EP. 114: What Waterfowl Hunters Really Want in a Shotgun with Hunter Flanders

On this episode of The Migration Waterfowl Podcast, your host Brian Halbleib welcomes Hunter Flanders from Retay USA. They discuss everything from Hunter's 2025-26 hunting season to the latest Retay shotguns and innovations coming for 2026. But this conversation goes far beyond new products.

Hunter shares stories from the marsh, discusses what today's waterfowl hunters are looking for in a shotgun, and offers an inside look at how manufacturers develop and market products in an outdoor industry that's changing faster than ever.

We also dive into the current state of outdoor marketing—what's working, what isn't, and why every product launch seems to spark some criticism across social media. From ambassadors and content creators to authenticity, consumer trust, and the future of hunting brands, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes perspective that every waterfowl hunter can appreciate.

Whether you're considering your next shotgun, interested in how the outdoor industry really works, or simply enjoy conversations centered around duck hunting and the people who make it their lifestyle, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode:

Hunter's reflections on the past waterfowl season

New Retay USA shotguns and product updates for 2026

What serious waterfowl hunters want in a shotgun today

How Retay gathers customer feedback and develops new products

The current state of outdoor industry marketing

Social media, ambassadors, and what manufacturers actually look for in brand partners

Why outdoor marketing often draws criticism—and whether it's deserved