Brian Banbury, a waterfowl enthusiast and taxidermist, shares his experience with waterfowl hunting and his passion for the sport. He discusses his journey from being a college student taking a waterfowl ID course to becoming an avid waterfowl hunter and taxidermist. Brian talks about the different waterfowl species he encounters in Ohio and the various hunting opportunities available in the state. He also shares his insights on managing wetlands and the importance of considering the entire ecosystem when hunting and managing for waterfowl. Brian discusses his travels to different states for waterfowl hunting and the preparations involved in flying with firearms and bringing ducks back. He emphasizes the sense of community among waterfowl hunters and taxidermists and the joy of sharing experiences and knowledge with others. The conversation covers various topics related to traveling for waterfowl hunting and the experience of taxidermy. Brian Banbury shares tips for flying to different countries and the importance of reaching out to experienced hunters for advice. He also discusses the thrill of collecting different waterfowl species and the importance of the overall hunting experience. The conversation then shifts to taxidermy, with Brian providing advice on choosing a taxidermist and handling trophies in the field. In this conversation, Brian Banbury shares tips on how to properly care for waterfowl after a hunt. He advises against immediately putting the bird in a bag, especially on hot days, as it can lead to bacterial growth and feather loss. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping the bird away from dogs to prevent damage. Brian provides insights on how to bag and freeze the bird for optimal preservation and recommends getting the bird to a taxidermist as soon as possible. He also shares a harrowing story of a boating mishap during a hunt in Ashtabula Harbor. Brian concludes by highlighting the variety of waterfowl hunting experiences, from Alaska to Mexico to his home state of Ohio.

Takeaways:

• Waterfowl hunting is a year-round passion that involves various activities such as hunting, taxidermy, and wetland management.
• Ohio offers a diverse range of waterfowl hunting opportunities, including hunting for geese, ducks, and other species.
• Managing wetlands for waterfowl requires considering the entire ecosystem and its various species.
• Traveling to different states for waterfowl hunting allows for new experiences and connections within the waterfowl hunting community.
• Flying with firearms and bringing ducks back from out-of-state hunts requires proper preparation and adherence to regulations. When traveling for waterfowl hunting, it's important to research and choose the right airports and ports of entry.
• Building a collection of different waterfowl species can be a thrilling and memorable experience.
• Choosing the right hunting partners is crucial, as you will be spending a lot of time together in various situations.
• Taxidermy is an art form that requires skill and knowledge of anatomy. It's important to choose a taxidermist whose work you have seen and are satisfied with.
• Handling trophies in the field requires proper storage, such as using freezer bags, and clear communication with the taxidermist about your expectations. Avoid immediately putting a freshly hunted bird in a bag, especially on hot days, to prevent bacterial growth and feather loss
• Keep the bird away from dogs to prevent damage
• Bag and freeze the bird as soon as possible for optimal preservation
• Get the bird to a taxidermist promptly for a quality mount
• Waterfowl hunting offers a variety of experiences, from Alaska to Mexico to local areas