In the final installment of this special series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding discuss the 2 critical surveys that are part of this process:  Migratory Bird Hunter Survey and Parts Collection Survey.  This episode sheds light on how these data are collected and used, and why none of this would be possible without the interest, cooperation, and participation by hunters. This is episode 3 of a 3-part series.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Join host Katie Burke as she sits with renowned decoy carver Jamie Hand in his Cape May County workshop. Jamie shares his family's deep-rooted history in waterfowl hunting, the artistry behind traditional decoy carving, and the evolution of the craft. From learning under legendary mentors to passing on his knowledge to new generations, Jamie’s passion for carving and conservation shines through. Watch the video version on YouTube to see Jamie’s shop and carving process in action.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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In part 2 of this series on waterfowl harvest estimation, Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding go in-depth on the Harvest Information Program, known to most people simply as “HIP,” to explain how it works and how the data are used to select hunters for participating in the core surveys from which harvest is estimated. We also discuss additional uses of waterfowl harvest data. This is episode 2 of a 3-part series.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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Ducks Unlimited Podcast: Season Wrap-Up Live Stream

Hosts: Dr. Mike Brasher, Katie Burke, Matt Harrison
Location: Ducks Unlimited HQ, Memphis, TN
Presented by: Purina ProPlan & Bird Dog Whiskey

🔹 Episode Summary

In this special live-stream wrap-up, the DU Podcast team reviews the 2024-2025 waterfowl season! From epic hunts and migration trends to avian flu updates and new hunting tactics, this episode has it all. Plus, we answer listener questions, preview off-season activities, and share key conservation insights.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Best & worst hunts of the season – Personal stories from Mike, Matt & Katie.
Duck migration & weather trends – How warm fall & late cold fronts impacted hunts.
Avian flu update – What waterfowl hunters need to know in 2025.
New hunting strategies – Motion decoys, pulsators & hand-carved decoys.
Off-season tips – Training your retriever, gear maintenance & turkey hunting.
Conservation & research – Duck DNA Project results & upcoming DU events.

🔹 Upcoming Events

DU Expo: August 1-3, Memphis, TN → CLICK HERE!
DU Banquets & Events: Find one near you → ducks.org/events
DU Careers: Internships & jobs → ducks.org/jobs

🔹 Follow & Subscribe

Follow on Instagram: @ducksunlimited
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Listen now & get ready for next season!

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Dr. Jerad Henson discusses a unique educational opportunity for young people interested in conservation and waterfowl science. He is joined by 3 special guests: Jennifer Kross, an education biologist from Ducks Unlimited's Great Plains office; Elizabeth Palarski, a program manager from Texas Brigades, and Chase Schmidt, an assistant leader for Texas Brigades at the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade. Jennifer and Elizabeth share a background on the North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade and the Texas Brigades, designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Chase shares his experience as a cadet and the opportunities that have resulted from the brigades. Tune in to learn more about these impactful programs and their significance in promoting waterfowl education and conservation efforts.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]

What do eiders eat, how do they feed, why is their poop so stinky, how do they taste, how many are there, and what are the most pressing conservation concerns affecting them? These and other questions are explored as Kate Martin and Dr. Sarah Gutowsky rejoin Dr. Mike Brasher to wrap up our common eider species profile. Also discussed is new research that is improving our knowledge of eider population trends and identifying important breeding and winter sites. New telemetry results are revealing fascinating insights about eider migration, and we learn of the important cultural and economic tie between common eiders and local communities, including why an eider down duvet could set you back $10,000!

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Matt Harrison continues his coverage from the Dallas Safari Club International (DSC). They discuss the event's atmosphere, noting that attendance has been strong and engaging despite some weather challenges. The hosts welcome Mr. Jason Nash from Federal Premium Ammunition, highlighting the impressive booth setup and the show’s excitement. Tune in for insights on waterfowl hunting, conservation issues, and the latest from corporate partners supporting Ducks Unlimited.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]

Waterfowl hunters harvest 12–14 million ducks and 3 million geese annually in the U.S.  The process used to estimate annual waterfowl harvest has several components and relies on the cooperation and participation by State wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and most importantly waterfowl hunters. Drs. Kathy Fleming and Paul Padding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service join Dr. Mike Brasher to help explain the harvest estimation process and some of the important uses of these estimates. This is episode 1 of a 3-part series.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Katie Burke talks with John Southworth, president of the Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association, to explore the fascinating world of waterfowl decoys. John shares how his passion for decoys began as a child, sparked by his dad bringing home treasures from antique shops and yard sales. Though he started waterfowl hunting years later, it wasn’t until he attended his first Minnesota Decoy Collectors Show that his love for decoy collecting truly took flight. Now, as president of the association, John has dedicated his life to collecting, and researching these pieces of waterfowling history. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion about the artistry, tradition, and community surrounding decoy collecting.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]

Common eiders are the largest duck in the Northern Hemisphere, with some tipping the scales at nearly 6 pounds. They are also the most widely distributed and heavily harvested sea duck in the world. In North America alone, there are 4 subspecies of the common eider. On this episode, Dr. Sarah Gutowsky and Kate Martin join Dr. Mike Brasher for Part One of our in depth discussion about this highly prized bird. This episode covers all the basics, including how to identify them, where they breed and winter, what their nests look like, and what we’ve learned from recent research about their ecology and unexpected shenanigans during the nesting season. Tune in for a wealth of information as we lay the foundation for even more discussions to come.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]