The Standard Sportsman

Lifelong Arkansas waterfowlers Brent Birch and Cason Short discuss duck hunting's past, present, and future with various thought-provoking leaders in the duck-hunting community. The guys will discuss days afield, waterfowl conservation, and stewardship with the goal of leaving the sport of duck and goose hunting better than they found it.

Presented by Yeti, Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Sitka Gear, Purina Pro Plan, and Ducks Unlimited.

All Episodes

The Standard Sportsman

A Duck Hunter's Dilema

December 18, 2025 • Brent Birch and Cason Short • Season 1 • Episode 57

Duck hunters' wish and want lists are a mile long. More water, less water, colder temps, warmer weather; everyone wants something different to tip the odds in their favor. But those wants often ignore the cause-and-effect shaping the hunt. Cason and Brent play devil’s advocate, unpacking the most common refrains heard in the blind and challenging whether they actually help ducks or hunters. The guys also share what they’re hearing after the recent cold snap, including updated duck numbers, the avian flu outbreak on snow geese and more sick specklebellies than in years past.

>>>

Thanks to our sponsors: Tom Beckbe, Lile Real Estate, Perfect Limit Outdoors, Purina Pro Plan, Sitka Gear, Greenhead: The Arkansas Duck Hunting Magazine, and Ducks Unlimited.

Send us a text

Brent Birch

Co-host

Cason Short

Co-host