Ducks Unlimited Podcast

What happens when a Louisiana duck hunter builds one of the fastest-growing HVAC companies in the region and turns a small convenience store into a destination for hunters?
Host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Seth Chapman, owner of Chapman’s Air Conditioning and Perry Outfitters, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, waterfowl hunting, social media, and the values that guide both his businesses and his life.
Seth shares stories from growing up in coastal Louisiana, hunting the marshes around Pecan Island, and learning the outdoors from his father and generations before him. The conversation explores everything from building a company from a single service truck to managing dozens of employees, opening Perry Outfitters, and creating a community centered around hunting and the outdoors.
Along the way, Seth reflects on how duck hunting has changed over the years, memorable hunts with family and friends, social media's role in modern outdoor culture, and why authenticity still matters in an increasingly online world.
Topics Covered
Growing up hunting in coastal Louisiana
Life around Pecan Island and Vermilion Parish
Building Chapman’s Air Conditioning from scratch
The creation and growth of Perry Outfitters
Changes in Louisiana duck hunting over the years
Memorable hunts and waterfowl traditions
Social media and outdoor culture
Why authenticity matters in hunting and business
Balancing family, work, and the outdoors

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org
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The 2026 duck numbers are out, and there are a few surprises.

In this special update, Dr. Mike Brasher gives a quick breakdown of the newly released Waterfowl Population Status Report and highlights the most important takeaways for duck hunters. Be sure to click here and check out our website for more information.
In this episode:
Total duck numbers remained relatively stable. 
Mallards declined to their lowest estimate in decades. 
Prairie pond numbers improved from last year. 
Most other duck species were relatively unchanged. 
Early signs point to improved duck production this year. 
For the full breakdown and expert analysis, tune in to the Waterfowl Season Outlook livestream on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 @ 6pm CDT.

Ducks Unlimited salutes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, and the member agencies of the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific flyway councils for their ongoing leadership in conducting the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey

Listen now: 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.

For rising country artist Maddox Batson, the outdoors isn't just a hobby. It's where he goes to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most.
Recorded live from DUX 2026, hosts Jimbo Robinson & Matt Harrison sit down with Maddox Batson for a conversation about family, music, hunting, and navigating success at a young age. 
Maddox shares how his grandfather first introduced him to the outdoors, why duck hunting quickly became an obsession, and how hunting remains an important escape from the demands of a rapidly growing music career. The discussion also covers songwriting, social media, Nashville, mentorship, and the values that continue to keep him grounded as his platform continues to grow.
Along the way, Maddox talks about the influence of his parents, his appreciation for mentors like Lainey Wilson and Devlin "Duck" Hodges, and why being kind to others is one of the most important lessons he hopes to pass on to the next generation.
Topics Covered
Growing up hunting with his grandfather
How duck hunting became a passion
Moving to Nashville and pursuing music
The role social media played in his career
Songwriting and creative inspiration
Mentors in the music and outdoor industries
Why hunting helps him disconnect and recharge
Advice for young people navigating life and success

Listen now: 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.

Dan Thiel, Executive Secretary of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of Wetlands America Trust, joins podcast host, Katie Burke, in this part of a multiple part series discussing the history and formation of Ducks Unlimited. In this episode the pair talk about Nash Buckingham, the famous sportsman and writer, and the important role he played in the founding of our organization.

Listen now: 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.

What makes a wooden decoy worth more than a million dollars?
Recorded live at DUX 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee, host Katie Burke sits down with Jon Deeter of Guyette & Deeter, one of the most respected names in the world of sporting collectibles, decoys, and duck calls.
The conversation explores the historic sale of the Jim and Diane Cook Collection, which produced the first two decoys in history to sell for more than $1 million at auction. Jon shares behind-the-scenes stories from the landmark sales, discusses the passion that drives serious collectors, and explains why collecting is about much more than prices and records.
The discussion also covers the thrill of discovery, including a newly found Victor Glodo duck call that surfaced just days before DUX, proving that important pieces of waterfowling history are still waiting to be found. Along the way, Katie and Jon discuss collector culture, first decoys, waterfowl heritage, and why the friendships built through collecting matter just as much as the artifacts themselves. 
Topics Covered
The record-breaking Jim and Diane Cook Collection auctions
The first decoys to surpass $1 million at auction
Why collectors remember their first decoy forever
The history and significance of Victor Glodo duck calls
Waterfowl heritage and sporting collectibles
Decoy collecting culture and community
Hidden collections still waiting to be discovered
Why collecting is about more than money

Listen now: 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.