The Duck Dependent Podcast

What actually makes a great duck hunter? In this episode we break down the things that go beyond just pulling the trigger  mindset, preparation, scouting, consistency, boat setups, shooting, calling, and the discipline it takes to keep improving. Duck hunting is about the work before the hunt, the lessons learned along the way, and staying hungry every season.

Today we’re building the ultimate duck rig from the ground up  trucks, boats, motors, gear, dogs, and everything in between. From dream setups to real-world reliability, we break down what actually matters when building a rig that can handle long drives, cold mornings, rough launches, and late-season birds. If you’re obsessed with duck hunting setups, this episode is for you. 

We sit down again with Keith from Mud Buddy Motors talking reliability, unmatched performance, factory-backed power, and the relentless drive to build the best mud motor on earth. A must-listen for waterfowlers and outdoorsmen. 🦆

Let’s dive into what it really takes beyond the blind.This episode is all about the mental side of duck hunting the part nobody talks about. Staying motivated in the offseason when the skies are empty. Pushing through slow seasons when nothing seems to go right, and managing the obsession with the grind that comes with chasing something you love.We break down how to use your past hunts your wins, your losses, your data to get better. How to lean on your crew, your friends, and your family, and understand that everyone’s journey is different. It’s always good, better, best.At the end of the day, Team DD is built on doing things the right way putting in the work, trusting the process, and respecting the grind no matter the outcome.

Miles on truck tires. Miles in boots. Public land turkey hunting at its finest. Built by relentless effort, great people, and a team that never quits, DD is all about the grind, the respect for the animal, and the pursuit of the hunt. No shortcuts, no excuses, and no rock left unturned  just the best days we get to live.

There’s a lot of noise out there right now negativity, complaints, and talk about changing laws permanently for temporary situations. It’s easy to get caught up in it. But here at Duck Dependent, that’s not how we move.This is your reminder to stay positive, stay consistent, and keep showing up. Put in the work. Compete. Live with the results. Check your ego, face your insecurities, and adjust your mindset when needed. Growth doesn’t come from complaining it comes from discipline, perspective, and effort.We live this every day: good, better, best. No shortcuts. No excuses. Just progression.If you’re listening, you’re already part of that mindset. Let’s keep building.Support the brands that support the lifestyle:Stay locked in. Stay Duck Dependent.

In this episode, I’m diving into a question I’ve been getting a lot how do you pick the right Labrador for duck hunting?First off, thank you to everyone listening and reaching out. This one’s for you.We break down the full process the journey of choosing a dog, what to look for, and the real differences between buying a trained dog versus putting in the work to train one yourself. There’s no shortcuts here, just honest perspective.Then it gets real…You’ve got to look in the mirror are you ready?Because it’s not just about the dog. It’s about your consistency, your discipline, and your willingness to show up every day. Forget chasing motivation build habits. Give that dog every opportunity to be great.And understand this…If you want a great dog, you’ve got to be great too.

In this episode, I dive into what it really takes to become a traveling duck hunter. From getting started with limited resources to building a solid foundation that creates long-term success, I share lessons learned from chasing birds across different states and environments.I also talk about the mental side of the journey  staying positive, staying motivated, and embracing the moments when the pursuit becomes a solo act. Most importantly, this episode focuses on building something bigger than yourself: creating opportunities, traditions, and a future in duck hunting that your family can carry forward for generations.

Season might be over, but the work never stops. In this episode, I talk about the importance of recovery  getting consistent rest, resetting mentally, and letting my hunting dog recover like the athlete he is.I also dive into clean-up mode going through everything from clothing and waders to tires, trailers, and batteries. Taking care of the gear that takes care of us.Spring brings a different kind of grind  more work, busier days, and new goals  and preparation now keeps me operating on the up and up. Staying disciplined. Staying ready. Staying Duck Dependent. 🦆

Thank you to all the family and friends who helped make this duck season the best one yet. We chased hard, we struggled, and we found tremendous success along the way. None of it happens alone  this season was built on an incredible network and shared effort. We chase ducks hard… and we are Duck Dependent.

I ain’t ready to quit. As the season winds down and closes on my local marsh, I break down my last trip, what’s next, and why the fire is still burning for the next duck trip. This episode is powered by positive vibes, self-motivation, and the mindset it takes to keep pushing forward. I also talk about cutting out negative energy, avoiding dark places, and staying focused on the bigger picture. Duck Dependent isn’t a solo act it’s a journey built with the support of great friends and family who believe in being part of something bigger than any one individual.

Seven straight days of holiday duck hunting with family and friends. Relentless on pressured public land no shortcuts, just effort, sacrifice, and success earned the hard way.

Big river, heavy current, mallards on the move, and good times with a great friend. An epic boat ride, solid hunting, and even better fellowship—then I wrap it up with quick tips on traveling and hunting big rivers and staying dialed in on moving water.

In this episode, I sit down with Dave from Excel Boats to dive into his professional journey and the passion that drives the brand. Dave breaks down why Excel Boats are built to be the toughest, best-designed rigs on the water and what makes them the true kings of shallow-water performance. He also shares how his career in the outdoor industry has opened doors to incredible relationships, including time spent with legends like Phil Robertson of Duck Commander.A great conversation about boats, grit, and the people who make this lifestyle what it is.

Join us on a West Coast duck hunting run where new hunting buddies are made, old friends are reconnected with, and the journey means just as much as the birds. We dive into staying positive when the ducks aren’t flying, how not to let slow days dictate the experience, and the importance of staying flexible when birds get stale. It’s all about adapting, enjoying the process, and soaking in every moment in the outdoors.

In this episode, we sit down with Keith from Mud Buddy Motors widely known as the king of mud motors. We dive into the reliability, dependability, and unmatched performance that have made Mud Buddy the industry leader. Keith breaks down how their engines deliver top-tier performance right from the factory, all backed by a solid factory warranty. We also explore the company’s drive and relentless desire to build the best mud motor on planet earth. If you’re a waterfowler, outdoorsman, or gear junkie, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, I dive into why I believe great steel shot still holds its own in the world of duck hunting. I share my firsthand experience patterning different loads, the impressive results I’ve seen in the field, and how steel compares to other shot materials. I also touch on how manufacturers are pushing innovation to make steel shot even more effective for waterfowl hunters everywhere.

This week on Duck Dependent, we’re talking about overcoming failed equipment and how good faith and good favor can turn a tough time into a lesson worth sharing. From setbacks in the field to plans for upcoming hunts this month, we’re diving into what keeps us going when things don’t go as planned — and why the best days are still ahead.

Traveling out west with friends and family, chasing ducks on winding rivers where every bend holds a new story and a new sunrise.

Duck Dependent kicks off the first of three stops on our Opening Day Tour — chasing ducks out west, where the land stretches wide and the big water tests both gear and grit. It’s the kind of hunt that reminds you why we do this — for the challenge, the camaraderie, and the wild places that keep calling us back.

“What does it really mean to be Duck Dependent? This week’s episode dives into the journey of stepping away from corporate leadership to chase a lifelong dream—one rooted in the passion and pursuit of duck hunting.”