On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Ernest Gonzales of Feet Down Waterfowl to the show.

Ernest is a hardcore Texas waterfowl hunter and content creator known for sharing his passion for the sport through Feet Down Waterfowl on TikTok. Brian gets Ernest’s background and hears the story of how his obsession with duck hunting began before diving into what makes waterfowl hunting in Texas unique.

The conversation turns to scouting, hunting strategy, and lessons learned from years spent chasing ducks. Ernest shares his approach to breaking down new areas, discusses common mistakes hunters make, and explains what separates average hunters from consistently successful waterfowl hunters.

Brian and Ernest also talk about the role social media plays in hunting today, how platforms like TikTok have influenced hunting culture, gear philosophies, unpopular opinions, and plenty of stories from time spent in the marsh.

Waterfowl hunters of all experience levels will find some entertaining stories and practical takeaways in this episode.

Please share this episode with your waterfowl hunting friends and family.

Feel free to reach out to us: [email protected]

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib dives into one of the topics he gets asked about a lot: freelance waterfowl road trips.

From choosing a destination and planning a hunt to licensing, budgeting, scouting, gear selection, and deciding where to actually hunt once you arrive, Brian breaks down his complete process for planning DIY waterfowl adventures. Whether you're thinking about taking your first out-of-state hunt or looking to become a more efficient travel hunter, this episode is packed with practical information and lessons learned through years of trial and error.

Brian discusses how he researches potential hunting locations, what resources he uses before ever leaving home, how he approaches scouting unfamiliar areas, and the gear that makes the cut when space is limited. He also covers regulations and licensing considerations, the importance of understanding each state or province waterfowl laws, and what happens after the hunt—including transporting and making use of harvested birds.

If you've ever wondered what really goes into planning a successful freelance hunt beyond the social media highlight reels, this episode pulls back the curtain.

Please share this episode with your hunting friends and family, and thank you for supporting the Migration Waterfowl Podcast.

Feel free to reach out to us: [email protected]

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Patreon - You can support the show here and get exclusive access!

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Apparel & Gear Roost

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg Toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes his friend and hunting partner Mike Pomaibo back to the show. Mike is a hardcore waterfowl hunter from Pennsylvania. Brian asks Mike about his recent turkey hunting success and gets to hear the story of the gobbler Mike got to harvest while hunting with his dad. They talk about tungsten ammunition and the extreme rise in cost of TSS rounds.

The conversation turns to waterfowl hunting and Brian asks Mike to share his perspective of what has worked and what hasn't as he has matured as a waterfowl hunter over the last few seasons. Mike shares his top 5 tips that helped him level up his waterfowl hunting game. He also breaks down some common misconceptions he expected as a new waterfowl hunter and how he dealt with those.

Waterfowl hunters of all levels will find some great information in this episode. Please share this with your waterfowl hunting friends and family.

Feel free to reach out to us: [email protected]

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Merchandise & The Gear Roost:

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg Toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib breaks down his ideal waterfowl season blueprint—what he would do differently if he could start from scratch, knowing what he knows now.

From defining what a successful season actually looks like, to structuring early, mid, and late season hunts, Brian dives into the strategies that separate a reactive season from an intentional one. He covers how to balance local hunting and travel, why off-season prep matters more than most hunters realize, and how staying organized and ready can lead to more opportunities in the field.

Brian also discusses the importance of hunting conditions over calendar dates, choosing the right hunting partners, and adapting when things don’t go according to plan—because they rarely do.

Whether you’re chasing more consistent success or just looking to get more out of your time in the blind, this episode will help you approach the upcoming season with purpose.

⸻

In This Episode:

⸻

Support the Show:

If you’re enjoying the podcast, consider supporting on Patreon. Choose from Flyway Member, Blind Partner, or Migration Crew tiers—each designed to bring you closer to the show and the Migration Waterfowl community.

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

⸻

Connect & Follow:

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more content, gear, and behind-the-scenes from the season.

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter.

Feel free to reach out to us: [email protected]

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg Toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most waterfowl hunters overlook how innovation and community are changing the game—and they often miss the real story behind your favorite gear. Don Espy, a seasoned outdoor industry pro and marketing expert at Frog Togs, unpacks how authentic relationships, cutting-edge product design, and savvy content creation are transforming outdoor adventures in ways you’ve never heard before.

