The North American Waterfowler

Elliott Snider
  • 4.7 (103)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. FEB 26

    Episode #253 The Man Behind Flyway Federation Speaks: Josh Goins Unfiltered

    Josh Goins, founder of Flyway Federation, is one of the most controversial figures in modern waterfowl hunting. Supporters call him a truth teller fighting for everyday hunters. Critics say his claims oversimplify complex science. In this rare appearance, Josh sits down to explain his views on flooded corn, short stopping, migration changes, and the future of duck hunting across North America. This conversation dives into the data, the history, and the growing divide within the waterfowl community. Whether you agree with him or not, this is a perspective every hunter should hear. Love him or hate him, Josh Goins has changed the conversation. Support the companies that support this podcast: Flight Day Ammunition Premium bismuth waterfowl loads built for real world performancehttps://www.flightdayammo.com Use code NAW10 TideWe Quality hunting gear and apparel built for durability and valuehttps://www.tidewe.com Shotty Gear Waterproof, rugged gear designed by hunters for tough conditionshttps://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy duty protection for your retriever at home and on the road Search “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Use code GUARDIAN15 Weatherby Shotguns Precision built shotguns trusted by serious waterfowl huntershttps://www.weatherby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 15m

  3. FEB 23

    Episode #252 Listener Pushback on Ducks and Migration

    📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION After Episode 250, the feedback poured in from hunters across the country. Some agree. Some strongly disagree. Many are seeing completely different realities depending on where they hunt. In this episode, Elliott reads and responds to real listener comments about duck numbers, migration patterns, hunting pressure, public vs private access, and what success actually looks like across different regions. From concerns about declining mallards to debates over effort, habitat, and expectations, this episode captures a wide cross section of opinions from the waterfowl community. No experts. No scripts. Just honest reactions to what hunters are experiencing on the ground right now. Shotty GearWaterproof, durable gear built by hunters for hunters. From shell pouches to gun cases, this is rugged equipment made to survive real conditions.🔗 https://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 TideWeAffordable, reliable hunting gear for every season, including waders, apparel, optics, and more.🔗 https://www.tidewe.comCode: NAW18 Weatherby ShotgunsDependable performance and fit right out of the box, trusted by hunters for generations.🔗 https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesSafe, rugged transport for your hunting partner, whether in the cab or the truck bed.🔗 https://www.mammothpet.comCode: GUARDIAN15 Flight Day AmmunitionMaximum payload steel loads designed for dense patterns and reliable performance in the field.🔗 https://www.flightdayammo.comCode: NAW10 Support the show and connect with Elliott’s core community of serious waterfowl hunters. Patreon members get bonus content, hunt giveaways, live events, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting 🤝 PARTNERS🔒 JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr

  4. FEB 19

    Episode #251 Inside Jordan Fromer’s Wild Waterfowl Season Across 6 States

    Jordan Fromer of the Duck Gun Podcast joins Elliott for the first off-season recap of the year. With duck and goose seasons closed across most of the country, it’s time to look back at what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons learned from months in the field. Jordan hunted six different states this season, logging serious miles and experiencing a wide range of conditions, bird numbers, and hunting styles. In this episode, he breaks down his travels, favorite locations, toughest hunts, gear insights, and the realities of chasing birds across the country. If you’re already thinking about next season, this conversation is packed with perspective that can help you hunt smarter, scout better, and prepare during the off-season. PARTNERS Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code NAW10 for 10% off Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code FDH10 for 10% off Weatherby Firearmshttps://www.weatherby.com TideWe Hunting Gearhttps://www.tidewe.com Code NAW18 for 18% off Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate Search “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off PATREON — Extra Hunts + Annual Hunt Giveaway Join here: https://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Get access to full hunt videos not released on YouTube, bonus content, and entry into the annual hunt giveaway on private flooded timber in Missouri. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 25m

  5. FEB 12

    Episode #250 Is Duck Hunting Really Being Ruined A Civil Debate

    In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, I sit down for a civil and honest debate with a critic who took issue with a recent reel of mine about duck hunting effort, success, and responsibility. Instead of trading comments online, we chose to have the conversation face to face. We talk about flooded corn, migration changes, regional expectations, frustration in the waterfowl community, and where personal effort fits into the bigger picture. This episode is not about winning an argument. It is about listening, challenging assumptions, and having the kind of conversation hunters should be willing to have with one another. Support the show and get access to exclusive full length hunt films, bonus podcast episodes, live streams, and giveaways by joining Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Partners of The North American Waterfowler Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Code NAW10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Code GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Code FDH10 TideWe Code NAW18https://bit.ly/49ghKzG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 8m

  6. FEB 9

    Episode #249 Off-Season Wants, Gear Upgrades, and What’s Next

    In this episode, I break down my entire duck season using logged hunt data from start to finish. I split the season into early, mid, and late segments and walk through harvest totals, shooting percentages, shots per hunt, satisfaction ratings, and species breakdowns for each phase of the year. Early season covers September 1 through October 31 and was dominated by blue wing teal and gadwall with high efficiency and solid satisfaction. Mid season runs November 1 through December 15 and shifted heavily into mallards, with more pressure, lower shooting percentages, and reduced satisfaction. Late season spans December 16 through close and became a mallard focused grind with more shots per hunt, higher difficulty, but improved satisfaction when things came together. I then zoom out to the full season totals, including 37 hunts, 129 ducks harvested, 239 shots fired, a 57.322 percent shooting percentage, and an average hunt satisfaction of 6.51. I also break down species totals across the entire season. Using those stats, I outline five offseason wants for 2026. These include TideWe heated gloves, the Lucky Twin Pack 2.0 mallard spinning wing decoys, the Higdon Pulsator PRO drake and hen combo, shotgun and ammo changes including 18i 5s, Muller choke considerations, and a possible move to a 20 gauge Weatherby Sorix. The final offseason want is a bigger motor, upgrading from a 35 horsepower surface drive with a goal of reaching upper teens speed when fully loaded. This episode is a full season review driven by real data and a clear look at what I am changing heading into next year. Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Discount Code: NAW10 Weatherbyhttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Discount Code: GUARDIAN15 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Discount Code: NAW18 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Discount Code: FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min

  7. FEB 5

    Episode #248 Moist Soil or Corn: Waterfowl Management Academy on What Ducks Need

    In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott sits down with Michael Flaspohler, Kale Flaspohler, and Dan Crigler from the Waterfowl Management Academy to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of duck numbers: spring habitat. The discussion breaks down moist soil versus flooded corn, why invertebrates are critical during spring migration, and how water depth, timing, and habitat diversity directly impact duck production. With decades of experience managing public and private wetlands across Missouri and the Mississippi Flyway, the Waterfowl Management Academy team explains how spring habitat determines how many ducks make it back to the breeding grounds in good condition. They also introduce the Spring Habitat Campaign and explain how private landowners, hunters, and supporters can play a role in improving habitat during the most important season of the year. Learn more about the Waterfowl Management Academy and their spring habitat resources athttps://www.waterfowlmanagement.com Spring Habitat Campaign shirts support Ducks Unlimited, with proceeds helping fund habitat work on the breeding grounds. Support the podcast and get access to exclusive content, livestreams, and giveaways by joining Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Podcast Partners TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com NAW18 for 18% off Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Use code NAW10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.com Use code GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 24m

  8. FEB 2

    Episode #247 Episode 247 Season Wrap Up, Stats, Is Duck Hunting Being Ruined?

    In this episode I wrap up the 2025–26 waterfowl season and break down my final numbers, including harvest totals, shooting percentage, and what made this my second best season ever. I recap my final hunt of the year in brutal cold, ice hole mallards, and some absolutely unreal dog work that capped the season the right way. I also answer listener questions pulled from Instagram, covering topics like finding open water during deep freezes, boat choices for marshes and reservoirs, teal decoy setups, off season plans, and whether marshes or reservoirs are more enjoyable to hunt. Finally, I dig into a topic I keep hearing over and over. Is duck hunting really being “ruined”? By social media, guides, influencers, or pressure. I give my honest take based on decades in the field and why effort still matters more than anything else. If you’re wondering what to do now that the season is over, how to stay sharp in the off season, or you just enjoy honest waterfowl talk, this one’s for you. As always, thanks for listening and supporting the North American Waterfowler podcast. Partners: Shotty Gear Waterproof, rugged hunting gear built by hunters for hunters. Shell pouches, blind bags, backpacks, gun cases, and more.https://www.shottygear.com Code FDH10 for 10% off Flight Day Ammunition Quality steel waterfowl loads at a great price. I ran Flight Day all season.https://www.flightdayammo.com Code FDH10 for 10% off TideWe Waders, heated gear, jackets, gloves, and ground blinds. I use their heated vest and outerwear all season long.https://www.tidewe.com Podcast code NAW18 for 18% off Weatherby Shotguns From the Element and Orion to the 18i and beyond, Weatherby makes dependable shotguns for the field.https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Safe, durable dog crates with an optional roll cage system for travel. Search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate on Amazon or visithttps://www.mammothpet.com Code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
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4.7
out of 5
103 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Elliott Snider
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    249
  • Rating
    Clean

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