ASCEND by Ducks Unlimited

The Turkey Hunting Lessons We Learned... the Hard Way

Every turkey hunter has a story they’ll never forget—and usually a lesson that came with it. In this special Ascend roundtable episode, Adrian, Julia, Bethany, and Erin swap some of their most memorable turkey hunting experiences, from birds that mysteriously came back to life after the shot to all-day crawls across open country and mountain hunts for Merriam’s turkeys. Along the way, they discuss what keeps them coming back to turkey hunting season after season, the calls they trust, the gear they won’t leave home without, and the little tricks that make long mornings in the woods more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or preparing for your first season, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. Topics covered: • Memorable turkey hunts and the lessons they taught • Why turkey hunting becomes addictive • Hunting Easterns, Rios, Merriam’s, and Osceolas • Mouth calls vs. slate calls vs. diaphragm calls • How movement ruins more setups than bad calling • Favorite turkey guns, gauges, and loads • Essential gear every turkey hunter carries • Tick prevention and staying comfortable in the field • Hunting snacks, coffee, Pop-Tarts, jerky, and other camp essentials • Why every experienced turkey hunter has at least one story that still hurts to tell Follow along with the Ascend community at @duascend or visit ducks.org/ascend [http://ducks.org/ascend]. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey. Visit birddogwhiskey.com [https://www.birddogwhiskey.com/]. Enjoy Responsibly!  Taurus Firearms. Visit taurusUSA.com [http://www.taurususa.com/] Oklahoma Joes. Visit oklahomajoes.com [http://www.oklahomajoes.com/] and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory. Visit springfield-armory.com [https://www.springfield-armory.com/]

How to Get More Turkeys: Habitat Management That Actually Works

Want more turkeys on your property? It starts with how you manage your land.  Ascend host Adrian Jessen sits down with Courtney Conring, wildlife biologist and Assistant Chief of Research for Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, to break down what really drives turkey populations—and what landowners can do to improve them. From food sources and cover to prescribed fire and predator pressure, Courtney explains how habitat—not hunting—is the biggest factor affecting turkey numbers. Whether you own 20 acres or manage large tracts of land, this episode gives you practical steps to create better turkey habitat and stronger wildlife populations. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The fundamentals of habitat management (food, water, cover) * What turkeys eat—and how to provide it year‑round * Why insects and early successional plants are critical for poults * How to create openings and improve land for turkey use * When and why prescribed fire makes a difference * How cover protects hens and nests from predators * The truth about predator management vs. habitat quality * Why private landowners play a critical role in turkey conservation Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation. Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend [http://www.ducks.org/ascend]. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey. Visit birddogwhiskey.com [https://www.birddogwhiskey.com/]. Enjoy Responsibly!  Taurus Firearms. Visit taurusUSA.com [http://www.taurususa.com/] Oklahoma Joes. Visit oklahomajoes.com [http://www.oklahomajoes.com/] and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory. Visit springfield-armory.com [https://www.springfield-armory.com/]

Women Hunting Elk: First Archery Harvest and Hard Lessons

Learn what it really takes to harvest an elk on public land—from scouting to pack‑out—and how women are redefining success in hunting.  Host Erin Crider sits down with archery guide and instructor Anna Sabotka to break down her first public‑land archery elk harvest in Colorado—and everything that came with it. From scouting and studying elk behavior to calling strategies, shot execution, and a brutal multi‑mile pack‑out, Anna shares the real highs and challenges behind the moment. The conversation also explores elk camp experiences, mentoring new hunters, and why defining your own version of success matters more than the outcome. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How scouting leads to successful elk hunts * Realistic expectations for public land elk hunting success rates * Calling strategies, wind awareness, and shot decision‑making * What a full elk pack‑out actually looks like * How to process meat in the backcountry using the gutless method * Why mentorship and training camps help new hunters succeed * How to define success beyond just harvesting an animal The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey. Visit birddogwhiskey.com [https://www.birddogwhiskey.com/]. Enjoy Responsibly!  Taurus Firearms. Visit taurusUSA.com [http://www.taurususa.com/] Oklahoma Joes. Visit oklahomajoes.com [http://www.oklahomajoes.com/] and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory. Visit springfield-armory.com [https://www.springfield-armory.com/]

