Ep 326| Grand Bay NERR with Nate McGregor

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Nate McGregor is starting the first waterfowl research at a 25-year-old national reserve.

The episode begins with host advertisements for local sponsors and the upcoming Sheep's Head Showdown fishing tournament. Guests Nate McGregor, a stewardship assistant, and Jonathan, the stewardship coordinator, from the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) are introduced. They explain the NERR's role in habitat restoration, research, and education. Nate reveals he initiated waterfowl research at the reserve, addressing a need identified years prior. The discussion shifts to duck hunting, starting with the recent teal season, where Nate hunted five of nine days. They compare duck hunting to deer hunting, noting duck hunting's higher action and cost. Nate details his research methods, including optional hunter surveys and using drones equipped with thermal cameras and AI software to count and identify ducks. The hosts ask about regulations, leading to an explanation of required licenses, the HIP survey, and both state and federal duck stamps. Nate clarifies the stamps fund habitat conservation. Gear and tactics are covered, including boat use, decoys, blinds, and the mandate for non-toxic steel shot to prevent lead poisoning. Safety and ethics in crowded marshes are discussed. Nate outlines his research goals: first estimating duck populations, then studying movement patterns of species like lesser scaup, possibly using GPS backpacks. Migration patterns and habitat loss in the Mississippi Delta are explained. The banding process for ducks is described, similar to fish tagging, providing migration data. Trophy ducks and dog handling are touched on, with Nate sharing his yellow lab's training and the danger of alligators. The episode concludes with information on public events at the NERR, like the Star Party, and reminders about the fishing tournament.

As heard by us

A grounded Grand Bay discussion of duck-hunting practice and care for the marsh.

At Grand Bay, a practical talk about duck hunting starts with the boat: what hunters pack, where they set up, and how the cover they choose can affect the marsh. Temporary blinds get the closest attention.

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Why you'd press play

You'll hear how duck-hunting choices at Grand Bay can affect the marsh beyond the hunt.

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