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The Fowl Life
The Fowl Life
Author: Chad Belding
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As Chad chases the waterfowl migration, each new episode, brings you a behind-the-scenes experience at different Duck Hunting Camps across the U.S. Here you’ll get to hear from industry leaders, expert waterfowl hunters, professional athletes and folks that are just as obsessed as you are about waterfowl hunting. You’ll find advice on choosing the right gear, learn new hunting strategies, duck calling techniques, how to prepare wild game and so much more.
So, join the conversation and subscribe to the podcast so you’ll get future episodes downloaded directly to your computer, phone or tablet.
So, join the conversation and subscribe to the podcast so you’ll get future episodes downloaded directly to your computer, phone or tablet.
521 Episodes
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Chad is joined by Gregg Farrell, of Tactacam cameras. They dig into the modern hunting world and how much it’s changed. From fall weather and time outdoors to the rise of trail cameras, new tech, and the ethical questions that come with all of it.
They talk about conservation, wildlife management, and the responsibility hunters carry as technology advances. They also get into the connection with nature, the excitement of the hunt, and the community that keeps this lifestyle alive.
It's a thoughtful, interesting, and real conversation about the future of hunting and the roots we can’t afford to lose.
This episode is brought to you by Jack Link’s Jerky, Featherlite of Reno, Camospace, and Oakley Sunglasses!
Chad sits down with Bo Jackson for a conversation that goes way beyond sports. Bo opens up about his childhood, how he discovered hunting, and the values that carried him through the toughest parts of his life. His mindset from injury, to loss, and everything in between.
He talks about shooting a bow in the locker room, hunt camp stories, prayer, raising kids, and the pressure young athletes face today. Bo shares advice for parents, insight from decades of experience, and a reminder that money can buy gear, but it can’t buy talent, grit, or character.
A rare, personal look at a legend whose life has been defined by much more than athletic greatness. We know you'll love this one!
This episode is brought to you by BO3.0 Hydration, Benelli shotguns, Mickey Thompson Tires, Federal Premium ammunition, Avery Outdoors, and Banded Brands
In Part 2, Chad and Dave Stanley talk about age, time, and what life teaches you when you’ve been doing this for decades. They get personal about fatherhood, being girl dads, and how that changed their priorities and perspective.
They touch on one of their biggest inspirations as a person, Les Nesbit, and they talk details of their dream hunts, and the people who shaped them along the way. They spend some time on the waterfowl world.; what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what the industry gets right and wrong.
Dave has an important take on the role of media and the misconception that great footage is just “point and shoot.” Chad reflects on credibility, ego, and the difference between people who’ve earned it and people who just post about it online.
It's another insightful, honest conversation about passion, legacy, and caring deeply about a lifestyle that’s given them everything. We know you'll love this one!
This episode is proudly brought to you by Travel Nevada, Benelli shotguns, Hi Viz sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, and Banded Brands.
In Part 1, Chad sits down with Dave Stanley to talk about hunting, family, and how much the landscape has changed since they first started doing this together. They touch on the new rules and realities of hunting in Canada, getting youth involved the right way, hunting with family, and what it means to pass on knowledge instead of just chasing birds.
Dave also reflects on how his life looks now with grandkids in the blind, family moving back home, and the next generation stepping into leadership. This one is grounded and full of perspective from someone who’s lived the outdoor lifestyle his entire life. This episode is brought to you by Travel Nevada, Benelli shotguns, Hi Viz sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, and Banded Brands
Ain’t nothin like giving thanks with a wild game feast. The Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch, award-winning Provider Chef Ellie Lawton, and TFL Contributor Megan Salazar break down a Thanksgiving feast from field to table. Get the flock together, cuz these recipes are anything but for the birds.
This episode is brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Jack Link's Jerky, and Camospace
Chad’s fresh off a trip to Banded Drake Ranch, celebrating the birthday of the man who built it: Matt Roseman.
Matt’s story is the kind you hardly hear enough of anymore. It's a true American Dream success. Vision, grit, sweat, and a work ethic that never lets off the gas. What he’s built at Banded Drake Ranch is a gift to the land, the wildlife, and everyone lucky enough to step foot on it.
Chad breaks down what Matt has pulled off, how he did it, and why stories like his are important to share to keep us inspired!
The type of dream that is BDR is what this country was built on.
Chad also shares what’s coming up next for The Fowl Life, the crew, and the season ahead.
