Jan 30, 2026
In this episode of Gamebird
University, hosts James Callicutt and Brian Davis sit down with Dr.
Scott Stephens, Senior Director of Prairie and Boreal Conservation
Strategy with Ducks Unlimited, for a timely and thought-provoking
conversation on duck breeding, population trends, and the future of
waterfowl conservation.
The trio explores the sharp declines
in duck populations since 2015 and unpacks the critical role that
prairie breeding grounds—especially small wetlands and intact
grasslands—play in sustaining duck numbers. Scott shares insights
from decades of research and conservation strategy, highlighting
how environmental conditions, habitat loss, and climate variability
are reshaping the waterfowl landscape.
The discussion covers the complex
interplay between habitat availability, agricultural practices, and
conservation economics, emphasizing the importance of working with
private landowners and leveraging programs that support voluntary
conservation. They also examine harvest management in the context
of declining populations, underscoring the need for adaptive
approaches that reflect habitat conditions on the ground.
Throughout the episode, listeners
will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving duck
population dynamics and the urgent need for collaborative,
landscape-scale conservation. From duck stamp funding to community
engagement, this conversation reinforces why safeguarding waterfowl
habitats across the Prairie and Boreal regions is more important
than ever—for hunters, landowners, and future generations
alike.