In this episode of Save it for the Blind, Jeff and Carson sit down with Jim Burcio and Rob Capriola—two pillars of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association—to talk decoys, tradition, and the upcoming 53rd Annual Wildfowl Festival in Sacramento, California.

Jim Burcio, PFDA’s Vice President of Membership, walks us through the history and heart of the festival, happening July 12–13, 2025. From carving competitions to conservation booths and antique showcases, it’s a celebration of waterfowl art and community like no other.

Joining him is Rob Capriola, a seasoned decoy carver whose work reflects over 50 years of craftsmanship and a biologist’s understanding of the birds. Rob shares his story—from carving his first rig to showcasing fine decoys at shows across the country—and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a decoy that’s both beautiful and biologically spot-on.

Whether you’re deep into decoy culture or just appreciate the craft that supports the hunt, this episode is packed with stories and insight from two men keeping tradition alive.

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop us a comment—especially if you’ve been to the Wildfowl Festival or have a decoy story of your own to share!

In Part 2 of our Save it for the Blind: New Zealand series, co-host Jeff Smith is back from the bush and sits down with his brother Colby Smith—his travel partner and fellow hunter—to debrief their epic trip to New Zealand.

The brothers recount their hunts across breathtaking terrain, swap stories from the field, and reflect on what sets New Zealand’s hunting culture apart. From gear highs and lows to local traditions and surprising differences in access and conservation, this conversation brings a full-circle look at their overseas adventure.

If you’ve ever dreamed about hunting abroad or want to hear what happens when two duck-obsessed brothers take on the Southern Hemisphere, this is your episode.

👉 Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment—especially if you’ve got questions about hunting in New Zealand or where we should head next!

In this episode of Save it for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with Dr. Kevin Ringelman—Associate Professor of Waterfowl Ecology and Management at LSU, and the successor to Dr. John Eadie’s longtime position at UC Davis. From drone-powered brood surveys to mentoring the next generation of wildlife professionals, Dr. Ringelman offers a grounded and insightful look at the evolving landscape of waterfowl research and conservation.

They dig into Kevin’s early influences—including his dad and formative field mentors—and discuss what it was like stepping into Eadie’s legacy. The conversation spans emerging tech like drones in duck brood studies, how field programs like College Camp and the College Hunter Program are changing student perspectives, and the regulatory and conservation challenges facing California and beyond.

Dr. Ringelman also shares advice for students wanting to break into the field, favorite species to study, his most unforgettable field moment, and one myth about conservation he’s ready to bust.

This episode blends heart, science, and future-forward thinking—whether you’re a student, biologist, or duck hunter, there’s something in here for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know what questions you'd love to hear us ask in future episodes. Your voice helps shape the blind!

In this unique episode of Save it for the Blind, co-host Jeff Smith checks in live from the hills of New Zealand as he takes us through the first week of his adventure abroad. From breathtaking landscapes to unexpected wildlife encounters, Jeff shares what it’s like hunting, exploring, and soaking up the local scene halfway around the world.

Carson Odegard holds down the fort stateside as the two chat about long flights, New Zealand ranches, conservation differences, and what it’s like adjusting to a new environment as a lifelong outdoorsman.

Get ready for laid-back storytelling, scenic dispatches, and a preview of what’s to come in part two of Jeff’s international waterfowl experience.

👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve hunted overseas or have questions for Jeff before he returns!

In this episode of Save it for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with Joshua Vickers, Shotshell Product Line Manager at Federal Ammunition, to dig into the latest innovations in waterfowl ammo—starting with the highly anticipated ULTRASTEEL.

Joshua breaks down what makes ULTRASTEEL unique, from its design process and field performance to how it stacks up against Federal’s other heavy hitters like Speed Shok and BlackCloud. Whether you’re shooting over rice, timber, or open water, you’ll hear when and why this load shines.

The conversation also explores the rise of sub-gauge popularity—with insights on 16 and 28 gauge performance, TSS patterns, and how bismuth is changing the game for both upland and waterfowl crossover hunters. They unpack who’s really driving the trend (hint: it’s not just the kids), and how Federal is balancing cutting-edge innovation with affordability in a shifting market.