This episode is brought to you by Benelli shotguns, Corning Ford, and Hi Viz Sights
In this solo episode, Chad gets real about the importance of protecting the culture and heritage we’ve been handed. He talks about why this lifestyle matters, why it’s worth fighting for, and why each generation has a responsibility to keep it alive for the next. It’s a reminder to get involved, pay attention, and recognize that none of this, the land, the freedom, the lifestyle, is guaranteed.
It’s heartfelt, honest, and a call to action for anyone who cares about preserving what makes our way of life special, and why SCI's work matters deeply.
This episode is brought to you by Safari Club International, Benelli shotguns, Federal premium ammunition, and Travel Nevada.
The crew is back at Hunt Camp in Canada with QuickLoad Waterfowl Outfitters, and this time, the talk gets technical.
Chad, Brad, Hunter, and Blake sit down after a few unforgettable days in the field to swap stories and break down what really makes a great shotgunner. They cover everything from practice routines to gear setups, eye dominance, and the mindset behind every pull of the trigger.
It’s a mix of campfire laughs, hunting stories, and honest talk about responsibility, because true hunters know that accuracy is part of respect.
If you love great company, sharp shooting, and big Canadian skies — this one hits dead center.
This episode is brought to you by Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hi Viz sights, Quickload Outiftters, Leer toppers, Mickey Thompson Wheels and Tires, and Banded Waterfowl Hunting Gear.
Nothing caps a day in the blind like a hearty wild game stew or soup back at camp. Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and award-winning French Chef Ellie Lawton break down recipes good for the goose or the whole gander. Set down your Benelli and pick up your ladle, cuz, it’s as easy as duck soup!
This episode is brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Camospace, and GATR coolers
Fred Zink is BACK! And he’s bringing perspective that only time, toughness, and miles in the marsh can.
Fresh off his healing journey, Fred talks honestly about getting healthy again, slowing down just enough to appreciate the hunt, and the reality of chasing birds in a changing world. From freelancing in Saskatchewan to the pressure from outfitters, to the rise of tech in the field, nothing’s off-limits.
He and Chad dig deep into mentorship, patience, woodsmanship, and building the next generation of hunters the right way, with sweat, humility, and respect for the game.
Another conversation rooted in grit, gratitude, and that fire that never leaves a true hunter.
This episode is brought to you by Benelli Shotguns, Banded Brands, Federal Premium Ammunition, Avery Outdoors, and GHG Decoys.
Chad’s back from the field with a solo breakdown straight from a California early-season goose hunt. He talks about the misses, the magic, and the power of a perfect hide in dry rice country.
It’s a hunt that proves why scouting, patience, and respect for the birds still matter. You’ll hear how the crew at Merlo Waterfowl and California Waterfowl Association keep the boots on the ground, the blinds invisible, and the excitement alive.
From big honkers at ten yards to flagging strategies and calling finesse, this one’s got it all! Real talk from a man who lives every second of it.
If you're fired up about waterfowl season, this one's for you!!
This episode is brought to you by Benelli shotguns, Avery Outdoors, Federal Premium Ammunition, Oakley Sunglasses, and Merlo Waterfowl
There are no boundaries when it comes to eating wild. In this Eat Wild edition, we migrate to India as our official Fowl Life Chef, Ellie Lawton, and Sommelier Megan Salazar join our Midwest Host, Joel Kleefisch, for easy, delicious Indian table fare from the field to the table. Curry up! You don’t want to miss it!
This episode is brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Camospace, and GATR coolers
In this solo episode of The Fowl Life Podcast, Chad opens up about his longtime hunting partner, Axl, a dog who proves that passion doesn’t fade with age.
Chad talks about keeping your retriever active, healthy, and mentally sharp through the years, and shares what it means to hunt alongside a dog that just won’t quit. With Axl still chasing retrieves and getting ready to sire his next litter, this one’s all about loyalty, drive, and the unspoken bond between hunter and dog.
This one is part of the Eukanuba Duck Dogs Series, celebrating the dogs that make waterfowling what it is!
This episode is proudly brought to you by Eukanuba, Federal Premium Black Cloud Aummunition, Benelli Shotguns, Banded Gear, and Avery Outdoors.
Ain’t no better way to have a Wild Game Day than serve wild game appetizers for the big game! The Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and acclaimed Provider Chef Ellie Lawton break down easy wild game eats to score you a big win with guests and family. Huddle up, cuz this edition of The Fowl Life, Provider Series, Eat Wild edition is a home run.
