Is free access to quality, private-land duck hunting a thing of the past?

 Welcome back to Delta Waterfowl’s “The Voice of the Duck Hunter” podcast! I'm your host, Joel Brice.

In this episode we’re going to explore probably the most exciting thing aside from a flock of back-pedaling greenheads that can happen to a duck hunter: Asking for permission to hunt a nice patch of private land and … getting a yes!

 Now mind you, there are regions where this is really tough, some would even say impossible, to just knock on a door like it’s the 1950s, shake the farmer’s hand and gain access to hunt. Urban sprawl is on a constant march, and many exceptional spots are leased, owned by a fancy duck club or otherwise spoken for.

But impossible?  I’m joined today by a pair of guests who attest that even in 2025, private land hunting access is achievable with hard work, the right strategies, and a whole lot of luck. 

 Garrett Trentham is Delta’s Director of Events for the South Team. A resident of Missouri with deep connections across the southern United States to the Carolinas, he’s keeping unpaid hunting access alive in places where most think it’s a thing of the past. As you’ll hear in this episode, Garrett uses his charisma and smarts to his advantage both at Delta fundraising events and in growing his network of potential hunting invites. And he offers a variety of clever tips, but one’s especially intriguing: How to gain occasional access to private duck clubs when otherwise doing so is financially out of reach. 

Then there’s Brett Shaffer, a Delta volunteer and avid waterfowler from central Pennsylvania. As the owner of Grumpy Duck, a preferred Delta vendor, Brett’s built a name for himself through crafting eye-pleasing, lightweight and ergonomically sound bolt handles for semi-auto shotguns. And when it comes to hunting, Brett is just as innovative—he’s never paid for access to private land, he’s savvy when it comes to finding just the right spots, and he works hard to maintain permission to hunt

So stick with us as Garrett and Brett share their hard-earned tricks, some stories behind how they’ve found success, and advice on what it takes to find and continue to secure your duck hunting honey hole. Let's get started!

Host: Joel Brice
Guest: Garrett Trentham
Guest: Brett Shaffer

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In this episode of The Voice of the Duck Hunter, host Joel Brice sits down with Patrick Gaylord, a former pro baseball player turned hunting enthusiast and coach. Together, they explore the intersection of youth athletics, the challenges of modern life, and how activities like travel sports and screen time are competing with hunting for kids' time and attention. Patrick shares his journey from growing up in Texas, excelling at the University of Houston, to coaching high-level prospects in North Dakota, where he rediscovered his passion for the outdoors.

Join us as we discuss hunter recruitment, the dynamics of hunting families, and how to connect the next generation to the joys of the hunt—while reminiscing about baseball and warmer days.

Host: Joel Brice
Guest: Patrick Gaylord

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Join us as we sit down with Bill Miller, Delta Waterfowl’s Communications Director and a 2023 inductee into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. With decades of experience as an outdoor communicator, magazine editor, TV personality, and author of countless articles celebrating the hunting lifestyle, Bill brings unmatched expertise to the conversation.

In this episode, we dive into Delta Waterfowl’s Duck and Goose Hunting 101 course, an online curriculum designed to help novice hunters safely and confidently begin their waterfowling journey. Bill shares the inspiration behind creating this program, its unique features, and how it aims to bridge the gap for those starting from scratch—offering practical advice and motivation for newcomers.

We also explore Bill’s personal journey into duck hunting, gaining insights into the challenges modern hunters face, from limited access to mentors and land to an increasing disconnect from nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to mentor others or someone eager to try waterfowling for the first time, this episode is packed with valuable stories and actionable tips.

Don’t miss this engaging discussion about the future of hunting, the power of mentorship, and how Delta’s innovative program is creating a new generation of waterfowl enthusiasts.

And check out Duck and Goose Hunting 101.

Host: Joel Brice
Guest: Bill Miller

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Why are dogs so exceptional at understanding humans? Dr. Brian Hare, professor of psychology, evolutionary anthropology, and neuroscience at Duke University, joins the Delta Waterfowl Podcast to share what science has to say about canine intelligence. 

From his youth in Atlanta, Georgia where he grew up with hunting dogs, to Duke research labs, Dr. Hare brings a lifetime of interest and expertise to the conversation. Discover how dogs communicate, collaborate, and excel in tasks ranging from pets and hunting to serving alongside the U.S. military. 

Whether you’re a duck hunter, dog lover, or science enthusiast, this episode delivers insights and stories you won’t want to miss.

Host: Joel Brice
Guest: Dr. Brian Hare
Guest: Kyle Wintersteen

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Delta Waterfowl: The Voice of the Duck Hunter Podcast! This week, host Joel Brice is joined by Matt Cagle, founder of Rig’Em Right, to dive into the art and science of setting decoy spreads. Whether you’re a seasoned waterfowler with an elaborate rig or a beginner eager to learn the ropes, this episode is packed with insights to help you refine your setup and lure ducks to cup and commit.

