The Migration Waterfowl Podcast

Waterfowl hunting in Pennsylvania isn't for the weak! Limited birds, unpredictable migrations, heavy hunting pressure, and plenty of early mornings with empty straps. But for those willing to put in the work, every bird is hard-earned and every successful hunt is that much sweeter.

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib sits down with Tanner and Brock from Steel City Steel Shot, two passionate waterfowl hunters from southwest Pennsylvania, to talk about the challenges and rewards of chasing ducks and geese in the Keystone State.

We dive into how they got started in waterfowl hunting, the people who introduced them to the sport, and how their hunting partnership came together. We also discuss scouting strategies, finding birds on public and private land, dealing with hunting pressure, adapting to changing conditions, and what it really takes to find success in a state that doesn't always make it easy.

Along the way, we share hunting stories, lessons learned, and plenty of perspectives on why we continue to chase waterfowl even when the odds are stacked against us.

Whether you're hunting the major flyways or grinding it out in a state where every duck feels like a trophy, this episode is for you.

Follow Steel City Steel Shot on Instagram: @steel_city_steel.shot

The Migration Waterfowl Podcast — Built for the Migration!

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's it really like being married to a hardcore hunter for nearly three decades? On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes a very special guest — his wife, Karen — for a candid, entertaining, and personal conversation about marriage, family, hunting, and everything in between.

Together for 32 years and married for 28, Karen has had a front-row seat to Brian's lifelong passion for hunting. Despite never having an interest in hunting herself, she's supported his adventures across the country, the countless hours spent in the marsh, and a side hustle in the outdoor industry filled with successes, failures, and plenty of questionable decisions.

From raising two daughters and navigating hunting seasons to Brian's journey through outdoor writing, magazine publishing, podcasting, and developing The Gear Roost, Karen shares her unique perspective on the sacrifices, challenges, and rewards of being married to a passionate hunter.

They also discuss how growing up with a father who loved fishing may have influenced Karen's understanding of the outdoor lifestyle, what hunters sometimes overlook about their spouses, and how two people with very different interests can build a lasting marriage.

Whether you're a dedicated waterfowler, a hunting spouse, or simply someone who understands the importance of supporting the people you love, this episode offers a refreshing look at the other side of duck season.

Because behind every passionate hunter, there's often someone at home with a story of their own.

Built For The Migration.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duck season is officially underway here in Pennsylvania, and we kicked it off Saturday with a great opening day hunt on a small creek system here in southwestern PA.

Brian was joined by his good friend Mike Pomaibo and his dad, Mike Sr., better known as Mick. They had a great morning in the blind, seeing a few dozen ducks and putting birds on the strap. Not a bad way to get the season started!

In this episode, your host Brian Halbleib and Mike Pomaibo break down that opening day hunt, but they also talk about Mike's journey as a waterfowler. He's got three seasons under his belt now, they discuss what he's learned along the way, how his approach has changed, and what goals he's setting for season number four.

They also get into some gear talk, covering the tried-and-true equipment they rely on season after season, along with a few new additions they're bringing into the field this year.

It's a good conversation between a couple of buddies talking duck hunting, lessons learned, and getting ready for another season chasing waterfowl.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canada waterfowl adventure continues! After checking in from the road following our fifth hunt, I'm back to wrap up the final two hunts of an incredible trip chasing ducks across the Canadian prairies.

In this episode, I break down what it really takes to pull off a successful freelance waterfowl hunt in Canada, from scouting and securing permission to managing the logistics of hunting unfamiliar territory. I also share my thoughts on hunter pressure, why I believe it's largely a non-issue, in the midst of a growing push for nonresident hunting restrictions.

Beyond the hunting, I discuss something equally important: giving back to the farmers and communities that welcome us each fall. Our experience donating wild game to local First Nations communities was a great reminder that waterfowling is about more than filling limits.

