RELOADED EP223 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 11: AHM – Alternative Hypotheses and Optimal Decisions

Rice & Ducks: Why Farming Practices Matter for Waterfowl (Ep 778)

Rice fields aren’t just agricultural landscapes — they’re one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America. In this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren of Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center and Patrick Dill, Ducks Unlimited’s Manager of Agricultural Programs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), to break down the science, management, and real‑world decisions behind rice agriculture and waterfowl habitat. From energy-rich food resources to water management and farming practices, the group explains why rice fields have become a cornerstone of wintering habitat — and what’s at risk as modern agriculture continues to evolve. In this episode, listeners will hear about: * The history of rice agriculture and its connection to waterfowl * Why rice fields function as “surrogate wetlands” in the MAV * Duck Energy Days explained and why they matter * The massive difference between harvested vs. unharvested rice fields * How modern harvesting techniques affect food availability * Residue management (burning, rolling, disking) and its impact on ducks * Why water depth (2–8 inches) is critical for feeding waterfowl * The importance of invertebrates and diverse food sources in rice fields * How infrastructure (levees, impoundments) helps hold water on the landscape * The role of geese, weather, and timing in food depletion * Why early flooding and late-season water retention matter * How pressure, disturbance, and refuge areas affect duck behavior * The realities of farming decisions: input costs, markets, and water scarcity * Emerging trends in rice production (row rice, AWD irrigation, ratoon crops) * Habitat loss risks when rice acres shift to other crops * Practical tips for managing rice fields specifically for waterfowl This episode connects agriculture and conservation in a way that shows how farm-level decisions directly influence continental duck populations. 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 EP224 - Waterfowl Harvest Management Series, Part 12: AHM – Learning, Legacy, and Influence

In this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time. 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 Evolution of Banded: Waterfowl Innovation, Legacy & What’s Next (Ep 777)

REGISTER FOR DUX 2026! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] Innovation in waterfowl hunting gear doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from hunters solving real problems in the field. In this episode of the DUX Series, hosts Jimbo Robinson and David Schuessler sit down with Art Diaz, Community Manager for Banded Hunting Gear, to explore the evolution of one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl — from its roots in Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear to its modern identity under the Banded name. The conversation blends culture, history, and innovation, diving into how gear has changed, what drives new product development, and why authenticity still matters in a crowded outdoor market. In this episode, listeners will hear about: * Art Diaz’s journey from musician to outdoor industry professional * Growing up hunting in South Dakota and discovering waterfowl * The connection between music, creativity, and the outdoors * The legacy of Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear * Game‑changing innovations like breathable waders and detailed decoys * Behind‑the‑scenes stories from the early days of GHG * How the internet changed product perception and adoption * Why honesty and problem‑solving drive Banded’s design philosophy * The importance of community and real hunter feedback * What sets Banded gear apart in today’s saturated market * The continued demand for high‑quality decoys and technical gear * Influencers, ambassadors, and real‑world experience in product validation * The growing connection between outdoor culture and broader audiences * What to expect from Banded at this year’s DUX show * A preview of major upcoming innovations (without giving too much away) This episode is a deep look at how heritage brands evolve — and how Banded is positioning itself for the next generation of waterfowl hunters. REGISTER FOR DUX 2026! [https://www.duckexpo.com/] 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.

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.