November / December 2026On the Cover: Michael Peters captured this regal portrait of a drake canvasback on Maryland's Choptank River.

November / December 2026

Features

DU Special Report: 2026 Status of Waterfowl

Total ducks held steady, populations of individual species varied, and breeding habitats received a boost from summer rains

Gunning the Great Lakes

Rich history, diverse habitats, and abundant waterfowl make this storied region an incomparable destination for waterfowlers

by Chris Jennings
2026 Waterfowler's Gift Guide

A curated selection of high-quality products for duck and goose hunters

by Chris Jennings
Ducks Unlimited’s 2026 Annual Report

An executive summary of DU’s conservation and financial accomplishments during the past fiscal year

Mixed Bag

The Ultimate Resource for Today's Waterfowlers

Shotgunning: Finding the Perfect Pattern

Here’s how to select the best choke-and-load combination for your shotgun

by Phil Bourjaily
Waterfowler's Journal: Walking In

Sometimes the only way to reach a good duck hole is with grit and strong legs

by Will Brantley
Retrievers: Reinforcing Steadiness

To create a rock-solid retriever, make this fundamental behavior a lifestyle

by Tom Davis
Gearing Up: Midseason Specials

High-quality products to help keep your season on track

by Chris Jennings
Simple Gourmet: Waterfowl Cassoulet

Try this streamlined approach to a time-honored French dish

Cupped Wings: Spousal Support

Behind every great duck hunter . . .

by T. Edward Nickens

The Mission

Filling the Skies with Waterfowl Today, Tomorrow, and Forever

Understanding Waterfowl: A Tale of Two Mallards

Research has revealed that North America’s most common ducks pursue vastly different life strategies in different portions of their range

Field Reports: 2026 Fall Habitat Outlook

An overview of wetland conditions on key migration and wintering areas

Champions of Prairie Conservation

The James C. Kennedy Center for Prairie Conservation and the Grohne Coteau Ranch honor the legacies of these great DU leaders

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