Roland Cortez talks about being born and raised duck hunting in South Louisiana’s marshes, his earliest influences and introductions, how and why he’s been guiding duck hunts for a very long time, and even why coots–yes coots–are among his favorite game birds as tablefare. We talk about then versus now, raising young hunters, prevalent species hunted, favored hunting techniques, hopes for the season remainder and future, and much more. Ramsey even adds “attend coot round up with Roland Cortez” to his bucket list!
Jack Miner Bible-verse-inscribed leg bands have long been revered as holy grail momentos among in-the-know waterfowl hunters. Formed in 1904 by a former fur trapper and market hunter, the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary once garnered international attention and was Canada’s foremost tourist attraction, connecting legions of both hunters and non-hunters to wild geese and ducks. But times change. Public interests shift. Now in a time where habitat loss is unprecedented, where hunter participation increasingly dwindles, and a more urbanized humanity is disengaged from their wild surroundings, Jack Miner’s legacy seems more important than ever before. Collaborating with 50 Ducks’ streaming migration technology, they’re on an “education is conservation” mission to turn the tide. And need your help. Tune in to learn more about Jack Miner’s past, present and future and how you can join them meaningfully in renewed waterfowl conservation efforts.
*****
Related Info:
Visit https://50ducks.com/signup/ and use the code GETDUCKS for 10% off your subscription.
Saying that museums tell stories, Chesapeake Bay historian and preservationist, C. John Sullivan, takes us on a personal tour of one of the largest private collections amassed, where each artifact represents one of the most storied time periods in American waterfowling history. After a brief visit–where I actually shouldered a 22-pound, 4-gauge, side-by-side blackpowder shotgun–we talk about giant guns, specialized hunting tools, market hunter techniques, wooden decoys, famous carvers, and a completely bygone, but not yet forgotten, way of life on the fabled Chesapeake Bay.
“Almost Heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River,” go the John Denver lyrics. The iconic song never mentions ducks or duck hunting. For good reason. Because they’re few and far between, but not impossible. State 48 was a huge, successful adventure thanks to friend Mike Smith. Following a couple eventful days duck hunting West Virginia, we crack open a couple Busch Lights, recall the weeks events, talk about his growing up and duck hunting in this off-the-beaten-flyway part of Appalachia.
Rob Shaw’s ancestors moved to Prince Edward Island 5 generations ago. They’ve since made their livings and fed their families by seasonally availing themselves of the island’s inherently abundant natural resources–namely tourists, ducks and seafood. A memorable pair black duck used as live decoys are recalled among many other things. Island life still revolves these resources, black ducks are a real big deal, and in hearing Rob recall lifetime events here you gain the sense of a real tightly-knit community that’s uncommonly found elsewhere.
Outdoor legends Will Primos and Anthony Matarese Jr. break down the habits, mindset, and gear choices that separate good shooters from great ones. From mastering fundamentals to understanding ethical shot selection, their practical, no-nonsense advice that will help you become a more confident and capable shotgunner in the field. Biggest misconcenptions in shotgunning, most common mistakes, world-class shooting habits, practical tips, dominant eye, proper mount, lead distances, and more–we cover it all! Whether new to hunting or refining your craft, everyone will appreciate this lively discussion. Boom!
Seventy-nine-year-old Mr. Toy McCord takes us deep into the heart of Sparkleberry Swamp—where he was raised, mentored, and shaped by wild water and duck hunting tradition. He shares vivid memories from his earliest days–like the time a 5-year-old Toy, his brothers and Dad were stranded in the swamp for days–the people who taught him the swamp’s secrets, and how his duck hunting passion became a way of life. With unforgettable stories, close calls, and reflections on a changing landscape, Mr. Toy gives voice to a magical place and time that few truly know.
Been a real long time since catching up with buddies Brady Davis and Matt McCormick (Ep 76. Of Hippies and Cowboys, Bozeman, MT), but they’ve been busy since then–that’s for danged sure! Like an Alberta clipper sweeping across open range, we race through a lot of fun topics—swapping 10-gauge for 28-gauge shotguns, running Chesapeake Bay retrievers in Montana, forming their Flying V companies, developing habitat, managing hunting pressure, collaborating with MeatEater, and their thoughts on ensuring that brand partnerships stay authentic. Never a dull moment with these boys!
Related Links:
www.FlyingV.us
Having south-of-the-border fun entailed an action-packed couple weeks in Nayarit, Mexico, but as usual it was about way, way more than just trigger pulls. Our appetites for ducks, doves, local eats and delicious margaritas satiated, Ramsey meets with hunters that came from throughout the US and even from far away as Denmark to hear their recollections of feathers, friendships and fond memories. Whether interested in extending your own duck hunting season, simply curious about why folks travel here to hunt–or even learn a few new Spanish phrases–you’ll appreciate these candid conversations.
onX Maps’s Lake Pickle and I jump into the most powerful navigational app ever invented, exploring the many ways it’s revolutionizing our hunting adventures. We discuss what sets it apart from other mapping tools, its key features for hunters, and how its used to put you on the X and then some. Lake shares real-world applications and experiences; popular features he and others most oftentimes use; describes the ways to gain the most function from the powerful onX app; and teases upcoming features that will enhance your experience even further. Whether you’re a seasoned onX hunter or just getting started, you’ll gain the insights needed to make the very most of onX Maps and put the world–and the birds–right in the palm of your hand.