October 28, 2025 • 33 mins
The Duck Den comes alive at DUX 2025! Jimbo Robinson hosts an all-star crew—Beau Brooks, Justin Martin, and Maggie Williams—for an unforgettable roundtable in Memphis. Hear their stories about the early days, favorite hunts, mentorship moments, and a few surprises—including a big announcement about Willie Robertson. It’s waterfowl heritage, heart, and humor all in one episode.
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Episode Transcript
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VO (01:41):
Can we do a mic check, please? Everybody, welcome back
to the Ducks Unlimited podcast.I'm your host, doctor Mike
Brasher. I'm your host, KatieBurke. I'm your host, doctor
Jared Hemphith.
And I'm your host, MattHarrison.
Welcome to the Ducks Unlimited podcast, the only
(02:02):
podcast about all thingswaterfowl. From hunting insights
to science based discussionsabout ducks, geese, and issues
affecting waterfowl and wetlandsconservation in North America.
The DU podcast, sponsored byPurina Pro Plan, the official
performance dog food of DucksUnlimited. Purina Pro Plan,
always advancing. Also proudlysponsored by Bird Dog Whiskey
(02:24):
and Cocktails.
Whether you're winding down withyour best friend or celebrating
with your favorite crew, BirdDog brings award winning flavor
to every moment. Enjoyresponsibly.
Jimbo Robinson (02:47):
Welcome back, and gentlemen. We are in the
Duck Den at DUX 2025, and notoften do I feel like the, lowest
man on the totem pole in a groupof people. But with this group
sitting here, I may just turn itover to them. But mister Beau
Brooks, Higdon Outdoors with ushere. Justin Martin, man that
(03:08):
needs no introduction, and missMaggie Williams, and we are so
excited to have this crew onwith us today.
So let's just go around. Whydon't you just you know, what's
your feel right now?
Beau Brooks (03:19):
Dude, this has been epic. Like, 10 out of 10,
incredible turnout. I mean, thisis awesome.
Jimbo Robinson (03:25):
I'm not a big trade show guy. Like, I don't go
to a lot anymore. But when I wasI went running this morning, and
when I got done, I saw twopeople, and I was standing Where
are
Justin Martin (03:34):
you over here?
Beau Brooks (03:35):
What were you running from? Are you good?
Jimbo Robinson (03:36):
My kids and my wife that were still sleeping.
But I was sitting I was gotdownstairs. I saw two people
standing in the prepurchase lineat 06:30. And I thought there's
no way they're here for theshow. They may or may not have
been here for somebody'sexclusive calls or not.
We won't we'll may that's maybewhat they told us, but they were
here to meet the people.
Beau Brooks (03:55):
Yeah. A 100%. Everybody's here.
Justin Martin (03:58):
Yeah. Everybody. Everybody's here. No. It's it's
fun, man.
I I told somebody this morning.I said, I looked around, and
it's kinda like a full circlemoment for me because one of my
very first events, not even as aDuck Commander employee, but at
that time, a Duck Commandervolunteer, was the last time
y'all were here in Memphis. So,we're looking at, like, a twenty
(04:18):
year cycle for me, and it waskinda surreal because now, I'm
the old guy. I'm I'm the oldhead around here because now I'm
surrounded by Maggie and Beauand and this next generation,
which by the way, they'rekilling it. I love both of these
people and not just becausethey're sitting here.
I I would I would say thatregardless. And even coming over
(04:40):
here, like, had to cut throughthe twenty four seven guys'
line. So, like, it's a reallycool place where we are in the
world of waterfalls. Like, it'sit's a super cool place. And,
man, just it's fun to be back inMemphis.
Right?
Jimbo Robinson (04:52):
Right. Absolutely.
Maggie Williams (04:53):
I'll tell you, Jimbo, I'm just so honored to be
here. I'm a Northeast Arkansasgirl, so I grew up right across
the river from Memphis. Andwhenever I found out that the DU
Expo was gonna be in Memphisthis year, I was so excited just
because that's my local sense ofcommunity. And I have just seen
the waterfowl culture be so richhere all my life. So it's
something I'm very excited to bea part of, and it's been a great
turnout.
(05:13):
The energy in here has beenwonderful, and my favorite part
has obviously been hugging allthe little girls here. It's been
incredible to see.
Jimbo Robinson (05:19):
Mine was looking for you earlier. She had to
settle for me. Oh. But yes. Andthat's that's something special,
but I know that we probably needto just take a moment, and and I
know you lost somebody veryspecial in your life this week.
Maggie Williams (05:33):
Yes, sir.
Jimbo Robinson (05:34):
That meant a lot to you, and not to just you, but
the entire waterfowling worldand
Maggie Williams (05:38):
Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson (05:39):
And miss Gail. You wanna just speak to that a
minute?
Maggie Williams (05:41):
I I would. Thank you so much for the
opportunity to speak about missGail Camp. I told her daughter,
Anne, as long as I get to tellmy story, I would love to
continue to tell hers becauseher legacy is something that is
so important that needs to liveon. And I've been telling folks
here what's so incredible aboutmiss Gail. She was a world
champion duck caller beforewomen in The United States were
able to open a checking account
Jimbo Robinson (06:02):
Wow.
Maggie Williams (06:02):
On their own. So losing her was a very sad
thing for our community, but I'mtelling you her legacy will live
on much longer. And she was justa trailblazer, and I was so
blessed and so honored to knowher, and I'm so happy to be here
in her hometown of Memphis,Tennessee and able to celebrate
her life.
Jimbo Robinson (06:18):
I got to meet her about twelve years ago. She
came by our church oneafternoon. Some of the the men's
ministry was doing a a wild gamecook to try to try to blow up
the men's ministry, and she cameand blew the duck call. And it
was really weird. There were abunch of guys kind of blowing on
it before that started.
She blew it and and they werejust sliding in their pockets.
And I mean, they were justhumbled by how good at that age
she could blow it and nobodyblew it again after she did.
Maggie Williams (06:41):
She's a ringer.
Jimbo Robinson (06:42):
That's people sure. World champion.
Beau Brooks (06:44):
Yes, sir.
Jimbo Robinson (06:44):
And so yeah, it's been a long time to have
this and you spoke to thecommunity here in Memphis. And
what's crazy is I consider itthe Mid South, right? Arkansas,
Mississippi, Memphis, theWaterfowl community is a
Memphis, a Mid South area and itis, and a lot of people call
this area their home. I knowit's not home for you,
Beau Brooks (07:03):
right? Long, long ways from home.
Jimbo Robinson (07:05):
Long ways from home. So what in the waterfowl
Mecca that this area is in theSouth is, what is, what are the
waterfowl shows? Are thesepeople crazier than other shows?
Oh, dude.
Beau Brooks (07:16):
Yeah. This is this is wild. Like, this is this is
absolutely wild. I've never beena part of anything like this.
I've been in the in waterfowlindustry since I was a little
kid.
Yep. You know, this is like forme, it's it's just epic because
I went to my little, you know,Oregon waterfowl festivals where
I met Phil and and all theseamazing people, and now we get
(07:37):
to come full circle, and I'mgetting to meet all these
incredible people that I lookedup to.
Jimbo Robinson (07:41):
Yep. You know? If you're and I'm gonna ask all
three of y'all this, but ifyou're and I've been amazed by
all the kids. Yes. I have twokids myself, Tripp and Leila,
and and they both of them hunt,and Leila shot her first duck
last year.
And so I'm in that time of mylife of of getting to step back
like my dad did and, and watchmy son take over and do the
(08:02):
decoys and all that. If you're alittle kid walking around here,
what are you telling that kidthat, that yourself then, what
are you telling them to take inand to look at?
Beau Brooks (08:12):
Oh, that's a good question.
Justin Martin (08:14):
That's a deep one. I didn't know where we're
going.
Jimbo Robinson (08:15):
That's deep. I just thought of it
Justin Martin (08:17):
because I guess it kind of
Jimbo Robinson (08:18):
hit me with what she said with about miss Gail
and the impact she made on her.But I mean, I think we get
caught up in the industry alittle bit by by just
everything. Right? Everything.And, like, if you could go back
and tell yourself something,like, I think it would be asked
questions.
Yeah. To me, it'd be askedquestions.
Justin Martin (08:34):
Yeah. Ask the questions, but also don't get
caught up in the moment of it.Like, the to truly take it all
in because just like, you know,from my perspective, right, we
we've lost some big people thiswhole year. Right? Like and when
your heroes start passing, itreally lets you put things into
(08:55):
perspective.
And it's like, what can I dothat they did? And it really
it's pouring into that nextgeneration of hunter. Right?
Taking the time to talk to thesekids, taking the time. I mean,
I've seen some of these kids atall these expos.
I've watched them grow up. Like,they come up and show me
pictures from five years ago,four years ago, like, and you
(09:15):
start seeing these things andit's like, man, I hope I was the
same guy then that I am now. Andlike, so to, you know, for all
of us, the the most importantthing is to be consistent in our
message and what that means. Andand does it mean to hunt ducks?
Absolutely.
But, I mean, it really means toto love people. Right? Like
Amen. Take the time for thesekids. Like, as annoyed as you
(09:37):
may be, with lines andeverything else to make sure
that that kid, when he walks upto you, he or she walks up to
you to give them their twominutes where they mean
everything in the world.
Right? And so that's a that's abig deal for me. Like, I'm
trying to invest in that nextgeneration is to to be
intentional about theconversation I have with them,
(09:59):
not just, hey, man, how are you?Take a picture and move on. Like
and so hopefully these kids payattention to and there's a lot
of us, the ones that are stilldoing this now and are currently
doing it, do that, and we do itwell.
And that's why we get to do whatwe do. And so hopefully these
kids are just listening. Ofcourse, ask the questions, but
more than anything, just listen,be a sponge, take it all in,
(10:20):
man.
Jimbo Robinson (10:20):
That's that's yeah. I mean, losing losing, you
know, an icon in the sport, oneperson, one of them in the year,
but to lose Phil in this year isthe love that he got showed the
time he took for people.
Maggie Williams (10:36):
Yeah. Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson (10:37):
And and and the same thing with with miss Gail.
But, I mean
Justin Martin (10:41):
Oh, yeah. They reunited now. You yeah.
Absolutely. They probably theyprobably both up there cutting
down on everybody.
Calling all
Jimbo Robinson (10:47):
over this place right now. That's a fact. But I
mean He took the time.
Justin Martin (10:52):
Oh, he did. He took the time to and he took the
time to even in these exposituations to have an
uncomfortable conversation witha lot of people, you know, and
ask them about their theirfuture, you know, and so
something that we're reallymindful of and and trying to
make sure that we do that tocarry on his legacy because we
know without that, then duckcommander means nothing. Right?
(11:14):
And so, we we recognize thatthat's the reason for the
platform that we do have.Absolutely.
Maggie Williams (11:21):
I love that, Justin. And I'll I'll tell you,
Jimbo, to to kinda follow-upabout Justin. The biggest thing
I've been encouraging youngwomen and young men as well is
to obviously lead with courageand confidence. And, obviously,
I love meeting all youngwaterfowlers, male or female,
but having the opportunity tomeet young girls, see I a lot of
them intimidated in this maledominated space and
(11:42):
understandably so. So, mybiggest thing is getting to meet
these young girls and encouragethem and try to fill them up
with encouragement, andconfidence.
Just allow them to lead with a,very brave soul. So encourage
them just to put themselves outthere and not be afraid, you
know, blow the duck calls withBo and with Justin and getting
them involved hands on. That'sbeen really important to me.
Jimbo Robinson (12:02):
And and I I've walked around, a lot today, and
I think that's one of thecoolest things is there's a lot
of people either on one knee orstanding up and and teaching a
kid because it's not the easiestthing to do.
Justin Martin (12:17):
Oh, nice.
Jimbo Robinson (12:17):
And and we've all been annoyed. I have a nine
year old sitting right over herethat's annoyed me to the most,
but if I ever discourage him,he's never gonna wanna do it.
Justin Martin (12:25):
Yeah. That's exactly And I
Jimbo Robinson (12:26):
think that that's one thing that y'all, the
three of you can all talk aboutis is, you know, influence in
this next generation becauseit's starting to I just turned
40.
Justin Martin (12:39):
I'm I'm staring down the barrel of it. You're
close. That's two three weeksaway.
Jimbo Robinson (12:42):
You're not close. But listen. Not close
yet. I say I've been saying 39plus one for the last few weeks
since last week. It was only aweek ago.
But we're starting to losepeople in the industry, and
somebody's gonna have to carrythis torch. Yeah. And it is the
Maggie's, and it's the nextgeneration of girls. It is the
bows. It's the guys that y'allare influencing now.
Somebody in this room, one ofthese little youngsters in this
(13:05):
room is gonna be sitting inthese chairs twenty years from
now. And and and, you know,kudos to all of y'all for what
you're doing.
Beau Brooks (13:11):
We we've we've met a lot of them. And I've and
through the through all thoseshows and when we're at a public
refuge or whatever it is, we'vegot a good crop of people coming
up.
Jimbo Robinson (13:21):
Let's go through some
Beau Brooks (13:21):
I promise you.
Jimbo Robinson (13:22):
Let's go through some fun stuff. Favorite thing
to hunt?
Beau Brooks (13:25):
Oh, don't ask me that. Alright, man. Give me
three. Alright. A favoritefavorite duck to hunt is a
widget.
I love hunting turkeys, and Ilove hunting now.
Jimbo Robinson (13:33):
That's gotta be a Pacific thing.
Beau Brooks (13:34):
It's a it's 100% a Pacific thing. I mean, I know
you got a lot of mallards. Yeah.I get tired of shooting those
things.
Jimbo Robinson (13:40):
Don't tell everybody that.
Beau Brooks (13:42):
That's that's one thing that I I love I've I've
the I kind if I can pass onething down to the kids in the
next generation, I have a I havea love for every species of
duck. Yep. And I know thatsounds kind of like, that sounds
maybe boring, but I'm like, thehooded merganser, that doesn't
(14:02):
matter what it is. It is aabsolutely incredible animal in
its own right because I'm a I'ma photographer as well. Yep.
And so Justin's over herecracking up, but they all have
their own it's that is whatwaterfowling is is the whole
thing.
VO (14:25):
Stay tuned to the Ducks Unlimited podcast sponsored by
Purina Pro Plan and Bird DogWhiskey. After these messages.
Jimbo Robinson (16:22):
People that say they don't shoot certain ducks
have never had a slow day.That's that's a fact. That that
I say that all the time. Thepeople are like, I never shoot
spoonies. I'm like, then you'venever had a slow day.
Well, I'll tell you what. I eatI've eaten spoonies. Have no
problem. Arkansas, and Maggiewould probably agree with this.
Maggie Williams (16:37):
Oh, boy.
Jimbo Robinson (16:37):
Spoonies in Arkansas that have been in rice
fields towards the end of theseason Yep. Tastes just as good
as everything else. I I I I'veAnd from a man from Louisiana
that eats coots, probably?
Justin Martin (16:47):
No. I don't fool with them coots.
Jimbo Robinson (16:49):
Okay. Alright. Well, I don't work that.
Beau Brooks (16:50):
I've eaten coots. I like them. I take the legs.
Justin Martin (16:52):
I ain't been that hungry yet. I quite been there,
but I'll shoot a ring neck withequal enthusiasm.
Jimbo Robinson (16:59):
Absolutely. Like
Justin Martin (17:00):
you give me some Jacks. There's no problem with
Jacks.
Beau Brooks (17:03):
I know Justin well.
Justin Martin (17:05):
Me and Bo kind of bonded. Now the
Jimbo Robinson (17:07):
one thing Bo does do that I'm like, I don't
Justin Martin (17:09):
mess with. If that if that snow goose gets too
close, he he gonna get it. And Idon't I don't fool with them
white things, but, you know,yeah, they all I'm like Bo
though, every duck and I don'thave to shoot it to appreciate
it. No. Like, I, you know, Ilove every duck except a
gadwall.
But
Jimbo Robinson (17:26):
Except a
Justin Martin (17:26):
gadwall. Yeah. Because he drives me absolutely
insane. Like, it's
Beau Brooks (17:31):
That's how I feel about pintails.
Jimbo Robinson (17:32):
Yeah. So That's a fact.
Justin Martin (17:34):
Yeah. You know? And that's the, that's the deal,
but they all have their purpose.They all have their thing. Like,
I I just love them.
You know? I mean, they're asmuch as I love to hunt them, I
love to give to them. So, like,it's just a really it's a really
cool thing, man. I was trained abiologist, classically trained a
biologist, and then I end uphere. So, you know, it's just
kind of a kind of a full deal,but I do love them, man.
(17:57):
That's the one thing I'm tryingto teach my boys is, is the, the
appreciation for them over justthe fun that comes along with
it. So
Jimbo Robinson (18:05):
You know what you know what water level
gadwalls love?
Maggie Williams (18:08):
I never heard this one before.
Justin Martin (18:10):
Needy. Needy.
Jimbo Robinson (18:11):
Oh, no. I like that. Needy.
Maggie Williams (18:14):
I thought Bud was gonna answer it for you.
Jimbo Robinson (18:15):
You haven't heard that?
Beau Brooks (18:16):
No. I haven't. I I I think Kelly tried to tell me
one time, but I just can't get Ican't get back at past Kelly
sometimes to hear what he'ssaying.
Jimbo Robinson (18:24):
Well, Kelly Powers is one of those to me
when I was when I was fresh outof college and get in and
getting into the industry thattook the time to shake my hand
and spent about twenty minuteswith me one time. And I have the
utmost respect for Kelly and hisfamily. And he was one of those
to me. He was that that kind of,person that I I wanted to be.
Yep.
And and just because of the wayhe carried himself, not only
(18:47):
with young people, but the wayhe just carried himself in
general, and and he's one of thepeople that I love of always
He's he's incredible. His wholefamily is great. Alright. You're
up. You're hunting in Arkansas,and then we're gonna come back
to you with the duck call aroundyour neck.
What is what is the go what isyour go to?
Maggie Williams (19:01):
I'm not gonna get on the Ducks Unlimited
podcast and tell any lies. Imean, as an Arkansas girl, I I
cannot not say that huntingmallard ducks is the greatest
privilege of all. That that iswhat I grew up hunting. My dad
told me we're not duck hunters.We're mallard hunters.
And as I've grown up, thatperspective has obviously
changed, but that was theculture in Northeast Arkansas.
(19:22):
The men in the nineties andeighties in the heyday of
Arkansas, they went to huntmallards. And, obviously, times
are changing and things areshifting, and I've grown to
appreciate all duck species.I've had so much fun traveling
and hunting and experiencing thehunt, and so many different
kinds of ducks. But I grew uphunting mallards, and that will
always be so special to me.
Jimbo Robinson (19:40):
Only in the timber?
Maggie Williams (19:41):
I didn't hunt in a rice field till I was 16
years old.
Jimbo Robinson (19:43):
Oh my.
Maggie Williams (19:44):
I grew up in the flood timber because we
didn't have at least. We didn'thave a club. We didn't have
private land. So plan. We had tohunt the public woods.
So I'm very thankful. That'swhere I got to cut my teeth at
hunting.
Jimbo Robinson (19:54):
What's your favorite? Oh.
Justin Martin (19:59):
Well, that's a loaded question.
Jimbo Robinson (20:01):
Maybe not favorite, but what what do you
Justin Martin (20:02):
feel most possible? If I if you give me
one to pick, I'm probably gonnapick Greenwing teal.
Maggie Williams (20:07):
Yeah. Louisiana boy right there. Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson (20:09):
Well, and
Justin Martin (20:10):
I love to eat them. Right? So there there's
definitely a hierarchy in intable fare and ducks. So, you
know, there's there's definitelythat mallard, he pretty. That's
about where he stops.
He he looks good in a picture,but, you know, he'll he'll he
will spend time on a sewage pondwith equal enthusiasm as flooded
timber. So he
Maggie Williams (20:30):
That is true.
Justin Martin (20:31):
He's quite a diverse little critters. So, but
them them green wings and themwoodies, I mean that yeah. I
grew up busting beaver ponds forwood ducks in North Louisiana.
So like, you know, I lovewoodies. I love hunting woodies.
And then my master's researchwas actually on wood ducks. So
like me and the Woody goes wayback and, and so the little
ducks, man, but I do, I'm not,I'm not gonna lie. Big fat
(20:53):
Mallard Drake, he's gonna get ittoo. Like that, that doesn't
bother me, but I, a perfect,like a perfect limit for me is
not four and two. It's generallylike two, two, one, one, like
just kind of a variety pack.
I love, I love hunting WRP forthat reason because all ducks
use it. And so, definitely not apurist of any sorts, but
(21:13):
definitely I, I now being about40, I I I don't shoot brown ones
anymore. It's a boys party. Andif it means I'm coming out one
or two shy, then sorry. I'm justI'm just gonna shoot boys, man.
And that that's okay. You know?That's just where I've graduated
to in life. Like, it it is whatit is.
Jimbo Robinson (21:31):
So limits don't mean anything more. It's more
about the story of the hunt now.Absolutely. And I think that
comes with age.
Justin Martin (21:37):
Oh yeah. Because there used to be a day I chased
that L word hard. Oh. Like I'dsit there another two hours to
get the last one, which wasdumb, you know, just like it's
dumbest thing ever, but I didit, you know, and so guilty. And
so when people say they're doingthat, I'm like, you'll get there
one day.
Jimbo Robinson (21:52):
Yes.
Justin Martin (21:52):
You'll get there where that don't matter. You'll
get there where that sausage andbiscuit means just as much as
that last
Jimbo Robinson (21:57):
When that belly starts talking to you and you
have no snacks left in your bag,you're you're leaving. Yeah.
You're leaving. So, let's talkabout this. We're gonna go
through real quick.
I know we're on a tight schedulehere because all y'all are very
popular here. Talk about yourduck call and and the exclusive,
that you had this weekendbecause I think it it was a big
hit for you.
Beau Brooks (22:16):
Absolutely. We talk about Kelly. Right? Kelly gave
me a chance eight years ago. Iwas doing my, I was doing my own
call company before I met Kelly.
He met me just a buck toothchild at NWTF, you know, and he
and he and he just this dorkydude, and he just, he gave me a
(22:38):
chance, and I've I've I'veworked and I said, Kelly, I I I
wanna do it. I wanna do duckcall that I really like. And and
Brooke gets all the creditbecause Brooke and I sat
downstairs and we worked on thisthing, and I want it we have a
lot of people of every differentcaliber that run duck calls. And
I've seen where people like duckcalls, like our duck calls, to
see where people don't like ourduck calls, And I I just wanted
(23:01):
to make one that was foreverybody that I could make to
them. And so we messed aroundand messed around, and and and I
love Kelly to death.
He every duck call that we sellis a black duck call. So I'm
like, I'm not doing that if ithas my name on it. I'm gonna
choose the wildest colors I canchoose because I'm wildest dude
in Kelly just he just he says,my goodness. When he saw that
(23:25):
call, he's like, my goodness,Bo. You you that's a crazy
color, Bo.
You know? But, you know, it'sit's just incredible. Like, the
the coolest part is where we hadpeople from that drove all night
from, you know, South Texas,from Louisiana, from PA, and
Pennsylvania. Yep. And and, youknow, and I was talking to
(23:46):
Kelly, and Kelly's like he'slike, it it they're like, oh,
you wouldn't have done that.
And I I we were laughing, thenhim and I both said, you know
what? No. We would have. I'mlike, when I was when I was
growing up, if I heard that Philwas showing up to Oregon at the
or California, I would havedrove all the way there all
night and just to shake his handand get that duck call. And what
(24:06):
I wanted to do is I wantedpeople to not be disappointed.
I wanted it to be a work of art.At the same time, I wanted them
I wanted to be able to work onit for them right there.
Jimbo Robinson (24:15):
Man, you ought to be so proud. I know it's a
long time in coming for you, andand you put out tons of amazing
calls. But to see what happenedhere was just awesome.
Beau Brooks (24:25):
It it's it is the funnest thing ever, and it's
what's even cooler, though, iswhen we get into season and just
seeing everybody when they theystart texting me. They got their
first turkey. They got theirthey shot a shot their first
shoveler. You know, he's bringthem in. And it it's just it's
just you know, it's just sospecial, that that we're like, I
(24:45):
don't even I as a as a 16 yearold kid in Washington standing
in the rain walking back andforth, you know, we're I'm
sitting here in a place that Inever in a million years thought
I'd be.
Yeah. And I everyone knows me asa turkey guy. Right? But I'm
telling you, I'm a duck hunting.I grew up a duck hunter.
I grew up with a bit with a fiveacre flooded corn complex in my
(25:07):
backyard. I sat out there forhours every night. Yeah. Ducks
are my blood.
Jimbo Robinson (25:12):
And I think none of us probably would have if if
if you could have asked us whenwe were this age, hey. Do you
think you'll be sitting at a DUExpo or any show in a chair on a
podcast that people are arelining up to see you, not me,
but you three for sure. I'm justget the lucky one to sit here
and talk to y'all, but I don'tthink you would have thought
(25:32):
that. And that's just it's it'shard work, it's dedication, it's
passion for the sport, it'slove, and it's really listening.
And you said it earlier, likejust taking all this stuff in
and taking what you learned fromothers, all three of y'all said
that what you've learned fromother people and passion and
time and effort and done it.
And I think that, you know, man,we I I have I've loved Higdon
from day one. I I was reallyfortunate to, I sent a cold
(25:57):
email years ago, and I don'tknow if you know this, to Higdon
Outdoors because we werestruggling to find decoys here
locally to use in our eventsystem. And John Higdon wrote me
back. We talked on the phone forseven hours one day about a DE
program in 02/2010, and that'swhere the whole Higdon DE
program began was me, John, andBen Higdon talking, and I drove
up to Paducah one day. And so myrespect for those guys is is off
(26:18):
the charts.
And and then Kelly and thePowers call group came on, and
and then you came on shortlyafter I kinda left the field
staff and and came in this role.But, man, watching these people
in sprint.
VO (26:29):
I don't
Jimbo Robinson (26:30):
I sat here. We opened the show right here, and
I watch kids sprint and adultssprint, and they wherever they
were going for that exclusivehat, which I never thought
exclusive hats would be whypeople showed up to shows. But
it's I mean, they weresprinting, and then they would
take a direction, and I knewwhere they go. Oh, yep. They're
going after the last few callsthat are left.
They're going after the hat backhere, and it's so fun to watch
(26:50):
kids do that.
Beau Brooks (26:51):
Yep. And that was It's community.
Jimbo Robinson (26:52):
It is. It's We we
Beau Brooks (26:53):
are a duck hunting community.
Jimbo Robinson (26:54):
Yep. It's it's the best. What's your go to
call? Oh. Because I know youdon't have a lot.
Justin Martin (27:00):
No. I don't. I saw I mean, I did a so I lost a
signature series with duckcommander two years ago. Kinda
same deal. Did a limited run of200 the first year, and we sold
them in twenty four hoursonline.
It was crazy. Never thought thatthat day would ever happen. And
so now we redid it. So we leftthe first 200, the first 200.
(27:21):
And so I retooled it a littlebit.
And so now I use my signature,which is just my take on one of
Phil's original cut downmagnums. Cut down magnum, double
read, all the things. So that's,that's my number one, man. It
hangs around my neck. It'ssomething I'm proud of.
And that, if you order one fromDuck Commander, I still build
every one
Jimbo Robinson (27:39):
of them. It's got
Justin Martin (27:40):
my name on it. So I sit down and build every one
of them. I don't let the guys inthe shop do it. That one is
mine. It's my baby.
Jimbo Robinson (27:47):
Same with you. That's so cool.
Justin Martin (27:49):
So if it does happen to have a little
Copenhagen spit in it, Iapologize. I try to get that all
out of there, but sometimes, youknow, we don't charge extra
Beau Brooks (27:56):
for it.
Jimbo Robinson (27:56):
That's right. That's original. What's your go
to?
Maggie Williams (27:58):
So I grew up blowing J frames in the woods
with my dad's and with my dad.And as I have gotten older, I
have evolved to love a cut down.
Jimbo Robinson (28:05):
There
Maggie Williams (28:05):
you you know, he's bragging on Kelly. I think
Kelly makes a fine duck call,and I have loved having the
ignition by power calls on mylanyard. Prefer preferably one
that Bo or Brooke can get aholdof. If I can have them tune it
to the way I like it, it willrip.
Beau Brooks (28:19):
So anyway Really really Brooke. Brooke. Brooke is
awesome.
Maggie Williams (28:22):
Bo has put his hands on several of my duck
calls, and they've turned outwonderfully. But I love the
ignition. It it's a great cutdown. I think it's really user
friendly, especially for a cutdown, and I I've really enjoyed
it.
Jimbo Robinson (28:32):
I've been blowing duck calls my life, and
I still send mine back toBrooke.
Justin Martin (28:35):
Brooke, can
Jimbo Robinson (28:35):
you tell this one for me? Brooke. Brooke's
amazing. We are we're wrappingup, but we have an announcement.
This is the first time we aremaking announcement really
quick, and I am gonna turn thisover to Justin to make an
announcement.
Breaking news that we just foundout about five minutes before we
walked on to the set.
Justin Martin (28:54):
That I'd had no idea this was coming, but
apparently, the boss will behere tomorrow. He is coming over
from Fayetteville, to spend thenight in Memphis. So Willie
Robertson will be at the DU Expotomorrow. He's gonna, get here,
and I suppose I'm gonna beheaded back home. So we'll high
five in the lobby, and, I'll sayit's your turn.
You know? And, no. It's reallycool, and that tells you what
(29:16):
kind of what kind of buzz isaround it where Willie thought
enough to say, you know what? Iactually will go over there. So
and it's not something that wewe don't ever ask those guys to
to do that stuff anymore.
We invite them, but we wouldnever ask them to do it just
because their lives they're atsuch different stages of their
lives with grandkids andministry and all the things
(29:38):
that, you know, it's really coolthat he he volunteered. He was
not anything. He just called andsaid, yeah, get me a room.
Jimbo Robinson (29:44):
That's what he heard.
Justin Martin (29:45):
So, you know what we say? Yes. So I don't know if
I don't know if we're able toget him a room or if one of us
will give up our room and we'llshare with somebody else or
whatever, but but we'll figurethat
Jimbo Robinson (29:53):
out. Absolutely. So problem.
Beau Brooks (29:55):
That's I'll have you, Justin.
Justin Martin (29:56):
Yeah. You
Beau Brooks (29:56):
can stay with me.
Jimbo Robinson (29:57):
I I I he said, you know, that's so exciting for
this show. It was big time, whenthey came and talked to us about
it. So, yes, Willie Robertsonwill be here midday tomorrow. We
don't have exact time, but wewill post that when we find out.
But the boss man himself, lot ofthe a lot of people.
Justin Martin (30:15):
Yeah. It's gonna be wild.
Jimbo Robinson (30:16):
It is gonna be wild.
Justin Martin (30:17):
Doesn't do many
Jimbo Robinson (30:17):
of these.
Justin Martin (30:18):
No. No. It's it's gonna be it's an incredible
town.
Jimbo Robinson (30:21):
So from all of us here at the Duck Den with the
big news, thank you, Bo, somuch. Thank you, Maggie. I know
you got somewhere else to go.Thank you, Justin.
Maggie Williams (30:28):
Thank you, sir. Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson (30:29):
Incredible place to have these three on this set.
And with the big breaking news,we will be back here in just a
little bit. But for now, thankyou all from DUX Memphis twenty
twenty five. See you soon.
VO (30:44):
Thank you for listening to the DU podcast sponsored by
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Unlimited. Purina Pro Plan,always advancing. Also proudly
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(31:06):
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ducks.org/dupodcast. Opinionsexpressed by guests do not
necessarily reflect those ofDucks Unlimited. Until next
time, stay tuned to the ducks.
Can we do a mic check, please? Everybody, welcome back
to the Ducks Unlimited podcast.I'm your host, doctor Mike
Brasher. I'm your host, KatieBurke. I'm your host, doctor
Jared Hemphith.
And I'm your host, MattHarrison.
Welcome to the Ducks Unlimited podcast, the only
(02:02):
podcast about all thingswaterfowl. From hunting insights
to science based discussionsabout ducks, geese, and issues
affecting waterfowl and wetlandsconservation in North America.
The DU podcast, sponsored byPurina Pro Plan, the official
performance dog food of DucksUnlimited. Purina Pro Plan,
always advancing. Also proudlysponsored by Bird Dog Whiskey
(02:24):
and Cocktails.
Whether you're winding down withyour best friend or celebrating
with your favorite crew, BirdDog brings award winning flavor
to every moment. Enjoyresponsibly.
Jimbo Robinson (02:47):
Welcome back, and gentlemen. We are in the
Duck Den at DUX 2025, and notoften do I feel like the, lowest
man on the totem pole in a groupof people. But with this group
sitting here, I may just turn itover to them. But mister Beau
Brooks, Higdon Outdoors with ushere. Justin Martin, man that
(03:08):
needs no introduction, and missMaggie Williams, and we are so
excited to have this crew onwith us today.
So let's just go around. Whydon't you just you know, what's
your feel right now?
Beau Brooks (03:19):
Dude, this has been epic. Like, 10 out of 10,
incredible turnout. I mean, thisis awesome.
Jimbo Robinson (03:25):
I'm not a big trade show guy. Like, I don't go
to a lot anymore. But when I wasI went running this morning, and
when I got done, I saw twopeople, and I was standing Where
are
Justin Martin (03:34):
you over here?
Beau Brooks (03:35):
What were you running from? Are you good?
Jimbo Robinson (03:36):
My kids and my wife that were still sleeping.
But I was sitting I was gotdownstairs. I saw two people
standing in the prepurchase lineat 06:30. And I thought there's
no way they're here for theshow. They may or may not have
been here for somebody'sexclusive calls or not.
We won't we'll may that's maybewhat they told us, but they were
here to meet the people.
Beau Brooks (03:55):
Yeah. A 100%. Everybody's here.
Justin Martin (03:58):
Yeah. Everybody. Everybody's here. No. It's it's
fun, man.
I I told somebody this morning.I said, I looked around, and
it's kinda like a full circlemoment for me because one of my
very first events, not even as aDuck Commander employee, but at
that time, a Duck Commandervolunteer, was the last time
y'all were here in Memphis. So,we're looking at, like, a twenty
(04:18):
year cycle for me, and it waskinda surreal because now, I'm
the old guy. I'm I'm the oldhead around here because now I'm
surrounded by Maggie and Beauand and this next generation,
which by the way, they'rekilling it. I love both of these
people and not just becausethey're sitting here.
I I would I would say thatregardless. And even coming over
(04:40):
here, like, had to cut throughthe twenty four seven guys'
line. So, like, it's a reallycool place where we are in the
world of waterfalls. Like, it'sit's a super cool place. And,
man, just it's fun to be back inMemphis.
Right?
Jimbo Robinson (04:52):
Right. Absolutely.
Maggie Williams (04:53):
I'll tell you, Jimbo, I'm just so honored to be
here. I'm a Northeast Arkansasgirl, so I grew up right across
the river from Memphis. Andwhenever I found out that the DU
Expo was gonna be in Memphisthis year, I was so excited just
because that's my local sense ofcommunity. And I have just seen
the waterfowl culture be so richhere all my life. So it's
something I'm very excited to bea part of, and it's been a great
turnout.
(05:13):
The energy in here has beenwonderful, and my favorite part
has obviously been hugging allthe little girls here. It's been
incredible to see.
Jimbo Robinson (05:19):
Mine was looking for you earlier. She had to
settle for me. Oh. But yes. Andthat's that's something special,
but I know that we probably needto just take a moment, and and I
know you lost somebody veryspecial in your life this week.
Maggie Williams (05:33):
Yes, sir.
Jimbo Robinson (05:34):
That meant a lot to you, and not to just you, but
the entire waterfowling worldand
Maggie Williams (05:38):
Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson (05:39):
And miss Gail. You wanna just speak to that a
minute?
Maggie Williams (05:41):
I I would. Thank you so much for the
opportunity to speak about missGail Camp. I told her daughter,
Anne, as long as I get to tellmy story, I would love to
continue to tell hers becauseher legacy is something that is
so important that needs to liveon. And I've been telling folks
here what's so incredible aboutmiss Gail. She was a world
champion duck caller beforewomen in The United States were
able to open a checking account
Jimbo Robinson (06:02):
Wow.
Maggie Williams (06:02):
On their own. So losing her was a very sad
thing for our community, but I'mtelling you her legacy will live
on much longer. And she was justa trailblazer, and I was so
blessed and so honored to knowher, and I'm so happy to be here
in her hometown of Memphis,Tennessee and able to celebrate
her life.
Jimbo Robinson (06:18):
I got to meet her about twelve years ago. She
came by our church oneafternoon. Some of the the men's
ministry was doing a a wild gamecook to try to try to blow up
the men's ministry, and she cameand blew the duck call. And it
was really weird. There were abunch of guys kind of blowing on
it before that started.
She blew it and and they werejust sliding in their pockets.
And I mean, they were justhumbled by how good at that age
she could blow it and nobodyblew it again after she did.
Maggie Williams (06:41):
She's a ringer.
Jimbo Robinson (06:42):
That's people sure. World champion.
Beau Brooks (06:44):
Yes, sir.
Jimbo Robinson (06:44):
And so yeah, it's been a long time to have
this and you spoke to thecommunity here in Memphis. And
what's crazy is I consider itthe Mid South, right? Arkansas,
Mississippi, Memphis, theWaterfowl community is a
Memphis, a Mid South area and itis, and a lot of people call
this area their home. I knowit's not home for you,
Beau Brooks (07:03):
right? Long, long ways from home.
Jimbo Robinson (07:05):
Long ways from home. So what in the waterfowl
Mecca that this area is in theSouth is, what is, what are the
waterfowl shows? Are thesepeople crazier than other shows?
Oh, dude.
Beau Brooks (07:16):
Yeah. This is this is wild. Like, this is this is
absolutely wild. I've never beena part of anything like this.
I've been in the in waterfowlindustry since I was a little
kid.
Yep. You know, this is like forme, it's it's just epic because
I went to my little, you know,Oregon waterfowl festivals where
I met Phil and and all theseamazing people, and now we get
(07:37):
to come full circle, and I'mgetting to meet all these
incredible people that I lookedup to.
Jimbo Robinson (07:41):
Yep. You know? If you're and I'm gonna ask all
three of y'all this, but ifyou're and I've been amazed by
all the kids. Yes. I have twokids myself, Tripp and Leila,
and and they both of them hunt,and Leila shot her first duck
last year.
And so I'm in that time of mylife of of getting to step back
like my dad did and, and watchmy son take over and do the
(08:02):
decoys and all that. If you're alittle kid walking around here,
what are you telling that kidthat, that yourself then, what
are you telling them to take inand to look at?
Beau Brooks (08:12):
Oh, that's a good question.
Justin Martin (08:14):
That's a deep one. I didn't know where we're
going.
Jimbo Robinson (08:15):
That's deep. I just thought of it
Justin Martin (08:17):
because I guess it kind of
Jimbo Robinson (08:18):
hit me with what she said with about miss Gail
and the impact she made on her.But I mean, I think we get
caught up in the industry alittle bit by by just
everything. Right? Everything.And, like, if you could go back
and tell yourself something,like, I think it would be asked
questions.
Yeah. To me, it'd be askedquestions.
Justin Martin (08:34):
Yeah. Ask the questions, but also don't get
caught up in the moment of it.Like, the to truly take it all
in because just like, you know,from my perspective, right, we
we've lost some big people thiswhole year. Right? Like and when
your heroes start passing, itreally lets you put things into
(08:55):
perspective.
And it's like, what can I dothat they did? And it really
it's pouring into that nextgeneration of hunter. Right?
Taking the time to talk to thesekids, taking the time. I mean,
I've seen some of these kids atall these expos.
I've watched them grow up. Like,they come up and show me
pictures from five years ago,four years ago, like, and you
(09:15):
start seeing these things andit's like, man, I hope I was the
same guy then that I am now. Andlike, so to, you know, for all
of us, the the most importantthing is to be consistent in our
message and what that means. Andand does it mean to hunt ducks?
Absolutely.
But, I mean, it really means toto love people. Right? Like
Amen. Take the time for thesekids. Like, as annoyed as you
(09:37):
may be, with lines andeverything else to make sure
that that kid, when he walks upto you, he or she walks up to
you to give them their twominutes where they mean
everything in the world.
Right? And so that's a that's abig deal for me. Like, I'm
trying to invest in that nextgeneration is to to be
intentional about theconversation I have with them,
(09:59):
not just, hey, man, how are you?Take a picture and move on. Like
and so hopefully these kids payattention to and there's a lot
of us, the ones that are stilldoing this now and are currently
doing it, do that, and we do itwell.
And that's why we get to do whatwe do. And so hopefully these
kids are just listening. Ofcourse, ask the questions, but
more than anything, just listen,be a sponge, take it all in,
(10:20):
man.
Jimbo Robinson (10:20):
That's that's yeah. I mean, losing losing, you
know, an icon in the sport, oneperson, one of them in the year,
but to lose Phil in this year isthe love that he got showed the
time he took for people.
Maggie Williams (10:36):
Yeah. Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson (10:37):
And and and the same thing with with miss Gail.
But, I mean
Justin Martin (10:41):
Oh, yeah. They reunited now. You yeah.
Absolutely. They probably theyprobably both up there cutting
down on everybody.
Calling all
Jimbo Robinson (10:47):
over this place right now. That's a fact. But I
mean He took the time.
Justin Martin (10:52):
Oh, he did. He took the time to and he took the
time to even in these exposituations to have an
uncomfortable conversation witha lot of people, you know, and
ask them about their theirfuture, you know, and so
something that we're reallymindful of and and trying to
make sure that we do that tocarry on his legacy because we
know without that, then duckcommander means nothing. Right?
(11:14):
And so, we we recognize thatthat's the reason for the
platform that we do have.Absolutely.
Maggie Williams (11:21):
I love that, Justin. And I'll I'll tell you,
Jimbo, to to kinda follow-upabout Justin. The biggest thing
I've been encouraging youngwomen and young men as well is
to obviously lead with courageand confidence. And, obviously,
I love meeting all youngwaterfowlers, male or female,
but having the opportunity tomeet young girls, see I a lot of
them intimidated in this maledominated space and
(11:42):
understandably so. So, mybiggest thing is getting to meet
these young girls and encouragethem and try to fill them up
with encouragement, andconfidence.
Just allow them to lead with a,very brave soul. So encourage
them just to put themselves outthere and not be afraid, you
know, blow the duck calls withBo and with Justin and getting
them involved hands on. That'sbeen really important to me.
Jimbo Robinson (12:02):
And and I I've walked around, a lot today, and
I think that's one of thecoolest things is there's a lot
of people either on one knee orstanding up and and teaching a
kid because it's not the easiestthing to do.
Justin Martin (12:17):
Oh, nice.
Jimbo Robinson (12:17):
And and we've all been annoyed. I have a nine
year old sitting right over herethat's annoyed me to the most,
but if I ever discourage him,he's never gonna wanna do it.
Justin Martin (12:25):
Yeah. That's exactly And I
Jimbo Robinson (12:26):
think that that's one thing that y'all, the
three of you can all talk aboutis is, you know, influence in
this next generation becauseit's starting to I just turned
40.
Justin Martin (12:39):
I'm I'm staring down the barrel of it. You're
close. That's two three weeksaway.
Jimbo Robinson (12:42):
You're not close. But listen. Not close
yet. I say I've been saying 39plus one for the last few weeks
since last week. It was only aweek ago.
But we're starting to losepeople in the industry, and
somebody's gonna have to carrythis torch. Yeah. And it is the
Maggie's, and it's the nextgeneration of girls. It is the
bows. It's the guys that y'allare influencing now.
Somebody in this room, one ofthese little youngsters in this
(13:05):
room is gonna be sitting inthese chairs twenty years from
now. And and and, you know,kudos to all of y'all for what
you're doing.
Beau Brooks (13:11):
We we've we've met a lot of them. And I've and
through the through all thoseshows and when we're at a public
refuge or whatever it is, we'vegot a good crop of people coming
up.
Jimbo Robinson (13:21):
Let's go through some
Beau Brooks (13:21):
I promise you.
Jimbo Robinson (13:22):
Let's go through some fun stuff. Favorite thing
to hunt?
Beau Brooks (13:25):
Oh, don't ask me that. Alright, man. Give me
three. Alright. A favoritefavorite duck to hunt is a
widget.
I love hunting turkeys, and Ilove hunting now.
Jimbo Robinson (13:33):
That's gotta be a Pacific thing.
Beau Brooks (13:34):
It's a it's 100% a Pacific thing. I mean, I know
you got a lot of mallards. Yeah.I get tired of shooting those
things.
Jimbo Robinson (13:40):
Don't tell everybody that.
Beau Brooks (13:42):
That's that's one thing that I I love I've I've
the I kind if I can pass onething down to the kids in the
next generation, I have a I havea love for every species of
duck. Yep. And I know thatsounds kind of like, that sounds
maybe boring, but I'm like, thehooded merganser, that doesn't
(14:02):
matter what it is. It is aabsolutely incredible animal in
its own right because I'm a I'ma photographer as well. Yep.
And so Justin's over herecracking up, but they all have
their own it's that is whatwaterfowling is is the whole
thing.
VO (14:25):
Stay tuned to the Ducks Unlimited podcast sponsored by
Purina Pro Plan and Bird DogWhiskey. After these messages.
Jimbo Robinson (16:22):
People that say they don't shoot certain ducks
have never had a slow day.That's that's a fact. That that
I say that all the time. Thepeople are like, I never shoot
spoonies. I'm like, then you'venever had a slow day.
Well, I'll tell you what. I eatI've eaten spoonies. Have no
problem. Arkansas, and Maggiewould probably agree with this.
Maggie Williams (16:37):
Oh, boy.
Jimbo Robinson (16:37):
Spoonies in Arkansas that have been in rice
fields towards the end of theseason Yep. Tastes just as good
as everything else. I I I I'veAnd from a man from Louisiana
that eats coots, probably?
Justin Martin (16:47):
No. I don't fool with them coots.
Jimbo Robinson (16:49):
Okay. Alright. Well, I don't work that.
Beau Brooks (16:50):
I've eaten coots. I like them. I take the legs.
Justin Martin (16:52):
I ain't been that hungry yet. I quite been there,
but I'll shoot a ring neck withequal enthusiasm.
Jimbo Robinson (16:59):
Absolutely. Like
Justin Martin (17:00):
you give me some Jacks. There's no problem with
Jacks.
Beau Brooks (17:03):
I know Justin well.
Justin Martin (17:05):
Me and Bo kind of bonded. Now the
Jimbo Robinson (17:07):
one thing Bo does do that I'm like, I don't
Justin Martin (17:09):
mess with. If that if that snow goose gets too
close, he he gonna get it. And Idon't I don't fool with them
white things, but, you know,yeah, they all I'm like Bo
though, every duck and I don'thave to shoot it to appreciate
it. No. Like, I, you know, Ilove every duck except a
gadwall.
But
Jimbo Robinson (17:26):
Except a
Justin Martin (17:26):
gadwall. Yeah. Because he drives me absolutely
insane. Like, it's
Beau Brooks (17:31):
That's how I feel about pintails.
Jimbo Robinson (17:32):
Yeah. So That's a fact.
Justin Martin (17:34):
Yeah. You know? And that's the, that's the deal,
but they all have their purpose.They all have their thing. Like,
I I just love them.
You know? I mean, they're asmuch as I love to hunt them, I
love to give to them. So, like,it's just a really it's a really
cool thing, man. I was trained abiologist, classically trained a
biologist, and then I end uphere. So, you know, it's just
kind of a kind of a full deal,but I do love them, man.
(17:57):
That's the one thing I'm tryingto teach my boys is, is the, the
appreciation for them over justthe fun that comes along with
it. So
Jimbo Robinson (18:05):
You know what you know what water level
gadwalls love?
Maggie Williams (18:08):
I never heard this one before.
Justin Martin (18:10):
Needy. Needy.
Jimbo Robinson (18:11):
Oh, no. I like that. Needy.
Maggie Williams (18:14):
I thought Bud was gonna answer it for you.
Jimbo Robinson (18:15):
You haven't heard that?
Beau Brooks (18:16):
No. I haven't. I I I think Kelly tried to tell me
one time, but I just can't get Ican't get back at past Kelly
sometimes to hear what he'ssaying.
Jimbo Robinson (18:24):
Well, Kelly Powers is one of those to me
when I was when I was fresh outof college and get in and
getting into the industry thattook the time to shake my hand
and spent about twenty minuteswith me one time. And I have the
utmost respect for Kelly and hisfamily. And he was one of those
to me. He was that that kind of,person that I I wanted to be.
Yep.
And and just because of the wayhe carried himself, not only
(18:47):
with young people, but the wayhe just carried himself in
general, and and he's one of thepeople that I love of always
He's he's incredible. His wholefamily is great. Alright. You're
up. You're hunting in Arkansas,and then we're gonna come back
to you with the duck call aroundyour neck.
What is what is the go what isyour go to?
Maggie Williams (19:01):
I'm not gonna get on the Ducks Unlimited
podcast and tell any lies. Imean, as an Arkansas girl, I I
cannot not say that huntingmallard ducks is the greatest
privilege of all. That that iswhat I grew up hunting. My dad
told me we're not duck hunters.We're mallard hunters.
And as I've grown up, thatperspective has obviously
changed, but that was theculture in Northeast Arkansas.
(19:22):
The men in the nineties andeighties in the heyday of
Arkansas, they went to huntmallards. And, obviously, times
are changing and things areshifting, and I've grown to
appreciate all duck species.I've had so much fun traveling
and hunting and experiencing thehunt, and so many different
kinds of ducks. But I grew uphunting mallards, and that will
always be so special to me.
Jimbo Robinson (19:40):
Only in the timber?
Maggie Williams (19:41):
I didn't hunt in a rice field till I was 16
years old.
Jimbo Robinson (19:43):
Oh my.
Maggie Williams (19:44):
I grew up in the flood timber because we
didn't have at least. We didn'thave a club. We didn't have
private land. So plan. We had tohunt the public woods.
So I'm very thankful. That'swhere I got to cut my teeth at
hunting.
Jimbo Robinson (19:54):
What's your favorite? Oh.
Justin Martin (19:59):
Well, that's a loaded question.
Jimbo Robinson (20:01):
Maybe not favorite, but what what do you
Justin Martin (20:02):
feel most possible? If I if you give me
one to pick, I'm probably gonnapick Greenwing teal.
Maggie Williams (20:07):
Yeah. Louisiana boy right there. Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson (20:09):
Well, and
Justin Martin (20:10):
I love to eat them. Right? So there there's
definitely a hierarchy in intable fare and ducks. So, you
know, there's there's definitelythat mallard, he pretty. That's
about where he stops.
He he looks good in a picture,but, you know, he'll he'll he
will spend time on a sewage pondwith equal enthusiasm as flooded
timber. So he
Maggie Williams (20:30):
That is true.
Justin Martin (20:31):
He's quite a diverse little critters. So, but
them them green wings and themwoodies, I mean that yeah. I
grew up busting beaver ponds forwood ducks in North Louisiana.
So like, you know, I lovewoodies. I love hunting woodies.
And then my master's researchwas actually on wood ducks. So
like me and the Woody goes wayback and, and so the little
ducks, man, but I do, I'm not,I'm not gonna lie. Big fat
(20:53):
Mallard Drake, he's gonna get ittoo. Like that, that doesn't
bother me, but I, a perfect,like a perfect limit for me is
not four and two. It's generallylike two, two, one, one, like
just kind of a variety pack.
I love, I love hunting WRP forthat reason because all ducks
use it. And so, definitely not apurist of any sorts, but
(21:13):
definitely I, I now being about40, I I I don't shoot brown ones
anymore. It's a boys party. Andif it means I'm coming out one
or two shy, then sorry. I'm justI'm just gonna shoot boys, man.
And that that's okay. You know?That's just where I've graduated
to in life. Like, it it is whatit is.
Jimbo Robinson (21:31):
So limits don't mean anything more. It's more
about the story of the hunt now.Absolutely. And I think that
comes with age.
Justin Martin (21:37):
Oh yeah. Because there used to be a day I chased
that L word hard. Oh. Like I'dsit there another two hours to
get the last one, which wasdumb, you know, just like it's
dumbest thing ever, but I didit, you know, and so guilty. And
so when people say they're doingthat, I'm like, you'll get there
one day.
Jimbo Robinson (21:52):
Yes.
Justin Martin (21:52):
You'll get there where that don't matter. You'll
get there where that sausage andbiscuit means just as much as
that last
Jimbo Robinson (21:57):
When that belly starts talking to you and you
have no snacks left in your bag,you're you're leaving. Yeah.
You're leaving. So, let's talkabout this. We're gonna go
through real quick.
I know we're on a tight schedulehere because all y'all are very
popular here. Talk about yourduck call and and the exclusive,
that you had this weekendbecause I think it it was a big
hit for you.
Beau Brooks (22:16):
Absolutely. We talk about Kelly. Right? Kelly gave
me a chance eight years ago. Iwas doing my, I was doing my own
call company before I met Kelly.
He met me just a buck toothchild at NWTF, you know, and he
and he and he just this dorkydude, and he just, he gave me a
(22:38):
chance, and I've I've I'veworked and I said, Kelly, I I I
wanna do it. I wanna do duckcall that I really like. And and
Brooke gets all the creditbecause Brooke and I sat
downstairs and we worked on thisthing, and I want it we have a
lot of people of every differentcaliber that run duck calls. And
I've seen where people like duckcalls, like our duck calls, to
see where people don't like ourduck calls, And I I just wanted
(23:01):
to make one that was foreverybody that I could make to
them. And so we messed aroundand messed around, and and and I
love Kelly to death.
He every duck call that we sellis a black duck call. So I'm
like, I'm not doing that if ithas my name on it. I'm gonna
choose the wildest colors I canchoose because I'm wildest dude
in Kelly just he just he says,my goodness. When he saw that
(23:25):
call, he's like, my goodness,Bo. You you that's a crazy
color, Bo.
You know? But, you know, it'sit's just incredible. Like, the
the coolest part is where we hadpeople from that drove all night
from, you know, South Texas,from Louisiana, from PA, and
Pennsylvania. Yep. And and, youknow, and I was talking to
(23:46):
Kelly, and Kelly's like he'slike, it it they're like, oh,
you wouldn't have done that.
And I I we were laughing, thenhim and I both said, you know
what? No. We would have. I'mlike, when I was when I was
growing up, if I heard that Philwas showing up to Oregon at the
or California, I would havedrove all the way there all
night and just to shake his handand get that duck call. And what
(24:06):
I wanted to do is I wantedpeople to not be disappointed.
I wanted it to be a work of art.At the same time, I wanted them
I wanted to be able to work onit for them right there.
Jimbo Robinson (24:15):
Man, you ought to be so proud. I know it's a
long time in coming for you, andand you put out tons of amazing
calls. But to see what happenedhere was just awesome.
Beau Brooks (24:25):
It it's it is the funnest thing ever, and it's
what's even cooler, though, iswhen we get into season and just
seeing everybody when they theystart texting me. They got their
first turkey. They got theirthey shot a shot their first
shoveler. You know, he's bringthem in. And it it's just it's
just you know, it's just sospecial, that that we're like, I
(24:45):
don't even I as a as a 16 yearold kid in Washington standing
in the rain walking back andforth, you know, we're I'm
sitting here in a place that Inever in a million years thought
I'd be.
Yeah. And I everyone knows me asa turkey guy. Right? But I'm
telling you, I'm a duck hunting.I grew up a duck hunter.
I grew up with a bit with a fiveacre flooded corn complex in my
(25:07):
backyard. I sat out there forhours every night. Yeah. Ducks
are my blood.
Jimbo Robinson (25:12):
And I think none of us probably would have if if
if you could have asked us whenwe were this age, hey. Do you
think you'll be sitting at a DUExpo or any show in a chair on a
podcast that people are arelining up to see you, not me,
but you three for sure. I'm justget the lucky one to sit here
and talk to y'all, but I don'tthink you would have thought
(25:32):
that. And that's just it's it'shard work, it's dedication, it's
passion for the sport, it'slove, and it's really listening.
And you said it earlier, likejust taking all this stuff in
and taking what you learned fromothers, all three of y'all said
that what you've learned fromother people and passion and
time and effort and done it.
And I think that, you know, man,we I I have I've loved Higdon
from day one. I I was reallyfortunate to, I sent a cold
(25:57):
email years ago, and I don'tknow if you know this, to Higdon
Outdoors because we werestruggling to find decoys here
locally to use in our eventsystem. And John Higdon wrote me
back. We talked on the phone forseven hours one day about a DE
program in 02/2010, and that'swhere the whole Higdon DE
program began was me, John, andBen Higdon talking, and I drove
up to Paducah one day. And so myrespect for those guys is is off
(26:18):
the charts.
And and then Kelly and thePowers call group came on, and
and then you came on shortlyafter I kinda left the field
staff and and came in this role.But, man, watching these people
in sprint.
VO (26:29):
I don't
Jimbo Robinson (26:30):
I sat here. We opened the show right here, and
I watch kids sprint and adultssprint, and they wherever they
were going for that exclusivehat, which I never thought
exclusive hats would be whypeople showed up to shows. But
it's I mean, they weresprinting, and then they would
take a direction, and I knewwhere they go. Oh, yep. They're
going after the last few callsthat are left.
They're going after the hat backhere, and it's so fun to watch
(26:50):
kids do that.
Beau Brooks (26:51):
Yep. And that was It's community.
Jimbo Robinson (26:52):
It is. It's We we
Beau Brooks (26:53):
are a duck hunting community.
Jimbo Robinson (26:54):
Yep. It's it's the best. What's your go to
call? Oh. Because I know youdon't have a lot.
Justin Martin (27:00):
No. I don't. I saw I mean, I did a so I lost a
signature series with duckcommander two years ago. Kinda
same deal. Did a limited run of200 the first year, and we sold
them in twenty four hoursonline.
It was crazy. Never thought thatthat day would ever happen. And
so now we redid it. So we leftthe first 200, the first 200.
(27:21):
And so I retooled it a littlebit.
And so now I use my signature,which is just my take on one of
Phil's original cut downmagnums. Cut down magnum, double
read, all the things. So that's,that's my number one, man. It
hangs around my neck. It'ssomething I'm proud of.
And that, if you order one fromDuck Commander, I still build
every one
Jimbo Robinson (27:39):
of them. It's got
Justin Martin (27:40):
my name on it. So I sit down and build every one
of them. I don't let the guys inthe shop do it. That one is
mine. It's my baby.
Jimbo Robinson (27:47):
Same with you. That's so cool.
Justin Martin (27:49):
So if it does happen to have a little
Copenhagen spit in it, Iapologize. I try to get that all
out of there, but sometimes, youknow, we don't charge extra
Beau Brooks (27:56):
for it.
Jimbo Robinson (27:56):
That's right. That's original. What's your go
to?
Maggie Williams (27:58):
So I grew up blowing J frames in the woods
with my dad's and with my dad.And as I have gotten older, I
have evolved to love a cut down.
Jimbo Robinson (28:05):
There
Maggie Williams (28:05):
you you know, he's bragging on Kelly. I think
Kelly makes a fine duck call,and I have loved having the
ignition by power calls on mylanyard. Prefer preferably one
that Bo or Brooke can get aholdof. If I can have them tune it
to the way I like it, it willrip.
Beau Brooks (28:19):
So anyway Really really Brooke. Brooke. Brooke is
awesome.
Maggie Williams (28:22):
Bo has put his hands on several of my duck
calls, and they've turned outwonderfully. But I love the
ignition. It it's a great cutdown. I think it's really user
friendly, especially for a cutdown, and I I've really enjoyed
it.
Jimbo Robinson (28:32):
I've been blowing duck calls my life, and
I still send mine back toBrooke.
Justin Martin (28:35):
Brooke, can
Jimbo Robinson (28:35):
you tell this one for me? Brooke. Brooke's
amazing. We are we're wrappingup, but we have an announcement.
This is the first time we aremaking announcement really
quick, and I am gonna turn thisover to Justin to make an
announcement.
Breaking news that we just foundout about five minutes before we
walked on to the set.
Justin Martin (28:54):
That I'd had no idea this was coming, but
apparently, the boss will behere tomorrow. He is coming over
from Fayetteville, to spend thenight in Memphis. So Willie
Robertson will be at the DU Expotomorrow. He's gonna, get here,
and I suppose I'm gonna beheaded back home. So we'll high
five in the lobby, and, I'll sayit's your turn.
You know? And, no. It's reallycool, and that tells you what
(29:16):
kind of what kind of buzz isaround it where Willie thought
enough to say, you know what? Iactually will go over there. So
and it's not something that wewe don't ever ask those guys to
to do that stuff anymore.
We invite them, but we wouldnever ask them to do it just
because their lives they're atsuch different stages of their
lives with grandkids andministry and all the things
(29:38):
that, you know, it's really coolthat he he volunteered. He was
not anything. He just called andsaid, yeah, get me a room.
Jimbo Robinson (29:44):
That's what he heard.
Justin Martin (29:45):
So, you know what we say? Yes. So I don't know if
I don't know if we're able toget him a room or if one of us
will give up our room and we'llshare with somebody else or
whatever, but but we'll figurethat
Jimbo Robinson (29:53):
out. Absolutely. So problem.
Beau Brooks (29:55):
That's I'll have you, Justin.
Justin Martin (29:56):
Yeah. You
Beau Brooks (29:56):
can stay with me.
Jimbo Robinson (29:57):
I I I he said, you know, that's so exciting for
this show. It was big time, whenthey came and talked to us about
it. So, yes, Willie Robertsonwill be here midday tomorrow. We
don't have exact time, but wewill post that when we find out.
But the boss man himself, lot ofthe a lot of people.
Justin Martin (30:15):
Yeah. It's gonna be wild.
Jimbo Robinson (30:16):
It is gonna be wild.
Justin Martin (30:17):
Doesn't do many
Jimbo Robinson (30:17):
of these.
Justin Martin (30:18):
No. No. It's it's gonna be it's an incredible
town.
Jimbo Robinson (30:21):
So from all of us here at the Duck Den with the
big news, thank you, Bo, somuch. Thank you, Maggie. I know
you got somewhere else to go.Thank you, Justin.
Maggie Williams (30:28):
Thank you, sir. Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson (30:29):
Incredible place to have these three on this set.
And with the big breaking news,we will be back here in just a
little bit. But for now, thankyou all from DUX Memphis twenty
twenty five. See you soon.
VO (30:44):
Thank you for listening to the DU podcast sponsored by
Purina Pro Plan, the officialperformance dog food of Ducks
Unlimited. Purina Pro Plan,always advancing. Also proudly
sponsored by Bird Dog Whiskeyand Cocktails. Whether you're
winding down with your bestfriend or celebrating with your
favorite crew, Birddog bringsaward winning flavor to every
moment. Enjoy responsibly.
(31:06):
Be sure to rate, review, andsubscribe to the show and visit
ducks.org/dupodcast. Opinionsexpressed by guests do not
necessarily reflect those ofDucks Unlimited. Until next
time, stay tuned to the ducks.
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