The Migration Waterfowl Podcast

For generations, duck hunters have invested in the future of waterfowl through Duck Stamps, hunting licenses, excise taxes, and conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited. But what happens when wetlands hunters have already paid to protect could still be at risk?

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib is joined by Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist, and Dr. Scott Stephens, Senior Director of Conservation Strategy at Ducks Unlimited, to discuss the "Don't Drain the Duck Factory" campaign and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule currently under review.

Together, they break down what the Prairie Pothole Region—known as North America's "Duck Factory"—means to the future of waterfowl, how voluntary wetland easements work, what tile drainage is, and why Ducks Unlimited believes maintaining the current rule is critical to protecting habitat that supports millions of ducks each year.

Whether you're a lifelong duck hunter or simply care about the future of wetlands and waterfowl conservation, this episode will help you better understand the science, the policy, and what's at stake for our hunting heritage.

Topics discussed include:

Learn more about the Don't Drain the Duck Factory campaign and how to participate in the public comment process at ducks.org/save-the-duck-factory.

If you enjoy the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another duck hunter. Protecting the future of waterfowl starts with informed hunters.

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

Road trips have a way of creating conversations you never could have planned. In this special episode, your host Brian Halbleib is joined by Damien Pittman of Punisher Waterfowl as they hit the highway together on the way to the Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis.

What starts as a casual conversation from the cab of a pickup quickly turns into a wide-ranging discussion about the excitement of a new waterfowl season, the friendships that make this community special, and why getting together in person still matters in a world driven by social media. Brian and Damien also share their thoughts on the latest gear hitting the market, what they're looking forward to seeing at the Expo, and why networking, supporting one another, and surrounding yourself with good people has been one of the biggest blessings of their careers.

The conversation also dives into bigger topics facing waterfowl hunters today, including habitat loss, conservation, Ducks Unlimited's role in protecting our wetlands, public land issues, and the future of hunting in North America. Whether you're counting down the days until opening morning or simply looking for an honest conversation between two passionate waterfowlers, this episode captures the anticipation, camaraderie, and optimism that make this time of year so special.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in for the ride, and join us as we head south toward Memphis and another waterfowl season that's just around the corner.

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

Some waterfowl hunters measure experience by the number of seasons they've hunted. The best hunters measure it by how much they're still learning.

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib sits down with Jordan Murdoch, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Rig'Em Right Outdoors, to discuss why the most accomplished duck and goose hunters never stop being students of the birds.

Jordan reflects on the 2025–26 waterfowl season, the lessons it taught him, and how years of experience have changed the way he scouts, reads bird behavior, adjusts to changing conditions, and evaluates every hunt. The conversation explores what experienced waterfowl hunters are paying attention to that others often overlook, why failure can be one of the greatest teachers in the blind, and how continuing to learn from every season can make you a more successful hunter.

The episode also dives into Jordan's role at Rig'Em Right Outdoors, how real-world hunting experience influences product development, what's new from Rig'Em Right for 2026, and what waterfowl hunters can expect from the company in the future.

Whether you've been chasing ducks and geese for two seasons or twenty, this conversation is packed with practical insights that will challenge the way you think about waterfowl hunting and help you become a better hunter.

In this episode:

Thanks for listening to The Migration Waterfowl Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow waterfowl hunter. Your support helps me continue bringing you new conversations every week.

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

What separates consistently successful waterfowl hunters from everyone else? It's not a more expensive shotgun, a bigger decoy spread, or the latest piece of gear. More often than not, success begins long before legal shooting light—with scouting.

On this solo episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib shares practical lessons he's learned over years of hunting rivers, lakes, marshes, and agricultural fields across multiple flyways. From understanding how ducks and geese use food, water, weather, and hunting pressure to learning how to read bird behavior and recognize seasonal patterns, this episode is packed with real-world insights that can help you become a more effective and consistent waterfowl hunter.

Whether you're scouting your local marsh for opening day or planning a destination hunt, you'll learn how to think beyond simply finding birds and start understanding why they're there in the first place.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The best waterfowl hunters never stop learning—and every scouting trip is an opportunity to improve. If you want to find more ducks and geese this season, this episode is the perfect place to start.

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 explores the fascinating history of the river he grew up around and still hunts today—the Upper Ohio River.

Long before the locks, dams, barges, bridges and steel mills, the Ohio flowed through a vast wilderness filled with wooded islands, abundant wildlife and Native peoples who hunted, traveled and traded throughout the valley. From the arrival of European fur traders and the struggle between France and Britain for control of the region to a young George Washington’s role in events that helped ignite a global war, the Upper Ohio has witnessed some of the most important moments in American history.

Brian follows the transformation of the river from a wild frontier to an industrial highway, the devastating effects of pollution and habitat loss, the rise of modern wildlife conservation, and the enduring role of the Ohio River as a migration corridor and hunting destination for generations of waterfowl hunters.

The River Before Us: A History of the Upper Ohio River is a journey through more than 300 years of history, hunting and conservation—and a reminder that every time we launch a boat, set a spread of decoys and watch ducks follow the river, we’re becoming part of a story that began long before us.

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 welcomes Hunter Flanders from Retay USA. They discuss everything from Hunter's 2025-26 hunting season to the latest Retay shotguns and innovations coming for 2026. But this conversation goes far beyond new products.

Hunter shares stories from the marsh, discusses what today's waterfowl hunters are looking for in a shotgun, and offers an inside look at how manufacturers develop and market products in an outdoor industry that's changing faster than ever.

We also dive into the current state of outdoor marketing—what's working, what isn't, and why every product launch seems to spark some criticism across social media. From ambassadors and content creators to authenticity, consumer trust, and the future of hunting brands, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes perspective that every waterfowl hunter can appreciate.

Whether you're considering your next shotgun, interested in how the outdoor industry really works, or simply enjoy conversations centered around duck hunting and the people who make it their lifestyle, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode:

Hunter's reflections on the past waterfowl season

New Retay USA shotguns and product updates for 2026

What serious waterfowl hunters want in a shotgun today

How Retay gathers customer feedback and develops new products

The current state of outdoor industry marketing

Social media, ambassadors, and what manufacturers actually look for in brand partners

Why outdoor marketing often draws criticism—and whether it's deserved

The future of hunting content and connecting with today's hunters

Hunter's favorite waterfowl memories, gear, and rapid-fire hunting questions

Thanks for listening to The Migration Waterfowl Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another hunter who's counting down the days until opening morning.

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

Most waterfowl hunters probably don't think of California when discussing the best duck hunting in North America—but maybe they should.

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, I'm joined by lifelong waterfowler Fred Broad, whose journey has taken him from Pennsylvania to a new life in California and 9 consecutive years of hunting in Canada. Along the way, Fred became what he proudly calls a "mallard purist," dedicating decades to chasing greenheads and learning what makes them one of the most challenging and rewarding ducks to hunt.

Fred explains why he believes California is one of the best-kept secrets in waterfowl hunting, breaks down the state's unique refuge system, and reflects on what California mallard hunting looked like during its heyday. We also discuss how changing habitat, agriculture, weather patterns, and hunting pressure have shaped today's seasons and what the future may hold for Pacific Flyway hunters.

Fred also shares his proposal for establishing a Senior Hunt alongside existing Veteran Hunt days, making the case for recognizing the generations of hunters who have spent decades supporting conservation through licenses, duck stamps, and organizational memberships.

Whether you're a die-hard mallard hunter, planning your first trip west, or simply enjoy hearing stories from someone who has spent a lifetime following the flyways, this episode offers a unique perspective from one of waterfowl hunting's true enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Fred believes California is America's best-kept waterfowl hunting secret.

• What makes California's mallard hunting different from the rest of the country.

• How California's refuge system works

• A look back at California duck hunting during the 1980s and 90s—and why it has changed.

• What it really means to be a "mallard purist."

• Lessons learned from hunting California and Canada

• Fred's proposal for a Senior Hunt and why he believes it's time to recognize the hunters who helped build modern conservation.

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with passionate hunters from across North America.

