The Voice of the Duck Hunter – A Delta Waterfowl Podcast
Welcome to The Voice of the Duck Hunter — the official podcast of Delta Waterfowl, the Duck Hunters Organization. Each episode dives deep into the world of duck hunting, wetland conservation, and the people driving the future of waterfowling.
From prairie potholes to Capitol Hill, we share stories and insights from biologists, policy leaders, gear experts, and dedicated hunters who live for migration. Discover how research, habitat conservation, duck production tools, and smart policies keep ducks flying — and why your voice as a duck hunter is more important than ever.
Tune in for:
-Waterfowl population trends and breeding-ground science
-Habitat restoration and conservation policy breakdowns
-Gear innovation, retriever training, and hunting strategy
-Hunter recruitment and education (First Hunt, University Hunting Program)
-Conversations from the marsh — stories, heritage, and community
Whether you’re chasing ducks in the prairies, pursuing divers along the coast, hunting them in southern timber, or just a passionate waterfowl enthusiast, this show connects the science and stories that make healthy duck populations and duck hunting possible.
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen — and join the movement that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and ensure the future of waterfowl hunting.
Visit deltawaterfowl.org to learn more about our efforts to achieve our vision of abundant ducks and endless opportunities for all waterfowl hunters.
The Voice of the Duck Hunter – A Delta Waterfowl Podcast
Ep. 90 | A Duck Hunter’s Legacy: The Legacy of John V. Mesh | Jim Mesh
Welcome to another episode of Delta Waterfowl’s The Voice of the Duck Hunter.
In October of 2015, Kansas City firefighters John Mesh and Larry Leggio lost their lives in the line of duty while battling an arson fire. A wall collapse claimed both men—an unimaginable loss felt deeply by their families, their fellow firefighters, and their community.
John Mesh grew up in a family of eight brothers and sisters, raised with a deep respect for the outdoors and a passion for hunting and fishing. Those values shaped his life—and he was already passing them on to his four daughters.
In the year following John’s death, his family, friends, and fellow firefighters established the John V. Mesh Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his life and continue the hunter recruitment efforts that meant so much to him.
In this episode, I had the honor of spending time in the duck blind with Jim Mesh, John’s brother, to learn more about the man behind the name—the firefighter, the duck hunter, the family man—and how his legacy continues through conservation, mentorship, and tradition.
This is a story about sacrifice, purpose, and the enduring bond between the outdoors and those who cherish it.
Let’s welcome Jim Mesh to the podcast.
Delta Waterfowl: https://deltawaterfowl.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaFans/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltawaterfowl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeltaWaterfowl/