Waterfowl Migration Explained: Pick the Best Day to Hunt | Ascend Podcast

Описание: Host Erin Crider sits down with Sarah Fleming, Ducks Unlimited’s Managing Director of Conservation Programs for the Northeast Region, to demystify duck migration, weather triggers, and realistic expectations for new waterfowlers. They break down the Prairie Pothole “duck factory,” how pond counts and freeze/snow lines shape fall flights, species timing (blue‑winged teal vs. green‑winged teal, wood ducks, mallards, divers), and the different hunt styles across the four flyways. They cover safety on big water and in gator country, shotgun fit for women, DIY scouting and storm timing, “stale” vs. fresh birds, and how conservation is funded (duck stamps, state licenses, Pittman‑Robertson, NRCS, NAWCA). The episode closes with practical tips for vetting outfitters and avoiding scams while building a welcoming women’s hunting community.

What you’ll learn
How consecutive cold days and snow depth move ducks, and why hot spells stall flights.
Why the Prairie Pothole Region drives fall recruitment and how pond counts signal what’s coming.
Species timing differences and early teal opportunities; diver vs. marsh vs. field hunts by flyway.
Safety, gear, and shotgun fit for women (youth stocks, cheek rise).
Conservation funding 101: Duck Stamp, state licenses, Pittman‑Robertson excise tax, NRCS, NAWCA, and DU’s public‑private partnerships across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

WATERFOWL 360 Migration Updates
https://www.https://www.ducks.org/hun...

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:
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00:00:00 Introduction to the Ascend Podcast
00:01:01 Meet Sarah Fleming: Conservation Expert
00:01:18 Setting Expectations for New Hunters
00:02:02 Understanding Waterfowl Migration
00:03:09 Sarah Fleming's Background and Passion
00:05:35 The Importance of the Prairie Pothole Region
00:12:04 Funding Conservation Through Hunting
00:13:55 The Role of Federal and State Funding
00:21:15 Weather and Migration Patterns
00:30:56 Exploring Different Flyways
00:40:01 Unexpected Encounters in Waterfowl Hunting
00:40:34 Gator Safety Tips for Hunters
00:41:01 Hunting in Gator Habitats
00:41:17 The Importance of Local Knowledge
00:41:44 Break Time and Gear Promotion
00:42:52 Exploring Flyways: Michigan and the Great Lakes
00:43:15 Diverse Hunting Opportunities in Michigan
00:44:22 Women in Hunting: Learning and Sharing Experiences
00:45:36 Challenges and Lessons in Different Hunting Environments
00:46:38 The Role of Guides and Local Knowledge
00:48:27 Adapting to Different Hunting Conditions
00:49:51 Scouting and Planning for Successful Hunts
00:51:45 The Impact of Environmental Conditions on Hunting
00:57:35 The Pacific Flyway: Migration and Hunting
00:59:09 Understanding Bird Behavior and Migration Patterns
01:03:31 The Importance of Proper Gear and Preparation
01:06:47 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement for New Hunters

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