In an era dominated by social media, a single photo can tell a thousand words—or ignite an online firestorm. How do the images hunters post online shape public perception, and what message are we actually sending to the non-hunting world?

In this episode of the Ascend Podcast, host Adrian sits down with Dr. Britt Hosmer Longoria—traveler, PhD, storyteller, conservationist, and co-founder of the Longoria Hosmer Foundation. Following an experience where a photo of her went viral and triggered intense backlash, Britt pursued a PhD in strategic communication to dive deep into the semiotics—the signs and symbols—of trophy photos on Instagram. 

Britt breaks down why traditional "grip and grin" photos often translate as possession and dominance to outsiders, how subtle shifts in body language and perspective can completely change the tone of an image, and how hunters can navigate difficult, emotional conversations on social media. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Britt’s background growing up bird hunting in Maine and her work in African wildlife conservation 
• What "semiotics" means and how signs/symbols in photos convey hidden messages 
• Why traditional field photos translate differently to hunters vs. non-hunters 
• Three simple adjustments to instantly change how your field photos are perceived 
• The psychological impact of closed fists, direct eye contact, and showing firearms in photos 
• How to respond emotionally—not just logically—when engaging with critics online 
• Including "chapters" of the hunt (campfires, preparation, meals) to tell a complete story 

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Women are entering outdoor sports at record rates, but they are also leaving—or "churning"—at higher rates than men. What does it actually take to help women feel competent, confident, and eager to stay in the outdoors?

In this episode of the Ascend Podcast, host Erin Crider sits down with conservation legend Christine Thomas—founder of the groundbreaking Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program and Senior Vice President of Conservation on the board of Ducks Unlimited.

Together, they unpack decades of research on the specific barriers women face when learning to hunt, fish, and navigate the outdoors. Christine shares how a single 1991 workshop blossomed into an international movement spanning 46 states and multiple Canadian provinces. She also dives into the psychology of confidence, why the "next step" after introductory courses is critical, and how Ducks Unlimited successfully doubled its pace of conservation to protect 1 million acres a year.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The origins of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program and how it broke down barriers
• Why women churn out of hunting and fishing at higher rates than men—and how to fix it
• The critical difference in confidence between novice men and novice women
• Essential foundational skills every new outdoorswoman needs before heading into the field
• How community, camaraderie, and safe spaces keep women coming back year after year
• How Ducks Unlimited achieved its massive goal of conserving 1 million acres per year
• Christine’s advice for the next generation of outdoorswomen and conservationists

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Florida is home to some of the most unique ecosystems in the country and some of its most destructive invasive species.

In this episode of the Ascend Podcast, host Adrienne sits down with conservation professionals Elizabeth Guthrie and Kaylyn Glenn to unpack the growing threat of invasive species in Florida and what it really takes to protect an ecosystem.

From invasive plants and prescribed fire to iguanas, tegus, and the infamous Burmese python, Elizabeth and Kaylyn explain how non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, threaten native wildlife, and change landscapes that have existed for generations.

Kaylyn, a 10th-generation Floridian and professional Burmese python hunter, takes listeners inside the world of python hunting in the Everglades including how hunters find these incredibly well-camouflaged predators, why breeding season is critical, and what happens when you come face-to-face with an 18-foot python sitting on a nest of 80 eggs.

But this conversation goes beyond pythons.

Elizabeth and Kaylyn explain why hunting can be conservation, how prescribed fire helps maintain healthy ecosystems, why there is no single solution to invasive species, and what everyday people can do at home to support native wildlife.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  The difference between native, non-native, and invasive species
•  Why Florida is particularly vulnerable to invasive species
•  How invasive plants can destroy critical wildlife habitat
•  Why prescribed fire is an important part of ecosystem management
•  Why Burmese pythons are such a serious threat to Florida's native wildlife
•  How professional python hunters find these highly camouflaged snakes
•  Why python breeding season is one of the most important times to find them
•  What an 18-foot python with approximately 80 eggs tells us about the scale of the problem
•  How hunting invasive species can contribute to conservation
•  Why healthy markets can encourage better stewardship
•  What everyday people can do to support conservation through native landscaping

Follow @duascend or visit Ducks Unlimited Ascend for more stories, outdoor education, and resources for women in the outdoors.

Ascend by Ducks Unlimited is brought to you by:

DRY POCKET — @drypocketofficial

Dry Pocket

 Use promo code ASCEND for 25% off your order.

OKLAHOMA JOE'S — @OklahomaJoesSmokers

Oklahoma Joe's

 Use promo code DUCKS10 for 10% off your order.

WESTERN SPIRITS / BIRD DOG WHISKEY

Bird Dog Whiskey

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

From Arizona quail hunting to chasing invasive species in Florida, this episode is packed with adventure, conservation, and laughs.

Ducks Unlimited digital media producer Ruby flips the script and steps in front of the microphone to talk with Brandy Elrod, Ashley, and Blythe of Lady Outdoors Lifestyle. Together, they recap two unforgettable Ascend adventures: an Arizona quail hunt with Her Upland and a Florida conservation trip targeting invasive pythons, iguanas, and fish.

The group shares stories about learning new hunting disciplines, empowering women through outdoor education, building friendships through organized hunts, and stepping outside comfort zones. You'll also hear behind-the-scenes moments from filming the adventures, surprising conservation lessons, and plenty of unexpected laughs along the way.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Her Upland introduces women to upland bird hunting
• The role scholarships play in opening outdoor opportunities
• Why women's hunting communities continue to grow
• How invasive species impact Florida ecosystems
• What goes into hunting pythons and iguanas
• The importance of conservation-driven hunting experiences
• Why trying something new outdoors can be life-changing

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Learn how to recognize tick-borne illness symptoms, reduce your risk in the field, and advocate for your health if something feels wrong.