Finally, it's time to turn my attention back home. Pennsylvania's duck opener is right around the corner, and I'm talking scouting, preparation, and what I'm expecting as we kick off another season in the Atlantic Flyway.

From the Canadian prairies to the marshes and rivers of Pennsylvania, we're keeping the migration rolling!

Built For The Migration.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five days into our Canada waterfowl trip, and the migration has been good to us.

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Jake Maxwell from Chasing Green to break down our hunt so far. We’ve spent the week chasing ducks across the Canadian prairie and have had some incredible shoots, with mallards, pintails, wigeon, gadwall and teal all making their way into the decoys.

We talk about how each hunt came together, what we’ve been seeing during our scouting, the conditions we’ve dealt with, and the decisions that have helped us stay on birds day after day. We also get into some of the highs, the challenges, and those moments that make a waterfowl road trip like this worth all the miles.

Five days. A pile of scouting. Plenty of laughs. And some of the best duck hunting of the season so far.

Join us from Canada for a mid-trip recap from the heart of the fall migration.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could follow a mallard throughout its entire year and see exactly where it goes, when it moves, how long it stays—and what finally triggers it to migrate?

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib is joined by Cassidy Waldrep of the Eastern Mallard Project to explore what researchers are learning by GPS-tracking hen mallards across eastern North America.

Cassidy breaks down how the GPS and accelerometer technology works and what the movements of individual ducks are revealing about migration timing, weather, habitat use, stopover areas, wintering behavior and hunting pressure. We also dig into some of the movements researchers have documented through Pennsylvania and the Atlantic Flyway, including where these birds are coming from and where they go next.

The conversation also tackles the bigger question behind the research: Why have eastern mallard numbers declined? Cassidy explains the differences researchers are seeing between mallards breeding in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, what scientists are investigating as possible causes, and how this massive tracking project could ultimately influence habitat conservation and waterfowl management.

For duck hunters who have ever wondered what happens to the birds between the days we see them in the marsh, this episode offers a fascinating look at migration from the duck's perspective.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robby Nelson didn’t grow up in a hunting family, but more than 20 years later, waterfowl hunting has taken him across all four flyways, from Alaska to Mexico and beyond.

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, Robby joins your host Brian Halbleib to talk about teaching himself to hunt alongside friends in Georgia, the people who helped shape him as a waterfowler, and how a passion for chasing ducks and geese eventually turned into a lifetime of traveling and hunting new places and species.

They get into Robby’s pursuit of the North American 41, some of his most memorable destination hunts, and why the friendships and experiences have become just as important as the birds themselves. Robby also shares the story behind launching the Southern Flight Podcast, what pushed him to finally get behind a microphone, and what he hopes to build with the show.

From Southern swamps to hunts around the world, it’s a conversation about waterfowl, travel, friendship, podcasting, and passing the hunting tradition on to the next generation.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three days. Three teal hunts. Three limits.

In this solo episode, your host Brian Halbleib breaks down an unforgettable early teal trip to the Central Flyway. Hunt one brought together Elliott Snider, Aden Shorney and Jeremy Ragsdale. Hunt two was Brian and Elliott, and the final morning became a solo hunt. Despite a different group and setup each day, every hunt ended the same way—with a limit of teal in less than an hour.

The biggest challenge wasn’t finding birds—it was beating the oppressive heat. Temperatures reached 100 degrees during Friday’s full day of scouting and remained brutal throughout most of the trip. Instead of joining the crowds at marshes holding the most teal, the crew deliberately chose a spot with fewer ducks and less hunting pressure, betting that having room to work would outweigh chasing the biggest concentration of birds.

Brian also shares the camping side of the trip, including hauling along a generator and window air conditioner to turn a nylon tent into a surprisingly comfortable escape from the heat.

From scouting strategy and hunting pressure to fast limits and air-conditioned “roughing it,” this episode delivers the complete story of three successful days chasing early-season teal in the Central Flyway.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early goose season is here, and we’re kicking things off with Wisconsin waterfowler Greg Tait.

Greg joins your host Brian Halbleib to talk about how he got his start in waterfowl hunting and what early goose season looks like in Wisconsin. We dive into scouting September Canadas, hunting fields versus water, decoy spreads, calling, concealment and the little adjustments that can turn a slow morning into a successful hunt.

We also get into some of Greg’s favorite hunts and memorable moments from the field, what he has planned for the 2026 waterfowl season, and his role with Shotty Gear. Greg spends a good part of the offseason traveling the country with our friend Chase McCollough, working waterfowl and hunting expos, so we talk about the miles, long days and behind-the-scenes grind of the show circuit.

The wait is over. Waterfowl season is underway, and we’re talking Early Goose Season Masterclass with Greg Tait on this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Waterfowl seasons are opening across the country, but is your gear actually ready for opening day?

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib is joined once again by Jaydon Arnold from Cut ’Em Down Waterfowl to talk about getting your equipment ready for another season. They discuss how to take inventory of the gear you already own, what should be inspected before opening day, proper maintenance, and how to decide when it’s time to repair, replace or upgrade your equipment.

They also break down the essential gear a new waterfowl hunter actually needs, where it makes sense to spend your money, the differences between gearing up for ducks and geese, and when new technology provides a real advantage versus simply adding more stuff to the pile.

Finally, Jaydon shares what’s new in waterfowl gear for the 2026–27 season and the products and innovations he’s most excited about this year.

Whether you’re pulling your gear out for the first time since last season or looking to make a few upgrades before opening day, this episode will help make sure you’re ready when the birds start moving south.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elliott Snider from the Freelance Duck Hunting YouTube channel and host of the North American Waterfowler Podcast is back on the show for another conversation about duck hunting, road trips and what the future might look like for a couple of lifelong waterfowlers.

Elliott and I recap our recent time together at the Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis and look ahead to our third annual early teal hunting trip together in the central flyway. We talk about conditions heading into teal season, expectations for the hunting and Elliott’s plans for the rest of his 2026 waterfowl season.

We also look a little further down the road and talk about something that’s been on my mind lately: retirement. When you finally have the time to hunt wherever you want, whenever you want, is the dream to own a duck camp and establish a home base—or skip the property, maintenance and expense and spend that money traveling to hunt different parts of the country?

We wrap things up with Elliott’s plans for Freelance Duck Hunting, the North American Waterfowler Podcast and the North American Waterfowler App, including what he’s learned from tracking years of hunting data and where he hopes to take his waterfowl brands in the future.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Waterfowl hunting is changing, and hunters need to be paying attention.

Matt Zvolanek, host of the High Prairie Sportsmen YouTube channel, returns to the Migration Waterfowl Podcast and joins your host Brian Halbleib for a wide-ranging conversation about some of the biggest issues facing waterfowl hunters today.

We dive into the ongoing fight over public lands and hunting access, threats to wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region, the controversy surrounding drain tile and conservation easements, and the growing number of states and provinces placing tighter restrictions on nonresident waterfowl hunters. We also tackle hunting pressure, the increasing commercialization of access, and an uncomfortable question for those of us who create hunting content: has social media contributed to some of the problems we're now facing?

Matt also shares what he's seeing after another two seasons in the field, how waterfowl migration and hunting have changed over the years, and what decades of experience have taught him about continuing to learn and adapt as a hunter.

Most importantly, we look ahead. Are we doing enough to protect the habitat, public access and hunting opportunities that previous generations handed down to us—and what will waterfowl hunting look like for the next generation if we don't?

This is about more than killing ducks. It's about protecting the future of waterfowl hunting.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Ammo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

For generations, duck hunters have invested in the future of waterfowl through Duck Stamps, hunting licenses, excise taxes, and conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited. But what happens when wetlands hunters have already paid to protect could still be at risk?

