Shows
Duck Season SomewhereEP 423. Harlequin Ducks in the Balance in Washington StateWashington State's waterfowl resources are extremely diverse, and managing a full suite of dabblers, divers, seaducks and geese is a daunting task to say the least. The recent closure of the Harlequin duck season in Washington was extremely controversial. Washington State was for many years the only place in the continental United States that harlequin ducks could still be harvested. Prized by collectors as special trophies, it was a pretty big deal. Kyle Spragens is Washington State's waterfowl manager. We discuss why Harlequin duck season was closed, doing a deep dive into this subject, other extremely interesting species and...2023-11-202h 10Duck Season SomewhereEP 423. Harlequin Ducks in the Balance in Washington StateWashington State's waterfowl resources are extremely diverse, and managing a full suite of dabblers, divers, seaducks and geese is a daunting task to say the least. The recent closure of the Harlequin duck season in Washington was extremely controversial. Washington State was for many years the only place in the continental United States that harlequin ducks could still be harvested. Prized by collectors as special trophies, it was a pretty big deal. Kyle Spragens is Washington State's waterfowl manager. We discuss why Harlequin duck season was closed, doing a deep dive into this subject, other extremely interesting species and...2023-11-202h 10Duck Season SomewhereEP 397. Who is Ramsey Russell?"I want to interview you," it was stated while we were elbow deep into world-class Memphis BBQ. Continuing he said, "On your podcast, I mean. Because maybe some listeners don't know who you are, where you come from, what you really do." And so it came to pass that waterfowl historian Dr. Wayne Capooth put Ramsey Russell in the hot seat usually reserved for our esteemed guests. Podcast Sponsors: Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Ducks Unlimited https://www...2023-09-251h 21Duck Season SomewhereEP 397. Who is Ramsey Russell?"I want to interview you," it was stated while we were elbow deep into world-class Memphis BBQ. Continuing he said, "On your podcast, I mean. Because maybe some listeners don't know who you are, where you come from, what you really do." And so it came to pass that waterfowl historian Dr. Wayne Capooth put Ramsey Russell in the hot seat usually reserved for our esteemed guests. Podcast Sponsors: Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Ducks Unlimited https://www...2023-09-251h 21Duck Season SomewhereEP 380. Duck Hunting Argentina's Wild, Remote Parana River DeltaArgentina's Parana River Delta is second only to the Amazon River in size. But as viewed from a floating duck camp located tens of miles from even the nearest dirt road, you'd hardly know the difference--wild, unspoiled marsh stretching to the horizon in all directions. And ducks. Lots of them. Accessing such remoteness requires an hour-and-a-half boat ride, but accommodations, services and hospitality are far from spartan. To the contrary. Immersed in the middle of nowhere, world-class duck hunting is just minutes away. Those that crave wild ducks in truly wild places will appreciate hearing about this new adventure d...2023-07-311h 40Duck Season SomewhereEP 380. Duck Hunting Argentina's Wild, Remote Parana River DeltaArgentina's Parana River Delta is second only to the Amazon River in size. But as viewed from a floating duck camp located tens of miles from even the nearest dirt road, you'd hardly know the difference--wild, unspoiled marsh stretching to the horizon in all directions. And ducks. Lots of them. Accessing such remoteness requires an hour-and-a-half boat ride, but accommodations, services and hospitality are far from spartan. To the contrary. Immersed in the middle of nowhere, world-class duck hunting is just minutes away. Those that crave wild ducks in truly wild places will appreciate hearing about this new adventure d...2023-07-311h 40Duck Season SomewhereEP 341. "Real Ramsey Shit" in GuatemalaGuatemala is a new up-and-coming, work-in-progress GetDucks hunt. It'll eventually get there, but while visiting recently, was reminded of just how challenging these start-from-scratch hunts can be. In today's episode, I meet with a couple longtime, been-there-done-that associates to hear their thoughts. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes glimpse that social media posts don't really depict. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns Tetra Hearing https://tetrahearing.com/ Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Mojo Outdoors https://www.mojooutdoors.co...2023-03-131h 58Duck Season SomewhereEP 341. "Real Ramsey Shit" in GuatemalaGuatemala is a new up-and-coming, work-in-progress GetDucks hunt. It'll eventually get there, but while visiting recently, was reminded of just how challenging these start-from-scratch hunts can be. In today's episode, I meet with a couple longtime, been-there-done-that associates to hear their thoughts. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes glimpse that social media posts don't really depict. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells https://bossshotshells.com/ Benelli Shotguns https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/waterfowl-shotguns Tetra Hearing https://tetrahearing.com/ Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.org Mojo Outdoors https://www.mojooutdoors.co...2023-03-131h 58Duck Season SomewhereEP 259. Gaining Perspective From Half-Century "Studying Ducks" [Part 2]Things get serious as Dr. Richard Kaminski and Ramsey, his former student, address the question, "What happened to US duck hunting during the past 25 years?" First discussing recent research pertaining to winter duck abundance and temperature trends in the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, they move on to waterfowl habitat quality and quantity, preserving remaining wetlands, hunting pressure and game farm genetic influences. Now "retired," but far from actually retired, Kaminski emphasizes the role of people as action points, offering sage words of wisdom to those considering waterfowl management careers. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells...2022-06-271h 07Duck Season SomewhereEP 259. Gaining Perspective From Half-Century "Studying Ducks" [Part 2]Things get serious as Dr. Richard Kaminski and Ramsey, his former student, address the question, "What happened to US duck hunting during the past 25 years?" First discussing recent research pertaining to winter duck abundance and temperature trends in the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, they move on to waterfowl habitat quality and quantity, preserving remaining wetlands, hunting pressure and game farm genetic influences. Now "retired," but far from actually retired, Kaminski emphasizes the role of people as action points, offering sage words of wisdom to those considering waterfowl management careers. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells...2022-06-271h 07Duck Season SomewhereEP 255. Rice & Ducks: The Surprising Convergence That Saved the Carolina LowcountryOriginating in enslaved people's meager personal belongings when brought to South Carolina's remote coastal plains during the 1600s, the long grains eventually became "Carolina Gold," spawning an affluent rice producing culture that provided most of the world supply for over 2 centuries. It ended soon after the Civil War. But as author Virginia Christian Beach and Ramsey Russell discuss, the real story of South Carolina's historically glorious rice culture is the enduring land ethic and the colorful cast of characters that made it happen--especially duck hunters. Related Links: Rice & Ducks: The Surprising Convergence that Sav...2022-06-131h 15Duck Season SomewhereEP 255. Rice & Ducks: The Surprising Convergence That Saved the Carolina LowcountryOriginating in enslaved people's meager personal belongings when brought to South Carolina's remote coastal plains during the 1600s, the long grains eventually became "Carolina Gold," spawning an affluent rice producing culture that provided most of the world supply for over 2 centuries. It ended soon after the Civil War. But as author Virginia Christian Beach and Ramsey Russell discuss, the real story of South Carolina's historically glorious rice culture is the enduring land ethic and the colorful cast of characters that made it happen--especially duck hunters. Related Links: Rice & Ducks: The Surprising Convergence that Sav...2022-06-131h 15Duck Season SomewhereEP 239. When the Levee BreaksFirst recorded in 1929, did you know that the acclaimed Led Zepplin song "When the Levee Breaks" was about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927? On April 21, 1927, following months of unprecedented rainfall throughout a watershed covering much of the United States, the mainline Mississippi River levee crevassed north of Greenville, Mississippi, creating the worse US national disaster until Hurricane Katrina. The event shaped the Delta, Mississippi, national flood control policy. Some claim it even changed America itself. Ramsey Russell and Hank Burdine are both natives of the Mississippi Delta with strong connections to Greenville. Keeping it light and conversational, they meet...2022-04-211h 04Duck Season SomewhereEP 239. When the Levee BreaksFirst recorded in 1929, did you know that the acclaimed Led Zepplin song "When the Levee Breaks" was about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927? On April 21, 1927, following months of unprecedented rainfall throughout a watershed covering much of the United States, the mainline Mississippi River levee crevassed north of Greenville, Mississippi, creating the worse US national disaster until Hurricane Katrina. The event shaped the Delta, Mississippi, national flood control policy. Some claim it even changed America itself. Ramsey Russell and Hank Burdine are both natives of the Mississippi Delta with strong connections to Greenville. Keeping it light and conversational, they meet...2022-04-211h 04Duck Season SomewhereEP 225. Connecticut Duck Hunting and Decoy Carving with Bill EmbacherBorn and raised duck hunting in Connecticut, Bill Embacher began carving traditional gunning decoys as a youngster. While he makes his living doing so today, it's come to mean more than that. Ramsey and he got to know each other through a black duck travel decoy. How'd he get started carving decoys? Who influenced his carving style? What's it like duck hunting in Connecticut, what's his typical gunning rig, how's hunting there changed--and how does practicing old-school traditions keep things on an even keel? What else did he recently build as a father-daughter project? Like scoring a single black...2022-02-281h 10Duck Season SomewhereEP 225. Connecticut Duck Hunting and Decoy Carving with Bill EmbacherBorn and raised duck hunting in Connecticut, Bill Embacher began carving traditional gunning decoys as a youngster. While he makes his living doing so today, it's come to mean more than that. Ramsey and he got to know each other through a black duck travel decoy. How'd he get started carving decoys? Who influenced his carving style? What's it like duck hunting in Connecticut, what's his typical gunning rig, how's hunting there changed--and how does practicing old-school traditions keep things on an even keel? What else did he recently build as a father-daughter project? Like scoring a single black...2022-02-281h 10Duck Season SomewhereEP 210. Waterfowl Hunting the Driest State in AmericaIsn't it interesting that the oldest waterfowl hunting decoys know to exist on earth were found the the driest state in America? After 3 days hunting swans and ducks in Nevada, Ramsey meets with Nevada Department of Wildlife's Waterfowl Staff Specialist, Russell Woolstenhulme, to discuss waterfowl hunting and management there. What's up with swan hunting in Nevada, and how are swan managed differently in the Pacific Flyway than elsewhere? How is waterfowl habitat managed in America's driest state, what hunting opportunities exist, what are predominate species? How might the landscape have changed since those 2,000 year-old decoys used? What role might...2022-01-061h 19Duck Season SomewhereEP 210. Waterfowl Hunting the Driest State in AmericaIsn't it interesting that the oldest waterfowl hunting decoys know to exist on earth were found the the driest state in America? After 3 days hunting swans and ducks in Nevada, Ramsey meets with Nevada Department of Wildlife's Waterfowl Staff Specialist, Russell Woolstenhulme, to discuss waterfowl hunting and management there. What's up with swan hunting in Nevada, and how are swan managed differently in the Pacific Flyway than elsewhere? How is waterfowl habitat managed in America's driest state, what hunting opportunities exist, what are predominate species? How might the landscape have changed since those 2,000 year-old decoys used? What role might...2022-01-061h 19Duck Season SomewhereEP 206. The Next Generation on South Platte River, ColoradoRamsey Russell shares a great duck hunt on Colorado's South Platte River with Colin Mulligan and family. Their paths crossed while hunting in North Dakota. Mulligan tells Ramsey about growing up duck hunting in Colorado, his capstone project that has become bigger than he'd ever imagined, and where he sees himself and duck hunting going. Great glimpse into the future. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks 2021-12-2355 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 206. The Next Generation on South Platte River, ColoradoRamsey Russell shares a great duck hunt on Colorado's South Platte River with Colin Mulligan and family. Their paths crossed while hunting in North Dakota. Mulligan tells Ramsey about growing up duck hunting in Colorado, his capstone project that has become bigger than he'd ever imagined, and where he sees himself and duck hunting going. Great glimpse into the future. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks 2021-12-2355 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 205. Where Geese Fly and Bulls Cry, ColoradoColorado's Front Range has a surprisingly good goose hunting and an interesting history. In the small town of Severance, Colorado, the billboard located in town center pretty much spells it out. In today's episode, Ramsey Russell swings through for a morning goose hunt and lunch, sharing a conversation with locals about why "geese fly and bulls cry" here. Bon appetit. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks U...2021-12-201h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 205. Where Geese Fly and Bulls Cry, ColoradoColorado's Front Range has a surprisingly good goose hunting and an interesting history. In the small town of Severance, Colorado, the billboard located in town center pretty much spells it out. In today's episode, Ramsey Russell swings through for a morning goose hunt and lunch, sharing a conversation with locals about why "geese fly and bulls cry" here. Bon appetit. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks U...2021-12-201h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 204. South Platte River Colorado FlashbackFrom a small generator-powered cabin nestled beneath whispering cottonwoods on the South Platte River bank, Ramsey Russell meets with Flashback decoy inventor Tyler Baskfield between hunts. In a world slap full of gimmicky duck hunting stuff that usually doesn't doesn't perform as intended or last as long as we'd hoped, Baskfield's new American-made flashback decoy is a genuine ace up the sleeve in the "arms race" of duck hunting gear. In hearing Baskfield's interesting story, Ramsey learns that what makes the flashback decoy special is not just its patented motion but the Real American duck hunter's heartbeat that goes...2021-12-161h 22Duck Season SomewhereEP 204. South Platte River Colorado FlashbackFrom a small generator-powered cabin nestled beneath whispering cottonwoods on the South Platte River bank, Ramsey Russell meets with Flashback decoy inventor Tyler Baskfield between hunts. In a world slap full of gimmicky duck hunting stuff that usually doesn't doesn't perform as intended or last as long as we'd hoped, Baskfield's new American-made flashback decoy is a genuine ace up the sleeve in the "arms race" of duck hunting gear. In hearing Baskfield's interesting story, Ramsey learns that what makes the flashback decoy special is not just its patented motion but the Real American duck hunter's heartbeat that goes...2021-12-161h 22Duck Season SomewhereEP 202. Buffalo Bill and Cody, WyomingCody, Wyoming, was established in 1895 and epitomizes Wild West Wyoming. It bears Buffalo Bill Cody's name, but what was his true involvement in the town's origins? What was the area like when Cody was established, what was the significance of its location, what were some of the local industries, who were some colorfully notable characters? And how'd the Shoshone River derive its name? Taking a brief break from duck blind, Ramsey Russell adds cultural context to his Wyoming duck hunt by meeting with Eric Rossborough, librarian at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum in Cody, Wyoming. Hang on...2021-12-101h 11Duck Season