Midwest Flyways Podcast

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the guys recap a rough Minnesota goose opener and try to make sense of where the birds went. A lot of the geese that had been around for weeks seemed to disappear right before opener, teal reports were all over the place, and plenty of hunters around the state struggled to put together much of a shoot. Cal and Joey talk through their own opener experiences, hunting with the kids, and why early-season birds can change everything in a matter of days. From there, the conversation turns to the conditions heading into duck season. Water is extremely low in parts of Minnesota, some traditional areas are drying up, and the guys compare what they're seeing in the field to the latest waterfowl population numbers. Mallards are reportedly down, while several other species are up, but the amount of ducks they've seen this summer has them questioning whether the current counts are telling the whole story. They talk about survey routes, changing habitat, where birds may be moving, and whether collecting more data could give hunters a better picture of what is actually happening. The guys also get into band superstition, grouse hunting, early-season scouting, and plenty of the usual side conversations along the way. Topics Covered: •Minnesota goose opener •Early teal reports •Taking kids hunting •Low water across Minnesota •Band superstition •Getting ready for duck opener Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys kick off Part 1 of the story of Reelfoot Lake, one of the most legendary places in American waterfowl hunting history. Before the duck calls, cypress trees, and famous hunting culture, there wasn’t really a lake at all. That changed during the massive New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812, when the ground shifted dramatically, drainage patterns changed, and water flooded into the newly lowered landscape. The guys break down just how violent those earthquakes were, including eyewitness accounts of the Mississippi River temporarily appearing to run backward and sections of land dropping by several feet. From there, they look at how the new lake slowly developed into a waterfowl destination, eventually becoming known for huge numbers of ducks, unique hunting traditions, and its role in the early development of duck calling. As usual, the history lesson comes with plenty of side conversations—from trains and earthquakes to infrastructure, old American cities, and just how strange it would be to watch an entirely new lake form in real time. This is only the beginning of the Reelfoot story. Part 2 continues next week, when the guys get into the Night Riders and the violent fight that erupted over who actually controlled the lake. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on Sports Guyz Only... Everybody is back in the studio, and it takes roughly a minute for Michigan football to send the show completely off the rails. After Western Michigan nearly pulls off the upset, the guys break down the controversial ending, Michigan celebrating a win that came down to a questionable clock decision, and whether Bryce Underwood could already be playing for his job. That quickly turns into a much bigger argument: has sports gambling gone too far? Cal makes the case that betting has become so intertwined with sports that it's starting to affect the integrity of the games themselves, while Gavin argues that gambling has been part of sports forever and isn't going anywhere. From DraftKings and player props to point shaving, questionable officiating, and whether making gambling illegal would actually change anything, the debate stretches well beyond one college football game. The guys also look around the opening weeks of college football, including Notre Dame's strong start, Clemson's struggles, and whether Dabo Swinney's approach can survive in the NIL era. With college rosters now costing tens of millions of dollars, they debate how quickly the sport has changed and whether coaches either need to adapt or get left behind. Then Cal tells the story of getting thrown into a high school football game against future NFL defensive lineman Beau Allen, which mostly involved accepting that blocking him normally wasn't an option. Somehow that leads to 700-pound squats, Jason Kelce stories, and another reminder that some athletes are simply built differently. Plus: •Remembering Barry Melrose and his impact on hockey •Early college football championship contenders •LSU's roster spending and the new NIL arms race •Weekly NFL picks and underdog locks •J.J. McCarthy vs. Caleb Williams in hindsight •Another Brian O'Neill crashout It's college football controversy, gambling arguments, NFL picks, questionable statistics, and enough side stories to make sure nobody stays on topic for very long. Thanks so much for listening to Sports Guyz Only and be sure to subscribe and review! Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Joey is running the show without Cal and diving into the newly released waterfowl population numbers and he has a lot of questions. Mallards are reportedly down, several other puddle duck species dropped, and the overall numbers aren't exactly what Joey expected after seeing what looks like an incredible hatch around Minnesota this summer. He and Carter talk through how the surveys are conducted, whether changing water conditions could be pushing ducks outside traditional survey areas, and why the numbers don't always seem to line up with what hunters are seeing on the ground. The conversation also gets into some of the criticism Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been getting online. Joey pushes back on blaming conservation organizations for the survey numbers and talks about why he'd like to see more research and additional survey areas before everyone starts jumping to conclusions. Before all of that, Joey recaps Wisconsin goose opener and taking his two-and-a-half-year-old son into the blind. No geese for Joey, but plenty of frogs, snakes, donuts, and a pretty memorable first hunting experience. The guys also talk Minnesota opener, scouting resident geese, teal, dry conditions, wood ducks, and why this year's duck season could still be a very interesting one. Topics Covered: •Taking a two-year-old goose hunting •Wisconsin goose opener •Getting kids into hunting •Minnesota early goose season •The latest waterfowl population numbers •Reported declines in mallards •Getting ready for duck season Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, Joey breaks down some of his go-to strategies for early season goose hunting. With seasons opening across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota, the focus is on keeping things simple: smaller decoy spreads, good scouting, realistic family groups, and making sure your hide is right before worrying about everything else. Joey explains why he typically starts the season with just two to three dozen silhouettes spread out in loose family groups, rather than throwing a massive spread at local birds that haven’t seen much pressure yet. He also gets into when he starts adding more decoys, how molt migrators can completely change the setup, why early season calling should usually stay simple, and why watching how real geese behave in the field is more valuable than following a rigid spread formula. There’s also plenty of discussion about layout blinds, A-frames, silage fields, grass hides, and why early season goose hunting can be frustrating when hot weather keeps birds from moving. If you’re getting ready for goose opener or trying to improve your early season Canada goose hunting, this episode is a straightforward look at scouting, decoys, calling, concealment, and knowing when not to throw the kitchen sink at the birds. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the crew sits down with three-time World Goose Calling Champion and Champion of Champions John Walls at Game Fair. John talks about getting into contest calling nearly 20 years ago, finishing second at Worlds over and over again, and eventually breaking through to win three straight World Goose Calling Championships before taking home Champion of Champions. The guys get into what finally changed, how much John actually practices these days, and some of the ridiculous callers he's competed against along the way. From there, they get deep into goose calling. John talks about the sounds he still can't quite figure out, his favorite calls to use on hunting birds, reading geese, knowing when to back off, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is put the call down and let the birds work. John also shares stories from his time working for Fred Zink, tuning goose calls all day, learning from some of the best callers and hunters in the industry, and an unbelievable September hunt in New York where thousands of migrating Canada geese poured across the border. The guys also talk bands, including John finding a goose band sitting in the bottom of a stream, losing entire lanyards, his most meaningful band, hunting the Eastern Shore, and everything he's learned chasing waterfowl around the country. Topics Covered: •John's three straight World Goose Calling Championships •Winning Champion of Champions •Nearly 20 years of contest calling •Reading birds and knowing when to call •John's most meaningful goose band •Eastern Shore goose hunting •An insane September Canada goose migration in New York Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the crew picks up Part 2 of the history of duck hunting by train, continuing Tuesday’s story of how railroads helped transform waterfowl hunting across Minnesota and the Dakotas. The guys dive into railroad tycoon James J. Hill and his son Louis, who took train-based duck hunting to another level with private railcars outfitted specifically for hunting. At Lake Christina, trains reportedly even blew their whistles along the shoreline to flush massive groups of ducks and create shooting opportunities for hunters. But this wasn’t just something wealthy railroad owners were doing. Regular hunting parties traveled across Minnesota and into Dakota Territory using specially equipped railcars, with one documented expedition taking 634 ducks and 250 geese, along with other game. The conversation also explores how railroads helped establish legendary Minnesota waterfowl destinations like Lake Christina, Mud Lake, Lake Traverse, and Ten Mile Lake. As hunters discovered productive areas, permanent camps and prestigious gun clubs began appearing, helping shape the early duck hunting culture we still recognize today. And, naturally, the history lesson gets sidetracked by private train cars with garages, punt guns, dirty pop cans, airplane drinks, and the guys debating exactly what year they'd choose if they could go back for one day of Minnesota duck hunting. Topics Covered: •Duck hunting by railroad •James J. Hill and Louis Hill •Private hunting railcars •Lake Christina's waterfowl history •Trains flushing ducks for hunters •How railroads changed waterfowl hunting •Going back