The Migration Waterfowl Podcast - Sportsmen's Empire

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib sits down with Aden Shorney from Cherry Creek Outdoors YouTube channel. Brian joined Aden for some early season teal hunting in Nebraska. The two discuss the scouting that went into the locations that Aden chose for the hunts, the thought processes on the set ups, shooting opportunities & success, and the highlights and lessons learned from Brian's first duck hunting trip of the season. They also share insights on hunting strategies, techniques for prairie marshes, and the differences in bird behavior. The conversation also covers the challenges faced while transitioning to big water hunting, reflections on their overall trip, and the performance of Aden's hunting dog, Stella. They conclude with future hunting plans and express gratitude for their shared experiences.

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

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore

This episode is brought to you by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib sits down with Elliott Snider from the Freelance Duck Hunting YouTube channel. Elliott is also the host of the North American Waterfowler Podcast and creator of the North American Waterfowler hunting app. They recorded this episode on location in northeast Kansas where Brian joined Elliott for an early season teal hunt on the opening weekend of the season. The two discuss the scouting that went into the location that Elliott chose for the hunt, a boating and camping adventure the night before and the highlights and lessons learned from Brian's first duck hunt of the season.   
 

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

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl
 

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore
 

This episode is brought to you by:
 

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/

On this episode, host Brian Halbleib talks with Ryan Burnett from South Carolina. Ryan is a co-founder of Pattern Pros, a company that provides variety shot shell boxes that allow you to try different shotgun rounds without having to buy a full box of each type. They discuss his hunting background and early experiences with waterfowl hunting in Washington and California. He talks about the differences between the west coast and South Carolina, where he currently resides. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of hunting in South Carolina and the prevalence of wood ducks in the area. We wrap up the conversation with Ryan explaining the concept behind Pattern Pros and their innovative approach to offering boxes with multiple shell types.

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

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore

This episode is brought to you by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/

Brian Banbury, a waterfowl enthusiast and taxidermist, shares his experience with waterfowl hunting and his passion for the sport. He discusses his journey from being a college student taking a waterfowl ID course to becoming an avid waterfowl hunter and taxidermist. Brian talks about the different waterfowl species he encounters in Ohio and the various hunting opportunities available in the state. He also shares his insights on managing wetlands and the importance of considering the entire ecosystem when hunting and managing for waterfowl. Brian discusses his travels to different states for waterfowl hunting and the preparations involved in flying with firearms and bringing ducks back. He emphasizes the sense of community among waterfowl hunters and taxidermists and the joy of sharing experiences and knowledge with others. The conversation covers various topics related to traveling for waterfowl hunting and the experience of taxidermy. Brian Banbury shares tips for flying to different countries and the importance of reaching out to experienced hunters for advice. He also discusses the thrill of collecting different waterfowl species and the importance of the overall hunting experience. The conversation then shifts to taxidermy, with Brian providing advice on choosing a taxidermist and handling trophies in the field. In this conversation, Brian Banbury shares tips on how to properly care for waterfowl after a hunt. He advises against immediately putting the bird in a bag, especially on hot days, as it can lead to bacterial growth and feather loss. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping the bird away from dogs to prevent damage. Brian provides insights on how to bag and freeze the bird for optimal preservation and recommends getting the bird to a taxidermist as soon as possible. He also shares a harrowing story of a boating mishap during a hunt in Ashtabula Harbor. Brian concludes by highlighting the variety of waterfowl hunting experiences, from Alaska to Mexico to his home state of Ohio.

Takeaways:

• Waterfowl hunting is a year-round passion that involves various activities such as hunting, taxidermy, and wetland management.
• Ohio offers a diverse range of waterfowl hunting opportunities, including hunting for geese, ducks, and other species.
• Managing wetlands for waterfowl requires considering the entire ecosystem and its various species.
• Traveling to different states for waterfowl hunting allows for new experiences and connections within the waterfowl hunting community.
• Flying with firearms and bringing ducks back from out-of-state hunts requires proper preparation and adherence to regulations. When traveling for waterfowl hunting, it's important to research and choose the right airports and ports of entry.
• Building a collection of different waterfowl species can be a thrilling and memorable experience.
• Choosing the right hunting partners is crucial, as you will be spending a lot of time together in various situations.
• Taxidermy is an art form that requires skill and knowledge of anatomy. It's important to choose a taxidermist whose work you have seen and are satisfied with.
• Handling trophies in the field requires proper storage, such as using freezer bags, and clear communication with the taxidermist about your expectations. Avoid immediately putting a freshly hunted bird in a bag, especially on hot days, to prevent bacterial growth and feather loss
• Keep the bird away from dogs to prevent damage
• Bag and freeze the bird as soon as possible for optimal preservation
• Get the bird to a taxidermist promptly for a quality mount
• Waterfowl hunting offers a variety of experiences, from Alaska to Mexico to local areas

In this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, host Brian Halbleib interviews Roland Cortez, a waterfowl guide from Louisiana. They discuss topics such as the recent waterfowl population survey results, the impact of invasive plant species on duck habitat, Roland's journey into waterfowl hunting and guiding, his experiences in different hunting locations, and his passion for duck calling competitions. Roland also shares tips for improving duck calling and offers insights into the hunting opportunities in Louisiana.

