December 9, 2025 • 25 mins
Join Matt Harrison and special guest Guy Halbert as they dive into Arkansas’ first split of duck season. From unexpected warm weather and mosquito-filled mornings to big pushes of birds as of late, Guy shares insights on hunting conditions, water levels, and the impact of acorn abundance on wildlife. Plus, hear an unforgettable story about a young hunter’s first banded mallard.
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Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Matt Harrison (01:44):
On today's episode of the Ducks Unlimited
podcast, we have special guestGuy Halbert from the natural
state of Arkansas joining theDucks Unlimited podcast to give
us an update on duck huntingconditions in Arkansas. So you
don't wanna miss it. Stay tunedto the Ducks Unlimited podcast.
(02:07):
Can we do a mic check, please?Everybody, welcome back to the
Ducks on the Podcast.
VO (02:11):
I'm your host, doctor Mike Brasher. I'm your host, Katie
Burke. I'm your host, doctorJared Henson. And I'm your host,
Matt Harrison.
Welcome to the Ducks Unlimitedpodcast, the only podcast about
all things waterfowl. Fromhunting insights to science
(02:33):
based discussions about 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
and Cocktails.
Whether you're winding down withyour best friend or celebrating
(02:54):
with your favorite crew, BirdDog brings award winning flavor
to every moment. Enjoyresponsibly.
Matt Harrison (03:13):
Hey, everybody. Welcome back to the Duck
Unlimited podcast. I'm yourhost, Matt Harrison, and we have
with us today Guy Halbert fromArkansas who we just recently,
not too long ago, did a landmanagement podcast episode, and
it was one that I reallyenjoyed. So if you hadn't
listened to that one, can alsogo back listen to that podcast
(03:33):
episode. But, Guy, how we doing?
Guy Halbert (03:35):
Doing good, man. How are you doing?
Matt Harrison (03:37):
I'm wonderful. I'm super excited to have you
on. Last time we were on, wetalked about being excited for
duck season and couldn't wait.Now here we are. We're in our
first split in Arkansas, and soeverything been going good with
you, though?
Guy Halbert (03:50):
Man, it's it's been good. You know, the the weather
has really cooperated the lastweek or so. I mean, it's it's
really been nice, to be honestwith you. Yeah. I'm I'm pretty
pumped for the next split.
So I mean, the next season. So
Matt Harrison (04:01):
No doubt. No doubt. Now have you gotten to do
some deer hunting? I know thatwe talked briefly not too long
ago, me, you, Michael, andtalked a little bit, and you
were getting ready to go climbup in a stand and chase a deer.
So have you been been after thedeer hard?
Guy Halbert (04:13):
Man, real hard, but it it's been it's been kind of a
you know, last last year, we wedidn't have any acorns at all in
my area. Like, it I mean, thatwas just kind of the whole story
down here, but this year, we'vegot too many acorns. And so I I
just don't think they gotta movefar, and, you know, I, you know,
I haven't seen many deer chasingat all, so I I don't know.
(04:35):
They're kinda just sporadic withwith, you know, grunting and
stuff. So but it's yeah. I'vebeen chasing them real hard.
Matt Harrison (04:41):
Now when does the rut come in for you guys
typically in Arkansas?
Guy Halbert (04:45):
Man, it this year, like I said, this year's just
been weird, man. It you know,down here where I'm at and and
Mhmm. Specifically, you know,the first week of December is
like the Midwest down here. I'veseen some Yeah. You know, I've
seen five or six bucks chasing adoe just like normally, it's
it's really good right now, butit's been hard last week, man.
(05:06):
I tell you, I I've seen deerthis year chasing, you know, the
first week in November downhere, which is I've I've never
really seen that. So I've I hada big mature deer chasing in
October, which is you know, theydo that sometimes on that big
red moon, but so it's it's justbeen it's just kinda sporadic
down here, really, to be honest.So you just gotta find the right
(05:27):
dough and hope hope the bigboy's behind her. So but
Matt Harrison (05:32):
Well, what's interesting that you say,
though, is the acorn drop thisyear is is so much better from
last year, and it's I've neverreally thought about it. We
talked about on the podcastyesterday with Tim and Sydney
Wells that I'm not that big of adeer hunter, but it's
interesting to think about whenyou do have a better year for
acorns that those deer don'thave to go as far, you know,
(05:53):
looking for acorns or or food oranything like that when you do
have a really, really good year.That's interesting that you say
that. Me not being a deerhunter, I really don't think
about that very often, but it'sit's neat to think about that
aspect of it.
Guy Halbert (06:05):
Well, sure, mate. Yeah. I mean, you you know,
like, you know, even last yearwith the ducks, you know, they
didn't use the woods in somespots like they normally do. You
know? Mhmm.
We had I had fields with, youknow, 2,500 wood ducks in it.
You're shooting them likemallards. Like, know? So it's a
double edged sword. No.
It's it's it's great. You know?I'm glad we have acorns. You
(06:27):
know, they they mass producethis year for sure. It's it's
gotta be good for the ducks.
You know? So I Like, know that.How it was last year on some of
the. It was it was justdifferent. Some they used some
places they never used, and soand they you know?
Matt Harrison (06:42):
Yeah. It's some good signs, though, for whenever
the water does get in the woodsin some spots. So I know there's
a couple spots that's gonna doreally well when that when that
does happen.
Guy Halbert (06:53):
Man, for sure. For sure.
Matt Harrison (06:55):
Well, let's talk a little bit about how hunting
has been for you. I know that,like I said, we've talked
briefly on the phone past coupledays and seen where you guys
have had some good hunts andstuff, but you mentioned that
conditions weather wise has hasbeen ideal so far. How has the
first split for you guys firstseason gone for you guys? I know
(07:18):
that, you know, first couplehunts in Arkansas, we were
literally swatting mosquitoes.Like, I kid you not.
I'm pretty sure I mistaked acouple groups of ducks for a
mosquito because I was sittingthere, leaned up against the
tree and just see this massivepterodactyl coming in. It's this
mosquito, and I'm over thereswatting them. And I don't know
(07:39):
I don't know if I've had thatwarm of a opening day, you know,
but we still had a good hunt.But how has, you know, the
weather been for you this thisfirst season?
Guy Halbert (07:50):
Man, you know, well, you know, right before
duck season, it was 80 degreesfor, what, a week and a half. So
that was that was odd. You know?I mean, I I've I've seen that
before, you know, obviously. ButI'll be honest with you, man.
The first two days, we were wewere just swatting mosquitoes.
We there wasn't much killinggoing on. We, man, I just didn't
you know, traditionally, whereI'm at in my area, we we don't
(08:11):
get our ducks till Christmas.You know? And Mhmm.
Man, I I don't know whathappened, but, like, I'd I'd
scout everything. I tried toevery day, you know, just to
kinda see what's what we'reholding where and, you know, how
we can break up our hunts orwhatever through the week. I
only have two two weeks a yearthat my my boss's family group
(08:32):
is in, so we try to really youknow, we we probably push a
little harder on hunting ourstuff than we need to, but was
That's what we do. When they'reall here together, you know,
that's what it's all about. Sobut, anyways, they For sure.
You know, the third the thirdafternoon, man, I I went and
checked the field that they werenot in, and it was yeah. I don't
think you could have put anotherduck in it. So and it was warm.
(08:53):
You know? So we ended up, man.
It they just kinda showed up outof nowhere. I you know, I don't
know. You know, I've heardtalked to some guys around me,
and it's kind of the samesituation. You know? They they
killed some ducks in my area.
So, you know, the weather wasnot good the first couple days,
but, man, his really turned out.And it's you know, it it turned
out nice, you know, really. Andwe we ended up having a really
(09:15):
good first split, all thingsconsidered. So
Matt Harrison (09:18):
No doubt. That's awesome. That's awesome. And so
Yeah. Just thinking, were whenthose birds showed up that you
were kinda surprised about, wasthere no cold front or a cold
little snap?
And I know we hadn't really hadreal, real cold weather as until
late. So did they just kindashow up, or was it, you know,
something up north you thinkkinda pushed them down?
Guy Halbert (09:38):
So this this is kinda my theory on this. Man, on
them big south wind days, that'swhen I I feel like my ducks show
up, them big south wind. Wedon't have, like, a 30 mile an
hour south wind second day. Idon't know if you remember that
at night. It I mean, it was realbad.
But so, like, I killed moreducks on a south wind. I mean, I
shoot them well, obviously,shoot them on a good north wind,
(09:58):
but I think I see more travelingducks on a good south wind. And
so we got a big south wind, and,man, they were just here. You
know? I don't I don't know ifthey come up from you know, I
heard Louisiana got a a a bigpush, you know, of teal and
stuff, so early, you know, realearly.
So there were some guys downthere, you know, swatting them
out, but, you know, so I don'tknow. Maybe Yep. You know,
(10:21):
that's kind of my theory on it.I think they kinda showed up on
that south wind, and and, man,it just kinda they're really
they last couple days, honestly,you know, it's a split here in
Arkansas, but they have reallyshowed up, though, like big
time. Yeah.
VO (10:41):
Stay tuned to the Ducks Unlimited podcast, sponsored by
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Matt Harrison (12:39):
Alright. So, guy, we know that weather conditions
have been pretty good, but oneissue that has kind of been a
hot topic in Arkansas,especially on public ground and
such is, you know, the waterlevels aren't where we want them
to be. So have you heard muchtalking on on how people have
done on public ground inArkansas? I know that we have a
couple friends that have donepretty well actually, but, you
(13:02):
know, all considered, we knowthat water isn't exactly where
every duck hunter wish it was asof right now. But have you heard
much talk about water levels onpublic ground in Arkansas?
Guy Halbert (13:15):
Well, yeah, man. Yeah. You know you know that.
Yeah. They you know, the water'sconcentrated, obviously, but,
you know, obviously, on the bigrivers and stuff, you know,
there's there's no just thelakes and stuff, you know, like
that.
You know, surprisingly, I'veheard some guys done really
well, especially in my our area.So, you know, that that is a big
topic, man. And just from, youknow, management standpoint and
(13:38):
just how dry we are, It's kindasurprising how many ducks we did
have, you know, in my area. Andso, you know, those ducks are
pretty concentrated. You know, Ithink they got hammered on
pretty good.
So I know I know some few groupsthat did really well, like,
really well and shot mallardducks. So but for sure, you
know, water's you know, ifyou're if you if you got
private, you know, and you gotsome water, you're probably
(14:00):
gonna do pretty good, you know,and you got some food. So I know
that most public around here is,you know, pretty pretty dry and
sparse. I think it's, like, allover the state. You know,
there's a few, you know, a fewBMW MAs that I think can pump up
and stuff like that, but I thinkthey're starting to do some of
that.
And so that that that alreadyhelped, you know, help a lot
more habitat and just more restand stuff like that and just
(14:24):
more water area in the in thelandscape. So
Matt Harrison (14:27):
No doubt. And one good thing with that guy is we
do know that the lack of watercan cause some, you know,
tougher conditions as awaterfowl hunter. But one good
thing about it is if you areable to find some water in
certain areas and it's not beingtoo pressured, odds are you'll
find ducks if you find somewater. You know? So that is one
(14:47):
good thing is with it being alittle bit more concentrated,
you know, water conditions onpublic ground.
Once you do find someopportunity that that you can
kinda get away from people, youknow, If you find water, odds
are I feel like you'll have agood shot at at shooting some
ducks as well. So that's alwaysa always a good thing when the
water is a little bit lower. Sonot all of it's negative. You
(15:10):
know?
Guy Halbert (15:10):
No. I mean, it's it's it's even when the water's
high. You know? It's the sameway. You know?
It's there's always, you know,pluses and negatives to every
situation, especially duckhunting. You know that. So in
general, just Yep. You know,there's a double edged sword to
everything.
Matt Harrison (15:25):
For sure. Well, the hunts that you've been able
to go on, we know that you'vehad some really good ones. How
how did you kinda see the birdsresponded, and were they were
they very easy to call? We knowthat early, typically, it's it's
a little bit easier, but itthere's also can be some times
that you're like, man, thesethese birds look like they've
been hunted hard. I know forcertain.
There was one day that we huntedthis year, you know, and I was
(15:48):
just like, man, they just theyweren't responding very well.
They didn't wanna seem tofinish. And you know? But on the
same token, it was one of thekinda gloomy days, you know,
missed in a little bit. So itwasn't ideal conditions, and I
just feel like they weren't inthe best mood to do it right.
But how how did you kinda seethe birds reacting, and how did
(16:09):
you kinda see how it went thefirst split as far as, you know,
response goes to to the ducks?
Guy Halbert (16:14):
You know, we had some pretty fresh food, and and
they had been in there a littlebit, you know, on a couple of
moisture units that we hunted.And those ducks, man, they did
great. You know, you man, youonly have tetracalls on some of
those a couple of those hunts,and you just kinda gotta set
them up where you know, and putthem in front of the guys. So
that's kinda what we did onthat. But I did have a cup two
hunts that, you know, after thatthunderstorm we kinda had, we
(16:35):
kinda had a little bit ofweather system come through that
was kinda, you know, rough.
But that the day after that, youknow, they were pretty tough.
You know, you could tell thatthey were kinda kinda skittish a
little bit. As far as pressure,know, hunting pressure, I I
didn't really you know, theydidn't feel like late January
ducks. You know, they they stillkinda responded a little bit on
(16:56):
my hunts at least, but I didhave a I did have a day that was
like, well, I better just put mycall in my bag or just, you
know, hit them on the cornersor, you know, you feel like you
couldn't do nothing right withyour duck call, which we have
those days all the time. Youknow?
This this it's a it's a duck.You know? Pressure, you know,
barometric pressure and all thatwas different, you know, on them
(17:17):
low low pressure days. You know,they, you know, they they it's
just like a deer hunting a deer,you know, where they move and
stuff. You know?
It's kind of the same thing withall animals, I I personally
think. You know? So you're gonnahave those days no And matter
especially if you had the bigpressure, you know, if you're
hunting them you hunt your unit,you know, more than you probably
should, you know, those ducks,you know, they're probably gonna
(17:38):
get a little a little shy ofyou. So just kinda gotta keep
you fresh.
Matt Harrison (17:43):
Well, share with us the story that you have told
me previously whenever we wereon the phone about a a young
fellow that you took to hisfirst duck hunt to be able to
shoot a duck, and it's anawesome story. I was moved by
it, and I want you to share itshare it with our listeners if
(18:03):
you can today.
Guy Halbert (18:04):
Man, that'd be awesome. Yeah. I'll I'll keep
his I'll keep his name private.But, yeah, we had a guest come
in that was a friend of my theguys I worked for, and it was
his little boy. And he was hewas nine years old.
He's a big turkey and deerhunter. Big big time. Big goes
to Kansas all the time. Theythey love they love chasing deer
and turkeys and never been areal big duck hunter. And so
(18:28):
they come down for the the, youknow, the the first week of duck
season and first weekend on theopener.
And the first morning, you know,I told you before, and I said,
we we didn't have I just didn'thave anything I was real
confident in duck hunting, so wewent goose hunting. And if you
know anything about specterbelly goose hunting, man, if
you're not where they wanna be,it don't matter what you do. You
(18:51):
you can maybe shoot at a few,but if you're if you're on the
x, it's normally really good andno matter what. But, you know,
we just weren't on the x firstmorning, and I think we shot at
a few, but it was pretty rough.And then the next day, we went
we went we just kinda hellmarried one and went to a big
blind and cooked breakfast anddid all that stuff.
And I think they we didn't evenkill a duck that morning. It was
(19:13):
just rough on us. But the nextday, I I they finally showed up
a little bit, and I told him, Isaid I said, buddy, you better
get ready because this thismight be a good one. And we we
get in there, and I think thefirst group of birds that that
did it right, he sat down, andthey kinda swung over his side.
And we let the boys shoot first.
We had three three kids with us,and and they tore into him. And
(19:38):
this one this one duck wasgetting out, and he held married
one and just folded it up. Andwe were all so pumped, man. It
was awesome. It was it was hisfirst bird.
Okay? And so we were we werereal real pumped, and that and I
think the next group of ducksthat we started working is kind
of the same same situation. Theykinda they kinda sit on one of
(19:59):
the end of the blind, and that'sthat's where he was. And then
the boys ripped into him again,and one was getting out. Again,
same situation, and he just justfolded it up getting out.
And we're like, yeah. Good job.You know, we knew who killed the
duck. Anyways, we we we go on upthe hunt. I think we we said
that, you know, we killed a fewmore birds or something, and
(20:22):
then I kinda rounded them up andsent my dog out there.
And my dog went and got this onethis one bird off off his end,
the one that he shot, the one wewere all pumped about. And he
set it beside me, and I wasn'teven paying attention. And I
just kinda glanced down, and andor I had all the other birds on
(20:42):
the stream. It was the last oneout of that group that we that
we shot into. I I just kindalooked down, and sure enough,
that Joker was banded.
So he killed his first duck,which was awesome. His second
bird was a banded mallard. Like,it you know, he just that's
that's it was so lucky, but itwas so awesome, man. He was so
pumped. So that was it was
Matt Harrison (21:03):
That's such an incredible story.
Guy Halbert (21:05):
That sounded awesome.
Matt Harrison (21:06):
And that is something that is something he
he will never ever forget. Itdoesn't matter how how old he
gets. That's a story that he'llget to share for the rest of his
life. And, man, that just I lovehearing stuff like that. You
know, especially the older youget, it just seems to be a
little bit sweeter and a littlebit more rewarding because we
(21:28):
all ultimately know that's whatit's about is, you know, showing
the next generation why we loveit, why we do it, why we work to
conserve habitat for waterfowl.
I mean, that's that's a trulyfull circle, just incredible
incredible moment and story.
Guy Halbert (21:43):
Man, that's that's what it's all about. I mean, you
know, especially the older weget. You know, when we're young
and just starting and kindagetting on our own, you know,
especially hunting public andstuff like that, man, we just
wanna kill, you know? But theolder you get, the little things
and just the moments, you know,just being there, and taking
(22:04):
kids, man, that's just what it'sall about. I mean, that's why we
do it, you know, especially frommy standpoint.
You know, I do hunt in public,you know, with you guys and
stuff a little bit, but, youknow, that's where I'm at now
and kinda my, I guess, state oflife is just like that's that's
why I do what I do now is justto just to, you know, build
(22:25):
those memories like that andtake kids and just kinda man,
just just make memories. So
Matt Harrison (22:32):
No doubt. Well, you made it goin', and like I
said, it's one he'll rememberand tell for the rest of his
life, and he'll get to sharethat story every time somebody
sees that band on his lanyard.He'll get Oh, yeah. Share that
with him and and mention you. Sokudos to you, Guy, for making
that a a memory he'll neverforget.
So that's for sure for sure anawesome story, and I'm glad you
(22:52):
got to share it with ourlisteners today. Well well, Guy,
we wanna thank you so much fortaking time to to hop on the
Ducks Unlimited podcast and talka little bit about ducks and
stories and and the whole nine.We just can't thank you enough.
Guy Halbert (23:06):
Thank you, man. Really appreciate it. It was a
lot of fun.
Matt Harrison (23:07):
And we also wanna thank our podcast producer,
mister Chris Isaac, for makingthis happen. I also wanna thank
our Ducks Unlimited podcastlisteners because without you,
we don't have a podcast. So,Guy, we hope you have a great,
great rest of your season. Y'allstay safe out there. Everybody
take care, and God bless.
VO (23:26):
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, Bird Dog bringsaward winning flavor to every
moment. Enjoy responsibly.
(23:48):
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.
On today's episode of the Ducks Unlimited
podcast, we have special guestGuy Halbert from the natural
state of Arkansas joining theDucks Unlimited podcast to give
us an update on duck huntingconditions in Arkansas. So you
don't wanna miss it. Stay tunedto the Ducks Unlimited podcast.
(02:07):
Can we do a mic check, please?Everybody, welcome back to the
Ducks on the Podcast.
VO (02:11):
I'm your host, doctor Mike Brasher. I'm your host, Katie
Burke. I'm your host, doctorJared Henson. And I'm your host,
Matt Harrison.
Welcome to the Ducks Unlimitedpodcast, the only podcast about
all things waterfowl. Fromhunting insights to science
(02:33):
based discussions about 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
and Cocktails.
Whether you're winding down withyour best friend or celebrating
(02:54):
with your favorite crew, BirdDog brings award winning flavor
to every moment. Enjoyresponsibly.
Matt Harrison (03:13):
Hey, everybody. Welcome back to the Duck
Unlimited podcast. I'm yourhost, Matt Harrison, and we have
with us today Guy Halbert fromArkansas who we just recently,
not too long ago, did a landmanagement podcast episode, and
it was one that I reallyenjoyed. So if you hadn't
listened to that one, can alsogo back listen to that podcast
(03:33):
episode. But, Guy, how we doing?
Guy Halbert (03:35):
Doing good, man. How are you doing?
Matt Harrison (03:37):
I'm wonderful. I'm super excited to have you
on. Last time we were on, wetalked about being excited for
duck season and couldn't wait.Now here we are. We're in our
first split in Arkansas, and soeverything been going good with
you, though?
Guy Halbert (03:50):
Man, it's it's been good. You know, the the weather
has really cooperated the lastweek or so. I mean, it's it's
really been nice, to be honestwith you. Yeah. I'm I'm pretty
pumped for the next split.
So I mean, the next season. So
Matt Harrison (04:01):
No doubt. No doubt. Now have you gotten to do
some deer hunting? I know thatwe talked briefly not too long
ago, me, you, Michael, andtalked a little bit, and you
were getting ready to go climbup in a stand and chase a deer.
So have you been been after thedeer hard?
Guy Halbert (04:13):
Man, real hard, but it it's been it's been kind of a
you know, last last year, we wedidn't have any acorns at all in
my area. Like, it I mean, thatwas just kind of the whole story
down here, but this year, we'vegot too many acorns. And so I I
just don't think they gotta movefar, and, you know, I, you know,
I haven't seen many deer chasingat all, so I I don't know.
(04:35):
They're kinda just sporadic withwith, you know, grunting and
stuff. So but it's yeah. I'vebeen chasing them real hard.
Matt Harrison (04:41):
Now when does the rut come in for you guys
typically in Arkansas?
Guy Halbert (04:45):
Man, it this year, like I said, this year's just
been weird, man. It you know,down here where I'm at and and
Mhmm. Specifically, you know,the first week of December is
like the Midwest down here. I'veseen some Yeah. You know, I've
seen five or six bucks chasing adoe just like normally, it's
it's really good right now, butit's been hard last week, man.
(05:06):
I tell you, I I've seen deerthis year chasing, you know, the
first week in November downhere, which is I've I've never
really seen that. So I've I hada big mature deer chasing in
October, which is you know, theydo that sometimes on that big
red moon, but so it's it's justbeen it's just kinda sporadic
down here, really, to be honest.So you just gotta find the right
(05:27):
dough and hope hope the bigboy's behind her. So but
Matt Harrison (05:32):
Well, what's interesting that you say,
though, is the acorn drop thisyear is is so much better from
last year, and it's I've neverreally thought about it. We
talked about on the podcastyesterday with Tim and Sydney
Wells that I'm not that big of adeer hunter, but it's
interesting to think about whenyou do have a better year for
acorns that those deer don'thave to go as far, you know,
(05:53):
looking for acorns or or food oranything like that when you do
have a really, really good year.That's interesting that you say
that. Me not being a deerhunter, I really don't think
about that very often, but it'sit's neat to think about that
aspect of it.
Guy Halbert (06:05):
Well, sure, mate. Yeah. I mean, you you know,
like, you know, even last yearwith the ducks, you know, they
didn't use the woods in somespots like they normally do. You
know? Mhmm.
We had I had fields with, youknow, 2,500 wood ducks in it.
You're shooting them likemallards. Like, know? So it's a
double edged sword. No.
It's it's it's great. You know?I'm glad we have acorns. You
(06:27):
know, they they mass producethis year for sure. It's it's
gotta be good for the ducks.
You know? So I Like, know that.How it was last year on some of
the. It was it was justdifferent. Some they used some
places they never used, and soand they you know?
Matt Harrison (06:42):
Yeah. It's some good signs, though, for whenever
the water does get in the woodsin some spots. So I know there's
a couple spots that's gonna doreally well when that when that
does happen.
Guy Halbert (06:53):
Man, for sure. For sure.
Matt Harrison (06:55):
Well, let's talk a little bit about how hunting
has been for you. I know that,like I said, we've talked
briefly on the phone past coupledays and seen where you guys
have had some good hunts andstuff, but you mentioned that
conditions weather wise has hasbeen ideal so far. How has the
first split for you guys firstseason gone for you guys? I know
(07:18):
that, you know, first couplehunts in Arkansas, we were
literally swatting mosquitoes.Like, I kid you not.
I'm pretty sure I mistaked acouple groups of ducks for a
mosquito because I was sittingthere, leaned up against the
tree and just see this massivepterodactyl coming in. It's this
mosquito, and I'm over thereswatting them. And I don't know
(07:39):
I don't know if I've had thatwarm of a opening day, you know,
but we still had a good hunt.But how has, you know, the
weather been for you this thisfirst season?
Guy Halbert (07:50):
Man, you know, well, you know, right before
duck season, it was 80 degreesfor, what, a week and a half. So
that was that was odd. You know?I mean, I I've I've seen that
before, you know, obviously. ButI'll be honest with you, man.
The first two days, we were wewere just swatting mosquitoes.
We there wasn't much killinggoing on. We, man, I just didn't
you know, traditionally, whereI'm at in my area, we we don't
(08:11):
get our ducks till Christmas.You know? And Mhmm.
Man, I I don't know whathappened, but, like, I'd I'd
scout everything. I tried toevery day, you know, just to
kinda see what's what we'reholding where and, you know, how
we can break up our hunts orwhatever through the week. I
only have two two weeks a yearthat my my boss's family group
(08:32):
is in, so we try to really youknow, we we probably push a
little harder on hunting ourstuff than we need to, but was
That's what we do. When they'reall here together, you know,
that's what it's all about. Sobut, anyways, they For sure.
You know, the third the thirdafternoon, man, I I went and
checked the field that they werenot in, and it was yeah. I don't
think you could have put anotherduck in it. So and it was warm.
(08:53):
You know? So we ended up, man.
It they just kinda showed up outof nowhere. I you know, I don't
know. You know, I've heardtalked to some guys around me,
and it's kind of the samesituation. You know? They they
killed some ducks in my area.
So, you know, the weather wasnot good the first couple days,
but, man, his really turned out.And it's you know, it it turned
out nice, you know, really. Andwe we ended up having a really
(09:15):
good first split, all thingsconsidered. So
Matt Harrison (09:18):
No doubt. That's awesome. That's awesome. And so
Yeah. Just thinking, were whenthose birds showed up that you
were kinda surprised about, wasthere no cold front or a cold
little snap?
And I know we hadn't really hadreal, real cold weather as until
late. So did they just kindashow up, or was it, you know,
something up north you thinkkinda pushed them down?
Guy Halbert (09:38):
So this this is kinda my theory on this. Man, on
them big south wind days, that'swhen I I feel like my ducks show
up, them big south wind. Wedon't have, like, a 30 mile an
hour south wind second day. Idon't know if you remember that
at night. It I mean, it was realbad.
But so, like, I killed moreducks on a south wind. I mean, I
shoot them well, obviously,shoot them on a good north wind,
(09:58):
but I think I see more travelingducks on a good south wind. And
so we got a big south wind, and,man, they were just here. You
know? I don't I don't know ifthey come up from you know, I
heard Louisiana got a a a bigpush, you know, of teal and
stuff, so early, you know, realearly.
So there were some guys downthere, you know, swatting them
out, but, you know, so I don'tknow. Maybe Yep. You know,
(10:21):
that's kind of my theory on it.I think they kinda showed up on
that south wind, and and, man,it just kinda they're really
they last couple days, honestly,you know, it's a split here in
Arkansas, but they have reallyshowed up, though, like big
time. Yeah.
VO (10:41):
Stay tuned to the Ducks Unlimited podcast, sponsored by
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Matt Harrison (12:39):
Alright. So, guy, we know that weather conditions
have been pretty good, but oneissue that has kind of been a
hot topic in Arkansas,especially on public ground and
such is, you know, the waterlevels aren't where we want them
to be. So have you heard muchtalking on on how people have
done on public ground inArkansas? I know that we have a
couple friends that have donepretty well actually, but, you
(13:02):
know, all considered, we knowthat water isn't exactly where
every duck hunter wish it was asof right now. But have you heard
much talk about water levels onpublic ground in Arkansas?
Guy Halbert (13:15):
Well, yeah, man. Yeah. You know you know that.
Yeah. They you know, the water'sconcentrated, obviously, but,
you know, obviously, on the bigrivers and stuff, you know,
there's there's no just thelakes and stuff, you know, like
that.
You know, surprisingly, I'veheard some guys done really
well, especially in my our area.So, you know, that that is a big
topic, man. And just from, youknow, management standpoint and
(13:38):
just how dry we are, It's kindasurprising how many ducks we did
have, you know, in my area. Andso, you know, those ducks are
pretty concentrated. You know, Ithink they got hammered on
pretty good.
So I know I know some few groupsthat did really well, like,
really well and shot mallardducks. So but for sure, you
know, water's you know, ifyou're if you if you got
private, you know, and you gotsome water, you're probably
(14:00):
gonna do pretty good, you know,and you got some food. So I know
that most public around here is,you know, pretty pretty dry and
sparse. I think it's, like, allover the state. You know,
there's a few, you know, a fewBMW MAs that I think can pump up
and stuff like that, but I thinkthey're starting to do some of
that.
And so that that that alreadyhelped, you know, help a lot
more habitat and just more restand stuff like that and just
(14:24):
more water area in the in thelandscape. So
Matt Harrison (14:27):
No doubt. And one good thing with that guy is we
do know that the lack of watercan cause some, you know,
tougher conditions as awaterfowl hunter. But one good
thing about it is if you areable to find some water in
certain areas and it's not beingtoo pressured, odds are you'll
find ducks if you find somewater. You know? So that is one
(14:47):
good thing is with it being alittle bit more concentrated,
you know, water conditions onpublic ground.
Once you do find someopportunity that that you can
kinda get away from people, youknow, If you find water, odds
are I feel like you'll have agood shot at at shooting some
ducks as well. So that's alwaysa always a good thing when the
water is a little bit lower. Sonot all of it's negative. You
(15:10):
know?
Guy Halbert (15:10):
No. I mean, it's it's it's even when the water's
high. You know? It's the sameway. You know?
It's there's always, you know,pluses and negatives to every
situation, especially duckhunting. You know that. So in
general, just Yep. You know,there's a double edged sword to
everything.
Matt Harrison (15:25):
For sure. Well, the hunts that you've been able
to go on, we know that you'vehad some really good ones. How
how did you kinda see the birdsresponded, and were they were
they very easy to call? We knowthat early, typically, it's it's
a little bit easier, but itthere's also can be some times
that you're like, man, thesethese birds look like they've
been hunted hard. I know forcertain.
There was one day that we huntedthis year, you know, and I was
(15:48):
just like, man, they just theyweren't responding very well.
They didn't wanna seem tofinish. And you know? But on the
same token, it was one of thekinda gloomy days, you know,
missed in a little bit. So itwasn't ideal conditions, and I
just feel like they weren't inthe best mood to do it right.
But how how did you kinda seethe birds reacting, and how did
(16:09):
you kinda see how it went thefirst split as far as, you know,
response goes to to the ducks?
Guy Halbert (16:14):
You know, we had some pretty fresh food, and and
they had been in there a littlebit, you know, on a couple of
moisture units that we hunted.And those ducks, man, they did
great. You know, you man, youonly have tetracalls on some of
those a couple of those hunts,and you just kinda gotta set
them up where you know, and putthem in front of the guys. So
that's kinda what we did onthat. But I did have a cup two
hunts that, you know, after thatthunderstorm we kinda had, we
(16:35):
kinda had a little bit ofweather system come through that
was kinda, you know, rough.
But that the day after that, youknow, they were pretty tough.
You know, you could tell thatthey were kinda kinda skittish a
little bit. As far as pressure,know, hunting pressure, I I
didn't really you know, theydidn't feel like late January
ducks. You know, they they stillkinda responded a little bit on
(16:56):
my hunts at least, but I didhave a I did have a day that was
like, well, I better just put mycall in my bag or just, you
know, hit them on the cornersor, you know, you feel like you
couldn't do nothing right withyour duck call, which we have
those days all the time. Youknow?
This this it's a it's a duck.You know? Pressure, you know,
barometric pressure and all thatwas different, you know, on them
(17:17):
low low pressure days. You know,they, you know, they they it's
just like a deer hunting a deer,you know, where they move and
stuff. You know?
It's kind of the same thing withall animals, I I personally
think. You know? So you're gonnahave those days no And matter
especially if you had the bigpressure, you know, if you're
hunting them you hunt your unit,you know, more than you probably
should, you know, those ducks,you know, they're probably gonna
(17:38):
get a little a little shy ofyou. So just kinda gotta keep
you fresh.
Matt Harrison (17:43):
Well, share with us the story that you have told
me previously whenever we wereon the phone about a a young
fellow that you took to hisfirst duck hunt to be able to
shoot a duck, and it's anawesome story. I was moved by
it, and I want you to share itshare it with our listeners if
(18:03):
you can today.
Guy Halbert (18:04):
Man, that'd be awesome. Yeah. I'll I'll keep
his I'll keep his name private.But, yeah, we had a guest come
in that was a friend of my theguys I worked for, and it was
his little boy. And he was hewas nine years old.
He's a big turkey and deerhunter. Big big time. Big goes
to Kansas all the time. Theythey love they love chasing deer
and turkeys and never been areal big duck hunter. And so
(18:28):
they come down for the the, youknow, the the first week of duck
season and first weekend on theopener.
And the first morning, you know,I told you before, and I said,
we we didn't have I just didn'thave anything I was real
confident in duck hunting, so wewent goose hunting. And if you
know anything about specterbelly goose hunting, man, if
you're not where they wanna be,it don't matter what you do. You
(18:51):
you can maybe shoot at a few,but if you're if you're on the
x, it's normally really good andno matter what. But, you know,
we just weren't on the x firstmorning, and I think we shot at
a few, but it was pretty rough.And then the next day, we went
we went we just kinda hellmarried one and went to a big
blind and cooked breakfast anddid all that stuff.
And I think they we didn't evenkill a duck that morning. It was
(19:13):
just rough on us. But the nextday, I I they finally showed up
a little bit, and I told him, Isaid I said, buddy, you better
get ready because this thismight be a good one. And we we
get in there, and I think thefirst group of birds that that
did it right, he sat down, andthey kinda swung over his side.
And we let the boys shoot first.
We had three three kids with us,and and they tore into him. And
(19:38):
this one this one duck wasgetting out, and he held married
one and just folded it up. Andwe were all so pumped, man. It
was awesome. It was it was hisfirst bird.
Okay? And so we were we werereal real pumped, and that and I
think the next group of ducksthat we started working is kind
of the same same situation. Theykinda they kinda sit on one of
(19:59):
the end of the blind, and that'sthat's where he was. And then
the boys ripped into him again,and one was getting out. Again,
same situation, and he just justfolded it up getting out.
And we're like, yeah. Good job.You know, we knew who killed the
duck. Anyways, we we we go on upthe hunt. I think we we said
that, you know, we killed a fewmore birds or something, and
(20:22):
then I kinda rounded them up andsent my dog out there.
And my dog went and got this onethis one bird off off his end,
the one that he shot, the one wewere all pumped about. And he
set it beside me, and I wasn'teven paying attention. And I
just kinda glanced down, and andor I had all the other birds on
(20:42):
the stream. It was the last oneout of that group that we that
we shot into. I I just kindalooked down, and sure enough,
that Joker was banded.
So he killed his first duck,which was awesome. His second
bird was a banded mallard. Like,it you know, he just that's
that's it was so lucky, but itwas so awesome, man. He was so
pumped. So that was it was
Matt Harrison (21:03):
That's such an incredible story.
Guy Halbert (21:05):
That sounded awesome.
Matt Harrison (21:06):
And that is something that is something he
he will never ever forget. Itdoesn't matter how how old he
gets. That's a story that he'llget to share for the rest of his
life. And, man, that just I lovehearing stuff like that. You
know, especially the older youget, it just seems to be a
little bit sweeter and a littlebit more rewarding because we
(21:28):
all ultimately know that's whatit's about is, you know, showing
the next generation why we loveit, why we do it, why we work to
conserve habitat for waterfowl.
I mean, that's that's a trulyfull circle, just incredible
incredible moment and story.
Guy Halbert (21:43):
Man, that's that's what it's all about. I mean, you
know, especially the older weget. You know, when we're young
and just starting and kindagetting on our own, you know,
especially hunting public andstuff like that, man, we just
wanna kill, you know? But theolder you get, the little things
and just the moments, you know,just being there, and taking
(22:04):
kids, man, that's just what it'sall about. I mean, that's why we
do it, you know, especially frommy standpoint.
You know, I do hunt in public,you know, with you guys and
stuff a little bit, but, youknow, that's where I'm at now
and kinda my, I guess, state oflife is just like that's that's
why I do what I do now is justto just to, you know, build
(22:25):
those memories like that andtake kids and just kinda man,
just just make memories. So
Matt Harrison (22:32):
No doubt. Well, you made it goin', and like I
said, it's one he'll rememberand tell for the rest of his
life, and he'll get to sharethat story every time somebody
sees that band on his lanyard.He'll get Oh, yeah. Share that
with him and and mention you. Sokudos to you, Guy, for making
that a a memory he'll neverforget.
So that's for sure for sure anawesome story, and I'm glad you
(22:52):
got to share it with ourlisteners today. Well well, Guy,
we wanna thank you so much fortaking time to to hop on the
Ducks Unlimited podcast and talka little bit about ducks and
stories and and the whole nine.We just can't thank you enough.
Guy Halbert (23:06):
Thank you, man. Really appreciate it. It was a
lot of fun.
Matt Harrison (23:07):
And we also wanna thank our podcast producer,
mister Chris Isaac, for makingthis happen. I also wanna thank
our Ducks Unlimited podcastlisteners because without you,
we don't have a podcast. So,Guy, we hope you have a great,
great rest of your season. Y'allstay safe out there. Everybody
take care, and God bless.
VO (23:26):
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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(23:48):
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necessarily reflect those ofDucks Unlimited. Until next
time, stay tuned to the Ducks.
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