Learn how to prepare for your next hunt with a partner—without stress, confusion, or mismatched expectations.

Host Erin Crider, founder of Uncharted Outdoors Women, sits down with her hunting buddy, Caroline Yielding. Together, they share what they’ve learned through years of upland, waterfowl, turkey, and big‑game hunts across Wyoming and Colorado.

From communication and gear planning to shooting lanes, dog work, shot selection, and physical ability, Erin and Caroline break down the conversations every pair of hunting partners should have before heading into the field. Their stories—both funny and practical—offer guidance for adult‑onset hunters, new buddies, and anyone preparing for a safe, enjoyable, low‑pressure hunt.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to set expectations and goals with a new hunting buddy
• Essential etiquette for upland, waterfowl, and big‑game hunts
• How to coordinate gear, dogs, food, roles, and transportation
• Why communication prevents conflict, accidents, and disappointment
• What to discuss about shot distance, calling, shooting lanes, and safety
• How to support each other emotionally during first harvests

Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Bird Dig Whiskey.
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Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order.

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Oklahoma Joes.
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Springfield Armory.
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Discover how women find belonging, mentorship, and confidence by stepping into the outdoors together.

Host Bethany Beathard sits down with Jess Rice, founder of WildHERness, a women‑centered outdoor community built to empower beginners and seasoned outdoorswomen alike.

Together, they explore what community really means for women entering the outdoor world—breaking down barriers, building skills, and creating friendships that change lives. From learning to hunt or kayak to embracing homesteading and conservation, Jess shares how shared experiences help women grow stronger, braver, and more connected.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why women thrive when they learn outdoor skills together
• How Wilderness creates accessible, authentic adventure for every woman
• What mentorship looks like beyond hunting
• How shared first‑time outdoor experiences deepen confidence
• The role of conservation, motherhood, and mental health in outdoor life
• Practical ways women can find or build their own outdoor community

WildHERness - INSTAGRAM
WildHERness - WEBSITE

Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order.

Taurus Firearms.
Visit taurusUSA.com

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.

Springfield Armory.
Visit springfield-armory.com

Learn how women navigate outdoor “icks,” confidence pressure, and community expectations without losing the joy of hunting.

Hosted by Julia Stallings, this episode features DU Ascend host Erin Crider and Arkansas hunter and storyteller Maggie Williams—two voices known for empowering new women hunters and redefining what outdoor culture looks like. Together, the three break down the unspoken norms, awkward moments, and judgment women face in the field—from makeup debates to photo etiquette, gear struggles, and safety concerns. More importantly, they offer a welcoming, honest perspective on how women can support each other, grow in confidence, and reshape conservation culture through intention and encouragement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why certain hunting “icks” show up online and in the field
• How women can reduce gatekeeping and improve outdoor community culture
• Safety considerations for solo female hunters on public land
• Real experiences of learning new skills, making mistakes, and building confidence
• The importance of good gear, youth access, and mentorship
• How intention, encouragement, and example shape the next generation

Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.
Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.

The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:

Bird Dig Whiskey.
Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!

Dry Pocket.
Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off your order.

Taurus Firearms.
Visit taurusUSA.com

Oklahoma Joes.
Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.

Springfield Armory.
Visit springfield-armory.com