January / February 2026
Features
When birds vanish from traditional areas, you can often find great hunting in these out-of-the-way places
by T. Edward NickensAn Iraq War veteran shares a blind with fellow warriors during a special hunt in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where he experiences the healing power of the outdoors and discovers what it means to be living in the black
A look back at the evolution of waterfowling ammo, from the black powder era to today’s state-of-the-art shotshells
by Phil BourjailyWith her first DU Artist of the Year win, Texan Stephany Chavez-Kuchera takes her place among wildlife art’s most impressive new talents
by Tom DavisOn a frigid Montana day, an aging hunter says good-bye to an old friend
Mixed Bag
The Ultimate Resource for Today's Waterfowlers
Here’s how to get your retriever in the game
by Tom DavisThe best hunting of the year might be in front of you; here’s your midseason pep talk
by T. Edward NickensThe Mission
Filling the Skies with Waterfowl Today, Tomorrow, and Forever
New technology is providing greater insights into how ducks respond to hunting pressure
DU continues to build on its successful efforts to restore bottomland hardwood forests
An overview of wetland conditions in key areas for North America’s waterfowl
On the Cover: Gracing this issue's cover is "Lift" by Stephany Chavez-Kuchera, which is the 2026 DU Artist of the Year print.