Upduck Podcast

In this episode of the Upduck Podcast, we sit down with Bill Kehoe—President of Badger State HRC—to dive deep into the world of hunting retriever clubs, gun dog training, and the community behind it all. Bill shares his journey from getting his first Labrador Retriever to helping build one of Wisconsin’s HRC clubs, along with lessons learned from decades of training, hunting, and competing with retrievers. We break down how HRC (Hunting Retriever Club) organizations work, why joining a training group can dramatically improve your dog, and how these clubs create lifelong friendships, hunting opportunities, and better hunters. We also cover: The benefits of group dog training vs. going solo How HRC hunt tests work (Started, Seasoned, Finished) Building a retriever to the Hunting Retriever Champion level The role of mentorship, land access, and shared equipment Real-world hunting applications of training The challenges of running an HRC club and organizing events Plus, Bill shares stories from his military career, hunting experiences across North America, and insights into raising and training successful gun dogs. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a luxury watch entrepreneur from New Jersey goes on his first duck hunt in Louisiana and immediately gets hooked? In this episode of the Upduck Podcast, the guys sit down with Christian of Theo & Harris to talk about his rapid-fire introduction to hunting, the culture shock of stepping into the outdoors, and why the experience hit deeper than he ever expected. They cover adult-onset hunting, first duck hunt nerves, gear overload, hunting dogs, camaraderie in the blind, social media, masculinity, wild game, and the overwhelming world of waterfowl, upland, turkey, and big game hunting. Christian also shares how hunting is reshaping the way he thinks about life, purpose, adventure, and what it means to pursue something real in a modern world. If you’ve ever wondered what hunting looks like through the eyes of a total newcomer, this one is honest, funny, thoughtful, and packed with perspective. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Upduck Podcast, we sit down with dog trainer, behavioral specialist, and hunter Sami Strutz to break down what really goes into building a great hunting dog. From common puppy mistakes to handler habits that quietly ruin dogs, Sami shares practical, real-world advice on training, behavior, and creating a dog that performs in the field and fits in the home. We dive into: The biggest mistakes new dog owners make How to balance hunting dog vs house dog Why consistency matters more than talent Off-season training and keeping dogs sharp The truth about genetics vs training Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Upduck Podcast, we sit down with Eric Forrester of Ghost Point Wirehairs to talk German Wirehaired Pointers, breeding and training bird dogs, NSTRA field trials, and the adventure of traveling out West to chase upland birds. From building a kennel to DIY bird hunting in big country, this episode is packed with bird dog insight, hunting stories, and practical advice for upland hunters. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wisconsin waterfowl hunters—your window to speak up is open. We break down the Wisconsin DNR public input period for the 2026–2030 duck and goose season framework, how to submit the survey, and why more than “Facebook complaining” matters. We also hit the latest on a potential Wisconsin Sandhill crane hunt, the urgency around Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funding, and why the holiday goose hunt timing frustrates public-land hunters. Plus: Open Season Sportsman’s Expo plugs, turkey-rig talk, and a quick puppy update—because dogs fix everything. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Alec Bekkers, Chair of the Wisconsin chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), for a wide-ranging conversation on what’s really happening with public land hunting. Alec shares how he got into hunting as an adult, why public land flipped a switch for him, and what BHA is doing to protect and expand access. We get into conservation vs preservation, why public land feels more crowded (hint: habitat and access), the realities of funding wildlife work, and how R3 can create better hunters and stronger conservation advocates. (Quick PSA up top: Wisconsin’s public input window for the next 5-year waterfowl season framework is coming soon—watch for details.) Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No Jeff this week (stomach bug took him out), so Matt and Tyler hold down the mic with two guests who live at the intersection of service, dogs, and the outdoors: Brian Rollison (active duty Army armor officer) and Reid Parrish (Iraq & Afghanistan vet, full-time guide) from Hero to the Line. Hero to the Line is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a simple mission and a massive impact: donate well-bred Labrador retriever puppies to veterans, active duty service members, and Gold Star families—then surround them with a community that helps them train, learn, and stay connected. We talk about why a dog can be the difference between sitting on the couch and getting outside, how training creates routine, and how a “new furry best friend” can help people work through life’s hardest chapters—whether that’s the transition to civilian life, grief, or the weight that follows deployment. Brian shares his path from hunting doves in Virginia to chasing ducks across the country (and even a NATO rotation in Poland), and how receiving his lab Daisy changed everything. Reid breaks down how the organization grows through breeder relationships, sponsorships, and the magic of “whoopsie litters,” plus what it feels like watching recipients take that first step into the dog world—beds, food, training tips, and all. We also get into the “holy cow” moment of seeing a finished-level dog run, why hunt tests flip a switch in people, and how Hero to the Line is building a nationwide network of dog owners and veterans (from Alaska to Florida). Learn more / apply / support: Hero to the Line (hero2theline.org) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Upduck Podcast, it’s a two-man show (no Matt) and we’re joined by Chris “The Hunting Traveler” Midgette for a wide-ranging conversation that hits hunting, travel, and gun dogs from every angle. Chris shares how years of living in airports and hotels shaped his handle, how moving from Virginia to Michigan opened up new hunting opportunities, and why sometimes the best reset is getting quiet and letting your mind wander. Then we get into what you really came for: dogs. Chris breaks down the Boykin Spaniel—where the breed came from, what they’re great at, common misconceptions (they’re not “mini Labs”), and why responsible breeding and health testing matter. We also talk his jump into the ultra-niche world of the Wirehaired Vizsla, bringing a started pup from Canada, and the real transition from an aggressive flushing dog to a pointing dog—plus a reminder every dog owner needs: train the dog in front of you, not the one you see on social media. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Upduck crew is back with a full recap of Oklahoma Round Two—our second trip south chasing late-season ducks with RedBeards Waterfowl Outfitters. This year looked a lot different than last: warm temps, stale birds, teal chaos, ringneck action, and the kind of hunts that remind you why nothing in waterfowl is guaranteed. We break down all three hunts—from a ringer-loaded opener to a blink-and-you-miss-it teal bomb and a final morning that perfectly captured the grind of late season. Along the way, we dive into dog work, shot decisions, guided hunt expectations, jump shooting, and why sometimes the best part of a hunting trip isn’t the bird count. Add in Buc-ee’s culture shock, Oklahoma catfish, gas station debates, and post-season reflection, and you’ve got an episode that’s equal parts hunt recap and reality check. If you’re missing the blind, battling duck depression, or planning your next out-of-state trip, you'll enjoy this episode. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

n this episode of the UpDuck Podcast, we sit down with Mike Hagerty, better known online as Outdoors_Dad_Life, for an honest and deeply relatable conversation about raising kids in the outdoors — and what it really means to hunt with family. Mike shares his journey from growing up deer hunting in North Carolina, to serving 29 years in the U.S. Army, to now raising seven kids who hunt, fish, and live life outside. We dive into the realities of duck hunting with kids in the blind, introducing children to harvesting animals with respect, managing safety and maturity, and redefining success beyond limits and straps. This episode covers: Duck hunting with kids and first hunts Teaching respect for wildlife and ethical harvesting Balancing sports, school, and hunting seasons Girls in the outdoors and breaking stereotypes Why comfort isn’t the goal — memories are How to make tough hunts meaningful for young hunters From forgotten shotguns and wet waders to diner breakfasts and lifelong lessons, this conversation is packed with real stories, humor, and perspective every hunting parent can relate to. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special short-form episode of the UpDuck Podcast, Tyler sits down with two guests for a raw, timely conversation about Wisconsin pheasant hunting, public land pressure, and the reality of DNR stocking. After heading out for a mid-week hunt, guest John Anderson witnesses something many hunters have only heard rumors about: vehicles actively following a DNR pheasant stocking truck and hunters shooting birds almost as soon as they hit the ground. Joined by Dave Nelson, the group breaks down what they saw, why it happens, and how it impacts fair-chase ethics, opportunity, and the overall hunting experience. This episode isn’t about pointing fingers — it’s about raising awareness, sharing firsthand experiences, and asking the hard questions about access, opportunity, and responsibility on public land. If you’ve ever hunted stocked pheasants — or have strong opinions about “truck chasers” — this one will hit close to home. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duck season is officially in the rearview mirror, and the boys sit down for an honest, no-guest season recap. From a frustrating early teal season and stagnant weather to late-season lockups, frozen fingers, and a few bright-spot hunts worth remembering, this episode covers it all. Jeff, Matt, and Tyler break down what they learned, what they’d do differently next year, biggest regrets, gear wins (and failures), and how late-season hunting opened some eyes. The conversation drifts—as it always does—into dogs, waders, future trips, and looking ahead to Oklahoma and beyond. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final Migration Report of 2025 is here. With most of Wisconsin frozen out, access was everything. Tyler breaks down end-of-season bird movement in the Southeast and Southwest regions, recaps the North Zone closure, and highlights where hunters still found success on ducks and geese despite brutal conditions. We also cover the upcoming late Canada goose hunt in the Southern and Mississippi River Zones. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff and Tyler hold down the fort while Matt’s on the road, and this week they sit down with Phillip Jones of GAIM Virtual Shooting, the VR-powered shooting simulator that’s reshaping how hunters train, practice, and prepare for the field. Phillip walks through his wild journey—from growing up in the UK on traditional driven pheasant hunts, to serving in the British military, to moving to the U.S. and helping build one of the most realistic shooting simulators on the market. The guys dig into: How GAIM uses the Meta Quest headset to create ultra-realistic waterfowl, upland, and big-game scenarios Why the new waterfowl VR hunt is shockingly lifelike The massive value VR brings to new hunters, kids, and youth shooting programs Using GAIM for off-season training, building muscle memory, and fixing bad shooting habits Ballistics accuracy, patterning visuals, safe-shot warnings, target ID, and other tech baked into the platform Upcoming features, multiplayer leagues, new scenarios, and the future of VR in the hunting world Phillip also shares some phenomenal stories about driven hunts, dog work, and the surprising way VR bridges the gap between today’s tech-savvy kids and real-world hunting. Click here to learn more about GAIM. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Migration Report, Tyler breaks down fresh updates from across Wisconsin as cold temps, snow, and rapid freeze-up reshape the waterfowl landscape. We cover real-time reports from the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast regions — including diver activity on Green Bay, the end of the North Zone duck season, late-season honker patterns, and how fast-changing ice conditions are impacting access. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh reports are in from all four regions of Wisconsin as the waterfowl season winds down. Tyler breaks down diver numbers on Green Bay, stale mallards in the Northwest, urban-locked birds in the Southeast, and a surprise diver push on the river in the Southwest. Ice, low water, weather swings, and minimal hunting pressure all shaped this week’s migration activity. Tune in for the latest Wisconsin duck migration update and what hunters can expect heading into the final stretch of the season. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff and Matt are running the show while Tyler is home fighting the family stomach bug, and they’re fresh off their second annual central Iowa pheasant hunting road trip. In this episode of the Upduck Podcast, the guys break down two full days of chasing wild roosters on a mix of private and public ground along Highway 20—hot 70-degree November temps, tough scenting conditions, soaked boots, a surprise loose farm pig in the CRP, and plenty of laughs along the way. They talk through how the dogs, Josie (pointer) and Maggie (retriever), adjusted from a rough Day 1 to lights-out dog work on Day 2, finishing with a pile of Iowa pheasants and a couple bonus ditch-jump ducks. From there, the conversation shifts to a real-time Wisconsin duck hunting and migration report: stale mallards, birds that won’t finish over decoys, crowded weekday marshes, and why this late-season Midwest waterfowl pattern just feels “off” this year. Jeff also looks ahead to their upcoming Oklahoma duck trip and the tradition of Wisconsin gun deer opener—deer camp, the orange army, and going into the season old-school with no trail cameras, just a tree stand and hope for venison. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stable weather and steady south winds have stalled the migration, leaving hunters working educated birds and waiting on the next big front. Still, folks are finding success in the right places. Tyler breaks down conditions and bird activity across all four regions of the state in this week’s Migration Report — from divers up north to local mallards still hanging in the south. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Subscribe on Spotify Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

the crew sits down with Josh Kaddatz, Community Coordinator at Sitka Gear’s Vernon Hills store — and a brand-new waterfowl hunter learning the ropes of his first season. Josh shares his journey from firefighting to working in the outdoor industry, how Sitka develops and tests its gear, and what hooked him on duck hunting after his very first wood duck. The guys dive deep into layering systems, cold-weather hunting gear, and what makes Sitka’s design process different, while also swapping stories about misses in the pheasant field, jealous labs, and what happens when your gloves don’t cooperate with your safety. Plus, Josh previews the Folds of Honor collaboration, upcoming Vernon Hills events, and offers pro tips for staying warm and dry in late-season hunts. Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The November 10th Migration Report breaks down the latest waterfowl movement across Wisconsin. From Green Bay to Pool 7 on the Mississippi River, new pushes of mallards, divers, and geese are finally showing up after the first big cold front of the season. Hear bird activity updates, hunter conditions, and migration trends across the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions of the state of Wisconsin. For more information and content, check out the following links: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices