On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Jordan Fromer to the show. Jordan is a hardcore waterfowler from Indiana. He is the host of the Duck Gun Podcast and the Duck Gun Chronicles YouTube channel. Jordan also started Duck Gun Wild Seasonings, developing seasonings blended specifically for wild game. They talk about his journey into waterfowl hunting, the challenges he faced and the steps he took to be successful consistently. They discuss his epic waterfowl adventures and projects, including the Timber Queen, an old wooden house boat he turned into a traveling duck camp to chase the duck season openers down the Mississippi River. You are really going to enjoy this one. You can learn more about Jordan here: https://youtube.com/@duckgunchronicles?si=_XOkLInXhhfuKrnS

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Migration Waterfowl Store

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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

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways

Jordan Fromer shares his journey into waterfowl hunting.

Supportive partners play a crucial role in pursuing passions.

Learning waterfowl hunting often comes from personal exploration.

Creating content while learning can inspire others.

Innovative projects like the Timber Queen showcase creativity in hunting.

Memorable experiences on the Timber Queen highlight the adventure of hunting.

Challenges faced on the Mississippi River test perseverance.

The end of the Timber Queen's journey marks a significant chapter.

Waterfowl hunting offers unique thrills and challenges each season.

Creative cooking with waterfowl enhances the hunting experience.

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Ben Meyers to the show. Ben is from Kansas and he is the owner of Flight Day Ammunition. He also manages his family farm in Missouri for waterfowl habitat. They discuss how his season went this year and anything he would have changed about it. They talk about the current flooded corn debate and get his insight as a private land owner and manager in Missouri. They also discuss Flight Day Ammunition, their experiences and successes with the rounds over this season and what’s new for 2026. They also talk about new technologies in waterfowl ammunition and where the industry is going moving forward.

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

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@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

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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

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Eric Lance to the show. Eric is an avid waterfowl hunter and wildlife biologist from Ohio. Eric talks about how his hunting season went this year. He discusses the problems facing wild mallard genetics, and the impact that farm duck hybridization is having on duck populations. They explore the importance of ecological understanding for waterfowl hunters, the critical habitat needs for ducks, and the effects of hunting pressure on waterfowl behavior. They also touch on public land management, the role of volunteers in conservation, and the challenges facing waterfowl populations today. Eric emphasizes the need for active participation in conservation efforts and the importance of understanding the ecology of waterfowl to ensure their future. You can learn more about Eric here: https://www.lanceecologylab.com

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://migration-waterfowl.printify.me

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

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways

Duck hunting season was successful for Eric, including an elk hunt in Colorado.

Eric's dissertation focuses on mallard genetics and artificial nesting structures.

Hybridization rates in mallards are increasing, impacting their behavior and ecology.

High hybridization rates can lead to negative ecological effects in mallards.

Management strategies are needed to address hybridization in mallard populations.

Understanding ecology enhances hunting success and conservation efforts.

Moist soil units are critical habitats for ducks throughout the year.

Hunting pressure significantly affects duck behavior and distribution.

Identifying feeding and loafing areas is essential for successful hunting.

Public land management and flooded corn practices are controversial but necessary for habitat.

Volunteers play a crucial role in conservation and habitat management.

Ecological understanding is vital for effective wildlife management.

Challenges in waterfowl management include funding and habitat loss.

Social media can both help and hinder wildlife management efforts.

Active participation in conservation is essential for the future of waterfowl populations.

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Elliott Snider to the show. Elliott has been on the show several times and it’s always fun catching up with him. Brian had the chance to hunt with him three times this season in three different states and they all turned out to be really successful and really special hunts. Elliott is the host of the North American Waterfowler Podcast and Freelance Duck Hunting on YouTube. He also created the North American Waterfowler app, a phone and computer application that logs all of your waterfowl hunting stats. They talk about his current scouting that he was doing for this weekend’s hunt and get a little insight into his approach. They also recap his waterfowl season and discuss his overall satisfaction, highlights and the goals he had for this season. They talk about the letter that Senator Kennedy sent to the head of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife service and weigh in on the current sentiments growing around this issue. They also discuss their faith journeys and evaluate where they are and where they want to go. They talk about the future of duck hunting and some changes that may be coming to Elliott’s home state.

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://migration-waterfowl.printify.me

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

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 Troy Miller and Blake Horton to the show. They are both originally from the great state of Texas with Blake now residing in Louisiana. They have been waterfowl hunting together for years and they recently decided to start the Wingin' It Waterfowl Podcast. They discuss how they got into waterfowl hunting. They talk about the challenges they have faced in previous seasons and how this current waterfowl season has been going. They also discuss their experiences during a podcast start up and the challenges and successes they have had to this point. They also talk about their faith journeys and how it has influenced their lives. They wrap up the conversation with their most memorable hunting experiences, strategies for targeting different species, and their future goals for their podcast.

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://migration-waterfowl.printify.me

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

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 reflects on the past year and past waterfowl season as 2025 comes to an end. He provides an update on his waterfowl hunting adventures from the past week, his Christmas celebrations with family & friends and losing a few days of his vacation to the flu. He recaps the progress of the podcast over the past year and talks about where it is headed in 2026, including recognizing his friends and mentors who have helped him along the way. He also talks about his upcoming hunts, the weather forecast for his hunting areas and his plans for the rest of the Pennsylvania waterfowl seasons.