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 several projects currently underway as he prepares for another year of waterfowl hunting. From restoring an old aluminum Bass Tracker into a versatile duck and fishing rig to building diver decoy long lines and inspecting & maintaining gear, this episode is all about making the most of the months between seasons.

Brian discusses the realities of taking on major DIY projects, including delayed shipments, missing parts, and the importance of setting realistic timelines. He also shares what he looks for in a duck and fishing combo boat, lessons learned so far during the restoration process, and why the finished product is only part of the story.

The conversation also covers off-season gear maintenance, inspecting equipment from the previous season, making repairs before they become problems, and the importance of staying organized. Brian explains how the frustration of managing piles of hunting gear ultimately led to the creation of the Gear Roost and why organization can make a huge difference when the season arrives.

Whether you're rebuilding a boat, repainting decoys, upgrading gear, or simply looking for ways to stay connected to waterfowl hunting during the summer months, this episode offers practical ideas and motivation to help you prepare for the migration ahead.

Topics discussed:

• Restoring a 17-foot aluminum Bass Tracker
• What makes a great duck and fishing combo boat
• Amazon delays, missing parts, and project setbacks
• Setting realistic expectations for DIY projects
• Building diver decoy long lines
• Refurbishing older diver decoys
• Off-season gear inspection and maintenance
• Organizing hunting equipment for fall
• Why preparation matters long before opening day
• The story behind the Gear Roost

If you're enjoying The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a hunting buddy.

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

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

The best waterfowl seasons are often built during the off-season.

Boat restoration projects take more time, money, and patience than most people expect.

A practical duck boat should prioritize durability, simplicity, storage, and versatility over unnecessary features.

Used decoys can often be restored for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.

Building your own long lines allows you to customize your setup while saving money.

Small repairs completed in the summer can prevent major frustrations during hunting season.

Organization saves time, reduces stress, and helps extend the life of your gear.

Every piece of hunting equipment should be inspected, cleaned, and tested before opening day.

Project setbacks are part of the process—success comes from staying committed and working through them.

Preparation creates opportunity when the migration arrives.

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

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Tony and Tristan Vogel, the father-son team behind One Hell of a Life Outdoors and the One Hell of a Life Outdoor Podcast.

We discuss how they got started waterfowl hunting, the experiences that shaped them as hunters, and how their approach to chasing ducks and geese has evolved over the years. From their early days in the blind to what a typical season looks like today, Tony and Tristan share lessons learned through decades of hunting and time spent outdoors together.

We also dive into a topic that seems to be on the minds of many hunters today: the current state of waterfowl social media. Is it helping grow the sport, or creating more division within the hunting community? We discuss authenticity in outdoor content, hunting culture online, and what responsibility content creators have when representing the future of our sport.

Whether you're a lifelong waterfowl hunter, a new hunter looking to learn, or someone interested in the future of hunting culture, this episode is packed with honest conversation and valuable perspective.

Please share this episode with your waterfowl 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

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 welcomes Ben Meyers of Flight Day Ammunition back to the show for an in-depth discussion on the current state and future of waterfowl ammunition.

The conversation begins with a breakdown of the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service memorandum clarifying approved non-toxic shot requirements for migratory bird hunting. Ben explains what the memo means for hunters, manufacturers, and the future development of non-toxic shot materials. They discuss copper shot, approved shot types, the federal approval process, and some of the misconceptions circulating throughout the hunting community.

Brian and Ben also take a deep dive into the economics of waterfowl ammunition, including the rising costs of bismuth and tungsten shot. Ben shares insight into global supply chains, material availability, pricing trends, and how market forces continue to shape the ammunition industry.

The discussion also covers the practical side of things for waterfowl hunters. Ben compares steel, bismuth, and tungsten loads, explains where each option shines in the field, and offers advice on choosing the right ammunition for different hunting situations and budgets.

Whether you're interested in regulations, ballistics, ammunition technology, or simply want to become a more informed waterfowl hunter, this episode is packed with valuable information.

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

Learn more about Flight Day Ammunition at FlightDayAmmo.com.

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