Great Lakes Waterfowl Season Review: What Worked, What Didn’t, What’s Next (Ep 746)

Get a clear read on what drove Great Lakes hunting success this season—and how to adapt for spring snows, steelhead, and turkey.

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by DU’s Chris Jennings and returning Great Lakes voice Jay Anglin (Northern Indiana, guides primarily in Michigan) to break down conditions, bird behavior, and practical lessons learned.

This episode is a boots‑on‑the‑ground season review from the Great Lakes region. Jay explains why he hunted fewer days but had better results by timing “the right days,” and why low water and inconsistent weather created a challenging year for local puddle ducks. The crew also digs into diver timing, late/odd Canada goose movement, big-water pressure from year‑round fishing, and the mindset shift that keeps hunts enjoyable even in down years.

Takeaways:

• Why “hunting the right days” (wind, timing, conditions) mattered more than grinding it out
• How drought/low water created short-lived habitat even after heavy rain bursts
• Diver storylines (especially redheads) vs. a slower mallard “burn” across key Great Lakes areas
• How big-water refuge behavior, boat traffic, and fishing pressure push ducks offshore
• The mystery of “late Canada geese” and why it didn’t match typical patterns
• What’s next: conservation order snow geese, spring movement, steelhead, and turkey plans

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: [email protected]

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Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.

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