This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Travel Wisconsin, and Camospace
California Waterfowl Association has been putting their money where their mouth is—millions of dollars invested straight back into conservation. In this episode, Chad sits down with Scott Mueller, VP of Fund and Membership Development, to break down where those funds actually go and why the work CWA is doing matters to every hunter, not just those in California.
They talk about the evolution of the organization, the programs they’ve pioneered, and why banquets and fundraisers are the engine that keeps conservation moving. From bringing in new members to offering public hunt draws through their Hunt Program, CWA continues to create real opportunities for hunters across the board.
This one’s about why being a member matters, how hunters are funding the future, and why CWA’s mission is something we all should care about! This episode is brought to you by This episode is brought to you by California Waterfowl Association, Corning Ford, Jack Link’s, Banded Casual Wear, Napa Valley Olive Oil, The Nashville Palace, and Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels.
Grab your chopsticks and buckle up for this week's high-flying recipe: Thai Teal Salad. The Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and award-winning Provider Chef Ellie Lawton team up on an authentic Thai Duck recipe that goes from field to table in a flash. So easy a whitetail hunter could do it! Check it out.
This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Travel Wisconsin, and Camospace
In this episode, Chad sits down with Brad Arrington of Mossy Pond Retrievers for a deep dive into the world of hunting dogs. From breeding and health clearances to training, etiquette, and nutrition, Brad brings decades of experience to the table.
They cover it all! From the age-old question of how much protein a working dog really needs, the impact of conditions like drop tail on performance, and why warming up your dog before a hunt is just as important as warming up a professional athlete. Brad lays out how temperature, diet, and discipline play into building a dog that can perform season after season.
This conversation is packed with insight for hunters who want to bring the best out of their dogs, whether you’re raising a new pup, tuning up your seasoned retriever, or just looking for ways to keep your hunting partner healthy and sharp.
This episode is brought to you by Eukanuba Premium Performance, Mossy Pond Retrievers, Benelli shotguns, Avery, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Dogtra collars, and the Provider Culinary
This one is raw, intense, and unapologetic. Chad sits down with rock legend and outspoken hunter’s advocate Ted Nugent, just days after the devastating assassination of Charlie Kirk. The energy is electric, the emotions are high, and Uncle Ted doesn’t hold back.
From honoring Charlie’s legacy to unleashing a fiery rant on the laws that threaten hunters and the freedoms we stand for, Ted takes the gloves off. They talk responsibility, grit, and why it’s on all of us to stand up, speak out, and protect what matters.
This episode is dedicated to Charlie Kirk—his voice, his fight, and his movement. In the words of Uncle Ted: “They killed Charlie Kirk, but they cannot kill the movement.”
Buckle up—this is The Fowl Life Podcast at its most powerful, and it’s a conversation you won’t forget.
This episode is brought to you by Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud Ammunition, Banded Gear, Avery Outdoors, Greenhead Gear Decoys, ZLINE Kitchen & Bath, and Corning Ford.
The wait is over! Waterfowl season is upon us across the country, and Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch has the exclusive with Banded's one and only, Eric Larsgaard, on what to expect, what to wear, and what to eat! Of course, it wouldn’t be the Provider series without talking about wild game food. TFL chef Ellie Lawton chimes in with her expertise as they all take a moment to come to you live from this year's Waterfowl Hunters Expo. Make sure your ears don’t blink, cuz this is the season prep podcast! This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, Travel Wisconsin, ZLINE, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil
In Part Two of Chad’s sit-down with Chadd Santerre and Kevin Vella of California Waterfowl Association, the conversation dives even deeper into everything we care about as waterfowl hunters. From perfecting your calling and bucket-list birds to sharing tips, tricks, and taste when turning waterfowl into a hard-earned meal. It’s a celebration of what makes this lifestyle special.
But it's not just storytelling; Chadd and Kevin explain why investing in CWA’s mission matters for every hunter and all wildlife. They break down the programs that support farmers, kids, and the habitats that keep waterfowl thriving, and why hunters are the ones making the difference.
If you love the birds, the places, and the culture that tie us all together, this episode will remind you why it’s worth fighting for.
This episode is brought to you by California Waterfowl Association, Corning Ford, Jack Link’s, Banded Casual Wear, Napa Valley Olive Oil, The Nashville Palace, and Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels.
























Every episode is one long ad. It gets tired quick.