Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Mathematics was once a required practice in the duck blind, courtesy of the point system of the 70s and 80s. Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip down memory lane to discuss the origination, objectives, implementation, and critiques of the old point system, a once common regulatory alternative for duck harvest. Although liked and enjoyed by managers and hunters alike, it wasn’t without its challenges.
 
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]
SPONSORS:
Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.
Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Behind every vintage shell box, calendar, or advertisement is a story — not just about products, but about the history and culture of hunting itself.
In this episode, host Katie Burke is joined by Lee Schulz, a long‑time collector of sporting art and hunting-related advertising, live from the North American Decoy Collectors Show. From hotel rooms turned antique shops to decades of collecting rare pieces, this conversation explores a side of the waterfowl world many hunters overlook — the art and artifacts that helped define it.
Lee shares how collecting evolved over the last 40 years, the artists behind iconic advertising, and why these pieces still resonate with hunters today.
In this episode, listeners will hear about:
What sporting art and advertising collectibles are
How Lee got started collecting shell boxes and antique advertising
The role of hunting culture in shaping early American advertising
Why companies like Winchester and Remington relied on fine artists
Legendary artists like Philip Goodwin, Lynn Bogue Hunt, and Frank Benson
The connection between early advertising art and duck stamp artists
How artwork was designed to sell products and tell stories
Why nostalgia and outdoor heritage are driving renewed interest
This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of art, history, and hunting — and why preserving these pieces matters for future generations.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]
SPONSORS:
Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.
Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Rice fields aren’t just agricultural landscapes — they’re one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America.
In this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren of Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center and Patrick Dill, Ducks Unlimited’s Manager of Agricultural Programs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), to break down the science, management, and real‑world decisions behind rice agriculture and waterfowl habitat.
From energy-rich food resources to water management and farming practices, the group explains why rice fields have become a cornerstone of wintering habitat — and what’s at risk as modern agriculture continues to evolve.
In this episode, listeners will hear about:
The history of rice agriculture and its connection to waterfowl
Why rice fields function as “surrogate wetlands” in the MAV
Duck Energy Days explained and why they matter
The massive difference between harvested vs. unharvested rice fields
How modern harvesting techniques affect food availability
Residue management (burning, rolling, disking) and its impact on ducks
Why water depth (2–8 inches) is critical for feeding waterfowl
The importance of invertebrates and diverse food sources in rice fields
How infrastructure (levees, impoundments) helps hold water on the landscape
The role of geese, weather, and timing in food depletion
Why early flooding and late-season water retention matter
How pressure, disturbance, and refuge areas affect duck behavior
The realities of farming decisions: input costs, markets, and water scarcity
Emerging trends in rice production (row rice, AWD irrigation, ratoon crops)
Habitat loss risks when rice acres shift to other crops
Practical tips for managing rice fields specifically for waterfowl
This episode connects agriculture and conservation in a way that shows how farm-level decisions directly influence continental duck populations.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]
SPONSORS:
Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.
Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

In this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time.
SPONSORS:
Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.
Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

REGISTER FOR DUX 2026!
Innovation in waterfowl hunting gear doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from hunters solving real problems in the field.
In this episode of the DUX Series, hosts Jimbo Robinson and David Schuessler sit down with Art Diaz, Community Manager for Banded Hunting Gear, to explore the evolution of one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl — from its roots in Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear to its modern identity under the Banded name.
The conversation blends culture, history, and innovation, diving into how gear has changed, what drives new product development, and why authenticity still matters in a crowded outdoor market.
In this episode, listeners will hear about:
Art Diaz’s journey from musician to outdoor industry professional
Growing up hunting in South Dakota and discovering waterfowl
The connection between music, creativity, and the outdoors
The legacy of Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear
Game‑changing innovations like breathable waders and detailed decoys
Behind‑the‑scenes stories from the early days of GHG
How the internet changed product perception and adoption
Why honesty and problem‑solving drive Banded’s design philosophy
The importance of community and real hunter feedback
What sets Banded gear apart in today’s saturated market
The continued demand for high‑quality decoys and technical gear
Influencers, ambassadors, and real‑world experience in product validation
The growing connection between outdoor culture and broader audiences
What to expect from Banded at this year’s DUX show
A preview of major upcoming innovations (without giving too much away)
This episode is a deep look at how heritage brands evolve — and how Banded is positioning itself for the next generation of waterfowl hunters.

REGISTER FOR DUX 2026!
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]
SPONSORS:
Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.
Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.