Host Adrian Jessen sits down with hunter and outdoorswoman Laura Adele to share her life-changing experience with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the long-term impacts of tick-borne illness. What began as a turkey hunt in 2012 became a years-long medical journey involving misdiagnoses, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatment.

Laura shares the symptoms she wishes she had recognized sooner, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the prevention practices she never skips today. This conversation is a powerful reminder that every hunter, angler, and outdoor enthusiast should take tick exposure seriously.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Common symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
• Why many people never remember the tick bite itself
• What to do if you find a tick attached to your body
• How Lyme disease can be misdiagnosed for years
• Tick prevention strategies for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts
• The reality of living with chronic Lyme disease
• How Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal concerns affect outdoor recreation

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Discover how women are entering hunting and shooting sports faster than ever—and where to find the support to get started.

Host Bethany Beathard sits down with Taniya Bethke, Director of Operations for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, to discuss the growth of women in hunting, mentorship opportunities, and the programs helping newcomers feel confident in the outdoors. 

From adult-onset hunters and first-time firearm owners to mentorship networks and state-led programs, Taniya shares what’s driving participation growth and why social support may be the single most important factor in helping women stay involved. The conversation also explores representation, inclusion, family participation, and how outdoor organizations are adapting to meet the needs of modern audiences.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why women are one of the fastest-growing segments in hunting
• How mentorship programs help new hunters succeed
• What R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) means
• Why social support matters more than gear or experience
• How state agencies and organizations help people get started
• The connection between food sourcing, conservation, and hunting
• Where to find programs and resources near you

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Learn how to find safe, welcoming hunting opportunities—even if you’ve never hunted before.

Ascend host Adrian Jessen sits down with Sisterhood of the Hunt co-founders Jaycey Stone and Laurel York, who have helped hundreds of women connect through guided hunting trips, outdoor adventures, and mentorship opportunities across the country.

What started as a small group of 10 women quickly grew into a nationwide community hosting dozens of trips each year. In this episode, Jaycey and Laurel share how they evaluate outfitters, help beginners get started, build confidence in new hunters, and create spaces where women can learn, connect, and succeed in the outdoors without intimidation or gatekeeping.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to find reputable hunting outfitters and avoid red flags
• Why group hunts can accelerate learning and confidence
• What complete beginners should know before booking their first hunt
• How mentorship helps women break into hunting and fishing
• Common mistakes people make when booking outfitted trips
• Why community is often more important than experience

Follow along with the Ascend community at @duascend or visit ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Every turkey hunter has a story they’ll never forget—and usually a lesson that came with it.

In this special Ascend roundtable episode, Adrian, Julia, Bethany, and Erin swap some of their most memorable turkey hunting experiences, from birds that mysteriously came back to life after the shot to all-day crawls across open country and mountain hunts for Merriam’s turkeys.

Along the way, they discuss what keeps them coming back to turkey hunting season after season, the calls they trust, the gear they won’t leave home without, and the little tricks that make long mornings in the woods more enjoyable.

Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or preparing for your first season, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs.

Topics covered:

• Memorable turkey hunts and the lessons they taught

• Why turkey hunting becomes addictive

• Hunting Easterns, Rios, Merriam’s, and Osceolas

• Mouth calls vs. slate calls vs. diaphragm calls

• How movement ruins more setups than bad calling

• Favorite turkey guns, gauges, and loads

• Essential gear every turkey hunter carries

• Tick prevention and staying comfortable in the field

• Hunting snacks, coffee, Pop-Tarts, jerky, and other camp essentials

• Why every experienced turkey hunter has at least one story that still hurts to tell

Follow along with the Ascend community at @duascend or visit ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Want more turkeys on your property? It starts with how you manage your land.

 Ascend host Adrian Jessen sits down with Courtney Conring, wildlife biologist and Assistant Chief of Research for Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, to break down what really drives turkey populations—and what landowners can do to improve them.

From food sources and cover to prescribed fire and predator pressure, Courtney explains how habitat—not hunting—is the biggest factor affecting turkey numbers. Whether you own 20 acres or manage large tracts of land, this episode gives you practical steps to create better turkey habitat and stronger wildlife populations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The fundamentals of habitat management (food, water, cover)
• What turkeys eat—and how to provide it year‑round
• Why insects and early successional plants are critical for poults
• How to create openings and improve land for turkey use
• When and why prescribed fire makes a difference
• How cover protects hens and nests from predators
• The truth about predator management vs. habitat quality
• Why private landowners play a critical role in turkey conservation

Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

Learn what it really takes to harvest an elk on public land—from scouting to pack‑out—and how women are redefining success in hunting.

 Host Erin Crider sits down with archery guide and instructor Anna Sabotka to break down her first public‑land archery elk harvest in Colorado—and everything that came with it.

From scouting and studying elk behavior to calling strategies, shot execution, and a brutal multi‑mile pack‑out, Anna shares the real highs and challenges behind the moment. The conversation also explores elk camp experiences, mentoring new hunters, and why defining your own version of success matters more than the outcome.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How scouting leads to successful elk hunts
• Realistic expectations for public land elk hunting success rates
• Calling strategies, wind awareness, and shot decision‑making
• What a full elk pack‑out actually looks like
• How to process meat in the backcountry using the gutless method
• Why mentorship and training camps help new hunters succeed
• How to define success beyond just harvesting an animal

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.