The Migration Waterfowl Podcast

Brian Halbleib
  • 4.9 (33)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Weekly

The Migration Waterfowl Podcast brings a unique perspective to all things waterfowl hunting. Host Brian Halbleib lives and hunts where the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways meet in western Pennsylvania. He also manages to take a few out of state trips to experience waterfowl hunting in its finest forms around North America. Join Brian and his knowledgeable guests every week as they discuss waterfowl hunting tactics, gear and conservation. Whether you duck hunt or goose hunt, you will find each episode entertaining and informative.

  1. EP. 109: Why Conservation Matters, Delta Waterfowl & the Duck Hunters Expo with Chris Williams

    6d ago

    EP. 109: Why Conservation Matters, Delta Waterfowl & the Duck Hunters Expo with Chris Williams

    On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib is joined by Chris Williams, Senior Director of Industry Partnerships at Delta Waterfowl. Chris shares the history of Delta Waterfowl and explains how the organization evolved into one of the leading voices in duck production, hunter recruitment, and waterfowl conservation in North America. Brian and Chris discuss Delta’s mission, major accomplishments, current conservation projects, habitat priorities, and the state of duck populations heading into the future. The conversation also covers some of the biggest issues facing hunters today, including public land concerns, anti-hunting legislation, conservation funding, and the importance of keeping hunters engaged in protecting the future of waterfowl hunting. Chris also gives listeners an inside look at the 2026 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo happening July 24–26 in Des Moines, Iowa. They discuss what attendees can expect, why the Expo continues to grow, and why events like this matter for the future of the hunting community. Whether you’re passionate about duck conservation, habitat, public lands, or simply want to become a more informed waterfowl hunter, this episode is packed with valuable insight and discussion. Please share this episode with your hunting friends and family and thank you for supporting the Migration Waterfowl Podcast. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com frogg toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 33m
  2. EP. 108: Hardcore Texas Duck Hunting with Ernest Gonzales of Feet Down Waterfowl

    May 21

    EP. 108: Hardcore Texas Duck Hunting with Ernest Gonzales of Feet Down Waterfowl

    On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Ernest Gonzales of Feet Down Waterfowl to the show. Ernest is a hardcore Texas waterfowl hunter and content creator known for sharing his passion for the sport through Feet Down Waterfowl on TikTok. Brian gets Ernest’s background and hears the story of how his obsession with duck hunting began before diving into what makes waterfowl hunting in Texas unique. The conversation turns to scouting, hunting strategy, and lessons learned from years spent chasing ducks. Ernest shares his approach to breaking down new areas, discusses common mistakes hunters make, and explains what separates average hunters from consistently successful waterfowl hunters. Brian and Ernest also talk about the role social media plays in hunting today, how platforms like TikTok have influenced hunting culture, gear philosophies, unpopular opinions, and plenty of stories from time spent in the marsh. Waterfowl hunters of all experience levels will find some entertaining stories and practical takeaways in this episode. Please share this episode with your waterfowl hunting friends and family. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store - Gear Roost & Apparel https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Patreon - Support the show & get more personal content from Brian https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com frogg toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 17m
  3. EP. 107: DIY Waterfowl Hunting Road Trips: My Complete System

    May 14

    EP. 107: DIY Waterfowl Hunting Road Trips: My Complete System

    On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib dives into one of the topics he gets asked about a lot: freelance waterfowl road trips. From choosing a destination and planning a hunt to licensing, budgeting, scouting, gear selection, and deciding where to actually hunt once you arrive, Brian breaks down his complete process for planning DIY waterfowl adventures. Whether you're thinking about taking your first out-of-state hunt or looking to become a more efficient travel hunter, this episode is packed with practical information and lessons learned through years of trial and error. Brian discusses how he researches potential hunting locations, what resources he uses before ever leaving home, how he approaches scouting unfamiliar areas, and the gear that makes the cut when space is limited. He also covers regulations and licensing considerations, the importance of understanding each state or province waterfowl laws, and what happens after the hunt—including transporting and making use of harvested birds. If you've ever wondered what really goes into planning a successful freelance hunt beyond the social media highlight reels, this episode pulls back the curtain. Please share this episode with your hunting friends and family, and thank you for supporting the Migration Waterfowl Podcast. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Patreon - You can support the show here and get exclusive access! https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Apparel & Gear Roost https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com frogg Toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 19m
  4. EP. 106: Top Tips To Level Up Your Waterfowl Hunting Game with Mike Pomaibo

    May 7

    EP. 106: Top Tips To Level Up Your Waterfowl Hunting Game with Mike Pomaibo

    On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes his friend and hunting partner Mike Pomaibo back to the show. Mike is a hardcore waterfowl hunter from Pennsylvania. Brian asks Mike about his recent turkey hunting success and gets to hear the story of the gobbler Mike got to harvest while hunting with his dad. They talk about tungsten ammunition and the extreme rise in cost of TSS rounds. The conversation turns to waterfowl hunting and Brian asks Mike to share his perspective of what has worked and what hasn't as he has matured as a waterfowl hunter over the last few seasons. Mike shares his top 5 tips that helped him level up his waterfowl hunting game. He also breaks down some common misconceptions he expected as a new waterfowl hunter and how he dealt with those. Waterfowl hunters of all levels will find some great information in this episode. Please share this with your waterfowl hunting friends and family. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Merchandise & The Gear Roost: https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com frogg Toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m
  5. EP. 105: How To Have Your Best Waterfowl Season Yet with Brian Halbleib

    Apr 30

    EP. 105: How To Have Your Best Waterfowl Season Yet with Brian Halbleib

    On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib breaks down his ideal waterfowl season blueprint—what he would do differently if he could start from scratch, knowing what he knows now. From defining what a successful season actually looks like, to structuring early, mid, and late season hunts, Brian dives into the strategies that separate a reactive season from an intentional one. He covers how to balance local hunting and travel, why off-season prep matters more than most hunters realize, and how staying organized and ready can lead to more opportunities in the field. Brian also discusses the importance of hunting conditions over calendar dates, choosing the right hunting partners, and adapting when things don’t go according to plan—because they rarely do. Whether you’re chasing more consistent success or just looking to get more out of your time in the blind, this episode will help you approach the upcoming season with purpose. ⸻ In This Episode: How to define a successful hunting season Structuring your season from early teal to late-season birds Local vs. travel hunts: what actually makes sense The importance of off-season prep Gear organization and being ready when conditions hit Why weather and conditions matter more than weekends Adapting when the season doesn’t go as planned ⸻ Support the Show: If you’re enjoying the podcast, consider supporting on Patreon. Choose from Flyway Member, Blind Partner, or Migration Crew tiers—each designed to bring you closer to the show and the Migration Waterfowl community. https://www.patreon.com/MigrationWaterfowl ⸻ Connect & Follow: Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more content, gear, and behind-the-scenes from the season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com frogg Toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
  6. EP. 104: The Science of Staying Comfortable with frogs toggs Marketing Director Don Espey

    Apr 23

    EP. 104: The Science of Staying Comfortable with frogs toggs Marketing Director Don Espey

    Most waterfowl hunters overlook how innovation and community are changing the game—and they often miss the real story behind your favorite gear. Don Espy, a seasoned outdoor industry pro and marketing expert at Frog Togs, unpacks how authentic relationships, cutting-edge product design, and savvy content creation are transforming outdoor adventures in ways you’ve never heard before. On this episode, Don shares his incredible journey with host Brian Halbleib, from fishing in New York to leading marketing for one of the most trusted brands in outdoor gear. You'll discover how Frog Togs’ revolutionary waterproof technology and affordable pricing challenge the status quo, making top-tier gear accessible for every waterfowler. We break down the science behind their packable rain suits and cooling towels—how they keep you dry and comfortable in extreme conditions—and the tactical approach they take in product development to meet hunters' needs at every season. You'll also get an inside look at the modern landscape of outdoor marketing—how user-generated content, social media innovation, and authentic storytelling are driving engagement. Don shares practical advice on how aspiring outdoor professionals can break into the industry, emphasizing the importance of community, local connections, and building genuine relationships with brands and reps. Plus, learn why supporting the right companies means more than just their products—it's about the people. This episode is perfect for hunters, waterfowlers, and outdoor enthusiasts eager to understand how technological advances, marketing shifts, and personal connections are shaping future hunting experiences. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Don’s insights reveal the opportunities—and the critical mindset—needed to thrive in today’s outdoor industry.Tune in to discover how embracing innovation and authentic community can elevate your outdoor game, and why having fun and staying safe should always come first. If you care about gear that truly performs and stories that inspire, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating the evolving outdoor landscape Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter. Feel free to reach out to us: ⁠migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com⁠ Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store ⁠https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com⁠ Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl ⁠https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com⁠ And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors ⁠https://rigemright.com⁠ Flight Day Am-mo ⁠https://www.flightdayammo.com⁠ 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting ⁠https://aveshunting.com⁠ Retay USA ⁠https://www.retayusa.com⁠ frogg Toggs ⁠https://www.froggtoggs.com⁠ The Duck Hole & Company ⁠https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany⁠ Northern Duck Calls ⁠https://www.northernduckcalls.com⁠ 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m
  7. EP. 103: A Father's Legacy & Planting Duck Food with Greg Croxford

    Apr 16

    EP. 103: A Father's Legacy & Planting Duck Food with Greg Croxford

    On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Greg Croxford at his cabin in southern Ohio. After spending the day planting rice along a remote creek, we sit down to talk about what it really takes to build a duck spot from scratch—and the risks that come with it. Greg shares the story behind his property, originally purchased by his father, and what it meant to build the cabin together by hand using white oak logs from the land itself. Since his father’s passing, the property has taken on an even deeper meaning, and now we’re working to build something that will last for years to come. We dive into the reality of planting duck food in water we can’t control, why rice can be effective in the right conditions, and the challenges that come with trying to create a consistent duck hunting spot. From scouting and habitat to long-term strategy, this episode is all about the process—and the uncertainty—of trying to do it the right way. If everything goes right, this could turn into a great early season spot. If not… it’s all part of the journey. 🎬 Be sure to check out the full video from this trip on the Migration Waterfowl YouTube channel as part of The Migration Route series. 🔑 KEY TOPICS • Building a duck hunting spot from scratch • Planting Ozark rice for waterfowl habitat • Hunting property history and legacy • Scouting and habitat strategy • Risks of planting in uncontrolled water • Creating long-term duck hunting opportunities If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a buddy. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Migration Waterfowl YouTube channel to follow along with The Migration Route series. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com frogg Toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 19m
  8. EP. 102: From Wisconsin Marshes to Building a Waterfowl Brand with Dylan Kletsch

    Apr 9

    EP. 102: From Wisconsin Marshes to Building a Waterfowl Brand with Dylan Kletsch

    On this episode of the Migration Waterfowl podcast, Brian sits down with Wisconsin waterfowl hunter and TFS Cable Works owner, Dylan Kletsch. Introduced through a mutual friend, Dylan brings a blue-collar, grassroots perspective to both hunting and building a business in the waterfowl space. Dylan shares his journey into waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin—what it was like getting started, the lessons learned along the way, and how his approach has evolved over time. The conversation dives into his preferred hunting styles, the types of habitat he focuses on, and the species he encounters throughout the season in the upper Midwest. The guys also break down the story behind TFS Cable Works—how it started, what goes into building a brand in the waterfowl industry, and what sets his products apart from the rest. If you’re interested in waterfowl hunting, entrepreneurship, or both, this episode delivers real-world insight from someone living it every day. Topics discussed: • Learning to waterfowl hunt in Wisconsin • Habitat preferences and hunting strategies • Species and seasonal experiences in the Midwest • Starting a business in the waterfowl industry • The story behind TFS Cable Works • Standing out in a competitive gear market Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow waterfowl hunter. Feel free to reach out to us: migrationwaterfowl@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @migrationwaterfowl Migration Waterfowl Store https://www.migrationwaterfowl.com Migration Waterfowl is presented by: Blue Bird Waterfowl https://bluebirdwaterfowl.com And also brought to you by these fine partners: Rig’Em Right Outdoors https://rigemright.com Flight Day Am-mo https://www.flightdayammo.com 10% off with code MW10 Aves Hunting https://aveshunting.com Retay USA https://www.retayusa.com frogg Toggs https://www.froggtoggs.com The Duck Hole & Company https://m.facebook.com/duckholecompany Northern Duck Calls https://www.northernduckcalls.com 15% off with code MW15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 39m
See All (109)

4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The Migration Waterfowl Podcast brings a unique perspective to all things waterfowl hunting. Host Brian Halbleib lives and hunts where the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways meet in western Pennsylvania. He also manages to take a few out of state trips to experience waterfowl hunting in its finest forms around North America. Join Brian and his knowledgeable guests every week as they discuss waterfowl hunting tactics, gear and conservation. Whether you duck hunt or goose hunt, you will find each episode entertaining and informative.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Halbleib
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024-26 The Migration Waterfowl Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Migration Waterfowl Podcast

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