The Migration Waterfowl Podcast

By Brian HalbleibSports Education Wilderness

The Migration Waterfowl Podcast episodes

August 28, 2025 EP. 70: Season Preparation & Goals With Chase Fichter & Mike Pomaibo
On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib talks with his friends Mike Pomaibo and Chase Fichter from Pennsylvania. Mike and Brian hunted together quite a few times last year and they have become good friends. Brian was recently introduced to Mike’s hunting buddy Chase and they hit it off pretty quickly, talking waterfowl and swapping scouting reports. Brian has come to learn that Chase isn’t afraid to scout and put the work in to be a successful waterfowl hunter. He also brings a lot to the table in terms of gear and a good attitude. All the attributes you look for in a good hunting buddy. They talk about changes to the Pennsylvania hunting seasons and what the recently approved Sunday hunting will mean for waterfowl hunters moving forward. They discuss their plans this last week leading up to the goose and dove opener. They also talk about their goals for this season and what equipment they will be using.

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

Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com
15% off with code MW15

Keywords

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

Takeaways

Social media can be a double-edged sword for hunters.
Sunday hunting may affect the overall duck season.
Preparation for early season goose hunting is crucial.
Anticipation for the hunting season builds excitement.
Scouting is essential for successful hunts.
Technology plays a significant role in modern hunting.
Filming hunts can be challenging but rewarding.
Camouflage and hiding techniques are vital for success.
Understanding water levels can impact hunting spots.
Training a hunting dog requires commitment and time.

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1 hr 38 min
August 21, 2025 EP. 69: Cut Down Calls & Hunting Pennsylvania with Shaun Trump from Northern Duck Calls
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib talks with Shaun Trump. Shaun is the founder and call maker over at Northern Duck Calls. They discuss Shaun's journey from deer hunting to waterfowl hunting, the evolution of hunting in Pennsylvania, and the impact of social media on the increase in new hunters. They also talk about how Shaun got into building his own duck calls, how he started and grew his call company and why he loves building cut down calls. Shaun shares insights on the challenges facing waterfowl management and proposes community-driven solutions to enhance waterfowl habitats, emphasizing the importance of individual accountability in conservation efforts. You can learn more about Northern Duck Calls here: https://www.northernduckcalls.com

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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com

Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com
15% off with code MW15

Keywords

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, Northern Duck Calls, cut down calls, duck calls

Takeaways

Shaun Trump is the owner of Northern Duck Calls in Pennsylvania.
He transitioned from deer hunting to waterfowl hunting in high school.
Shaun's passion for call making grew from a hobby to a business.
The first successful hunt was a pivotal moment for Shaun.
The increase in waterfowl hunters in Pennsylvania is attributed to social media and COVID.
Many new hunters lack the experience and knowledge of traditional hunters.
There is a need for better waterfowl habitat management in Pennsylvania.
Community involvement can significantly impact waterfowl populations.
Shaun maintains nesting boxes to support local duck populations.
The hunting community should advocate for better management and conservation efforts.

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1 hr 26 min
August 14, 2025 EP. 68: How To Hide - Concealment For Success with Jay Thomas from BlindGrass
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Jay Thomas to the show. Jay is the founder of BlindGrass Camouflage. They talk about his lifelong passion for waterfowl hunting, his early experiences in hunting and the evolution of his hunting practices over the years. Jay shares a memorable hunting experience with Phil Robertson. They also discuss the challenges he faced while starting his business and the innovative products his company offers. Jay explains the unique features of BlindGrass products and the growth the company has experienced recently. He also offers valuable tips for new hunters when it comes to making a better hide with an emphasis on concealment being crucial for successful hunting. The conversation also includes memorable hunting stories and insights into the future of waterfowl hunting. You can learn more about Blind Grass Camouflage here: https://blindgrass.com

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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com

Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com
15% off with code MW15

Keywords

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, BlindGrass Camouflage, Jay Thomas, duck blind, waterfowl hide, concealment, hunting stories

Takeaways

Jay Thomas has been hunting since he was a child.
The introduction of steel shot changed hunting practices significantly.
Blind Grass was created to solve the problem of constantly re-brushing blinds.
The company has expanded its product line based on customer demand.
Logistics and shipping challenges were significant during the pandemic.
Blind Grass has seen unexpected growth and popularity among younger hunters.
Concealment is crucial for successful hunting; using various colors helps.
Jay shares a memorable hunting experience with Phil Robertson.
The importance of adapting hunting strategies based on bird behavior.
Future products include innovations to improve the hunting experience.

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1 hr 6 min
August 07, 2025 EP. 67: Adventures In Goose Hunting & Some Friendly Competition with Jaydon Arnold
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes back Jaydon Arnold to discuss his latest experiences in the outdoor industry and his successful hunting season in North Carolina. They also talk about the launch of the Golden Leaf Goose Classic, a new competition aimed at promoting goose hunting on the East Coast. Jaydon shares insights on managing a waterfowl retail store, the challenges of hunting in a new area, and the importance of community and networking among hunters. He also highlights exciting new products in waterfowl gear and the structure of the upcoming competition, which aims to engage more hunters and foster a sense of camaraderie in the hunting community.

