PODCAST · sports
The Fowl Life
by Chad Belding
As Chad chases the waterfowl migration, each new episode, brings you a behind-the-scenes experience at different Duck Hunting Camps across the U.S. Here you’ll get to hear from industry leaders, expert waterfowl hunters, professional athletes and folks that are just as obsessed as you are about waterfowl hunting. You’ll find advice on choosing the right gear, learn new hunting strategies, duck calling techniques, how to prepare wild game and so much more.So, join the conversation and subscribe to the podcast so you’ll get future episodes downloaded directly to your computer, phone or tablet.
Episodes
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E587 - Only 8% of Mallards Die From a Gun | Dr. Chris Nicolai, Part 1
Only eight percent of this year’s mallards will die from a gun. So what is killing the other 92 percent? Waterfowl biologist Dr. Chris Nicolai is back with Chad for a conversation that might change how hunters think about migration, mortality, and their own place in waterfowl conservation. In…
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E586 - The Photo the World Never Forgot | Hannah Stonehouse Hudson
Fourteen years later, the photograph of John Unger holding his sleeping dog, Schoep, in Lake Superior still stops people in their tracks. TFL Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch sits down with photographer and award-winning outdoor journalist Hannah Stonehouse Hudson for the story behind the image that...
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E585 - 15,000 Dead Birds and a Race to Save the Klamath | Jeff McCreary & Dr. Dan Smith
In 2024, approximately 140,000 birds died during a catastrophic avian botulism outbreak in the Klamath Basin. By the final week of August 2026, another 15,000 birds had died, with 100,000 ducklings and a couple hundred thousand molting birds at risk. Ducks Unlimited’s Jeff McCreary and Dr. Dan...
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E584 - You Shot the Duck of a Lifetime. Now What? | Kyle Schmidt
The bird of a lifetime just fell into the decoys. What you do next could determine how it looks on your wall for years to come. SCI award-winning taxidermist and waterfowl hunter Kyle Schmidt joins Midwest host Joel Kleefisch to explain what hunters should do after the shot to give their trophy...
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E583 - The Fight Veterans Face After Service | Jeremy Vanderpool & Clint Shaddix
The uniform comes off. The mission ends. Then what? Special Operations veterans leave the military with leadership, discipline, and years of experience operating under pressure. Too often, those skills get lost in translation when they enter corporate America. A résumé cannot explain everything...
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E582 - He Bet Everything on 136 Acres and a Few Mallards | Matt Roseman and Banded Drake Ranch
Matt Roseman saw a few mallards rise from a Texas marsh and bet everything on what that ground could become. He walked away from an almost seven-figure cybersecurity career, traded conference calls for tractors and 110-degree workdays, and went all in on building Banded Drake Ranch. What began…
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E581 - The Duck Call Test Most Hearing Protection Fails | Jeff & Sara Thruston of ESP hearing protection
One shot is all it takes to damage your hearing, and most hunters do not think about it until years of gunfire have already taken something from them. ESP owners Jeff and Sara Thruston sit down with Chad to explain how their custom-fit electronic hearing protection protects against gunfire…
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E581 - What Waterfowl See When They Look at Your Blind | Joel Kleefisch & Taylor Finger
What do waterfowl actually see when they are coming into your spread? TFL Midwest host Joel Kleefisch sits down with Wisconsin DNR Game Bird Specialist Taylor Finger for an inside look at how approaching birds see your blind, your camouflage, and every move you make. If you have ever wondered why...
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E580 - Caesars Is Going All In On Rodeo | Tony Marini on Rocker Steiner, December 11th & What Nobody Knows Yet
Tony Marini has been part of the Reno rodeo world his whole life. His dad volunteered at the Reno Rodeo for decades. He grew up around the cowboys, knew the families, understood the sport, and now he's the guy Anthony Carano tapped to take Caesars Entertainment all the way into rodeo. Nobody's...
