Kinfolk Hunting Collective’s Waterfowl 101: Access, Education, and a Culture Shift in the Marsh

By Justin Campbell| Equalized Outdoors & Brandon Dale | Kinfolk Hunting Collective

Image Courtesy of Brandon Dale

So, who is Kinfolk, anyway?

At its core, the Kinfolk Hunting Collective is a movement—a growing community of hunters, anglers, and conservationists redefining what it means to belong in the outdoors. Co-founded by Brandon Dale, Kinfolk’s mission is to bring more BIPOC and underrepresented voices into the field, not as guests, but as leaders.

Based out of New York, Kinfolk reduces barriers and directly reaches out to new folks interested in learning how to hunt, fish, and conserve our wildlife resources -- from the heart of the Big Apple to the Big Woods of the Adirondacks -- Kinfolk's community spans across the Northeast with members from NJ, NYC, CT, and RI.

That mission was on full display during their recent Waterfowl 101 workshop—an online class hosted by Brandon Dale, Co-founder Greg Whalin, and presented by Co-founder Tim Clark—held on October 16.

Inside the Workshop

The evening served as both a primer and a reminder: waterfowl hunting isn’t just about birds—it’s about responsibility.

Clark guided attendees through the essentials:

• Understanding how roosting and feeding behavior dictate where ducks travel and why that matters to hunters.

• Breaking down federal and state regulations, including the Federal Duck Stamp, Harvest Information Program (HIP), and rules on non-toxic shot.

• Building a functional gear setup—shotgun, decoys, calls, waders—before worrying about boats or blinds.

• Scouting ethically and knowing when not to hunt a pressured roost.

• Clark guided learners directly and clearlyo, focusing on practical needs for beginners'

  success.

Image Courtesy of Brandon Dale

Conservation First

From the start, Dale and Clark emphasized that every rule in waterfowl hunting is tied back to conservation. The Duck Stamp program funds wetland protection, non-toxic shot prevents long-term habitat damage, and bag limits sustain migratory populations.

The point wasn’t to memorize regulations—it was to understand why they exist. That through-line of ethics over ego is what gives Kinfolk its credibility and staying power.

Tools and Resources

Participants left with more than notes. Kinfolk provided links to Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the NY DEC Waterfowl ID Course, and their own Where to Hunt resource guide.

They also highlighted modern scouting tools like eBird, reminding hunters that research and preparation matter as much as marksmanship.

Image Courtesy of Brandon Dale

Why It Matters

For generations, outdoor education has too often been limited to those who already had access. Kinfolk Hunting Collective is rewriting that model—one workshop at a time.

Events like Waterfowl 101 don’t just teach people how to hunt; they show them they belong here. "Kinfolk is here to recreate that hunting family most folks never had. We're here to grow the table and help create the next wave of hunter-conservationists in a supportive and welcoming community. Welcome to the fam!" -- Brandon Dale. 

Watch and Learn

You can watch the full session on YouTube: Waterfowl 101 Workshop

And view the complete slide presentation here: Waterfowl Hunting 101 Presentation (PDF).

Kinfolk Hunting Collective continues to set an example for what the future of hunting education looks like—knowledgeable, inclusive, and grounded in respect for the resource.

For Equalized Outdoors, covering that story is more than a report—it’s a look at the changing face of the American hunter.

“Follow us at @kinfolkhunting on IG and join our list for events -- always looking for more mentors, land access, and partners!”- Brandon Dale

https://www.kinfolkhunting.org/