Ducks Unlimited Podcast

The wildturkeyDNA project is back—and year one delivered far more surprises than expected.
Recorded on location at the NWTF Convention, Dr. Mike Brasher, DU's Senior Waterfowl Scientist, is joined by:

Dr. Mike Chamberlain, NWTF Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia and Wild Turkey Lab
Dr. Phil Lavretsky, Associate Professor and wildlife geneticist at University of Texas at El Paso
Katie Tucker, DU Conservation Science Assistant

Together they break down year one results, insights from odd‑plumage birds and unexpected hybrids, and unveil expansion plans for 2026. This episode offers an inside look at one of the fastest‑growing wildlife genetics projects in North America—powered by turkey hunters.
In this episode:
Why some "odd plumage" birds turned out to be 100% wild.
Heritage breeds, hybrids, and true genetic mutations: what showed up and why it matters.
Why turkey genetics were more complicated than expected.
How expanded sampling will shed light on subspecies ranges across the country.
Concern about inbreeding depression and the quest for answers.
How hunter participation has become the engine behind modern wildlife genetics.
Big plans for 2026, including expansion into Canada and incorporation of Osceola samples.

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.

The Goose Camp finale brings two powerhouse DU partners to the couch.
Will Taylor (Streamlight) shares new‑product highlights, SHOT Show takeaways, and why quality lighting matters when waterfowlers spend half their day in the dark. Drew McIntosh (Migra Ammunition) dives into stacked‑load design, extreme cold‑weather primer testing, and custom DU event concepts—plus a few camp laughs about waders, headlamps, and sugar‑powered shooters.
You’ll hear:
Streamlight’s SHOT Show releases, dual‑fuel options, and DU co‑branded headlamps
Why candela and throw matter for waterfowl setups before dawn and after last light
Migra’s stacked‑load philosophy, new hybrid turkey load, and negative‑temperature primer testing
DU event‑exclusive ammo concepts and how customization supports fundraising
Classic Goose Camp moments: sleep‑in mornings, Little Caesars in the blind, and “wait—what’s that smell?” headlamp stories

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.

Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher peruse a series of fun facts about waterfowl, including questions such as how many invertebrates a wood duck eats, which waterfowl species is the largest, which lives the longest, which is the fastest and why is it not green-winged teal. The duo also discuss observations from past research including multiple paternity, double brooding, long-distance migration, which acorns wood ducks consider the tastiest, and several others.

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.

Goose Camp Pt. 2 brings serious heart, humor, and inspiration as Jimbo and Matt sit down with Gunner Kennels founder Addison Edmonds.
 
From starting DU season with Jimbo in North Dakota to ending it together at Goose Camp, this episode is full of stories, reflections, and behind‑the‑brand insight. Addison shares emotional “full circle” moments — from vision‑boarding the DU logo on a kennel to launching new products with DU partners. You’ll also hear dog stories, vest launches, camp chaos, and what’s coming next for the Gunner brand.
You’ll hear:

 • How Gunner’s DU‑exclusive kennels came to life
 • The North Dakota → Arkansas “start and finish” of the season
 • Chevy’s big blind retrieves & the joy of hunting with dogs
 • The story behind Gunner’s vest launch and Ben Potter’s film
 • New facility, new colors, upcoming collabs, and future releases
 • The importance of DU partnerships in Gunner’s story

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.

The DU Podcast kicks off Goose Camp with an all‑star group of partners, storytellers, and friends from the waterfowl world.
Host Matt Harrison is joined by Jimbo Robinson, Brooke Richard (Higdon Outdoors), and Seth Dortch (Rough Country) to talk camp culture, late‑season realities, and how DU partnerships turn into better fundraising, better gear, and better conservation.
This episode is part storytelling, part behind‑the‑scenes look at how ideas are born around a muddy Arkansas blind: raffle innovations, DU‑exclusive items, UTV/truck outfitting for waterfowlers, and why Goose Camp is where the best conversations happen.
You’ll hear:
Why snow geese are humbling (and addictive) — and why you still go tomorrow
How Higdon & DU collaborate on raffles, gear, and event‑friendly packages
Rough Country’s crossover into the waterfowl community (UTV/truck builds DU members actually use)
The power of DU events: customization, fundraising concepts, and partner synergy
Camp culture, youth‑weekend anticipation, and the laughs you only get at Goose Camp

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.