The North American Waterfowler

Elliott Snider

The North American Waterfowler Podcast was established on January 1, 2023. Hosted by Elliott Snider, creator of the Freelance Duck Hunting YouTube channel and former co-host of The Duck Gun Podcast. This podcast will bring you content on every aspect of Waterfowl Hunting.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Episode #259 Why Offseason Scouting Changes Everything

    Patreon If you want more content like this and to go deeper into the hunts, join the Patreon. You’ll get: Early access to all videos Full length hunt videos with extra footage Exclusive podcasts and interviews Live streams and Q&A sessions Access to a community of serious waterfowl hunters This simulated hunt video will be available on Patreon before it goes live on YouTube. Join here:https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting In this episode, I break down a spring simulated duck hunt that turned into something way more valuable than I expected. What started as a fun way to get out with the dog and run some retrieves quickly turned into a reminder of just how important offseason scouting really is. From limited bird movement to adjusting on the fly, and ultimately finding a hidden backwater that I had completely overlooked, this hunt reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time. OnX is a great tool… but it’s not enough. There is no substitute for boots on the ground, putting in the time, and seeing these places with your own eyes. I also walk through: How I set up and ran the simulated hunt What I look for in early spring scouting Why certain spots are better for teal vs big ducks How water levels and vegetation impact your season And how one small decision can lead to finding your next great hunting location If you’re serious about improving your success this fall, this is the kind of work that separates average hunts from consistently good ones. As always, I appreciate you being here. If you have thoughts or questions, reach out on Instagram @freelanceduckhunting or @thenorthamericanwaterfowler. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 Weatherby Shotguns & Rifleshttps://www.weatherby.com TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code: NAW18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Search “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  2. 16 MAR

    Episode #257 Public Land Drama & The Duck Numbers Debate

    In this episode I break down a recent snow goose hunting weekend with Jake Maxwell and Aiden the Golden Boy, including a field hunt and a couple of classic snow goose stalks. We talk about the strategy behind those hunts, the dog work involved, and why these late season weekends have become one of my favorite traditions. After that, I respond to some listener comments from recent episodes featuring Dr. Michael Brasher and Dr. Goins. There has been a lot of discussion around duck population surveys, harvest impact, and whether hunters should trust the science behind waterfowl management. I read some of the comments and give my thoughts on the debate. Finally, I read a letter from a newer waterfowl hunter who had a tense situation unfold on public land involving decoys, a blind, and a confrontation with another hunter. It raises some interesting questions about ethics, etiquette, and how situations like that should be handled. If you have thoughts on the situation or want to share your own experiences, reach out and let me know. Flight Day AmmunitionPremium steel loads built for waterfowl hunters.Visit flightdayammo.comDiscount code: NAW10 Weatherby ShotgunsReliable shotguns built for the field and marsh.Learn more at weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesDurable and secure kennels built to keep your dog safe during travel.Available on Amazon or at mammothpet.comDiscount code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty GearWaterfowl gear built by hunters for hunters.Shell holders, gun cases, backpacks, and more.Visit shottygear.comDiscount code: FDH10 TideWeAffordable outdoor gear including waders, outerwear, blinds, and packs.Visit tidewe.comDiscount code: NAW18 Contact Elliott: freelanceduckhunting@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 9min
  3. 12 MAR

    Episode #256 Mallards Down. Should Seasons Change? w/ Dr. Mike Brasher, DU Senior Waterfowl Scientist

    In this episode I sit down with Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist for Ducks Unlimited, for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in waterfowl hunting right now. Mallard numbers are down, pond counts are below average, and hunters across the country are asking the same question. Should seasons and limits be reduced? Dr. Brasher walks us through the science behind duck population surveys, how breeding population estimates are actually conducted, and how Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) determines the frameworks for duck seasons in North America. We also discuss the ongoing debate about compensatory vs additive mortality, whether harvest is impacting duck populations, how pond counts affect productivity, and why the current regulatory system still supports liberal seasons despite declining mallard numbers. This conversation covers the full picture of how waterfowl populations are monitored and how hunting regulations are set. Topics covered include: • How duck population surveys are conducted • What the breeding population estimate actually represents • The role of the May pond count • Why habitat drives duck populations • The science behind Adaptive Harvest Management • Compensatory vs additive mortality • Whether harvest impacts duck populations • Why we are still in liberal seasons If you want to better understand how duck populations are managed and what the future of waterfowl seasons may look like, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code: NAW10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Code: NAW18 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code: FDH10 Support the Podcast If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the show, consider joining the Patreon community. Patreon supporters get access to exclusive content, bonus material, and help make these conversations possible. Join here:https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2 hr
  4. 2 MAR

    Episode #254 Why Haven’t Duck Limits Been Cut?

    Since my recent conversation with Josh Goins, there’s been a lot of debate about duck numbers, hunting pressure, flooded corn, and the Adaptive Harvest Management system. In this episode, I step back from the noise, dig into the actual data, and explain what I’ve learned. We break down how AHM works, why seasons have remained liberal despite declining mallard numbers, and what the science says about additive vs compensatory mortality. I also compare current duck populations and prairie pond conditions to long-term averages and historic drought years to put today’s numbers into context. I’ll also revisit my recent reel about ducks going nocturnal around flooded corn and discuss what we actually know — and don’t know — about its impact on migration. Finally, I tease an upcoming Patreon-only livestream interview with Dr. Mike Brasher, Chief Scientist at Ducks Unlimited, where we’ll go even deeper into habitat, harvest management, and the future of waterfowl hunting. This episode is about facts, context, and understanding — not outrage. Partners Flight Day Ammunition Premium bismuth loads built specifically for waterfowl hunters. Reliable performance and clean kills. Use code NAW10https://www.flightdayammo.com TideWe Affordable, dependable hunting gear built for real conditions. Waders, blinds, backpacks, apparel, and more. Use code NAW18https://www.tidewe.com Weatherby High-performance shotguns trusted by serious waterfowl hunters. Built for reliability, durability, and performance in harsh conditions. https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy-duty aluminum crates designed to keep your dog safe in the field and on the road. Use code GUARDIAN15Search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products store Shotty Gear Rugged, affordable gear built by hunters for hunters. Blind bags, shell pouches, gun cases, lighting, apparel, and more. Use code FDH10https://www.shottygear.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

About

The North American Waterfowler Podcast was established on January 1, 2023. Hosted by Elliott Snider, creator of the Freelance Duck Hunting YouTube channel and former co-host of The Duck Gun Podcast. This podcast will bring you content on every aspect of Waterfowl Hunting.

You Might Also Like