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib is joined by Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist, and Dr. Scott Stephens, Senior Director of Conservation Strategy at Ducks Unlimited, to discuss the "Don't Drain the Duck Factory" campaign and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule currently under review.

Together, they break down what the Prairie Pothole Region—known as North America's "Duck Factory"—means to the future of waterfowl, how voluntary wetland easements work, what tile drainage is, and why Ducks Unlimited believes maintaining the current rule is critical to protecting habitat that supports millions of ducks each year.

Whether you're a lifelong duck hunter or simply care about the future of wetlands and waterfowl conservation, this episode will help you better understand the science, the policy, and what's at stake for our hunting heritage.

Topics discussed include:

• Why the Prairie Pothole Region is called the "Duck Factory"
• How federal wetland easements protect critical habitat
• What tile drainage is and how it affects wetlands
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2024 rule and why it's under review
• What repealing the rule could mean for waterfowl and duck hunters
• How hunters can make their voices heard

Learn more about the Don't Drain the Duck Factory campaign and how to participate in the public comment process at ducks.org/save-the-duck-factory.

If you enjoy the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another duck hunter. Protecting the future of waterfowl starts with informed hunters.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Road trips have a way of creating conversations you never could have planned. In this special episode, your host Brian Halbleib is joined by Damien Pittman of Punisher Waterfowl as they hit the highway together on the way to the Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis.

What starts as a casual conversation from the cab of a pickup quickly turns into a wide-ranging discussion about the excitement of a new waterfowl season, the friendships that make this community special, and why getting together in person still matters in a world driven by social media. Brian and Damien also share their thoughts on the latest gear hitting the market, what they're looking forward to seeing at the Expo, and why networking, supporting one another, and surrounding yourself with good people has been one of the biggest blessings of their careers.

The conversation also dives into bigger topics facing waterfowl hunters today, including habitat loss, conservation, Ducks Unlimited's role in protecting our wetlands, public land issues, and the future of hunting in North America. Whether you're counting down the days until opening morning or simply looking for an honest conversation between two passionate waterfowlers, this episode captures the anticipation, camaraderie, and optimism that make this time of year so special.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in for the ride, and join us as we head south toward Memphis and another waterfowl season that's just around the corner.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some waterfowl hunters measure experience by the number of seasons they've hunted. The best hunters measure it by how much they're still learning.

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib sits down with Jordan Murdoch, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Rig'Em Right Outdoors, to discuss why the most accomplished duck and goose hunters never stop being students of the birds.

Jordan reflects on the 2025–26 waterfowl season, the lessons it taught him, and how years of experience have changed the way he scouts, reads bird behavior, adjusts to changing conditions, and evaluates every hunt. The conversation explores what experienced waterfowl hunters are paying attention to that others often overlook, why failure can be one of the greatest teachers in the blind, and how continuing to learn from every season can make you a more successful hunter.

The episode also dives into Jordan's role at Rig'Em Right Outdoors, how real-world hunting experience influences product development, what's new from Rig'Em Right for 2026, and what waterfowl hunters can expect from the company in the future.

Whether you've been chasing ducks and geese for two seasons or twenty, this conversation is packed with practical insights that will challenge the way you think about waterfowl hunting and help you become a better hunter.

In this episode:

•

Lessons learned from the 2025–26 waterfowl season

•

Why experienced hunters never stop learning

•

Reading bird behavior and making better adjustments

•

The small details that separate successful hunters

•

Learning from every hunt—both good and bad

•

How Jordan's approach to waterfowl hunting has evolved

•

The philosophy behind Rig'Em Right Outdoors

•

New Rig'Em Right products for 2026

•

What's on the horizon for Rig'Em Right

Thanks for listening to The Migration Waterfowl Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow waterfowl hunter. Your support helps me continue bringing you new conversations every week.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

What separates consistently successful waterfowl hunters from everyone else? It's not a more expensive shotgun, a bigger decoy spread, or the latest piece of gear. More often than not, success begins long before legal shooting light—with scouting.

