ASCEND by Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited
  • 0.0 (0)
  • WILDERNESS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Ascend is a multimedia platform that spotlights the millions of outdoorswomen across our country who go hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, biking, running, and perform important conservation work every day. Our web series and podcast feature guests who share their experiences with a focus on entertainment, education, and authenticity. Our viewers and listeners will get to know them and learn all about their passion for the outdoors. Whether you've been in outdoor communities all your life or are just getting started, Ascend is the place for you to follow your story! Brought to you by Ducks Unlimited.

  1. Hunting Buddy Etiquette: Expectations, Safety, and Setting Each Other Up for Success

    4 DAYS AGO

    Hunting Buddy Etiquette: Expectations, Safety, and Setting Each Other Up for Success

    Learn how to prepare for your next hunt with a partner—without stress, confusion, or mismatched expectations. Host Erin Crider, founder of Uncharted Outdoors Women, sits down with her hunting buddy, Caroline Yielding. Together, they share what they’ve learned through years of upland, waterfowl, turkey, and big‑game hunts across Wyoming and Colorado. From communication and gear planning to shooting lanes, dog work, shot selection, and physical ability, Erin and Caroline break down the conversations every pair of hunting partners should have before heading into the field. Their stories—both funny and practical—offer guidance for adult‑onset hunters, new buddies, and anyone preparing for a safe, enjoyable, low‑pressure hunt. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to set expectations and goals with a new hunting buddyEssential etiquette for upland, waterfowl, and big‑game huntsHow to coordinate gear, dogs, food, roles, and transportationWhy communication prevents conflict, accidents, and disappointmentWhat to discuss about shot distance, calling, shooting lanes, and safetyHow to support each other emotionally during first harvestsSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    59 min
  2. Finding Your Outdoor Community: How Women Build Confidence Together

    8 FEB

    Finding Your Outdoor Community: How Women Build Confidence Together

    Discover how women find belonging, mentorship, and confidence by stepping into the outdoors together.Host Bethany Beathard sits down with Jess Rice, founder of WildHERness, a women‑centered outdoor community built to empower beginners and seasoned outdoorswomen alike. Together, they explore what community really means for women entering the outdoor world—breaking down barriers, building skills, and creating friendships that change lives. From learning to hunt or kayak to embracing homesteading and conservation, Jess shares how shared experiences help women grow stronger, braver, and more connected. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why women thrive when they learn outdoor skills togetherHow Wilderness creates accessible, authentic adventure for every womanWhat mentorship looks like beyond huntingHow shared first‑time outdoor experiences deepen confidenceThe role of conservation, motherhood, and mental health in outdoor lifePractical ways women can find or build their own outdoor communityWildHERness - INSTAGRAMWildHERness - WEBSITE Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    1 hr
  3. The Outdoor Icks: Real Talk on Confidence, Community, and Hunting Culture

    25 JAN

    The Outdoor Icks: Real Talk on Confidence, Community, and Hunting Culture

    Learn how women navigate outdoor “icks,” confidence pressure, and community expectations without losing the joy of hunting.Hosted by Julia Stallings, this episode features DU Ascend host Erin Crider and Arkansas hunter and storyteller Maggie Williams—two voices known for empowering new women hunters and redefining what outdoor culture looks like. Together, the three break down the unspoken norms, awkward moments, and judgment women face in the field—from makeup debates to photo etiquette, gear struggles, and safety concerns. More importantly, they offer a welcoming, honest perspective on how women can support each other, grow in confidence, and reshape conservation culture through intention and encouragement. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why certain hunting “icks” show up online and in the fieldHow women can reduce gatekeeping and improve outdoor community cultureSafety considerations for solo female hunters on public landReal experiences of learning new skills, making mistakes, and building confidenceThe importance of good gear, youth access, and mentorshipHow intention, encouragement, and example shape the next generationSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    1h 11m
  4. Training Your First Duck Dog: What New Handlers Need to Know