in time for one historic duck hunt Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys kick off Part 1 of a history lesson about a time when Minnesota duck hunters didn’t drive to the marsh, they took the train. As railroads expanded across Minnesota in the late 1800s, they opened access to remote lakes, marshes, and prairie potholes that had previously taken days to reach. Hunters followed the tracks, and the railroad quickly became a major part of Minnesota’s early duck hunting culture. Of course, the guys don’t get very far before the history lesson goes completely off the rails. Between arguing about how smooth trains were in the 1800s, debating old railroad technology, and imagining what a modern duck hunting trip by train would look like, there’s plenty of joking around mixed in with the history. Eventually, they get into specialized hunting cars equipped with sleeping quarters, kitchens, game storage, and dog kennels, along with the actual Railroad Gun Club, whose train car essentially served as a mobile duck camp. The episode finishes at Lake Christina, where railroad access helped turn the famous canvasback lake into one of Minnesota’s legendary waterfowl destinations. This is only Part 1 of the story. Part 2 continues Thursday on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, with more railroad history, duck hunting stories, and probably a few more arguments about trains. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

It's fantasy football draft day, and all four guys are finally back in the studio to build their teams for the new Sports Guyz Only dynasty league. With only four teams and a loaded player pool, you'd think it would be impossible to screw this up. The guys immediately prove otherwise. From Gavin taking Josh Allen way earlier than anyone expected to Carter grabbing Brock Bowers in the third round, the trash talk starts almost immediately. Nathaniel goes all-in on youth and unproven running backs, Gavin builds a roster designed to win now and worry about retirement later, and everyone spends most of Cal's picks trying to convince him he's making a horrible mistake. Everyone tries to balance winning this season with actually having a functional dynasty roster three years from now. Once the draft ends, it's time to decide who actually won. The guys rank all four rosters and make their predictions for who finishes first—and who is destined for the basement. Somehow, even after 28 rounds, nobody is willing to admit anyone else's team might be better. Plus: •The best and worst reaches of the draft •Deshaun Watson's future in Cleveland •The NFL getting rid of the Pro Bowl •Minnesota's latest NBA additions •Discovering the wonderful world of netball It's fantasy football strategy mixed with questionable dynasty planning, immediate draft regret, and four guys completely convinced everyone else's roster sucks. Good luck with your own fantasy drafts, and thanks so much for listening to Sports Guyz Only!  Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Cal and Carter are joined by Gavin for a shorter episode after wrapping up two weekends at Game Fair. With duck season right around the corner, the guys get into a debate about why waterfowl hunter numbers are declining and whether duck hunters simply aren’t as hardcore as they used to be.  The conversation covers everything from declining Minnesota waterfowl stamp sales and habitat loss to drain tile, public land access, and the changing effort hunters are willing to put in. Are fewer people hunting because there are fewer ducks and fewer places to hunt, or have modern hunters become less willing to walk into a field, knock on doors, battle bad weather, and put in the work? That leads into a bigger discussion about how technology has changed the outdoors. OnX has made finding landowners easier, modern hunting gear is better than ever, and tools like LiveScope have completely changed fishing. The guys debate whether technology is lowering the barrier to entry or simply changing what it means to be a hardcore outdoorsman. Plus, the crew recaps Game Fair, talks about the excitement of early goose season getting closer, and Gavin explains why he still keeps detailed notes on everything from weather and wind to the exact conditions surrounding a successful hunt. Topics Covered: •Why waterfowl hunter numbers are declining •Are today's duck hunters getting soft? •Drain tile and waterfowl habitat loss •Knocking on doors vs. paying an outfitter •How hunting technology has changed •Getting ready for early goose season Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys dive into one of the most tragic and legendary stories in Midwest waterfowl hunting history: the Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940. November 11 started unusually warm across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Upper Mississippi River, but it also brought something duck hunters had been waiting all fall to see, the northern migration. As enormous flights of mallards, canvasbacks, redheads, and other waterfowl poured south, conditions began changing faster than anyone expected. The episode follows firsthand accounts from hunters caught in the storm as temperatures plummeted, winds reached extreme speeds, and rain transformed into driving sleet and snow. Hunters became stranded on islands and in river bottoms, boats swamped, visibility disappeared, and some burned handmade wooden decoys just to stay alive. Others attempted desperate swims through freezing water or survived the night huddled around fires. Tragically, not everyone made it home. The guys also explore the staggering scale of the storm across the Midwest and how the disaster ultimately exposed weaknesses in America's weather forecasting system. For waterfowl hunters, the Armistice Day Blizzard remains both an incredible piece of duck hunting history and a sobering reminder of how quickly the perfect migration day can become something completely different. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Joey and Cal sit down with Shawn Stahl at Game Fair for a wide-ranging conversation about how waterfowl hunting has changed, what makes a great hunter, and why some of the best days in the field have nothing to do with shooting a limit. Shawn shares his thoughts on the changing landscape of freelance hunting in Canada, including outfitter competition, field access, and why the Canadian prairies may be one of the last places where duck hunters can still scout, knock on doors, and hunt the old-fashioned way. The guys also dive into how geese adapt to hunting pressure, why less calling can sometimes be more effective, and how tactics continue to cycle as birds become conditioned. The conversation shifts into waterfowl conservation, declining duck production, habitat loss, predation, domestic mallards, and what hunters can actually do to help put more ducks on the landscape. Shawn also reflects on how his own approach to hunting has evolved—from chasing limits and big groups to appreciating smaller hunts, good friends, new places, and simply being outdoors. To wrap things up, Shawn offers a simple piece of advice for improving the waterfowl community: just be nice. Whether it's another hunter at the boat ramp, someone on public land, or a newcomer asking for advice, there's a lot more to gain by helping each other than fighting over birds and hunting spots. Topics Covered: •Freelance waterfowl hunting in Canada •Outfitters and access to hunting fields •Hunting pressure and changing goose behavior •Shawn's waterfowl hunting bucket list Sea duck and layout boat hunting •Habitat, predation, and waterfowl conservation •How priorities change as hunters get older •Shawn's advice for new and experienced duck hunters Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on Sports Guyz Only... The boys are back from Game Fair, Nathaniel is out for the week, and it doesn't take long for things to get contentious. After wondering why any college athlete making millions in NIL money would ever want to leave campus, the guys dive into the completely normal world of college quarterbacks making more money than most professional athletes—and whether college football has basically become pro football with classes on the side. Then comes the argument that nearly breaks the podcast: Josh Allen vs. Tom Brady. When Gavin makes the case that Josh Allen could be the best quarterback of the last 20 years based on pure talent, everyone immediately pushes back. Is Allen actually a more talented quarterback than Brady? How much should mobility, arm strength, accuracy, durability, football IQ, coaching, and supporting cast factor into the conversation? And at some point, don't Brady's seven Super Bowls have to matter? What starts as a quarterback ranking turns into a full-blown debate over how we judge greatness in sports. The guys compare Brady's ability to win in impossible situations with Allen's physical gifts, argue over fourth-quarter comebacks, drag Matthew Stafford into the discussion, and inevitably end up at Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James. By the end, the horse isn't just dead—it's been beaten into the ground. Elsewhere, the crew debates the best defensive linemen of the last 20 years, including J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, Julius Peppers, and Jared Allen, before diving deeper into the increasingly ridiculous money surrounding college sports. With massive NIL valuations, constant transfers, enormous coaching salaries, and rosters costing tens of millions of dollars, the guys debate whether college football finally needs its own version of a salary cap. Plus: •Why college stars would ever leave for the NFL •Fixing the transfer portal •The value of NFL preseason •Myles Garrett vs. the greatest pass rushers of the last 20 years •The Vikings' greatest defensive linemen •MLB salary cap talk and the Dodgers' spending •The Twins somehow still drawing fans •The absurd money in college coaching It's GOAT debates, questionable statistics, college football money getting completely out of control, and one Josh Allen take that turns a friendly quarterback discussion into an all-out war. Thanks so much for listening to Sports Guyz Only and be sure to subscribe and review!  Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

https://www.ducks.org/events/du-national-trip-auction This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Joey and Cal sit down with Scott Anderson of Ducks Unlimited at Game Fair to talk about what DU actually does for ducks, where conservation dollars go, and why habitat remains the biggest piece of the puzzle when it comes to producing more waterfowl. Scott breaks down why the Prairie Pothole Region remains such a major focus for Ducks Unlimited, how wetlands are restored, and why hunters may not always see the work happening behind the scenes. The guys also discuss a common misconception surrounding DU: its mission is to create and conserve waterfowl habitat—not necessarily to create better hunting spots. The conversation gets into the natural wet and dry cycles of the prairies, how drought can actually help rejuvenate wetlands, and the surprising ability of wild rice and other vegetation to return when the right conditions come back. They also discuss the cost of producing ducks, the challenge of funding conservation, and why getting more hunters and volunteers involved matters for the future Later, the guys dive into Scott's own style of duck hunting, wild rice marshes, divers, goldeneyes, changing migration patterns, and the ongoing research into domestic mallards and duck DNA. Scott also shares the story behind DU's National Trip Auction and some of the hunting, fishing, and outdoor trips available around the country and beyond. Topics Covered: •What Ducks Unlimited actually does •Where DU conservation dollars go •Prairie Pothole Region habitat •Restoring wetlands and producing more ducks •The cost of waterfowl conservation •Domestic mallards and duck DNA •Ducks Unlimited's National Trip Auction Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, Cal dives into the history of Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge—the nation's first refuge created specifically for waterfowl. In the early 1900s, the Klamath Basin held nearly 88,000 acres of lake and wetlands, attracting enormous numbers of ducks, geese, and other birds. But market hunting and the lucrative feather trade were putting incredible pressure on the resource, setting the stage for one of America's earliest major waterfowl conservation battles. The story follows conservationist and photographer William Finley, whose images helped convince Theodore Roosevelt to protect Lower Klamath in 1908. But creating the refuge was only the beginning. At the same time one part of the federal government was protecting the marsh, another was working to drain it for agriculture. Within years, the massive wetland had nearly disappeared, leading to dust, peat fires, disappearing bird colonies, and a decades-long fight over whether water should ever return. Eventually, restoration efforts brought portions of the marsh back and with that came incredible concentrations of migrating waterfowl. For anyone interested in duck hunting history, waterfowl conservation, refuges, or the ongoing battle over wetlands and water, Lower Klamath is an incredible example of how complicated protecting a resource can become and why those decisions still matter today. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on Sports Guyz Only it's a two-man show as Cal and Nathaniel hold down the fort while Carter celebrates his birthday, Gavin is out, and Nathaniel gets ready for another soccer season with expectations already set at a completely reasonable state championship. From there, it's all about the Vikings and what the move to Kyler Murray means for J.J. McCarthy. With Kyler taking over as the starter and reports suggesting McCarthy's days in Minnesota could be numbered, the guys debate how the Vikings got here after spending a top-10 pick on J.J. Is Minnesota giving up too quickly, could another NFL team take a chance on him, and what does the situation say about Kevin O'Connell's reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks? They also pump the brakes on the Kyler hype, looking at Minnesota's offensive line, his training camp performance, and why this could have all the ingredients of a classic 10-7 Vikings season. The quarterback talk continues around the NFL with Cleveland's situation involving Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. The guys make the case for giving Shedeur his opportunity, revisit his bizarre fall to the fifth round, and question how Cleveland ended up with one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the draft sitting behind Watson. Then it's over to Atlanta, where Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. give the Falcons a quarterback room with plenty of talent—and even more injury concerns. The conversation turns into a bigger debate about what actually separates the NFL's best quarterbacks. From Caleb Williams creating something out of broken plays to Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen seemingly never being out of a game, the guys discuss why improvisation has become such an important part of playing quarterback in today's NFL. Finally, how much of Baltimore's playoff frustration actually belongs to Lamar Jackson? The guys debate Lamar's postseason reputation, the Ravens' failure to surround him with an elite receiving corps, and whether Baltimore has spent years asking one of the league's most talented quarterbacks to do too much on his own. Plus: •Reliving the Vikings' chaotic 13-4 season •Eric Bieniemy's coaching career •Why Brian Flores remains in Minnesota •The Vikings' turnover problems •Kyler Murray behind Minnesota's offensive line •An NFC North race that feels completely up for grabs •Michael Penix Jr.'s injury history •Zay Flowers and Baltimore's lack of receiving weapons It's Vikings uncertainty, quarterback arguments, training camp reactions, and plenty of NFL hypotheticals as the season gets closer. Thanks so much for listening to Sports Guyz Only and be sure to subscribe and review! Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Joey joins some of the biggest voices in waterfowl for a special roundtable recorded at the Delta Waterfowl Expo. Ramsey Russell, Jeff Stanfield, Jon Sandvik, Billy Campbell, and Joel Brice sit down alongside Joey to talk about something that affects every duck hunter—the need for a stronger, more unified waterfowl community. From public land competition and social media negativity to declining habitat and hunter recruitment, the group digs into why duck hunters can be so hard on each other and what needs to change. They discuss the unwritten rules of public land hunting, respecting other hunters, helping newcomers instead of running them off, and why the way we represent waterfowl hunting matters for its future. The conversation also explores how duck hunting has changed over the decades. Better gear, shrinking habitat, increased pressure, fewer secret spots, and easier access to information have changed the experience—but the guys agree that treating each other better can go a long way. Joey also shares why introducing new hunters and getting kids into the field has always been such an important part of Midwest Flyways. At the end of the day, everyone at the table shares the same goal: more ducks, more hunters, and a waterfowl community that's worth passing on to the next generation. Topics Covered: •Unifying the waterfowl hunting community •Public land hunting etiquette •Social media's impact on duck hunting •Hunter competition and pressure •Declining waterfowl habitat •Introducing new hunters to duck hunting •Getting kids into the outdoors •Respecting other hunters and the resource •Passing hunting traditions to the next generation Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, we dive into the surprising legal battle that helped shape modern waterfowl hunting in America. The story begins in 1914 with an Arkansas hunter, a few coots, and a federal government attempting something brand new: regulating migratory birds across state lines. What started as a relatively small hunting violation quickly turned into a much bigger constitutional question—who actually has the authority to protect a duck that refuses to stay in one state? The episode follows the early Weeks-McLean Act, the court cases that challenged federal waterfowl regulations, and the confusion hunters faced when state and federal seasons didn't agree. After federal judges ruled the original approach unconstitutional, the government changed strategies entirely. That eventually led to an international migratory bird treaty, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and the Supreme Court's landmark Missouri v. Holland decision. It's a fascinating look at how duck hunting regulations, states' rights, conservation, and even international diplomacy became connected through the birds traveling America's flyways. If you've ever sat in a duck blind and wondered why migratory bird regulations are federal in the first place, this history lesson explains how we got here—and how a handful of hunters and court cases helped build the waterfowl conservation system we still hunt under today. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the guys keep it short as they get ready for one of the biggest outdoor events of the year—Game Fair. The crew shares everything attendees need to know before heading out, including where to find the Midwest Flyways crew, what's new this year, and all the giveaways, merch, and events planned throughout the weekend. The guys introduce The Pit, a brand-new collaboration with Molt Gear on Waterfowl Hill featuring exclusive Midwest Flyways and More Mallards merchandise, daily giveaways, and a chance to hang out with the crew each afternoon. They also talk about the newest More Mallards apparel drop, Migra Ammunitions, Ducks Unlimited prize packs, Turtlebox giveaways, OnX memberships, and everything else happening around the booth. The conversation wraps up with stories from Delta Waterfowl's recent event, why building a stronger waterfowl community matters, and, as always, a few completely off-the-rails conversations about TV shows, recurring nightmares, and the strange things that somehow end up on every Midwest Flyways Podcast. Topics Covered: •Game Fair 2026 preview •Introducing The Pit on Waterfowl Hill •Daily giveaways and exclusive merchandise •More Mallards apparel launch •Flyways Hunt Club updates •Delta Waterfowl event recap •Building a better waterfowl community •TV shows, dreams, and random tangents Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! If you're heading to Game Fair, be sure to stop by The Pit and say hello. And if you want even more behind-the-scenes content, join the Flyways Hunt Club. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys explore the origins of America's legendary duck clubs and how simple hunting camps evolved into some of the most influential places in waterfowl history. Long before modern lodges and managed properties, these clubs became gathering places where business leaders, politicians, and passionate hunters came together to experience some of the greatest duck hunting the continent has ever seen. The episode highlights the rise of iconic clubs like the Chicago Gun Club, the incredible waterfowl habitat that once lined the Illinois River, and the traditions that helped shape modern duck hunting culture. From hand-carved cedar decoys and wooden boats to train rides into the marsh and mornings spent waiting on endless flights of canvasbacks and mallards, it's a fascinating look at a time when the experience of the hunt mattered just as much as the birds themselves. Along the way, the guys reflect on why the idea of a classic duck club still captures the imagination of waterfowl hunters today. If you enjoy waterfowl history, legendary hunting destinations, and the stories that built today's duck hunting traditions, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP