It’s May 26, 2025, and Elliott is fired up and not slowing down. In this episode, he breaks down Georgie’s AKC Master Hunt Test weekend at Flint Oak, one of the most unique venues around. From fine dining to thunder delays to tight whistle stops, Elliott shares every moment of the three-series challenge, including the bank cheating drama that almost cost them a pass. He also takes on a critical Facebook comment in “Comment of the Week,” digging into why training dogs not to run the bank is about more than ribbons.

Catch the full hunt test breakdown and the video version of this episode on the Freelance Duck Hunting YouTube channel. And don’t forget—there’s still time to join the June Patreon float trip and enter the gear + hunt giveaway!

Podcast Partners:

Flight Day Ammunition – Premium bismuth waterfowl loads
https://www.flightdayammo.com
Code: FDH10 for 10% off

AlClair Audio – Custom & universal in-ear hearing protection
https://alclair.com/partners/fdh
Code: FDH10 for $100 off EXP Pro

Purina Pro Plan – Trusted performance dog food
https://www.purina.com/pro-plan

Weatherby – Shotguns, rifles, and high-performance firearms
https://weatherby.com

OnX Hunt – Powerful GPS mapping tools for hunters
https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Shotty Gear – Rugged, waterproof duck hunting gear
https://www.shottygear.com
Code: FDH10 for 10% off

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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, Elliott is joined by longtime friend Woody for a full-length catch-up session. They break down the upcoming Patreon float trip, share stories about why wood ducks are misunderstood, and debut Woody’s original song “Good Duck.” Then it’s time for Woody’s Top 5, where he ranks his favorite wild game meats. From crappie to venison, this list stirs up some strong opinions and classic backwoods storytelling.

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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott responds to a long-time subscriber’s comment that sparks a deep dive into the early years of Freelance Duck Hunting. He reflects on the unforgettable crew of Dan, Aiden, and Fumbles, and how the channel has changed since those early, personality-packed seasons.

Then Elliott transitions into Georgie’s 2025 hunt test journey—recapping their recent HRC run, breaking down her progress toward the AKC Master Hunter title, and sharing insights into what it’s like to train a duck dog from scratch as an amateur. If you’ve ever thought about entering the hunt test world, this is your episode.

▶️ Watch the video version:
North American Waterfowler YouTube Channel

🎁 Patreon Giveaway now live!

Weatherby Shotguns

OnX Hunt

Purina Pro Plan

Flight Day Ammunition

Alclair Hearing Protection

Shotty Gear

🔥 Podcast Partners:

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In this heartfelt solo episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott Snider responds to a powerful listener letter that opens the door to deep conversations on solo hunting, spiritual growth, and finding purpose in the marsh. He unpacks how full immersion hunting has restored him through seasons of personal struggle, and gives detailed advice to new hunters trying to succeed on their own—including a boots-on-the-ground blueprint for breaking into public land waterfowling.

Elliott also reveals his daydream plans for the ultimate off-grid hot tent duck hunt in the remote hills of Nebraska. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone searching for meaning in the stillness of a solo sunrise, this episode will speak to your soul.

Partners Mentioned:

Shotty Gear — Use code FDH10 for 10% off waterproof shell pouches, gun cases, and gear

Flight Day Ammunition — Premium bismuth and steel loads; use FDH10 for 10% off

AlClair Audio — Custom-fit hearing protection; code FDH10 for $100 off the EXP Pro

Weatherby — Shotguns, rifles, and legacy quality

OnX Hunt — Essential for scouting, tracking, and sharing duck spots

Purina Pro Plan — Because your retriever deserves elite nutrition

Watch or listen on:

Patreon: patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting (Tuesdays @ 7PM CST for live recordings)

YouTube: The North American Waterfowler

Spotify (video episodes available in-app)

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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, I’m joined by longtime listener and passionate hunter Ben Kraja, a U.S. Forest Service liaison and board member for the Utah chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Ben brings deep insight into hunting the Great Salt Lake—one of the Pacific Flyway’s most important waterfowl ecosystems.

We talk about:

The variety and pressure of Utah’s public waterfowl management areas

Hunting with coffin blinds and silhouettes on the open salt flats

How brine shrimp fuel the migration

The environmental crisis facing the Great Salt Lake and why it matters

His family’s journey from communist Albania to America

Duck hunting with his identical twin and how deep the obsession runs

Whether you’re interested in hunting new regions, conservation advocacy, or hearing about brutal five-hour day-trip hunts, this one’s packed with great storytelling and perspective.

