This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Joey and Cal sit down with Shawn Stahl at Game Fair for a wide-ranging conversation about how waterfowl hunting has changed, what makes a great hunter, and why some of the best days in the field have nothing to do with shooting a limit.
Shawn shares his thoughts on the changing landscape of freelance hunting in Canada, including outfitter competition, field access, and why the Canadian prairies may be one of the last places where duck hunters can still scout, knock on doors, and hunt the old-fashioned way. The guys also dive into how geese adapt to hunting pressure, why less calling can sometimes be more effective, and how tactics continue to cycle as birds become conditioned.
The conversation shifts into waterfowl conservation, declining duck production, habitat loss, predation, domestic mallards, and what hunters can actually do to help put more ducks on the landscape. Shawn also reflects on how his own approach to hunting has evolved—from chasing limits and big groups to appreciating smaller hunts, good friends, new places, and simply being outdoors.
To wrap things up, Shawn offers a simple piece of advice for improving the waterfowl community: just be nice. Whether it's another hunter at the boat ramp, someone on public land, or a newcomer asking for advice, there's a lot more to gain by helping each other than fighting over birds and hunting spots.
Topics Covered:
•Freelance waterfowl hunting in Canada
•Outfitters and access to hunting fields
•Hunting pressure and changing goose behavior
•Shawn's waterfowl hunting bucket list
Sea duck and layout boat hunting
•Habitat, predation, and waterfowl conservation
•How priorities change as hunters get older
•Shawn's advice for new and experienced duck hunters
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