Punisher Waterfowl Podcast

Bears, bots, bad advice, and the real cost of getting into waterfowling—this episode is a funny, honest conversation about what it takes to chase birds today.

Damien, Phil, and Craig start with Phil’s trail-camera battle against a black bear he’s named “Dick Bear,” then get into bigger questions facing the sport: How can new hunters get started without spending a fortune? Where can they find a mentor? And does social media make waterfowl hunting seem more expensive and intimidating than it needs to be?

The crew talks about:

How silhouettes can make a decoy spread easier to transport and more affordable

Finding mentorship through local hunting and angling clubs, conservation groups, and community connections

The pressure to look like a hardcore hunter online—and the reality of skipping a hunt sometimes

Making time for the field, enjoying the experience, and not getting in your own way

Bots, spam, stolen posts, and scams on social media

Expect plenty of laughs, some candid advice, and an unfiltered look at the highs, hassles, and changing culture of waterfowl hunting.

For new hunters, longtime bird chasers, and anyone who enjoys talking hunting with friends—this one’s for you.

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Saskatchewan is not just a default prairie destination. It is the place where you go when you want the right birds, the right timing, and the least amount of guesswork. Damien Pittman is joined by Craig Lalonde, Phil Christian, and Steven Horst for a brutally practical breakdown of how to plan a Canadian waterfowl trip that actually delivers.

Craig and Steven just came back from Saskatchewan after chasing specs, cranes, snows, and ducks, and they unpack what made this trip work from the start. Why Saskatchewan over Manitoba or Alberta? How do you choose the right time window? What matters most when you are booking an outfitter, and how much does currency, bird cleaning, camp size, and scouting pressure change the entire experience?

You’ll discover:

Why the species you want should determine where you hunt

How they used AI to build a smarter road trip route through Northern Ontario

What makes a good outfitter in Saskatchewan, and what red flags to watch for

Why small camp size and one-group operations can completely change the hunt

How weather, wind, and timing can make or break crane and snow goose days

What it actually takes to bring back meat, freeze it, and get it home safely

Philly also shares the freelance side of hunting Saskatchewan, including the simple but critical rules that open doors with landowners: be polite, leave things better than you found them, and do not act like you own the place. If you have ever thought about hunting the Canadian prairies, this episode gives you the real-world playbook instead of the fantasy version.

This is the kind of conversation that saves you from expensive mistakes and helps you set realistic expectations before you book a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Whether you are planning your first Saskatchewan hunt or trying to decide between Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, this one is packed with honest, field-tested advice.

Perfect for waterfowl hunters who want more than hype and are ready to plan a trip the smart way.

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In this week's episode of the Punisher Waterfowl Podcast, we dive deep into the allure of hunting in Saskatchewan with seasoned hunters Craig Lalonde, Steven Horst, and host Damien Pittman.

# # Why Saskatchewan?

The episode begins with a compelling discussion about why Saskatchewan has become a popular destination for bird hunting. Craig and Steve share their recent experiences hunting in the province, explaining that while Manitoba and Alberta also offer great opportunities, Saskatchewan has its own unique appeal.

> "It was for specs. I wanted to go out because I wanted to knock specs and cranes off the list." — **Steven Horst**

Steve highlights the specific bird species they aimed for, emphasizing that Saskatchewan provided the best chances for both snow geese and cranes. The conversation touches on the geographical factors influencing their choice, with both Craig and Steve noting the importance of being in the right areas to maximize their hunting success.

## The Journey to Saskatchewan

Travel logistics are also a significant part of their adventure. Craig shares how they planned their route using AI tools to optimize their journey, highlighting the importance of safety and planning when traveling such long distances. They discuss the challenges of driving through Ontario, especially in areas where cell service is spotty and finding accommodations can be tricky.

> "I called Carrie at the top of a hill because we were just going through all the big hills..." — **Craig Lalonde**

Their travel anecdotes reveal the camaraderie and humor that often accompany hunting trips, making it clear that the journey is just as important as the destination.

## Reflections on Hunting Experiences

As they reflect on their hunting experiences, Craig mentions his preference for Manitoba based on previous trips, while Steve appreciates the unique qualities of Saskatchewan. Damien adds a broader perspective, suggesting that many hunters default to Saskatchewan without considering the equally viable options available in Alberta and Manitoba.

> "If I was picking my spot to hunt, it would be Alberta every day." — **Damien Pittman**

This candid discussion about preferences and experiences in different provinces provides valuable insights for hunters considering their next trip.

## Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reminder of the joys of hunting, exploring new areas, and the friendships built along the way. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, the stories shared resonate with anyone who appreciates the thrill of the chase.

For the full episode, tune in to hear more about their adventures and the beautiful landscapes of Saskatchewan.

---

Sit Back and Enjoy

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In this episode, Damien Pittman and guests discuss faith, outdoor industry connections with Anthony Smith of American Waterfowl Systems (AWS). Anthony discusses the journey of creating custom waterfowl calls, including a major launch with Sitka Gear. They explore the importance of community, perseverance, and the evolving nature of waterfowl seasons.

Looking for new products?

Visit Canadian Waterfowl Supplies: https://www.canadianwaterfowlsupplies...

@CanadianWaterfowlSupplies

Looking for some Punisher Swag?

Visit www.punisherwaterfowl.com

A huge thank you to our show sponsors:

Real Geese Decoys : https://webfootdecoys.com/

@realgeesedecoys

Rig em Right: https://rigemright.com/

@RigEmRightWaterfowl

Pitboss Waterfowl: https://pitbosswaterfowl.com/

@JeffCoats

Have ideas for a topic? Know someone who would be a good guest?

Have questions about the show? Reach out on social media:

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/ punisherwate.. ) @punisherwaterfowl

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/ punisherwater.. ) #PunisherWaterfowl #podcast #waterfowl

#Waterfowl #VeteranOwned #Podcast #duckhunters #duckcalls

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Welcome back to the Punisher Waterfowl Podcast!

In this episode, Damien Pittman sits down with Todd Ezzi from Rixie Outdoors to explore the vibrant duck hunting culture of Arkansas and the journey that led Todd to create innovative products for hunters and their canine companions.

## The Madness of Memphis

Todd shares his experience at the Memphis show, where the energy was palpable. "Man, Memphis is right in the heart of our main business," Todd explains, highlighting the enthusiasm of duck hunters in the region. The booth was bustling, and Todd recalls the challenges of managing it as a one-man show. He reminisces, "It was chaos. I think we could have had ten people working the booth and it would have still been crazy."

## A Passion Ignited

Todd's journey into duck hunting began without any familial ties to the sport. "I was one of those kids that didn't have parents or really any direct family that hunted," he reveals. Thanks to mentors in his life, he discovered his love for the outdoors and duck hunting. "I lived for the TV shows back then... but to experience the outdoors, I had to rely on some mentors."

## The Allure of Arkansas Duck Hunting

When asked what makes Arkansas a prime destination for duck hunting, Todd responds with passion. "The duck hunting culture here is unmatched. From November to January, it's heavily focused on duck hunting. I think that is probably a difference." He points out the unique flyway that funnels ducks through the area, making it a hotspot for hunters.

## The Bond with Our Dogs

"I can't tell you how many times I've woken up thinking about sleeping in, but the dog is what gets me out of bed," Todd shares, emphasizing the special bond between hunters and their dogs. He reflects on how his love for dogs started with a golden retriever owned by a family friend, setting him on a path to becoming a passionate dog owner and trainer.

## Solving Problems with Rixie Outdoors

Todd discusses the driving force behind Rixie Outdoors, stating, "A good business comes from identifying a problem and solving it." He reflects on the practicalities that led to the creation of their dog stand, addressing the needs of duck hunters who rely on their dogs in the field.

