Last Stop Waterfowl Outdoors Podcast

Opening weekend of squirrel season is in the books. Huge fox squirrels over two days at hunt camp — stalking them quietly on a hot, humid Saturday and Sunday morning as a front pushed through. Plus a hidden-gem country store in Innis, a stop at Juneau's Cajun Meat and Market, crawfish étouffée Friday night, squirrel gravy Saturday night, and a couple of birthdays around the camp.

Before the ducks, before the lease, before any of it — there was a single crack-barrel shotgun and the woods behind the house." In this episode, we go back to where it all started: squirrel season in Evangeline Parish. With the 2026 opener landing Saturday, October 3 (season runs through February 28), it's a look at the mornings that made a hunter — the unwritten rules of still-hunting, sitting quiet, listening, and reading the timber — and the lessons those woods taught that carry straight into the duck blind: patience, woodsmanship, and knowing when to move and when to sit still. There's also a look ahead to opening weekend at the camp where the ritual continues. And we want to hear your story: where did squirrel hunting take place in yours, and who first took you into the woods?

Want to finish more ducks over your decoy spread in 2026? In this episode of the Last Stop Waterfowl Outdoors Podcast, I’m breaking down my Top 7 Motion Decoys for the 2026 duck season.Motion can be a game-changer when ducks are circling, looking, and just need that little extra reason to commit. I’ll go through seven different motion decoys, the brands and specific models, what makes each one useful, and where I think they can fit into your spread.Some of these are motion decoys I’ve personally hunted over and have firsthand experience with. Others are models I haven’t added to my spread yet, but after researching them, they’re on my list of the next ones I plan to buy.This isn't about saying you need every motion decoy on the market. It’s about looking at the different options available and understanding what each one brings to the spread so you can decide what makes sense for the way you hunt.Whether you're hunting public land, private property, flooded timber, marsh, rice fields, or small water, there may be a motion decoy on this list that can help you put a few more ducks in the boat.What motion decoy has made the biggest difference in your spread? Drop it in the comments!

Public-land duck hunting comes with rules—but there’s also an unwritten code. In this episode, we talk about hunting etiquette, ego, competition, respecting other hunters, and what it takes to keep the waterfowl community strong.Where do you draw the line? What’s the unwritten code of public-land hunting?Let us know in the comments.#DuckHunting #WaterfowlHunting #PublicLandHunting #LouisianaDuckHunting

Let’s be honest… there are some things every duck hunter has done, thought, or said that we would NEVER admit to the rest of the duck-hunting community.In this episode, I break down some of those popular topics, habits, and situations that duck hunters are guilty of—some based on my own personal experiences and others from things I’ve seen and experienced with fellow hunters over the years.From the things we tell ourselves, to the excuses we make, to those little habits we know are true but would probably deny if somebody called us out on them… this episode is all about taking a little time to laugh at ourselves.It’s not meant to call anybody out. It’s a self-reflection piece for duck hunters. We all do it. And sometimes the best thing we can do is admit it, laugh about it, and maybe even learn something from it.So grab a cup of coffee, pour yourself a cold one, and get ready to see just how many of these you’re guilty of.How many will you admit to?

From checking your shotgun and patterning your gun to going through your decoys, inspecting your gear, servicing your boat and trailer, scouting new areas, and getting your blind bag organized, a little preparation now can make a big difference once the season arrives.I’ll also talk about practicing your calling, getting your retriever ready, reviewing the regulations, and—maybe most importantly—setting realistic expectations for the season.And before wrapping up, I share my thoughts on the recent discussion surrounding the draining of the Prairie Pothole Region and some of the comments that have followed. I’ll explain why some of those comments, particularly from people who call themselves duck hunters, conservationists, and outdoorsmen, have been so disappointing and frustrating to me.Whether you're a veteran waterfowler or getting ready for your first season, these are 10 things worth checking off your list before you head to the blind.Get ready. Season is coming.

Do you really need to spend $2,000 or more on a duck shotgun? I don't think so.In this episode of Last Stop Waterfowl Outdoors, I break down some of the best budget-friendly waterfowl shotguns available in 2026. Whether you're buying your first duck gun, upgrading your current setup, or simply looking for the best value, this episode covers several shotguns that deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank.We discuss popular options from brands like Stoeger, Mossberg, Winchester, Benelli, Beretta, Retay, and more. I compare key features, price points, warranty coverage, and explain why each model deserves a spot on your shortlist before the season opens.Remember—the shotgun is just a tool. Pattern your gun, find the right load, practice with it, and spend more time scouting. That's what consistently puts ducks on the strap.In this episode:Top budget waterfowl shotguns for 2026Features that matter most in the marshPrice ranges and overall valueWarranty comparisonsMy personal recommendations and buying adviceIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow duck hunter. Good luck this season, and we'll see you in the marsh!

Choosing the right choke tube can make or break your waterfowl hunt. In this video, I break down how different chokes perform in real hunting situations and why matching your choke to the conditions leads to cleaner, more consistent results. Whether you’re shooting tight timber, open marsh, or pressured public birds, understanding your pattern gives you a real edge.I’ll walk through practical tips, what to for and how small adjustments can tighten up your success in the field.If you’ve been unsure about which choke to run, this breakdown will help you make the right choice for your setup.

Boat buying at big outdoor retailers like Cabela's & Bass Pro Shops used to feel enjoyable and dependable — but many customers say the experience has changed in recent years. In this video, I break down what buyers are noticing, where product knowledge & attention to detail started to fall short, and what was the ultimate downfall to a great buying experience of some of the industries giant retailers & brands.

Looking for the best waders for your next duck hunt but torn between high-dollar and budget options? In this video, we give you our take on the differences between premium waders like Sitka and more affordable options like Magellan or Amazon brands. We’ll cover:Durability and materials: Is it worth paying more for longer-lasting gear?Comfort and features: What do you get with high-end waders, and do budget waders still hold up?Cost vs. performance: Should you invest in premium waders or stick with budget-friendly choices?

In this episode, we dive deep into a hot-button topic that many waterfowlers are starting to ask: Has duck hunting become a rich man's sport? From rising lease prices and expensive gear to limited public access and overcrowded WMAs, we're taking a hard look at where the duck hunting world stands today.We’ll explore how the landscape has shifted over the years, what’s driving the cost of entry higher, and whether the traditional, working-class roots of the sport are being priced out. More importantly, we’ll ask: What does the future of duck hunting look like for the next generation?

In this episode, we’re diving into a viewer question that every waterfowl hunter eventually runs into—how do you actually determine what’s public land versus private, and once you figure that out, how do you approach those public areas for consistent success?I break down how I personally identify huntable public ground, the tools and resources I use to confirm access, and the mindset that helps separate productive spots from wasted time. From there, we get into the real key—how to scout and approach public waterfowl areas in a way that puts you on birds instead of just being another hunter in the crowd.Public land duck hunting isn’t about luck. It’s about understanding pressure, reading habitat, and making smart decisions before and during the season. I share practical strategies that help narrow down where birds want to be and how to position yourself for better hunts when you get there.If you’re trying to level up your public land game this season, this one will help you tighten up your approach and hunt more efficiently.

In this episode, I’m giving my personal take on one of the biggest debates in modern waterfowl hunting — short-stopping ducks. Is it real, or is it just something hunters blame when the migration slows down? After spending a lifetime chasing ducks here in Louisiana, I’ve seen some incredible years and I’ve also seen some of the toughest seasons we’ve ever had. From strong pushes of birds pouring into the marsh to winters where it felt like the migration never truly made it south, I’ve watched the changes happen firsthand over many years in the blind. This episode is strictly my opinion based on my experiences as a Louisiana waterfowl hunter. We’re talking about changing weather patterns, warmer winters, increased food and habitat farther north, hunting pressure, flooded agriculture, and whether or not all of that is affecting the way ducks migrate today compared to the past. I’m not claiming to have all the answers, and this isn’t meant to be a scientific breakdown — just an honest conversation and perspective from someone who has spent a long time watching the migration and living the lifestyle. Whether you agree or disagree, this is a conversation that almost every serious duck hunter is having right now.

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about motion decoys on public hunting grounds. When spinning wing decoys first hit the scene, they completely changed the waterfowl world, drawing ducks in like never before. Over time, however, hunting pressure and wary birds have led many hunters to question whether these tools are still as effective as they once were.We’ll discuss the evolution of motion decoys—from the early days of spinning wings to today’s wide range of options, including water motion devices that create lifelike ripples and movement in your spread. More importantly, we’ll explore how ducks on heavily pressured public lands react to these setups and whether motion still plays a role in success.We’ll also share some tips on how to adapt your decoy spread, when to use motion (and when not to), and ways to get the most out of these tools in modern waterfowl hunting.

In this opinion-driven discussion, we tackle one of the most heated debates in the hunting world — is social media and modern tech the real reason our public hunting lands are becoming overcrowded? From hunting spots being blown up online to GPS apps making once-secret areas public knowledge, we’ll share personal perspectives and hear both sides of the argument. Is it hurting the future of hunting, or is this just the new normal? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.

Public land timber ducks see a ton of pressure, and on those calm “dead” weather days, water motion can make all the difference. In this video, we break down why adding realistic movement to your spread is crucial when the water looks like glass, plus different decoy and motion techniques we use to create a more natural look for working birds. If you hunt flooded timber with your buddies and struggle on calm days, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we dive into one of the hottest and most controversial topics in modern waterfowl hunting — the growing tension surrounding out-of-state hunters on public land. As more hunters travel across state lines chasing ducks and access to quality public ground becomes increasingly crowded, some states are beginning to discuss or implement regulations aimed specifically at non-resident hunters. We break down both sides of the debate: Are these regulations necessary to protect local hunters, public resources, and hunting quality? Or are we heading down a dangerous path that could divide the hunting community and limit opportunity for everyone? We also discuss the impact social media, increased exposure of public areas, traveling hunting culture, and rising hunting pressure have had on public land waterfowl hunting across the country. This conversation isn’t about attacking residents or non-residents — it’s about having an honest discussion on the future of public land hunting and whether regulations are truly the answer, or if hunters themselves need to do a better job policing the culture and respecting the resource before more restrictions become the norm.

From longtails to modern hybrids, mud motors have completely changed the game in waterfowl hunting. In this video, we break down the evolution of duck hunting motors, why hybrid surface drives are suddenly exploding in popularity, and whether these outboard-powered hybrids could truly become the future of waterfowl hunting as we know it. Are traditional surface drives on borrowed time? Let’s talk about it.

This topic was highly requested, so we decided to break down the duck calls that stayed on our lanyards during the 2025-2026 duck season. As we pulled calls straight out of the blind bag, we talked about the different brands we used, why certain calls earned a permanent spot on the lanyard, and the situations we relied on them for throughout the season. From loud, aggressive calling situations to softer finishing work in the timber and pressured ducks late in the year, we cover what worked for us and why. Hopefully this gives y’all some insight into the setups and sounds we trusted most this past season.

The 2025–26 Louisiana duck season has come to an end, and we’re taking one last trip into the blind to recap it all. From lessons learned in the field to unforgettable memories with friends and dogs, we reflect on what this season taught us about hunting, patience, and the outdoors. Join us as we relive the highs, the surprises, and the stories that made this season one for the books.