EP. 112: My Off-Season Projects & Waterfowl Season Preparations

EP. 112: My Off-Season Projects & Waterfowl Season Preparations

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib dives into several projects currently underway as he prepares for another year of waterfowl hunting. From restoring an old aluminum Bass Tracker into a versatile duck and fishing rig to building diver decoy long lines and inspecting & maintaining gear, this episode is all about making the most of the months between seasons. Brian discusses the realities of taking on major DIY projects, including delayed shipments, missing parts, and the importance of setting realistic timelines. He also shares what he looks for in a duck and fishing combo boat, lessons learned so far during the restoration process, and why the finished product is only part of the story. The conversation also covers off-season gear maintenance, inspecting equipment from the previous season, making repairs before they become problems, and the importance of staying organized. Brian explains how the frustration of managing piles of hunting gear ultimately led to the creation of the Gear Roost and why organization can make a huge difference when the season arrives. Whether you're rebuilding a boat, repainting decoys, upgrading gear, or simply looking for ways to stay connected to waterfowl hunting during the summer months, this episode offers practical ideas and motivation to help you prepare for the migration ahead. Topics discussed: • Restoring a 17-foot aluminum Bass Tracker • What makes a great duck and fishing combo boat • Amazon delays, missing parts, and project setbacks • Setting realistic expectations for DIY projects • Building diver decoy long lines • Refurbishing older diver decoys • Off-season gear inspection and maintenance • Organizing hunting equipment for fall • Why preparation matters long before opening day • The story behind the Gear Roost If you're enjoying The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a hunting buddy. 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 Key Takeaways From This Episode: 1. The best waterfowl seasons are often built during the off-season. 2. Boat restoration projects take more time, money, and patience than most people expect. 3. A practical duck boat should prioritize durability, simplicity, storage, and versatility over unnecessary features. 4. Used decoys can often be restored for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones. 5. Building your own long lines allows you to customize your setup while saving money. 6. Small repairs completed in the summer can prevent major frustrations during hunting season. 7. Organization saves time, reduces stress, and helps extend the life of your gear. 8. Every piece of hunting equipment should be inspected, cleaned, and tested before opening day. 9. Project setbacks are part of the process—success comes from staying committed and working through them. 10. Preparation creates opportunity when the migration arrives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

EP. 111: A Father-Son Waterfowl Journey with Tony & Tristan Vogel

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Tony and Tristan Vogel, the father-son team behind One Hell of a Life Outdoors and the One Hell of a Life Outdoor Podcast. We discuss how they got started waterfowl hunting, the experiences that shaped them as hunters, and how their approach to chasing ducks and geese has evolved over the years. From their early days in the blind to what a typical season looks like today, Tony and Tristan share lessons learned through decades of hunting and time spent outdoors together. We also dive into a topic that seems to be on the minds of many hunters today: the current state of waterfowl social media. Is it helping grow the sport, or creating more division within the hunting community? We discuss authenticity in outdoor content, hunting culture online, and what responsibility content creators have when representing the future of our sport. Whether you're a lifelong waterfowl hunter, a new hunter looking to learn, or someone interested in the future of hunting culture, this episode is packed with honest conversation and valuable perspective. Please share this episode with your waterfowl 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. 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]