The Big Honker Podcast

This series highlights the highs and lows of hunting public land across different regions of America — the early mornings, the pressure, the competition, and the grind that comes with earning every bird.

In this episode, Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Douglas Spale, who spends his hunting seasons chasing birds across the public lands of Kansas and Nebraska.

Douglas shares what it takes to hunt public land, including the long morning drives to reach his favorite spots and the planning that goes into making the most of each trip. He explains how he turns a single outing into a full day of hunting, pursuing waterfowl in the morning before switching gears and heading after upland birds in the afternoon, all before making the long drive back home.

The guys also discuss Douglas’s love for hunting the iconic Platte River and what makes the river such a special destination for waterfowl hunters. Douglas talks about his preferred way of chasing ducks, the experiences that keep him coming back, and the miles he travels in pursuit of his passion.

This series is brought to you by the great people at Chêne Gear.

In this series, Jeff & Andy dive into a mix of useless facts, myths, forgotten stories, and strange truths.

Jeff Stanfield looks at Congressional salaries and how they have grown through the years, and Andy tell the facts of one of America’s most famous murder cases… Lizzie Borden.

This series is brought to you by the amazing Cedar Run Decoys.

Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Tony Stanfield for the Week 7 Pick ’Em contest of the NFL season.

The guys go game by game through the slate of this weeks games in the NFL, making their picks and debating which teams will come out on top. They also each select their lock of the week and take a shot at predicting an upset that could shake up the Week 7 slate.

This series is presented by Ducks Unlimited.

Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Nathan Hogg from Higdon Outdoors to talk about what's new for the upcoming waterfowl season.

Nathan shares what hunters can expect from Higdon Outdoors as a new duck season gets underway. The guys also debate whether waterfowl hunters are becoming more effective in the field or if advances in modern hunting equipment are making it easier to find success.

Nathan is also preparing to head north for a waterfowl hunting trip, bringing up the excitement and mystique surrounding northern hunts. The guys talk about what makes traveling north to chase the start of the migration such a big part of hunting culture and why those trips hold a special place for so many duck hunters.

Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Brad Manley of B. Manley Studios, the artist behind the one-of-a-kind waterfowl artwork whiskey barrel that Ducks Unlimited presented to Jeff and Andy.

Brad takes the guys behind the scenes of creating these unique whiskey barrels, explaining the process that goes into bringing his artwork to life. He shares where the idea originated, how he developed the concept, and some of the learning curves he encountered along the way while perfecting his craft.

Beyond his work as an artist, Brad also works as a high-rise crane operator. He talks about what it's like working hundreds of feet above the ground, sharing some of the sketchy moments he's experienced in the crane and the challenges that come with operating heavy equipment high in the sky.

In this series, Jeff & Andy dive into a mix of useless facts, myths, forgotten stories, and strange truths.

Jeff Stanfield looks at different ways government funds are being misappropriated as we head into the midterms, while Andy shares a few startling theories that leave an uneasy feeling.

This series is brought to you by the amazing Cedar Run Decoys.

This series highlights the highs and lows of hunting public land across different regions of America — the early mornings, the pressure, the competition, and the grind that comes with earning every bird.

In this episode, Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Mike Nilsen from the state of Washington to talk about the unique waterfowl hunting opportunities the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Mike shares the incredible variety of ducks he gets to pursue each season, from puddle ducks to diving ducks. With as many as 27 different species available to hunt, Washington offers a diverse waterfowl experience that keeps hunters on their toes throughout the season.

The guys also discuss Washington’s system for managing public land hunting and how it shapes the experience for waterfowl hunters across the state. Mike explains how public access works and what hunters need to know when navigating the opportunities available to them.

The conversation wouldn’t be complete without talking about one of Mike’s biggest equipment challenges: saltwater. He explains how hunting in saltwater environments takes a toll on waterfowl hunting gear and the extra care required to keep equipment in working order.

This series is brought to you by the great people at Chêne Gear.

Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Jose Nuño for the Week 6 Pick ’Em contest of the NFL season.

The guys go game by game through the slate of this weeks games in the NFL, making their picks and debating which teams will come out on top. They also each select their lock of the week and take a shot at predicting an upset that could shake up the Week 6 slate.

This series is presented by Ducks Unlimited.

Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Ty Clinkenbeard of Cedar Ridge Aviation, a helicopter sprayer who recently completed his service in the United States Navy, where he worked as an aircraft refueler on the flight deck.

Ty shares what life was like in the Navy, from deployments and extended time at sea to the unique challenges of living and working aboard a ship. The guys discuss the demands of flight deck operations, what it's like being confined to a ship for long stretches, and the experiences that shaped Ty during his time in the military.

The conversation also turns to Ty's decision to leave the Navy and what led him to pursue a different path after completing his service. He explains his fascination with aviation and how that passion connects his military background with his current work flying helicopters for agricultural spraying.

Jeff Stanfield and Andy Shaver are joined by Michael McVay, General Manager of the iconic Duck Commander brand.

Michael shares his story of growing up in West Monroe, Louisiana, and the path that eventually led him to Duck Commander. The guys discuss how Phil Robertson and the Robertson family brought duck hunting into the mainstream through the hit television series Duck Dynasty, introducing an entirely new audience of Americans to waterfowl hunting and the outdoor lifestyle.

They also talk about the challenges of keeping an iconic brand relevant in a changing market. Michael explains how Duck Commander continues to connect with a new generation of customers while staying true to the traditions and values that helped build the company into a household name.

Of course, no conversation with Michael would be complete without talking SEC football. The guys wrap in some college football talk alongside stories about Duck Commander, the Robertson family, and the culture that has made the brand such a lasting part of the hunting world.