Ducks Unlimited Podcast

RELOADED EP231 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 14: Sex-specific Regs and Farewell to the Point System

Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, rejoins the DU Podcast to provide nostalgic reflection as he share insights on the role of sex-specific duck regulations, how they were formulated under the point system, and what determined if a bird was worth 10, 15, or 35 points. Despite being conceptually sound, the point system was withdrawn in 1994, largely due to challenges with the practicality of its implementation and enforcement. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org 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.

DUX SERIES: Rough Country & the Modern Hunt (Ep 781)

Today’s hunters don’t just rely on skill — they rely on the tools that get them there. In this episode of the DUX Series, host David Schuessler is joined by co‑host Logan Nevins and guest Seth Dortch of Rough Country, one of the fastest‑growing vehicle accessory brands in the outdoor space. From truck lifts and bed systems to fully outfitted UTV builds, Seth shares how Rough Country has evolved from a suspension company into a full‑scale outdoor lifestyle brand — and how that evolution parallels the way modern hunters access, transport, and experience the outdoors. In this episode, listeners will hear about: * Seth Dortch’s background growing up in West Tennessee and DU banquets * The early partnership between Rough Country and Ducks Unlimited * How Rough Country grew from a small suspension company to a major manufacturer * The role of aftermarket accessories in hunting and outdoor lifestyles * Why modern hunters rely on UTVs and fully customized vehicles * The rise of UTV accessories and how the category exploded in the last decade * How Rough Country designs products specifically for hunters and outdoorsmen * Bed caps, cargo systems, and the “full system” approach to gear * The complexity of fitting products across vehicle makes and models * How innovation and competition drive better gear for consumer * American manufacturing and the impact on local communities * What Rough Country is bringing to the DUX show in Memphis This episode highlights how gear and mobility have become essential parts of the modern hunting experience — and how brands like Rough Country are helping drive that evolution. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org 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.

California’s Central Valley: Water, Wetlands & the Future of Ducks (Ep 780)

California’s Central Valley is one of the most important — and most intensively managed — waterfowl landscapes in North America. In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Matt Kaminski, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, and Dr. Dan Smith, DU Waterfowl Scientist, for a deep dive into habitat conditions, conservation challenges, and the future of wetlands in the Pacific Flyway. From highly engineered water systems to changing land use and declining snowpack, the conversation highlights how water management decisions shape waterfowl populations across the entire annual cycle — from breeding to migration and wintering. In this episode, listeners will hear about: * Current breeding habitat conditions in the Central Valley * The role of snowpack and water supply in wetland availability * Why California remains critical for wintering AND breeding ducks * Declines in mallard production and possible causes * Changes in agriculture, especially rice, and impacts on ducks * The importance of watergrass as a key food resource * Highly engineered water systems and wetland infrastructure * Seasonal vs. semi‑permanent wetlands explained * The concept of “reverse cycle wetlands” and brood habitat * Why summer water is critical — but difficult and expensive to maintain * DU and partner programs incentivizing habitat for breeding waterfowl This episode provides an inside look at one of the most complex conservation landscapes in North America — and how Ducks Unlimited is working with partners to keep it productive for waterfowl. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org 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.

RELOADED EP230 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 13: Remembering The Point System

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 [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org 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.

Sporting Art & Shell Boxes: Collecting the History of Hunting (Ep 779)

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 [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org 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.