Ducks Unlimited has launched a new initiative called Ascend, a web series and podcast designed to celebrate and elevate the role of women in outdoor sports and conservation. The program aims to provide inspiration, mentorship, and community for women who hunt, fish, forage, and engage in a wide range of outdoor activities. By offering stories and insights from experienced female outdoors enthusiasts, Ascend seeks to broaden participation and strengthen connections in the outdoor community. The series officially debuted on September 7, 2025, with the release of its podcast, followed by the premiere of the web series on September 14. The inaugural web episode showcased a Texas dove hunt on opening day, hosted by Jordyn Bisbee, setting the tone for a program that blends practical field experiences with conservation values. New episodes are scheduled weekly, providing a steady stream of content aimed at building momentum and engagement. According to Ducks Unlimited Senior Media Director Clay Baird, Ascend reflects the organizations broader mission to expand access and opportunities for women in the outdoors. The series is positioned not only as entertainment but also as an educational and community-building platform. It highlights both the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited and the increasing importance of diverse participation in outdoor sports. Ascend features four primary hosts, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives. Julia Stallings, a Tennessee-born shotgun athlete and coach, is known for her approachable teaching style in clay-target sports. She has represented Team USA internationally and captured two collegiate national trap shooting titles at Lindenwood University. She also contributes to Ducks Unlimited Television, blending her competitive background with high-energy, accessible instruction. Bethany Beathard, another host, is an outdoor writer and content creator based in Georgia. A military spouse and homeschooling mother of five, she contributes to publications such as Field & Stream, MeatEater, and HuntingLife. Her work emphasizes conservation, hunting heritage, and practical guidance for new hunters. Recognized by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation in 2024 as an education advocate, she underscores the importance of ethical and informed participation in hunting and conservation. Adrian Jessen, co-founder of the YouTube channel Review This Thing, brings extensive experience in gear reviews and tutorials. Since 2020, she and her husband have produced detailed reviews of optics, firearms, archery equipment, and outdoor gear, emphasizing honesty and completeness. She also writes for outlets such as North American Deer Hunter and Crossbow Magazine, connecting her technical knowledge with her personal journey as an adult-onset hunter. Erin Crider, the founder of Uncharted Outdoorswomen, rounds out the hosting team. Based in Colorado, Crider created her outfitting business to provide safe and welcoming spaces for women to learn hunting, fishing, and fieldcraft. As one of the few female waterfowl guides in the western United States, she leads clinics and guided trips aimed at breaking down barriers for women entering outdoor pursuits. Her work emphasizes mentorship, inclusion, and conservation. Beyond its roster of hosts, Ascend aligns with Ducks Unlimiteds longstanding conservation mission. The program integrates stories of wetland and wildlife preservation, aiming to connect recreational experiences with broader environmental stewardship. By combining conservation education with practical hunting and fishing skills, the series underscores the intertwined future of outdoor recreation and habitat protection.