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E579 - Pudgie Pies, Toasties & Wild Game | The Ultimate Camp Cooking Guide with Chef Ellie Lawton
Up north they're called Pudgie Pies. Down south they're Toasties. Either way, they're the ultimate camp food, and wild game is the star of the show. Chef Ellie Lawton and Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch show you how to become the Pie Iron master of camp in this Fowl Life Eat Wild Series. Don't miss...
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E578 - Patrick Durkin | 40+ Years of Outdoor Writing, MeatEater, and What It Takes to Stay Relevant
He's been writing about the outdoors longer than most people have been hunting. Patrick Durkin is a Navy veteran, a Wisconsin native, and one of the most respected voices in outdoor media. With over 40 years of writing under his belt and a longtime role with the hit show MeatEater. Midwest host...
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E577 - Are You a Good Shotgunner? | Four-Time World Champion Derrick Mein Has the Answer
Derrick Mein just got back from Europe. World Cup in Italy. World Championships in Portugal. Third in the world out of nine hundred competitors. One target behind the new world champion. Chad sits down with the four-time world champion and two-time Olympian and asks the question every hunter has...
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E576 - Tony Vandemore | The State of Duck Hunting, Canada's New Laws, and What This Season Has in Store
Chad sits down with Tony Vandemore of Habitat Flats, for the conversation we are all wanting to hear right now. The season is just around the corner, and things are more exciting than they have been in years. Tony was up at 1 a.m. watching radar and hoping for rain. That's the preseason nobody...
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E575 - Protect Your Hearing or Lose It | Chad Belding on ESP Hearing Protection
Chad's been around guns his whole life. Shotguns, handguns, sporting clays, turkey hunting, duck blinds. Tens of thousands of rounds, and for most of that time, hearing protection was an afterthought. That changed when he met Jeff and the team at ESP Hearing Protection and got custom fitted for…
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E574 - The Duck Factory Is Under Threat | Chad Belding with Ducks Unlimited Scientists Scott Stephens & Mike Brasher
The deadline is August 7th. Act now. ducks.org/save-the-duck-factory https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/24/2026-14995/national-wildlife-refuge-system-request-for-information-on-implementation-of-drain-tile-setbacks The prairie pothole region; stretching across Montana, North and...
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E573 - Wisconsin DNR's Taylor Finger on Tracking Waterfowl Migration | The Travel WIsconsin Series
In this episode, Midwest host Joel Kleefisch and the single most important tool for migratory patterns. What happened to bird banding?! In this exclusive Fowl Life Podcast, Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch pins down Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources Chief Game Bird Ecologist Taylor Finger...
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E573 - Bands, Neck Collars & GPS Backpacks | Wisconsin DNR's Taylor Finger on Tracking Waterfowl Migration
In this episode, Midwest host Joel Kleefisch and the single most important tool for migratory patterns. What happened to bird banding?! In this exclusive Fowl Life Podcast, Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch pins down Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources Chief Game Bird Ecologist Taylor Finger...
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E572 - Dusty Tuckness | The Most Voted Bullfighter in NFR History on God, Grit, and Getting Back Up
Chad doesn't spend a ton of time in the rodeo world, but sitting down with Dusty Tuckness, it's hard not to see how much it mirrors everything The Fowl Life stands for. Dusty's a hunter, so this one was a natural. Dusty has been voted into the National Finals Rodeo by the top bull riders in the...
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E571 - 220 Yards, 225 Pounds, and a Round Chad Had Never Shot on Game | Axis Deer Hunt Recap
Chad had his crosshairs on a 225-pound Axis deer for over ten minutes. A brand-new round from Federal Premium he'd never shot on game before. And the whole time, one thought he couldn't shake... is the bullet big enough? That moment of doubt, the breathing, the trigger squeeze, and what happened...
