The Migration Waterfowl Podcast

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

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Jared Van Hees to the show. Jared is an avid outdoorsman from Michigan who enjoys waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, managing private land for wildlife habitat, fishing, skiing and lots more. He is also a successful entrepreneur in the outdoor industry. He is the host and owner of The Habitat Podcast and co-owner of Vitalize Seed, a company that specializes in wildlife food plot seeds and soil improvement products. Some of you long time listeners may have heard me talk about being the co-host on Jared’s podcast for around 4 years and over 200 episodes. On today’s episode we talk about Jared’s waterfowl hunting journey, how he got started and what his waterfowl trips look like today with his busy schedule. We also talk about what it takes to create a successful brand in the outdoor industry and how to stay relevant for the long haul.

Feel free to reach out to us: 

mailto:[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 Michael Kemble to the show. Michael is a hard core waterfowl hunter, or wildfowler, as they say in his home country of England. Michael talks about what it was like growing up and hunting in England. They discuss how he got into wild-fowling and talk about his journey from his early days of learning how to hunt ducks and geese to the proficient waterfowl hunter he is today. They also talk about the hunting seasons and regulations in the United Kingdom along with the details surrounding the traditional culture of wild-fowling there. They discuss the present day public perception of hunting and firearms in England and how UK hunters navigate that environment. Michael also talks about the major differences in tactics, calling and gear choices compared to waterfowl hunting in the United States.

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

waterfowl hunting, duck hunting, hunting culture, waterfowl, migration patterns, hunting ethics, summer preparation, gear, waterfowl habitat, hunting strategies, hunting experiences, migration waterfowl, ducks, goose hunt, hunting trips, goose hunting, hunting techniques, veteran support, community, scouting, geese, decoys, product innovation, customer feedback, hunting tips, innovations, podcast, outdoor, hunting strategies, product launch, hunting techniques, customer education, innovative, hunting gear, hunting stories, Pennsylvania, conservation, duck calls, duck dna, ducks unlimited, waterfowl research, delta waterfowl, public lands, choke tubes, waterfowlers, wildfowling

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Greyson Carlson to the show. Greyson is a dedicated waterfowl hunter from Michigan. He is also a hunting guide with Worldwide Trophy Adventures. He was guiding at the Lost Bridge Duck Club in Arkansas this past season and Brian had the opportunity to meet him and hunt with him there. They talk about his journey from growing up in the fishing industry in his family’s Michigan commercial fishing business, to getting into waterfowl hunting then progressing into his career as a hunting guide. They also talk about Aves hunting gear and his experience with using their gear all season. They finish the conversation talking about the migration this past season, what his observations were and what his opinion is on the flooded corn debate.  

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

Grayson Carlson is a 24-year-old apprentice with WTA.

His family has a long history in the fishing industry.

He started hunting at a young age, influenced by his grandfather.

Duck hunting became his primary passion over other types of hunting.

He learned a lot from YouTube and observing waterfowl behavior.

His first guided hunt was in Arkansas, where he found joy in guiding others.

Grayson emphasizes the importance of being a people person in guiding.

He has learned a lot about habitat management and guiding from experienced mentors.

The differences in waterfowl hunting between Michigan and Arkansas are significant.

Grayson enjoys the challenges and experiences that come with being a guide. Unexpected encounters with whistling ducks can be thrilling.

Memorable hunts often create unforgettable experiences.

Arkansas is a legendary destination for duck hunting.

Migration patterns can be unpredictable due to environmental factors.

Drought significantly impacts bird numbers and hunting success.

Controversies around baiting and flooded corn affect hunting practices.

Agricultural practices play a crucial role in duck migration.

Quality gear enhances the hunting experience in various conditions.

The unique climate in Arkansas presents challenges for hunters.

Future adventures in hunting and outdoor activities are exciting and varied.

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On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Jeremy Ragsdale to the show. Jeremy is a hardcore waterfowl hunter from Nebraska. Brian has become good friends with Jeremy over the last two seasons as he has traveled out west to hunt with him and their mutual friends. They talk about how he got into waterfowl hunting and what it was that hooked him to keep coming back. They discuss his journey from being new to the sport to now being a seasoned waterfowl hunter and what has changed over the years. They also talk about how he balanced his time this season between hunting and his duties after the birth of his daughter. They also discuss how this past season went overall and what his goals are moving forward.

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

Frogg 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 Jimmy Capello and Ryan O’Donnell from Drawback Outdoors. Jimmy and Ryan are hardcore waterfowlers from Brian's home state of Pennsylvania. They talk about their journeys growing up hunting in Pennsylvania and how they got into waterfowl hunting. They discuss the challenges and rewards of waterfowl hunting in a state like Pennsylvania that is not known for its waterfowl hunting. They also talk about the season structures, how the newly legal Sunday hunting laws may change waterfowl seasons and how Pennsylvania can improve waterfowl management.

You can learn more about Jimmy & Ryan here: https://www.youtube.com/@drawback__outdoors

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 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

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

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]

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 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