As Todd and Damien delve into the rich tapestry of duck hunting culture and the innovative spirit behind Rixie Outdoors, listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for not just the sport but the community that surrounds it.

In this episode, you’ll find a blend of storytelling and insight that captures the essence of duck hunting in Arkansas. If you want to hear more about Todd’s journey and the fascinating world of waterfowl hunting, be sure to check out the full episode.

Looking for new products?

Visit Canadian Waterfowl Supplies: https://www.canadianwaterfowlsupplies...

@CanadianWaterfowlSupplies

Looking for some Punisher Swag?

Visit www.punisherwaterfowl.com

A huge thank you to our show sponsors:

Real Geese Decoys : https://webfootdecoys.com/

@realgeesedecoys

Rig em Right: https://rigemright.com/

@RigEmRightWaterfowl

Pitboss Waterfowl: https://pitbosswaterfowl.com/

@JeffCoats

Have ideas for a topic? Know someone who would be a good guest?

Have questions about the show? Reach out on social media:

Instagram : www.instagram.com/punisherwaterfowl (

/ punisherwate.. ) @punisherwaterfowl

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/ punisherwater.. ) #PunisherWaterfowl #podcast #waterfowl

#Waterfowl #VeteranOwned #Podcast #duckhunters #duckcalls

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In this episode of the Punisher Waterfowl Podcast, Damien Pittman joins his friend Matt Pomroy in the duck blind for a conversation about building a business—and making smarter decisions with its money.

Matt, a financial planner with 26 years of experience, talks through how Canadian business owners can think about company vehicle purchases, business-use mileage, tax rules, and the transition from a startup to a growing business. Damien shares his own goals for Punisher Waterfowl, from planning for a future truck to dreaming of owning hunting property.

Between flocks of wood ducks and mallards, the conversation also turns to hearing protection, hunting dogs, shotgun fit, and the importance of recovering game. It’s an outdoor conversation about balancing the hunt with the planning that can help support it.

Whether you’re a hunter, small-business owner, or simply trying to get more organized with your finances, this episode offers useful questions to bring to a qualified financial professional—along with plenty of duck-blind stories along the way.

Surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen.

Sit back and relax, this is a great show

Looking for new products?

Visit Canadian Waterfowl Supplies: https://www.canadianwaterfowlsupplies...

@CanadianWaterfowlSupplies

Looking for some Punisher Swag?

Visit www.punisherwaterfowl.com

A huge thank you to our show sponsors:

Real Geese Decoys : https://webfootdecoys.com/

@realgeesedecoys

Rig em Right: https://rigemright.com/

@RigEmRightWaterfowl

Pitboss Waterfowl: https://pitbosswaterfowl.com/

@JeffCoats

Have ideas for a topic? Know someone who would be a good guest?

Have questions about the show? Reach out on social media:

Instagram : www.instagram.com/punisherwaterfowl (

/ punisherwate.. ) @punisherwaterfowl

Facebook : www.facebook.com/punisherwaterfowl (

/ punisherwater.. ) #PunisherWaterfowl #podcast #waterfowl

#Waterfowl #VeteranOwned #Podcast #duckhunters #duckcalls

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Huntproof just changed the game for dog owners and trainers. Nathan Marks and Steven from Huntproof reveal the brand-new update that makes training logs faster, cleaner, and way easier to use - plus the upcoming Kennel Connect feature that lets trainers and owners stay synced in real time.

Damien Pittman gets an early look at the release and walks through the biggest upgrades firsthand: a larger map, compass and wind direction, color changes for better visibility, walk-up marks, smarter bird-station mapping, dog skill tracking, and a new profile system that stores pedigrees, certificates, medical records, and more. If you train one dog or manage a whole kennel, this update is built to save time and keep everything organized.

