Ducks Unlimited Podcast

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN 

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.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN 

Learn how a speaker built for the outdoors became one of the most recognizable brands in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
Recorded live at Ducks Unlimited’s 89th National Convention, Jimbo Robinson sits down with Turtlebox CEO Russell Laeding and newly inducted Ducks Unlimited President Dr. Rex Schulz for a conversation about entrepreneurship, conservation, outdoor culture, and the future of both organizations.
Russell shares the unlikely origin story of Turtlebox, which started when four friends built a rugged speaker in a garage for use on the Texas coast. The discussion explores how the company grew into a nationally recognized outdoor brand while staying rooted in community, relationships, and active outdoor lifestyles. Along the way, the group discusses golf, duck hunting, youth sports, conservation, mentorship, and why the best outdoor memories are often about people rather than the hunt itself.
Topics Covered:
How Turtlebox was started by four friends in a garage
Why outdoor experiences drive the company’s mission
The connection between conservation and outdoor recreation
How growing up around Ducks Unlimited shaped Russell’s life
Dr. Rex Schulz’s vision as Ducks Unlimited’s 48th President
The importance of mentorship and the next generation

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.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN 

What does it mean to carry a legacy forward while building something new?
In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Jacob Mayo, brand manager for Duck Commander and founder of General Vintage, for a conversation about legacy, family, entrepreneurship, and the future of one of the most recognizable names in waterfowling.
Recorded inside the Duck Commander warehouse in West Monroe, Louisiana, the discussion explores how Duck Commander evolved from a duck call company into a cultural phenomenon, what Phil Robertson’s influence means today, and how the next generation is working to honor those roots while creating a sustainable future. Jacob also shares the unlikely story behind General Vintage, his successful vintage clothing business that began with lessons learned from his grandmother and local garage sales.
Beyond the brands themselves, this episode centers on values—faith, family, authenticity, and the impact one person can have across generations.
Topics Covered
The history and legacy of Duck Commander
Phil Robertson’s lasting impact on hunting and faith
The relationship between Duck Commander and Duck Dynasty
What’s next for the Duck Commander brand
How General Vintage started from garage sales and family influence
Faith, entrepreneurship, and building something meaningful
Why authenticity still matters in the outdoor 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.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN 

This episode wraps up our 18 part series.
As eastern mallards declined in the early 2000s, waterfowl managers developed a new approach for setting duck harvest frameworks in the Atlantic Flyway. Termed “multi-stock management,” this approach steps away from mallards and relies on 4 species that better capture harvest opportunities for eastern hunters. Dr. Min Huang and Dr. Pat Devers rejoin the podcast to provide details behind this approach and discuss other issues on the horizon for waterfowl management in the U.S.
 
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.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN 

The best hunting gear starts with real hunters solving real problems.
In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Brooke Richard of Higdon Outdoors to talk decoys, motion, product development, and what’s driving innovation in modern waterfowl hunting.
The conversation explores Higdon’s history, from the original motion decoys that helped define the brand to the newest products making their debut at DUX. Brooke shares how feedback from hunters influences every stage of development and why the company continues to push improvements in realism, durability, and usability.

Whether you're a gear enthusiast, serious waterfowler, or simply curious about what goes into designing products hunters rely on every season, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recognized names in waterfowl hunting.
Topics Covered
The story behind Higdon Outdoors and its evolution
Why motion remains one of the biggest innovations in decoying
New product launches debuting at DUX
How hunter feedback shapes product development
Favorite waterfowl destinations across North America
Mentorship, calling culture, and the next generation of hunters

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.