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

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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

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 shares his reflections on the waterfowl and holiday seasons, discussing family traditions and the joys of gathering and hunting during Christmas. Brian also shares his frustrations with modern technology and their impact on his use of that technology. Brian then transitions into his recent hunting experiences in Pennsylvania, detailing the challenges posed by weather conditions and the strategies employed to adapt. He discusses the importance of scouting and understanding local hunting regulations, as well as his personal goals for the hunting season. The episode concludes with a reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, emphasizing the significance of the holiday.

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://migration-waterfowl.printify.me

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

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways

Brian shares his love for family gatherings during the holiday season.

Modern technology can often lead to unexpected frustrations.

Scouting is crucial for successful hunting, especially in changing conditions.

Hunting in Pennsylvania has been challenging this season due to weather.

The importance of being courteous to fellow hunters is highlighted.

Tracking personal hunting stats can enhance the hunting experience.

Setting personal goals in hunting can lead to greater satisfaction.

The Christmas story is shared to reflect on the holiday's significance.

Brian emphasizes the importance of enjoying the outdoors and nature.

Listeners are encouraged to seek a relationship with their creator.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Reflections and Family Traditions

05:21 Hunting Conditions and Strategies

11:26 Hunting Experience in Pennsylvania

18:11 Challenges and Observations During the Hunt

26:26 Hunting Experiences and Challenges

35:43 Seasonal Hunting Strategies and Weather Impact

46:52 Community Engagement and Future Plans

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Luke Costilow to the show. Luke is a full-time duck decoy carver from Northeast Ohio. He is also an avid waterfowl hunter and has many years of experience hunting ducks. They discuss Luke's journey from wildlife management to carving decoys, the importance of family in waterfowl hunting, and the current state of duck hunting in Ohio. Luke shares insights on migration patterns, hunting regulations, and the challenges and rewards of running a decoy business. He emphasizes the significance of wetland management and the joy of teaching others the art of decoy carving. They also highlight the personal connections made through waterfowl hunting and the craft of decoy making.

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://migration-waterfowl.printify.me

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

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways

Luke Costilow is a full-time duck decoy carver from Northeast Ohio.

He has a strong family connection to waterfowl hunting, having been taught by his father.

The current season has been particularly good for waterfowl hunting in Ohio.

Luke emphasizes the importance of wetland management for successful hunting.

He has transitioned from wildlife management to full-time decoy carving.

Luke's decoys are influenced by both competition standards and functional hunting needs.

He uses high-density cork and Tupelo wood for his decoys.

Teaching decoy carving classes has become a significant part of his business.

Luke's business includes custom orders and a new venture in decoy carving kits.

He finds fulfillment in the personal connections made through his work.

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On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes repeat guests and good friends Damien Pittman and Brian Ellithorpe to the show. They engage in a lively discussion about their recent hunting experiences, the challenges of the current season, and the importance of community and friendship in the waterfowl hunting world. Ellithorpe shares stories from his recent trip to Maple Ranch, working with great companies in the waterfowl hunting industry and a surprise guest he got to meet at the ranch. They also discuss innovative solutions like the Redneck Ice Eater and then dive into the complexities of duck population estimates and conservation efforts. Too much fun and laughs as usual with this crew. Be sure to follow these boys at https://punisherwaterfowl.com and https://www.brianellithorpemedia.com

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://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 Ammunition

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA Shotguns

https://www.retayusa.com

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways

The Maple Ranch trip provided unique opportunities for filming and collaboration.

Success in hunting often comes from hard work and dedication.

Community and friendship play a vital role in the hunting experience.

Innovative solutions like ice eaters can help in challenging conditions.

Duck population estimates can vary significantly between regions.

Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining healthy bird populations.

Banding stories highlight the competitive nature of hunting.

The current hunting season has presented various challenges due to weather and access.

Habitat loss is a significant concern for waterfowl populations.

Future plans include collaborations and giveaways to engage the hunting community.

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcome Cody Griffith to the show. Cody is a dedicated waterfowl hunter and owner of Triple B Outdoors. Cody began hunting at a young age in Arkansas. They discuss his transition from deer hunting to waterfowl hunting when he turned 16. They get into the challenges he faced in those first few seasons and how he overcame them. They discuss waterfowl hunting etiquette and how waterfowl hunters can get better at working together. They also talk about the great people we have met through our connections in the waterfowl hunting community. Cody shares some of his memorable hunting stories and some tips for new hunters.

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore

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

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Takeaways:

Cody Griffith started hunting at a young age, influenced by his family.

Waterfowl hunting offers camaraderie and a more social experience compared to other hunting types.

Challenges faced by new hunters often include lack of gear and knowledge.

The decline in duck populations is attributed to hunting pressure and habitat loss.

Cody emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship in the hunting community.

Documenting hunts through social media can enhance the experience and create lasting memories.

Cody's favorite waterfowl species to hunt are mallards and Canada geese.

The teal season this year was disappointing compared to previous years.

Cody's most memorable hunts involve unique experiences and the joy of sharing them with friends.

Future goals include getting his girlfriend a wood duck and starting his own podcast.

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