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E570 - Fake Credibility, Real Hunters, and What It Really Means to Be a Hunter | Raised in the Woods
On this special episode from Raised In The Woods, Chad and the crew Travel Wisconsin to the State’s Capitol. They discuss everything from social media’s impact on the hunting world to technology’s effect in the waters and woods. Guest host Brittni Christiansen and host Ellie Lawton give their…
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E569 - Chad Belding Gets Interviewed for Once | The Fowl Life Edition of Raised in the Woods
As Chad Belding Travels Wisconsin, The Fowl Life lands in the Capitol of Madison for Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch’s radio show, Raised in the Woods. Ride along on this laugh-filled adventure. From an unbelievable turkey hunt to the greatest eats to a guest appearance by the one and only Wando, the...
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E568 - The Future of Outdoor TV | Mitch Petrie, Outdoor Channel
Mitch Petrie joins Chad from a campsite in Wisconsin, and the two get into it. They talk Wisconsin versus Minnesota, the political tension Mitch has watched build at home, and the infighting that's been creeping into the hunting community, including Chad's response to Matt Rinella's Hunt Quietly...
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E567 - SCI Fowl Thoughts | This Is Why We Do It - Solo with Chad
Chad's got some thoughts. That's what this series is! Safari Club International's Fowl Thoughts! He starts where it all began. The toilet business. Portable units, job sites, construction managers, bid meetings. Learning customer service and communication and resilience and when to pump the…
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E566 - Frog Legs Field to Table | Scouting Season Starts Now - The Provider Eat Wild Series
The perfect early waterfowl scouting activity might just set you up with a gourmet meal in the process. In this Fowl Life Eat Wild series, Midwest host Joel Kleefisch and acclaimed chef Ellie Lawton team up with Banded pro staffer James Cooper to catch and cook frog legs, from the field to table....
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E565 - Freedom Hunters Nashville Classic | Texas Bound - Solo with Chad
Chad's got two big stops coming up, and he's fired up about both of them. First up is Texas for an Axis deer hunt during the rut with Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of the Kinetic Group. Benelli Lupo, Federal Premium Ammunition. Hayes Carl at Green Hall in New Braunfels. Dinner with Ted Nugent and…
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E564 - Wisconsin Turkey Hunt | Jeff Tarsi's First Wisconsin Bird
Chad promised a Wisconsin turkey hunt recap, and here it is. Jeff Tarsi from Nutrien Ag Solutions came to camp, not just as a sponsor but as a hunter. Joel Kleefisch had boots on the ground, Chef Ellie was throwing down in camp (hear all about that in our Eat Wild Series), Jay Wando from Wando's...
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E563 - Axis Deer in Texas | The Rut is in June - Solo With Chad
Chad just got back from Wisconsin, and he's not slowing down. Next stop is Texas for an axis deer hunt during the rut with Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of the Kinetic Group. When you think Federal, Remington, Speer, CCI, Heavy Shot, Black Cloud — this is the man behind all of it, and he's invited Chad...
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E562 - Duck Tongue Stir Fry - The Provider Eat Wild Series
When you thought you’ve heard it all, you need to check out this Fowl Life Eat Wild Series. Award winning Chef Ellie Lawton teams up with Sous Chef Salazar and TFL Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch for Duck Tongue Stir fry. You won’t believe how delicious. To feed the whole camp, you’ll need to watch...
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E561 - Deconstructed Spring Rolls with Wild Turkey - The Provider Eat Wild Series
Just when you thought The Fowl Life Eat Wild series couldn’t get any better, TFL host Chad Belding and Nutrien Ag Solutions Jeff Tarsi joined Joel Kleefisch in the studio. Between Chef Lawton’s awesome Wild Turkey recipes and Turkey camp dinners, the crew hammered out strategies for Thunder…
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E560 - Banded Drake Ranch Part 1 | Inside the Most Exciting Duck Club in Texas
Chad's been a part of something big in Texas, and he's ready to pull the curtain back and dive into the details. Banded Drake Ranch. 750 acres just north of Paris, Texas — 90 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth, right on the edge of the Oklahoma panhandle. Flooded corn, natural marsh, flooded timber,...
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E559 - Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Turkey - The Provier Eat Wild Podcast
It’s turkey time, but don’t be afraid to turn that wild bird into a delicacy. Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and TFL award-winning Chef extraordinaire Ellie Lawton bring the world’s best Whiskey into the mix. You gotta try this easy, knock your socks off recipe that will have your turkey camp…
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E558 - Duck Blind Business | A Tribute to John Lamonico
Chad's still on location at Premier Prairie in Kansas with Randy Young and Lynn McDonald when the conversation turns to someone who meant a great deal to all of them. John Lamonico passed away at 95. Safari Club International world records. Hunted in nearly 40 countries. Black and blue from his...
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E557 - Setting The Standard of the Sport, with Brad Arington - The Eukanuba Duck Dogs Series
Brad Arington is back to talk everything dogs! Brad owns and operates Mossy Pond Retrievers out of South Georgia, and there is no other operation in this country doing it at the level he is. The pedigrees, the training, the lodge, the employees... It is truly the new standard. Chad's had Brad...
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E556 - Turkey Hunting, Fish Talk, and Camp Stories
Recorded in Kansas after a turkey hunt, Chad, Lyn from Temple Bay Lodge, and Randy from Premiere Prairie Adventures sit down and let the conversation flow, like old friends at turkey camp do. One minute they’re talking giant musky, walleye, perch, fish recipes, and cooking at camp… the next it’s...
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E555 - 18 Seasons Deep, And The Best Is Still Ahead
Chad's solo this week, and he's got a lot on his mind. 18 seasons of The Fowl Life. That doesn't happen by chance. It's years of work ethic, tenacity, and the kind of people who show up for you along the way. Chad takes a minute to recognize that. From the friendships, the partnerships, the...
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E554 - Almost Heaven - Solo with Chad
Hunters don't really talk about recovery. You just go. Early mornings, cold water, miles of walking, hauling decoys, doing it again the next day. But the body keeps score whether you're paying attention or not. Chad's solo this week is talking about something he put on his property that's been...
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E553 - All Because Of A Mallard Duck - Solo
Chad sits down solo at the mic to reflect on everything this life has blessed him with. The friendships, the partnerships, the miles, the years of filming and chasing the migration. None of it was forced, and none of it was planned out like that; it just kept building over time. At the center of...
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E552 - Jack Links Eat Wild Easter Brunch - The Provider Eat Wild Series
This Fowl Life Eat Wild series will blow your mind! Jack Links ain’t just for the duck blind or road trip. TFL Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and the Eat Wild award-winning Chef Ellie Lawton take Jack Links from the snack station to the Easter Brunch Buffet! You’ll never look at beef jerky the same...
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E551 - Why We're Losing Days in Canada - SCI Fowl Thoughts with Chad
Chad’s back with another SCI Fowl Thoughts, and this one’s been sitting on his mind. Canada just changed the rules. Fewer days, tighter regulations, and it didn’t happen for no reason. He breaks down what’s really going on, from illegal outfitting to people taking advantage of the system, and how...
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E550 - The Season Never Ends - Solo with Chad
For Chad, it’s not just about chasing turkeys or wrapping up another waterfowl season. He's shifting gears. From the field to the business, to the grind of a long season, to preparing for what’s next. In this episode, Chad talks through the reality of building a life in the hunting industry. The...
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E549 - Wild Game Poblano Pasta - The Provider Eat Wild Series
Snow geese and spring are in the air, and there’s no better way to kick out the winter doldrums than with a stick to your ribs wild game Poblano Pasta recipe that’ll knock your coveralls off! On this Eat Wild Podcast, Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and TFL award-winning Chef Ellie Lawton...
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E548 - Sheriff Chad Bianco: Leadership and Conservation
Chad sits down with Sheriff Chad Bianco for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues shaping California today. They discuss the state’s political climate, the role of leadership, and the challenges surrounding public safety, homelessness, and taxation. Sheriff Bianco explains why he believes...
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E547 - Ted Nugent: truth, Logic and Common Sense
Ted Nugent joins Chad for a wide-open conversation that goes everywhere. They start with politics (something Ted has never shied away from) and get deep into his views on leadership, freedom, conservation, and the role hunters play in protecting wildlife and the land. From there, the conversation...
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E546 - 2026 Safari Club International Convention RECAP
Fresh off the Safari Club International Convention, Chad is back in the studio breaking down everything that made this year’s event unforgettable. From the energy on the show floor to the conversations around conservation, SCI continues to prove why it’s one of the most important organizations in...
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E545 - Rob Roberts: The Raptor System
Recorded at Banded Drake Ranch, Chad sits down with Rob Roberts for a quick dive into the technical side of waterfowl shooting. They get into the development of the Raptor choke and load system, how Rob partnered on the ammunition side, and what's important if you want elite pattern performance....
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E544 - From the Mound to the Marsh with MLB Pitcher, Justin Wilson
Chad sits down with MLB pitcher Justin Wilson at Banded Drake Ranch for a conversation that moves from the mound to the marsh. Justin talks about his career in the big leagues. From the ups, the setbacks, the mentality that kept him there, to what separates guys who last from guys who don’t. He...
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E543 - Agriculture and the Future of Conservation with Jeff Tarsi of Nutrien Ag Solutions
Chad sits down with Jeff Tarsi of Nutrien Ag Solutions at Banded Drake Ranch for a thoughtful conversation about farming, conservation, and the full-circle relationship between agriculture and waterfowl. Jeff shares his perspective on sustainability, innovation, and why honesty in business is so...
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E542 - End Game Empanadas - The Provider Eat Wild Series
You wanna talk about the perfect food to take into the blind, eat around a campfire, or serve at your Superbowl party? The Fowl Life Midwest host Joel Kleefisch and TFL’s award-winning chef Ellie Lawton whip up End Game Empanadas. The only place you’ll install these apps is in your stomach! This...
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E541 - Will Clark at Banded Drake Ranch: Work Ethic and Mindset of A Legend
Recorded at Banded Drake Ranch, Chad sits down with Will Clark for a wide-open duck camp conversation that goes wherever it needs to. They start with food, from wild game, sauces, boudin, to the details that make a meal worth sitting down for, then move into baseball, the Giants, spring training,...
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E540 - Fox News' Will Cain at Banded Drake Ranch
Recorded at Banded Drake Ranch, Chad sits down with Will Cain for a conversation shaped by duck camp, time outdoors, and a willingness to speak openly and honestly. Will is host of FOX News Channel’s The Will Cain Show. The guys talk about conviction, work ethic, belief, and what it means to…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
As Chad chases the waterfowl migration, each new episode, brings you a behind-the-scenes experience at different Duck Hunting Camps across the U.S. Here you’ll get to hear from industry leaders, expert waterfowl hunters, professional athletes and folks that are just as obsessed as you are about waterfowl hunting. You’ll find advice on choosing the right gear, learn new hunting strategies, duck calling techniques, how to prepare wild game and so much more.So, join the conversation and subscribe to the podcast so you’ll get future episodes downloaded directly to your computer, phone or tablet.
HOSTED BY
Chad Belding
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Fowl Life have?
The Fowl Life currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Fowl Life about?
As Chad chases the waterfowl migration, each new episode, brings you a behind-the-scenes experience at different Duck Hunting Camps across the U.S. Here you’ll get to hear from industry leaders, expert waterfowl hunters, professional athletes and folks that are just as obsessed as you are about...
How often does The Fowl Life release new episodes?
The Fowl Life publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Fowl Life?
You can listen to The Fowl Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Fowl Life?
The Fowl Life is created and hosted by Chad Belding.
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