On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib talks with Justin Reif from Ohio. Justin is the property owner and manager at the Riverbend Hunt Club, a family owned and operated waterfowl hunting property that was started by his grandfather. They discuss the anticipation of the upcoming duck season, the impact of weather on hunting, and the importance of wetland management. Justin shares his experiences growing up in a hunting family, his military background, and his strategies for attracting ducks to his property. The conversation also dives into the challenges and opportunities presented by wetland restoration programs and the evolution of Justin's hunting property. Justin shares his insights on waterfowl hunting, focusing on wood duck management, geese hunting strategies, and his personal experiences in Ohio. He emphasizes the importance of natural practices, patience in property management, and the unique challenges and rewards of hunting in his area. The discussion also touches on memorable hunting stories and the significance of maintaining a connection to family land.

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Takeaways:

The two-week split in duck season allows ducks to rest and spread out.
Weather patterns significantly affect duck hunting success.
Justin Reif has a diverse background in hunting, influenced by family.
Management strategies can attract more ducks to hunting areas.
Wetland restoration programs provide financial support for conservation efforts.
Maintaining water control is crucial for effective wetland management.
The evolution of a hunting property requires ongoing adaptation and management.
Starting from scratch allows for better planning in wetland development.
Less is often more when it comes to decoy setups in hunting.
Understanding duck behavior is key to successful hunting strategies. Keep hunting practices natural and unobtrusive.
Widening shooting holes can improve hunting success.
Wood duck boxes significantly enhance wood duck populations.
Flooding corn early attracts wood ducks effectively.
Patience is key in managing hunting grounds for ducks.
Success in hunting is measured by the number of ducks held, not just harvested.
Ohio has a rich history of waterfowl hunting despite common misconceptions.
Unique hunting stories can add to the experience.
Managing your own property changes the hunting mindset.
Sharing knowledge about wetland management can help others.

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