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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We’re back with two key updates this week:

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fter 15+ years of building some of the most rugged duck hunting gear in the business, Zach Hoeschen of Backwater Inc. joins the Upduck crew again to talk all things boats, motors, dogs, and the evolving world of duck hunting rigs. From long tail mud motors and custom hull builds to American-made trailers and a sneak peek at electric motors, Zach dives deep into what makes Backwater tick.

We cover:

The difference between long tails and surface drives—and when one wins over the other

How Backwater’s custom boats are optimized for performance, not flash

Why electric long tails might be the future for quiet, regulation-friendly hunts

Zach’s take on building gear that actually lasts—because he beats the hell out of it himself

Pheasant hunting, pudelpointers, and his growing addiction to upland

Whether you're building your first duck boat or drooling over your next upgrade, this one’s packed with insights for every kind of waterfowler.

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The Upduck crew sits down with Zack Weaver of RedBeards Waterfowl Outfitters to break down Oklahoma’s controversial new hunting laws, including a proposed $543 price tag for non-residents to hunt public land. Zack shares how these changes could impact guides, hunters, and local economies—and why he’s sticking to a “homies-only” hiring policy. From goose snack sticks and veteran-run outfits to wild dog stories and frozen duck ponds, this one’s got it all.

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The boys are back with turkey tales, training wins, and some serious talk about waterfowl policy. Jeff recaps a frustrating but memorable hunt with his nephew—and stress-tests his new turkey rig in brutal spring weather. Meanwhile, Tyler celebrates a win with his dog Mack at a field trial event, and then teases out big questions about changing hunter access laws. The crew digs into the vetoed Kansas bill that aimed to limit non-resident waterfowl hunting days, weighing its implications on local economies, public land pressure, and the future of DIY hunting. It’s equal parts laughs, insight, and a warning shot for what could be coming to a state near you.

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Tyler and Matt sit down with Jacob Perry of Superior Upland to talk life as a full-time upland guide in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From building a guiding business with seven pointing dogs to why Gordon Setters stole his heart, Jake covers everything: bird habitat, client stories, gear advice, dog training philosophy, and the joy of sharing the woods with first-timers.

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In this episode of The Feathered Report, Jeff dives into two hot-button issues shaping the upland and waterfowl world. First, a follow-up to the "Is hunting harder than it used to be?" debate—this time spotlighting the impact of predators on pheasant populations and the slow resurgence of trapping. Then, he unpacks Kansas’ controversial vetoed bill that would have restricted non-resident hunters to just three days a week. With resident frustration, rising non-res numbers, and millions in economic impact at stake, it’s a tough conversation with no easy answers. Jeff breaks it all down and invites your take.

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Fresh off a busy expo, the crew dives into a surprisingly deep debate: is duck and upland hunting harder today than it was 50 years ago? From declining access and rising pressure to better gear, smarter dogs, and nostalgic bias, we break it all down—with some actual stats to back it up. Plus, Jeff finally launches his turkey rig site, Matt’s rebuilding a deck (maybe just to sell it), and we ask the big question: would your dog dominate the 1950s field trial scene? It’s a fun one. Stick around.

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In this episode we dive into the latest headlines from the upland and waterfowl world. Illinois hunters, take note—open houses are coming up in May to shape your hunting seasons. We also highlight groundbreaking research at UW-Stevens Point, where drones with thermal cameras are revolutionizing how we monitor waterfowl populations. Then, it’s a feel-good story out of Minnesota, as nearly $1 million and 40 acres are donated to Pheasants Forever to support local habitat conservation. Finally, we wrap with a major wetland restoration effort on Texas’s Gulf Coast, bringing life back to prairie potholes and boosting biodiversity.

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The crew reunites for a much-needed catch-up session, covering everything from boat builds and camera gear to dog training updates and spring birdwatching. Jeff shares the full story behind his brand-new 1542 All-Weld duck boat, complete with a custom-built light box and a fresh long-tail motor, while Matt dives into his journey into photography and how he's prepping to get better shots in the marsh with a new Nikon. Tyler opens up about his recent dog training experiences, the challenges of managing two different canine personalities, and finding the right mindset to grow both as a handler and a hunter.

Between laughs, gear wish lists, and stories of close-up encounters with spring waterfowl, they reflect on the ever-growing cost of being a waterfowler and the joy that comes with it. Whether it's camera tips, training challenges, or the dream of seeing full-color shovelers up close, this one's a reminder that even in the off-season, there's always something to chase.

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