Takeaways:

• The recent waterfowl population survey results indicate a decline in duck populations, but there is still optimism for future breeding seasons.
• Invasive plant species, such as giant salvania, can have a significant impact on duck habitat and the availability of food for ducks.
• Roland Cortez's journey into waterfowl hunting and guiding was influenced by his family's hunting background and his love for the Louisiana lifestyle.
• Different hunting locations offer different opportunities for targeting specific duck species, such as hunting mallards in cypress swamps or shooting specklebellies in Arkansas.
• Duck calling competitions have played a significant role in Roland's life, and he has achieved success in various contests.
• Effective duck calling requires mastering the fundamentals, practicing regularly, and understanding the different calls for different situations.
• Roland's favorite shotgun is the Benelli Super Black Eagle, and he enjoys preparing ducks with various recipes, including glazing them with marmalade or cooking them with onions and apples.
• Roland emphasizes the importance of communication and clear expectations between guides and clients for a successful hunting experience.
• Keeping track of duck hunting statistics, such as weather conditions and duck numbers, can be a fun and informative way to enhance the hunting experience.
• Roland's favorite waterfowl species to hunt is the specklebelly goose, and he prefers hunting in marshes and shallow water environments.
• Roland encourages hunters to enjoy every season and make the most of their hunting opportunities.

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib interviews Matt Zvolanek from High Prairie Sportsmen about his waterfowl hunting experiences. Matt shares his passion for waterfowl hunting and his journey in creating outdoor content on YouTube. They discuss the different areas and species Matt hunts in Nebraska, as well as his scouting and preparation techniques. They also get into the equipment and gear Matt uses, including cameras, decoys, and shotguns. They talk about teal hunting, including tips on scouting, decoy setups, and calling techniques. Matt also shares his experiences and insights on teal hunting, including the different species of teal, favorite teal hunts, and preparation methods. He discusses the transition from teal hunting to big duck hunting, the types of ducks commonly seen in Nebraska, and his favorite places to hunt waterfowl. Matt talks about his luck (or lack thereof) with banded birds and shares a couple of hunting stories. He also mentions his future hunting plans and the importance of hunting in cool places.
 

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

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore

This episode is brought to you by:
 

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com
 

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/

On this episode, your host Brian Halbleib discusses his preparation for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season. He emphasizes the importance of fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as the benefits of meal prepping and making smart eating choices. He also talks about the significance of sleep management. He discusses the role of e-scouting in finding new hunting spots and highlights the importance of gear preparation, including patterning the shotgun and cleaning and maintaining hunting gear. Brian also discusses the importance of preparation and organization for waterfowl hunting. He emphasizes the need for making checklists and maintaining equipment during the off-season. He also shares his gear recommendations, including his shotgun, ammunition, calls, decoys, kayak, and waders. He talks about his camping setup and the importance of being well-rested during hunting trips. He also outlines his hunting schedule for the upcoming season.

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

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore

This episode is brought to you by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/

Brian Ellithorpe, owner of Brian Ellithorpe Media, and host of the Too Many Hobbies YouTube channel, joins host Brian Halbleib on the show. He is also a freelance photographer and videographer and works regularly with Tanglefree and RNT calls. We talk about his waterfowl journey in northwest Ohio and his approach of being an opportunistic duck hunter, chasing both dabbler ducks and divers. We get into the nuances of chasing diver ducks on Lake Erie. We discuss the different tactics of layout and shore hunting on large bodies of water. We also cover the dangers of hunting big water and how to keep yourself safe while doing so. We also hear some stories from his local hunts and a sea duck trip he went on in Massachusetts.

Check out Brian Ellithorpe at https://youtube.com/@toomanyhobbies?feature=shared

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

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl
 

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore
 

This episode is brought to you by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/

Ramsey Russell, owner of GetDucks.com and host of the Duck Season Somewhere podcast joins Brian Halbleib on the show. Ramsey grew up in Mississippi and had a grandfather who told him stories about duck hunting in the Mississippi Delta. He would tag along on some dove hunts but it wasn’t until after high school that Ramsey became a duck hunter himself. We discuss his education in wildlife biology. We talk about his move from private forestry & wildlife management to his positions with the state and federal government then ultimately becoming a waterfowl hunting booking agent. We discuss how his disappointing first out of state waterfowl hunt turned into a career that spanned around the world and over several decades. We get into hunting ducks in Mexico, Argentina and beyond. We also hear about some of his favorite hunting experiences and stories.

Check out Ramsey at https://www.getducks.com

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

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store

https://tinyurl.com/MigrationWaterfowlStore

This episode is brought to you by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/

Thomas Hoke, owner and host of Hoke Outdoors, joins Brian Halbleib on the show. Thomas was introduced to the outdoors by his father while growing up in Virginia. We discuss his transformation from deer and turkey hunter to becoming obsessed with waterfowl. We talk about the diversity of waterfowl hunting across Virginia, the challenges of hunting the Atlantic Flyway and some tactics for scouting and hunting the region. We get into what prompted him to leave Virginia and start hunting out of state, ending up as far away as Alaska. We also discuss some hunt filming, hunting equipment, dog training and a few hunting stories.

Follow Thomas on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@hokeoutdoors

Feel free to reach out to us:

[email protected]

Facebook, Instagram & YouTube:

@migrationwaterfowl

This episode is brought to you by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Golden Millet Seed

https://www.goldenmilletseed.com

CK Custom Calls

https://m.facebook.com/100088485616501/