DNR produces duck hunting podcast

Media contact: Steve Carroll, DNR information officer, (651) 259-5342.

The DNR has just released the latest in its series of audio programs for outdoor sports enthusiasts titled "Basic Duck Hunting Tips." While the program is described as a podcast, it can also be downloaded and listened to on nearly any computer connected to the Internet that can play audio files.

The program features expert waterfowl hunter and hunter education teacher John Schroers. His resume includes being president of the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance, a board member at-large of the Minnesota Waterfowl Association, lead instructor for the Minnesota Waterfowl Association's Woodie Camp for teenagers, and has served as both president and vice president of the Minnesota Duck and Goose Callers Association. He has also been an Advanced Hunter Education instructor, a seminar speaker at Game Fair, and an instructor for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Young Waterfowlers group.

"We were fortunate to have John on the show," said Steve Carroll, DNR information officer and host of the show. "Besides being an expert waterfowler and champion duck and goose caller, he has a real gift for teaching people about the sport." Schroers discusses basic waterfowling equipment, clothing, camouflage patterns, decoys, guns, ammunition and demonstrates several basic calls.

DNR's boating safety specialist Tim Smalley is also featured on the show. He has hunted ducks for 50 years, ever since his father first took him out hunting on Minnesota's Leech Lake when he was 6 years old.

"Tim passes along a few tips to help waterfowlers stay safe while they are out on the water," Carroll said. "He covers topics such as special life jackets that allow hunters to shoulder a gun, how to load your boat safely and cold water survival tips."

The Minnesota DNR's podcast series recently won a National Award of Special Recognition from the Association for Conservation Information. The judges were impressed that a state agency was using new technology to reach their constituencies at a very low cost.

The "Basic Duck Hunting Tips" program may be downloaded at www.dnr.state.mn.us.