Hey everyone, this is Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to just take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and meaningful 4th of July, our Independence Day. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded of the freedoms that we cherish and the responsibility that we all share to protect the natural resources that make this country so special. At Ducks Unlimited, our mission has always been rooted in conservation, stewardship, and service to something larger than ourselves. And none of that's possible without you, our dedicated volunteers, our generous supporters, and our passionate listeners. You're the reason we're able to restore wetlands, preserve critical habitats, and ensure that future generations will experience the same wild places and rich traditions that we hold dear. So on this Independence Day, we want to say thank you. Thank you for standing by us. Thank you for believing in our mission. And thank you for being part of the DU family. From all of us here at Ducks Unlimited, happy 4th of July. And may your day be filled with good company, great memories, and time outdoors. God bless you, and God bless America. 

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Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins Chris Jennings to talk about ways to improve your wingshooting during the off season. Bourjaily explains that repetition is the key, but there are several ways to focus your training on shots typically seen in the duck blind. Pick up a few helpful off-season shooting tips as the pair discuss techniques and best practices.

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Celebrate the 4th with BBQ legend Malcom Reed of How to BBQ Right as he joins host Jerad Henson for a cookout packed with flavor and tips. From smoked queso to duck breast and firecracker wings, this episode is your guide to simple, crowd-pleasing holiday recipes. Whether you're at the lake or in the backyard, this episode has everything you need for a delicious, no-fuss 4th of July.

What’s Inside:

• Easy smoked queso with wild game sausage
• Crispy, juicy wings with firecracker sauce
• Duck done right—skin-on, seared, and super flavorful
• BBQ-style pork tenderloin sliders
• Peach BirdDog Shandy: your new summer cocktail!

Related Links:

• Full recipe details-> CLICK HERE!
• HowToBBQRight.com

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"There's nothing adaptive about AHM!" Why is this viewpoint wrong?  "Follow the science!" Why is it not that simple? On this episode, Kayci Messerly and Dr. Mike Brasher go on location at the US Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center to visit with Dr. Mike Runge, quantitative ecologist, to learn about the unparalleled history and legacy of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in making North American waterfowl management the envy of the world. Home to the Bird Banding Lab, Waterfowl Breeding Population Surveys, Harvest Surveys, and Adaptive Harvest Management, the federal scientists who have walked the halls of Patuxent are giants in their field and have answered some of America's most pressing questions in wildlife management. Yet this expertise extends beyond waterfowl and includes pivotal work on the recovery of the endangered whooping crane, lead poisoning, DDT, moist-soil management, and much more. Listen, learn, and appreciate the incredible science of Patuxent.

The history of Patuxent: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1422

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Phil Bourjaily, Ducks Unlimited magazine shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to talk about buying used waterfowl guns. Bourjaily offers some tips for finding quality used guns, modifying an old gun, and even what to avoid when searching for a used shotgun.

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In this episode, renowned outdoorsman Fred Zink sits down with host Matt Harrison for a conversation full of wild stories, expert insights, and practical tips for hunters at any level.

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In the final installment of our Labrador Retriever series, host Nathan Ratchford, co-host John Gordon, and guest Craig Koshyk—a respected dog historian, photographer, and author of Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals—explore the breed’s history coming back to North America. This episode explores the rise of field trials in North America, the influence of key breeders and trainers, and the legendary dogs—like King Buck—who left an indelible mark on the sporting world.

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In this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and Kayci Messerly sit down with Dr. Tony Celis-Murillo and Dr. Lauren Walker of the USGS Bird Banding Lab (BBL) for a deep dive into the history and legacy of bird banding. They explore the function of the BBL, the vital roles of its staff, and how banding data contribute to our understanding of waterfowl populations, migration patterns, and annual harvest regulations. From reward bands to surprising recoveries, Tony and Lauren bring to life the science and dedication involved in banding efforts and the role they play in migratory bird management. Along the way, they share jaw-dropping facts that highlight just how many bands are out there and the insights these bands provide. This episode offers an inspiring look at the people and efforts behind one of America's most important wildlife monitoring programs.

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Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels, joins Chris Jennings on this podcast to discuss introductions. There’s a right way and a wrong way to introduce dogs, even puppies, to the world of duck and goose hunting. Stewart talks about introducing gunfire, water, blinds, decoys, and the various obstacles waterfowling presents.

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Paranormal powerhouses Kyle Philson and Cam Hale from Expanded Perspectives are back with DU Podcast host Matt Harrison for another chilling, campfire-worthy episode. Following the massive success of their previous conversation, this follow-up digs even deeper into the eerie stories shared by DU Podcast listeners. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or a curious skeptic, these stories will make you think twice before your next walk in the woods.

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