In this episode of Save it for the Blind, Jeff and Carson sit down with Jim Burcio and Rob Capriola—two pillars of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association—to talk decoys, tradition, and the upcoming 53rd Annual Wildfowl Festival in Sacramento, California.

Jim Burcio, PFDA’s Vice President of Membership, walks us through the history and heart of the festival, happening July 12–13, 2025. From carving competitions to conservation booths and antique showcases, it’s a celebration of waterfowl art and community like no other.

Joining him is Rob Capriola, a seasoned decoy carver whose work reflects over 50 years of craftsmanship and a biologist’s understanding of the birds. Rob shares his story—from carving his first rig to showcasing fine decoys at shows across the country—and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a decoy that’s both beautiful and biologically spot-on.

Whether you’re deep into decoy culture or just appreciate the craft that supports the hunt, this episode is packed with stories and insight from two men keeping tradition alive.

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop us a comment—especially if you’ve been to the Wildfowl Festival or have a decoy story of your own to share!

In Part 2 of our Save it for the Blind: New Zealand series, co-host Jeff Smith is back from the bush and sits down with his brother Colby Smith—his travel partner and fellow hunter—to debrief their epic trip to New Zealand.

The brothers recount their hunts across breathtaking terrain, swap stories from the field, and reflect on what sets New Zealand’s hunting culture apart. From gear highs and lows to local traditions and surprising differences in access and conservation, this conversation brings a full-circle look at their overseas adventure.

If you’ve ever dreamed about hunting abroad or want to hear what happens when two duck-obsessed brothers take on the Southern Hemisphere, this is your episode.

👉 Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment—especially if you’ve got questions about hunting in New Zealand or where we should head next!

In this episode of Save it for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with Dr. Kevin Ringelman—Associate Professor of Waterfowl Ecology and Management at LSU, and the successor to Dr. John Eadie’s longtime position at UC Davis. From drone-powered brood surveys to mentoring the next generation of wildlife professionals, Dr. Ringelman offers a grounded and insightful look at the evolving landscape of waterfowl research and conservation.

They dig into Kevin’s early influences—including his dad and formative field mentors—and discuss what it was like stepping into Eadie’s legacy. The conversation spans emerging tech like drones in duck brood studies, how field programs like College Camp and the College Hunter Program are changing student perspectives, and the regulatory and conservation challenges facing California and beyond.

Dr. Ringelman also shares advice for students wanting to break into the field, favorite species to study, his most unforgettable field moment, and one myth about conservation he’s ready to bust.

This episode blends heart, science, and future-forward thinking—whether you’re a student, biologist, or duck hunter, there’s something in here for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know what questions you'd love to hear us ask in future episodes. Your voice helps shape the blind!