Meet Wade Shoemaker: A New Voice on the DU Podcast (Ep 785)

DUX Series: Inside Higdon Outdoors: Decoys, Motion & Waterfowl Innovation (Ep 791)

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 best hunting gear starts with real hunters solving real problems. In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Brooke Richard of Higdon Outdoors to talk decoys, motion, product development, and what’s driving innovation in modern waterfowl hunting. The conversation explores Higdon’s history, from the original motion decoys that helped define the brand to the newest products making their debut at DUX. Brooke shares how feedback from hunters influences every stage of development and why the company continues to push improvements in realism, durability, and usability. Whether you're a gear enthusiast, serious waterfowler, or simply curious about what goes into designing products hunters rely on every season, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recognized names in waterfowl hunting. Topics Covered * The story behind Higdon Outdoors and its evolution * Why motion remains one of the biggest innovations in decoying * New product launches debuting at DUX * How hunter feedback shapes product development * Favorite waterfowl destinations across North America * Mentorship, calling culture, and the next generation of hunters 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.

The Storytelling Project Helping Firefighters and Preserving Traditions (Ep 790)

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  Discover how preserving hunting stories can support firefighter health and cancer prevention. Host Wade Shoemaker talks with Gray Schneider, founder of Season of Stories [https://www.instagram.com/seasonofstories], a traveling journal project inspired by the loss of his brother-in-law, firefighter Wade Cannon, to occupational cancer. What began as a way to preserve outdoor memories and family stories has grown into a fundraising and awareness effort focused on helping firefighters gain access to life-saving cancer screenings. Along the way, the project has become a unique collection of hunting stories, personal reflections, and outdoor traditions written by hunters from across North America. In this episode: * How Season of Stories [https://seasonofstories.org/] was inspired by a firefighter’s fight against cancer * Why handwritten journals still matter in a digital world * The connection between storytelling, hunting traditions, and legacy * How the project funds cancer screenings for firefighters * The journey of a traveling journal through the hunting community * Plans to expand beyond waterfowl into other outdoor pursuits 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.

RELOADED EP345 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 17: Eastern Mallard AHM, the Beginnings

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN  In the late 1990s, waterfowl harvest managers in the Atlantic Flyway began exploring new approaches to tie harvest regulations for their states to eastern mallards and other duck populations that were the primary source of Atlantic Flyway harvest. Dr. Min Huang, Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Dr. Pat Devers, USFWS, join the podcast to lead a discussion on these early days and eventual implementation of Eastern Mallard AHM. 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.

Chêne Gear, Relationships & Why Community Matters (Ep 789)

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 happens when a hunting brand focuses on people first? In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Dennis Zuck, CEO of Chêne Gear, and Grayson Morris, Chêne’s Community Marketing Manager, for a conversation about community, innovation, conservation, and the future of waterfowl hunting. The discussion begins with Chêne’s growth within the hunting industry and how the company has blended heritage-inspired design with modern technology to create products that resonate with hunters. But as Dennis explains, the company’s true mission extends beyond gear—it's about creating a place where people feel connected, welcomed, and valued. Along the way, the group shares hunting stories from Arkansas and Montana, discusses memorable product-testing experiences, and reflects on the realities of duck hunting in different regions of the country. They also reveal some of their favorite pieces of Chêne gear and provide a glimpse into upcoming product development and future innovations. The conversation also explores leadership within the hunting industry, the importance of collaboration over competition, and how brands can help create a more welcoming culture for future generations of hunters. From conservation commitments to community events and public-land stewardship, the guests emphasize that healthy hunting traditions require more than great gear—they require intentional investment in people. This episode offers an honest look at what it means to build a brand around relationships, service, and conservation while helping shape the future of the outdoors. 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: 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.