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

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.

Happy 4th of July! Happy 250 years America!

Hey everyone, this is Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to just take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and meaningful 4th of July, our Independence Day. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded of the freedoms that we cherish and the responsibility that we all share to protect the natural resources that make this country so special. At Ducks Unlimited, our mission has always been rooted in conservation, stewardship, and service to something larger than ourselves. And none of that's possible without you, our dedicated volunteers, our generous supporters, and our passionate listeners. You're the reason we're able to restore wetlands, preserve critical habitats, and ensure that future generations will experience the same wild places and rich traditions that we hold dear. So on this Independence Day, we want to say thank you. Thank you for standing by us. Thank you for believing in our mission. And thank you for being part of the DU family. From all of us here at Ducks Unlimited, happy 4th of July. And may your day be filled with good company, great memories, and time outdoors. God bless you, and God bless America. 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.