Flight Day Ammunition – 10% off with code FDH10 at flightdayammo.com

Alclair Audio – $100 off custom ear protection with code FDH10 at alclair.com

Weatherby Shotguns – Proven performance from early teal to late mallards

OnX Hunt – The best mapping tool for duck hunters

Purina Pro Plan Sport – Trusted fuel for hard-working retrievers

🔊 Presented By:

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In this episode, Elliott sits down with Alex Wilson from Washington—his top bucket list state—to talk about life in the Pacific Northwest, chasing ducks and geese across flooded fields, and what it’s like hunting with his black lab, Buster. They break down the differences between east and west Washington, debate whether black or yellow labs hide better, and swap stories about late-season greenheads, layout boat struggles, and the universal duck hunter rule: never pick up early. It’s a passionate, wide-ranging conversation that any waterfowler will relate to.

Partners

Flight Day Ammunition

AlClair Audio

Weatherby Shotguns

OnX Hunt

Purina Pro Plan (Dog Food)

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In this powerful episode, Elliott sits down with Jason Williams, author of Committed to the Call, a 365-day devotional written specifically for waterfowl hunters. Jason shares how God radically transformed his life—taking him from hard-hearted corrections officer to minister of the gospel—and how the stillness of the marsh became the backdrop for his most meaningful encounters with Christ. If you're a waterfowler who's ever felt God tugging on your heart while in the blind, this one is for you.

Partners featured in this episode:

Watch these podcast interviews live every Tuesday at 7PM Central over at Patreon.com/FreelanceDuckHunting, where members also get access to exclusive hunts, bonus videos, and more.

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In this mid-April episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott introduces a major new feature in the NAW app: the hunt satisfaction score. He shares how it works, how he scored his last two seasons, and what it reveals about enjoying hunts beyond just bird numbers. Then he dives into listener questions, covering drone use, hunting pressure, choosing coves on windy days, public access, his love for the 20-gauge, and the recent Kansas non-resident bill. He also reflects on moments of feeling closest to God—whether in the church or the marsh.

Partners:

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In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, Elliott sits down with David Plyler, a passionate duck hunter from North Carolina who’s combining his love of waterfowl with off-season conservation work. David shares how building and maintaining wood duck boxes has helped increase local populations on his lease and public land. The two dive deep into their shared experiences with HRC and AKC hunt tests, training high-drive Labradors, and what it’s like hunting wood ducks in the Carolinas. Plus, they swap stories about how duck hunting has changed over the years and what keeps them hooked on the sport.

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In this Patreon live stream episode, Elliott sits down with Ben Meyers—owner of Flight Day Ammunition—for one of the most raw, transparent conversations they’ve ever had on the podcast. The guys kick it off with personal updates, teaching talk, and bourbon mishaps before diving deep into hunting dogs, last season’s hits and misses, and the exciting future of Flight Day Ammo.

Ben reveals the shocking truth behind the bismuth shortage, explains why Flight Day is shifting away from bismuth, and drops some mind-blowing ballistic science about why slower steel may actually be better. You’ll also hear about the new loads Flight Day is developing, including some heavy steel options that promise tight patterns and high pellet counts—all built for hunters who shoot inside 40 yards.

This episode is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep insights for serious waterfowlers.

SPONSORS

Flight Day Ammunition

Visit flightdayammo.com and use code FDH10 for 10% off. Get your hands on bismuth while supplies last—once it’s gone, it may not return for years.

Alclair Audio

Check out the EXP Pro and EXP Curve hearing protection at alclair.com/partners/fdh. Use code FDH10 to get $100 off the EXP Pro ear mold.

Weatherby Shotguns

Built by waterfowlers for waterfowlers. Tough, reliable, and trusted by the Freelance crew.

OnX Hunt

The most powerful mapping tool in waterfowl hunting. Upgrade your scouting and find better birds this season.

Purina Dog Food

Feed your hunting dog the best. Georgie runs on Purina, and it shows in her coat and performance.

JOIN THE PATREON COMMUNITY

Be part of the live podcast audience, enter giveaways, and even join us on our Kansas River Float Trip in June. Sign up at: patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting

Upcoming Trip

June 13–15, 2025: 12-mile Kansas River sandbar float with patrons, camping, fishing, and wild adventure.

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