In Part 2 of our Save it for the Blind: New Zealand series, co-host Jeff Smith is back from the bush and sits down with his brother Colby Smith—his travel partner and fellow hunter—to debrief their epic trip to New Zealand.

The brothers recount their hunts across breathtaking terrain, swap stories from the field, and reflect on what sets New Zealand’s hunting culture apart. From gear highs and lows to local traditions and surprising differences in access and conservation, this conversation brings a full-circle look at their overseas adventure.

If you’ve ever dreamed about hunting abroad or want to hear what happens when two duck-obsessed brothers take on the Southern Hemisphere, this is your episode.

👉 Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment—especially if you’ve got questions about hunting in New Zealand or where we should head next!

In this episode of Save it for the Blind, hosts Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with Dr. Kevin Ringelman—Associate Professor of Waterfowl Ecology and Management at LSU, and the successor to Dr. John Eadie’s longtime position at UC Davis. From drone-powered brood surveys to mentoring the next generation of wildlife professionals, Dr. Ringelman offers a grounded and insightful look at the evolving landscape of waterfowl research and conservation.

They dig into Kevin’s early influences—including his dad and formative field mentors—and discuss what it was like stepping into Eadie’s legacy. The conversation spans emerging tech like drones in duck brood studies, how field programs like College Camp and the College Hunter Program are changing student perspectives, and the regulatory and conservation challenges facing California and beyond.

Dr. Ringelman also shares advice for students wanting to break into the field, favorite species to study, his most unforgettable field moment, and one myth about conservation he’s ready to bust.

This episode blends heart, science, and future-forward thinking—whether you’re a student, biologist, or duck hunter, there’s something in here for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know what questions you'd love to hear us ask in future episodes. Your voice helps shape the blind!

In this unique episode of Save it for the Blind, co-host Jeff Smith checks in live from the hills of New Zealand as he takes us through the first week of his adventure abroad. From breathtaking landscapes to unexpected wildlife encounters, Jeff shares what it’s like hunting, exploring, and soaking up the local scene halfway around the world.

Carson Odegard holds down the fort stateside as the two chat about long flights, New Zealand ranches, conservation differences, and what it’s like adjusting to a new environment as a lifelong outdoorsman.

Get ready for laid-back storytelling, scenic dispatches, and a preview of what’s to come in part two of Jeff’s international waterfowl experience.

👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve hunted overseas or have questions for Jeff before he returns!