Ducks Unlimited Podcast

Duck Science at Scale: AI, Satellites & the Future of Conservation (Ep 776)

Waterfowl science is entering a new era — and Ducks Unlimited is right in the middle of it. In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson and guest Dr. Patrick Donnelly, Research Scientist with Ducks Unlimited’s Western Region, for a deep dive into how emerging technologies are transforming the way we understand ducks, wetlands, and flyways. Patrick brings decades of experience from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joint ventures, and academia, and now applies cutting‑edge tools like AI, cloud computing, GPS telemetry, remote sensing, and environmental DNA to answer some of the most important conservation questions at continental scales. In this episode, listeners will hear about: * Patrick Donnelly’s journey from the Fish & Wildlife Service to Ducks Unlimited * Movement ecology and why scale matters for migratory birds * How GPS transmitters revolutionized waterfowl research * Using satellite imagery to map wetlands across 40+ years * “Functional wetland loss” and why water matters as much as land protection * The role of snowpack, hydrology, and climate in western wetlands * Disease risk, botulism, and crowding during molting periods * Linking bird movements, habitat conditions, and time * The Western Mallard Project and tracking 800 birds across the Pacific Flyway * Sentinel and Landsat satellites explained in plain language * Cloud computing and why conservation can now run at scale * Using citizen‑science data (eBird) alongside satellite data * New applications of environmental DNA (yes — duck poop) * How AI helps identify patterns humans can’t see * Training the next generation of conservation scientists * Why this moment feels like a “second revolution” in waterfowl science This episode pulls back the curtain on how Ducks Unlimited is using modern science to maximize conservation return on investment, ensuring that every dollar delivers the greatest benefit for waterfowl now and into the future. 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 EP336 - Collector’s Series: Stan Van Etten TRIBUTE

Past Editor-in-Chief of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Stan Van Etten, joins host, Katie Burke, to chat about the magazine’s 20-year run. The duo reminisces about some of the magazine’s great articles over years of its publication. Stan discusses what led him to start the publication of the magazine, as well as his reason for retiring it. 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.

ASCEND: The Truth About Hunting : Host Round Table, Real Stories & Lessons (Ep 775)

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]. 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: The Reeds Story & the Ducks Unlimited Expo Experience (Ep 774)

REGISTER FOR DUX 2026! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] ReedsGunsAndAmmo.com [https://www.reedsgunsandammo.com/] - DISCOUNT COUPON: VIPDEALS This episode kicks off a new DUX Series on the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, hosted by Jimbo Robinson and David Schuessler, highlighting the companies and partners shaping the DUX event and the broader outdoor lifestyle. In this first installment, the hosts are joined by Adam and Drew Arnold of Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters, a third‑generation, family‑owned business based in Walker, Minnesota. What started as a small bait shop in the 1950s has evolved into one of the most respected retail and destination outdoor brands in the country. From retail to resorts, customer experience to conservation partnerships, the Arnolds share how Reeds became more than a store — it became a destination. In this episode, listeners will hear about: * The origin story of Reeds and its roots on Leech Lake * Growing a family business across multiple generations * From sports shows to e‑commerce: adapting to industry changes * Building a destination retail experience like Buc‑ee’s * The importance of partnerships with top outdoor brands * How Reeds supports Ducks Unlimited events and chapters * The evolution of Sportsman’s Night Out and DUX events * Why in‑person events still matter in a digital world * Creating all‑inclusive outdoor experiences at Trapper’s Landing Lodge * How fishing, retail, and hospitality connect into one ecosystem * The future of the outdoor retail industry * What makes DUX a true destination for families and hunters Whether you’re a hunter, angler, retailer, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode offers insight into how experience, service, and partnership drive success in today’s outdoor industry. ReedsGunsAndAmmo.com [https://www.reedsgunsandammo.com/] - DISCOUNT COUPON: VIPDEALS REGISTER FOR DUX 2026! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] 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 EP223 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 11: AHM – Alternative Hypotheses and Optimal Decisions

Is duck harvest mortality additive or compensatory? Is duck production strongly or weakly density dependent? Which habitat features most influence duck production? And how are optimal duck harvest regulations selected in the face of this imperfect knowledge? The DU Podcast is again thankful to be joined by Dr. Jim Nichols, retired senior scientist and Adaptive Harvest Management expert, to dig deeper into the workings of AHM and how annual duck regulations are selected. 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.