DUX SERIES: The Evolution of Banded: Waterfowl Innovation, Legacy & What’s Next (Ep 777)

DUX Series: ALPS Outdoors: Gear, Innovation & Beyond (Ep 788)

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Great hunts depend on great gear — and the details behind that gear matter more than most people realize. In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host Logan Nevins sit down with Zach Scheidegger and Joe Schroeder of ALPS Outdoors to talk product innovation, design challenges, and what it takes to build gear for serious hunters. The conversation dives into ALPS’ evolution from mountaineering equipment into a full outdoor brand with thousands of products spanning hunting, camping, and beyond. From layout blinds to blind bags to unexpected hits like their collapsible fire pit, Zach and Joe share how ideas move from concept to finished product — often through years of testing and refinement. A major focus is their partnership with Ducks Unlimited, including the growing line of DU‑branded gear and how those products help connect customers with conservation. The discussion also highlights the importance of direct feedback from hunters, with events like DUX giving the ALPS team valuable insight into how their gear is used in real-world conditions. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how modern waterfowl gear is built — and why thoughtful design makes all the difference when it matters most. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS: 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.

Happy 4th of July! Happy 250 years America!

Hey everyone, this is Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to just take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and meaningful 4th of July, our Independence Day. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded of the freedoms that we cherish and the responsibility that we all share to protect the natural resources that make this country so special. At Ducks Unlimited, our mission has always been rooted in conservation, stewardship, and service to something larger than ourselves. And none of that's possible without you, our dedicated volunteers, our generous supporters, and our passionate listeners. You're the reason we're able to restore wetlands, preserve critical habitats, and ensure that future generations will experience the same wild places and rich traditions that we hold dear. So on this Independence Day, we want to say thank you. Thank you for standing by us. Thank you for believing in our mission. And thank you for being part of the DU family. From all of us here at Ducks Unlimited, happy 4th of July. And may your day be filled with good company, great memories, and time outdoors. God bless you, and God bless America. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS: 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.

Prairie Conditions & Duck Predictions | 2026 Habitat Update

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  What will the 2026 duck season look like? It all starts on the prairies. In this annual Ducks Unlimited tradition, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens and Dr. Steve Adair to break down current habitat conditions across the Prairie Pothole Region and make early predictions for the breeding population survey. The conversation highlights a familiar but important theme: variability. While parts of the Canadian prairies have benefited from recent precipitation, other regions — particularly across portions of the U.S. prairies — remain dry.  The group discusses how timing of moisture plays a critical role in duck production, noting that late-season rainfall may improve brood survival but won’t necessarily influence where birds settle to nest. They also revisit last year’s conditions, including below-average pond counts and moderate production, which could translate into slightly lower breeding populations this spring.  The episode concludes with their annual “prognostications” for pond counts and duck numbers and a reminder that the prairie landscape continues to drive waterfowl success across North America. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS: 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.

Texas Coast Wetlands: Habitat, Migration & Conservation in Action (Ep 787)

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  The Texas Gulf Coast is one of the most important — and most dynamic — waterfowl landscapes in North America. In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Taylor Abshire, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, to explore how wetlands along the Texas coast support waterfowl across the entire annual cycle — from early fall migration to late spring departure. The conversation highlights the unique nature of this region, where birds like blue‑winged teal may begin arriving as early as August and still be present well into May. That extended timeline creates both opportunities and challenges for wetland managers trying to balance habitat for migrating birds, wintering waterfowl, and resident species like mottled ducks. Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: successful conservation on the Texas coast depends on working lands and the people who manage them. From water timing and vegetation management to infrastructure and long-term habitat design, landowners play a critical role in maintaining the wetlands that waterfowl depend on. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how science, partnerships, and on-the-ground management come together to sustain one of the continent’s most important waterfowl regions. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast [https://www.ducks.org/DUPodcast] Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org SPONSORS: 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: Purina Pro Plan & the Hunting Dog: Performance, Science & DU Partnership (Ep 786)

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Behind every great hunt is a great dog — and behind that dog is the right nutrition. In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host David Schuessler sit down with Karl Gunzer of Purina Pro Plan, the presenting sponsor of the DUX Waterfowl Show and a long‑time partner of Ducks Unlimited. The conversation highlights the role of high-performance dog nutrition in hunting success and why Purina has invested so heavily in the waterfowl community. Karl shares how Pro Plan approaches dog food through science, research, and performance — and how that differs from trends driven purely by marketing. They also discuss how nutrition impacts everything from stamina and recovery to long-term health, and why feeding a premium diet can make a measurable difference in working dogs. Beyond performance, the episode explores Purina’s broader commitment to conservation, including support for habitat work and sustainability initiatives that directly benefit waterfowl and hunters. The discussion also looks ahead to DUX, where Purina’s interactive presence has become a centerpiece of the show — bringing dog owners closer to the science, training, and real-world experience that define a great hunting companion. At its core, this episode is about the connection between hunters, dogs, and conservation — and the role nutrition plays in keeping that tradition strong. 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.