DU Magazine

The DU Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine that provides in-depth articles on a variety of topics related to waterfowl, wetlands, conservation, and outdoor recreation. The magazine also features stunning photography that showcases the beauty of waterfowl and their habitats. Each issue of the DU Magazine includes updates on the latest conservation efforts and issues affecting waterfowl and wetlands, as well as profiles of people who are making a difference in the world of conservation. The magazine is a must have for anyone who is passionate about waterfowl and the outdoors.

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November/December 2025

Cover_ND25web.jpg

On the cover: Phil Kahnke captured this stunning drake redhead in flight over a South Dakota marsh.


Contents: Vol. 89, No. 6

Features

DU Special Report: Status of Waterfowl

Duck populations held steady as drought intensified across midcontinent breeding areas
by Mike Brasher, PhD; John Coluccy, PhD; Scott Stephens, PhD

Decoys and the Characters Who Use Them

You can understand a lot about waterfowlers by the way they set their spreads
by Doug Larsen

The Viking Gander

Follows the travels of a fictional goose and meet some of the people whose stories helped shape the unique culture of goose hunting and decoy carving in North America
by Mark Petrie, PhD

The Wizard of Winchester

Admired by thousands of friends and fans, the legendary Herb Parsons was much more than just a showman shooter
by Chris Madson

Off the Grid

A father and son unplug and reconnect with old friends at a remote duck camp in the North Woods
by Christopher Smith

DU's Annual Report

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

Waterfowler's Gift Guide

Great ideas for every hunter on your list
by Chris Jennings


Contents: In Every Issue

Mixed Bag

The Ultimate Resource for Today's Waterfowlers

Shotgunning: How Far is Too Far?

There are a number of variables to consider before pulling the trigger on a long shot
by Phil Bourjaily

Waterfowler's Journal: Diver-Hunting Basics

Here’s how to get started in this fast and furious sport
by Will Brantley

Retrievers: The Legendary Charley Morgan

This revered trainer showed us how to bring out the best in our retrievers
by Tom Davis

Gearing Up: Top-Shelf Gear

A collection of well-designed products for waterfowlers
by Chris Jennings

Cooking: Fire Up the Flavor

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this gourmet-inspired meal
by Kevin Gillespie

Cupped Wings: Closing the Circle

Preparing your game for the table can be a satisfying and meaningful part of the whole hunting experience
by T. Edward Nickens 


The Mission

Filling the Skies with Waterfowl Today, Tomorrow, and Forever

Understanding Waterfowl: What's Your Limit? 

A frank discussion about the influence of bag limits on hunting satisfaction
by Mark P. Vrtiska, PhD

Conservation: Multi-Species Benefits of Wetlands Conservation

DU's mission to conserve habitat for waterfowl is securing a brighter future for many other wildlife species
by Jennifer Boudart

Field Reports: Fall Habitat Outlook

An overview of wetland conditions on key migration and wintering areas
by DU Field Biologists


 

Ducks Unlimited Magazine Archives

2018 Honorable Mentions

Here is a collection of honorable mentions from our 2018 DU Member Photo Contest

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2019 DU Member Photo Contest

This year's winning photos capture the beauty and excitement of waterfowling

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2021 DU Member Photo Contest

Take a gander at these stunning images captured by this year's winners from across the nation

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2022 DU Member Photo Contest

These impressive images were voted best of the best among this year's entries

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Honorable Mention 2014: Retrievers

Honorable Mention entries in the Retrievers category from the 2014 DU Member Photo Contest

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Honorable Mention 2014: Waterfowl

Honorable Mention entries in the Waterfowl category from the 2014 DU Member Photo Contest

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Honorable Mention 2014: Waterfowl Hunting

Honorable Mention entries in the Waterfowl Hunting category from the 2014 DU Member Photo Contest

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DU Magazine Archives

Miss an issue of Ducks Unlimited magazine? Check out the links to a selection of articles featured in previous issues here.

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DU Magazine: January / February 2023

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DU Magazine: March / April 2023

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DU Magazine: September / October 2022

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DU Magazine: November / December 2022

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DU Magazine: May / June 2022

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DU Magazine: March / April 2022

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DU Magazine: July / August 2022

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DU Magazine: January / February 2022

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DU Magazine: September / October 2021

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DU Magazine: November / December 2021

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DU Magazine: May / June 2021

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DU Magazine: March / April 2021

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DU Magazine: July / August 2021

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DU Magazine: January / February 2021

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DU Magazine: September / October 2020

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DU Magazine: November / December 2020

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DU Magazine: May / June 2020

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DU Magazine: July / August 2020

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DU Magazine: January / February 2020

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DU Magazine Photo Contest

Here's your chance to have an image published in DU magazine! This contest is open only to DU members who are legal residents of the US and at least 18 years old.

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2020 DU Member Photo Contest

Experience the wonders of waterfowling with these breathtaking images from DU members across the country

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2012 DU Member Photo Contest Winners - Photo Essay

The editors selected this year's winners from a record number of entries

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2012 Retrievers Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mention entries in the 2012 DU Members Photo Contest

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2016 DU Member Photo Contest

Check out this amazing collection of images captured by this year's winners

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2017 DU Member Photo Contest

This year's winners captured a breathtaking array of waterfowl, wetland, and hunting images from across the country

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2018 DU Member Photo Contest

Check out the amazing photographs captured by this year's winners across all four flyways

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DU Magazine: March / April 2020

Archived from the March / April 2020 issue

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