Matt shares his journey from a young hunter in North Carolina’s marshes to launching Rig’Em Right, a company known for its rugged and reliable gear. We also explore the story behind their highly anticipated Mainline Series decoys, including the game-changing “blackout” decoy—a minimalist design offering unmatched visibility in the field.

Recorded live at Delta’s Duck Hunters Expo, this episode is full of tips, tactics, and stories to inspire your next hunt. So grab a cup of coffee, some decoys in need of re-rigging, and join us for a conversation that promises to shorten your learning curve and deepen your passion for waterfowling.

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In this compelling episode of the Delta Waterfowl Podcast, host Joel Brice sits down with Lucas Cooke, CEO of Field and Game Australia, to discuss the challenges facing duck hunting in Australia. As animal rights activism threatens hunting traditions worldwide, Lucas shares insights from the recent high-stakes battle to preserve Australia’s duck hunting, including the crucial role of science-based advocacy and community support. This conversation explores the global implications for hunting conservation, the power of grassroots action, and the solidarity between North American and Australian hunters. Join us as we discuss how the future of hunting depends on collaboration, resilience, and strategic alliances across the continents.

Field and Game Australia
fieldandgame.com.au

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In this episode, host Joel Brice sits down with two legendary names in the waterfowl world: Mojo’s Terry Denman and Ramsey Russell of GetDucks.com. These two are among the most traveled waterfowl hunters globally, having pursued ducks across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. As they share tales from the field, Terry and Ramsey discuss their top hunting destinations, the evolution of duck hunting from a sport to an immersive experience, and the bonds formed in the wild.

Listeners will get an insider look at what it means to truly chase “trophy experiences”—not just the hunt, but the sights, sounds, and connections that make each trip unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned duck hunter or simply love the thrill of the outdoors, Terry and Ramsey bring unique perspectives that will inspire and entertain. 

Join us from the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Baton Rouge as we explore the true heart of duck hunting with these two dynamic personalities. Whether you’re an avid hunter or simply intrigued by the wild, this episode offers a window into the dedication and deep respect for new people and places at the heart of duck hunting.

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On this episode of the Delta Waterfowl Podcast, host Joel Brice is joined by duck-calling legend Jim Ronquest, Vice President of Development at Drake Waterfowl. Jim, a former World Duck Calling Champion, dives into the art and science behind duck calls, from his expertise in organizing youth duck-calling clinics to promoting ethics in hunting. Jim shares insights on Delta Waterfowl’s first-ever double-reed calling championship, the Delta Grand National, and explains why double-reed calls were selected for the competition. He breaks down the pros and cons of single-reed versus double-reed calls and discusses which is better for beginners and specific hunting scenarios such as big open waters or narrow creeks. 

The conversation also delves into the rising popularity of cutdown-style calls. Jim offers a fascinating history of these calls, key differences in technique, and why they're a go-to for hunters today. Tune in for an expert's take on duck calling that blends tradition, innovation, and strategy!

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Joel Brice joins guest Duck Camp Dinners chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois on the Delta Waterfowl podcast. 

In this episode, we sit down with renowned Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois, who has helmed kitchens all over the world—from beach bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. Despite his culinary accolades, Chef Jean-Paul finds his true inspiration at hunting and fishing camps, where his love for wild game cooking was born. However, he doesn’t label himself as a “wild game chef.” For him, it’s all about cooking with what’s available.

We ask what steps hunters can take in the field to ensure the best-tasting ducks and geese. Chef Jean-Paul shares his thoughts on plucking, icing, and other vital processes during the hunt to preserve flavor. We also explore what he does first when he gets his game home or back to camp, The Food Network, the flow of the process and skills it takes to be an executive chef.

In addition, we discuss his popular show, Duck Camp Dinners, and the unique social traditions that come with camp life. Finally, Chef Jean-Paul reflects on his global travels, including culinary journeys to Vietnam, comparing the wild game culture there to that of the United States.

This is a conversation you won't want to miss if you're passionate about hunting, cooking, and the adventure of life at duck camp.

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One of the best ways to protect ducks is by securing the future of duck hunting. Kaleb Nunan, the remarkably motivated chair of Delta’s Pike County Chapter in Missouri; and Keith Schultz, a military veteran taken on his first duck hunt by Kaleb’s chapter. Keith quickly became hooked on ducks, and last spring he even started a Delta chapter of his own. 

Who better than these two to share insights into how taking someone hunting could change their life—and yours, for that matter—while also helping to protect future hunts for all of us? Further, we'll explore some of the challenges and payoffs of recruiting adults versus kids, the rewards of being a hunting mentor, and the power of local, Delta chapter-led First Hunt Events.

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