On this solo episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib shares practical lessons he's learned over years of hunting rivers, lakes, marshes, and agricultural fields across multiple flyways. From understanding how ducks and geese use food, water, weather, and hunting pressure to learning how to read bird behavior and recognize seasonal patterns, this episode is packed with real-world insights that can help you become a more effective and consistent waterfowl hunter.

Whether you're scouting your local marsh for opening day or planning a destination hunt, you'll learn how to think beyond simply finding birds and start understanding why they're there in the first place.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•

Why scouting is the foundation of consistently successful hunts

•

How ducks and geese choose where to feed, rest, and loaf

•

What to look for before, during, and after every scouting trip

•

Common scouting mistakes that cost hunters opportunities

•

How weather, water levels, food sources, and hunting pressure influence bird movement

•

Simple habits that will help you become a better student of waterfowl behavior season after season

The best waterfowl hunters never stop learning—and every scouting trip is an opportunity to improve. If you want to find more ducks and geese this season, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib explores the fascinating history of the river he grew up around and still hunts today—the Upper Ohio River.

Long before the locks, dams, barges, bridges and steel mills, the Ohio flowed through a vast wilderness filled with wooded islands, abundant wildlife and Native peoples who hunted, traveled and traded throughout the valley. From the arrival of European fur traders and the struggle between France and Britain for control of the region to a young George Washington’s role in events that helped ignite a global war, the Upper Ohio has witnessed some of the most important moments in American history.

Brian follows the transformation of the river from a wild frontier to an industrial highway, the devastating effects of pollution and habitat loss, the rise of modern wildlife conservation, and the enduring role of the Ohio River as a migration corridor and hunting destination for generations of waterfowl hunters.

The River Before Us: A History of the Upper Ohio River is a journey through more than 300 years of history, hunting and conservation—and a reminder that every time we launch a boat, set a spread of decoys and watch ducks follow the river, we’re becoming part of a story that began long before us.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Hunter Flanders from Retay USA. They discuss everything from Hunter's 2025-26 hunting season to the latest Retay shotguns and innovations coming for 2026. But this conversation goes far beyond new products.

Hunter shares stories from the marsh, discusses what today's waterfowl hunters are looking for in a shotgun, and offers an inside look at how manufacturers develop and market products in an outdoor industry that's changing faster than ever.

We also dive into the current state of outdoor marketing—what's working, what isn't, and why every product launch seems to spark some criticism across social media. From ambassadors and content creators to authenticity, consumer trust, and the future of hunting brands, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes perspective that every waterfowl hunter can appreciate.

Whether you're considering your next shotgun, interested in how the outdoor industry really works, or simply enjoy conversations centered around duck hunting and the people who make it their lifestyle, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode:

•

Hunter's reflections on the past waterfowl season

•

New Retay USA shotguns and product updates for 2026

•

What serious waterfowl hunters want in a shotgun today

•

How Retay gathers customer feedback and develops new products

•

The current state of outdoor industry marketing

•

Social media, ambassadors, and what manufacturers actually look for in brand partners

•

Why outdoor marketing often draws criticism—and whether it's deserved

•

The future of hunting content and connecting with today's hunters

•

Hunter's favorite waterfowl memories, gear, and rapid-fire hunting questions

Thanks for listening to The Migration Waterfowl Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another hunter who's counting down the days until opening morning.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most waterfowl hunters probably don't think of California when discussing the best duck hunting in North America—but maybe they should.

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, I'm joined by lifelong waterfowler Fred Broad, whose journey has taken him from Pennsylvania to a new life in California and 9 consecutive years of hunting in Canada. Along the way, Fred became what he proudly calls a "mallard purist," dedicating decades to chasing greenheads and learning what makes them one of the most challenging and rewarding ducks to hunt.

