Episode 6 - Tides, Tradition, and Timeless Hunting Stories from the Field

From tide-driven duck hunts to unforgettable Christmas gifts, this episode captures the soul of the outdoors. Salt marsh waterfowl hunting is a game all its own and listeners get an insider’s look at one of North America’s most demanding and storied duck hunts. Host Colin Kearns sits down with Field & Stream senior editor Ryan Chelius to break down salt marsh duck hunting on Long Island, where tides dictate everything, black ducks rule the sky, and tradition matters as much as gear. Ryan explains how Atlantic Flyway tides shape every decision, why falling water exposes prime feeding zones, and what makes black ducks some of the wariest and most rewarding puddle ducks to hunt. You’ll hear practical insights on salt marsh hunting tactics, including grass boats, sneak boxes, cork decoys, and why calling takes a backseat to setup and concealment in the Northeast. The conversation also dives into hunting brant, navigating big water safely, and why harvesting just a couple of black ducks can feel more meaningful than punching a limit elsewhere. The episode then shifts into a fireside-style reflection on the holidays, with Field & Stream editors and contributors sharing the most memorable hunting and fishing gifts they’ve ever received from first duck calls and fly rods to BB guns and tree stands. The show closes with a powerful reading of Lost Soul by the late Scott Bestial, reminding listeners why time spent hunting, fishing, and living outdoors still matters. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: Christmas Bells 1 by Cloud-10 -- https://freesound.org/s/536251/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Jingle bells.wav by juskiddink -- https://freesound.org/s/110158/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Deck The Halls - Christmas jingle played with bells by Ihaksi -- https://freesound.org/s/411420/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 DeerWalking.WAV by Damsteegt -- https://freesound.org/s/553116/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Deer2.wav by juskiddink -- https://freesound.org/s/58661/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Indian Springs State Park Night Insects Soundscape 3.21.17 .wav by GnomeKid -- https://freesound.org/s/388016/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Walking in snow #1 by musicbrain -- https://freesound.org/s/215690/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 SHOOTING_ARROW_SINGLE_ARCHERY_FOLEY_03.wav by JoeDinesSound -- https://freesound.org/s/534953/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices