MOJO’S Duck Season Somewhere Podcast
EP 235. Waterfowl Habitat Management: Producing Desirable Moist-soil Vegetation
Spring is in the air, meaning that for many private landowner’s next year’s duck season begins right now–it’s time to start implementing waterfowl habitat plans, whipping those duck holes into shape. But how to begin? Building on previous discussions, Ramsey meets with wildlife biologist Kevin Nelms to discuss moist-soil vegetation management specifics, covering habitat types, natural most-soil vegetation values, water drawdown strategies and plant responses. As USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Wildlife Biologist in the Mississippi Delta, Nelms has spent the past couple decades designing and developing numerous private-lands waterfowl impoundments. He’s worked extensively with private landowners throughout the region, improving desirable waterfowl habitat conditions, enhancing duck utilization, even putting together a handbook that Ramsey considers must-have staple for waterfowl habitat management (refer to related links in the episode description for your own PDF copy).
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EP 234. Guatemala Continued: Little Country, Big Surprises
Ramsey continues exploring Guatemala duck hunting culture by visiting with host Andres Collia, discussing how suddenly the trip came together and Guatemala’s famous “eternal spring” like weather. What were Collia’s waterfowl hunting origins in a country with so few hunters? What species are hunted and what are bag limits like in Guatemala? Where do they get most of their hunting gear, guns and ammo? How has American duck hunting influenced Guatemala duck hunting, and how does hunting in his homeland compare to what he’s heard about duck hunting in the US? In this second of 3-part series, a couple duck hunters from different corners of the world talk about these and other topics in an interesting conversation you’ll not want to miss.
EP 233. Are Waterfowl Migrating Like Back in the Good Ol’ Days?
Michael L. Schummer has been an avid duck hunter since way back when. What began humbly enough as a scientific way for putting more ducks over his decoys spawned into a career, eventually leading to his becoming a Senior Research Associate at SUNY ESF, where he conducts myriad waterfowl-related research. Having developed an algorithm that accurately predicts waterfowl migrational timing, he shares with Ramsey reasons that waterfowl migrate — or not. Lots of fun and interesting stories, something to talk about whether you’re sipping cold coffee, looking at empty skies and wondering where in the heck the duck are, or already back at camp early after a barrel-burner.
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EP 232. Guatemala: Comparing Both Worlds
During an inaugural exploratory visit to Guatemala this month, Ramsey immersed himself fully into the local duck hunting culture thanks to the help of amazingly hospitable hosts he now regards as family. Though considered a world-class bill fishing destination, this small Central American country was full of many interesting surprises, great food, and blue-winged teal. Today’s conversation with friend Eduardo “Toto” Samayoa is the first of a 3-part Guatemala duck hunting series that proves yet again that birds of a feather flock together, that the world’s a lot smaller–and in some ways a whole lot more similar–than you may otherwise think.
EP 231. Why Obregon Mexico Duck Hunting Combo?
Ducks all colors and sizes, white-winged doves, black brant, unique quail species and chunky large-mouth bass seasonally draw hunters and anglers from throughout the United States to this part of Mexico, but for different reasons. Duck hunting is highly subjective. Hunter expectations vary. Following eventful week-long hunts, Ramsey meets with freshly tanned Obregon guests to hear what they will most remember about their hunting experiences here. Beyond just the trigger-pulling, some of their answers might surprise you.
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Obregon Mexico Duck Hunting Combo
EP 230. Waterfowl Hunting Mexico’s Famous Yaqui Valley
Situated in the Sonora Desert along the Sea of Cortez, the Yaqui Valley is one of Mexico’s most productive breadbaskets, a fertile oasis of irrigation-based wheat production. Frank Ruiz grew up here and has delivered guided hunts since forever. He and Ramsey have now been working exclusively together for a decade. What was it like growing up in this part of Mexico, what are his hunting origins, and how’d he start outfitting? What makes hunting here unique? When did wheat farming come to the Yaqui Valley, how’d it impact waterfowl and other game species? What other hunting opportunities exist? What operational and management activities keep him and his sizable staff busy year-round? How do commercial hunting activities benefit local wildlife and indigenous communities? And will he share his secret margarita recipe? A candid, behind-the-scenes look at one of GetDucks most successful destinations.
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EP 229. Why “Honeymoon Duck Hunt” in Mazatlan, Mexico?
Really! What the heck is a “honeymoon duck hunt”?! As another fun-filled week winds to an end in sunny Mazatlan, Mexico, Ramsey meets poolside with duck hunters and non-hunting spouses to learn the answer to that burning question while enjoying frosty margaritas. How was the duck hunting? What duck species? How’d the hunting compare to duck hunting back home? Do non-hunters really enjoy it? Where do guests stay and how’s the service? What do the ladies do while the men are hunting, what do they enjoy most about the resort experience? Where do they eat, how’s the food? What all else is there to do besides duck hunt? And is it safe?! Sí Señor! After hearing these guests describe their honeymoon duck hunting experiences, you’ll be ready to pack the flip flops and sunscreen, grab your sweetheart, and enjoy the most fun either of you have ever dreamed of while duck hunting!
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EP 228. Mazatlan, Mexico and South-of-the-Border Duck Hunting
It’s another beautiful sunshine-filled February day in Mazatlan, Mexico and the resort is buzzing with happy tourists. Following the usual fast-paced morning duck hunt, Ramsey meets with long-time associate Ivan Paplovich, discussing all aspects of Mazatlan, Mexico duck hunting. What was it like growing up in Mexico and how’d Ivan get into the hunting industry decades ago? Why is Mazatlan a popular destination for both duck hunters and tourists alike? Are there really bag limits in Mexico–and are northern shovelers really a protected species? What all is required to legally hunt in Mexico and why isn’t do-it-yourself duck hunting as simple as just driving south of the border? Pull up a chair and join us to learn more about duck hunting in Mexico.
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EP 227. Delivering Real American Value
Ramsey catches up with Boss Shotshells’ Brandon Cerecke, discussing the past season, Cerecke’s old school duck camp and habitat. They then get down to copper-plated business. What makes BOSS’s cast of characters unique? How does good old fashioned work bring about life purpose? Are materials and components going to be easier to get this year? Is the global supply chain mended? What’s BOSS’s top-selling load? How do 3/5 loads compare to straight up 4s? What’s Ramsey think of the little 1-ounce Stinger loads? What’s controlling the controllables mean to Cerecke, and why’s obsessively delivering real American value to duck hunters so important to him? Like perfectly patterned BOSS copper-plated shot, this episode covers the board, hitting hard where it matters.
EP 226. Is Hunting Pressure Affecting Modern Duck Hunting?
Stale ducks. No ducks. Whether real or perceived, it sometimes comes with the territory. But is it getting better or worse? Is it really a function of flooded corn fields further up the flyway, or might there be other factors influencing migratory duck behaviors? Might modern duck hunter behavior be conditioning ducks to learn new scripts? Dr. Cohen is an Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Tennessee Tech. A long-time duck hunter himself, much of his research involving duck behavior and the way ducks interact to habitat and to hunting pressure originated in the duck blind. Like high flyers that ignore every secret weapon in your playbook, this sobering discussion will likely give you something to think about. And humbled.
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