Nathan Marks breaks down the new journaling and mapping workflow, including how Kennel Connect lets trainers assign sessions to specific dogs, share updates, and keep owners in the loop without endless texts. Steven adds the product and user-experience perspective, explaining how the app is designed to feel lighter, simpler, and more useful for real-world dog owners. Together, they explain why the app is evolving from a hunt journal into a full legacy and communication system for the dog world.

You'll discover:

how the redesigned map makes training sessions faster to build and easier to read

why wind direction and compass tools matter when you're mapping marks and blinds

how dog profiles now track skills, paperwork, and training progress over time

what Kennel Connect does for owners who want to follow training without bothering the trainer every day

how the app handles privacy, data protection, and opt-in sharing

The conversation goes beyond features and gets into the bigger shift in hunting culture - from old-school “figure it out yourself” to a more connected, transparent, and accountable relationship between trainers, owners, and kennels. Nathan also explains the pricing, how premium users get access, and why the app is built to work for both serious retriever people and everyday hunters who want a better record of their season.

Perfect for dog trainers, kennel owners, retriever handlers, and waterfowl hunters who want a smarter way to track training, hunting history, and dog development. If you've ever wished your training notes, hunt logs, and dog records could all live in one place, this is the episode to hear.

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A brutally honest, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful episode about hunting, friendship, and the stories people usually don’t tell on mic. Damien and Craig get loose on everything from epic hunting blunders to why the best part of waterfowling might be the people it brings into your life.

They start with behind-the-scenes chaos most listeners never hear, including voiceover mishaps, last-minute schedule changes, and the massive amount of work involved in preparing for the National Retriever Championship. The conversation then takes a deeper turn as they discuss online negativity, keyboard courage, misinformation, and whether the waterfowl community could make a real difference by focusing more on positive stories.

They also dig into hunting regulations, border-crossing requirements for traveling with dogs, and why even conservation officers can’t possibly know every rule, species, and exception off the top of their heads.

Then comes the storytelling fans love most. Craig shares some unforgettable hunting disasters, including the story behind his legendary “Triple Threat” nickname, while Damien tells a field story that proves every hunter eventually has a day they’d rather forget. Along the way, they talk about the unexpected friendships created through hunting, podcasting, fundraising events, and simply making the effort to show up for people.

This episode is a reminder that waterfowling is about far more than birds and gear. It’s about the laughs, the embarrassing moments, the shared experiences, and the genuine relationships that keep people coming back.

Perfect for waterfowl hunters, retriever fans, and anyone who enjoys a good story told by people who actually lived it.

Surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen.

Sit back and relax, this is a great show

Looking for new products?

Visit Canadian Waterfowl Supplies: https://www.canadianwaterfowlsupplies...

@CanadianWaterfowlSupplies

Looking for some Punisher Swag?

Visit www.punisherwaterfowl.com

A huge thank you to our show sponsors:

Real Geese Decoys : https://webfootdecoys.com/

@realgeesedecoys

Rig em Right: https://rigemright.com/

@RigEmRightWaterfowl

Pitboss Waterfowl: https://pitbosswaterfowl.com/

@JeffCoats

Have ideas for a topic? Know someone who would be a good guest?

Have questions about the show? Reach out on social media:

Instagram : www.instagram.com/punisherwaterfowl (

/ punisherwate.. ) @punisherwaterfowl

Facebook : www.facebook.com/punisherwaterfowl (

/ punisherwater.. ) #PunisherWaterfowl #podcast #waterfowl

#Waterfowl #VeteranOwned #Podcast #duckhunters #duckcalls

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Crane hunts, gear obsession, and the truth about what really makes a waterfowler tick. Damien, Phil, and Craig get blunt about Ontario’s new Sandhill crane season, the social media backlash around regulations, and why so many hunters react before they actually read the rules.