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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com

Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com

Keywords

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, spinning wing decoys, mojo, lucky duck, decoys, innovations, podcast, outdoor, hunting strategies, product launch, decoy technology, hunting techniques, customer education, innovative, hunting gear, Golden Leaf Goose Classic, Jaydon Arnold, Cut Em Down Waterfowl

Takeaways

Jaden had a successful first season in North Carolina, exceeding his goals for geese.
He manages a waterfowl retail store and is involved in social media content creation.
The hunting community is vital for sharing knowledge and opportunities.
Jaden is launching the Golden Leaf Goose Classic, a unique competition on the East Coast.
The competition aims to promote goose hunting and engage more hunters.
Participants will need to submit videos to ensure fair play during the competition.
The event has significant sponsorship support, with prizes worth $10,000 to $15,000.
Jaden's favorite hunt involved a sweet potato field with a pond, yielding a great number of birds.
He emphasizes the importance of networking within the hunting community.
The competition will have a strong online presence for registration and updates.

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1 hr 16 min
July 31, 2025 EP. 66: Spinning Wing Decoy Tactics with George Parker from Blue Bird Waterfowl
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes back George Parker, owner of Blue Bird Waterfowl. They discuss the past waterfowl season and how an injury sidelined George for much of it. They also talk about George's innovative products, including the Animator, and new wing designs for spinning wing decoys. They discuss the challenges of running a growing business while maintaining the passion for hunting. George also shares insights on duck behavior and the importance of adapting hunting strategies to improve success rates. George and Brian also discuss innovative techniques and technologies in waterfowl hunting, and how to mix up your tactics based on environmental changes and animal behavior. They talk about the science behind spinning wing decoys, the introduction of new products like the animator and the significance of customer education and feedback in enhancing hunting experiences. They wrap up discussing the future of waterfowl hunting gear and the community's response to these innovations. Learn more about George here: https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com

Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 16 min
July 24, 2025EP. 65: The Bismuth Shortage & the Rise of Max Payload Steel Rounds with Ben Meyers from Flight Day Ammo
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib talks with Ben Meyers, owner of Flight Day Ammunition. They discuss how Ben got started in waterfowl hunting and his earliest memories of the hunt. Ben talks about his family property in Missouri that he grew up duck hunting on and the management of the habitat he still does there to this day. He also discusses the challenges of starting an ammunition company, how he has scaled it and the nuances between bismuth and steel shot. Ben offers insights into the ammunition market, including the rising costs of bismuth and the impact of Chinese production. Ben shares some memorable hunting experiences along with common mistakes new hunters make. They also discuss the importance of patterning your shotgun and the ongoing 'velocity war' in ammunition marketing. You can learn more about Ben and Flight Day Ammo here: https://flightdayammo.com
Takeaways:
Ben Myers is the owner of Flight Day Ammunition.
He has been waterfowl hunting since he was nine years old.
Memorable hunts often involve family and friends.
Private hunting spots offer advantages over public land.
New hunters often make mistakes with decoy and call usage.
Reloading ammunition can lead to more reliable rounds.
Bismuth is superior to steel in terms of density and performance.
The cost of Bismuth has significantly increased due to market factors.
China controls the majority of the Bismuth market.
Steel ammunition can be improved with better patterns and lower velocities.

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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10
Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com
Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 26 min
July 17, 2025EP. 64: River Hunting & How Weather Affects Migrating Birds with Max Zaruba
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib talks with Max Zaruba, a passionate duck hunter and veteran, about his journey into the world of duck hunting, the techniques he employs, and the importance of community support through his platform, Hardwater Freaks. Max shares insights on duck migration patterns, the importance of scouting, and the challenges of hunting in Wisconsin. He discusses his passion for hunting the Mississippi River and the challenges that come with it. He talks about the importance of a well concealed blind and how much time and effort he puts into his hides. He also breaks down his approach to reading the weather during the season, specifically how winds affect and sometimes stop migrating ducks. He emphasizes the significance of giving back to veterans and youth through fishing trips and community events, highlighting the need for engagement in the sport to ensure its future. The conversation also touches on memorable hunting experiences and the camaraderie that comes with the sport. You can learn more about Max here: https://hardwaterfreaks.com
Takeaways:
Max Zaruba is known as an ice fisherman and duck hunter in Wisconsin.
He started duck hunting with the wrong crowd but learned valuable lessons.
Duck hunting has become a major part of his life, overshadowing deer hunting.
Max emphasizes the importance of scouting for food sources and duck numbers.
He believes in giving back to veterans and kids through his platform, Hardwater Freaks.
Weather patterns, especially wind, significantly affect duck migration and hunting success.
Wisconsin offers extensive public land access for duck hunting without strict regulations.
Max's community efforts have raised over $100,000 for veterans and kids since 2015.
He shares a memorable story about a challenging duck hunt that turned rewarding.
Max encourages hunters to adapt and find less pressured areas for better experiences.

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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com

Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 30 min
July 10, 2025EP. 63: Improving Waterfowl Habitat and Attracting More Ducks with Gaines Slade
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib talks with Gaines Slade. Gaines shares his journey from a non-hunting background to becoming a passionate outdoorsman and entrepreneur in the hunting industry. Gaines discusses his experiences in outdoor videography, the transition to waterfowl hunting, and the development of Golden Millet as a key product for attracting ducks. He provides insights on habitat setup for landowners, the benefits of Golden Millet, and shares his recent hunting adventures, emphasizing the importance of conservation and supporting the hunting community. You can learn more about Golden Millet here: https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

Takeaways
Gaines Slade's journey into hunting began at age 16.
He transitioned from outdoor videography to the hunting industry.
Golden Millet is a versatile product for attracting waterfowl.
The importance of understanding local hunting conditions and needs.
Gaines emphasizes the need for proper habitat setup for landowners.
He shares experiences from his recent grizzly bear hunt in the Yukon.
Customer service and feedback are crucial for product success.
Gaines encourages hunters to support conservation efforts.
The significance of planning and budgeting for hunting habitats.
Hunting is a community effort that requires active participation.
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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10
Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com
Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 17 min
July 03, 2025EP. 62: Preparing, Scouting & Executing Your Season Plans with Jake Maxwell
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes back Jake Maxwell. Jake is the host of the Chasing Green YouTube channel and he also does some waterfowl hunting guiding. They discuss the challenges of summer duck hunting preparation, the ethics of public land hunting, and the changing dynamics of duck migration patterns. Jake also shares his experiences with traveling for duck hunting, the significance of gear selection and preparation for the season, and the importance of adapting tactics for stale birds. They also touch on the role of faith in hunting and the hunting community, and how that builds a different level of camaraderie in the sport. Jake also offers practical travel tips for hunting in Canada. They wrap up with reflections on the future of duck hunting and the importance of sharing the passion with others. You can learn more about Jake here: https://www.youtube.com/@ChasingGreen
Takeaways:
Jake Maxwell emphasizes the importance of improving hunting ethics among public land hunters.
The conversation highlights the changing migration patterns of ducks and the impact of weather on hunting success.
Jake shares his experiences of hunting in various states and the importance of adapting tactics based on local conditions.
The significance of preparation and gear selection for a successful waterfowl season is discussed.
Jake reflects on the role of faith in hunting and the community aspect of the sport.
Traveling for duck hunting can be an adventure, and Jake encourages hunters to explore new areas.
The importance of being adaptable and recognizing when to change tactics during hunts is emphasized.
Jake discusses the challenges of hunting stale birds and the need for patience.
The episode highlights the importance of sharing the passion for hunting with others, especially through guiding.
Jake shares practical travel tips for hunting in Canada, including navigating border regulations.
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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10
Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com
Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 24 min
June 26, 2025EP. 61: Oaths, Honor & Becoming the Right Kind of Waterfowler with Drew Smith
On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib talks with Drew Smith, an active duty Green Beret and passionate waterfowl hunter. They discuss Drew's journey from Louisiana to North Carolina, the allure of waterfowl hunting and the importance of mentorship in recruiting new hunters. Drew shares his experiences in the field, cooking techniques for waterfowl and the challenges of transitioning between different flyways. He also talks about his venture into creating a waterfowl clothing line, focusing on affordable, high-quality gear that enhances the hunting experience. The conversation highlights the camaraderie and culture surrounding waterfowl hunting, emphasizing the need for community and feedback in the hunting world. You can learn more about Drew here: https://www.canardswaterfowl.com
Takeaways:
Drew's journey from Louisiana to North Carolina highlights the diverse experiences in waterfowl hunting.
The importance of mentorship in recruiting new hunters is crucial for the future of the sport.
Cooking and sharing meals from hunts enhances the hunting experience and builds camaraderie.
Drew emphasizes the significance of understanding bird behavior and pressure in different hunting regions.
The transition from the Mississippi Flyway to the Atlantic Flyway presents unique challenges and learning opportunities.
Drew's passion for waterfowl hunting is evident in his storytelling and experiences.
The need for affordable, high-quality waterfowl clothing is a gap Drew aims to fill with his brand.
Creating a positive hunting experience is essential for retaining new hunters.
Drew's experiences in the military influence his approach to outdoor gear and clothing design.
The importance of community feedback in developing new products is a key focus for Drew's brand.

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 Ammunition
https://www.flightdayammo.com
10% off with code MW10
Aves Hunting
https://aveshunting.com
Northern Duck Calls
https://www.northernduckcalls.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 39 min