Paul Brisco on Decoy Collecting, Duck Hunting & Canadian Waterfowl History (Ep 798) — Ducks Unlimited Podcast

MONTHLY SPONSORS

Old Timer Knives - https://www.theoldtimer.com
Savage Arms - https://savagearms.com
Weatherby - https://weatherby.com
Morton Buildings - https://mortonbuildings.com
Duck Club Bourbon - https://duckclubbourbon.com

Every decoy has a story, and some of those stories stretch back more than a century.

Host Katie Burke sits down with longtime collector, outdoorsman, and former Ducks Unlimited Canada volunteer leader Paul Brisco at the North American Decoy Collectors Show for a conversation about decoy history, waterfowling traditions, and a lifetime spent preserving pieces of North America's hunting heritage.

Paul shares how a chance encounter with a $40 decoy sparked a collecting journey that has lasted more than four decades. Along the way, he discusses the regional differences found in Canadian decoys, the connection between hunting and collecting, his long involvement with Ducks Unlimited Canada, and why hands-on learning remains one of the most important parts of the decoy community. The conversation also explores how hunting traditions, conservation efforts, and decoy craftsmanship have evolved over generations while remaining closely tied to waterfowl and wetlands.

Topics Covered

How Paul Brisco got started collecting decoys
Waterfowl hunting traditions in Ontario
Early involvement with Ducks Unlimited Canada
Regional differences in Canadian decoy carving
How form and function shaped decoy design
Market hunting, conservation, and changing waterfowl traditions
The importance of decoy shows and collector communities
Why collecting remains connected to hunting heritage

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org

SPONSORS:

Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.