FowlWeather Podcast

Some are calling it a Godzilla El Niño, a Super El Niño of monster proportions, but will it all unfold as told? In 2015, NASA scientists coined the informal term Godzilla El Niño to describe a weather pattern that massively distorts the jet stream and causes extreme global temperatures. DrMike dives deep into what the coming El Niño means for the summer growing season, duck production, duck migration, and duck hunting conditions. Plus, a turkey season bust, farm news, and planting and hunting plans for the 2026 season.

Coastal North Carolina is rich in waterfowling history and Ed Farley, hailing from the Matamuskeet region exemplifies the NC state motto Esse Quam Videri, the motto in Latin reads as genuine, honest, and disciplined, rather than just appearing to be so. Ed Farley, Manager of Conservation Programs for VA, NC, SC, and GA grew up with wetlands and ducks in his blood and followed that tradition into a career that benefits all the great people across duck country USA. Today we join Ed to hear his story of waterfowl wonderment and growing into an impactful hunter-conservationist.

Minnesota has seen substantial challenges in keeping wetlands and grass on the landscape for ducks. With this, duck numbers and duck hunter numbers have plummeted. The Living Lake Initiative restores and protects wetlands and shallow lakes in Minnesota and Iowa, focusing on enhancing water quality and habitat for waterfowl in the Prairie Pothole Region. We meet with Jake Chronister of the Living Lakes Initiative to learn more.

Time to talk turkey tactics. Like duck hunting the calling, the interaction with the bird is what makes turkey hunting more than just shooting. Today, with turkey season closing in the south, going at mid-latitudes, and still yet to open in many places in the north, DrMike talks turkey killin’ tactics. Whether you didn’t get your birds and your season is closed, you are in mid-battle with a bird you just can’t kill, or you are dreaming of those misty woods, just getting green to hear your first gobble of the season, this is your episode. Join us for turkey time tactics.

Mistakes are easy to make, but with lessons learned Ryan DuLaney brings a wealth of information to the FowlWeather Podcast. What are the most common mistakes in waterfowl habitat management and what are the easiest wins to get ducks in front of your blind. With diverse experience managing private lands, Ryan rejoins us to talk lower Miss water woes, failing farms under a crushing economy, mallard decline in the Delta, but most of all – growing season tips for duck hunting success.