About this episode

Matt Judy discusses the implications of the North Dakota breeding survey for the upcoming 2026 waterfowl season.

In this episode of the Dive Bomb Squad Cast, Matt Judy breaks down the recently released North Dakota breeding survey and discusses what the latest duck numbers could mean heading into the 2026 waterfowl season. While the official U.S. and Canada breeding population survey is still to come later this summer, North Dakota remains one of the most important duck-producing regions in North America and often provides an early look at overall breeding conditions. Matt shares his thoughts on how hunters should interpret survey results, why weather and migration patterns often play just as large a role in hunting success as population estimates, and why Pacific Flyway hunters may experience seasons differently than those in the Central Flyway. The episode also includes summer updates from around home, including fishing, preparations for fall, cattle, kennel life, and a look at an ever-growing Bush Light collection. Whether you're counting down the days until duck season or just looking for some offseason waterfowl talk, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

People in this episode

Host: Ashur Tolliver

Guest: Matt Judy

Topics covered

• duck hunting
• waterfowl season
• breeding survey
• hunting success
• migration patterns

Mentioned in this episode

Places: North Dakota, U.S., Canada, Pacific Flyway, Central Flyway

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