With a busy season ahead, this episode of the Squadcast was bittersweet as it's the last time you will hear from us for a while. We first touched on a quick recap of SquadFest 2022 before making an official announcement for SquadFest 2023, so be sure to mark your calendars for July 28th-29th, 2023! We then get into freelance waterfowl hunting basics and the steps you need to take to experience success while doing your own thing in unfamiliar territory. Get your buddies together, load up the dogs, step outside your comfort zone, and go somewhere and make some memories!
SquadFest is upon us, and Cody and Ashley are here to help break down all the great things you can expect in year 2! From exclusive show specials from Dive Bomb Industries and our incredible vendors to the retriever combine challenge, Rut Daniels meet-and-greet, cornhole tournament, countless food and drink options, and oh yeah, the best duck and goose callers in the world competing for over $30,000 in prizes! You do not want to miss this exciting, free-admission, waterfowling event for the entire family!
Coming off a tremendous 2021 season where Michael Pittman Jr. made 88 receptions for 1,082 yards and 6 TDs, the expectation is even higher for 2022 with the arrival of veteran quarterback Matt Ryan. This duo was recently named NFL.com's 3rd best new QB-WR combo, so don't be surprised to see big things happen in Indy this season! What may surprise you is Pittman's love for all things outdoors and a new love for waterfowl hunting after spending a significant amount of time in the middle of the Mississippi Flyway the last couple of seasons. Sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts will love this episode as we go back and forth between playing football at the highest level and chasing waterfowl. You'll also hear a funny story from Pitt's rookie season and his ejection in week 15 last season against the New England Patriots!
In the world of waterfowl, social media can be an intimidating place for a new hunter or someone looking to get into the sport, as it often feels like everybody is an expert and has been hunting their entire life. This episode with Jordan Nisly is an encouraging reminder that it's never too late to get into waterfowling and quickly experience a ton of success. From his day job as a butcher at the family shop to banded racing pigeons to his introduction to waterfowl hunting and starting a YouTube channel, we had a blast covering many different topics during this conversation!
From chasing ducks on small ponds in high school to now co-owning a waterfowl outfit in Alberta, Canada, and guiding at one of the premier outfitters in North America, Cadillac Creek Outfitters, Cole Townsend lives and breathes waterfowl hunting. Being only 27 years old, Cole has extensive guiding experience and knows what it takes to be successful as this industry continues to evolve. Listen along as we go back to the roots of his guiding career and the path that led to where he is today. You may also be surprised at his favorite and least favorite things about guiding waterfowl hunts!