    11 JAN

    Training Your First Duck Dog: What New Handlers Need to Know

    Learn what it really takes to train and hunt with your first duck dog—without pressure or perfection. Adrienne is joined by Addison Walker, an 18-year-old dog trainer assistant at Mossy Pond Lodge studying wildlife conservation, with hands-on experience training hunting and competition retrievers. In this episode, Addison breaks down what beginners need to know before bringing a dog into the duck blind. From early obedience and marking to what to expect on a dog’s first hunt, she explains the process in plain language—mistakes included. Adrienne asks the questions many new handlers are afraid to ask, making this a welcoming entry point into hunting with dogs. The conversation also explores mentorship, patience, and how young women can find their place in dog training and conservation. In this episode, you’ll learn: What early duck dog training actually looks like step by stepHow to know when a dog is ready for its first huntCommon beginner mistakes when hunting with a new dogDifferences between hunting dogs and competition dogsHow to stay safe and focused when a dog is in the blindWhy patience matters more than perfection in trainingSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    44 min
  5. Finding Confidence, Creativity, and the Outdoors with Priscilla Block

    28/12/2025

    Finding Confidence, Creativity, and the Outdoors with Priscilla Block

    Success doesn’t mean losing who you were or what you love. Country music artist Priscilla Block joins Ascend to talk about confidence, creativity, staying grounded, and how the outdoors plays a role in her life beyond the stage. This episode is about representation, inspiration, and showing younger women what’s possible. Topics include: Staying authentic as success growsBeing visible for the next generationBalancing creativity and real lifeFinding grounding outdoorsFollow Priscilla Block @PriscillaBlock on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    45 min
  6. How to Vet Women’s Hunts, Trips, and Outdoor Groups

    14/12/2025

    How to Vet Women’s Hunts, Trips, and Outdoor Groups

    Not every women’s hunt or retreat is created equal, and some should raise red flags. Erin Crider sits down with Kelly Godfrey of Texas Women Outdoors to walk through how to evaluate women’s hunts, fishing trips, and outdoor events before you book. This episode empowers women to ask better questions, protect themselves, and find safe, legitimate communities. Topics include: Green and red flags when booking huntsHow to check legality and insurancePricing transparencyFinding reputable women’s outdoor groupsAvoiding scams and unsafe situationsTexas Womens Outdoors, LLC - INSTAGRAMTexas Womens Outdoors, LLC - WEBSITE Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    1h 29m
  7. Common Deer Hunting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

    30/11/2025

    Common Deer Hunting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

    Every hunter makes mistakes; the best ones learn from them. Adrian Jessen is joined by professional angler and hunter Anastasia Patterson to break down the most common mistakes women make while deer hunting, from gear choices to decision-making in the stand. This episode uses humor and honesty to turn mistakes into learning opportunities. Topics include: Gear and setup mistakesJudgment calls gone wrongLearning from bad huntsHow mistakes build confidence over timeSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    1h 1m
  8. From Clay Shooting to Hunting: Building Confidence with a Shotgun

    16/11/2025

    From Clay Shooting to Hunting: Building Confidence with a Shotgun

    Shooting clays and hunting birds are not the same, and that gap frustrates a lot of women. Julia Stallings is joined by shotgun instructor Brandy Elrod to break down how to transition from the clay target field into real-world hunting with confidence. This episode focuses on gun fit, recoil management, practice strategies, and how proper instruction saves money, time, and frustration. Topics include: Recoil management for womenGun fit mistakes beginners makeClay drills that translate to huntingWhy instruction matters earlyEquipment tips that actually helpFollow Brandy Elrodhttps://ladyoutdoorlifestyles.com/(FB) https://www.facebook.com/LadyOutdoorLifestyles/(IG) https://www.instagram.com/ladyoutdoorlifestyles and https://www.instagram.com/brandy.elrod1 Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order. Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.com Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order. Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

    1h 2m
See All (14)

Trailer

About

Ascend is a multimedia platform that spotlights the millions of outdoorswomen across our country who go hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, biking, running, and perform important conservation work every day. Our web series and podcast feature guests who share their experiences with a focus on entertainment, education, and authenticity. Our viewers and listeners will get to know them and learn all about their passion for the outdoors. Whether you've been in outdoor communities all your life or are just getting started, Ascend is the place for you to follow your story! Brought to you by Ducks Unlimited.

Information