This episode is a mix of two things. A full recap of a killer Christmas weekend with Stormy Crook and Aiden, and then a real talk discussion on using treats in retriever training. I start with why a simple comment I left on a Facebook video turned into a bigger conversation. The video showed a young pup being sent to a place board using treats, and I explain why I personally avoid treats with average to high drive retrievers. I get into intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, why I want my dog working for the relationship and teamwork, and why I believe that foundation matters later when you are asking a dog to trust you on blinds and fight factors like wind and pressure. I am also going to ask Chris Jobman about this directly on the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, and I am open to being corrected. Before we get to that, I take you through one of my favorite stretches of the year, Christmas break, Mallard season, and the obsessive nature of waterfowl hunting. Then I break down an unforgettable weekend hosting Stormy and Aiden. We hunted hard, dealt with ice, ran the boat where other guys could not, and ended up with back to back three man Mallard limits with a bunch of feet down finishes. It was one of those rare weekends where expectations were low, the hunts were incredible, and everything came together. Wives had a great weekend too, and the new muck room got put to use the way it was meant to be used. Partners Shotty Gear 🔗 https://www.shottygear.com 💸 Code: FDH10 — 10% off TideWe 🔗 https://www.tidewe.com 💸 Code: FDH18 — 18% off Flight Day Ammunition 🔗 https://www.flightdayammo.com 💸 Code: FDH10 — 10% off Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate / Mammoth Pet Products 🔗 https://www.mammothpetproducts.com 💸 Code: GUARDIAN15 — 15% off (Also available on Amazon — search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate) Weatherby Shotguns 🔗 https://www.weatherby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, I’m joined by Austin Williams, a Missouri waterfowler who was randomly selected from Patreon to come on the show. These Patreon wheel episodes have become some of my favorites because they’re simple, honest conversations with everyday waterfowlers who live this life just like the rest of us. We talk about the recent Hunt Giveaway weekend, ice eaters, cold mornings, stubborn ducks, and how these trips have become about much more than just killing birds. I also reflect a bit on how waterfowl hunting, fellowship, and faith have helped me weather a very difficult couple of years and why these weekends in the blind matter more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered what the Patreon community is really about, this episode gives you a clear picture. It’s not just content. It’s friendships, shared experiences, and time spent doing what we all love. Shotty GearWaterproof, durable hunting gear built by hunters for hunters. From shell pouches to blind bags and packs, Shotty Gear is designed to take abuse and keep working.https://www.shottygear.comUse code FDH10 for 10 percent off Flight Day AmmunitionPremium steel waterfowl loads designed for consistent patterns and clean kills. I run Flight Day shells all season and trust them when it matters.https://www.flightdayammo.comUse code FDH10 for 10 percent off Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesA rugged, affordable dog crate system with an optional steel roll cage for added protection in the truck bed. A great option without paying premium crate prices.https://www.mammothpetproducts.comUse code GUARDIAN15 for 15 percent off TIDEWEAffordable and functional waterfowl gear including heated vests, jackets, waders, and ground blinds. Perfect for cold late season hunts when layering matters.https://www.tidewe.comUse code FDH18 for 18 percent off WeatherbyReliable shotguns built for hunters who actually use their gear. From the Element series to the Orion and SORIX, Weatherby continues to deliver field proven performance.https://www.weatherby.com Episode DescriptionPodcast Partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description In this episode, I’m joined by Capt. Casey, Ben Meyers from Flight Day Ammunition, and Brian Halblieb, host of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast. We spent the weekend together at an Airbnb for a hunt giveaway weekend after Casey was drawn as the winner. We break down both Day 1 and Day 2 of the hunt, what conditions were like, how the birds worked, and how the weekend unfolded from camp conversations to the field. We talk about adjustments, success, and the moments that made this hunt memorable. We were able to shoot full limits over the two days, and Casey capped off the weekend by shooting a banded mallard. This episode is part hunt recap, part camp talk, and a good look at what these giveaway weekends are really like behind the scenes. Flight Day Ammunition Flight Day Ammunition produces premium waterfowl loads that are built by hunters for hunters. Their shells are clean, consistent, and designed to perform in real world hunting conditions. Websitehttps://www.flightdayammo.com Discount Code FDH10 Use code FDH10 at checkout to save on your order. Partner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Elliott Snider and returning guest Jordan Fromer for a wide open conversation covering everything from tech troubles and early-season memories to Jordan’s incredible ice hole streak in Indiana. Jordan breaks down why this cold snap has produced some of his best mallard hunts ever, how he scouts fast flowing rivers, and what’s behind the sudden push of ducks into his state. Elliott and Jordan also react to the bizarre Utah scenes Matt Zavonic has been reporting, including driveway corn piles, domesticated ducks, discarded birds, and a mysterious caged animal left at a WMA. The two discuss ethics in the field, band stories, river access laws, duck behavior during freeze lines, and why fresh birds make all the difference. A fun, honest, hunt-heavy episode with plenty of laughs and solid waterfowl insight. Flight Day Ammunition High performance bismuth and steel loads. Link: https://www.flightdayammo.com Code: FDH10 Weatherby Shotguns and rifles built for waterfowlers. Link: https://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Rugged kennel systems built for serious hunters. Search "Mammoth dog crate" on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products Store. Code: GUARDIAN15Note: The roll cage is sold separately with welded tie down points and a chrome-plated heavy duty door frame. Shotty Gear Waterproof, durable blind bags, shell pouches, straps, apparel, and boat lighting. Built by a small hunter owned operation.Link: https://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I walk through the long term mallard population trends and ask a simple question. Can the average hunter actually feel the effects of this decline. Mallard numbers have dropped from more than eleven million in 2016 to around six and a half million today. I look at the historical highs and lows, compare them to my own data since 2016, and talk about whether the current dip is truly changing the way our hunts unfold or if our success still comes down to weather patterns, decisions, and being in the right place at the right time. I also break down the recent cold snaps, the sudden migration push across the Central Flyway, and how difficult it can be to make good decisions when the shallow marshes freeze solid. I talk about yesterday’s frustrating river hunt, why finishing ducks has been so tough this year, what I am seeing from other hunters, and why this season feels so strange. Later in the episode I preview the Patreon hunt giveaway weekend with Captain Casey, Brian H. from the Migration Waterfowl Podcast, and Ben Meyers. I also share early thoughts on planning the spring Patreon float trip and what the next few weeks of December may look like. If you watch on Spotify you can drop comments and share your thoughts on whether declining mallard populations are affecting your hunting. I would love to hear what you think. PARTNER LINKS Flight Day Ammunition www.flightdayammo.com Shotty Gear http://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 for ten percent off TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Use code FDH18 for eighteen percent off Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Search Mammoth Dog Crate on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products store Use code GUARDIAN15 for fifteen percent off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Elliott as he recounts his Thanksgiving week filled with waterfowl hunting adventures. From unpredictable weather challenges to the camaraderie with fellow hunters, Elliott shares insights on bird movements, gear choices, and memorable hunts, including a top five hunt of his life. Tune in for a deep dive into the art of waterfowl hunting and the strategies that make it successful. Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.com Discount code FDH10 Weatherby Shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpetproducts.com Discount code GUARDIAN15Reminder that the roll cage is sold separately and includes steel bars with welded tie downs and a chrome plated heavy duty door frame Shotty Gearhttps://www.shottygear.com Discount code FDH10 TideWehttps://www.tidewe.com Discount code FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The North American Waterfowler, Elliott goes full rant mode. From holiday nostalgia to Chiefs stress to duck hunting “experts” who speak in absolutes, this one covers it all. Elliott breaks down why claims about mallards, cold fronts, ice, and snow often get tossed around like scientific fact when most of it is nothing more than opinion dressed up as truth. He also dives into weather frustration, the chaos of unpredictable forecasts, and the strategy game of stale-bird hunting. Then the big one: Georgie’s escalating whining problem. Elliott lays out exactly how it’s getting worse, why it’s such a devastating issue for a dog guy, and why even top pros don’t have a real solution. The episode wraps with November hunt stats, comment of the week, and a powerful message for hunters dealing with trials and stress during the holiday season. PARTNERS AND DISCOUNT CODES Flight Day Ammunition Website: flightdayammo.com Code: FDH10 Details: Steel sixes, fives, threes and fours. Available in 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and 12 gauge. Cases of 200 or 250. Shotty Gear Website: shottygear.com Code: FDH10 Details: Waterproof packs, gun cases, shell pouches, blind bags and gear built for waterfowlers. Backpacks restocking soon. TideWe Website: tidewe.com Code: FDH18 Details: Heated vests and gloves, breathable waders from entry level to high end, and reliable cold weather gear. Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Website: mammothpetproducts.com Code: GUARDIAN15 Details: Heavy duty dog crates with optional roll cage. Available on the Mammoth Pet Products site or by searching “Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate” on Amazon. Weatherby Shotguns Website: weatherby.com Details: Elliott is running the Element shotguns this year, including the 20 gauge with sixes and the 12 gauge 18. Also includes the Orion over-under series. North American Waterfowler App iOS and Android Website version: thenorthamericanwaterfowler.com Details: New photo library feature showing all hunt photos in one place. Tap a picture to pull up every hunt detail. Patreon Community patreon.com/freelanceduckhunting Details: Supports the show and includes full access to the NAW app plus bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Meyers from Flight Day Ammunition is back and we tell the full story behind recent comments about Flight Day on the Boss Shot Shells fan page. We walk through the pattern comparison that started it, how Flight Day steel edged out Boss Steel Reserve on the board, and why Ben thinks muzzle velocity myths just will not die. Ben breaks down copper shot versus premium slow steel, real gel test results, pattern percentages at forty yards, and what actually matters from thirty to fifty yards when birds are over the decoys. We also talk pump failures, flooding timber for mallards, Thanksgiving weather, and why I am still running sixes in my twenty gauge with a Muller decoy choke. Flight Day Ammunition Premium slow steel designed for serious duck hunters who care about pattern density and clean kills. Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://www.flightdayammo.comCode: FDH10 for a discount on your order Weatherby ShotgunsThe shotguns I rely on for every hunt and every video. Weatherby sitehttps://www.weatherby.com TideWe Waders, boots, and hunting gear that actually match the way we hunt. TideWe site Code: FDH18https://www.tidewe.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates Heavy duty crates built to protect your retriever at duck camp or on the road.Mammoth sitehttps://www.mammothpet.com/products/guardianCode: GUARDIAN15 for a discount on Guardian crates Shotty Gear Waterproof blind bags, shell pouches, apparel, and gear built by real waterfowl hunters. Shotty Gear sitehttps://www.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 for a discount on your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Elliott checks in from the heart of mid season in the Central Flyway with a full weather and migration update from Kansas. Warm temperatures and a late push of birds have made this stretch tricky, so he walks through the ten day forecast, talks about why he actually took a rare weekend off from hunting, and explains what he looks for when deciding whether to rest or grind. You will hear about date night at the old school winery, the feeling of being fully rested on a November Saturday, and how that ties back into keeping family and hunting in balance. Elliott also recaps a four day duck camp with Jordan Fromer, Brian Hallblieb, Aiden and Jeremy, complete with hot tent living, steak dinners, and some really solid hunts. He breaks down his current numbers at the midpoint of the season, the exact moment the migration flipped from mixed bags to true mallard season, and why he thinks the new trend of saying birds only show up on the first south wind day is overrated. Along the way he talks marsh etiquette, OnX yardages, Georgie’s sore paw, geese landing on spinning wing decoys, and how Thrill of the Fight on the Meta Quest is changing his fitness and mindset. If you love hearing honest talk about weather, birds, camp life, and the little details that make waterfowling special, this one is for you. TideWE — Use code FDH18 at tidewe.com for 18 % off. Shotty Gear — Use code FDH10 at shottygear.com for a discount on shell pouches, backpacks, gun cases and more. Flight Day Ammunition — Use code FDH10 at flightdayammo.com for your ammo needs. Mammoth Pet Products — Use discount code GUARDIAN15 for the Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate (search “Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate” on Amazon). Weatherby — (No code mentioned, but linked as a sponsor for shotguns.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode description Elliott sits down with Wisconsin waterfowler and patron guest Jake Brokish. They compare notes on a fresh cold front push, the shift from blue-wing teal and wood ducks to mallards, and why the best flights often arrive overnight. Jake walks through his small-boat backwater approach on the Mississippi, hiding off the boat when possible, and what geese do over water when spinners are running. They hit calling goals for the season, gear priorities, and how warm falls keep changing the rhythm of mid-November hunts. There is a little Packers talk, a little soup-by-the-fire honesty, and plenty of practical takeaways for anyone chasing ducks on shallow pockets and cattails. TideWe — heated vests, base layers, waders, blinds Use code FDH18 for 18% off.https://www.tidewe.com Shotty Gear — shell pouches, backpacks, blind bags, rugged gun cases, duck straps Use code FDH10 for 10% off.https://www.shottygear.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates — lightweight crate with optional roll-cage add-on Use code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off. Amazon: search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate or visit Mammoth Pet Productshttps://www.mammothpetproducts.com Weatherby — Element and 18i shotgunshttps://www.weatherby.com Flight Day Ammunition — waterfowl loads in 20 gauge and more Use code FDH10 for 10% off.https://www.flightdayammo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Marino of Marino Decoys joins Elliott to share how a kids pastor fell in love with carving and turned high density cork and tupelo heads into functional art that hunts. Mike walks through his full process from pattern and bandsaw to glass eyes and paint, why cork still floats after a stray pellet, and how he creates working urn decoys that hold a dog’s ashes and even shells. He talks species he carves and hunts, goldeneye addiction on frozen reservoirs, first place ribbons at the Colorado State Fair, and the “Just One More” mission behind his brand. Elliott and Mike also swap notes on cooking divers, raising kids in the blind, and why faith brings real freedom. See Mike’s work at merinodecoys.com and on Instagram and Facebook at Marino Decoys. Partners Flight Day Ammunition – flightdayammo.com — Code: FDH10 Weatherby Shotguns – weatherby.com TideWe Waders & Gear – tidewe.com — Code: FDH18 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – mammothpetproducts.com — Code: GUARDIAN15 Shotty Gear – shottygear.com — Code: FDH10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this November 3 episode I break down the big duck opener from a solo kayak hide that turned into a pintail show. First frost mornings, a steady northwest wind, and plenty of birds made for a memorable hunt with Georgie working hard. I share how the sun angle and a spinner affected finishing birds, why I shifted setups mid hunt, and a quick story about an eight point buck slipping along the willows. We also tackle three listener questions from Instagram including my most dangerous moments in the marsh, when ducks are simply too high to call, and why solids have become popular alongside camo. I close with a North American Waterfowler app snapshot of the season so far and a look ahead at camp plans for next weekend. TideWe – Heated vests, coats, waders, and blinds. Black Friday sale running through December 1. Use code FDH18 for 18% off at TideWe.com Shotty Gear – Waterproof shell pouches, gear bags, and gun cases. Use code FDH10 for 10% off at ShottyGear.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Heavy-duty, crash-tested crates. Pair with the roll cage for maximum protection. Use code GUARDIAN15 at MammothPet.com/Guardian Flight Day Ammunition – steel loads that hit hard. Check them out at FlightDayAmmo.com FDH10 Code Weatherby Shotguns – From the Element 2 to the Orion and 18i series, reliable performance for every hunt. Browse the lineup at Weatherby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this listener-driven Q&A episode, Elliott dives into some of the most debated topics in waterfowling today. He talks about why blue-wing teal are still hanging around Kansas later than normal, whether spinners should stay in the spread through November, how to fairly handle “who shot what” in group hunts, and if leaving headlamps in a hole to hold your spot crosses the line. Packed with practical hunting insight, laughs, and candid thoughts from the live Patreon stream — this one’s all about real duck talk with the North American Waterfowler community. Flight Day Ammunition – https://www.flightdayammo.com Code FDH10 for 10% off Weatherby Shotguns – https://www.weatherby.com TideWe – https://www.tidewe.com Code FDH18 for 18% off Shotty Gear – https://www.shottygear.com Code FDH10 for 10% off Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate on Amazon Code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us deep in the Sandhills of Nebraska for one of the most remote hunts we’ve ever done. We set up a hot tent miles from anywhere and lived completely off the grid. In this episode, we share stories from camp, the challenges of life in the middle of nowhere, and the excitement of a successful Day 1 duck hunt in the Sandhills. Flight Day Ammunition – https://www.flightdayammo.com – Code FDH10Weatherby Shotguns – https://www.weatherby.comMammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Code GUARDIAN15Shotty Gear – https://www.shottygear.com – Code FDH10TideWe – https://www.tidewe.com – Code FDH18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an exciting episode of the North American Waterfowler Podcast as Elliott Snider sits down with Walter Jones, also known as Captain Casey. Discover the thrilling story behind Walter's big win in the hunt giveaway and delve into his fascinating life as a boat captain and avid hunter. From fishing tournaments to duck hunting adventures, Walter shares his unique experiences and insights. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with laughter, stories, and a shared passion for the great outdoors. Flight Day Ammunition — flightdayammo.com — Use code FDH10 for 10% off. Shotty Gear — shottygear.com — Use code FDH10 for 10% off. TideWe Outdoors — tidewe.com — Use code FDH18 for 18% off. Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates — Use code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off. Weatherby Shotguns — weatherby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Elliott and Jordan Fromer as they talk through early-season hunting, fog-filled mornings, and the ethics of sharing public spots. They dive into how they handle field conflicts, spinner use on geese, and what it’s like building and camping out of a truck bed rig. Elliott also recaps his Youth and Veteran opener filled with teal, pintail, and wigeon, plus updates on new filters inside The North American Waterfowler app. 🎯 Flight Day Ammunition – flightdayammo.com — Code FDH10 for 10% off 💧 TideWe Outdoor Gear – tidewe.com — Code FDH18 for 18% off 🦆 Shotty Gear – shottygear.com — Code FDH10 for 10% off 🐾 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon — Code GUARDIAN15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Partners & Discount Codes 🎯 Flight Day Ammunition – https://www.flightdayammo.com Use code FDH10 for 10% off bismuth loads built for serious waterfowlers. 🎯 Shotty Gear – https://www.shottygear.com Use code FDH10 for 10% off rugged shell pouches, blind bags, and gun cases made by real duck hunters. 🎯 TideWe Outdoors – https://www.tidewe.com Use code FDH18 for 18% off waders, heated gear, and hunting apparel. 🎯 Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon or visit the site above. Use code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off their heavy-duty crates and roll cages. 🎯 Weatherby Shotguns – https://www.weatherby.com Dependable performance built for tough marsh conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The North American Waterfowler Podcast, Elliott shares a solo layout boat hunt recap, reflecting on pintails, teal, and what it takes to stay effective in the field. He also opens up about faith, addressing the tough questions many hunters and listeners have raised about trials, free will, and God’s plan in hard times—encouraging us to see challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth. Along the way, Elliott dives into gear performance, including his experience with Flight Day Bismuth ammo, the Weatherby Element 2 shotgun, Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates, TideWe waders, and Shotty Gear. The show wraps up with Woody’s much-loved Top 5 segment. Whether you’re here for the hunts, the faith talk, or the gear insights, this episode brings it all together. Flight Day Ammunition — https://www.flightdayammo.com — Code FDH10 for 10% off Weatherby Shotguns — https://weatherby.com Purina Dog Food — https://www.purina.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates — search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon (look for Mammoth Pet Products store) — Code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off TideWe — https://www.tidewe.com FDH18 for 18% off Shotty Gear — https://www.shottygear.com — Code FDH10 for 10% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description: On my way to the 2025 big duck opener, I’m layout boat hunting solo. In this episode, I dive into my personal history with layout boat hunting, why it’s one of my favorite styles of hunting, and share practical tips for anyone wanting to give it a try. Flight Day Ammunition – Premium bismuth loads for waterfowlers.flightdayammo.comCode: FDH10 for 10% off Weatherby Shotguns – Legendary shotguns built for the hunt.weatherby.com Purina Pro Plan Dog Food – Nutrition trusted by hunters and trainers.purina.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Built tough for safety and durability.mammothpetproducts.comCode: GUARDIAN15 for 15% off Shotty Gear – Waterproof, durable, and affordable gear for everyday duck hunters.shottygear.comCode: FDH10 for 10% off Sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I sit down with Thomas Hoke from Hoke Outdoors to dig into his recent Canada trip, scouting process, and some of the best hunts of his season so far. We talk about what it takes to freelance successfully in Canada, the challenges of keeping a young retriever steady in the field, and how early season hunts in Minnesota have shaped up. From knocking on doors to managing high-volume mallard shoots, Thomas shares what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re planning a freelance trip of your own or just love hearing about the grind behind the hunts, this one is packed with insight, reflection, and practical tips. Partners of the North American Waterfowler Podcast: Flight Day Ammunition — https://www.flightdayammo.com — Code FDH10 for 10% off Weatherby Shotguns — https://www.weatherby.com Purina Dog Food — https://www.purina.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates — Search “Mammoth dog crate” on Amazon or visit the Mammoth Pet Products store on Amazon — Code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off Shotty Gear — https://www.shottygear.com — Code FDH10 for 10% off TideWe — https://www.tidewe.com — Code FDH18 for 18% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices