Bruce Ross, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association (WWA), joins us just weeks away from retirement to reflect on his years of service and leadership within the waterfowl hunting community. We dive into WWA’s grassroots beginnings, its mission of advocacy, education, and habitat restoration, and how it's grown into one of the premier state-based waterfowl organizations in the country. Bruce also gives a full preview of this year’s Waterfowl Hunters Expo, including the fastest retriever competition, seminars, gear, family-friendly fun, and why this event has quickly become one of the top duck hunting expos in the nation.

Topics Covered:

Why the WWA matters and what your membership supports

The evolving role of banquets, raffles, and grassroots community building

Updates on the Sandhill crane hunt legislation

The importance of local habitat restoration

What to expect at this year’s Waterfowl Hunters Expo (gear, guns, dogs, and more)

Bruce’s legacy and what’s next for him in retirement

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit wisducks.org to join WWA Visit waterfowlhuntersexpo.com for expo info

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Joe Harris of Blind Spot Outdoors joins the Upduck crew to share the wild journey from explosives to building some of the most in-demand waterfowl blinds in the country. From floating skids and sunken blinds to custom trailer setups with full kitchens (yes, cinnamon rolls included), Joe breaks down the evolution of his business, the passion that fuels it, and why the DIY spirit is alive and well in the duck hunting world. 

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The crew welcomes legendary duck club manager and waterfowl ambassador Rusty Creasey to the show. From growing up a mile from the Coca-Cola Woods to managing it for over two decades, Rusty shares how he turned a family legacy into a personal mission—educating, inspiring, and passing it on.

We dive deep into flooded timber hunting, managing duck clubs, moist soil strategies, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes a successful season. Rusty opens up about career change, building a platform through authenticity, and why telling your mentors “thank you” might be the most important thing you ever do.

We also talk calling, banded birds, and how one screenshot from a New York Times article turned Rusty into a national voice for waterfowl conservation. 

Key Topics:

Life after Coca-Cola Woods

What it really takes to manage a duck club

Calling ducks vs. reading ducks

The banding program controversy

Legacy, mentorship, and raising the next generation right

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This week the guys kick back with an unscripted Q&A session that covers everything from upgrading boats with splash pods to the great debate over buying ammo by the box or by the case. They trade stories about brushing in blinds, getting ready for the Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Expo, and share fresh updates on new products hitting the field this fall.

Plus, they tackle community questions like: Can your dog ever be too old for hunt tests? Is water-swatting ducks fair game? And what do you do with your bird dog when you’re not training or hunting? It’s a peek behind the curtain, full of laughs, hunting insights, and more than a few friendly jabs.

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The whole Upduck gang is finally back together, and they’re joined by a special guest: Ben Fretz from North Country Sporting Dogs up in Alberta, Canada. Ben dives deep into the world of Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas—how this rare, versatile breed works in the uplands, waterfowl blinds, and even on big game. From the breed’s young history to its tiny worldwide numbers, he shares what it takes to develop a solid line, why cooperation is this breed’s superpower, and how they compare to German Wirehairs and smooth-coated Vizslas. Expect great stories about running dogs in the foothills, dealing with Canadian bureaucracy, crossing the border with pups, and chasing every critter Alberta has to offer. 

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The guys sit down with Tony Smith and Aaron from Red Cedar Retrievers to break down what it’s like running your very first hunt test. Tony shares how he went from barely knowing what a winger is to passing his first tests, what went right, what went sideways, and the rookie lessons learned along the way. From holding blind wrestling matches and the “junior scoop” trick to handling real flyers and sticking to standards, it’s an honest look at training a gun dog while balancing family life, T-ball games, and a full plate. If you’ve ever wondered what to expect when you step to the line for the first time — or just want to feel seen about your own hunt test screw-ups — this episode’s for you.

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We take a new approach in this episode where we focus on real world hunting scenarios and how they translate (or don’t) to the training field. Matt and Tyler break down the disconnect between off-season drills and what actually happens in the marsh, with a focus on blind retrieves. From 20 yard real life retrieves to 100+ yard training setups, we unpack what your retriever is learning in the field, and how to recalibrate for the season ahead.

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Topics include a controversial land use proposal making its way through the Senate, an impressive upland bird season in the Midwest, and regulatory changes shaping the upcoming teal season in the Southeast.

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In this jam-packed episode of the Upduck Podcast, we sit down with legendary waterfowl photographer and hunter Phil Kahnke to cover everything from epic boat blind strategies to balancing a camera with a shotgun. Phil dives into his early roots in southern Minnesota, how duck dogs changed his hunting style, and why concealment trumps everything. We also break down his calling philosophy, the “Super Bowl” of hunt tests, and how not to brush in a blind.

Whether you're building your first duck boat or trying to shoot clean limits without sky-blasting the marsh, this is your masterclass in getting it done right.

📸 Plus: hot takes on duck photography, boat building, donut preferences, and why he's sticking with hot chocolate in the blind.

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We sit down with Keith Warnke, R3 Coordinator for the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, to dive into the real issues shaping the future of hunting. From hunter recruitment and reactivation to funding shortfalls and the social image of hunters, Keith breaks it all down with clarity and conviction. We talk conservation, access, splash limits, and how the words and images we choose as hunters impact public perception. It’s not about trophies—it’s about staying relevant, having fun, and making sure the next generation wants to go along for the ride.

Also: NA beers, coffee snobbery, and why hunting on a Packer Sunday might be your best bet.

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