If you’ve been curious about new loads, gauge setups, or want to get the inside scoop on what’s coming down the pipe from Federal, this one’s for you.

👉 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know what gear, guns, or guests you’d love to hear about next!

In Part 2 of this special two-part series on Save it for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard continue their conversation with UC Davis professor and waterfowl biologist Dr. John Eadie. This time, they dive deeper into his most memorable fieldwork stories, the conservation challenges that keep him up at night, and what the future holds for wetlands, waterfowl, and the students he’s helped guide for decades.

Dr. Eadie shares the behind-the-scenes highs and lows of major research projects, the meaning behind holding the Dennis G. Raveling Endowed Chair, and why initiatives like College Camp and the Egg Salvage Program matter now more than ever. He opens up about favorite species, unforgettable hybrid ducks, and what retirement might look like—with a mix of consulting, mentoring, hunting, and a lot more time in the marsh.

This episode is full of wisdom, humor, and heart—an inspiring look at a life lived for wildlife, education, and legacy. 👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your feedback or any topics you'd love us to cover in future episodes—your input helps keep the conversation going.

In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of Save it for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with Dr. John Eadie, UC Davis professor and leading authority in waterfowl and wetland ecology. With a career that’s impacted thousands of students and shaped critical conservation programs, Dr. Eadie opens up about the mentors who influenced him, the evolution of wildlife education, and the lasting impact of hands-on initiatives like the UC Davis Wood Duck Internship Program.

From unforgettable student stories to his role as the Dennis G. Raveling Chair in Waterfowl Biology, this episode offers a rare, reflective look at a legacy built on science, mentorship, and a deep love for the outdoors.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into Dr. Eadie’s fieldwork, conservation insights, and the personal moments that defined his journey.

👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your feedback or any topics you'd love us to cover in future episodes—your input helps keep the conversation going.

On this episode of Save it for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with two of California Waterfowl’s leading waterfowl biologists—Brian Huber, Wood Duck Program Coordinator, and Jason Coslovich, Egg Salvage Program Coordinator—for an in-depth look at the science, stories, and successes behind CWA’s critical conservation work.

They cover the results of this year’s pintail banding efforts, surprising data from the field, and how weather and habitat conditions shaped the season. The conversation also celebrates a major milestone: the banding of CWA’s one-millionth wood duck—and what that achievement means for the future of waterfowl conservation.

Brian and Jason also break down the Egg Salvage Program, explain how rocket netting works, and share incredible banding stories—from record-setting bird recoveries to rare hybrids spotted along the way. Plus, they offer advice on how hunters, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts can support these vital programs and why reporting band recoveries makes a real difference for wildlife management.

If you love ducks, science, and good stories, you won’t want to miss this one!

👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your feedback or topics you'd love to hear us cover in future episodes! Your support helps us keep the conversation—and conservation—going.

In this episode of Save it for the Blind, host Jeff Smith dives deep into the latest developments in conservation policy. Joined by co-host Carson Odegard, they sit down with Mark Hennelly VP of Advocacy for California Waterfowl. They unpack the recent Fish and Game Commission's approval of the 2025-26 regulations and explore what hunters can expect in the upcoming season.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of waterfowl hunting and conservation efforts.

In this episode of Save It for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with Austin Booth, the newly-appointed CEO of Banded Holdings, Inc. Known for his remarkable leadership across law, finance, and outdoor stewardship, Booth shares his journey from serving as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate to spearheading conservation efforts as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He now embarks on an exciting new chapter at the helm of Banded®, Avery Outdoors®, and Thacha®, leading the company into a future of innovation and excellence in the outdoor lifestyle industry.

Join us as Booth reflects on his passion for the outdoors, his leadership philosophy, and his vision to inspire the next generation of hunters and adventurers. With insights into the world of conservation and outdoor gear innovation, this episode is a must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring leaders alike. Buckle up for an engaging conversation that will leave you inspired and ready to embrace the wild.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode! If you enjoyed our conversation with Austin Booth, make sure to hit that like button and subscribe to our show for more inspiring stories and insights. Don’t forget to leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach even more listeners like you. Share this episode with your friends, and let’s keep the conversation going on social media using #SaveItForTheBlind. We’ll see you next time!