SomewhereEP 202. Buffalo Bill and Cody, WyomingCody, Wyoming, was established in 1895 and epitomizes Wild West Wyoming. It bears Buffalo Bill Cody's name, but what was his true involvement in the town's origins? What was the area like when Cody was established, what was the significance of its location, what were some of the local industries, who were some colorfully notable characters? And how'd the Shoshone River derive its name? Taking a brief break from duck blind, Ramsey Russell adds cultural context to his Wyoming duck hunt by meeting with Eric Rossborough, librarian at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum in Cody, Wyoming. Hang on...2021-12-101h 11Duck Season SomewhereEP 201. Wyoming WingmenAs the North American Waterfowl Tour takes him further into Wyoming, Ramsey Russell falls in with Todd Helms, Managing Editor of Eastmans' Hunting Journal and host of Eastmans' Wingmen USA podcast. Between a couple epic mornings mallard hunting private stretches of the nearby Shoshone River, Helms tells Ramsey about his waterfowl hunting origins at family "Goose Camp" in Michigan, what life events led him to Wyoming, what duck hunting and living in Wyoming entails. Contemplating the ongoing drought, the 2 duck hunters wonder aloud to themselves where we are as duck hunters and what the future might hold. 2021-12-091h 50Duck Season SomewhereEP 201. Wyoming WingmenAs the North American Waterfowl Tour takes him further into Wyoming, Ramsey Russell falls in with Todd Helms, Managing Editor of Eastmans' Hunting Journal and host of Eastmans' Wingmen USA podcast. Between a couple epic mornings mallard hunting private stretches of the nearby Shoshone River, Helms tells Ramsey about his waterfowl hunting origins at family "Goose Camp" in Michigan, what life events led him to Wyoming, what duck hunting and living in Wyoming entails. Contemplating the ongoing drought, the 2 duck hunters wonder aloud to themselves where we are as duck hunters and what the future might hold. 2021-12-091h 50Duck Season SomewhereEP 200. Pulling Feathers in WyomingAfter a couple days chasing ducks together, Ramsey Russell discusses Wyoming duck hunting with Levi Cary. Born-and-raised Wyoming, Levi grew up hunting big game with family and only recently began seriously waterfowl hunting. Levi tells about growing up in Wyoming, why duck hunting appeals to him, how he began the Pull 'N Feathers podcast, and nuances of duck hunting in this part of the US. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Vo...2021-12-0659 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 200. Pulling Feathers in WyomingAfter a couple days chasing ducks together, Ramsey Russell discusses Wyoming duck hunting with Levi Cary. Born-and-raised Wyoming, Levi grew up hunting big game with family and only recently began seriously waterfowl hunting. Levi tells about growing up in Wyoming, why duck hunting appeals to him, how he began the Pull 'N Feathers podcast, and nuances of duck hunting in this part of the US. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Vo...2021-12-0659 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 199. Authenticity with Humility: Adventures of Ryan YarnellOn the banks of an unnamed Montana river absolutely loaded with ducks and geese, Ramsey Russell meets with true friend "Redbeard" Ryan Yarnell after a couple challenging duck hunting days. A couple years in the making, the 2 hunting buddies got way more than they'd bargained, stories to last a lifetime and incentive for another hunt together. Life sometimes happens, but it's all about playing the hand you're dealt. Yarnell's story is living proof. Like hyper-planing over real skinny water down a beautiful Montana river, you never know what's around then next bend during this episode, but will feel the p...2021-12-021h 23Duck Season SomewhereEP 199. Authenticity with Humility: Adventures of Ryan YarnellOn the banks of an unnamed Montana river absolutely loaded with ducks and geese, Ramsey Russell meets with true friend "Redbeard" Ryan Yarnell after a couple challenging duck hunting days. A couple years in the making, the 2 hunting buddies got way more than they'd bargained, stories to last a lifetime and incentive for another hunt together. Life sometimes happens, but it's all about playing the hand you're dealt. Yarnell's story is living proof. Like hyper-planing over real skinny water down a beautiful Montana river, you never know what's around then next bend during this episode, but will feel the p...2021-12-021h 23Duck Season SomewhereEP 198. Home for Another Mississippi Opener!Taking a break from this year's North America Waterfowl Tour, Ramsey Russell joins son, Forrest Russell and long-time friend Mr. Ian Munn, at camp for the Mississippi duck season opener. They talk about weekend highlights, habitat, life happenings and reminisce about their tradition of sharing the Mississippi Opener for decades. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks USHuntList It's really duck season so...2021-11-291h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 198. Home for Another Mississippi Opener!Taking a break from this year's North America Waterfowl Tour, Ramsey Russell joins son, Forrest Russell and long-time friend Mr. Ian Munn, at camp for the Mississippi duck season opener. They talk about weekend highlights, habitat, life happenings and reminisce about their tradition of sharing the Mississippi Opener for decades. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys Voormi GetDucks USHuntList It's really duck season so...2021-11-291h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 196. Abundant Waterfowl, Endless Hunter Opportunities and Delta Waterfowl, with Dr. Frank RohwerDr. Frank Rohwer grew up duck hunting the Chesapeake Bay, pursued a career in waterfowl-related applied sciences, and is currently President and Chief Scientist for Delta Waterfowl. After spending time together in a North Dakota duck blind, Rohwer and Ramsey Russell discuss Delta Waterfowl's origins and pertinent North American waterfowl management issues, to include a new proposed management scenario for northern pintails. How'd Rohwer's earlier hunting experiences influence career direction? What are Delta Waterfowl's origins? Why are pintail populations struggling? Is the restrictive US pintail bag limit working? Why might increased bag limits be beneficial, and what are the...2021-11-221h 07Duck Season SomewhereEP 196. Abundant Waterfowl, Endless Hunter Opportunities and Delta Waterfowl, with Dr. Frank RohwerDr. Frank Rohwer grew up duck hunting the Chesapeake Bay, pursued a career in waterfowl-related applied sciences, and is currently President and Chief Scientist for Delta Waterfowl. After spending time together in a North Dakota duck blind, Rohwer and Ramsey Russell discuss Delta Waterfowl's origins and pertinent North American waterfowl management issues, to include a new proposed management scenario for northern pintails. How'd Rohwer's earlier hunting experiences influence career direction? What are Delta Waterfowl's origins? Why are pintail populations struggling? Is the restrictive US pintail bag limit working? Why might increased bag limits be beneficial, and what are the...2021-11-221h 07Duck Season SomewhereEP 195. GooseFest in Kenmare, North DakotaFor 33 years, self-proclaimed snow goose capital of the world Kenmare, North Dakota (population 900) has held a week-long, community-wide celebration of local goose hunting traditions. It's called GooseFest. Ramsey Russell spent the week hunting with locals and enjoying festivities, meeting with organizers Arlen Gartner and Rick Harris to discuss how this event originated and why it remains important to Kenmare and surrounding communities. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys GetDucks US...2021-11-1952 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 195. GooseFest in Kenmare, North DakotaFor 33 years, self-proclaimed snow goose capital of the world Kenmare, North Dakota (population 900) has held a week-long, community-wide celebration of local goose hunting traditions. It's called GooseFest. Ramsey Russell spent the week hunting with locals and enjoying festivities, meeting with organizers Arlen Gartner and Rick Harris to discuss how this event originated and why it remains important to Kenmare and surrounding communities. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mojo Outdoors Tom Beckbe Flash Back Decoys GetDucks US...2021-11-1952 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 194. North Dakota Diver Hunting MindsetsAutumn is usually incredible for field hunting ducks and geese in North Dakota, but this hard-boiled collection of dedicated diver duck hunters march to a different drum beat, choosing to chase canvasbacks, bluebills, redheads and more over a massive spread of traditional, hand-carved wooden blocks. Following a brisk morning in the blind, Ramsey Russell joins die-hard diver enthusiasts Jeff Pelayo, Eric Smith and Texan Mike Hruby for conversations about why this kind of hunting most appeals to them. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mo...2021-11-171h 31Duck Season SomewhereEP 194. North Dakota Diver Hunting MindsetsAutumn is usually incredible for field hunting ducks and geese in North Dakota, but this hard-boiled collection of dedicated diver duck hunters march to a different drum beat, choosing to chase canvasbacks, bluebills, redheads and more over a massive spread of traditional, hand-carved wooden blocks. Following a brisk morning in the blind, Ramsey Russell joins die-hard diver enthusiasts Jeff Pelayo, Eric Smith and Texan Mike Hruby for conversations about why this kind of hunting most appeals to them. Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy Mo...2021-11-171h 31Duck Season SomewhereEP 193. From the Mississippi Flyway Headwaters: Jim Leafloor, Canadian Wildlife ServiceThe sun is setting on the rooftops of fabled Delta Waterfowl Research Station across the road, and gregarious Canada goose flocks are trading along the sprawling shores of Lake Manitoba when Ramsey Russell meets with Jim Leafloor, Head of Aquatic Unit for the Canadian Wildlife Service. Responsible for all migratory gamebird management activities throughout Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, Leafloor's team also oversees arctic goose banding programs. A lifelong waterfowl hunter himself, Leafloor covers pertinent, must-hear migratory waterfowl management topics from the Mississippi Flyway headwaters. How'd Leafloor begin waterfowl hunting, what lead to his interest in becoming a waterfowl biologist? Ho...2021-11-151h 03Duck Season SomewhereEP 193. From the Mississippi Flyway Headwaters: Jim Leafloor, Canadian Wildlife ServiceThe sun is setting on the rooftops of fabled Delta Waterfowl Research Station across the road, and gregarious Canada goose flocks are trading along the sprawling shores of Lake Manitoba when Ramsey Russell meets with Jim Leafloor, Head of Aquatic Unit for the Canadian Wildlife Service. Responsible for all migratory gamebird management activities throughout Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, Leafloor's team also oversees arctic goose banding programs. A lifelong waterfowl hunter himself, Leafloor covers pertinent, must-hear migratory waterfowl management topics from the Mississippi Flyway headwaters. How'd Leafloor begin waterfowl hunting, what lead to his interest in becoming a waterfowl biologist? Ho...2021-11-151h 03Duck Season SomewhereEP 186. A Tekton in SaskatchewanFollowing several days fun waterfowl hunting together in Saskatchewan, Canada, Ramsey Russell meets with Joey D'Amico of Tekton Game Calls, who recently quit the 9-to-5 grind to chase his dreams. Where'd D'Amico grow up, how's hunting Canadian Prairies contrast with hunting South Carolina's Sparkleberry Swamp? What lead him to pursue his dreams full-time? Where's the name Tekton originate and what's it's importance to D'Amico? Like walking to the truck with a strap-full of ducks swaying on your shoulder, this episode leaves you feeling good. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your f...2021-10-291h 09Duck Season SomewhereEP 186. A Tekton in SaskatchewanFollowing several days fun waterfowl hunting together in Saskatchewan, Canada, Ramsey Russell meets with Joey D'Amico of Tekton Game Calls, who recently quit the 9-to-5 grind to chase his dreams. Where'd D'Amico grow up, how's hunting Canadian Prairies contrast with hunting South Carolina's Sparkleberry Swamp? What lead him to pursue his dreams full-time? Where's the name Tekton originate and what's it's importance to D'Amico? Like walking to the truck with a strap-full of ducks swaying on your shoulder, this episode leaves you feeling good. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your f...2021-10-291h 09Duck Season SomewhereEP 185. HELP WANTED Solving Texas's "Dusky Duck" DilemmaYour help is urgently needed. The "dusky duck" in Texas as experienced precipitous population declines in the mottled duck's traditional range, and management alternatives are being considered. Here's a chance for you the listener to possibly participate meaningfully in real-world waterfowl management and help avert catastrophe. Waterfowl Geneticist, Dr. Phillip Lavretsky, joins Ramsey Russell to discuss. They recap North American mallard-like genetics discussed in a previous episode (Just a Mallard? Think Again) and status of African Yellow-billed Duck and African Black Duck tissue samples/ biometric data recently collected by Ramsey. Lavretsky then explains what's possibly going on with Texas's mo...2021-10-281h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 185. HELP WANTED Solving Texas's "Dusky Duck" DilemmaYour help is urgently needed. The "dusky duck" in Texas as experienced precipitous population declines in the mottled duck's traditional range, and management alternatives are being considered. Here's a chance for you the listener to possibly participate meaningfully in real-world waterfowl management and help avert catastrophe. Waterfowl Geneticist, Dr. Phillip Lavretsky, joins Ramsey Russell to discuss. They recap North American mallard-like genetics discussed in a previous episode (Just a Mallard? Think Again) and status of African Yellow-billed Duck and African Black Duck tissue samples/ biometric data recently collected by Ramsey. Lavretsky then explains what's possibly going on with Texas's mo...2021-10-281h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 183. Saskatchewan Snow Goose Hunting: Canadian PerspectivesJuvenile gray birds are stretching their wings for the first time, usually diving into the decoys with reckless abandon, and even those savvy adult white birds seem to have forgotten the preceding hunting season, making autumn a great time for hunting snow geese in the Land of Living Skies. Ramsey Russell joins long-time friend Nova Scotian Brian Mason and his merry band of "newfies" for their annual week-long pilgrimage specifically targeting snow geese. Their round-table discussion covers the variety of topics discussed while cleaning white birds on the tailgate and a whole lot more. Do Canadian and American snow...2021-10-251h 30Duck Season SomewhereEP 183. Saskatchewan Snow Goose Hunting: Canadian PerspectivesJuvenile gray birds are stretching their wings for the first time, usually diving into the decoys with reckless abandon, and even those savvy adult white birds seem to have forgotten the preceding hunting season, making autumn a great time for hunting snow geese in the Land of Living Skies. Ramsey Russell joins long-time friend Nova Scotian Brian Mason and his merry band of "newfies" for their annual week-long pilgrimage specifically targeting snow geese. Their round-table discussion covers the variety of topics discussed while cleaning white birds on the tailgate and a whole lot more. Do Canadian and American snow...2021-10-251h 30Duck Season SomewhereEP 182. Texas Blue-winged Teal Hunting with Steve BiggersRamsey Russell concludes the Texas blue-winged teal hunting portion of the 2021 North American Waterfowl Tour with a visit to long-time friend and USHuntList outfitter Steve Biggers's new lodge near El Campo Texas. Following a couple memorable morning hunts, they visit briefly about blue-winged teal, the migration, habitat, Steve's new lodge and retrievers. Related Links: Best Texas Blue-winged Teal Hunts Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com Podcast Spon...2021-10-2244 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 182. Texas Blue-winged Teal Hunting with Steve BiggersRamsey Russell concludes the Texas blue-winged teal hunting portion of the 2021 North American Waterfowl Tour with a visit to long-time friend and USHuntList outfitter Steve Biggers's new lodge near El Campo Texas. Following a couple memorable morning hunts, they visit briefly about blue-winged teal, the migration, habitat, Steve's new lodge and retrievers. Related Links: Best Texas Blue-winged Teal Hunts Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com Podcast Spon...2021-10-2244 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 180. Real Texas BBQ - Salt, Pepper and TimeTwo-time World Champion Texas BBQ Pitmaster Grant Pinkerton explains real Texas BBQ to Ramsey Russell, setting him