Midwest Flyways Podcast

Midwest Flyways
  • 4.9 (1K)
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Duck Hunting and Goose Hunting is in our blood and we live it everyday! The Midwest Flyways Podcast is an authentic take on waterfowl hunting from Midwest Flyways. Duck and goose hunting has continued to evolve throughout the years and we aim to connect duck hunting traditions with the future of waterfowling. If you‘re passionate about ducks and geese then come hang with Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness as they talk duck hunting, goose hunting and everything else in between.

  1. 1d ago

    History Lesson: Who Owns the Ducks?

    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

    History Lesson: Who Owns the Ducks?

  2. 6d ago

    We're Bringing Something New to Game Fair

    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

    We're Bringing Something New to Game Fair

  3. Aug 4

    History Lesson: Duck Clubs

    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

    History Lesson: Duck Clubs

  4. Jul 31

    Sports Guyz Only; LeBron's Last Superteam

    This week on Sports Guyz Only Brian O'Neill's contract extension sets the tone for another lively episode as the guys debate whether the Vikings made the right move, leading to plenty of passionate opinions and a few memorable rants. Along the way, they swap stories about brutal fantasy football losses, gambling heartbreak, and the broke-college meals that somehow tasted like five-star cuisine at the time. From there, the conversation shifts to the NBA as LeBron James' reported move to Philadelphia sparks a debate about what could be his final superteam. The crew breaks down whether the 76ers become instant championship favorites, where the Timberwolves stack up in the title race, and why Anthony Edwards and Minnesota could be poised for another deep playoff run. They also rank their biggest contenders and discuss whether stars can truly change the culture of a team. The guys also dive into the Vikings' offseason, reacting to Jamal Adams signing in Minnesota, Harrison Smith's uncertain future, and whether Aaron Rodgers can still lead a team back to the playoffs. Plus, they brainstorm a punishment for this season's NFL pick'em competition that could leave the loser sporting some questionable gear. To close out the show, it's a rapid-fire round of buy-or-sell predictions before the conversation turns to FIFA, UEFA, and whether the growing commercialization of the World Cup is pushing international soccer in the wrong direction. Plus: •Fantasy football gambling disasters •The best broke-college meals ever created •NFL betting rules everyone should follow •Which professional sports team they'd buy with $20 billion •The best investment in sports ownership •Will MLB finally adopt a salary cap? •Could the NFL expand internationally? •The future of FIFA and the World Cup As always, it's NFL hot takes, NBA offseason debates, soccer talk, and enough laughs to keep the group chat going long after the microphones are off. 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

    Sports Guyz Only; LeBron's Last Superteam

  5. Jul 30

    The MN DNR is Trying Something New…

    This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast we dive into one of the hottest waterfowl topics in Minnesota: the DNR's proposed optional three-duck bag limit aimed at making duck hunting more approachable for new hunters. While everyone agrees that recruiting the next generation of duck hunters is critical, the crew debates whether simplifying regulations is really the solution, or if the real problems lie elsewhere. The conversation explores the biggest barriers facing new waterfowl hunters, from learning duck identification and navigating regulations to finding quality places to hunt. The guys also discuss public land access, habitat management, declining duck production, and whether conservation dollars are being spent where they'll have the greatest impact. Before the debate heats up, the crew shares stories from the goose calling competition world, including judging contests, sticking notes on stage, and the pressure of competing against the best callers in the country. They also wrap things up with another round of Say What?! Topics Covered: •Minnesota's proposed optional three-duck bag limit •Will simpler regulations recruit new duck hunters? •Duck identification and hunter education •Public land access and waterfowl habitat •Goose calling contests and judging stories •Another round of Say What?! 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

    The MN DNR is Trying Something New…

  6. Jul 28

    Why Every Duck Hunter Matters

    In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys take a step back from tactics and gear to talk about something even more important: what it really means to be a waterfowl hunter. As duck numbers face ongoing declines and wetlands continue to disappear, they discuss why every hunter has a role to play in protecting the future of the sport and why conservation is about much more than simply improving hunting opportunities. The conversation explores the realities facing waterfowl today, including declining wild mallard populations, wetland loss, and the importance of organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl. Rather than focusing on controversy, the episode encourages hunters to become students of the resource, understand the challenges facing ducks, and recognize how small the waterfowl hunting community really is compared to the rest of the country. Whether you're a lifelong waterfowl hunter or just getting started, this episode offers an important perspective on the responsibility that comes with the sport and why protecting ducks today ensures future generations will have the same opportunities we enjoy. 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

    Why Every Duck Hunter Matters

  7. Jul 24

    Sports Guyz Only; Best Timberwolf Ever?

    With Gavin out on vacation, Nathaniel returns to the studio just in time for one of the biggest Minnesota sports debates yet: if Anthony Edwards retired today, is he already the greatest Timberwolf of all time? The guys compare Ant's resume to Kevin Garnett, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the franchise's history while breaking down just how quickly Edwards has climbed the Timberwolves record books. It sparks a conversation about where this current Wolves team ranks among every Minnesota roster and what Ant still needs to accomplish to officially claim the top spot. From there, the conversation shifts to the NBA offseason as the latest LeBron James rumors continue to heat up. Is Minnesota actually a realistic destination? Would Miami or Cleveland make more sense? And how much does adding LaMelo Ball change the Timberwolves' championship outlook? To wrap things up, Nathaniel returns with a full World Cup recap after correctly predicting most of the tournament's biggest outcomes. The crew breaks down Spain's dominant run, controversial VAR decisions, whether third-place matches should exist at all, and the changes they'd make to improve international soccer moving forward. Plus: •ESPN's latest round of layoffs •Kendrick Perkins' legendary "phantom screens" •World Cup hosting controversies •JJ Redick's NBA career earnings •Why athletes are playing at elite levels longer than ever As always, it's debates, offseason speculation, World Cup reactions, and enough random sports rabbit holes to keep the arguments going long after the episode ends. 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

    Sports Guyz Only; Best Timberwolf Ever?

  8. Jul 23

    Ben Brettingen; The Future of Hunting

    This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Joey and Cal are joined by Ben Brettingen from onX for a conversation that goes far beyond maps and technology. The discussion explores the growing division within the hunting community, why hunters seem more divided than ever, and what it will take to protect the future of conservation and the traditions we all care about. Ben also shares updates on onX Fish, how the platform has grown, and where outdoor mapping technology is headed next. Along the way, the guys swap stories about family life, bird dogs, trout fishing, sporting clays, carved decoys, and plenty of the off-the-wall conversations you have come to expect. Topics Covered: •The division within the hunting community •Social media and hunting culture •Waterfowl conservation challenges •Domestic mallards and migration •Hunter recruitment and community •onX Fish updates 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

    Ben Brettingen; The Future of Hunting
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About

Duck Hunting and Goose Hunting is in our blood and we live it everyday! The Midwest Flyways Podcast is an authentic take on waterfowl hunting from Midwest Flyways. Duck and goose hunting has continued to evolve throughout the years and we aim to connect duck hunting traditions with the future of waterfowling. If you‘re passionate about ducks and geese then come hang with Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness as they talk duck hunting, goose hunting and everything else in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Midwest Flyways
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    535
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Midwest Flyways Podcast

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