How Farming and Soil Health Shape Wildlife, Water, and the Outdoors

Learn how farming and conservation practices directly shape wildlife habitat, water quality, and the future of the outdoors.  Ascend host Adrian Jessen [https://www.instagram.com/reviewthisthing/] sits down with Joy Van Wyngarden [https://www.instagram.com/_joyofalltrades_/]—an Iowa farm‑raised conservation specialist and former watershed coordinator—to unpack how planting, soil management, and land stewardship influence everything from deer and ducks to clean water and food systems. Joy brings a rare blend of real‑world farming experience, conservation science, and hunting perspective. Together, they explain cover crops, wetlands, edge‑of‑field practices, soil health, and how small changes on private land can create massive downstream benefits for wildlife and people alike. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How conventional farming practices impact wildlife habitat * What cover crops are and why they matter * How soil health affects water, food, and animal populations * Why wetlands are critical for ducks, deer, and water quality * Simple ways landowners can assess and improve their property * The connection between agriculture, conservation, and hunting success * Why soil loss threatens the future of food and wildlife Follow @duascend [https://www.instagram.com/duascend/] or visit ducks.org/ascend [https://www.ducks.org/ascend] Presented by Ducks Unlimited. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey. Visit birddogwhiskey.com [https://www.birddogwhiskey.com/]. Enjoy Responsibly!  Taurus Firearms. Visit taurusUSA.com [http://www.taurususa.com/] Oklahoma Joes. Visit oklahomajoes.com [http://www.oklahomajoes.com/] and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory. Visit springfield-armory.com [https://www.springfield-armory.com/]

The Truth About Hunting : Host Round Table, Real Stories & Lessons

What really happens behind the highlight reels of hunting and outdoor life? In this candid roundtable episode, Bethany, Adrienne, Erin, and Julia sit down to reflect on a full season of conversations, hunts, and hard-earned lessons. Instead of a single guest, this episode brings together the voices behind the podcast to unpack what stood out most from unforgettable guests and powerful community moments to the realities that don’t always make it onto social media. The group shares personal hunting stories, including first harvests, missed shots, and the emotional highs and lows that come with time in the field. From elk hunts in the mountains to first-time duck hunters finding their confidence, this episode highlights how growth often comes through failure, persistence, and shared experiences. They also dive into deeper themes: the rise of women in hunting, the importance of mentorship and communication, and how intentional time outdoors can restore balance in an otherwise fast-paced life. Whether it’s teaching beginners, navigating fear around firearms, or simply making time to get outside, the conversation emphasizes progress over perfection. Above all, this episode is a reminder that no one starts as an expert—and that the most meaningful moments often come from the messy, imperfect, real parts of the journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: *  Why storytelling and community have been the most impactful part of this season *  How women are building confidence and connection through hunting and outdoor skills *  The importance of communication when mentoring new hunters *  Real hunting experiences from missed shots to first harvests *  How social media can create unrealistic expectations (and why showing failure matters) *  Why beginners often struggle with fear, perfectionism, and information overload *  How small wins in the outdoors can be just as meaningful as a harvest *  The role of conservation and why new hunters (especially women) are essential to its future *  Practical tips for introducing someone new to hunting or shooting *  Why intentional time outdoors can improve mental clarity and overall well-being Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation. Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend [http://www.ducks.org/ascend]. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey. Visit birddogwhiskey.com [https://www.birddogwhiskey.com/]. Enjoy Responsibly!  Taurus Firearms. Visit taurusUSA.com [http://www.taurususa.com/] Oklahoma Joes. Visit oklahomajoes.com [http://www.oklahomajoes.com/] and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory. Visit springfield-armory.com [https://www.springfield-armory.com/]