Habitat drives duck populations! James and Brian are joined by Dr. Josh Vest of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to break down the latest waterfowl breeding population and habitat survey report. They explore how this critical data informs hunting management and waterfowl conservation, noting a modest increase in duck numbers amid significant habitat loss in the Prairie Pothole Region. The episode tackles the tension between agriculture and habitat preservation, with discussions on precision and regenerative farming as potential solutions. Tune in to understand the vital role of habitat conservation in sustaining healthy waterfowl populations.