EP. 108: Hardcore Texas Duck Hunting with Ernest Gonzales of Feet Down Waterfowl

EP. 110: Copper Shot, USFWS Memo & the Future of Waterfowl Ammo with Ben Meyers

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Ben Meyers of Flight Day Ammunition back to the show for an in-depth discussion on the current state and future of waterfowl ammunition. The conversation begins with a breakdown of the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service memorandum clarifying approved non-toxic shot requirements for migratory bird hunting. Ben explains what the memo means for hunters, manufacturers, and the future development of non-toxic shot materials. They discuss copper shot, approved shot types, the federal approval process, and some of the misconceptions circulating throughout the hunting community. Brian and Ben also take a deep dive into the economics of waterfowl ammunition, including the rising costs of bismuth and tungsten shot. Ben shares insight into global supply chains, material availability, pricing trends, and how market forces continue to shape the ammunition industry. The discussion also covers the practical side of things for waterfowl hunters. Ben compares steel, bismuth, and tungsten loads, explains where each option shines in the field, and offers advice on choosing the right ammunition for different hunting situations and budgets. Whether you're interested in regulations, ballistics, ammunition technology, or simply want to become a more informed waterfowl hunter, this episode is packed with valuable information. Please share this episode with your waterfowl hunting friends and family. Learn more about Flight Day Ammunition at FlightDayAmmo.com. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com [migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com] Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl [https://www.patreon.com/c/MigrationWaterfowl] Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com [https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com] And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com [https://rigemright.com] Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com [https://www.flightdayammo.com] 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com [https://aveshunting.com] Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com [https://www.retayusa.com] frogg toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com [https://www.froggtoggs.com/] The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany [https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany] Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com [https://www.northernduckcalls.com] 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

EP. 109: Why Conservation Matters, Delta Waterfowl & the Duck Hunters Expo with Chris Williams

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib is joined by Chris Williams, Senior Director of Industry Partnerships at Delta Waterfowl. Chris shares the history of Delta Waterfowl and explains how the organization evolved into one of the leading voices in duck production, hunter recruitment, and waterfowl conservation in North America. Brian and Chris discuss Delta’s mission, major accomplishments, current conservation projects, habitat priorities, and the state of duck populations heading into the future. The conversation also covers some of the biggest issues facing hunters today, including public land concerns, anti-hunting legislation, conservation funding, and the importance of keeping hunters engaged in protecting the future of waterfowl hunting. Chris also gives listeners an inside look at the 2026 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo happening July 24–26 in Des Moines, Iowa. They discuss what attendees can expect, why the Expo continues to grow, and why events like this matter for the future of the hunting community. Whether you’re passionate about duck conservation, habitat, public lands, or simply want to become a more informed waterfowl hunter, this episode is packed with valuable insight and discussion. Please share this episode with your hunting friends and family and thank you for supporting the Migration Waterfowl Podcast. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com [migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com] Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl [https://www.patreon.com/c/MigrationWaterfowl] Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com [https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com] And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com [https://rigemright.com] Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com [https://www.flightdayammo.com] 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com [https://aveshunting.com] Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com [https://www.retayusa.com] frogg toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com [https://www.froggtoggs.com/] The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany [https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany] Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com [https://www.northernduckcalls.com] 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

EP. 108: Hardcore Texas Duck Hunting with Ernest Gonzales of Feet Down Waterfowl

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Ernest Gonzales of Feet Down Waterfowl to the show. Ernest is a hardcore Texas waterfowl hunter and content creator known for sharing his passion for the sport through Feet Down Waterfowl on TikTok. Brian gets Ernest’s background and hears the story of how his obsession with duck hunting began before diving into what makes waterfowl hunting in Texas unique. The conversation turns to scouting, hunting strategy, and lessons learned from years spent chasing ducks. Ernest shares his approach to breaking down new areas, discusses common mistakes hunters make, and explains what separates average hunters from consistently successful waterfowl hunters. Brian and Ernest also talk about the role social media plays in hunting today, how platforms like TikTok have influenced hunting culture, gear philosophies, unpopular opinions, and plenty of stories from time spent in the marsh. Waterfowl hunters of all experience levels will find some entertaining stories and practical takeaways in this episode. Please share this episode with your waterfowl hunting friends and family. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com [migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com] Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl [https://www.patreon.com/c/MigrationWaterfowl] Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com [https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com] And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com [https://rigemright.com] Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com [https://www.flightdayammo.com] 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com [https://aveshunting.com] Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com [https://www.retayusa.com] frogg toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com [https://www.froggtoggs.com/] The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany [https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany] Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com [https://www.northernduckcalls.com] 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

EP. 107: DIY Waterfowl Hunting Road Trips: My Complete System

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib dives into one of the topics he gets asked about a lot: freelance waterfowl road trips. From choosing a destination and planning a hunt to licensing, budgeting, scouting, gear selection, and deciding where to actually hunt once you arrive, Brian breaks down his complete process for planning DIY waterfowl adventures. Whether you're thinking about taking your first out-of-state hunt or looking to become a more efficient travel hunter, this episode is packed with practical information and lessons learned through years of trial and error. Brian discusses how he researches potential hunting locations, what resources he uses before ever leaving home, how he approaches scouting unfamiliar areas, and the gear that makes the cut when space is limited. He also covers regulations and licensing considerations, the importance of understanding each state or province waterfowl laws, and what happens after the hunt—including transporting and making use of harvested birds. If you've ever wondered what really goes into planning a successful freelance hunt beyond the social media highlight reels, this episode pulls back the curtain. Please share this episode with your hunting friends and family, and thank you for supporting the Migration Waterfowl Podcast. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com [migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com] Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Patreon - You can support the show here and get exclusive access! https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Apparel & Gear Roost https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com [https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com] Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com [https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com] And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com [https://rigemright.com] Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com [https://www.flightdayammo.com] 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com [https://aveshunting.com] Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com [https://www.retayusa.com] frogg Toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com [https://www.froggtoggs.com] The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany [https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany] Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com [https://www.northernduckcalls.com] 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

EP. 106: Top Tips To Level Up Your Waterfowl Hunting Game with Mike Pomaibo

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes his friend and hunting partner Mike Pomaibo back to the show. Mike is a hardcore waterfowl hunter from Pennsylvania. Brian asks Mike about his recent turkey hunting success and gets to hear the story of the gobbler Mike got to harvest while hunting with his dad. They talk about tungsten ammunition and the extreme rise in cost of TSS rounds. The conversation turns to waterfowl hunting and Brian asks Mike to share his perspective of what has worked and what hasn't as he has matured as a waterfowl hunter over the last few seasons. Mike shares his top 5 tips that helped him level up his waterfowl hunting game. He also breaks down some common misconceptions he expected as a new waterfowl hunter and how he dealt with those. Waterfowl hunters of all levels will find some great information in this episode. Please share this with your waterfowl hunting friends and family. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com [migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com] Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Merchandise & The Gear Roost: https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com [https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com] Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com [https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com] And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com [https://rigemright.com] Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com [https://www.flightdayammo.com] 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com [https://aveshunting.com] Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com [https://www.retayusa.com] frogg Toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com [https://www.froggtoggs.com] The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany [https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany] Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com [https://www.northernduckcalls.com] 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]