Fred explains why he believes California is one of the best-kept secrets in waterfowl hunting, breaks down the state's unique refuge system, and reflects on what California mallard hunting looked like during its heyday. We also discuss how changing habitat, agriculture, weather patterns, and hunting pressure have shaped today's seasons and what the future may hold for Pacific Flyway hunters.

Fred also shares his proposal for establishing a Senior Hunt alongside existing Veteran Hunt days, making the case for recognizing the generations of hunters who have spent decades supporting conservation through licenses, duck stamps, and organizational memberships.

Whether you're a die-hard mallard hunter, planning your first trip west, or simply enjoy hearing stories from someone who has spent a lifetime following the flyways, this episode offers a unique perspective from one of waterfowl hunting's true enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Fred believes California is America's best-kept waterfowl hunting secret.

• What makes California's mallard hunting different from the rest of the country.

• How California's refuge system works

• A look back at California duck hunting during the 1980s and 90s—and why it has changed.

• What it really means to be a "mallard purist."

• Lessons learned from hunting California and Canada

• Fred's proposal for a Senior Hunt and why he believes it's time to recognize the hunters who helped build modern conservation.

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with passionate hunters from across North America.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib dives into several projects currently underway as he prepares for another year of waterfowl hunting. From restoring an old aluminum Bass Tracker into a versatile duck and fishing rig to building diver decoy long lines and inspecting & maintaining gear, this episode is all about making the most of the months between seasons.

Brian discusses the realities of taking on major DIY projects, including delayed shipments, missing parts, and the importance of setting realistic timelines. He also shares what he looks for in a duck and fishing combo boat, lessons learned so far during the restoration process, and why the finished product is only part of the story.

The conversation also covers off-season gear maintenance, inspecting equipment from the previous season, making repairs before they become problems, and the importance of staying organized. Brian explains how the frustration of managing piles of hunting gear ultimately led to the creation of the Gear Roost and why organization can make a huge difference when the season arrives.

Whether you're rebuilding a boat, repainting decoys, upgrading gear, or simply looking for ways to stay connected to waterfowl hunting during the summer months, this episode offers practical ideas and motivation to help you prepare for the migration ahead.

Topics discussed:

• Restoring a 17-foot aluminum Bass Tracker
• What makes a great duck and fishing combo boat
• Amazon delays, missing parts, and project setbacks
• Setting realistic expectations for DIY projects
• Building diver decoy long lines
• Refurbishing older diver decoys
• Off-season gear inspection and maintenance
• Organizing hunting equipment for fall
• Why preparation matters long before opening day
• The story behind the Gear Roost

If you're enjoying The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a hunting buddy.

Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:

@migrationwaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel

https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com

Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian

https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl

Migration Waterfowl is presented by:

Blue Bird Waterfowl

https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com

And also brought to you by these fine partners:

Rig’Em Right Outdoors

https://rigemright.com

Flight Day Am-mo

https://www.flightdayammo.com

10% off with code MW10

Aves Hunting

https://aveshunting.com

Retay USA

https://www.retayusa.com

frogg toggs

https://www.froggtoggs.com/

The Duck Hole & Company

https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany

Northern Duck Calls

https://www.northernduckcalls.com

15% off with code MW15

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

•

The best waterfowl seasons are often built during the off-season.

•

Boat restoration projects take more time, money, and patience than most people expect.

•

A practical duck boat should prioritize durability, simplicity, storage, and versatility over unnecessary features.

•

Used decoys can often be restored for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.

•

Building your own long lines allows you to customize your setup while saving money.

•

Small repairs completed in the summer can prevent major frustrations during hunting season.

•

Organization saves time, reduces stress, and helps extend the life of your gear.

•

Every piece of hunting equipment should be inspected, cleaned, and tested before opening day.

•

Project setbacks are part of the process—success comes from staying committed and working through them.

•

Preparation creates opportunity when the migration arrives.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices