Fred Zink is BACK! And he’s bringing perspective that only time, toughness, and miles in the marsh can.

Fresh off his healing journey, Fred talks honestly about getting healthy again, slowing down just enough to appreciate the hunt, and the reality of chasing birds in a changing world. From freelancing in Saskatchewan to the pressure from outfitters, to the rise of tech in the field, nothing’s off-limits.

He and Chad dig deep into mentorship, patience, woodsmanship, and building the next generation of hunters the right way, with sweat, humility, and respect for the game.

Another conversation rooted in grit, gratitude, and that fire that never leaves a true hunter.

This episode is brought to you by Benelli Shotguns, Banded Brands, Federal Premium Ammunition, Avery Outdoors, and GHG Decoys.

Chad’s back from the field with a solo breakdown straight from a California early-season goose hunt. He talks about the misses, the magic, and the power of a perfect hide in dry rice country.

It’s a hunt that proves why scouting, patience, and respect for the birds still matter. You’ll hear how the crew at Merlo Waterfowl and California Waterfowl Association keep the boots on the ground, the blinds invisible, and the excitement alive.

From big honkers at ten yards to flagging strategies and calling finesse, this one’s got it all! Real talk from a man who lives every second of it.

If you're fired up about waterfowl season, this one's for you!!

This episode is brought to you by Benelli shotguns, Avery Outdoors, Federal Premium Ammunition, Oakley Sunglasses, and Merlo Waterfowl

There are no boundaries when it comes to eating wild. In this Eat Wild edition, we migrate to India as our official Fowl Life Chef, Ellie Lawton, and Sommelier Megan Salazar join our Midwest Host, Joel Kleefisch, for easy, delicious Indian table fare from the field to the table. Curry up! You don’t want to miss it!

This episode is brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Camospace, and GATR coolers

In this solo episode of The Fowl Life Podcast, Chad opens up about his longtime hunting partner, Axl, a dog who proves that passion doesn’t fade with age.

Chad talks about keeping your retriever active, healthy, and mentally sharp through the years, and shares what it means to hunt alongside a dog that just won’t quit. With Axl still chasing retrieves and getting ready to sire his next litter, this one’s all about loyalty, drive, and the unspoken bond between hunter and dog.

This one is part of the Eukanuba Duck Dogs Series, celebrating the dogs that make waterfowling what it is!

This episode is proudly brought to you by Eukanuba, Federal Premium Black Cloud Aummunition, Benelli Shotguns, Banded Gear, and Avery Outdoors.

Ain’t no better way to have a Wild Game Day than serve wild game appetizers for the big game! The Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and acclaimed Provider Chef Ellie Lawton break down easy wild game eats to score you a big win with guests and family. Huddle up, cuz this edition of The Fowl Life, Provider Series, Eat Wild edition is a home run.

This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Travel Wisconsin, and Camospace

California Waterfowl Association has been putting their money where their mouth is—millions of dollars invested straight back into conservation. In this episode, Chad sits down with Scott Mueller, VP of Fund and Membership Development, to break down where those funds actually go and why the work CWA is doing matters to every hunter, not just those in California.

They talk about the evolution of the organization, the programs they’ve pioneered, and why banquets and fundraisers are the engine that keeps conservation moving. From bringing in new members to offering public hunt draws through their Hunt Program, CWA continues to create real opportunities for hunters across the board.

This one’s about why being a member matters, how hunters are funding the future, and why CWA’s mission is something we all should care about! This episode is brought to you by This episode is brought to you by California Waterfowl Association, Corning Ford, Jack Link’s, Banded Casual Wear, Napa Valley Olive Oil, The Nashville Palace, and Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels.

Grab your chopsticks and buckle up for this week's high-flying recipe: Thai Teal Salad. The Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and award-winning Provider Chef Ellie Lawton team up on an authentic Thai Duck recipe that goes from field to table in a flash. So easy a whitetail hunter could do it! Check it out.

This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Travel Wisconsin, and Camospace

In this episode, Chad sits down with Brad Arrington of Mossy Pond Retrievers for a deep dive into the world of hunting dogs. From breeding and health clearances to training, etiquette, and nutrition, Brad brings decades of experience to the table.

They cover it all! From the age-old question of how much protein a working dog really needs, the impact of conditions like drop tail on performance, and why warming up your dog before a hunt is just as important as warming up a professional athlete. Brad lays out how temperature, diet, and discipline play into building a dog that can perform season after season.

This conversation is packed with insight for hunters who want to bring the best out of their dogs, whether you’re raising a new pup, tuning up your seasoned retriever, or just looking for ways to keep your hunting partner healthy and sharp.

This episode is brought to you by Eukanuba Premium Performance, Mossy Pond Retrievers, Benelli shotguns, Avery, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Dogtra collars, and the Provider Culinary

This one is raw, intense, and unapologetic. Chad sits down with rock legend and outspoken hunter’s advocate Ted Nugent, just days after the devastating assassination of Charlie Kirk. The energy is electric, the emotions are high, and Uncle Ted doesn’t hold back.

From honoring Charlie’s legacy to unleashing a fiery rant on the laws that threaten hunters and the freedoms we stand for, Ted takes the gloves off. They talk responsibility, grit, and why it’s on all of us to stand up, speak out, and protect what matters.

This episode is dedicated to Charlie Kirk—his voice, his fight, and his movement. In the words of Uncle Ted: “They killed Charlie Kirk, but they cannot kill the movement.”

Buckle up—this is The Fowl Life Podcast at its most powerful, and it’s a conversation you won’t forget.

This episode is brought to you by Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud Ammunition, Banded Gear, Avery Outdoors, Greenhead Gear Decoys, ZLINE Kitchen & Bath, and Corning Ford.

The wait is over! Waterfowl season is upon us across the country, and Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch has the exclusive with Banded's one and only, Eric Larsgaard, on what to expect, what to wear, and what to eat! Of course, it wouldn’t be the Provider series without talking about wild game food. TFL chef Ellie Lawton chimes in with her expertise as they all take a moment to come to you live from this year's Waterfowl Hunters Expo. Make sure your ears don’t blink, cuz this is the season prep podcast! This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, Travel Wisconsin, ZLINE, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil