards return to the same areas year after year? Does extreme cold weather drive birds south, or does it depend? The answers to these and other questions may surprise you, and you could find yourself questioning long-held beliefs about sanctuary. ww.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 577 – Decoy Carving: A Family Tradition

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