Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Water drives everything in the western United States — and right now, it’s increasingly scarce.
In this episode, Ducks Unlimited's senior waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, sits down with Jeff McCreary, director of operations for the Western Region, to discuss waterfowl conservation across the Pacific Flyway. From declining snowpack and drying wetlands to competing water demands from agriculture, people, industry, and fish, Jeff breaks down the realities DU faces — and the solutions they’re working toward. He also introduces the new Alaska Initiative and how it will inform the future of conservation in the Pacific Flyway's most important area for breeding waterfowl.
The conversation spans the Central Valley of California, Klamath Basin, Great Salt Lake, and Alaska, highlighting how DU operates in some of the most complex and water‑limited landscapes in North America.

In this episode:
Why snowpack is the single most important driver of wetlands in the West
How declining snow and rising temperatures affect ducks, farms, and cities
Current wetland conditions in California’s Central Valley and Klamath Basin
Botulism risk and innovative water management solutions in Klamath
Why rain helps short‑term but snowpack determines fall habitat
The drying trend across the western U.S. and climate implications
Great Salt Lake: why it matters to millions of birds and people
DU’s $100 million Great Salt Lake Initiative explained
Controlling “the thirsty three” invasive plants: phragmites, tamarisk & Russian olive
Alaska’s outsized role in producing Pacific Flyway waterfowl
DU’s new Alaska Initiative – Born to Fly
Working with native corporations, agencies, and industry in Alaska
Why conservation in Alaska is about understanding — not restoration
Surprising work DU does on endangered fish recovery
Keeping the Junior Duck Stamp program alive in Washington State

This episode offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at how DU operates where water is most precious — and why collaboration, science, and community matter more than ever.
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.

The 1970s and 80s brought a flurry of activity, including early teal seasons, stabilized regulations, foundational analyses of compensatory vs. additive mortality, new views on harvest management, and the most important development for waterfowl management in at least 50 years – the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Repeat guests Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg rejoin the DU Podcast to continue a discussion about the history of waterfowl harvest management.
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.

Can you raise a hunting dog without sacrificing your family or your sanity?
Bethany Beathard sits down with professional dog trainer Destiny Thomasson of Hund + Soul to talk about training gun dogs in real life. They cover puppy foundations, introducing gunfire safely, managing training with kids at home, and keeping dogs conditioned year-round.
This episode is for women who want working dogs and functional family life, without perfection or expensive gear.
Topics include:
Choosing the right breed for your lifestyle
Puppy training basics that actually transfer to the field
Introducing dogs to gunfire safely
Budget-friendly training alternatives
Finding community and mentorship in dog training
Destiny's Social Media: Hund + Soul 
(FB) https://www.facebook.com/share/1GgjxBLFfU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
(IG) Instagram
Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.
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.

Great gun dogs aren’t built overnight — they’re shaped through patience, consistency, experience, and mentorship.
In this episode, host Jimbo Robinson sits down with Adam Campbell of Campbell’s Hillside Kennels, a certified gun dog instructor based in Alabama, to talk deeply and honestly about training dogs, developing young pups, and building lifelong partnerships between handlers and dogs.
Adam shares his journey from small‑town Alabama to professional dog training, the mentors who shaped his approach, and the philosophy that guides everything he does — from puppy development to finished, hunt‑ready dogs. The conversation blends practical advice with heartfelt stories about legacy, discipline, parenting, and the importance of unseen work.
In this episode:
Adam Campbell’s path from schoolteacher to professional dog trainer
How strong mentorship can change the trajectory of a life
Why the first 6 months of a puppy’s life are critical
Introducing gunfire the right way — and avoiding gun shyness
The difference between started, seasoned, and finished dogs
How hunt tests (AKC Master Hunter) fit into real‑world hunting
Why experience matters more than perfection
Managing dog burnout and winding dogs down after season
Longevity in modern gun dogs: nutrition, supplements & care
Picking the litter vs. picking the puppy
Why work ethic matters more than raw talent
Training mindset parallels between dogs, sports & parenting
Passing discipline, humility, and love of work to the next generation
Packed with wisdom, laughs, and perspective, this episode is as much about life as it is about dogs.

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.

Threats of a closed season in the Mississippi Flyway in 1968 led to intense disagreement, restrictive regulations, and amplified the challenges of managing the resource while considering the interests of people. Collectively, these times generated solid foundations for future progress. Dr. Mike Brasher is rejoined by Ken Babcock and Dale Humburg to discuss these topics, while also introducing an elegant alternative regulation system that began in the 1960s– the Point System.
 
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.