straight once and for all on why beef is indeed real BBQ. Pinkerton has been duck hunting for as long as he can remember, cooked his first steak in grade school, began smoking brisket before he could drive, and smokes what Ramsey describes as the bar-none very best BBQ he's ever eaten. When and how did Pinkerton get into the BBQ business? How'd Pinkerton become a world champion pitmaster and what other accolades has he received? What defines Texas BBQ? When did br...2021-10-181h 02Duck Season SomewhereEP 180. Real Texas BBQ - Salt, Pepper and TimeTwo-time World Champion Texas BBQ Pitmaster Grant Pinkerton explains real Texas BBQ to Ramsey Russell, setting him straight once and for all on why beef is indeed real BBQ. Pinkerton has been duck hunting for as long as he can remember, cooked his first steak in grade school, began smoking brisket before he could drive, and smokes what Ramsey describes as the bar-none very best BBQ he's ever eaten. When and how did Pinkerton get into the BBQ business? How'd Pinkerton become a world champion pitmaster and what other accolades has he received? What defines Texas BBQ? When did br...2021-10-181h 02Duck Season SomewhereEP 179. BS'ing with Joe BriscoeNevermind thermometer readings soaring beyond 90 degrees, it's blue-winged teal season and Ramsey Russell's 2021 North American Waterfowl Tour is underway when he swings through Joe Briscoe's JB Custom Calls shop to pick up some new teal calls. But there's no such thing as quick visits between these 2 buddies. Their conversation runs the gamut from teal hunting to moonshine, from Texas blues music to custom guitars to Briscoe's newest duck call invention that'll have gray duck back-flipping into the decoys. Related Links: JB Custom Calls Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Sea...2021-10-151h 05Duck Season SomewhereEP 179. BS'ing with Joe BriscoeNevermind thermometer readings soaring beyond 90 degrees, it's blue-winged teal season and Ramsey Russell's 2021 North American Waterfowl Tour is underway when he swings through Joe Briscoe's JB Custom Calls shop to pick up some new teal calls. But there's no such thing as quick visits between these 2 buddies. Their conversation runs the gamut from teal hunting to moonshine, from Texas blues music to custom guitars to Briscoe's newest duck call invention that'll have gray duck back-flipping into the decoys. Related Links: JB Custom Calls Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Sea...2021-10-151h 05Duck Season SomewhereEP 177. Finding Comfort in Numbers, Then Versus NowRamsey Russell joins Texas waterfowl hunting historian and author Rob Sawyer for a fast-paced, Texas-style blue-winged teal hunt at the beautiful Spread Oaks Ranch in coastal Matagorda County. After an incredible breakfast that included platter-sized country ham steaks smoked on-site, their conversation starts briefly with blue-winged teal hunting and habitat management before channeling through and infusing past and present mindsets of American duck hunting. Has it always been a numbers game or is there a little something more to it? Check out Robert Sawyer's landmark Texas waterfowl history books using the link below. Related Links:2021-10-111h 09Duck Season SomewhereEP 177. Finding Comfort in Numbers, Then Versus NowRamsey Russell joins Texas waterfowl hunting historian and author Rob Sawyer for a fast-paced, Texas-style blue-winged teal hunt at the beautiful Spread Oaks Ranch in coastal Matagorda County. After an incredible breakfast that included platter-sized country ham steaks smoked on-site, their conversation starts briefly with blue-winged teal hunting and habitat management before channeling through and infusing past and present mindsets of American duck hunting. Has it always been a numbers game or is there a little something more to it? Check out Robert Sawyer's landmark Texas waterfowl history books using the link below. Related Links:2021-10-111h 09Duck Season SomewhereEP 175. Wetlands Management for Waterfowl: Fall ConsiderationsWaterfowl season is fast approaching the Deep South and preparing for the upcoming season is perfect timing to consider next year's habitat management. Natural Resources Conservation Services Wildlife Biologist, Kevin Nelms, joins Ramsey Russell for another highly informative Wetlands Management for Waterfowl discussion. Fall disturbances, how and when to flood, invertebrates and other seasonal topics are talked about. Scroll back to hear parts 1-3 of this ongoing series of you've not yet heard them. A link to Wetlands Management for Waterfowl Handbook (PDF) is also attached. Related Links: Wetland Management for Waterfowl (PDF)2021-10-071h 07Duck Season SomewhereEP 175. Wetlands Management for Waterfowl: Fall ConsiderationsWaterfowl season is fast approaching the Deep South and preparing for the upcoming season is perfect timing to consider next year's habitat management. Natural Resources Conservation Services Wildlife Biologist, Kevin Nelms, joins Ramsey Russell for another highly informative Wetlands Management for Waterfowl discussion. Fall disturbances, how and when to flood, invertebrates and other seasonal topics are talked about. Scroll back to hear parts 1-3 of this ongoing series of you've not yet heard them. A link to Wetlands Management for Waterfowl Handbook (PDF) is also attached. Related Links: Wetland Management for Waterfowl (PDF)2021-10-071h 07Duck Season SomewhereEP 171. Experiencing Real South African Wingshooting, Part 2It's a chilly night in South Africa. Ramsey Russell and longtime Professional Hunter Mike Currie are huddled around a crackling fireplace with some of the best bird dogs on earth as their conversation about experiencing real South African wingshooting continues. Getting down to the nitty-gritty of a proper South Africa duck hunting combo, they run through a variety of fun subjects to include driven guineafowl, francolin, Currie's prized pointers and Ramsey's favorite, those big ol' spur-winged geese! South Africa is among the top shotgunning destinations on earth whether for species collecting, trigger pulling or both, but above all else...2021-09-291h 04Duck Season SomewhereEP 171. Experiencing Real South African Wingshooting, Part 2It's a chilly night in South Africa. Ramsey Russell and longtime Professional Hunter Mike Currie are huddled around a crackling fireplace with some of the best bird dogs on earth as their conversation about experiencing real South African wingshooting continues. Getting down to the nitty-gritty of a proper South Africa duck hunting combo, they run through a variety of fun subjects to include driven guineafowl, francolin, Currie's prized pointers and Ramsey's favorite, those big ol' spur-winged geese! South Africa is among the top shotgunning destinations on earth whether for species collecting, trigger pulling or both, but above all else...2021-09-291h 04Duck Season SomewhereEP 166. September Teal Today, Gone TomorrowIt's that special time of year again, the September blue-winged teal season is underway. Following a typical teal hunt at their South Delta Mississippi camp, Ramsey Russell, Mr. Ian and Forrest remember hunts together from the past 20 years, discussing likes and dislikes about blue-winged teal hunting in a deep south flyway state. Ramsey starts his 2021-22 North American waterfowl tour next week, stay tuned for upcoming stories from the road. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com...2021-09-1749 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 166. September Teal Today, Gone TomorrowIt's that special time of year again, the September blue-winged teal season is underway. Following a typical teal hunt at their South Delta Mississippi camp, Ramsey Russell, Mr. Ian and Forrest remember hunts together from the past 20 years, discussing likes and dislikes about blue-winged teal hunting in a deep south flyway state. Ramsey starts his 2021-22 North American waterfowl tour next week, stay tuned for upcoming stories from the road. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com...2021-09-1749 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 162. A Taste of South AfricaFollowing an exciting day shooting driven guineafowl and "rockies" in Free State, South Africa, Pierre Aucamp and Ramsey Russell talk about South Africa bird hunting. What is South African hunting like for locals? In a country predominated by game animals, what attracted Pierre to bird hunting? How important is hunting tourism to South Africa and what's Pierre's business model? Any favorite guineafowl and dove recipes? Besides GSPs, any other interesting critters around his home? Stay tuned. This episode begins an 8-part South Africa series covering a wide variety of interesting and informative topics - like standing post on a dri...2021-09-0847 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 162. A Taste of South AfricaFollowing an exciting day shooting driven guineafowl and "rockies" in Free State, South Africa, Pierre Aucamp and Ramsey Russell talk about South Africa bird hunting. What is South African hunting like for locals? In a country predominated by game animals, what attracted Pierre to bird hunting? How important is hunting tourism to South Africa and what's Pierre's business model? Any favorite guineafowl and dove recipes? Besides GSPs, any other interesting critters around his home? Stay tuned. This episode begins an 8-part South Africa series covering a wide variety of interesting and informative topics - like standing post on a dri...2021-09-0847 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 161. Free State of Tallahatchie Duck Hunting with Catfish FlauttThere's X's etched onto the earth to which waterfowl have always flocked. Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, is one of them. Born and raised there, Catfish Flautt remembers when duck hunting wasn't the religion that it is today and describes the region to Ramsey Russell in colorful detail. Why has this part of Mississippi always attracted so many ducks, why are there 2 county seats, what are some of the famous Tallahatchie County landmarks? Who taught Catfish to duck hunt, what was the "firm" 3-day agricultural rule he learned? When's the first time he hunted from a mummy boat and what became...2021-09-061h 15Duck Season SomewhereEP 161. Free State of Tallahatchie Duck Hunting with Catfish FlauttThere's X's etched onto the earth to which waterfowl have always flocked. Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, is one of them. Born and raised there, Catfish Flautt remembers when duck hunting wasn't the religion that it is today and describes the region to Ramsey Russell in colorful detail. Why has this part of Mississippi always attracted so many ducks, why are there 2 county seats, what are some of the famous Tallahatchie County landmarks? Who taught Catfish to duck hunt, what was the "firm" 3-day agricultural rule he learned? When's the first time he hunted from a mummy boat and what became...2021-09-061h 15Duck Season SomewhereEP 160. South Africa Duck Hunting Safari with Jake LatendresseAs prelude to soon-to-be-released Life's Short GetDucks South Africa duck hunting short-film, Jake Latendresse and Ramsey Russell reminisce about their epic South Africa wingshooting adventure together that included ducks, geese, upland game birds. They discuss the lasting impressions of people, food, landscape, hospitality, the works. From high-volume goose hunts and driven guineafowl to spot-and-stalk cherry-picking hard to find duck species, Jake's through-the-lense perspective combined with Ramsey's over-the-barrel view of the world paint a vivid portrait of what this customizable bucket-list destination is all about and what viewers can expect to see in the upcoming Life's Short GetDucks South Africa...2021-09-021h 15Duck Season SomewhereEP 160. South Africa Duck Hunting Safari with Jake LatendresseAs prelude to soon-to-be-released Life's Short GetDucks South Africa duck hunting short-film, Jake Latendresse and Ramsey Russell reminisce about their epic South Africa wingshooting adventure together that included ducks, geese, upland game birds. They discuss the lasting impressions of people, food, landscape, hospitality, the works. From high-volume goose hunts and driven guineafowl to spot-and-stalk cherry-picking hard to find duck species, Jake's through-the-lense perspective combined with Ramsey's over-the-barrel view of the world paint a vivid portrait of what this customizable bucket-list destination is all about and what viewers can expect to see in the upcoming Life's Short GetDucks South Africa...2021-09-021h 15Duck Season SomewhereEP 159. Lusco's Embodies Past Times and the American DreamBack in his adopted heart-of-the-Mississippi-Delta hometown of Greenwood, Ramsey Russell meets with 4th-generation Lusco's Restaurant owner Karen Pinkston. A true southern belle, her stories range from hilarious to heart-felt. How and why did the restaurant start? Who were the Banana Men, why are there private dining booths, who are the only people ever allowed in the kitchen, where'd the recipes originate? What are their famous sauces and signature dishes? What might be in the safe and why hasn't it been opened since forever? What strange phenomena became a local "tradition" and why'd it cease? Why'd most customers have long-standing...2021-08-301h 05Duck Season SomewhereEP 159. Lusco's Embodies Past Times and the American DreamBack in his adopted heart-of-the-Mississippi-Delta hometown of Greenwood, Ramsey Russell meets with 4th-generation Lusco's Restaurant owner Karen Pinkston. A true southern belle, her stories range from hilarious to heart-felt. How and why did the restaurant start? Who were the Banana Men, why are there private dining booths, who are the only people ever allowed in the kitchen, where'd the recipes originate? What are their famous sauces and signature dishes? What might be in the safe and why hasn't it been opened since forever? What strange phenomena became a local "tradition" and why'd it cease? Why'd most customers have long-standing...2021-08-301h 05Duck Season SomewhereEP 158. Riceland Custom Calls Bill DanielsFrom his Riceland Custom Calls studio in Hayes, Louisiana, Bill Daniels tells Ramsey Russell and growing up, his early introductions into waterfowling and how he got started in the call making business. He shares his thoughts on recent hunting seasons and how specklebelly behavior seems to be changing. Besides waterfowl, Bill Daniels and Ramsey Russell also share a mutual passion for certain unique gamebird. Bill tells about the time he got invited to Russia to hunt over live decoys. Soft-spoken and modest, what he never even mentions are the countless awards that Riceland Custom Calls has earned in calling...2021-08-2646 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 158. Riceland Custom Calls Bill DanielsFrom his Riceland Custom Calls studio in Hayes, Louisiana, Bill Daniels tells Ramsey Russell and growing up, his early introductions into waterfowling and how he got started in the call making business. He shares his thoughts on recent hunting seasons and how specklebelly behavior seems to be changing. Besides waterfowl, Bill Daniels and Ramsey Russell also share a mutual passion for certain unique gamebird. Bill tells about the time he got invited to Russia to hunt over live decoys. Soft-spoken and modest, what he never even mentions are the countless awards that Riceland Custom Calls has earned in calling...2021-08-2646 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 155. Sea to Sky Outfitters Is Worlds ApartRamsey Russell's arms are still tired from hauling in redfish and speckled trout when Orin Lonadier arrives, but they fly into a great conversation about real American Dream living. Where did Orin grow up, when did he know he wanted to be a guide, and how'd he get into the outfitting business? What's it like working year-round in parts of the world that are polar opposites? What's the most interesting leg band he's ever seen? Any favorite fish and crane recipes? Is guiding as easy as he makes it look in social media? How important is people skills? What...2021-08-161h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 155. Sea to Sky Outfitters Is Worlds ApartRamsey Russell's arms are still tired from hauling in redfish and speckled trout when Orin Lonadier arrives, but they fly into a great conversation about real American Dream living. Where did Orin grow up, when did he know he wanted to be a guide, and how'd he get into the outfitting business? What's it like working year-round in parts of the world that are polar opposites? What's the most interesting leg band he's ever seen? Any favorite fish and crane recipes? Is guiding as easy as he makes it look in social media? How important is people skills? What...2021-08-161h 00Duck Season SomewhereEP 151. Q&A with BigwaterRamsey Russell and Mark Wilson aka Bigwater huddle around a table in the A/C on a hot summer afternoon. Bigwater talks about a recent trip to Omaha. He then asks Ramsey questions from listeners and himself, anything from packing light to what goes on behind the scenes at GetDucks while not traveling to thoughts on hunting pressure. Got a question or topic you'd like to hear? Inbox Ramsey at @ramseyrussellgetducks, or email ramsey@getducks.com. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments con...2021-08-061h 14Duck Season SomewhereEP 151. Q&A with BigwaterRamsey Russell and Mark Wilson aka Bigwater huddle around a table in the A/C on a hot summer afternoon. Bigwater talks about a recent trip to Omaha. He then asks Ramsey questions from listeners and himself, anything from packing light to what goes on behind the scenes at GetDucks while not traveling to thoughts on hunting pressure. Got a question or topic you'd like to hear? Inbox Ramsey at @ramseyrussellgetducks, or email ramsey@getducks.com. Please subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments con...2021-08-061h 14Duck Season SomewhereEP 150. Prairies Are Powder Keg DryIt's a scorching 107° F in North Dakota when Delta Waterfowl VP John Devney calls to give Ramsey Russell an update on the most cursed words that exist to a duck hunter's ears: the Prairie Potholes Region is dry. Bad dry. Just how dry is it, and what drives drought cycle in the PPR? What's "the biology of drought"? How's this year compare to past droughts, and when did the lowest ever recorded pond counts occur? Why are there less Benellis afield killing half the number of mallards? We've not counted ducks in 2 years due to border closures, does Adaptive H...2021-08-0459 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 150. Prairies Are Powder Keg DryIt's a scorching 107° F in North Dakota when Delta Waterfowl VP John Devney calls to give Ramsey Russell an update on the most cursed words that exist to a duck hunter's ears: the Prairie Potholes Region is dry. Bad dry. Just how dry is it, and what drives drought cycle in the PPR? What's "the biology of drought"? How's this year compare to past droughts, and when did the lowest ever recorded pond counts occur? Why are there less Benellis afield killing half the number of mallards? We've not counted ducks in 2 years due to border closures, does Adaptive H...2021-08-0459 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 146. Of Lion King Mentalities and Trophy TruthsWhile shooting barnacle geese and greylag geese together in the Netherlands decade ago, Ramsey Russell and Brian Lynn could never have imagined the ferocious battles with embittered anti-hunting crazies awaiting their respective futures. As VP Marketing and Communications for Sportsmen's Alliance, Lynn now daily fights anti-hunters tooth-and-nail, wielding facts and advocating policy like a modern day dragon slayer. Who knew Dutch anti-hunters read American hunting magazines, and what lead to Ramsey Russell's name being shouted by politicians in Netherlands Parliament? How could anti-hunters be described demographically, what triggers them, and what does money have to do with anything? What's b...2021-07-221h 22Duck Season SomewhereEP 146. Of Lion King Mentalities and Trophy TruthsWhile shooting barnacle geese and greylag geese together in the Netherlands decade ago, Ramsey Russell and Brian Lynn could never have imagined the ferocious battles with embittered anti-hunting crazies awaiting their respective futures. As VP Marketing and Communications for Sportsmen's Alliance, Lynn now daily fights anti-hunters tooth-and-nail, wielding facts and advocating policy like a modern day dragon slayer. Who knew Dutch anti-hunters read American hunting magazines, and what lead to Ramsey Russell's name being shouted by politicians in Netherlands Parliament? How could anti-hunters be described demographically, what triggers them, and what does money have to do with anything? What's b...2021-07-221h 22Duck Season SomewhereEP 142. Landscape-level Waterfowl Conservation, Scott StephensScott Stephens and Ramsey Russell went to Mississippi State University together way back when. Stephens is now Ducks Unlimited Canada's Director of Regional Operations for Prairies and Boreal Forest, where he directs waterfowl conservation efforts over an almost unimaginably huge portion of North America--way, way bigger than the narrow 100-mile corridor bordering Yellowhead Highway that Ramsey Russell thinks of as Manitoba! Why does Stephens facetiously tell people that he "doesn't really do anything anymore"? How bad is this year's drought throughout Canada? What are long-term and short-term effects, and why does Stephens see a golden opportunity? Regards meaningful, landscape-level...2021-07-011h 02Duck Season SomewhereEP 142. Landscape-level Waterfowl Conservation, Scott StephensScott Stephens and Ramsey Russell went to Mississippi State University together way back when. Stephens is now Ducks Unlimited Canada's Director of Regional Operations for Prairies and Boreal Forest, where he directs waterfowl conservation efforts over an almost unimaginably huge portion of North America--way, way bigger than the narrow 100-mile corridor bordering Yellowhead Highway that Ramsey Russell thinks of as Manitoba! Why does Stephens facetiously tell people that he "doesn't really do anything anymore"? How bad is this year's drought throughout Canada? What are long-term and short-term effects, and why does Stephens see a golden opportunity? Regards meaningful, landscape-level...2021-07-011h 02Duck Season SomewhereEP 140. Mississippi Hunting, True Hospitality, and Making Time for PeopleHaving shared duck blinds in many places worldwide with Chris Gouras, I can tell y'all for fact that there's never been a lack of good things to talk about between volleys. The descendant of Greek immigrants, he's been around the restaurant industry since forever, and started duck hunting among true South Delta legends soon after moving to Mississippi. How'd Big John end up facing the wrong way in a Netherlands goose blind? Who were some of the colorful characters Gouras hunted with back in the good old days? What happened the morning he hunted with a former Mississippi Governor? W...2021-06-281h 32Duck Season SomewhereEP 139. More Father's Day Grandad Russell Stories with Uncle JamesLeading up to Father's Day, Ramsey met with his Uncle James to talk about his grandfather Russell, the one that introduced him to hunting. In addition to some of the stories he heard around the dinner table growing up, he learned a few more. Subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy GunDog Outdoors Mojo Outdoors...2021-06-2448 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 139. More Father's Day Grandad Russell Stories with Uncle JamesLeading up to Father's Day, Ramsey met with his Uncle James to talk about his grandfather Russell, the one that introduced him to hunting. In addition to some of the stories he heard around the dinner table growing up, he learned a few more. Subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy GunDog Outdoors Mojo Outdoors...2021-06-2448 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 138. Uncle James's Father's Day Stories About GranddadPreceding Father's Day, Ramsey Russell meets with his 75 year-old Uncle James Russell who shares some stories about growing up in the Mississippi Delta. It's been decades since the grandfather that introduced Ramsey to hunting passed. As the two of them recount family stories shared around the dinner table, Ramsey learns the origins of his grandfather's shotgun and a lot more. Subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells ...2021-06-2155 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 138. Uncle James's Father's Day Stories About GranddadPreceding Father's Day, Ramsey Russell meets with his 75 year-old Uncle James Russell who shares some stories about growing up in the Mississippi Delta. It's been decades since the grandfather that introduced Ramsey to hunting passed. As the two of them recount family stories shared around the dinner table, Ramsey learns the origins of his grandfather's shotgun and a lot more. Subscribe, rate and review Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com Podcast Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells ...2021-06-2155 minDuck Season SomewhereEP 137. Duck Updates, Delta Waterfowl's John DevneyDuring a recent visit to Mississippi, Delta Waterfowl John Devney and Ramsey Russell discussed need-to-know duck topics. How dry is the Prairie Pothole Region, what will ducks do, how exactly might it affect waterfowl reproduction, and why isn't Plan B Alaska nesting as productive? What's the backstory on North Dakota's new e-posting rulings, what prompted it, and how'd Delta Waterfowl bring common sense to the table? What ever became of Maryland's HB 0911 that would have marginalized boat hunters on Susquehanna Flats? Due to covid-related Canadian border closures, waterfowl population surveys and banding activities have been cancelled for the 2nd c...2021-06-171h 05Duck Season SomewhereEP 136. The Mississippi Delta BluesFrom a 1900's-era commissary on the edge of a sprawling cotton field, about a half-hour north of where Delta bluesman Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil, Hank Burdine tells Ramsey Russell about the origins of the Mississippi Delta blues. The precursor to rock-n-roll, this music genre was also true inspiration of the recognized king himself, Elvis Presley. It's more the fascinating story of people, culture, time and place than of distinct, metal-stringed notes emanating from sweaty juke joints. And from personal experiences and past friendships, nobody but nobody tells it better than Mississippi Delta raconteur Hank B...2021-06-141h 10Duck Season SomewhereEP 135. Will Canada Be Open to US Waterfowl Hunters This Fall?!It's the question many American duck and goose hunters have been asking since last year: When will Canada borders reopen to non-Canadian waterfowl hunters? Ramsey Russell is joined today by USHuntList associate, Ryan Reynolds of Apex Waterfowling in Ontario to discuss pandemic effects in Canada. What's it look like in Canada right now, who's been hunting and where? How have successful Canadian waterfowl outfitters like Ryan Reynolds coped with the border closure - and how it might have affected many of his competitors? What's the covid status among provinces right now (late-May)? Importantly, what has to happen before Canadian...2021-06-101h 10Duck Season SomewhereEP 134. What About Guided North Dakota Waterfowl Hunts?Matt Piehl and Ramsey Russell catch up between North America waterfowl hunting seasons to discuss guided waterfowl hunts in general, exciting Dirty Bird Outfitter developments, and new important private property e-posting laws that all duck and goose hunters that plan on visiting North Dakota should be fully aware. What recent life changes make Piehl feel like he jumped from frying pan into the skillet busy-wise? How was the Arkansas spring snow goose hunting? How's North Dakota habitat looking this year? How will Dirty Bird Outfitters' new lodge be a real game-changer for clients? What will head-guide-with-Viking-blood Nick Marcyes' role...2021-06-071h 14Duck Season SomewhereEP 128. Bobo's Legendary Mississippi Bear Hunting CultureBack in the early 1800s, the Mississippi Delta was a seething hardwood wilderness unrivaled by anything until you reached the redwoods. And it was in this environment that Robert Eager Bobo and company plied their skills, reputedly killing over 300 bears in a single year - plus a whole lot more. Who was Bobo, where'd he live? How'd they hunt bear back then? How famous were Bobo's hounds and what became of them? What was the preferred weapon of choice in ancient canebrakes? Mississippi historian and outdoor writer, James McCafferty, and Ramsey Russell have a great time discussing these and...2021-05-171h 19Duck Season SomewhereEP 128. Bobo's Legendary Mississippi Bear Hunting CultureBack in the early 1800s, the Mississippi Delta was a seething hardwood wilderness unrivaled by anything until you reached the redwoods. And it was in this environment that Robert Eager Bobo and company plied their skills, reputedly killing over 300 bears in a single year - plus a whole lot more. Who was Bobo, where'd he live? How'd they hunt bear back then? How famous were Bobo's hounds and what became of them? What was the preferred weapon of choice in ancient canebrakes? Mississippi historian and outdoor writer, James McCafferty, and Ramsey Russell have a great time discussing these and...2021-05-171h 19Duck Season SomewhereEP 126. Benelli Shotgun Innovations ContinueGeorge Thompson, Director of Product Management, Benelli USA gives Ramsey an informative run-down of innovative Benelli shotgun developments. Benelli pioneered the inertia recoil system in 1967, initially hitting US markets under H&K distribution, but they have certainly come a long way since. How has the Benelli Super Black Eagle shotgun evolved since the first ones arrived in the US and what features stand out among conventional waterfowl killing sticks? What's driving growing demand for new sub-gauge chamberings? What is the new Benelli BE.ST coating (Benelli Surface Treatment) all about and how'd it originate? And what about online rumors t...2021-05-101h 09Duck Season SomewhereEP 126. Benelli Shotgun Innovations ContinueGeorge Thompson, Director of Product Management, Benelli USA gives Ramsey an informative run-down of innovative Benelli shotgun developments. Benelli pioneered the inertia recoil system in 1967, initially hitting US markets under H&K distribution, but they have certainly come a long way since. How has the Benelli Super Black Eagle shotgun evolved since the first ones arrived in the US and what features stand out among conventional waterfowl killing sticks? What's driving growing demand for new sub-gauge chamberings? What is the new Benelli BE.ST coating (Benelli Surface Treatment) all about and how'd it originate? And what about online rumors t...2021-05-101h 09Duck Season SomewhereEP 111. California Dreaming: A Recap of Ramsey's California Waterfowl Hunting AdventuresAfter an epic final morning, with some beautiful cinnamon teal trophies icing down in the truck and a couple more carry-out world-class lunch burritos stretching their belts and weighing heavy on their eyelids, Ramsey meets with great friend-host Jon Wills at historic Stillbow Ranch lodge to recount the dozen days of hunting the Golden State. From San Francisco Bay and throughout the Sacramento Valley, what's Ramsey Russell remember most about his first California duck hunting experience? Who'd he hunt with? Forget everything you ever thought about the Hollywood, hippie and surfboard versions of this great state, most of California...2021-03-161h 28Duck Season SomewhereEP 111. California Dreaming: A Recap of Ramsey's California Waterfowl Hunting AdventuresAfter an epic final morning, with some beautiful cinnamon teal trophies icing down in the truck and a couple more carry-out world-class lunch burritos stretching their belts and weighing heavy on their eyelids, Ramsey meets with great friend-host Jon Wills at historic Stillbow Ranch lodge to recount the dozen days of hunting the Golden State. From San Francisco Bay and throughout the Sacramento Valley, what's Ramsey Russell remember most about his first California duck hunting experience? Who'd he hunt with? Forget everything you ever thought about the Hollywood, hippie and surfboard versions of this great state, most of California...2021-03-161h 28Duck Season SomewhereEP 77. Ramsey Russell North American Waterfowl TourThis episode begins with special guest, Joseph Richard, a 97 year-old US Navy Veteran briefly recalling the events of December 7, 1941. He was there. What does he remember from that infamous day in history? Does he consider himself a hero? Sobering thoughts. Then, Bigwater and Ramsey Russell recount the first leg of the ongoing 2020 North American Waterfowl Tour, discussing some highlights. What inspired Ramsey to make such an undertaking? Where's he hunted so far and who'd he hunt with? Any surprises? Where to next? How's Char progressing, what all has she retrieved, has there been a learning curve? What's up with...2020-12-071h 08Duck Season SomewhereEP 77. Ramsey Russell North American Waterfowl TourThis episode begins with special guest, Joseph Richard, a 97 year-old US Navy Veteran briefly recalling the events of December 7, 1941. He was there. What does he remember from that infamous day in history? Does he consider himself a hero? Sobering thoughts. Then, Bigwater and Ramsey Russell recount the first leg of the ongoing 2020 North American Waterfowl Tour, discussing some highlights. What inspired Ramsey to make such an undertaking? Where's he hunted so far and who'd he hunt with? Any surprises? Where to next? How's Char progressing, what all has she retrieved, has there been a learning curve? What's up with...2020-12-071h 08Duck Season SomewhereEP 74. Nice Shot Mr. Ian!Ramsey Russell, Forrest Russell and long-time family friend Ian Munn get together during Mississippi's duck season opener weekend to recall past times hunting together at the same duck camp and worldwide since forever. "Nice Shot Mr. Ian" originated during a discussion with Ramsey's sons at camp and has since haunted him for decades. There's plenty more similar stories, way too many for one sitting. They're the kinds of stories that can be told only after hunting for nearly 3 decades. And that's kind of the whole point. Episode Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Sh...2020-11-301h 17