Ducks Unlimited Podcast

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Duck season is getting closer, and waterfowl hunters are facing a few big changes—especially when it comes to ammunition.
In this final episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Nathan Robinson of Winchester Ammunition to discuss the current state of waterfowl loads, rising tungsten prices, new product innovations, and what hunters can expect heading into the upcoming season.
The conversation explores everything from the growing popularity of sub-gauge shotguns to the realities of ammunition manufacturing and supply. Nathan explains how changing material costs are impacting the industry, why steel remains the backbone of waterfowl hunting, and what makes Winchester’s newer products like Final Pass unique. Along the way, the group also talks shooting sports, shotgun patterning, legendary Winchester history, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming DUX Waterfowl Show.
Topics Covered
Why tungsten prices have increased dramatically
Winchester's Final Pass blended waterfowl load
The future of sub-gauge waterfowl hunting
Why shotgun patterning matters more than most hunters realize
Winchester's legacy and role in conservation
Shooting sports and youth participation
What visitors can expect at the Winchester booth during DUX
Upcoming DU 90th Anniversary collaborations

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.

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

Follow these links!
Direct link to petition:  https://ducks.quorum.us/campaign/duckfactory/
Link to DU page and federal register link:   https://www.ducks.org/save-the-duck-factory

Learn why Ducks Unlimited is asking waterfowl hunters to take action on one of the most important conservation issues affecting duck production in North America. 

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens for an update on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ongoing review of regulations related to drain tile setbacks around permanently protected wetland easements in the Prairie Pothole Region. 
Building on an earlier emergency update, Mike and Scott explain new information regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services's Request for Information on determining drain tile setbacks for landowners on property where the Service  owns wetland easements. They discuss a newly found document that states the Service's proposal to repeal the 2024 rule. They remind us why these easements matter, how Duck Stamp dollars have helped protect millions of acres of critical waterfowl habitat, and why DU believes maintaining these protections is essential for the future of duck production and wetland conservation. 
Topics Covered
New developments regarding the 2024 drain tile setback rule
How wetland conservation easements work
The role of Duck Stamp dollars in protecting prairie habitat
Why prairie wetlands are known as the Duck Factory
How drain tile can affect wetlands and duck production
What Ducks Unlimited is asking hunters to do
The importance of participating in the federal comment process
Why this issue is considered a top conservation priority

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.

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

Learn what’s driving a new botulism outbreak in the Klamath Basin and what conservation partners are doing to help protect thousands of waterfowl. 

Host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Jeff McCreary, Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Operations for the Western Region, and Dr. Dan Smith, DU waterfowl scientist, to discuss deteriorating habitat conditions in one of North America’s most important waterfowl landscapes.
After a winter of record-low snowpack and a spring that produced exceptional numbers of ducklings, water levels in the Klamath Basin are rapidly declining.  Those conditions have created an elevated risk of avian botulism, threatening young ducks and molting birds concentrated on the region’s wetlands. Jeff and Dan explain how the outbreak developed, why the Klamath Basin remains critical to the Pacific Flyway, and how Ducks Unlimited and partners are working to bring additional water into the refuge system before conditions worsen. 
Topics Covered
Why botulism outbreaks occur during drought conditions
The connection between snowpack, water availability, and wetland health
How more than 100,000 ducklings were produced despite current challenges
What “flow-through” water management could mean for the Klamath Basin
The importance of Lower Klamath and Tule Lake refuges
Why collaboration is essential to solving long-term water issues
How DU and partners are responding to current conditions
The future of waterfowl habitat in the Pacific Flyway

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.

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

Sydnie Wells, Tim Wells, and Nathan Hogg of Dive Bomb Industries join hosts Matt Harrison and Jimbo Robinson live from DUX 2025. From swapping stories about memorable past hunts to sharing their excitement for upcoming seasons, the crew dives into the passion, projects, and plans shaping the year ahead. It’s a laid-back, fun conversation straight from the show floor at DUX.
Join us this year at DUX 2026!!

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.

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY

Great gear gets people in the door. Community keeps them coming back.
In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Dennis Zuck and Carter Oliver of Chêne Gear to discuss the company's growth, its people-first philosophy, and how Chêne has become one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl hunting.
What started as a mission to build a better wader has grown into something much larger. Dennis and Carter share the story behind Chêne’s rise, the importance of customer service, and why relationships remain at the center of everything they do. The conversation also includes major announcements about new products debuting exclusively at DUX, the continued evolution of ChêneFest, and the growing partnership between Chêne and Ducks Unlimited.
Topics Covered
How Chêne Gear got started
The philosophy behind building better hunting gear
Why customer service remains a company priority
New products launching for the first time at DUX
The growth and impact of ChêneFest
Chêne’s partnership with Ducks Unlimited
Expanding the brand beyond waterfowl gear
Building community in the modern hunting industry

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.

CLICK HERE TO PROTECT THE DUCK FACTORY