Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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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!
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]
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.

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
Send feedback: [email protected]
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.

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
Send feedback: [email protected]
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.

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.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]
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.

REGISTER FOR DUX 2026!
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 - DISCOUNT COUPON: VIPDEALS
REGISTER FOR DUX 2026!
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.