On this episode, Don shares his incredible journey with host Brian Halbleib, from fishing in New York to leading marketing for one of the most trusted brands in outdoor gear. You'll discover how Frog Togs’ revolutionary waterproof technology and affordable pricing challenge the status quo, making top-tier gear accessible for every waterfowler. We break down the science behind their packable rain suits and cooling towels—how they keep you dry and comfortable in extreme conditions—and the tactical approach they take in product development to meet hunters' needs at every season.

You'll also get an inside look at the modern landscape of outdoor marketing—how user-generated content, social media innovation, and authentic storytelling are driving engagement. Don shares practical advice on how aspiring outdoor professionals can break into the industry, emphasizing the importance of community, local connections, and building genuine relationships with brands and reps. Plus, learn why supporting the right companies means more than just their products—it's about the people.

This episode is perfect for hunters, waterfowlers, and outdoor enthusiasts eager to understand how technological advances, marketing shifts, and personal connections are shaping future hunting experiences. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Don’s insights reveal the opportunities—and the critical mindset—needed to thrive in today’s outdoor industry.Tune in to discover how embracing innovation and authentic community can elevate your outdoor game, and why having fun and staying safe should always come first. If you care about gear that truly performs and stories that inspire, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating the evolving outdoor landscape

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter.

Feel free to reach out to us: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

⁠https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com⁠

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

⁠https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com⁠

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

⁠https://rigemright.com⁠

Flight Day Am-mo

⁠https://www.flightdayammo.com⁠

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

⁠https://aveshunting.com⁠

Retay USA

⁠https://www.retayusa.com⁠

frogg Toggs

⁠https://www.froggtoggs.com⁠

The Duck Hole & Company

⁠https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany⁠

Northern Duck Calls

⁠https://www.northernduckcalls.com⁠

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Greg Croxford at his cabin in southern Ohio. After spending the day planting rice along a remote creek, we sit down to talk about what it really takes to build a duck spot from scratch—and the risks that come with it.

Greg shares the story behind his property, originally purchased by his father, and what it meant to build the cabin together by hand using white oak logs from the land itself. Since his father’s passing, the property has taken on an even deeper meaning, and now we’re working to build something that will last for years to come.

We dive into the reality of planting duck food in water we can’t control, why rice can be effective in the right conditions, and the challenges that come with trying to create a consistent duck hunting spot. From scouting and habitat to long-term strategy, this episode is all about the process—and the uncertainty—of trying to do it the right way.

If everything goes right, this could turn into a great early season spot. If not… it’s all part of the journey.

🎬 Be sure to check out the full video from this trip on the Migration Waterfowl YouTube channel as part of The Migration Route series.

🔑 KEY TOPICS

• Building a duck hunting spot from scratch

• Planting Ozark rice for waterfowl habitat

• Hunting property history and legacy

• Scouting and habitat strategy

• Risks of planting in uncontrolled water

• Creating long-term duck hunting opportunities

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a buddy. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Migration Waterfowl YouTube channel to follow along with The Migration Route series.

Feel free to reach out to us: [email protected]

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg Toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl podcast, Brian sits down with Wisconsin waterfowl hunter and TFS Cable Works owner, Dylan Kletsch. Introduced through a mutual friend, Dylan brings a blue-collar, grassroots perspective to both hunting and building a business in the waterfowl space.

Dylan shares his journey into waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin—what it was like getting started, the lessons learned along the way, and how his approach has evolved over time. The conversation dives into his preferred hunting styles, the types of habitat he focuses on, and the species he encounters throughout the season in the upper Midwest.

The guys also break down the story behind TFS Cable Works—how it started, what goes into building a brand in the waterfowl industry, and what sets his products apart from the rest. If you’re interested in waterfowl hunting, entrepreneurship, or both, this episode delivers real-world insight from someone living it every day.

Topics discussed:

• Learning to waterfowl hunt in Wisconsin

• Habitat preferences and hunting strategies

• Species and seasonal experiences in the Midwest

• Starting a business in the waterfowl industry

• The story behind TFS Cable Works

• Standing out in a competitive gear market

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter.

Feel free to reach out to us: [email protected]

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg Toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pennsylvania Waterfowl Season Changes, Sunday Hunting & Non-Resident Regulations | Migration Waterfowl Podcast

In this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, Brian Halbleib discusses potential changes to Pennsylvania waterfowl season dates and the ongoing push for Sunday hunting in PA.

He also breaks down possible regulation changes affecting non-resident waterfowl hunters in Saskatchewan and Kansas—what it could mean for traveling hunters and future opportunities.

This episode highlights the importance of conservation and volunteering to improve wildlife habitat, along with supporting organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

Brian also shares his 2026 goals for the Migration Waterfowl brand and upcoming travel hunts, while emphasizing the importance of unity within the hunting community—especially during the offseason.

Plus, get updates on upcoming hunting expos and how to follow along with his schedule.

Feel free to reach out to us:

[email protected]

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Website & Store

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

⁠https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com⁠

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

The Duck Hole & Company

⁠https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany⁠

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

⁠https://rigemright.com⁠

Flight Day Am-mo

⁠https://www.flightdayammo.com⁠

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

⁠https://aveshunting.com⁠

Retay USA

⁠https://www.retayusa.com⁠

frogs toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

Northern Duck Calls

⁠https://www.northernduckcalls.com⁠

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Dennis Loosier, aka Dr. Duck. Dennis shares his journey from a Texas waterfowl hunter and HVAC professional to a recognized voice in waterfowl education and content. Discover insights on hunting strategies, waterfowl resource management, and how to foster a culture of respect and knowledge in the hunting community.

Dennis recounts how he was introduced to waterfowl hunting through property ownership and friends. He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and helping newcomers succeed. He talks about he story behind the nickname “Dr. Duck” and how it led to content creation. He offers insights on the differences in hunting philosophies across states and flyways. Dennis also gives practical advice for public ground hunting, scouting, and weather considerations. We wrap up the show talking about the role of social media and community in shaping waterfowl conservation and hunting ethics and touch on Dennis’s thoughts on wildlife management, public land policies, and advocating for the sport’s future.

Feel free to reach out to us: 

[email protected]⁠

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Website & Store

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

⁠https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com⁠

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

The Duck Hole & Company

⁠https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany⁠

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

⁠https://rigemright.com⁠

Flight Day Am-mo

⁠https://www.flightdayammo.com⁠

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

⁠https://aveshunting.com⁠

Retay USA

⁠https://www.retayusa.com⁠

frogs toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

Northern Duck Calls

⁠https://www.northernduckcalls.com⁠

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways:

Dennis's background in waterfowl hunting and how he got started

The evolution of his hunting style and experiences across different states

The journey of creating educational waterfowl content with a focus on storytelling

How public lands are managed and the importance of community efforts

Tips for aspiring hunters: patience, concealment, reading ducks, and network building

The significance of mentorship, honest communication, and maintaining a respectful hunting culture

Personal reflections on faith, family, and leaving a positive legacy in hunting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Jesse Kearns to the show. Jesse shares his journey from Pennsylvania to Missouri and back, exploring waterfowl hunting, hunting strategies, dog training, and navigating different hunting environments. Jesse discusses his waterfowl hunting background in Pennsylvania and how he adapted to out-of-state hunting environments. He also provides tips on reading pressured ducks and effective calling techniques. He talks about the key differences between marsh, creek, and timber hunting. He also discusses how to improve success using technology like OnX for map tracking He gets into dog training fundamentals: how he started with hound dogs and moved to retrievers, and how to avoid common mistakes. They wrap up with Jesse's favorite spots, memorable hunts, and tips for beginners.

Feel free to reach out to us: 

[email protected]⁠

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Website & Store

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

⁠https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com⁠

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

The Duck Hole & Company

⁠https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany⁠

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

⁠https://rigemright.com⁠

Flight Day Am-mo

⁠https://www.flightdayammo.com⁠

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

⁠https://aveshunting.com⁠

Retay USA

⁠https://www.retayusa.com⁠

frogs toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com

Northern Duck Calls

⁠https://www.northernduckcalls.com⁠

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways

Hunting in Pennsylvania: private vs. public land dynamics

Success and challenges hunting marshes and timber in PA

First memorable duck hunt and early experiences

Early waterfowl hunting in PA: private spots and public hunting

Moving out west: Missouri retriever training and hunting culture

Adapting skills from Pennsylvania to Missouri timber hunting

Mastering flooded timber waterfowl hunts

Differences in pressured birds and calling techniques

Comparing Missouri and PA hunting environments and success factors

Working with dogs: training, psychology, and competition vs. real-world application

Season overview: duck populations, migration patterns, and personal success

Favorite places to hunt and memorable hunts in Missouri and Kentucky

Advice for beginners: scouting, gear, and persistence

Challenges with spot sharing and conserving hunting spots

Starting dog training: resources, costs, and training programs

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices