Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, WF360 Central Flyway migration editor, for a quick roundup of Great Plains habitat conditions. Pollmann notes that the Dakotas are looking very good, based on North Dakota Game and Fish Commission reports, and the same goes for South Dakota. Optimism from waterfowl habitat managers and hunters is running high. Meanwhile, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma desperately need precipitation in some areas. It’s time to start keeping a close eye on the weather as waterfowl seasons in the northern portions of the US are kicking off. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 510 – Bonus: Great Plains States Habitat and Hunting Preview

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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Reports of recent rain in the Dakotas and Canadian Prairies have stirred optimism among duck hunters already looking forward to the fall. How much rain fell, was it enough to fill wetlands, and did it arrive in time to benefit breeding ducks? Long-time guest Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher and Katie Burke for a mid-May update on habitat conditions across the U.S. and Canadian prairies. Also discussed are continuing drought in the Boreal Forest and predictions for the 2024 waterfowl breeding population. Will they be up or down from 2023? Listen to find out what our team has to say. 
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 579 – Rain on the Prairies, But Was it Enough?

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls and the trio talk Canada goose calling. Powers, three-time World Goose Calling Champion, among other titles, brings a whole new level of calling capabilities to the DU Podcast. He provides an easy step-by-step guide to improve your capabilities in a goose field. The trio also discuss decoy tactics, flagging, and combining calling into all of these to make you a more successful Canada goose hunter. www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 578 – Improve Your Canada Goose Calling

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

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls to discuss calling whitefronts. Richard grew up hunting and guiding “specklebellies” in south Louisiana and has followed them north as their main wintering landscapes have shifted. He has called in competitions and is eager to teach others. Richard breaks down the basics of calling these fantastic geese and even walks through step-by-step scenarios of when, why, and how to put whitefronts in the decoys.  www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 576 – Calling White-Fronted Geese

“Sky carp” and “Saving the Tundra” are phrases that have become commonplace in the vernacular of light goose hunters across North America. Although born from well-intentioned conversations around once-hyperabundant light geese and the Light Goose Conservation Order, waterfowl managers consider these derogatory phrases undeserved and unfortunate. On this episode, Kevin Kraai of Texas Parks and Wildlife makes the case for changing this narrative and bringing respect back to light geese. We also dig into data showing an 86% decline in the midcontinent light goose population, shrinking breeding colonies, recovery of arctic staging grounds, and new science on how repeated disturbance may influence light goose body condition. If this evolving story tells us anything it’s that what we know today is likely different from what we’ll learn in the future and why we should never stop asking questions. 
www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Ep. 510 – Bonus: Great Plains States Habitat and Hunting Preview

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