Du Magazine
South Louisiana's imperiled coastal marshes are at the heart of the region's culture, economy, and cuisine
Conservation easements are a cost-effective and popular way to permanently protect crucial waterfowl habitat on private lands
Forget empty skies, uncooperative birds, or leaky waders. These four stories capture the unforgettable thrill of waterfowling when you're in the right spot, the conditions are perfect, and everything goes according to plan
Four DU biologists, who are also hard-core waterfowlers, share their proven tactics for a successful day in the marsh
The perfect accompaniments to a special meal, these recipes feature wild and fresh ingredients
The decline of the Klamath Basin refuges is a national tragedy, but efforts are under way to restore their value to waterfowl
This quick and tasty recipe is inspired by traditional Eastern cooking techniques and ingredients
On a freelance hunting adventure in North Dakota, a father and son find themselves at the intersection of waterfowling dreams and reality
A good waterfowl season features plenty of birds in the bag. A perfect season leaves you with memories that last a lifetime
Here's how to ensure that this season's birds will be prime for the table
A unique hunt in South Carolina's Lowcountry honors those who defend our freedoms
A sickly puppy that had cheated death. A poor farm kid with a unique gift. When fate brought them together, they made history
Cutting-edge research offers good news for one species and raises potential concerns for the other
How to keep your dog and your hunting partners safe in the blind
Experience the wonders of waterfowling with these breathtaking images from DU members across the country
By funding habitat conservation on Canada's breeding grounds, state wildlife agencies help ensure strong fall flights in the United States
Make delectable goose breast sandwiches using the sous vide cooking method
Prepare now to make next waterfowl season your best ever
Conservation partnerships with farmers and ranchers provide important wildlife and help keep agriculture operations profitable
This innovative program can help you train a rock-solid retriever, using positive training methods and a little algebra
These five retriever breeds boast serious waterfowling credentials; which one is right for you?
This flyway is perhaps the most storied of them all
Thinking about hitting the road next season? Here’s your guide to some of the top waterfowling experiences in North America
Whiskey-infused marinades and sauces can take your waterfowl dishes to the next level
DU's chief scientist discusses the many factors that influence where and when waterfowl migrate
Don't skip this fundamental step in your retriever's education
Make the most of the last few moments before you pull the trigger
DU delivers innovative solutions to restore and enhance waterfowl habitat
Make sure you're ready when the north country calls your name
How to beat the weather and bag more birds in hard-to-hunt conditions
Like prospectors clamoring for riches during the gold rush, you can find these treasures and more when you head west
From the Canadian Arctic to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the diverse landscapes of the Central Flyway provide a variety of options for hunters
Follow these suggestions to experience some of the best that the Atlantic Flyway has to offer
For waterfowl, timing is everything when selecting a mate
The distribution of these highly prized birds is closely tied to water quality and food availability
Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s waterfowl guns are more effective and dependable than ever
Originally bred to lure curious ducks into gun range, today’s “tollers” are intelligent, athletic, and versatile hunters
Despite efforts to reduce their numbers, light goose populations continue to grow, potentially threatening other waterfowl species
Carrying on his mother’s legacy and finding fame alongside his brothers, Bob Hautman earns his first DU Artist of the Year win
With help from Ducks Unlimited and hunters, Arkansas is implementing an ambitious plan to conserve the state’s iconic flooded timber habitats
Ducks Unlimited de México, Axalta Coating Systems, and many other partners are working with local communities to conserve wetlands and improve lives in the Lake Cuitzeo watershed
When the freeze is on, small creeks and streams can be the key to late-season success
Fooling late-season ducks and geese often requires creativity, fresh approaches, and a little more work
A closer look at the diversity of America's favorite duck dogs
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act continues to be one of the most important and successful conservation programs in history
This vast, wetland-rich region contains vitally important habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds
Here's how to stay warm and comfortable in the blind when the mercury drops
This enigmatic species vanished nearly 150 years ago—we still don't know why
A look at the vital program that is empowering women to embrace their wild side and get outdoors
This simple recipe is based on a cooking style that has been handed down through centuries
Improve your retriever's performance by correcting these bad habits
Keep your shotgun functioning in even the worst weather conditions
Find the perfect gift for the hunter on your list
The remarkable story of how Team DU banded together to make conservation history
Guided by the latest science, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan gets an update to meet the challenges of tomorrow
Here's how to create an unforgettable hunting experience for beginning waterfowlers
Archived from the September / October 2019 issue
The right kind of movement in your decoy spread can make all the difference
In many states, resident Canada goose seasons provide hunters with high-limit, early-season action
Hunting these plentiful game birds is a great way to get your retriever in shape for waterfowl season
When and where waterfowl migrate is determined largely by day length, weather, and food availability
Be ready when the moment of truth arrives
Hens and their broods rely on a variety of wetland habitats as ducklings must grow quickly to join the fall migration
This Korean-inspired recipe complements the natural flavor of ducks and geese
Archived from the July / August 2019 issue
Archived from the January / February 2019 Issue
Archived from the March / April 2019 Issue
Archived from the May / June 2019 Issue
A message from DU CEO Adam Putnam
Agricultural practices that help farmers and ranchers improve the land are the centerpiece of new efforts to save threatened prairie wetlands
Follow this expert advice to get your dog ready for opening day
Wetland conditions are highly variable across key waterfowl breeding areas
For meat that's tender and tasty, cook it low and slow
Follow these rules for safe and productive hunts
There's nothing like a September teal hunt to kick off the waterfowl season
Brood parasitism is more common among waterfowl than you might think
These retrievers offer full-size performance in a pint-size package
Here is a collection of honorable mentions from our 2019 DU Member Photo Contest
This year's winning photos capture the beauty and excitement of waterfowling
Tips from the pros on how to hunt these traditional duck and goose hot spots
Wisconsin's famed Horicon Marsh is a prime example of how wetlands help connect people with nature and their communities
For 85 years, the mission of the Federal Duck Stamp Program has been brought to life by the nation's most talented wildlife artists
Experts share their opinions about the qualities that set the best retrievers apart from the rest of the pack
Waterfowl are ideal for making sausage and the recipes are delicious
The return of the giant Canada goose has been a bonanza for waterfowlers
Hunting honkers and cacklers in the shadow of the Colorado Rockies
The author returns to the big river to hunt ducks on the anniversary of the Armistice Day Storm
Expert waterfowlers offer valuable lessons on how to fool decoy-shy ducks and geese
DU's Artist of the Year passes on his love of waterfowl and art to the next generation
A little wine adds a lot of flavor to this hearty dish
Expert advice for hunting this classic southern habitat
Thanks to new technology and cutting-edge research, waterfowl scientists are closer than ever to answering this age-old question
Expert strategies to get your retriever comfortable, confident, and steady in these challenging conditions
With the right loads and chokes, the increasingly popular 20-gauge is a viable option for waterfowlers, within limits
These dedicated men and women play a pivotal role in building support among elected officials for DU's conservation mission
Follow these five tips to fix any flaws in your shooting form before opening day
With the holidays fast approaching, check out these gift ideas for waterfowlers and other outdoor enthusiasts
A look back at the fascinating origins of the duck dog
A barrel's length, weight, rib, and bead all affect how well a gun suits its owner
Private landowners are partnering with DU to protect crucial waterfowl habitats
Conserving these multipurpose habitats is important not only for waterfowl and other wildlife but also for people and the environment
Take your goose hunting to the next level with these 10 tips from the pros
The right combination of choke and load can improve your shooting performance at the range and in the field
Insights from DU CEO Dale Hall
This delicious, easy-to-prepare recipe will be a hit at your next dinner party or evening at duck camp
A season spent hunting with vintage gear brings back treasured memories from the author's youth
Knowing when to call a shot—or not—is often a split-second decision based on years of experience
The distribution of midcontinent white-fronted geese has shifted in response to changing agricultural practices on the birds' wintering grounds
Here's how to get peak performance from your duck dog in the field
Follow this expert advice to set a more effective spread this season
Ducks Unlimited and its partners are working against time to conserve the vanishing wetlands of this vital Gulf Coast wintering area
Get ready for your next waterfowling adventure with this handy selection of camping gear and other products
These cooking techniques will make even the toughest game tender and delicious
A simple and effective duck blind starts with certain basics
A variety of factors influence how ducks respond to decoys and calling
A closer look at the hottest trends in nontoxic pellets and loads
Preparation, intuition, and a well-stocked first-aid kit can go a long way toward protecting your dog in the field
DU biologists and engineers work together to deliver conservation projects on diverse landscapes
Habitat conditions were variable this summer across North America's most important waterfowl breeding areas
Follow these nutrition tips to keep your duck dog healthy and primed for performance year-round
This formative period is often the most crucial time in a retriever's life
Do your homework before starting your search for a new retriever
The latest shotguns, ammo and gear for waterfowlers
Waterfowl harvest regulations are guided by sound science and a commitment to the stewardship of the resource
Whether up north or down south, the smallest wetlands can offer some of the best hunting opportunities for dabblers
The Sporting Chef shares his favorite regional duck dishes from across the continent
By securing matching funds from government agencies and other sources, Ducks Unlimited is able to multiply your contributions many times to put more habitat on the ground for waterfowl
Insights from DU CEO Dale Hall
Archived from the May / June 2018 Issue
Slow-cooking is the secret to turning lean game birds into a delicious, hearty dinner
DU's conservation work provides a host of benefits for salmon and other popular sport fish
Special care should be taken when bringing a puppy into a home with a veteran retriever
Try using creativity to come up with the perfect handle for your retriever pup
Insights from DU CEO Dale Hall
Now is the time to show your support for agricultural conservation programs that provide a host of benefits for wildlife and people
All retrievers must learn the ins and outs of hunting in close quarters
Five veteran hunters share their advice for evading detection by wary waterfowl
Ducks and geese have a variety of adaptations to help them survive the coldest months of the year
Follow these expert tips to maximize your opportunities on public lands
The cost of owning a retriever can be great, but then so can the rewards
This classic long-range call is just as effective today as it was 50 years ago
This collection of gear will help you find the perfect gift for the waterfowler on your list this holiday season
Let your eyes lead the way to better wingshooting
Archived from the November / December 2017 Issue
Make your spread irresistible to waterfowl this fall
Prevention and preparation are the keys to keeping your duck dog healthy and safe in the great outdoors
Special care should be taken as your retriever nears the end of his waterfowling career
Make the most of your hunting opportunities when opening day finally arrives
An in-depth report on North America's most adaptable, abundant, and commonly harvested duck
Wetlands and rivers in America's heartland provide vital migration habitat for millions of waterfowl
These highly adaptable ducks are found in a variety of habitats across the globe
School-based clubs are giving student-athletes opportunities to excel in the shooting sports
Five experts share their secrets for calling Canadas, cacklers, whitefronts, light geese and brant
The waterfowling action heats up in early fall across this windswept tip on the Alaska Peninsula
The Sporting Chef offers five of his favorite waterfowl appetizers
Here's how to give an old semiauto a high-performance makeover
Follow these 25 simple tips to bag more ducks and geese
Small adjustments to your gun stock can make a big difference in your shooting success
A century of innovation has made the semiauto America's favorite duck gun
Follow these seven tips to pattern your shotgun for waterfowl
Female waterfowlers should consider these factors when purchasing a new duck gun
Five experts offer on-target advice for improving your wingshooting skills
Here's how to take the kick out of modern waterfowl guns and loads
Improve your shooting skills for waterfowl with these clay-target tips
Here's how to choose the right size pellets for duck and goose hunting
Bag more ducks and geese by mastering these essential skills
Follow these tips to know how and when to shoot a double on waterfowl
Bag more birds this fall by breaking more clays over the summer
Choosing the right shotgun can increase your harvest during the conservation order
During the dog days of summer, swimming is the coolest way to get your retriever ready for duck season
Mix up your duck dog's workout regimen to keep him in top form year-round
The ability to fetch "unseens" is the hallmark of a finished duck dog
Here's how to keep your dog healthy and safe when hunting in frigid conditions
Pack these items when planning a hunting trip with your dog
5 Tips to introduce a young retriever to waterfowling basics
Restore an older dog to top retrieving form
Golden retrievers have a long history as splendid gun dogs
Advance preparation is the best way to keep your retriever from mangling birds
The ability to direct your retriever with hand signals is invaluable in the field
Expert advice to prevent your dog from stopping short or dallying during bird delivery
Retrievers may confront any number of potentially dangerous situations
Developing a sensible routine will help keep your retriever in top condition
Timing is everything in retriever training
This twist on the traditional sandwich is the perfect on-the-go summer meal
Old-country cooking turns panfried duck fillets into tender and tasty delights
The Sporting Chef offers new variations on traditional duck and goose dishes
Slow-cooked in their own rendered fat, duck legs become a tender delicacy
Spice up your summer with this delicious backyard barbecue marinade
Combine wild birds with real south-of-the-border flavors to create a savory meal
Follow this expert advice to grill waterfowl to perfection
This simple South American condiment adds a tangy, flavorful twist to barbecued waterfowl
This light marinade will help enhance the natural flavor of waterfowl
Fresh vegetables and a tasty sauce make this Asian-inspired recipe a surefire winner
These tasty little meat pies make perfect preseason appetizers
This mildly sweet dish has just enough heat to give it an edge for summer barbecuing
A well-seasoned duck that's crispy on the outside and moist and delicious on the inside makes for a memorable meal
Spring is the best time for making snow goose summer sausage
For tenderness and flavor, this quick-and-easy recipe is hard to beat
This slow-cooking method is sure to make any duck or goose dish tender and delicious
Try these easy recipes for tastier ducks and geese on the grill
The Sporting chef shares his menu for the perfect summer feast
Mom's classic sandwich recipe is even better with waterfowl and this tangy, savory sauce
Beans or no beans, this dish's hearty goodness is not open to debate
Roasted garlic adds a sweet, nutty flavor to this delicious recipe
This all-purpose grilling recipe is a real crowd-pleaser
Sourdough bread, thinly sliced duck, lots of grilled onions, and tangy horseradish sauce are an unbeatable combination
Prosciutto, mango and jalapeño give this traditional appetizer a tangy, spicy twist
Beat the winter chill with this classic catchall recipe
Tender and tasty, this popular snack food is the ultimate duck blind treat
Encouraging the growth of natural seed-producing plants can yield a bumper crop of prime waterfowl foods
Four experts offer reliable advice for keeping your waterfowling equipment in fine working condition
Follow this expert advice to bag more flight birds this season
Add these motion decoys to your spread to lure more ducks into shooting range
Here's how to bag more bluewings during the early teal season
Article by Wade Bourne. Illustrations by Kyle Mills.
Follow these important boating and wading safety tips for waterfowlers
Tips to protect your hearing while waterfowl hunting
Follow this expert advice to end your waterfowl season with a bang
Going small for diving ducks can yield big results
The canvasback is a symbol of the struggles and triumphs of waterfowl conservation
Here's how to make the most of public hunting opportunities in your area
Keeps your boat operating when the temperature plunges
Waterfowlers can never have enough gear at their disposal
Ten tactics and tools to help you harvest more light geese this season
40 tips on calling, decoys, strategies, and shooting
Expert tips for decoying Canadas, Snows, Specklebellies, Cacklers, and Brant
Expert advice on how to decoy more light geese during the special conservation season
Four experts share their secrets on how to decoy wary late-season geese
DU's Waterfowling Heritage Center offers an up close look at an amazing collection of guns, gear, and artwork
Tiffany Lakosky, co-host of The Crush TV show
The rise and fall of market hunting in America
Old-school metal-reed duck calls can still grab the attention of passing birds
Follow these expert tips to match your calling to the birds' behavior
When ducks get call-shy, try a subtler approach
Is a caller's true test on the stage or in the blind? Both, claim many of today's champions, who say that competing in contests makes them better hunters.
They were developers, innovators, experimenters and, above all, waterfowl hunters seeking to create the most efficient tools possible.
Avoid costly errors and improve your calling this duck season
Trying different approaches can be the key to using this finishing call successfully
Preventive maintenance and an understanding of how your duck call can be modified will go a long way toward ensuring optimum performance.
Two duck callers can be much more effective than one
A late autumn visit to this waterfowling mecca is always memorable, even when the ducks don't cooperate
A sampling of public waterfowling hotspots often overlooked by hunters
Many of the author's favorite waterfowling memories were made on public lands, open to one and all
An unforgettable teal-hunting adventure in the heart of Cajun country
A waterfowler's pilgrimage to the Canadian Duck Factory and the birthplace of DU's conservation work
The hunt of a lifetime is the reward for days of hard scouting in this state's prairie pothole country
Some of the nation's best waterfowling is only a short drive away from these metropolitan areas
Here's how to make the most of a limited number of decoys in five common waterfowl habitats
Insights from DU CEO Dale Hall
Archived from the September / October 2017 Issue
A closer look at how DU's science-based habitat conservation efforts benefit breeding waterfowl on the prairies and in the Boreal Forest
Prolonged periods of dry weather can have both positive and negative impacts on waterfowl and their habitats
An overview of wetland conditions on key waterfowl breeding areas
Archived from the July / August 2017 Issue
Wetland conditions have improved since last spring in many key waterfowl breeding areas
This year's winners captured a breathtaking array of waterfowl, wetland, and hunting images from across the country
Archived from the May / June 2017 Issue
A closer look at the most common waterfowl illnesses
Insights from DU CEO Dale Hall
Ducks Unlimited works closely with Congress and other governmental partners in support of its wetlands and waterfowl conservation mission
Insights from DU CEO Dale Hall
By supporting DU's wetlands and waterfowl conservation efforts, we can all help make the world a better place
This landmark legislation provides crucial funding for wildlife conservation across the United States
A closer look at how waterfowl use sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell to thrive in the wild
Throughout the past 80 years, Ducks Unlimited has risen to the challenge of saving North America's wetlands and waterfowl
Insights from DU CEO Dale Hall
The North American Waterfowl Management Plan and migratory bird joint ventures have revolutionized waterfowl conservation
This country's diverse wetlands provide crucial wintering habitat for many of North America's ducks and geese
Artist Bob White's step-by-step illustration process for DU magazine
These projects represent some of DU's finest work on North America's most important waterfowl landscapes
By hunting waterfowl and supporting Ducks Unlimited, you provide a host of benefits to wildlife and people
Restoring coastal wetlands is a high priority for Ducks Unlimited on key waterfowl migration and wintering areas
For almost 70 years, this system has been the basis for waterfowl management in the United States
An in-depth report on the state of northern pintail populations and DU's efforts to conserve their habitats
Late spring and summer rainfall has improved prospects for waterfowl production on many key breeding areas
Despite increased harvests, populations of these Arctic-nesting geese continue to grow
A look back at Ducks Unlimited de Mexico's first four decades and a look ahead at its highest priorities for the future
DU is working with private landowners and other partners to implement Farm Bill conservation programs in high-priority areas
These fascinating ducks have many characteristics and behaviors that set them apart
We can't control the weather, but conserving wetlands and grasslands on the prairies will help ensure the long-term health of duck populations
Turning the tide of wetland loss in this important waterfowl wintering area
Your support will be needed to save key agricultural conservation programs in upcoming legislation
For eight decades, this visionary program has been a cornerstone of wetlands and waterfowl conservation
Now a quarter century old, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act is more important than ever to waterfowl and hunters
DU members must act now to save agricultural conservation programs that help sustain waterfowl populations
The recently revised North American Waterfowl Management Plan will help ensure a bright future for ducks and their habitats
Redhead hens are notorious for shirking brood-raising duties
From the earliest days of Ducks Unlimited, the nation's finest wildlife artists have supported conservation with their work
Sketches submitted by DU's all-star artists for this year's art package
David Maass captures his fourth DU Artist of the Year honor
DU Artist of the Year Scot Storm excels at painting waterfowl and mentoring youth
Honorable Mention entries in the Retrievers category from the 2014 DU Member Photo Contest
Honorable Mention entries in the 2012 DU Members Photo Contest
Honorable Mention entries in the 2012 DU Members Photo Contest
Honorable Mention entries in the 2012 DU Members Photo Contest
This year's winning images were chosen from another impressive field of entries submitted by photographers across the nation
This year's winners include another stunning collection of waterfowl and hunting images from across the nation
Wetlands provide a host of benefits in addition to their waterfowl habitat value
Sustaining healthy waterfowl numbers will be a great challenge as the earth's human population grows
A bird's-eye view of the wetland restoration process from beginning to end
Supporting the rich outdoor heritage of the southeastern United States by conserving vital wetlands for waterfowl
Conserving the West's most important waterfowl wintering area in the face of severe drought
Sustaining Atlantic Flyway waterfowl populations throughout their annual journey
Conserving the wetlands and grasslands of the Southern Great Plains for migrating waterfowl
Conserving wetlands in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains for outdoorsmen and women
Conserving one of the earth's most valuable ecosystems and a crucial breeding ground for North America's waterfowl
Restoring the glory of the lower Mississippi River floodplain for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people
An innovative partnership will expand efforts to conserve vital habitat in this important waterfowl breeding area
Coastal wetland loss and degradation are threatening Louisiana's rich hunting and fishing heritage
Connecting waterfowl and conservationists across North America
Conserving wetlands and water resources for ducks and people on the Southern Great Plains
Conserving Minnesota and Iowa's wetlands and shallow lakes for breeding and migrating waterfowl
Conservation easements are a powerful tool for protecting threatened waterfowl habitat on private lands
A look back at some of the most influential people and events in conservation history
Conserving healthy landscapes and clean water is vital to waterfowl and people
Conserving key habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife throughout this vast watershed
Dedicated funding amendments have bolstered wetland and waterfowl conservation programs in Iowa and several other states
For almost 50 years, states have worked with DU to conserve vital waterfowl habitat across Canada
Flooded rice fields help support the majority of the nation's wintering dabbling ducks
Conserving wetlands and waterfowl in America's Last Frontier
Without your help, this important agricultural conservation program faces an uncertain future
Over the past 75 years, generations of DU supporters have worked together to safeguard the future of North America's wetlands and waterfowl
The amazing story of how a small group of waterfowlers changed the course of conservation history
Conserving the Mississippi River and its tributaries for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people
Cattle ranchers manage much of this continent's most important waterfowl breeding habitat
The harlequin duck is among North America's most unusual waterfowl species
Ducks and geese may face severe water and food shortages in the Central Valley this year
The health of waterfowl populations depends largely on the ability of the birds to successfully nest and hatch broods
While most waterfowl seek isolation during the breeding season, the birds are often highly gregarious the rest of the year
A closer look at the amazing journey ducklings make from fuzzballs to fledglings
Aquatic plants are a vital food source for many species of waterfowl
Habitat conditions on migration and wintering areas may influence waterfowl breeding potential the following spring
Gaining weight is a good thing for waterfowl during fall and winter
A closer look at the fascinating mating strategies of male ducks and geese
These small, shallow-flooded basins are vital to waterfowl production on the prairies
Just how good were the good old days? Waterfowl biologists explore how large the fall flight might have been in early America
A closer look at the remarkable comeback of the giant Canada goose
Waterfowl replace all of their feathers with new plumage at least once a year
An important food source for many waterfowl, these tiny creatures have fascinating life histories
An inside look at the dynamic digestive system of waterfowl
A variety of factors affect the longevity of ducks and geese
Ducks and geese are well equipped to find food in a variety of habitats
DU research sheds new light on this prized bird's migration habits
As demand for water intensifies, DU is working to ensure that waterfowl receive a fair share of this limited resource
Careful management is required to maintain the productivity of these classic waterfowl habitats
Managing seasonal wetlands for seed-producing natural vegetation has many advantages over planting crops
While progress has been made in conserving the nation's wetlands, these vital habitats continue to decline at an alarming rate
New threats to prairie wetlands could mean big trouble for duck populations
An overview of North America's most important waterfowl landscapes and DU's efforts to conserve them
Duck clubs and other private landowners provide vital habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife
A step-by-step tutorial from the artist, Bob White
Walton Family Foundation Supports New Approach to Conservation Easements
$1.2 Million Coastal Restoration Project Dedicated to Louisiana Conservationists
Honoring the Passion, Celebrating Conservation