The conversation gets real fast: Is the outrage about conservation, or is it just the internet doing what it does best? The guys break down why the crane hunt is limited to specific northern WMUs, why stamp sales and population density matter, and why a flock you see in your own field does not automatically mean a hunt should open in your backyard. Craig brings boots-on-the-ground context from northern Ontario, Phil adds the reality of bird numbers and hunter behavior, and Damien pushes the bigger question: are some people actually interested in the science, or just in blasting everything that flies?

You’ll also hear a sharp turn into pre-season gear talk, including what new products caught their attention after show season wrapped up. Craig shares the swamp stick and Rixie dog stand blind he picked up, Phil explains why he still wants to get his hands on Rig’Em Right Mallards, and Damien gets into the obsession with fit, shims, and why he’s seriously considering a 20 gauge after testing slower-velocity loads. The conversation also covers boots, waders, Gore-Tex, Filson fit tips, and why the right footwear can make or break a hunt.

If you’re the kind of hunter who reads the regulations, cares about conservation, wants to upgrade gear wisely, or simply enjoys a no-filter conversation about ducks, geese, cranes, and the occasional bad take online, this episode is for you.

It’s part gear talk, part reality check, and part reminder that not every hot take deserves a reaction.

Essential listening for waterfowlers heading into the season who want the bigger picture—not just the loudest comment thread.

Surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen.

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Public land, prairie potholes, and the future of duck hunting come into sharp focus in this no-filter conversation with Jake Maxwell of Chasen Green. If you care about real-world duck hunting strategy, conservation, or how modern content is changing the sport, this one hits home fast.

Jake joins Damien, alongside Craig and Phil for a wide-ranging episode that goes far beyond “how to kill birds.” They get into what’s actually happening with duck numbers, why the prairie pothole region matters to hunters in both the U.S. and Canada, and how social media can either help grow waterfowling or drag it down.

You’ll discover:

Why Jake believes ducks are fewer, harder to find, and more unpredictable than ever

How public land hunting changed once tools like OnX and digital mapping became game changers

Why Jake’s content feels different from polished hunting shows

What he’s learned from hunting across new states, new conditions, and new pressure

The one rule he says every duck hunter should follow if they want more success

Why the next generation of hunters needs more mentorship, not more gatekeeping

Damien, Craig, and @fowledcollective also press Jake on the tension between hunting, filming, outfitting, and staying authentic, leading to some honest talk about responsibility, controversy, and what actually helps the sport long-term. Jake shares how he thinks about conservation, why he doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and what keeps him grounded when the hunting world gets loud.

Jake Maxwell is the force behind Chasen Green, known for raw public-land hunting content, thoughtful takes on conservation, and a style that teaches without pretending there’s only one way to do it. His perspective blends hard-earned waterfowl experience with a willingness to talk about the issues that matter.

Essential listening if you love duck hunting, hunt public ground, follow Chasen Green, or want a smarter conversation about where waterfowling is headed next.

Surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen.

Sit back and relax, this is a great show

Looking for new products?

Visit Canadian Waterfowl Supplies: https://www.canadianwaterfowlsupplies...

@CanadianWaterfowlSupplies

Looking for some Punisher Swag?

Visit www.punisherwaterfowl.com

A huge thank you to our show sponsors:

Real Geese Decoys : https://webfootdecoys.com/

@realgeesedecoys

Rig em Right: https://rigemright.com/

@RigEmRightWaterfowl

Pitboss Waterfowl: https://pitbosswaterfowl.com/

@JeffCoats

Have ideas for a topic? Know someone who would be a good guest?

Have questions about the show? Reach out on social media:

Instagram : www.instagram.com/punisherwaterfowl (

/ punisherwate.. ) @punisherwaterfowl

Facebook : www.facebook.com/punisherwaterfowl (

/ punisherwater.. ) #PunisherWaterfowl #podcast #waterfowl

#Waterfowl #VeteranOwned #Podcast #duckhunters #duckcalls

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