In this episode of Safari Club International's Fowl Thoughts, Chad sits down solo at the mic to dive into the early days of The Fowl Life, sharing stories of the OGs who were there from the start, some moments that shaped the brand, and how he landed on the name that hunters everywhere know today. Who mentored him? Who was in the blind from the beginning? Listen in for a nostalgic look at the origins of how everything came to be and what’s to come!
This episode is brought to you by Safari Club International, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, LEER toppers, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Banded Brands, The Provider Culinary, GATR coolers, and Traeger Grills.

E467 - Stepping Back In Time, SCI Fowl Thoughts with Chad

What does it take to turn a vision into one of the most elite duck-hunting properties in the country? In this episode, you'll find out. Chad sits down with Matt and Seth to dive into the origins of Banded Drake Ranch. They rewind the clock to the first time they ever laid eyes on the land, the moment the dream took shape and the strategy behind transforming it into a premier waterfowl destination. From the first hunt to the endless planning that went into its design, the guys break down what makes BDR so special and why this location was the perfect fit. Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of the most high-end duck clubs in America! This episode is brought to you by Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Banded Hunt Gear, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Avery Outdoors, Realtree Camo, Corning Ford, KERSHAW Knives, Safari Club International, MyOutdoor TV, PECOS Outdoor, and The Provider Culinary.

E469 - Building A Legacy - The Banded Drake Ranch Story Part 1

The story of Banded Drake Ranch continues. In Part 2, Chad is back with Matt, Seth, and Denny to dig even deeper into the vision that made this place unique and exceptional from the start. With a shared goal of creating a higher-end duck club that’s rooted in conservation and building a legacy, the guys walk us through the intense planning, improvements, and hands-on work that went into shaping the land. From dialing in the habitat to farming specifically for wildlife, every decision was made with intention, and it shows. Hear how they’ve embraced the role of stewards, pouring time and passion into building not just a hunting property, but a world-class waterfowl sanctuary. This is more than a duck club…This is the BDR. This episode is brought to you by Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Banded Hunt Gear, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Avery Outdoors, Realtree Camo, Corning Ford, KERSHAW Knives, Safari Club International, MyOutdoor TV, PECOS Outdoor, and The Provider Culinary.

E470 - Building A Legacy - The Banded Drake Ranch Story Part 2

In this episode, Chad sits down with Jeff Tarsi of Nutrien Ag Solutions to explore the connection between sustainable agriculture and wildlife conservation. Jeff talks about his passion for turkey hunting and his dream of spending every day of his retirement in pursuit of gobblers. They discuss how farmers are the OG conservationists, working tirelessly to leave the land better than they found it. From deer to ducks, and even the smallest rodents, it's all about the land and those who steward it, bringing things around full circle. They get into how hunting can provide supplemental income for farmers, bringing us all together. Join us as we celebrate the North American farmer—the cornerstone of America, the vital role they play in our ecosystems, and Nutrien Ag Solution’s commitment to supporting their trade.
This episode is brought to you by: Nutrien Ag Solutions, Bad Boy Mowers, Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, JARGON Goose Calls, Realtree Brand Camo, Banded Hunt Gear, Greenhead Gear Canada Goose Decoys, KERSHAW Knives, The Provider Culinary, LEER Toppers, Mickey Thompson Tires, and Corning Ford.

E472 - Feathers and Fields with Jeff Tarsi of Nutrien Ag Solutions

We ain’t sugarcoatin’ it—waterfowl hunting ain’t easy to get into. The gear, the regs, the access, the learning curve... it’s enough to turn folks away before they ever get a decoy wet. But in this episode, we sit down with the badasses from California Waterfowl Association who are making darn sure the tradition doesn’t die on our watch.

From youth camps to veteran hunts, college outreach to first-time field days, the CWA crew is putting in the work—boots on the ground, blinds in the mud, boats in the Delta—to welcome a new wave of hunters into the lifestyle. We’re talkin’ about the full-circle moments, the tear-jerking first retrieves, and the look in a new hunter’s eyes when the first greenhead backpedals over the spread.

You’ll hear how programs like Duck Camp and the Hunt Program are opening gates that used to be locked shut. Real access. Real mentorship. Real opportunities to chase specks, sprig, and mallards in some of the most iconic ground in the flyway.

This one’s a reminder of why we do it—and who we’re doing it for. It’s not just about the straps. It’s about preserving the culture, passing it down, and makin’ sure this lifestyle stays alive for generations to come.
This episode is brought to you by California Waterfowl Association, Corning Ford, Nappa Valley Olive Oil, Cowboy Choice Horse Feeds, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Merlo Waterfowl Group and The Provider Culinary

E474 - CWA’s New Hunter Mission – Keepin’ the Culture Alive part 1

Chad is back with Carson and Jeff from CWA, for part 2 of the conversation you won't want to miss. The guys shift gears from the blinds and boats to the cutting boards and cleaning tables. Chad and the crew talk through what happens after the hunt—processing birds, following the law, and doing right by the resource. Is there a perfect way to clean a duck? Maybe not. But doing it with respect and purpose matters more than most people realize.
They dig into how new hunters, especially those driven by food, are leading the charge when it comes to using the whole bird, and how exciting that is for mentors to see. There’s something special about that connection to the animal and the wild game lifestyle, and it’s lighting a fire in this next generation.
They cover everything from identification before pulling the trigger, and what you can do as a mentor to help with this process, the pros and cons of subgauges, and why mentorship, ethics, and setting the right example online are more important than ever.
If you missed Part 1—hit that first. Then buckle up, because we’re just gettin’ warmed up!
This episode is brought to you by California Waterfowl Association, Corning Ford, Nappa Valley Olive Oil, Cowboy Choice Horse Feeds, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Merlo Waterfowl Group and The Provider Culinary

E475 - CWA’s New Hunter Mission – Keepin’ the Culture Alive part 2

Today’s episode is all about some of the best tools in the game, Mojo decoys! Chad sits down with the one and only, Terry Denmon, the man who lit the fuse on a hunting revolution with MOJO Outdoors.
From building his very first invention to launching a movement that turns ducks inside out from Canada to Arkansas, Terry breaks it all down. The grit, the grind, and the gear that changed the game forever.
Hear the untold story of how MOJO started, how it evolved, and why it still dominates the skies today. Don’t miss the product that’s got Chad’s phone still blowing up at all hours! Hunters can’t get enough of it, and after this episode, you’ll know exactly why.
This is the kind of conversation that makes you want to start prepping now for waterfowl season! It just can’t come fast enough! Press play and get ready to feel the motion. This episode is brought to you by MOJO, Caesar’s Palace, Benelli, Federal Premium Ammunition, Cowboy Choice Feeds, Corning Ford, Safari Club International, Mickey Thompson Tires, KERSHAW Knives, The Provider Culinary, and Freedom Hunters.

E482 - MOJO: The Motion That Changed the Game – With Terry Denmon

If you’re in it for the meat, the memories, and maybe a little mayhem, this one’s for you.
Chad’s sharing the fire with Bone Collector’s own Nick Mundt and Canadian outfitter John Prosak in an episode that hits deep and hunts hard. Nick opens up about life on the road 300 days a year and how chasing big game never gets old, even after decades in the grind. From his early days behind the camera to becoming one of hunting’s most recognizable faces, Nick’s passion is unmatched.
The guys get into favorite wild game recipes, and get real about what gets sacrificed in the name of the hunt, and what’s truly worth holding onto. And don’t miss Johnny Prosak’s absolutely unhinged Airbnb experience—it’s the kind of story that’ll make you think twice before clicking “Book Now.”
Raw, unfiltered, and hilarious. This is The Fowl Life at its best.
This episode is brought to you by Caeser's Palace and Entertainment, Jack Link's Outdoors, Benelli Shotguns, Banded Brands, ZLINE, Jack Link’s Jerky, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Jargon Duck and Goose Calls, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, and The Provider Culinary

E484 - History and Hilarious Conversations with Nick Mundt and John Prosak

Buckle up! Tony Vandemore is back on the mic with Chad for another waterfowl deep dive you won’t want to miss!  From early teal to late-season birds, the guys break down what made last season great and what’s coming next.
Listen in for the inside knowledge you need to keep your edge sharp. Here where the birds were flying, which guns they’re reaching for, how the migration is shifting, and why staying in tune in the off-season matters more than ever. Tony shares insights from the field, straight from one of the most respected names in the game.
If you live for the flight lines and the frosty mornings, this one’s for you!
episode is brought to you by Caeser's Palace and Entertainment, Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Banded Hunt Gear, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Avery Outdoors, Realtree Camo, Corning Ford, KERSHAW Knives, Safari Club International, MyOutdoor TV, PECOS Outdoor, and The Provider Culinary.

E485 - Tony Vandemore – Chasing the Flyways & Living the Lifestyle

What if the brand you grab off the shelf for a quick protein fix had a story way deeper than you thought? In this episode, Chad sits down with Hunter Qualls of Jack Link’s to explore the surprising heart behind the company: small-town roots, real American values, and a mission that goes far beyond snacks.
Chad and Hunter get into the type of people behind Jack Link’s, like Troy Link, a man who’s built an empire but still stays grounded in humility, respect, and community. From the front lines of product innovation to the fast-growing world of “better-for-you” options, this conversation unpacks why Jack Link’s is a reflection of what people are really craving today: honesty, quality, and food that fuels real life.
There’s more to this story than meat sticks. Tune in to find out why Jack Link’s might just be one of the most quietly impactful companies in America.
This episode is brought to you by Jack Link's, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, LEER, Travel Nevada, Lethal, and Corning Ford!

E488 - Jack Link’s – The Unexpected Story Behind America’s Favorite Jerky

As Chad chases the waterfowl migration, each new episode, brings you a behind-the-scenes experience at different Duck Hunting Camps across the U.S. Here you’ll get to hear from industry leaders, expert waterfowl hunters, professional athletes and folks that are just as obsessed as you are about waterfowl hunting. You’ll find advice on choosing the right gear, learn new hunting strategies, duck calling techniques, how to prepare wild game and so much more.

So, join the conversation and subscribe to the podcast so you’ll get future episodes downloaded directly to your computer, phone or tablet.

New tracks tagged #waterfowl hunting