Duck Hunting and Goose Hunting is in our blood and we live it everyday! The Midwest Flyways Podcast is an authentic take on waterfowl hunting from Midwest Flyways. Duck and goose hunting has continued to evolve throughout the years and we aim to connect duck hunting traditions with the future of waterfowling. If you‘re passionate about ducks and geese then come hang with Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness as they talk duck hunting, goose hunting and everything else in between.
Episodes
Apr 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
12 min
Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness are back this week with a Ten Minute Tuesday that was brought to us by one of our listeners! They asked: what was your top a-ha moment as a waterfowl hunter? Joey and Cal break down a couple of things each that stand out to them as significant moments where they learned something that really shifted their thinking about duck and goose hunting and how to be more successful as a hunter. In truth, the learning never stops because the birds are always changing and anything can happen tomorrow. Each area is different, each set of birds is different and nothing is constant in waterfowl hunting. Have you had moments in your hunting career that stand out to you now that you’ll always be thinking about on each scout and hunt? Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Apr 10, 2026
Apr 10, 2026
49 min
An explosive episode unfolds as Gavin wages war over NBA defensive ratings with Cal, Carter, Luka and Ant all caught in the crossfire. We recap March Madness and we all come to terms with the fact that Cal, our college basketball expert, actually might have known a thing or two about college basketball. Carter stays busy double checking everyone’s wild claims and statistics and some don’t like the findings of these very factual and certified statistics which are not opinion and simply fact. Hard to argue with facts but Gavin tries his hardest. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Apr 9, 2026
Apr 9, 2026
59 min
Well, well, well the wild man returns. Derek Helms, Adventure guide extraordinaire sits down with Joey to catch up about life, ducks, and new adventures. Derek has always been a visionary and his newest gig is something he cooked up in a crazy way. Joey and Derek also weigh in a little bit about the duck summit in MN and what could come of that. Never miss a Derek Helms episode, they are always gold. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Apr 7, 2026
Apr 7, 2026
11 min
Why did pintail limits drop… even when hunters were still seeing birds?
In this Midwest Flyways history episode, we break down one of the most debated topics in duck hunting history — the rise, fall, and ongoing management of the northern pintail. From booming populations in the 1950s to sharp declines in the 1960s and 70s, this episode dives deep into the moment when hunters and biologists collided over what was really happening.
We cover the real reasons behind pintail population declines, including Prairie Pothole Region habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and why nest success rates crashed below sustainable levels. More importantly, we explore the tension between what hunters saw in the field versus what the data showed — and why that disconnect still exists today.
This episode also explains how the pintail debate helped shape modern waterfowl management, including the development of Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM), species-specific regulations, and population-based season structures that still impact duck hunting today. If you’ve ever questioned duck limits, season changes, or how wildlife agencies make decisions — this is the episode that explains it.
Perfect for duck hunters, waterfowl enthusiasts, and anyone interested in conservation, flyway management, and the future of hunting.
Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe to Midwest Flyways for more duck hunting podcasts, waterfowl stories, and real conversations from the blind.
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Apr 4, 2026
Apr 4, 2026
1hr 22 min
We recorded this episode on April Fools, and the guys kick things off the right way—by having a little fun at Nathaniel’s expense.
The episode opens with a classic setup, baiting Gavin into a passionate rant about LeBron James. Just when he’s fully bought in, the conversation flips back on him—drawing some interesting comparisons to his recent big bets. Let’s just say, not everyone saw where things were headed.
From there, it’s full March Madness chaos. Cal somehow remains the last man standing with his bracket intact, while major upsets—including Duke’s exit—continue to shake up the tournament. Looking ahead, the guys break down what’s next and make a few bold predictions, including why a potential Michigan vs. Arizona matchup might be the real national championship. Plus, a look at how teams like Illinois are building rosters with a global pipeline.
With the NBA playoffs right around the corner, the conversation shifts to who’s heating up at the right time and what storylines to watch as the postseason picture comes into focus.
To close things out, the guys highlight a powerful story from Gary Woodland, who has been open about his battle with a brain tumor and PTSD—bringing some real perspective beyond the game.
Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Apr 2, 2026
Apr 2, 2026
51 min
The times they are a-changin’. At least they are in Saskatchewan for non resident duck hunters. We discuss the new regulations on American hunters and why it’s happening. In the midst of this, Joey and Cal also have the MN Duck Summit and they prep for their hopes at that and what it could bring forth. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Mar 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
22 min
In this MWF History Lesson, we dive into the evolution of duck decoys—from the earliest hand-carved wooden blocks to today’s mass-produced plastics—and how each phase changed the way hunters approach the game. What started as simple tools rooted in Indigenous tradition grew into a craft, an industry, and eventually a collector’s market worth millions.
We break down the golden age of carving, highlight legendary makers, and explore the shift from handmade birds to factory production. Along the way, we touch on wild stories of decoys found in barns and garages that turned out to be worth small fortunes—and the reality that some of the most valuable decoys ever made were once just tools in a working spread.
At its core, this episode isn’t just about decoys—it’s about the constant evolution of waterfowl hunting, the people who shaped it, and the one thing that’s never changed:
It’s not about perfection… it’s about creating confidence and fooling the bird.
Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Mar 27, 2026
Mar 27, 2026
1hr 7 min
We are all back in studio and Nathaniel rejoins coming off a poolside week in Vegas (for work) watching March Madness on the mega screens. It turns out Cal, our resident college basketball expert is fired, effective immediately. We relive the first weekend of tournament basketball and talk Big Ten DOMINANCE with 6 teams making the Sweet 16! Carter won’t stop talking about the 100 leg parlay that South Florida ruined for him and Gavin comes with the hottest takes ever had by mankind. Some of those takes might turn out to be hot garbage, some might turn into the Eagles Super Bowl debacle. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Mar 26, 2026
Mar 26, 2026
46 min
This week we talk about a bunch of different topics including a conversation about Eiders becoming lost at seas during storms and ending up taking refuge on passing ships. We also talk snow goose season and when that itch starts to set in during the off season. We round things out with a close race to the top of the Say What?! Leaderboard. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
Mar 24, 2026
Mar 24, 2026
13 min
This week on Ten Minute Tuesday, we dive into the history of waterfowl banding and how it transformed conservation in North America. From early pioneers like Jack Miner to the millions of ducks banded over the past century, these little bands have revealed the true story of migration, survival, and harvest. Banding turned guesswork into data—mapping flyways, shaping hunting regulations, and helping ensure sustainable waterfowl populations. Every band tells a story, and every hunter who reports one becomes part of that legacy. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP