Natural Resources University: Recent Episodes
Natural Resources University
Natural Resources University is a podcast network focused on delivering science-based natural resource management.
The series within the network include Deer University, Fire University, Pond University, and Habitat University.
Funding for this podcast network is generated from the Renewable Resources Extension Act.
With information more accessible than ever, it can be hard to know what's actually good advice for your pond. In this episode, Joe and Drew talk through common sources of misinformation, examples of good spirited bad advice, and how to determine if the guidance you hear is worth listening to.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
Will leads us through a deep dive of the scientific literature on the relative contribution of avian predators to wild turkey predation.
Resources:
- Hughes, T. W., et al. (2005). The impacts of predation on wild turkeys. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2005, 117-126.
- Palmer, W. E., et al. (2005). Effect of field borders and nest‐predator reduction on abundance of northern bobwhites. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 33(4), 1398-1405.
- Speake, D. W., et al. (1985). Mortality of wild turkey poults in northern Alabama. The Journal of wildlife management, 49(2), 472-474.
- Wightman, P. H., et al. (2025). Investigating diel patterns of predation events in wild turkeys using tri‐axial accelerometer data. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 49, e1631.
- The Westervelt Lodge | #176
- When Predator Control Works | #194
- MSU Gamebird Program Instagram, Facebook
- Wildlife Investments Instagram, Facebook
Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet
Can't attend the banquet but still want to bid on our live auction items? Email c.nowak@ufl.edu or send a DM to our UF Game Lab Instagram or Facebook.
Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab. Thank you in advance for your support!
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Forest inventory and timber cruising provide the information landowners and foresters need to understand what is growing on a property, how much timber is present, and how that timber should be managed or valued. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Josh Granger from Mississippi State University joins us to discuss the different methods used to measure forests and why a well-designed inventory can be one of the most important investments a forest landowner makes.
Dr. Granger is an Associate Professor in Mississippi State University's Department of Forestry, where he teaches dendrology, forest measurements, and forest description and analysis. His work helps students develop the practical skills needed to identify trees, measure forest resources, design timber cruises, and use inventory data to support forest management decisions.
In this conversation, we discuss why the purpose of an inventory should determine how it is designed. Dr. Granger explains the differences among fixed-area plots, prism or variable-radius sampling, strip cruises, nested plots, and 100-percent inventories. He also discusses why no single method is best for every situation and how foresters often combine methods to efficiently collect the information needed.
We also explain basal area, trees per acre, total height, merchantable height, and the level of precision needed for different types of forestry work. The conversation explores why a diameter measurement to the nearest tenth of an inch may be useful for research, growth monitoring, or carbon accounting, while broader diameter classes may be adequate for some operational timber cruises.
The episode also emphasizes the financial importance of obtaining a reliable inventory before buying or selling timber. Without an independent estimate of timber volume, quality, and product composition, landowners may have little basis for determining whether an offer reflects the true value of their timber. Forest inventories can also support property appraisals, timber-basis calculations, casualty-loss documentation, carbon projects, wildlife management, invasive-species monitoring, and long-term assessments of forest growth and condition.
This episode is a useful listen for forest landowners, consulting foresters, forestry students, timber buyers, land managers, appraisers, extension professionals, and anyone interested in understanding how forests are measured and valued.
Questions for Timber University can be sent to timberuniversity@gmail.com.
Dr. Mark Turner joins us to discuss his newly accepted, peer-reviewed study examining how vegetation around wild turkey nests impacts both nest success and hen survival during incubation.
Resources:
- Turner, M.A., et al. (2026). In Press. Vegetation composition and structure influences female wild turkey survival during incubation. Journal of Wildlife Management. (Not yet published, will link paper once available).
- Butler, N., et al. (2025). Vital rates and population trajectory of a declining eastern wild turkey population in southeastern Oklahoma. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 49, e70002.
- Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642.
- Quehl, J. O., et al. (2024). Assessing wild turkey productivity before and after a 14-day delay in the start date of the spring hunting season in Tennessee. Ecology and Evolution, 14, e11390.
Dr. Mark Turner Publications, @extensionwildlifedoc
Check out Dr. Mark Turner's podcast Blazin' Grazin' & Other Wild Things
OSU Natural Resources Extension FB, OSU Natural Resources Extension IG
Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet
Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab. Thank you in advance for your support!
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Raccoons are smart, adaptable omnivores that can be challenging to manage, because they are very resourceful. Drew and Joe share some insights into solving common problems with raccoons. Drew also shares some valuable insight into the kinds of traps that work best based on location, and why relocating raccoons isn't best for them.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
Will walks us through a recent study assessing the effects of predator removal on a ground nesting bird - the Pigeon Gullimot - and how this translates to managing predators for wild turkey.
Resources:
- Cherry, M. J., et al. (2015). Effects of predation risk and group dynamics on white-tailed deer foraging behavior in a longleaf pine savanna. Behavioral Ecology, 26(4), 1091-1099.
- Conner, L. M., et al. (2016). Predator exclusion as a management option for increasing white‐tailed deer recruitment. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 80(1), 162-170.
- Stark, S. B., et al. (2026). Seabird population responses after the removal of an introduced predator. The Journal of Wildlife Management, e70242.
- The science on trapping | Ep 07
Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet
Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab. Thank you in advance for your support!
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Grizzly bears are making a comeback – and their return is one of North America's greatest conservation success stories. But as bears expand into places they haven't occupied in generations, new questions emerge. Where do bears belong in the modern West? What does it actually take to share a landscape with a large carnivore? And who bears the costs and responsibilities of recovery? This season on Working Wild University, we're traveling from Wyoming ranches to Montana communities, talking with ranchers, wildlife managers, scientists, tribal leaders, conservationists, and the people living and working in bear country every day. The future of grizzly bears isn't just about bears. It's also about us. Working Wild University is a production of Western Landowners Alliance and Dr. Jared Beaver of Montana State University Extension, and a proud part of Natural Resources University podcast network.
Jacob and Eric sit down with Sam Overfors, a recent Deer Lab graduate, to discuss his work evaluating antipredator behavior in fawns. Sam used thermal drones and GPS collars to investigate how fawns move across the landscape. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
In this episode, we discuss our go-to herbicides for various land management scenarios.
Resources:
- Herbicides | Ep 102
Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet
Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab. Thank you in advance for your support!
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Catfish are among the most popular fish to catch in the Great Plains. Kansas is home to 12 species of catfish including small madtoms and record setting Flathead Catfish. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss catfish diets, habitats, and much more.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
Dr. Andy Little, Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology and Habitat Management and Extension Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, stops by to discuss how deer alter their behavior in response to hunters.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Marcus sits down with Tes Randle Jolly - award-winning professional wildlife and turkey photographer extraordinaire - who shares insights from her time spent as a poult mama with our captive turkeys.
Tes Randle Jolly @jovtes https://www.instagram.com/jovtes/?hl=en
Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet
Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab. Thank you in advance for your support!
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Can forest landowners deduct residual soil fertility as some farmers do? In this episode, Shaun and Brady examine the growing interest in the residual fertility tax deduction, explain the relevant IRS tax provisions, and discuss why these strategies may apply to agriculture but generally not to forestry. They also cover the legal uncertainty surrounding aggressive soil nutrient deductions and what forest landowners should know before pursuing them.
Special Thanks to Dr. Yanshu Li at The University of Georgia for providing section code interpretation and Kristine Tidgren, Director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, for her very helpful work in this area that was used for the background and relevant cases discussed in the episode.
Have Questions? If you've encountered this issue in practice or have experience with residual fertility deductions in forestry or agriculture, the hosts would love to hear from you.
Email: TimberUniversity@gmail.com
In this episode, we chat with Josh Murman and Colton Rathman to explore how PTx Ag is bringing autonomous technology to the farm by transforming compatible tractors into self-operating machines. We discuss how the system works and how it helps farmers tackle labor shortages, improve efficiency, and complete critical fieldwork on time. But we also look beyond productivity, exploring how autonomy could make conservation practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and other stewardship efforts more practical and accessible by reducing the time and labor they require. Whether you're curious about autonomous farming or the future of sustainable agriculture, this episode offers an inside look at the opportunities this technology can create.
Resources:
- PTx Ag: OutRun Retrofit Autonomy Kit
- PTx Ag: Find a Dealer
Josh Murman [LinkedIn]
Colton Rathman [LinkedIn]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode, we dig into raccoon population densities across the literature, uncovering how food subsidization can push numbers from under 10 to over 300 per square kilometer.
Resources:
- Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121596.
- Prange, S., Gehrt, S. D., & Wiggers, E. P. (2003). Demographic factors contributing to high raccoon densities in urban landscapes. The Journal of wildlife management, 324-333.
- Rosatte et al. (2001). Emergency response to raccoon rabies introduction into Ontario. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 37(2), 265-279.
- Smith, H. T., & Engeman, R. M. (2002). An extraordinary raccoon, Procyon lotor; density at an urban park. USDA National Wildlife Research Center-Staff Publications, 487.
- A deep dive into coyotes | #96
- Blackberries buffer coyote predation | #185
- Trap the pigs, folks | #186
Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet
Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab. Thank you in advance for your support!
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Stocking rate sounds simple, but this episode shows why it is one of the most misunderstood and important decisions in grazing management. John Weir, Laura Goodman, Ph.D., and Mark Turner, Ph.D. explain that stocking rate is not just the number of cattle on a pasture. It is the number of animals on a set number of acres for a specific length of time. Leaving out the time component can lead to bad assumptions, overuse of forage and long-term damage to native rangeland.
Laura explains why moderate stocking is often the sweet spot for both pasture health and ranch economics. Heavy stocking may seem profitable in good rainfall years, but it can reduce dominant tallgrass species, increase shortgrass or less desirable plants, lower cow breed-up, reduce calf weaning weights and make drought years much harder to survive financially. The group also discusses why continuous grazing is not automatically bad when stocking rate is right, and why rotational grazing cannot make up for simply running too many animals.
Listeners will also hear practical ways to estimate forage production and adjust stocking decisions, including grazing exclosures, clipping samples, Web Soil Survey, the Rangeland Analysis Platform and the RAP Production Explorer. The episode closes with a clear reminder for ranchers and land managers: plan for dry years, not just good years, and use stocking rate as the foundation for livestock production, wildlife habitat, prescribed fire and long-term land resilience.
Resources - OSU Extension: Stocking Rate Determination on Native Rangeland
-
OSU Extension: Assessing Potential Forage Production Using Web Soil Survey
-
OSU Extension: Patch Burning
-
Rangeland Analysis Platform and Production Explorer
-
USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey
This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.
Bronson and Steve take time out of their busy schedules to jump back on the podcast. They chat with Jacob and Eric about everything from how they created the Deer University Podcast to what it's been like to work together for decades. They also fill the guys in on what they're up to now, including how they're still working together to help landowners and what they're up to in their free time.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here
Many diseases can be transmitted from wildlife to humans, and one in particular has been making headlines recently. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss what Hantavirus is, how it is transmitted, the wildlife species most commonly associated with it, the habitats where exposure is most likely to occur, and how to avoid infection.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
In this episode, Marcus sits down with the UF Game Lab communications team – Charlotte and Dot – to share insights into the communication and fundraising efforts for a research lab that reaches the public.
Get your tickets to our 2nd Annual UF Game Lab Banquet here: https://tinyurl.com/UFGameLabBanquet
Can't attend the banquet but still want to support us? Please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab. Thank you in advance for your support!
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Wild turkey numbers rise and fall for a lot of reasons, but better brood habitat may be one of the most practical things landowners can influence right now. In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, Dr. Mark Turner, Oklahoma State University Extension Wildlife Specialist, joins John Weir and Dr. Laura Goodman to talk through what turkeys need after nesting season. They cover poult survival, forb-rich brood cover, cedar encroachment, roost trees, grazing, fescue control, prescribed fire, predator pressure, and why landowners can have a bigger impact than regulation changes alone.
Resources - Oklahoma Conservation Commission
- Oklahoma State University Wild Turkey Fact Sheet
Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Tom Kelly through his daughter Laura Bates.
Tom Kelly, Inc. (Website) (Facebook Page) (Instagram)
Resources:
- No Place to Hide
- Tenth Legion: Bootleg Revival
- The Colonel and the Fox
- The Evolution of Turkey Calling: From bone to box | #177
- The T.H. Kelly Handbook
- Wild Turkey Archives
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
The term Extension is often used when discussing the mission of Land Grant Institutions, but we rarely take time to explain what Extension means. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what it means to be a Land Grant Institution, their approach to reaching a wide array of stakeholders, and their views of what success in Extension looks like.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
We're bringing back our episode where we dig into what the scientific literature actually says about what eats turkeys at every life stage.
Resources from the episode:
- Chitwood, M. C., et al. (2020). Raccoon vigilance and activity patterns when sympatric with coyotes. Diversity, 12(9), 341.
- Gulsby, W. D., et al. (2017). Landscape heterogeneity reduces coyote predation on white‐tailed deer fawns. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 81(4), 601-609.
- Kelly, J. D., et al. (2015). Seasonal and spatial variation in diets of coyotes in central Georgia. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2, 296-302.
- Nelson, S. D., et al. (2022). Fine‐scale resource selection and behavioral tradeoffs of eastern wild turkey broods. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 86(5), e22222.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this Q&A episode, Brady and Shaun answer listener and landowner questions on three practical forestry topics: whether diesel or dish soap should be used as surfactants in herbicide applications, what landowners should consider before converting industrial timberland into recreational or early successional habitat, and how soil properties influence which tree species can successfully grow on a site.
The episode emphasizes a recurring Timber University theme: forestry decisions depend on objectives. A practice may be silviculturally possible, but that does not mean it is legal, consistent, financially sound, or appropriate for a specific landowner's long-term goals.
We're bringing back our episode with Dr. Chris Moorman on the use of prescribed fire during the nesting season.
Resources:
- Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire." The Journal of Wildlife Management 78.6 (2014): 1033-1039.
- Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey prenesting-resource selection in a landscape managed with frequent prescribed fire." Southeastern Naturalist 14.1 (2015): 137-146.
- Kroeger, Anthony J., et al. "Northern bobwhite non‐breeding habitat selection in a longleaf pine woodland." The Journal of Wildlife Management 84.7 (2020): 1348-1360.
- Winiarski, Jason M., et al. "Nest-site selection and nest survival of Bachman's Sparrows in two longleaf pine communities." The Condor: Ornithological Applications 119.3 (2017): 361-374.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Invasive species are an issue for many stakeholders across the Great Plains but there are simple steps everyone can take to help limit their spread. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss some of the most common aquatic invasive species, their impact on aquatic ecosystemsz and the best ways to prevent spreading them.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
Mr. Rainer Nichols, National Training Academy Instructor and Founder of Five Cents Fire and Land Management, joins Jacob and Eric to discuss working with landowners to achieve their habitat management goals.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Feral pigs are bad news for wild turkeys – but how bad, and what should you actually do about it? In this episode, we break down the latest research on pig population impacts, what pigs are eating, and why it matters for turkeys.
Resources:
- How pig removal affects turkeys | Ep 97
- McDonough, M. T., et al. (2024). Population response of eastern wild turkey to removal of wild pigs. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(8), e22662.
- Stoakley, T. E., et al. (2025). Wild pigs impact reproductive season movements and space use of wild turkeys. Movement Ecology, 13(1), 59.
- Thanksgiving Special | Ep 54
- Wilson, K. C., et al. (2026). Seasonal variation in wild pig (Sus scrofa) diet revealed by DNA metabarcoding. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e70019.
- Youngmann, et al. (2023). Assessing springtime vertebrate prey of sympatric mesopredators in the southeastern United States using metabarcoding analysis. Plos one, 18(10), e0293270.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Dr. Grace Schuster joins co-hosts Andy and Nathan to discuss her PhD research on how bioenergy crop production impacts grassland bird communities in southwestern Nebraska. From the feasibility of large-scale switchgrass production to conservation strategies, this episode explores the balance between fueling the future and protecting our wildlife. Can agricultural landscapes support both renewable energy goals and healthy bird populations? Tune in for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and conservation.
Resources:
- Bioenergy Crop Production: Implications for Grassland Bird Communities in Southwestern Nebraska (Thesis)
- Further information on this research project (AWESM Lab)
Dr. Grace Schuster [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Jacob and Eric catch up with Dr. Marcus Blum, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist at Texas A&M University, to discuss deer management in TX. They cover everything from the work he is doing to get students involved with deer management to how management varies across regions of TX. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
We break down a 2026 coyote diet study to reveal how blackberry availability actually buffers fawns from predation, and what that means for how you should be thinking about your turkey management.
Resources:
- Gulsby, W. D., et al. (2015). White‐tailed deer fawn recruitment before and after experimental coyote removals in central Georgia. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 39(2), 248-255.
- Jensen, A. J., et al. (2026). An omnivore's options: Altered predator behavior during periods of overlapping resource pulses. Ecosphere, 17(3), e70282.
- Turkey Predators | Ep 06
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions, and connect field observations to landscape-scale patterns.
Dr. Crosby is an Associate Professor in Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, where his work connects forestry, spatial modeling, forest health, invasive species, weather, and climate. He has also co-authored Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers, a textbook focused on helping foresters and land managers apply GIS to real-world data and management problems.
In this conversation, we discuss why GIS matters in modern forestry and how mapping tools can move beyond "pretty pictures" into practical decision support. Dr. Crosby explains how spatial data can help answer questions about forest condition, access, disturbance, risk, invasive species, and management planning. The episode also touches on how students and working professionals can build confidence with GIS, even if they are not coming from a technical background.
We also discuss the growing role of remote sensing, aerial imagery, and spatial analysis in forestry education and practice. From identifying patterns on the landscape to supporting better field decisions, these tools are increasingly important for foresters, land managers, consultants, researchers, and students preparing to work in natural resources.
This episode is a useful listen for forestry students, consulting foresters, land managers, extension professionals, GIS users, and anyone interested in how spatial tools are changing the way we understand and manage forests.
You can contact Dr. Michael Crosby at mcrosby@LATech.edu
Additional resource: Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers Dr. Crosby co-authored this GIS textbook for foresters and natural resource managers.
Trapping wildlife is a practice that dates back to ancient history, and remains a particularly important tool for harvesting furbearing mammals. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss modern trapping techniques, reasons to trap, and development of the Best Management Practices for Trapping Furbearers in the United States
Learn more about the importance of trapping in the management of furbearers and the Best Management Practices here: https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-inspires/furbearer-management
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
Hurricanes are often seen as purely destructive, but new research reveals their vital role in shaping longleaf pine ecosystems. Dr. Jeffrey Cannon from the Jones Center at Ichauway joins the Timber University podcast to discuss how his research explores how these storms influence forest structure, stimulate reproduction, and act as natural restorers. Discover how hurricanes increase biodiversity, create complex forest structures, and reinforce fire regimes, offering ecological benefits often overlooked.
We also discuss how remote sensing tools like LiDAR are transforming our understanding of storm impacts, from tree architecture adaptations to fuel patterns affecting fire behavior. Dr. Cannon provides practical advice on managing forest diversity to bolster resilience against future hurricanes, crucial for landowners and restoration practitioners. This episode is perfect for land managers, conservationists, and anyone interested in the nuanced role of disturbances. It challenges conventional views and sparks innovative thinking about storm ecology and forest resilience.
You can contact Dr. Cannon directly at jeffery.cannon@jonesctr.org
A tutorial on using Lidar tools for forestry data https://lab.jonesctr.org/cannon/resources/
If you want to hear a broader discussion with Dr. Cannon and others on research needs for hurricane-disturbed forests, click below. https://forestrywebinars.net/webinars/future-directions-for-hurricane-disturbed-forests/?sr=wp~ondemand
In this episode, we discuss how years of turkey research has directly influenced the way that we hunt.
Resources:
- Fist Full of Dirt: Dr. Disturbance Can Flat-Out Hunt (Part 1)
- Fist Full of Dirt: Dr. Disturbance Can Flat-Out Hunt (Part 2)
- Home range of gobblers | Ep 125
- Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642.
- Where do turkeys roost? | Ep 123
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Eastern redcedar control is becoming one of Oklahoma's biggest land, water, and wildfire issues—and this episode explains how the Oklahoma Conservation Commission is turning concern into action. John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph.D., and Mark Turner Ph.D. visit with Trey Lam and Trampas Tripp about the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Pilot Project, a program designed to reduce invasive woody species, protect rural communities, improve rangeland health, and put more water back into Oklahoma soils and streams.
The conversation covers how cedar control moved from years of talk to funded work on the ground, including brush-free zones around towns and infrastructure, prescribed fire training with rural fire departments, cost-share programs for landowners, and research measuring soil moisture, forage recovery, wildlife response, and wildfire risk. The episode makes one thing clear: managing cedars is not just about removing trees—it is about protecting rural lives, homes, grasslands, water supplies, wildlife habitat, and the future of working lands.
In this episode, Brady and Shaun talk about the recent ice storms across much of the Eastern US, with some states reporting substantial timber damage. They discuss how landowners can assess damage from the ice storms and what the next steps are for their forest property. As always make sure to reach out to private consultants, Extension, and your State forestry comission for help in taking those next steps.
See the link for some leads on assistance in the wake of the storms https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12644
Gear up for another storytime episode as we swap late-season turkey hunting chronicles in this one.
Resources:
- Turkey Calling Tutorial: Master the Trumpet & Wingbone Call
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Jacob and Eric discuss warm-season food plots with John Gruchy, Coordinator of the Private Lands Program for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here).
Research is an important source of scientific information and graduate students are often tasked with collecting data to help answer these questions. On this week's episode, Grace Lansdell, a graduate student in Dr. Gerken's lab, joins Joe and Drew as a guest commentator to discuss fish farms, bird predation, and the luxurious life of a graduate student.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
In this episode, we dive into new research findings on the prevalence and biological impact of REV and LPDV in wild turkeys.
Resources:
- Adcock, K. G., et al. (2024). Lymphoproliferative disease virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus detection and disease in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 60(1), 139-150.
- Cox, F., et al. (2022). Molecular surveillance for lymphoproliferative disease virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus in Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) in Texas, USA. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 58(4), 909-913.
- Edge, A. et al. (2026). Regional Pathogen Surveillance of Free-Ranging Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in North Carolina, USA. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 62(1), 87-100.
- Goodwin, C. C., et al. (2025). Current understanding of lymphoproliferative disease virus in wild turkeys. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 49, e1644.
- Haynes, E., et al. (2024). Health assessment of adult male Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) from Western Kentucky, USA. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 60(3), 660-669.
- Ingram, D. R., et al. (2015). Serologic survey of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and evidence of exposure to avian encephalomyelitis virus in Georgia and Florida, USA. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 51(2), 374-379.
- Koch, R. W., et al. (2026). Risk factors and coinfection dynamics of pathogens in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) from Pennsylvania, USA. Ecology and Evolution, 16(2), e73079.
- Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642.
- MacDonald, A. M., et al. (2019). Lymphoproliferative disease virus in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) from Manitoba and Quebec, Canada. Avian Diseases, 63(3), 506-510.
- Ostrander, K. N., et al. (2025). Histomonosis and Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus in Male Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Alabama, USA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases.
- Shea, S. A., et al. (2026). Retroviral Infections Affect Survival and Clutch Size of Female Wild Turkeys. Ecology and Evolution, 16(4), e73383.
- Stewart, B., et al. (2019). Survey of reticuloendotheliosis virus in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Texas, USA. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 55(3), 689-693.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we're joined by Jake Koenig, Midwest Habitat Program Manager for the Monarch Joint Venture, to explore the fascinating world of monarch butterflies. Jake shares insights into their incredible multi-generational migration, the challenges they face, and what conservation efforts are underway to support their survival and growth. He also takes us along on his recent trip to Mexico, where monarchs gather in breathtaking numbers at their overwintering grounds. From the incredible spectacle of migration to possible ventures in milkweed production, we explore the incredible world of the monarch and the role we can play in it.
Resources:
- Monarch Life Cycle Cards
- Habitat signs for advocacy
- Remote sensing
- Mowing management best management practices
- Community science opportunities
- Research reviews
- Solar synergy program
Jake Koenig [website, Instagram, Facebook]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode, we discuss practical strategies for hunting and managing turkeys.
Resources:
- Population Dynamics, Manipulative Study of Season Dates in Mississippi ft. Adam Butler | #02
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Crappie fishing is one of the first signs that spring has arrived for many pond owners. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss different types of crappie, why we fish for them earlier than other fish species, and things to consider when deciding if crappie are a good fit for stocking in your pond.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife
We pull the research to explore the reproductive capabilities of jakes and bust the myth of whether or not they can breed.
Resources:
- Davis, B. D., et al. (1994). Breeding Chronology in Rio Grande Turkey Hens.ob No. 7.07. Federal Aid Project No. W-126-R-2. Small Game Research and Surveys. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Final Report.
- Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased fevmale survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642.
- Lewis, J. B., & Breitenbach, R. P. (1966). Breeding potential of subadult wild turkey gobblers. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 618-622.
- Whitaker, D. M., et al. (2005). A range‐wide meta‐analysis of wild turkey nesting phenology and spring season opening dates. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2005, 351-360.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we recap our season and swap turkey hunting highlights.
WATCH this episode here: https://youtu.be/YUG2gIZc9yQ
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Feral swine cause billions of dollars in damage to agriculture annually in the United States, and their population numbers can grow extremely quickly. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the origins, characteristics, and control of feral swine in the U.S.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
We sit down with Dr. Patrick Wightman, National Director of Wild Turkey Research and Science at NWTF, to hear about his vision for the company's future support of turkey research.
Dr. Patrick Wightman - Email, Publications
Resources:
Habitat for the Hatch
NWTF
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
If you grew up on or near a farm, you might think back fondly on summer days spent fishing in your local pond. From small ponds to large reservoirs, water in working landscapes provides numerous opportunities while also facing challenges. This month we are joined by Jeff Jackson, Aquatic Habitat Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to talk about fishery and pond management in agricultural and working landscapes. From water quality and sedimentation to healthy bass fisheries and beyond, Jeff covers the challenges facing our ponds and lakes and what we can do to ensure healthy waters for everyone.
Resources:
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
- Nebraska Game and Parks 2026 Fishing Guide
Jeff Jackson [contact]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, the hosts sit down with Trey Lam and Lisa Knopf-Owen of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to explain how conservation works on the ground in Oklahoma. They break down the relationship between the Commission and local conservation districts, trace the agency's roots back to the Dust Bowl, and share how locally led decisions help landowners tackle real challenges like flooding, brush encroachment, soil health, water quality, prescribed fire, and infrastructure needs.
The conversation highlights how practical conservation succeeds when local people shape priorities and partnerships bring resources together. From upstream flood-control dams and water-quality monitoring to simplified cost-share programs and support for prescribed burn associations, this episode shows how voluntary, common-sense conservation can deliver real results for producers, communities, and the state as a whole.
Resources - Oklahoma Conservation Commisssion
We chat with wild turkey historian and author Brent Rogers about the fascinating history and evolution of turkey calls. Join as we explore how culture, technology, and conservation shaped the way hunters communicate with wild turkeys.
Brent Rogers @gobblegitr
- The Origin and Evolution of Turkey Calls
- American Wild Turkey Historical Foundation
- Wild Turkey Archives
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Many stakeholders use fire to manage their rangeland, but it can also be part of a complete management plan for ponds and waterways. On this episode, Joe and Drew share some insight into the ways that prescribed burning can help foster a healthy pond ecosystem and things to watch out for for any upcoming burns.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
We deep dive into the history and legacy of the Westervelt Company and its iconic hunting school with Kevin McKinstry, Recreation Director for Westervelt Company, and Steven Carroll, General Manager for the Westervelt Lodge.
Resources:
- Gamekeepers EP 409 | A Discussion of Adventure with J. Wayne Fears
- Westervelt Lodge
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Predation is the leading cause of mortality in wild turkeys - but does that mean predator control is the answer? We explore the science, case studies, and management implications behind one of the most debated topics in turkey research.
Resources
- Habitat management = predator management | Ep 66
- Has turkey habitat changed? | Ep 21
- Johnson, V. M., et al. (2022). Nest site selection and survival of wild turkeys in Tennessee. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 9, 134-143.
- Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2014). Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 78(6), 1033-1039.
- Palmer, W. E., et al. (2005). Effect of field borders and nest‐predator reduction on abundance of northern bobwhites. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 33(4), 1398-1405.
- Speake, Daniel W. "Predation on wild turkeys in Alabama." 4th National Wild Turkey Symposium. Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). 2-5 Mar 1980.. 1980.
- Williams Jr, L. E., D. H. Austin, and T. E. Peoples. "Turkey nesting success on a Florida study area." 4th National Wild Turkey Symposium. Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). 2-5 Mar 1980.. 1980.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Don't miss out on a chance to win a custom Benelli Super Black Eagle 3! This 28-gauge shotgun features a 28' barrel, 3" chamber, and is exclusively dipped in Mossy Oak Full Foliage not available to the public. Enter the online raffle below for a shot at owning this one-of-a-kind gun! This is literally a one-of-one collectable item. https://e.givesmart.com/events/Nqy/
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Wildfire preparedness isn't just a checklist — it's a resilience plan for your ranch, your family, and your community. In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, hosts John Weir and Dr. Mark Turner talk with OSU Extension agriculture and food policy specialist Amy Hagerman Ph.D. about what to do before, during, and after a wildfire or other disaster.
They cover practical steps that reduce loss (parking equipment on bare ground, shutting buildings to keep embers out, splitting hay into multiple locations, and keeping fence rows clean), plus the recovery side: how insurance documentation works, why you shouldn't clean up before adjusters document damage, and which USDA disaster programs may help with livestock loss, fencing, hauling water, and hay-related needs. The conversation also highlights a critical but often overlooked part of recovery: monitoring mental health in yourself and your neighbors long after the event.
Resources - Amy Hagerman, Ph.D.
-
OSU Extension Emergency & Disaster Preparedness site
-
OSU Extension DART
-
Episode Sponsor, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Jacob and Eric catch up with William McKinley and Kamen Campbell of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to discuss this past deer season. They cover everything from the acorn crop to deer surveys and donating venison to feed the hungry.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Dr. Karen Hickman sits down with John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner to talk invasive plants across the Great Plains—what's here, what's coming, and why our best defense often starts with a clean pickup, a better plant choice, and a tighter contract. We walk through Callery/Bradford pear's "overnight" takeover, Old World bluestem's misnamed reputation, and how sericea, Johnson grass, privet, kudzu, honeysuckle, tree-of-heaven, Siberian elm and others move from roadsides to rangeland. You'll hear field-tested tips: early detection/rapid response, where to scout first (gates, pens, ditches), what to tell pipeline and oilfield crews about decontamination, how hay can import problems after wildfire, and why tall, highly productive grasses (miscanthus, giant reed/cane, phragmites) pose wildfire risks on the urban–rural edge. We wrap with Oklahoma's watch lists, better native alternatives (hello, Mexican plum), and a clear message—don't plant your problems.
Resources * Oklahoma Invasive Plant Council * Oklahoma Invasive Plant Council * Karen Hickman, Ph.D.
Fire is an important tool for rangeland and wildlife habitat management, but how does burning large brush piles impact native wildlife? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the effects of burning brush piles on landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife, and characteristics of brush piles that can affect their cover value for different species.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
Drawing from decades of research, Will leads us through a review of historical nesting data from 1970–2022 to assess if nesting success has really changed.
Resources:
- Take 12 Instagram, YouTube
- Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
- Which vital rates are most important to turkey populations? | Ep 13
- Population Ecology for Dummies | Ep 110
- What does nesting cover look like? | Ep 121
- Decreases in hen survival may explain declines | Ep 153
- Extreme winter and the wild turkey | Ep 171
- Gamekeepers: Preseason Turkeys with Dr. Gulsby and Dr. Lashley
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Don't miss out on a chance to win a custom Benelli Super Black Eagle 3! This 28-gauge shotgun features a 28' barrel, 3" chamber, and is exclusively dipped in Mossy Oak Full Foliage not available to the public. Enter the online raffle below for a shot at owning this one-of-a-kind gun! This is literally a one-of-one collectable item. https://e.givesmart.com/events/Nqy/
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
If you drive across the Midwest, much of the landscape is under production for corn and soybeans. But, it didn't always look like that. Only a couple of generations ago, farmers were planting more diverse fields, many of them including wheat. This month we are joined by Nathan Mueller, Executive Director of Nu Horizon Genetics and producer, to talk about the "third crop" -- winter wheat. Learn how wheat can improve farms, provide valuable habitat for wildlife, and help improve our landscapes and ecosystems.
Resources:
- Nu Horizon Genetics
- Nebraska Wheat Production
- New wheat growers: Avoid these 5 common mistakes
- Adding Winter Wheat to a Crop Rotation
Nathan Mueller [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Have you ever caught a marine fish that was dressed like a convict and had goofy-looking teeth that made you think you could hear a banjo playing in the distance? Ok, maybe that was unfair to all the banjo-playing fish out there, but you may have caught a sheepshead. Sheepshead can be found along the Western Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia down to Brazil, with high abundance in the Gulf of Mexico. They are common both inshore and on barnacle-encrusted structures from as shallow as two feet of water out to the oil platforms offshore. They are tender biters, hard fighters, and even better as a table fare. Although they have mostly swam under the radar (pun intended), the word is starting to get out on this species. To discuss sheepshead biology, movement, and management, Wes teams up with Dr. Mike Andres and his graduate student/research associate Alyssa Pagel. No sheep were harmed in the making of this podcast.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Watch this episode on YouTube (here)!
Pennsylvania state turkey biologist Reina Tyl rejoins us to share updates on the long-term, multi-state Mid-Atlantic Turkey Research Collaborative to better understand differences in hen survival across states. We also discuss the status of turkeys in PA and potential changes to the spring season structure.
Resources:
- Wild turkey populations in PA (Part 1/2) | Ep 25
-
Wild turkey populations in PA (Part 2/2) | Ep 26
-
Vangilder, Larry D., and Eric W. Kurzejeski. "Population ecology of the eastern wild turkey in northern Missouri." Wildlife Monographs (1995): 3-50.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Don't miss out on a chance to win a custom Benelli Super Black Eagle 3! This 28-gauge shotgun features a 28' barrel, 3" chamber, and is exclusively dipped in Mossy Oak Full Foliage not available to the public. Enter the online raffle below for a shot at owning this one-of-a-kind gun! This is literally a one-of-one collectable item. https://e.givesmart.com/events/Nqy/
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, James and Ryan Dulaney, manager of Grindle Slough in Arkansas, take a deep dive into the current state of waterfowl management, covering habitat conditions, duck populations, and how weather influences migration patterns. They discuss practical strategies for managing duck ground, including vegetation management, soil disturbance, water management, and the timing of flooding. James and Ryan also highlight the importance of managing hunting pressure, fostering cooperation among neighboring landowners, and shifting mindsets toward long-term stewardship and consistent management to support sustainable waterfowl hunting.
Jacob and Eric get back to the basics of deer management with The Old Biologist, Mr. Lann Wilf. The conversation covers everything from managing expectations to understanding what drives deer herds. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Kansas is estimated to have 100,000 – 200,000 ponds, and many of these play an important role in supporting livestock operations. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common risks associated with livestock in ponds, practical strategies for reducing these risks, and steps you can take to maximize the functionality and enjoyment of your livestock ponds.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
In this episode of Gamebird University, James sits down with Dr. Ryan Askren, Director of the Five Oaks Agricultural Research & Education Center, to refocus the lens on the wintering grounds—where habitat configuration, disturbance, and management decisions shape duck behavior long before spring.
James and Ryan dig into what modern GPS/GSM telemetry is really telling us about winter movements, night feeding, and sanctuary use—and where tag choice can bias migration inferences. They explore how wetland complexes outperform single units, why scrub-shrub/buttonbush cover may be undervalued for thermal refuge and predator avoidance, and what fecal DNA diet work reveals.
The conversation connects science to practice: post-season water on non-timber units, hunt-rest rotations, and coordinating with neighbors to create the mosaic ducks actually select. Ryan also shares insights from comparative studies of backpack vs. implant transmitters (and what that means for estimating timing and survival) and closes with how the Five Oaks certificate program turns ecology-savvy students into equipment-ready managers who can calibrate sprayers, plan drawdowns, and talk shop with farmers.
As last year's poults mature into jakes and jennies, Marcus shares firsthand observations of how behavior, vocalizations, dominance, and personality change with age.
Resources
- Longer the snood, bigger the brood | Ep 68
- Snoods, feathers, and the Turkey Brotherhood | Ep 65
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Don't miss out on a chance to win a custom Benelli Super Black Eagle 3! This 28-gauge shotgun features a 28' barrel, 3" chamber, and is exclusively dipped in Mossy Oak Full Foliage not available to the public. Enter the online raffle below for a shot at owning this one-of-a-kind gun! This is literally a one-of-one collectable item. https://e.givesmart.com/events/Nqy/
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell sit down with Dr. Ben Jones, CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society, for a grounded, field-tested conversation about young-forest conservation in the South—and what it really takes to sustain ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and the people who care about them across the range.
The crew explores how disturbance and interspersion drive habitat value, why woodcock routinely show up in unexpected cover, and how modern tools—GPS tracking, remote sensing, and on-the-ground monitoring—are reshaping our understanding of migration, wintering needs, and day-to-day behavior. They dig into practical management levers (from timber harvest to patch size and structure) and the realities of working forests where wildlife, landowners, and economics intersect.
They also confront the messaging gap: how public perception can stall necessary habitat work, and why conservationists must reclaim the narrative from preservation-only mindsets with clear, science-forward communication. Along the way, they spotlight the rise of bird-dog culture, why trusting your dog is often the best lesson in ecology, and how woodcock hunting can be an inviting on-ramp for new hunters and future advocates.
Listeners will come away with a crisp picture of what "young forest" actually means on the ground, how technology is sharpening management decisions, and why collaborative, working-lands conservation remains essential for upland birds—across seasons, ownerships, and communities.
In this episode, we explore the impacts of extreme cold weather on wild turkey populations.
Resources:
- Acorn production post (DrDisturbance IG)
- Austin, D. E., & DeGraff, L. W. (1975). Winter survival of wild turkeys in the southern Adirondacks. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1975, 55-60.
- Brooke, J. M., et al. (2019). Effects of fertilization and crown release on white oak (Quercus alba) masting and acorn quality. Forest Ecology and Management, 433, 305-312.
- Gonnerman, M., et al. (2023). Dynamic winter weather moderates movement and resource selection of wild turkeys at high‐latitude range limits. Ecological Applications, 33(1), e2734.
- Gray, B. T., & Prince, H. H. (1988). Basal metabolism and energetic cost of thermoregulation in wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 133-137.
- Haroldson, K. J. (1995). Energy requirements for winter survival of wild turkeys. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1995, 9-14.
- Lashley, M. A., et al. (2009). Masting characteristics of white oak: implications for management. In In: Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. Association Fish and Wildl. Agencies. 63: 21-26. (Vol. 63, pp. 21-26).
- Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may explain wild turkey decline. bioRxiv, 2025-05.
- Lavoie, M., et al. (2017). Winter and summer weather modulate the demography of wild turkeys at the northern edge of the species distribution. Population Ecology, 59(3), 239-249.
- Lavoie, M., et al. (2025). Wildlife Management and Climate Change: How to Adapt Harvest Rates of Wild Turkey According to Extreme Weather Events. Environmental Management, 1-13.
- Porter, W. F., et al. (1983). Effects of winter conditions on reproduction in a northern wild turkey population. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 281-290.
- Seminar: Wild Turkey Management Academy
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Don't miss out on a chance to win a custom Benelli Super Black Eagle 3! This 28-gauge shotgun features a 28' barrel, 3" chamber, and is exclusively dipped in Mossy Oak Full Foliage not available to the public. Enter the online raffle below for a shot at owning this one-of-a-kind gun! This is literally a one-of-one collectable item. https://e.givesmart.com/events/Nqy/
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
False information on social media isn't new, but the use of AI generated images can cause it to be more convincing. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss misinformation about wildlife on social media, how to spot it, and reputable sources where you can locate accurate information.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
Wild turkey biologist Reina Tyl joins us to unpack her comprehensive study assessing population growth of Easterns in South Dakota.
Resources:
Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may explain wild turkey decline. bioRxiv, 2025-05.
Tyl, R. M. (2019). Factors Influencing Survival, Productivity, and Population Growth of Eastern Wild Turkeys in Northeastern South Dakota. West Virginia University.
Tyl, R. M., Rota, C. T., & Lehman, C. P. (2025). Factors influencing eastern wild turkey population growth in northeastern South Dakota. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 49, e1636.
Tyl, R.M., Rota, C.T. and Lehman, C.P., 2020. Factors influencing productivity of eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota. Ecology and Evolution, 10(16), pp.8838-8854.
Tyl, R.M., Rota, C.T. and Lehman, C.P., 2023. Factors influencing survival of female eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 47(2), p.e1429.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Don't miss out on a chance to win a custom Benelli Super Black Eagle 3! This 28-gauge shotgun features a 28' barrel, 3" chamber, and is exclusively dipped in Mossy Oak Full Foliage not available to the public. Enter the online raffle below for a shot at owning this one-of-a-kind gun! This is literally a one-of-one collectable item. https://e.givesmart.com/events/Nqy/
We've launched our second online wild turkey course! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Jacob and Eric catch up with Dr. Bronson Strickland to discuss what deer managers can do now that deer season is over.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
This month we are joined by Carlie Gizel, Wild Turkey Biologist with National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. As a native species of Nebraska, wild turkeys have lived and evolved in the Great Plains for years, at times exploding in numbers and at others succumbing to new threats. Through it all, they have remained an iconic species of the landscape, and hunters from near and far come to Nebraska seeking out this special bird. Join Carlie, along with co-hosts Andy and Nate, to talk about all things turkey.
Resources:
- Wild turkey hunting in Nebraska (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)
- Nebraska State Chapter of NWTF
- Current Research: Wild Turkey Ecology in Western Nebraska (AWESM Lab)
Carlie Gizel [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Is the cause of quail decline because turkeys are eating them? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Mark McConnell to bust this myth…
Resources:
Check out Dr. McConnell's Gamebird Podcast (Here)!
Dr. Mark McConnell (Contact)
MSU Gamebird Extension (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube)
We got bug problems | Ep 73 (Watch Here)
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Brian Davis sit down with Dr. Scott Stephens, Senior Director of Prairie and Boreal Conservation Strategy with Ducks Unlimited, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on duck breeding, population trends, and the future of waterfowl conservation. The trio explores the sharp declines in duck populations since 2015 and unpacks the critical role that prairie breeding grounds—especially small wetlands and intact grasslands—play in sustaining duck numbers. Scott shares insights from decades of research and conservation strategy, highlighting how environmental conditions, habitat loss, and climate variability are reshaping the waterfowl landscape. The discussion covers the complex interplay between habitat availability, agricultural practices, and conservation economics, emphasizing the importance of working with private landowners and leveraging programs that support voluntary conservation. They also examine harvest management in the context of declining populations, underscoring the need for adaptive approaches that reflect habitat conditions on the ground. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving duck population dynamics and the urgent need for collaborative, landscape-scale conservation. From duck stamp funding to community engagement, this conversation reinforces why safeguarding waterfowl habitats across the Prairie and Boreal regions is more important than ever—for hunters, landowners, and future generations alike.
Today we discuss arguably the most important topic facing our working forests, that of the excess supply of small-diameter timber. Shaun and Brady are joined by Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Director of the Center for Forest Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
He discusses the consequences of not finding market outlets for this material, both economic and ecological, and walks us through several alternative futures that could help in dealing with this wicked problem that will require multiple solutions to ultimately bring our forests back in balance in the near and longer term. The purpose is to provide the listener with items that they promote to their policymakers and legislators to help smooth the expansion of existing and creation of new end use markets that utilize already developed technologies that are ready to scale.
For More on UAM''s Center for Forest Business, please click the link below.
https://www.uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/acfb.html
In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell sit down with Dr. Frank Rohwer, President and Chief Scientist of Delta Waterfowl, for a wide-ranging conversation about waterfowl research, management, and conservation. The trio reflects on Frank's long career—from his early academic days at LSU to leading Delta's scientific programs—and explores the questions and challenges in understanding duck behavior and habitat use. They talk about how weather and temperature shape ducks' movements and foraging habits, sharing surprising insights about when ducks feed, move, and seek refuge across varying temperatures. The conversation delves into advances in GPS and transmitter technology that have opened new windows into waterfowl movements, as well as long-running studies of ring-necked ducks that reveal unexpected connections between southern wintering areas and western boreal breeding grounds. Throughout the episode, the group explores new methods for assessing duck production, including the use of drones and thermal imaging to locate nests, track brood survival, and measure reproductive success. They also discuss the role of predator management in boosting duck production and the growing focus across wildlife disciplines on making conservation more cost effective. The puzzling range expansion of black-bellied whistling ducks emerges as a point of discussion, along with questions about the species' ecology and its future impacts across southern landscapes. The conversation also touches on the role ducks, quail, and pheasants play as vital ecosystem services that benefit rural economies and wildlife heritage. At its heart, this episode captures the deep connections between hunters, researchers, and their dogs, reminding listeners why waterfowl conservation matters—not just for its ecological benefits, but for the traditions, stories, and shared passions that accompany it.
Freshwater mussels are important animals in a healthy aquatic ecosystem but they are facing widespread declines in Kansas and throughout their native ranges. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss freshwater mussel life history characteristics, how humans have used them in the past, and steps you can take to help ensure they persist for future generations.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
On this episode, Brady and Shaun are joined by Dr. David Clabo from the University of Georgia to discuss pine straw raking as an alternative income source for forest landowners. Dr. Clabo is an Associate Professor of Silviculture Outreach, who did his degree training at the University of Tennessee.
To contact Dr. Clabo with questions or clarifications please see his information at the following link. https://warnell.uga.edu/directory/people/david-c-clabo-phd
For more on pine straw, follow this link https://www.bugwood.org/forestry.cfm
In this episode, James and Mark are joined by Matt Chouinard, Waterfowl Programs Director for Delta Waterfowl, for an in-depth discussion on current prairie wetland and grassland conditions. They explore how recent weather patterns and agricultural pressures are shaping duck nesting success across the Prairie Pothole Region. Matt shares insights on the critical role of habitat for both nesting and brood-rearing, the value of conservation programs like CRP, and the importance of additional management strategies—including Delta's innovative Hen House program. The conversation also dives into the psychology of duck hunters, public perceptions of population trends, and the data-driven science behind conservation decisions. From habitat loss to hunter memories, this episode unpacks the complex relationships among agriculture, wetlands, waterfowl populations, and hunting success—highlighting why sustaining prairie ecosystems is essential for the future of waterfowl conservation.
Sometimes, the best stories are embellished but grounded in a little bit of truth… Join as we peel back the myth that poults drown when they look up at rainfall.
Resources:
Boone, W. W., et al. (2025). Effects of temperature and precipitation on wild turkey brood survival in the southeastern United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 49, e70003.
Healy, W. M., & Nenno, E. S. (1985). Effect of weather on wild turkey poult survival. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1985, 91-101.
Roberts, S. D., & Porter, W. F. (1998). Influence of temperature and precipitation on survival of wild turkey poults. The Journal of wildlife management, 1499-1505.
Wiley, J. W., & Wunderle Jr, J. M. (1993). The effects of hurricanes on birds, with special reference to Caribbean islands. Bird Conservation International, 3(4), 319-349.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We discuss how repeated fire disturbance influences plant structure, fuel loads, and wildlife use, and why focusing on timing alone often misses the point.
Resources:
How does burning outside of the dormant season affect pine survival and growth? (Fire University Ep 15)
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild turkey training is launching soon! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up here!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode of Timber University, Shaun and Brady welcome James Callicutt, Extension Instructor - Waterfowl, Upland Gamebirds, and Invasive Species at Mississippi State University, to discuss the intricacies of Green Tree Reservoirs (GTRs). James shares insights into the management and ecological significance of GTRs, particularly in the context of waterfowl habitat.
For more info you can reach James at james.callicutt@msstate.edu
Or contact Brady or Shaun at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Rabies is an ancient, frightening, and deadly disease that humans are exposed to by wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss recent incidents involving rabies that have made news headlines, wildlife reservoirs for rabies in the US, how to limit our exposure to wildlife that might carry rabies, and what to do if you may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
We explore the myths surrounding fire ants and their negative impacts on nests, hens, and poults.
Resources:
Allen, C. R., et al. (2004). Red imported fire ant impacts on wildlife: a decade of research. The American Midland Naturalist, 152(1), 88-103.
Brennan, L. A. (1993). Fire ants and northern bobwhites: a real problem or a red herring?. Wildlife Society Bulletin (1973-2006), 21(3), 351-355.
Jones, J. C., Hodges, B. N., Tegt, J., & Butler, A. B. (2015). INVASIVE NON‐NATIVE SPECIES AND WILD TURKEY IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2015, 89-103.
Martin, J. A., et al. (2015). Incubation and predation ecology of Wild Turkey nests: A cautionary case study regarding video camera surveillance. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2015, 295-301. t
Twedt, D. J., Wilson, R. R., Henne‐Kerr, J. L., & Grosshuesch, D. A. (2002). Avian response to bottomland hardwood reforestation: the first 10 years. Restoration Ecology, 10(4), 645-655.
Wojcik, D. P., et al. (2001). Red imported fire ants: impact on biodiversity.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild turkey training is launching soon! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up here!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Dr. Tanger and Dr. Self are joined by Dr. Kevin Boston. They discuss the different US forest certification standards and the benefits of self regulation of the industry as a way to show good stewardship to potential and existing markets and to the general public.
Dr. Boston is an Associate Professor of Forest Operations at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and has written several books on various forest subjects.
For questions or comments, please email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Having a pond is a great way to increase the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of your property. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss key considerations for constructing a pond, proper techniques for building a pond to ensure it holds water, and methods for addressing issues with a pond's design or construction.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
Does water on a hen make it more susceptible to predation? In this episode, we comb through the literature on olfactory camouflage, dissecting studies assessing correlations between nest survival, weather, and environmental conditions, and divulging into the complicated web of ecology dynamics. Strap on your science boots for this one, it's gonna be dense…
Research papers referenced:
- Bakner, N. W., et al. (2019). Incubation recess behaviors influence nest survival of Wild Turkeys. Ecology and Evolution, 9(24), 14053-14065.
- Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Robust assessment of associations between weather and eastern wild turkey nest success. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22524.
- Braun, M. S., et al. (2018). Birds, feather-degrading bacteria and preen glands: the antimicrobial activity of preen gland secretions from turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) is amplified by keratinase. FEMS microbiology ecology, 94(9), fiy117.
- Conover, M. R. (2007). Predator-prey dynamics: the role of olfaction. CRC Press.
- Fluen, T. (2008). A comparative analysis of evolutionary changes in island birds. MSc Thesis, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
- Grieves, L. A., et al. (2020). Food stress, but not experimental exposure to mercury, affects songbird preen oil composition. Ecotoxicology, 29, 275-285.
- Grieves, L. A., et al. (2022). Olfactory camouflage and communication in birds. Biological Reviews, 97(3), 1193-1209.
- Lehman, C. P., et al. (2010). Ground roost resource selection for Merriam's wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 74(2), 295-299.
- Lowrey, D. K., et al. (2001). Influences of selected weather variables on predation of wild turkey females and nest success. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 8, pp. 173-178).
- Potier, S., et al. (2018). Preen oil chemical composition encodes individuality, seasonal variation and kinship in black kites Milvus migrans. Journal of Avian Biology, 49(7), e01728.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2002). Sandpipers (Scolopacidae) switch from monoester to diester preen waxes during courtship and incubation, but why?. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 269(1505), 2135-2139.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2005). Switch to diester preen waxes may reduce avian nest predation by mammalian predators using olfactory cues. Journal of Experimental Biology, 208(22), 4199-4202.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2006). Discerning adaptive value of seasonal variation in preen waxes: comparative and experimental approaches. Acta Zoologica Sinica, 52, 272-275.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2007a). Parental role division predicts avian preen wax cycles. Ibis, 149(4), 721-729.
- Tuttle, E. M.,et al. (2014). Variation in preen oil composition pertaining to season,sex, and genotype in the polymorphic white-throated sparrow.Journal of ChemicalEcology40, 1025–1038.
- Whelan, R. J., et al. (2010). Short-chain carboxylic acids from gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) uropygial secretions vary with testosterone levels and photoperiod. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 156(3), 183-188.
- Webb, S. L., et al. (2012). Landscape features and weather influence nest survival of a ground-nesting bird of conservation concern, the greater sage-grouse, in human-altered environments. Ecological Processes, 1, 1-15.
Episodes referenced:
- Effectiveness of trapping across game bird species | #08
- Which vital rates are most important to turkey populations? | #13
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild turkey training is launching soon! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up here!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Sam Wilson, Furbearer Biologist at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Frank Andelt, retired Furbearer Biologist and Sam's predecessor at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to share the amazing story of the river otter in Nebraska. From thriving populations to complete extirpation, river otters were wiped out across the state. But as our guests share, otters are a resilient species. After a few local otter sightings, Frank shares the story of reintroduction of otters to Nebraska and how far they have come since then.
Resources:
- The River Otter – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
- Recovery of a Native Furbearer
Sam Wilson [website]
Frank Andelt
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode, we review papers that stood out to each of us from the 2025 Wild Turkey Symposium.
Resources:
Collier, B. A., & Chamberlain, M. J. (2025). The Notorious PIG: wild pigs are not primary predators of wild turkey nests. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1618.
Danks, Z. D., et al. (2025). A national standardized wild turkey brood survey: The first 6 years. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e164
Moscicki, D. J., et al. (2025). Multi‐scale evaluation of eastern wild turkey nest‐site selection and nest survival. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1635.
Ogawa, R., et al. (2025). Is wild turkey habitat selection spatially consistent? A three‐decade meta‐analysis in Mississippi. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e70000.
The Wildlife Society Bulletin - Wild Turkey Symposium
Thogmartin, W. E. (2001). Home-range size and habitat selection of female wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Arkansas. The American Midland Naturalist, 145(2), 247-260.
Ulrey, E. E., et al. (2025). Use of LiDAR to examine habitat selection by incubating female wild turkeys in South Carolina. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1628.
What does wild turkey nesting cover look like? (Video)
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild turkey training is launching soon! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up here!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Jacob and Eric sit down with Dr. Levi Heffelfinger of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute to discuss their work evaluating how dietary energy affects antler and body size of white-tailed deer.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Wisconsin gamebird ecologist Taylor Finger joins us to breakdown the status of wild turkeys in the state. Join as he shares details on how Wisconsin has achieved successful turkey populations unlike any other state in the country.
Resources:
Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may explain wild turkey decline. bioRxiv, 2025-05.
Legends of turkey research | #50
Pollentier, C. D., et al. (2021). Gobbling across landscapes: Eastern wild turkey distribution and occupancy–habitat associations. Ecology and Evolution, 11(24), 18248-18270.
Ogawa, R., et al. (2025). Is wild turkey habitat selection spatially consistent? A three‐decade meta‐analysis in Mississippi. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e70000.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild turkey training is launching soon! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up here!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Esben Kjaer joins the Blazin' Grazin' hosts to talk fire, forage, and the fine art of managing rangelands for both cattle and wildlife. His work from Kansas to North Dakota reveals how prescribed fire and strategic grazing shape biodiversity - from plant and insect communities to nesting birds. He shares what happens when conservation meets production, and how landowners can use grazing without losing habitat.
The conversation also dives into fire aversion, Kentucky bluegrass invasions, and why fire still beats grazing when it comes to restoring native prairies. From the challenges of burning in the frozen north to bringing new fire science to Oklahoma, Dr. Kjaer offers both research and real-world lessons for anyone who loves the land, livestock, and a good burn plan.
Resources:
-
OkState Department of Natural Resource Ecology Management
-
Esben Kjaer Ph.D.
Deer have many benefits to ecosystems and society, but they can also be a cause of human-wildlife conflict. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the impact deer can have on agricultural production, property, the spread of disease, and humans.
Learn more about deer resistant ornamental plants at: https://extension.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
Sometimes you just need to follow your dreams. Eric Mayo is a Mississippi pond owner with a small 1.5-acre pond. After complete renovation, Eric wanted something different. So, he did everything we preach against in pond management. He stocked different species, collected them from the wild, and just threw in as many unusual species as possible. The results? Eric holds nine Mississippi rod-and-reel and fly rod records, many of which came from his small pond. If you want to hear about managing for trophy redspotted sunfish and longear sunfish, well hold my beer and watch this!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Watch this episode on YouTube (here)!
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristy McAndrew from Mississippi State University. Dr. McAndrew will walk us through the ins and outs of Brown spot needle blight, a fungal disease that infects pine needles, leading to premature needle loss, stunted growth, and long-term stress that increases a tree's vulnerability to other pests and pathogens, and provide an update on Emerald Ash Borer presence in the region.
Dr. McAndrew is a forest health specialist at Mississippi State University in the Forestry Department. Kristy has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Wildlife, both from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, and also completed a Master's and PhD at Mississippi State University in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology.
For more on brown spot needle blight, see this recent article and publication from the Arkansas Division of Agriculture. www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/august/08-18-2025-ark-UAM-needle-blight.aspx
If you have questions, feel free to contact us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Dr. Ben Jones, CEO of RGS & AWS, joins us to explore how active forest stewardship - from prescribed fire to targeted timber harvests and new wood markets - can restore age-class diversity and habitat for ruffed grouse and wild turkey across eastern forests.
Resources:
EQUIP
Food Plots, Feed or Fire: The Real Costs Per Pound of Deer Forage (NDA article)
Ruffed Grouse Society
Dr. Ben Jones benj@ruffedgrousesociety.org
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our SECOND online training course focused on wild turkey biology, history, and heritage! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up here!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Jacob and Eric sit down with MSU Assistant Research Professor Dr. Melanie Boudrou to discuss the results of a recent project that used GPS collars to study deer-pig interactions.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
In this episode, we return to the mailbag to answer listener questions. Brady covers the current status of brownspot needle blight and thinning pines with herbicide applications as an alternative to commercial thinning in light of depressed markets. Shaun covers a combo question on replanting costs and how to treat those costs for tax purposes and how that may or may not affect a timber owners basis account.
Strap in for a philosophical episode as we sit with Dr. Dwayne Elmore and explore the complex nature of critically evaluating information in an age of information overload.
Resources:
Pre-Print: Lashley et al. (2025) Female Wild turkey survival meta-analysis
Dr. Dwayne Elmore - Tall Timbers, Publications
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our SECOND online training course focused on wild turkey biology, history, and heritage! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up here!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
AI generated wildlife videos are common on the internet and it can be hard to distinguish what is real and what isn't. For this episode, Drew and Joe are joined by Danny to discuss the kinds of AI generated videos that frequently feature wildlife, the ways artificially generated videos can alter expectations of real-world interactions with wildlife, and some ways to identify AI generated content online.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
We've launched our SECOND online training course focused on wild turkey biology, history, and heritage! Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Dr. Jordan Giese, Research Assistant Professor at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University - Kingsville, to talk about prairie strips and his research on bird responses to prairie strips in row crop acres. From songbirds to Ring-necked pheasants, Dr. Giese shares how prairie strips can be beneficial for a range of wildlife within agricultural landscapes. Whether you are interested in birding, hunting, wildflowers, or soil health, prairie strips offer immense benefits for farmers across the Midwest.
Resources:
- Science-Based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS)
- Prairie Strips farmer and landowner testimonials
Dr. Jordan Giese [website, @birdnbiologist]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, Noble County rancher Grady Parmley joins the team to share how prescribed burn associations empower landowners to use fire as a powerful tool for grassland management. Grady recounts his own journey from being intimidated by fire to leading burns on thousands of acres through the North Central Range Improvement Association.
With insights from OSU Extension experts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner, the episode explores how local PBAs foster neighborly cooperation, reduce wildfire risks, and improve both livestock and wildlife habitat.
Listeners will hear practical tips on equipment, safety, burn planning, and navigating the challenges of leadership and liability. Whether you're curious about how to join a burn association or want to improve your pasture management, this episode offers a blend of storytelling and expert advice that's as educational as it is inspiring.
Resources: Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association
Jacob and Eric catch up to discuss the rut. They cover everything from what triggers the rut to phases of the rut, changes in buck behavior, and hunting strategies.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
We dive into Will's recent research assessing the effects and prevalence of Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) in wild turkeys in Alabama.
Resources:
Alger, K., et al. (2017). Risk factors for and spatial distribution of lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in New York State, USA. Journal of wildlife diseases, 53(3), 499-508.
Goodwin, C. C., et al. (2024). Experimental infection of domestic turkeys with lymphoproliferative disease virus of North American origin. Veterinary Pathology.
Shea, S. A. (2021). Retroviral infection dynamics in Maine's wild turkeys. The University of Maine.
Thomas, J. M., et al. (2015). Molecular surveillance for lymphoproliferative disease virus in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) from the eastern United States. PLoS One, 10(4), e0122644.
Ostrander, K. N., et al. (2025). Histomonosis and Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus in Male Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Alabama, USA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
What do grasshoppers, prescribed fire, and peer pressure have in common? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jason Harmon, the new head of Oklahoma State University's Natural Resource Ecology and Management department, to find out.
From his early days counting insects in Wisconsin to leading research on pollinators and rangelands in North Dakota, Dr. Harmon brings a wide-lens perspective to land management - one that blends ecology, culture, and community.
Hosts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner chat with Dr. Harmon about everything from cattle grazing and monarch migration to how landowners manage for appearances rather than outcomes. They also explore how Oklahoma's ecological diversity - and its people - are shaping the future of conservation. Whether you're passionate about prescribed fire, curious about critters, or just love hearing smart folks talk about working landscapes, this one's for you. Takeaways
- Dr. Jason Harmon's background blends insect ecology with rangeland research.
- Cultural perceptions influence landowners' willingness to adopt ecologically diverse pastures.
- Fire remains an unmatched tool for managing range health and reducing woody encroachment.
- Oklahoma and North Dakota face different stages of similar land challenges.
- Pollinators are not just bees-grasslands can host hundreds of native insect species.
- Milkweed interactions with cattle are species-specific and under-researched.
- Oklahoma's ecological range-from alligators to bighorn sheep-mirrors the diversity of its management needs.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances natural resource problem-solving.
- Prescribed burning is a proactive solution that prevents larger wildfire disasters.
- OSU's natural resource programs offer versatile career pathways through specialized tracks.
Timestamps
00:02:05 – Meet Dr. Jason Harmon and his journey to OSU |00:04:01 – Insect ecology and critter-counting origins 00:06:06 – Cultural peer pressure in land aesthetics 00:13:25 – Comparing North Dakota and Oklahoma land management 00:14:59 – Prescribed fire vs. grazing for ecosystem management 00:22:00 – Calf decomposition and surprising pollinator behavior 00:27:12 – Regal fritillaries and pollinator diversity 00:29:44 – Cattle interaction with milkweed species 00:33:39 – Adjusting to Oklahoma and its colorful town names 00:36:25 – Oklahoma's ecological diversity and wild inhabitants 00:42:29 – Dr. Harmon's vision for the department 00:49:00 – Promoting collaboration and public understanding 00:52:53 – Overview of OSU's undergraduate options in natural resources
Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com
he State of Arkansas is well known for its quality fishing opportunities, particularly its tailrace trout fisheries. Although Fish University has spent several episodes discussing the self-sustaining brown trout in the Little Red River, the majority of these fisheries are supported with catchable size, hatchery produced trout. Unfortunately, the two biggest hatcheries in Arkansas experienced major issues this past spring and summer, resulting in the loss of more than a million trout. With less trout available, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission had to take drastic measures. In this episode, Wes has a conversation with Trout Biologist Christy Graham to learn about what happened at the hatcheries, what it means for the rivers, and what the future of trout fishing in Arkansas will look like.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Watch this episode on YouTube (here)!
Waterfowl and other birds often migrate long distances to optimize habitats for feeding and meeting. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what triggers migration, how far species travel, and the cost and benefits associated with these long distance movements.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
In this episode, we discuss our recent paper quantifying turkey abundance, highlighting the Florida Wildlife Corridor and exploring how this project preserves turkey habitat amidst increasing development pressures. Paper will be linked as soon as it is released.
Resources:
Sibiya, M. D., et al. (2025). Data integration reveals that a statewide corridor initiative maintains greater wild turkey relative abundance and occupancy. Landscape Ecology, 41(1), 6.
Citizen science for turkeys (Ep 119) https://youtu.be/LEbFvaRhNKA
Scale of management for turkeys (Ep 156) https://youtu.be/2vIRBfFt-ls
Restoring the functionally extinct American Chestnut (Ep 157) https://youtu.be/ENrL86_i06g
eBird https://ebird.org/home
Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/
FWC Summer Brood Survey https://myfwc.com/hunting/turkey/brood-survey/
iNaturalist https://www.inaturalist.org/
Merlin Bird ID https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Snapshot USA https://www.snapshot-usa.org/
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, we hear from Kayla Moss, Extension Assistant at Oklahoma State University, about her groundbreaking research in Oklahoma. Moss shares how she tackled the invasive sericea lespedeza using a combination of fire, herbicide, and grazing. She discusses how growing-season burns, when followed by a well-timed herbicide application, delivered the most effective long-term control - reducing sericea cover from 35% to under 1%.
The episode also explores the unexpected return of native legumes after treatment, the resilience of sericea seedbanks, and the practical trade-offs producers face when balancing cattle gains with ecosystem health. Supported by co-hosts Dr. Laura Goodman, Dr. Mark Turner, and John Weir, this conversation is full of science-backed strategies, real-world challenges, and relatable advice for any land manager facing invasive species. Key Takeaways
- Sericea lespedeza is highly invasive, with seedbanks that can persist for decades.
- Growing-season fire followed by herbicide application a year later showed the most effective control.
- Dormant-season fire alone may increase sericea cover.
- Herbicide applied post-burn can reduce seed production significantly.
- Cattle weight gains were not negatively affected by growing-season burns.
- Native legumes like partridge pea and slender lespedeza can repopulate treated areas.
- Seed germination of sericea is extremely tough, requiring even sulfuric acid in lab settings.
- The cost of metsulfuron methyl herbicide is under $4 per acre.
- Spot spraying and drone tech may offer future precision control options.
- Integrated management is more practical and effective than standalone treatments.
Timestamps
00:01:46 – Meet the hosts and guest, Kayla Moss 00:02:37 – Overview of Osage County research site and plant community 00:03:29 – Introduction to sericea lespedeza and its invasive history 00:05:35 – Existing research gaps and integrating fire, herbicide, and grazing 00:07:04 – Wildlife implications and Bobwhite quail case studies 00:15:13 – Breakdown of treatment methods used in the study 00:19:01 – Impact of dormant vs. growing season fire 00:25:15 – Conditions of prescribed burns and drought effects 00:33:34 – Post-treatment results on sericea cover and seed production 00:40:01 – Native legumes returning after treatment 00:44:01 – Cattle weight gain comparisons and practical advice for landowners 00:51:31 – Final thoughts and takeaways
Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com
We're bringing back our episode exploring the American chestnut's history, ecological importance, challenges faced due to habitat change and disease, on-going conservation efforts, and how you can get involved in its ecological restoration.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Resources:
Diamond, S. J., et al. (2000). Hard mast production before and after the chestnut blight. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry, 24(4), 196-201.
The American Chestnut Foundation
The American Chestnut Foundation: Growing Chestnuts
Tree Snapp App
Varner, J. M., et al. (2021). Litter flammability of 50 southeastern north American tree species: evidence for mesophication gradients across multiple ecosystems. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 4, 727042.
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
While a hunt may end with the release of an arrow or pulling the trigger, what a hunter does next has important legal, food safety, and food quality implications. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss important considerations for tagging and proof-of-sex requirements, care and handling of harvested game to minimize disease transmission, zoonotic diseases to be aware of, and how to handle harvested game to maximize the quality of the meat we harvest.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
In this episode, we discuss how management scale and arrangement influence turkey behavior and productivity.
Resources:
Chitwood, M. C., et al. (2015). Do biological and bedsite characteristics influence survival of neonatal white-tailed deer?. PloS one, 10(3), e0119070.
Day, M. S. (2024). Factors impacting gobbling chronology and activity of male wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Alabama (Master's thesis).
Where my gobbles at? | #111
Managing for gobbling habitat | #112
Managing nesting & brooding cover | #137
Decreases in hen survival may explain declines | #153
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio
Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
What makes the Great Plains such a productive agricultural hotspot? And why are some fields just more productive than others no matter what? It turns out the secret is in the soil. This month we are joined by Dr. Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, to discuss how our soils came to be and how a better knowledge of your soil can lead to healthier farms and ecosystems overall. With a PhD in Soil Fertility and personal farming experience, Dr. Ward shares how practices like cover crops and diversifying an operation can lead to massive benefits – in soil health, water quality, wildlife abundance, ecosystem health and farmer profitability.
Resources:
- Ward Laboratories
- Ward Labs Resources
Dr. Ray Ward [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode, we walk you through the steps on managing your fallow fields for turkey and deer. We cover the plants we're after and those we want to manage against, as well as herbicide preparation, broadcast application, timing of management, and more.
Resources:
iNaturalist
Seek App
We manage DEER food plots for TURKEYS (video)
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Jacob and Eric sit down with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Research Division Chief, Cory Gray and Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dr. Marcelo Jorge to discuss the results of their 5-year project evaluating the effects of CWD in Arkansas.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders are common critters often seen in the Midwest near ponds, creeks, and rivers. These animals are often indicators of water quality conditions. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common amphibians of the Great Plains, why many of these populations are declining, and steps you can take to help ensure frogs are calling and salamanders are crawling in your aquatic ecosystems.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife
Dr. Craig Harper returns to share insights on how sloped topography affects plant communities, wild turkey use, and management strategies for both turkey and deer.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Dr. Craig Harper (Website)
We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We're back with Part 2 of discussing cool-season food plots. Hosts Jacob and Eric catch up with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop to talk about seed mixes and weed management.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
A good trilogy establishes the characters and the main conflict in installment one, then installment two deepens the conflict, and finally installment three provides the climax and resolution for the entire saga. Way back in Episode 10, Wes interviewed the Bluegill Queen (Sarah Parvin) to discuss her 5-acre pond that had become notorious for producing the fattest bluegill you can imagine. We are talking fish that weighed twice what a healthy fish of the same length should weigh, with helmets and briskets protecting their disproportionately small heads! These two-handed bream graced the pages of many fishing media outlets, Texas Hunter feeder advertisements, and even had industry sponsorships. The Slab Lab, as the pond was affectionately named, became known far and wide and even has its own logo! Wes even had the opportunity to fish the bream himself! Unfortunately, the Slab Lab experiment had a major setback this past summer. In this episode (Installment two), Sarah walks us through what happened and why, and discusses what is next for the Slab Movement. Hopefully, this episode is not the final episode of the Slab Lab, and we will have Sarah back to complete the trilogy!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
In this episode, hosts Jacob and Eric discuss cool-season food plots with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop. They cover key topics such as food plot placement, soil testing, and seed-bed preparation in part 1 of this 2-part series.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
In this episode, we reveal results from our latest research analyzing the role of hen survival in turkey population dynamics.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
WATCH this episode (here)!
Resources:
Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642.
Byrne, M. E., et al. (2015). Potential density dependence in wild turkey productivity in the southeastern United States. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 11, pp. 329-351).
Johnson, V. M., et al. (2022). Nest site selection and survival of wild turkeys in Tennessee. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 9, 134-143.
Lehman, C. P., et al. (2000). Comparative survival and reproduction of sympatric eastern and Rio Grande wild turkey females in northeastern South Dakota. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2000, 123-135.
Lehman, C. P., et al. (2022). Factors influencing rate of decline in a Merriam's wild turkey population. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 86(6), e22240.
Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
Speake, Daniel W. "Predation on wild turkeys in Alabama." 4th National Wild Turkey Symposium. Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). 2-5 Mar 1980.. 1980.
Tyl, R. M., et al. (2023). Factors influencing survival of female eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota. Wildlif e Society Bulletin, 47(2), e1429.
Which vital rates are most important to turkey populations? | Ep 13
SD Research Update: Major constraints and BMPs | Ep 81
We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, hosts Jacob and Eric dive into the challenges of the late summer stress period for deer. They explore key topics, including the declining nutritional quality of plants, the demands of antler growth, late gestation, and lactation. They also share insights on how strategic habitat management and food plots can help alleviate the summer stress period.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Food plots can be a beneficial tool for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, but do they serve the same purpose throughout the geographic range of white-tailed deer in the United States? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the uses of food plots, tips on what to plant, and when they are most productive in the Great Plains.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this conversation, Will leads us through the available research on the effectiveness of predator bounty programs.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Resources:
Ditchkoff, S. S., et al. (2017). Effectiveness of a bounty program for reducing wild pig densities. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 41(3), 548-555.
Bartel, R. A., & Brunson, M. W. (2003). Effects of Utah's coyote bounty program on harvester behavior. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 736-743.
Gosling, L. M., & Baker, S. J. (1989). The eradication of muskrats and coypus from Britain. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 38(1), 39-51.
Lelli, B., et al. (2009). Seal bounties in Maine and Massachusetts, 1888 to 1962. Northeastern Naturalist, 16(2), 239-254.
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Dr. Jesse Bell, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Water, Climate, and Health in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the School of Natural Resources within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also serves as the director of the Water, Climate and Health Program at UNMC and the director of Water, Climate and Health at the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Following our previous episodes on nitrate issues in drinking water, Andy and Nate chat with Dr. Bell about the specific health risks associated with nitrates in drinking water. They dive into what the science tells us about adverse health outcomes, who should be concerned, and things we can do to help mitigate against these risks.
Resources:
- UNL Water – Nitrate
- Water, Climate and Health Program
- Reducing nitrate intake and health complications from drinking private well water
Dr. Jesse Bell [website, academic profile]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode, the new co-directors of the MSU Deer Lab, Drs. Jacob Dykes and Eric Michel, share their plans for the deer lab and their vision for research and outreach. They discuss hosting in-person events and the construction of the new captive deer facility and outreach building at Mississippi State University. The discussion then shifts to a pressing issue that could affect deer: New World Screwworm.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Join as we explore and critique ChatGPT’s answers to why wild turkeys are declining. Submit your prompt to wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Resources:
Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121596.
Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Robust assessment of associations between weather and eastern wild turkey nest success. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22524.
Lehman, C. P., et al. (2022). Factors influencing rate of decline in a Merriam's wild turkey population. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 86(6), e22240.
Quehl, J. O., et al. (2024). Assessing wild turkey productivity before and after a 14-day delay in the start date of the spring hunting season in Tennessee. Ecology and Evolution, 14, e11390.
Gobbler survival across the south | Ep 67
Turkey disease ecology | Ep 70
We got bug problems | Ep 73
Fly, float, and mate | Ep 83
It’s not just turkeys | Ep 135
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Bronson and Steve introduce the new Co-Directors of the MSU Deer Lab. Dr. Eric Michel succeeds Steve and now serves as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction. Replacing Bronson is Dr. Jacob Dykes, the new Coordinator of the St. John Family Endowed Professorship of Wildlife Management and Extension Wildlife Specialist.
We’ll spend some time getting to know Eric and Jacob, discuss their backgrounds, and hear about their vision and future plans for the MSU Deer Lab.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Pond owners and managers often add aeration to their ponds to increase the ecological health of the pond, but do they actually work and should you add them to your pond? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why aeration might be needed, benefits of pond aeration, and tips on how to properly manage pond aeration systems.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we discuss the overlaps and tradeoffs between managing your property for both deer and turkey.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Resources:
Auburn TFT Habitat Management Day
Turner, M. A., et al. (2024). Influence of mowing and herbicide application on white-tailed deer use of perennial forage plantings. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 11, 76-82.
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We’ve brought back our episode with Dudley Phelps, Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries plant expert and co-host of the Gamekeeper Podcast, to learn about his go-to species and successful strategies for planting trees to attract turkeys.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Resources:
Boggess, C. M., et al. (2021). Facultative seed predators drive community-level indirect effects of mast seeding. Forest Ecology and Management, 502, 119713.
Harper, C. A., et al. (2021). Plant community response and implications for wildlife following control of a nonnative perennial grass. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 45(4), 618-629.
Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
The Little Red River is a unique fishery hidden in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas that boasts a world class trout fishery and some unique angling opportunities. The Greers Ferry Dam releases deep, cold water that supports stocked and naturalized trout in the river below. About 30 miles from the cold-water release, the river begins to transition from cold to warm water, and a variety of unique fishing opportunities have developed. Wes asked Dr. Steve Lochmann to return to Fish University and provide an update on his ongoing research activities and to tell us about this stretch of water where you can catch trophy brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye, and warm water species like blue catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Not to mention non-game species like darters, suckers, and invasive species including snakeheads and bigheaded carp!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Voles are common herbivorous rodents that can become very abundant when their food and cover are plentiful. They typically go unnoticed , but sometimes cause damage to turf grass, plants in vegetable gardens and flower beds, as well as trees in orchards and grape vines. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss vole biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control options for preventing or dealing with vole damage.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Forester and wildlife biologist Jordan Nanney continues the conversation on hardwood timber sale evaluation. He breaks down the first steps landowners should take, common mistakes made, what to avoid, and ways landowners can protect themselves. Check out the first part of this conversation (here).
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Resources:
NRCS Programs & Initiatives
Jordan Nanney Jordan.Nanney@CompassSouth.com
Compass South Forestry https://compasssouthforestry.com/
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We are joined by forester and wildlife biologist Jordan Nanney for an overview of hardwood timber markets and a breakdown of how landowners can sell their timber under various product classes.
WATCH this episode (here)!
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
Resources:
Brooke, J. M., et al. (2019). Effects of fertilization and crown release on white oak (Quercus alba) masting and acorn quality. Forest Ecology and Management, 433, 305-312.
Lashley, M. A., et al. (2017). Regenerating White Pine (Pinus strobus) in the South: Seedling Position is More Important than Herbivory Protection. Castanea, 82(2), 156-162.
Nanney, J. S., et al. (2018). Nutritional carrying capacity for cervids following disturbance in hardwood forests. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 82(6), 1219-1228.
NRCS Programs & Initiatives
Jordan Nanney Jordan.Nanney@CompassSouth.com
Compass South Forestry https://compasssouthforestry.com/
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Jackson Stansell, Founder and CEO of Sentinel Ag. Following our previous episode on nitrate issues in drinking water with Crystal Powers, Andy and Nate chat with Jackson about how his team at Sentinel is tackling the nitrate issue head on – while also helping farmers be more profitable and efficient. From being good stewards of our land and natural resources to the importance of rural prosperity for the benefit of all, we cover the ins and outs of nitrogen in farming and how new innovations are helping to build a healthier future for people, wildlife, and the land.
Resources:
- Sentinel Ag
- UNL Water – Nitrate
Jackson Stansell [website, X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems but they can also cause problems when they become overabundant. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common aquatic plant species, share tips on identifying plants in your pond or waterbody, and discuss the most effective techniques for managing and controlling aquatic vegetation.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
We’re bringing back a popular episode where we boiled down the key areas of focus for improving turkey habitat and connectivity on your property.
Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab
WATCH this episode (here)
Resources:
Conventional vs. Regenerative Ag #79
Food plotting in nature’s image #84
I lease land…what about me? #12
Which plants for brooding cover? #141
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, our hosts sit down with Dr. Jonathan Cammack, Extension Livestock Entomologist at Oklahoma State University, to discuss the troubling northward advance of the New World Screwworm. Once eradicated from the U.S. in the late 20th century, this destructive pest is again making headlines as it moves from Central America into Mexico—now only about 300 miles from the U.S. border. Dr. Cammack explains the history of eradication efforts, including the groundbreaking sterile fly release program, and details why current prevention depends on vigilant monitoring, quick wound treatment, and international cooperation.
The discussion also covers the severe impact screwworm infestations have on both livestock and wildlife, drawing parallels to the devastating losses seen in Florida’s endangered key deer population.
From treatment options and insecticide limitations to the importance of adjusting calving seasons, this episode offers a deep dive into strategies producers and wildlife managers can take to stay ahead of the threat.
Plus, listeners get an update on another invasive pest: the recently detected Asian Longhorned Tick in northeast Oklahoma.
Resources - OkState Livestock Entomology
-
OkState New World Screwworm Information
-
Jonathan Cammack, Ph.D.
In this episode, we are joined by forest manager Michael Heatherly who walks us through the steps landowners should take when managing pine timber on their properties.
Michael Heatherly mheatherly@sizemore1949.com
Sizemore & Sizemore https://sizemoretimber.com/
Resources:
Association of Consulting Foresters
Society of American Foresters
00:00 Introduction to Forest Management and Wildlife Objectives
03:12 Understanding Landowner Objectives and Initial Steps
05:59 The Role of Thinning and Clear Cutting in Habitat Management
09:03 Timber Harvesting: Economic Considerations and Market Dynamics
11:45 Long-Term Management Strategies for Landowners
14:59 Navigating Timber Sales and Contracts
17:45 Ensuring Compliance and Quality During Harvesting
20:41 The Importance of Consulting Foresters
23:33 Building Long-Term Relationships with Landowners
36:43 Maximizing Timber Revenue
39:30 Landowner-Forester Collaboration
44:30 Navigating Market Challenges
50:26 Best Practices for Thinning
54:24 The Importance of Professional Guidance
59:22 Finding the Right Forester
Fundraising Banquet (To enter the online raffles, click on ‘Get Tickets’ and then scroll down to the ‘Add-ons’)
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner sit down for a laid-back, boots-on-the-ground talk about Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) and how it plays a big role in shaping better wildlife habitats for deer, turkey, and quail—especially right here in Oklahoma. They swap stories and share how FSI differs from Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), and why even folks without marketable timber can still benefit from these management techniques.
You’ll hear plenty of real-world advice—how to get more sunlight to the forest floor, which trees to keep or cut, and what tools make the job easier (spoiler: PlantNet and iNaturalist apps get some love). They also dig into strategies like girdling, hinge cutting, and selective herbicide use. And of course, no land management talk would be complete without prescribed fire. It's not just about burning—it’s about building a better future for your land.
Resources - OkState Range & Pasture Plant ID
-
PlantNet
-
iNaturalist
Forests and woodlands are terms commonly used interchangeably, but did you know they are different ecosystems? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the differences in wooded areas and how to best manage them for native wildlife.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we discuss what you should be thinking about and implementing on your property for turkeys right now.
WATCH this episode here!
Resources:
Guide to Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants, Dr. Craig Harper
00:00 Introduction and Banter
02:55 Habitat-Centric Discussions
05:55 Fishing Adventures and Insights
08:48 Turkey Management Strategies
11:45 Field Management for Turkeys
14:48 Importance of Early Successional Cover
17:36 Burning and Timber Harvest Planning
28:53 Expanding the Burn Window
30:15 Increasing Sunlight for Turkey Abundance
31:44 Optimizing Poults Habitat
34:01 Managing Old Fields for Turkeys
35:55 Evaluating Agronomic Crops for Wildlife
37:46 The Role of Joint Vetch in Habitat Management
39:59 Balancing Ideal vs. Optimal Management
42:23 Practical Approaches to Habitat Management
43:48 Mast Management and Acorn Production
44:50 Identifying and Managing Problematic Trees
46:45 Combatting Ryegrass in Food Plots
50:15 Evaluating Management Practices
Fundraising Banquet (To enter the online raffles, click on ‘Get Tickets’ and then scroll down to the ‘Add-ons’)
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Dr. Larkin Powell, Director of the School of Natural Resources at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With years of research experience in the Great Plains and beyond, Dr. Powell narrates the story of how our agricultural landscapes have changed over time and the opportunities and challenges that come along with these changes. We also discuss Dr. Powell's upcoming book, "The Best of Intentions: A story of landscape change in the Great Plains."
Resources:
- The Best of Intentions: a history of landscape change in the heart of the Great Plains by Dr. Larkin Powell
- USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Dr. Larkin Powell [website, academic profile, LinkedIn, @larkinpowell]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
How do fish colonize newly formed island streams? How do fish get above a 200-foot waterfall? Answers to these questions and more on this episode of Fish University. Wes sits down for a conversation with Dr. Gus Engman from the University of Tennessee about island fish and the threats that they face. They also talk about their new book and how you can get a digital copy absolutely free! So, join us, won’t you?
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
We discuss the importance of firebreaks for turkey hunting and habitat management, exploring the various types of firebreaks, their strategic uses, and practical tips for effective management.
WATCH this episode here!
Resources: What would Lovett do? #124
00:00 – Intro
01:18 – Chitter chatter
02:00 – Choosing Firebreaks
04:00 – Wildlife Value of Planted Firebreaks
06:00 – Designing Firebreaks for Habitat & Access
08:00 – Common Misconceptions about Firebreaks
12:00 – Real-world Examples from the Field
20:00 – Regional Variation & Turkey Use
26:00 – Seasonal Management & Prescribed Fire
34:00 – Integrating Firebreaks into Larger Management Goals
Fundraising Banquet (to enter into the online raffles, click on ‘Get Tickets’ and then scroll down to the ‘Add-ons’)
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
The word “jellyfish” may bring up a memory of an unpleasant beach experience, or of nostalgic childhood days watching Spongebob Squarepants. Often jellyfish don’t get the love that many other marine critters enjoy, but Spongebob certainly loved them, as fishing for jellyfish was his favorite pastime. Although jellyfish can be a nuisance and a hazard, they are an important component of marine ecosystems. Their lifecycle is fascinating, and their survival instinct is impressive. On this episode of Fish University, we’ll dive deep into the world of cnidarians with someone almost as passionate as Spongebob about these brainless, boneless creatures. Ms. Diana Philips joins us from Reef Environmental Education Foundation to share with us her knowledge, passion, and a little humor about these misunderstood denizens of the deep.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Flooding is often associated with negative consequences for humans, but did you know that floods can provide many benefits for wildlife? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what a flood is, some reasons why flooding occurs, and give insight on how animals respond to flooding.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we discuss progress that we’re seeing on private lands management.
Watch this episode here!
Resources:
Fundraising Banquet (to enter into the online raffles, click on ‘Get Tickets’ and then scroll down to the ‘Add-ons’)
Has turkey habitat changed? | #21
Turner, M. A., et al. (2021). Mixture of triclopyr and imazapyr more effective than triclopyr alone for hardwood forest stand improvement. Forest Science, 67(1), 43-48.
Which plants for brooding cover? | #142
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We’re bringing back our episode on indicator plants for evaluating successful brood field management.
Watch this episode here!
Resources:
- iNaturalist
- Seek
- Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses
- Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants
- GeFellers, J. et al. (2020). Seeding is not always necessary to restore native early successional plant communities. Restoration Ecology, 28(6), 1485-1494.
- Powell, B. L., et al. (2022). Vegetation structure and food availability following disturbance in recently restored early successional plant communities. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46(5), e1372.
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Snakes are a group of species that many people dislike or have a strong fear of. Join Drew and Joe in this episode as they discuss snake natural history, management, and how to stay safe around snakes - including venomous species.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Zach Steele and Dorothy Dick, key creators for our online wild turkey training, join us to discuss the production of the course. Join as they share insights into the research and development, the expert contributors that shaped the course content, feedback received from constituents, challenges faced during filming, and the memorable moments that made the project enjoyable.
Watch this episode here!
Dr. Zachary Steele Publications
Dorothy Dick @peep_the_poult
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Wild Turkey Manager: Advanced Habitat features experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. This course is intended to be comprehensive, leading you through advanced concepts in habitat management, predator management, disease, and population management.
The course offers continuing education credits (CEUs) available through The Wildlife Society and the Society of American Foresters. We made the course online so you can take it on your own time, at your own pace, wherever you are!
Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManager
In this bittersweet episode Bronson visits with Steve as he reflects on his retirement from the MSU Deer Lab after a long and impactful career in wildlife management. Steve discusses some of the research that he considered very important in his career that impacted resource management. He reviews his research on forest management, prescribed fire, DMAP data, environment vs genetics, females choose antlers, antler restrictions, selective harvest, and CWD sampling. We hope you enjoy Steve’s stroll down memory lane.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
We're bringing back our episode discussing the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame.
Watch this episode here!
Resources:
Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121596.
Fire University #13 - How fire affects predators, ft. Dr. Michael Cherry
Jones, D. D., et al. (2004). Prescribed fire and raccoon use of longleaf pine forests: implications for managing nest predation?. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 32(4), 1255-1259.
Jorge, M. H., et al. (2020). Fire and land cover drive predator abundances in a pyric landscape. Forest Ecology and Management, 461, 117939.
Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2014). Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 78(6), 1033-1039.
Lohr, A. K., et al. (2019). Effects of individual recess behaviors on nest and female survival of Eastern wild turkeys (Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia).
Wann, G. T., et al. (2020). The influence of prescribed fire on wild turkeys in the Southeastern United States: A review and synthesis. Forest Ecology and Management, 455, 117661.
Wild Turkey Science #19 - Burning during nesting
What does wild turkey nesting cover look like? (Craig Harper Video)
Yeldell, N. A., et al. (2017). Nest site selection and nest survival of eastern wild turkeys in a pyric landscape. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 81(6), 1073-1083.
Yeldell, N. A., et al. (2017). Prescribed fire influences habitat selection of female eastern wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 81(7), 1287-1297.
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Gabriella Scolio and Jacob Penner from The Nature Conservancy join us to talk about carbon markets and what it means for farmers in the Midwest. We learn about what a carbon credit is, why companies are interested in carbon credits and how they are measuring their emissions, and how and why farmers might want to get involved.
Resources:
- Natural Climate Solutions: How nature can fight climate change (TNC)
- Carbon Markets (TNC)
- Carbon Markets Resource Center (TNC)
The Nature Conservancy [website, NE chapter website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, hosts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner dig deep into the value of growing season burns. They discuss how summer fires, often underused due to misconceptions about safety, can be the most effective tool for land managers dealing with eastern redcedar, poor forage quality, and wildlife habitat degradation.
Drawing on years of OSU Extension research and firsthand experience, they reveal how fire during the warmer months can be slower-moving and safer than many think.
You will learn how these burns enhance plant nutrition for both cattle and wildlife, why concerns about risk and liability are overblown, and how to plan burns that align with weather and vegetation goals. From practical strategies like creating wide firebreaks and managing brush piles to the science behind fire behavior and plant responses, this episode delivers insights that could reshape your approach to land stewardship.
Resources - Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association
Parasites are commonly found in aquatic environments. Join Joe and Drew in this episode as they discuss common parasites found in fish and aquatic wildlife, some factors that influence parasite rates, and what you can do to reduce parasite loadings in your ponds or streams.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Today’s conversation offers a unique window into the intricate world of poults. We are joined by Eva Noroski, Field Coordinator for the UF Game Lab, as she shares insights into poult development, growth rates, behavior, vocalization, social dynamics, social bonding, and more.
WATCH this episode here!
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Eva Noroski @eva_noroski, Contact
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Stephanie Boyles-Griffin, Jessica Tegt, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the complexities of urban deer management, exploring the challenges posed by growing deer populations in urban areas. While recreational hunting remains the most effective and practical tool for population control in most settings, an increasing number of circumstances—especially in urban and suburban areas—render it unfeasible. Stephanie and Jessica, both from the Botstiber Institute, outline non-lethal and alternative methods commonly used to manage deer in these environments and walk through the series of decisions required to evaluate which techniques are appropriate and how likely they are to succeed.
Below, Stephanie and Jessica have provided resources if you are interested in learning more.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Stephanie Boyles-Griffin: boylesgriffinadvisor@botstiber.org
Jessica Tegt: jtegt@botstiber.org
Urban Deer Conflict Management Planning Resources
- https://www.humaneworld.org/sites/default/files/docs/HSUS%20Deer%20Conflict%20Mgt%20Plan_FINAL.pdf
- https://ecommons.cornell.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/b297ac45-d908-4fd9-b06f-95cd5376907d/content
- https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/8816/1297/6730/Methods_for_Managing_Human-Deer_Conflicts_in_Urban_Suburban_and_Exurban_Areas.pdf
BIWFC
- https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/
- https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1871&context=hwi
- https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinars/webinar-surgical-solutions-innovations-in-nonlethal-deer-management/
- https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinar-11-blacktail-deer/
- https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinar-denicola/
Surgical
- https://www.whitebuffaloinc.org/
- DeNicola, A. J., and V. L. DeNicola. 2021. Ovariectomy as a management technique for suburban deer populations. Wildlife Society Bulletin 45:445–455
- Staten Island Story Map https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e3a5f6d544594690a313693d1e88d9ef
- DeNicola, V., Mezzini, S., Bursać, P. et al. Effects of vasectomy on breeding-related movement and activity in free-ranging white-tailed deer. Mov Ecol 13, 34 (2025)
Nonsurgical
- Naugle, R. E., A. T. Rutberg, H. B. Underwood, J. W. Turner, Jr., and I. K. M. Liu. 2002. Field testing of immunocontraception on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at Fire Island National Seashore, New York, USA. Reproduction Supplement 60:143–153.
- Rutberg, A. T., R. E. Naugle, L. A. Thiele, and I. K. M. Liu. 2004. Effects of immunocontraception on a suburban population of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus. Biological Conservation 116:243–250.
- Gionfriddo. J. P., A. J. DeNicola, L. Miller, and K. A. Fagerstone. 2011. Efficacy of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white-tailed deer in New Jersey. Wildlife Society Bulletin 35(3):149–160.
- Rutberg, A. T., R. E. Naugle, J. W. Turner, Jr., M. Fraker, D. Flanagan, and I. K. M. Liu. 2013. Tests of one-treatment immunocontraceptive vaccines on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Fripp Island, SC. Wildlife Research 40:281–288.
- Walker, M.J., Shank, G.C., Stoskopf, M.K., Minter, L.J. and DePerno, C.S. (2021), Efficacy and Cost of GonaCon™ for Population Control in a Free-ranging White-tailed Deer Population. Wildl. Soc. Bull., 45: 589-596
We’re bringing back Dr. Craig Harper’s step-by-step guide on how to create quality brooding and nesting cover on your property.
Resources:
Gruchy, J. P. (2007). An evaluation of field management practices to improve bobwhite habitat.
Gruchy, J. P., & Harper, C. A. (2014). Effects of field management practices on northern bobwhite habitat. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 1(1), 133-141.
Johnson, V. M., et al. (2022). Nest site selection and survival of wild turkeys in Tennessee. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 9, 134-143.
Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2014). Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 78(6), 1033-1039.
Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2015). Wild turkey prenesting-resource selection in a landscape managed with frequent prescribed fire. Southeastern Naturalist, 14(1), 137-146.
McCord, J. M., et al. (2014). Brood cover and food resources for wild turkeys following silvicultural treatments in mature upland hardwoods. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 38(2), 265-272.
Powell, B. L., et al. (2025). Changes in Plant Composition Following Disturbance in Restored Native Early Successional Communities. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 98, 480-489.
Quehl, J. O., et al. (2024). Assessing wild turkey productivity before and after a 14-day delay in the start date of the spring hunting season in Tennessee. Ecology and Evolution, 14, e11390.
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Craig Harper (Website)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Central Oklahoma’s public lands don’t manage themselves.
In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, veteran wildlife manager Jeff Pennington explains how the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation stewards roughly 125,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) scattered from Kansas to Texas.
He explains why deer now dominate management goals, how diverse habitats—from Cross Timbers uplands to Red River wetlands—shape every decision, and why prescribed fire remains the single most important habitat tool on state lands.
Jeff pulls back the curtain on ODWC’s “snake-flexible” burn crews, averaging 16–17 thousand acres of fire a year on a three-year rotation, while juggling hunters, smoke rules, and unpredictable weather.
From summer burns that drive cattle to winter lines that shape quail cover—and the unforgettable day his crew discovered his pants were literally on fire—this conversation delivers field-hardened advice any rural land steward can use.
Resources - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation - Wildlife Management Areas
Whether you call them groundhogs, woodchucks, or whistlepigs, these large squirrels - yes, they’re squirrels - are very interesting, but can also be a challenging critter to deal with when they cause property damage. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss groundhog biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control options for preventing or dealing with groundhog damage.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we review trending data across hunter age, hunter recruitment, decoy use, and reaping as Dr. Zach Steele, Post-doctoral associate and interdisciplinary ecologist specializing in human dimensions, walks us through his newest publication.
Resources:
Harris, A. (2006). Turkey hunting in 2006: an analysis of hunter demographics, trends, and economic impacts. USFWS Report, 7.
Maryland Spring Turkey Hunter Survey – Results Summary. August 2017
Steele, Z.T., & M.A. Lashley. (2025). Reviewing human dimensions of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hunting research and synthesizing future directions. Zenodo.
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Josh Richardson from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation unpacks the challenges and triumphs of managing wildlife habitat on the state’s overwhelmingly privately owned lands. With a background in both private and migratory species work, Josh brings a wealth of experience to the table—from quail tracking with GPS to helping landowners realistically match goals with land capacity. He highlights the importance of passion, persistence, and partnerships in building thriving ecosystems. Listeners will hear stories of grassroots conservation in action—friends clearing cedars, landowners creating firebreaks, and people even seeking to attract beavers. Josh walks through how to tap into Oklahoma's Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), explains how free assistance works, and reminds us that no acreage is too small to make a difference. Whether you’re new to land ownership or part of a multi-generational ranching family, this episode is filled with tools, tips, and inspiration for stewarding the land well.
Resources - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
- Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program
James and Mark are joined by Dr. Dwayne Elmore, Gamebird Program Director at Tall Timbers, for a deep dive into the vital role of thermal ecology in gamebird management—particularly for quail. Dr. Elmore explains how temperature shapes bird behavior, habitat selection, and the critical value of shrub cover in providing thermal refuge. The conversation highlights the need for more research on thermal conditions and their implications for wildlife management, especially in the Southeast. Key insights include the variability of operative temperatures across different cover types and how this influences quail management strategies. The episode also explores nest site selection and how environmental factors like temperature and airflow affect reproductive success. Dr. Elmore discusses the role of vegetation in predator avoidance and the interaction between hunting pressure and bird behavior. The conversation concludes with discussions of ongoing quail restoration efforts and the increasing interest in wildlife management among hunters.
In this episode, we explore the findings of a recent state of the bird report, highlighting the interconnectedness and decline of species across ecosystems.
Resources:
Merlin Bird ID
Rosenberg, K. V., et al. (2019). Decline of the North American avifauna. Science, 366(6461), 120-124.
Seek app (by iNaturalist)
State of the Birds Report: United States of America
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Ponds can naturally separate with warm oxygenated water near the surface and a cooler, unoxygenated layer in deeper areas. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss pond stratification, summer fish kills, and how aeration may help maintain a thriving pond ecosystem.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, Marcus shares insights from his personal experience being imprinted upon by a brood of turkey poults. Join as he shares details of the imprinting process, critical factors affecting the survival and growth of poults, rapid behavioral changes as they grow, what has surprised him the most so far, and more.
Check out the footage in this episode's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/j9aO4WzAd1s
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Joining us this month on the podcast is a local Nebraska landowner, Merlyn Nielsen, to talk about his experiences implementing conservation practices on his farmland. From creating habitat to hunt pheasants and improve sustainability to a tip for reduced land taxes, Merlyn shares the joys and benefits of his conservation projects as well as some of the barriers encountered along the way.
Resources:
- Natural Resources Conservation Service | USDA
- Farm Service Agency | USDA
- Seward County (NE) Pheasants Forever
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, we travel through the story of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve with Bob Hamilton from The Nature Conservancy. Bob shares how this iconic Oklahoma landscape transitioned from a failed federal park plan to a flagship private conservation project. He recounts the acquisition of the land, the reintroduction of bison, and the development of a dynamic management model that utilizes fire and grazing to simulate natural prairie processes. Joining Oklahoma State University’s John Weir and Dr. Laura Goodman, Bob discusses how fire behaves on the prairie, how patch-burn grazing supports a variety of wildlife, and how GPS tracking has helped compare cattle and bison behavior. From historic land surveys to present-day fireline strategies, this conversation highlights decades of dedication to restoring and maintaining Oklahoma’s native grasslands.
Resources - Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
- Oklahoma Biological Survey
In this episode, Dr. Tanger and Dr. Self are joined by Dr. Bronson Strickland as they consider how wildlife objectives can influence thinning regimes in forest management. Dr. Bronson Strickland, the Godfather of Timber University and co-Host of Deer University, our sister program. Dr. Strickland is the St. John Family Endowed Professor of Wildlife Management at Mississippi State University.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
In this episode, we walk through Will’s new publication researching the effects of prescribed fire on artificial wild turkey nest survival. Join as we dive into the complexities of nest predation, the impact of fire management on nesting success, the relationship between canopy cover and fire, limitations of study designs, and more.
Resources:
Burning during nesting | Ep 19
McInnis, M. G., et al. (2025). The Effects of Prescribed Fire on Artificial Wild Turkey Nest Survival in Closed‐Canopy Mixed Hardwood Forest. Ecology and Evolution, 15(5), e71410.
Quehl, J. O., et al. (2024). Assessing wild turkey productivity before and after a 14-day delay in the start date of the spring hunting season in Tennessee. Ecology and Evolution, 14, e11390.
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Recent claims about “de-extinction” of dire wolves have resulted in an abundance of headlines, memes, and discussion about the biology and ethics of what was happening. To contribute to the discussion, Drew and Joe invited their video production specialist, Danny, into the studio to ask questions and discuss genetics, ethics, and the current state of wolf populations.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this fiery new episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, we bring the heat with special guests from Quail Forever—Tanner Swank and Adam Ray. They join hosts John Weir and Dr. Mark Turner to discuss how fire, community collaboration, and science-based management are revitalizing Oklahoma's native grasslands and Cross Timbers.
Learn how Quail Forever's landscape-level work benefits not only game species like bobwhite and pheasant, but also pollinators, deer, and the entire ecosystem. Whether you’re a land manager, extension professional, or outdoorsperson, you’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of fire and the people who wield it wisely.
Resources - Adam Ray
-
Tanner Swank
-
Oklahoma Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever
-
Great Plains Fire Exchange
-
Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Associations
The central United States is known for its big rivers. From the mighty Mississippi to its tributaries that include the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas River, these large rivers drain about 41% of the U.S. including 31 states. They are important for our economy as corridors for transportation, and they are important as recreational fisheries. But they are facing many threats. From river modification, to urbanization, to invasive species, to changing precipitation patterns, these rivers aren’t the same as they once were. Wes discusses these impacts with Dr. Mike Eggleton, a fisheries professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Mike’s research career has been largely focused on large river fisheries and ecology, and he shares some of his stories and insight on ol’ man river.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Today we’re talking turkeys in Oklahoma with Marcus Thibodeau and Eric Suttles, wild turkey biologists for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Join as they disclose the status of subspecies across the state, harvest rates, seasons dates, habitat challenges across the state, successful and unsuccessful restocking efforts, on-going research, assistance for landowners, and more.
Resources:
Online Prescribed Fire Course
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Marcus Thibodeau (Contact)
Eric Suttles (Contact)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Gamebird University dives into the conservation and management of gamebirds, uncovering the science behind these efforts. From waterfowl and quail to turkeys, woodcock, and beyond, no gamebird species is off the table for discussion. The show also features engaging discussions on bird dogs and bird hunting. Whether you're passionate about gamebird management or an avid hunter, this podcast is for you!
This podcast is part of the Natural Resources University Podcast Network. Hosts of Gamebird University: James Callicutt, Waterfowl and Upland Gamebird Extension Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service Mark McConnell, Assistant professor of Upland Birds, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center Brian Davis, Professor of Waterfowl and Wetlands, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center
We’re honored to host Dr. Dave Engle—Regents Professor Emeritus at Oklahoma State University and a pioneer in fire ecology. From wildland firefighting in New Mexico to building OSU’s fire program with just two torches and a vision, Dave shares an incredible career rooted in science, stewardship, and some good ol’ fashioned trial and error.
We dive into the origins of patch-burn grazing, the challenges of managing the Cross Timbers, and why eastern redcedar became his lifelong nemesis. Dr. Engle reflects on the research that changed policy, perceptions, and the trajectory of conservation in the Great Plains. If you care about fire, land, or legacy, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources: - Dave Engel, Ph.D.
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OSU NREM Patch Burning Research
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OK-FIRE
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The Prairie Project - Patch Burn Grazing Research
Dr. Kelly O’Neil breaks down details of our latest research project focused on poult behavior and development. Join as she walks us step-by-step through a poult’s life - from egg collection to incubation, hatching, imprinting, and development until flight.
Watch this episode (filled with poult footage) on our YouTube!
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Mark and James sit down to discuss what landowners and managers should be thinking about as spring arrives. From prescribed fire in upland habitats to wetland management during spring and summer, they cover key seasonal considerations for supporting gamebird populations. The conversation also touches on quail call surveys, the spring migration of waterfowl, and new insights from their ongoing GPS mallard research. Plus, they tease an upcoming episode focused on busting common myths and misconceptions in the gamebird world.
In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, Dr. Bidwell — emeritus professor and longtime OSU Extension specialist — shares how prescribed fire, patch grazing, and a deep understanding of native plants can turn overgrown pastures into thriving, profitable landscapes. From chasing helicopters to chasing quail, his experience is equal parts science and grit.
We dive into the real-world application of fire on the land, why “weeds” might actually help your cattle, and how seasonality affects everything from forage to wildlife.
Plus, you’ll hear how Bidwell and others helped shift decades of landowner perception to embrace fire as a powerful tool for conservation.
Whether you’re a landowner, rancher, or just love a good story from the fire line, this episode brings wisdom, wit, and the kind of practical knowledge you can’t find in a textbook.
Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com
We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. This course is intended to be comprehensive, leading you through advanced concepts in habitat management, predator management, disease, and overall population management. We made the course online so you can take it on your own time, at your own pace, wherever you are!
Enroll Now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManager
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Have you ever struggled to find areas to hunt? Especially in Nebraska, where over 97% of the state is privately owned land, access to hunting can be difficult to come by. We know from previous research that a lack of access is also a top reason why people stop hunting or don't start at all. But public access programs like Open Fields and Waters and the Nebraska Community Access Partnership are tackling this issue head-on. For any hunter interested, these programs provide access to quality private lands to hunt; for landowners, it's another way to bring in a little extra income. This month we are joined by Adam Kester, Access Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Addie Piernicky, NCAP Coordinating Wildlife Biologist at Pheasants Forever, to learn all about how these programs are transforming hunting access in Nebraska and beyond.
Resources:
- Nebraska Community Access Partnership
- Open Fields & Waters (website)
- Open Fields and Waters: Expanding Hunter Opportunity (via YouTube)
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Offices: Alliance: 308-763-2940, Bassett: 402-684-2921, Kearney: 308-865-5310, Lincoln: 402-471-5561, Norfolk: 402-370-3374, North Platte: 308-535-8025
Addie Piernicky [website]
Adam Kester [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Today, we are covering the Florida Wild Turkey Cost-Share program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Forest Service, and National Wild Turkey Federation have teamed up to put millions into improving turkey habitat on over one million acres of public hunting ground in the state.
Resources:
Wild Turkey Cost Share Program
Florida’s Wild Turkey Cost-Share Program
New, comprehensive online wild turkey course launching - Pre-enroll now!
Juliana Ofalt (Contact)
Ricky Lackey (Contact)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Gamebird University dives into the conservation and management of gamebirds, uncovering the science behind these efforts. From waterfowl and quail to turkeys, woodcock, and beyond, no gamebird species is off the table for discussion. The show also features engaging discussions on bird dogs and bird hunting. Whether you're passionate about gamebird management or an avid hunter, this podcast is for you! This podcast is part of the Natural Resources University Podcast Network. Hosts of Gamebird University: James Callicutt, Waterfowl and Upland Gamebird Extension Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service Mark McConnell, Assistant professor of Upland Birds, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center Brian Davis, Professor of Waterfowl and Wetlands, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center
Silvicultural methodology for longleaf pine is sometimes misunderstood by landowners and land managers. Join the Timber University team as they discuss longleaf systems and their management using current techniques with today’s guest, Dr. John Willis, a research forester with the United States Forest Service.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
Northern bobwhite quail are a popular game bird in Kansas and across the United States, but they have experienced widespread population decline throughout their range. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss some northern bobwhite basics including: population trends, mortality factors, diet, and management practices in the Great Plains.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Join us by the campfire as we swap hunting stories from this year’s season - discussing hunting strategy, gear reliability, density index for gobbling activity, and reflecting upon what it means to make the most of a close call.
New, comprehensive online wild turkey course launching - Pre-enroll now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we dive into the controversies and complexities of decoy use while turkey hunting. Join as we discuss the biological implications of using decoys, trends in decoy adoption among hunters, the relationship between decoy usage and hunter success, preliminary results from Will’s study, and more.
Resources:
Butler, A. B., & Wang, G. (2022). Connecting hunt outcomes to the demographics, behaviors, and experiences of wild turkey hunters in Mississippi. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46(2), e1268.
Deer & Turkey Hunting Survey (Dr. Zachary Steele)
Ep 65 | Snoods, feathers, and the Turkey Brotherhood
Ep 68 | Longer the snood, bigger the brood
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources [SCDNR]. (2018). 2018 avid South Carolina turkey hunter survey. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Columbia, SC. 27pp.
Survey Plot: Percentage of respondents using decoys
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We are homogenizing our animal communities. You can hunt Nilgai in south Texas Reticulated Pythons in Florida, and wild pigs just about anywhere. But did you know things are often worse in the aquatic world? It is true that we have released just about every species discovered into our waterways, and many have taken hold. Some were intentional and part of legal government management, some were accidental, but many are the result of just concerned pet owners that can’t keep Nemo but want to give him a fighting chance. To discuss some of these issues, Wes chats with Dr. Mike Sandel and his graduate student, Tobin Davidson. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy. Then let’s go spearfishing for Lionfish.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Many people are familiar with Walleye, Sauger, and Yellow Perch but did you know that there are a lot of small related fish called Darters? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the fish in the family Percidae including feeding strategies, reproductive trends, and the best time of year to catch big saugeye in Kansas.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Over 700 birds studied, 400 nesting attempts monitored, 100 broods followed, and in collaboration with over 250 landowners…all on private lands?! In today’s episode, we are joined by Hannah Plumpton and Chris Kreh, Upland Game Bird Biologist and Assistant Chief for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. They disclose preliminary results from their massive statewide turkey research project across North Carolina, and share trends across harvest, population, nesting success, survival rates, and policy regulations.
Resources:
Game and Furbearer Program
Highlights from the North Carolina Wild Turkey Ecology Research Project 2020–2024
How to measure turkey nesting cover
Lashley, M. A. (2014). The importance of including natural variability in fire prescriptions: Fruits, forages, and White-tailed Deer space use. North Carolina State University.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Quehl, J. O., et al. (2024). Assessing wild turkey productivity before and after a 14-day delay in the start date of the spring hunting season in Tennessee. Ecology and Evolution, 14, e11390.
Review of Wild Turkey Data and Management
What does nesting cover look like? | Ep 121
Wild Turkey Webpage
Wildlife Feeding & Baiting in North Carolina (Report)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Hannah Plumpton (Contact)
Chris Kreh (Contact)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Crystal Powers, Research and Extension Communication Specialist at the Nebraska Water Center, to talk all about nitrates in our water systems. We talk about what nitrates actually are, best practices for keeping them out of our water supply, and how to mitigate them once they are there.
Resources:
- UNL Extension | Water
- Nebraska Water Center (Twitter, Facebook)
- Water testing in Nebraska
Crystal Powers [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
How much area are these gobblers using? What does the literature say? Join us as we dive into the published science on home ranges for each subspecies and share preliminary results from our research tracking Osceola movement.
Resources:
Cohen, B. S., et al. (2015). Space use, movements, and habitat selection of translocated eastern wild turkeys in northwestern Louisiana. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 11, pp. 165-174).
Craft, R. A. (1986). Characteristics and use of wild turkey roost sites in southcentral South Dakota.
Davis, A., et al. (2018). Landscape-abundance relationships of male Eastern Wild Turkeys Meleagris gallopavo silvestris in Mississippi, USA. Acta ornithologica, 52(2), 127-139.
De La Cruz, J. L. (2012). Habitat Selection of Male Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in West Virginia.
Fleming, W. H., & Webb, L. G. (1973). Home range, dispersal and habitat utilization of wild turkey gobblers during the breeding season. South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department.
Grisham, B. A., et al. (2008). Spatial ecology and survival of male wild turkeys in a bottomland hardwood forest. In Proceedings of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Vol. 62, pp. 70-76).
Gross, J. T. (2014). Assessing movements and ecology of male wild turkeys during spring reproductive and hunting seasons using micro-GPS technology (Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia).
Gross, J. T., et al. (2015). Space use, daily movements, and roosting behavior of male wild turkeys during spring in Louisiana and Texas.
Hall, G. I., et al. (2006). Rio Grande wild turkey home ranges in the southern Great Plains. In Proceedings of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Vol. 60, pp. 36-42).
Hoffman, R. W. (1991). Spring movements, roosting activities, and home-range characteristics of male Merriam's wild turkey. The Southwestern Naturalist, 332-337.
Hurst, G. A., et al. (1991). Wild turkey gobbler habitat use and home range in loblolly pine plantations. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Vol. 45, pp. 115-123).
Isabelle, J. L. (2010). Survival, home range size, habitat selection, and reproductive ecology of eastern wild turkeys in east Texas. Stephen F. Austin State University.
Lambert, E. P. (1986). Home range, movements, and habitat use of the eastern wild turkey in commercially managed pine forests of southeast Louisiana. Southeastern Louisiana University.
Lutz, R. S., & Crawford, J. A. (1989). Habitat use and selection and home ranges of Merriam's wild turkey in Oregon. The Great Basin Naturalist, 252-258.
Porter, W. F. (1977). Home range dynamics of wild turkeys in southeastern Minnesota. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 434-437.
Rauch, S. E. (2009). Home range characteristics of the male eastern wild turkey in West Virginia. West Virginia University.
Ruttinger, J. A. (2013). Habitat and roost site seleciton by male eastern wild turkeys in southwestern Georgia (Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia).
Wightman, P. H. (2022). Influence of Predation Risk on the Ecology of Male Eastern Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) (Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia).
Wigley, T. B., Sweeney, J. M., Garner, M. E., & Melchiors, M. A. (1986). Wild turkey home ranges in the Ouachita Mountains. The Journal of wildlife management, 540-544.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we're joined by Cole Fagen, the coordinating biologist for the Oak and Prairies Joint Venture, and Ken Gee, a conservation delivery specialist. Together, they work with landowners to implement wildlife habitat management, focusing primarily on upland and grassland birds in southern and northern Oklahoma and central Texas. In this episode, we dive into how technical and financial assistance is helping landowners across Oklahoma and Texas implement prescribed fire and other habitat management practices that restore native grasslands and improve wildlife habitat. The Oak and Prairies Joint Venture plays a vital role by providing boots-on-the-ground training, one-on-one support, and connections to trusted partners like burn associations and conservation specialists.
We also explore how proper grazing management—including reducing overstocking—can dramatically increase rangeland productivity while creating safer, more effective fuel loads for controlled burns. Changing attitudes from landowners and volunteer fire departments are paving the way for wider acceptance of prescribed fire as a critical land management tool. You'll hear inspiring success stories, like the restoration of the Wheellock property, and learn how using indicator species like Bobwhite quail helps measure habitat health and engage landowners in long-term conservation efforts. For more information and tools, visit Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association and Oak and Prairies Joint Venture.
Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com
CONTRIBUTORS * Cole Fagen * Mark Turner Ph.D. * John Weir * Ken Gee * Laura Goodman Ph.D.
In this episode Natasha Neary, Luke Resop, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the MSU Deer Lab's recent analyses that disentangle the intricate relationship between buck movement and weather conditions. They use various metrics of deer activity, like movement rates and bedding percentages, and control for time of day and rut phase to isolate any additive effects of weather conditions. Does a cold front get bucks on their feet and cause them to be more active during daylight hours? Enjoy!
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Tree squirrels are common in cities and rural areas alike. These native rodents can be a source of entertainment and provide a connection to nature for some people, and they can simultaneously be a source of frustration and property damage for others. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss tree squirrel biology, damage caused by the 3 species that occur in the eastern Great Plains, and practical solutions for preventing property damage caused by squirrels.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Welp, he would sit in the blind for hours on end next to a nesting hen to collect intricate details about her every move and behavior. Listen in as we cover all aspects of his pioneering nest behavior work.
Resources:
DrDisturbance #WildTurkeyHistory (video series)
Ideal Nesting Cover | Ep 121
Illumination in the Flatwoods, by Joe Hutto
Little House in the Flatwoods | Ep 87
The Book of the Wild Turkey, by Lovett Williams
You Need to Monitor Nesting Cover (video)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we feature Mr. Ken Gee, a conservation delivery specialist for the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, who brings decades of experience working with landowners in Oklahoma and the Great Plains, offering his extensive knowledge in land and wildlife management. Before joining the American Bird Conservancy, Ken spent 31 years with the Noble Foundation, where he managed the Noble Foundation Wildlife Unit for 25 years and conducted various research projects, including a notable deer diet study in collaboration with Texas Tech University.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://www.blazingrazinwildthings.com/classes
Join us on Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things as we talk turkey with Oklahoma State University's Dr. Coulter Chitwood! We're exploring turkey population dynamics, habitat management, and predator-prey relationships in Oklahoma and beyond. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chitwood to discuss the ongoing research into declining turkey populations. We examine factors affecting turkey populations, including habitat changes, predator communities, and weather patterns. I also share insights into the unique situation in Oklahoma, where both eastern and Rio Grande subspecies are found.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://www.blazingrazinwildthings.com/classes
Get to know the hosts of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things in this introductory episode! Join Oklahoma State University Extension Specialists John Weir, Laura Goodman, and Mark Turner as they discuss fire ecology, rangeland management, and wildlife across the southern Great Plains.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://www.blazingrazinwildthings.com/classes
Will leads us on another deep dive, this time focused on roosting behavior. Join as we journey through the available literature on roost site habitat preferences, roosting behavior, factors influencing roost site selection, roosting patterns, roost site fidelity, and the impact of habitat quality on their movements.
Resources:
Adey, E. A., et al. (2023). Seasonal roost selection of wild turkeys at their northern range edge. Wildlife Biology, 2024(1), e01133.
Byrne, M. E., et al. (2015). Potential density dependence in wild turkey productivity in the southeastern United States. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 11, pp. 329-351).
Chamberlain, M.J., B.D. Leopold, and L.W. Burger. 2000. Characteristics of roost sites of adult wild turkey females. Journal of Wildlife Management 64:1025-1032.
Exum, J. H., et al. (1987). Ecology of the wild turkey in an intensively managed pine forest in southern Alabama. Tall Timbers Res. Sta. Bull, (23).
Fleming, W.H., and E.G. Webb. 1974. Home range, dispersal and habitat utilization of eastem wild turkey gobblers during the breeding season. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastem Association of Game and Fish Commissioners 28:623-632.
Gross, J. T., et al. (2015). Movements of wild turkey hunters during spring in Louisiana. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2(127), 130.
Kilpatrick, H. J., Husband, T. P., & Pringle, C. A. (1988). Winter roost site characteristics of eastern wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 461-463.
Kimmel, F. G., & Zwank, P. J. (1985). Habitat selection and nesting responses to spring flooding by eastern wild turkey hens in Louisiana. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 5, pp. 155-171).
Mosby, H. S., & Handley, C. O. (1943). The wild turkey in Virginia: its status, life history and management.
Sasmal, I., et al. (2018). Eastern wild turkey roost-site selection in a fire-maintained longleaf pine ecosystem. Southeastern Naturalist, 17(3), 371-380.
Smith, W.P., and R.D. Teitelbaum (1986). Habitat use by eastern wild turkey hens in south‐eastern Louisiana. In Proc Annu Conf Southeast Assoc Fish Wildl Agencies (Vol. 40, pp. 405-415).
Smith, D.R., G.A. Hurst, J.D.Burk, B.D. Leopold, and M.A. Melchiors. 1990. Use of loblolly pine plantations by wild turkey hens in east central Mississippi. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 6:61-66.
Wakefield, C. T., et al. (2020). Hunting and nesting phenology influence gobbling of wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 84(3), 448-457.
@DrDisturbance IG Post
How to measure turkey nesting cover (Video)
Inside the Turkey Poult Facility (Video)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Natasha Neary, Luke Resop, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland delve into the relationships between moon phases, positions, and their potential effects on buck movement and bedding behavior. They review their research findings from a complex and exhaustive analysis of GPS-collared bucks to determine if moon phase and/or position has any relationship with buck movement behaviors. They emphasize the importance of accounting for individual buck personalities and behaviors during the rut and highlight the challenges in drawing definitive conclusions. The discussion also includes insights from a survey of hunters to gauge beliefs and expectations of the moon’s role in stimulating buck movement, and the implications of various lunar theories. The conversation highlights the complexity of deer behavior and the importance of data-driven insights to understand these patterns.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Today we discuss what's happening in the US south timber markets. We cover what drives lumber consumption, what to keep an eye on for housing, and discuss stumpage drivers and price expectations.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
Bluegill sunfish serve many important functions in ponds and reservoirs. Their ability to thrive in multiple environments, grow quickly, and reproduce multiple times per year make them a great addition to any pond. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss Bluegill sunfish, the important functions they serve in your pond, and a tip or two on their favorite way to cook the ones you catch.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Will walks us through a thought experiment, pulling from his Wild Turkey Management Academy presentation, to portray the magnitude effect that quality habitat has on gobbler populations. Join us for napkin math as we break down the numbers on how comprehensive habitat quality affects nesting success, brood survival, and wild turkey populations.
Resources:
Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
Porter, W. F. (1992). Habitat analysis and assessment. The Wild Turkey: Biology and Management, 187.
Speake, Daniel W. "Predation on wild turkeys in Alabama." 4th National Wild Turkey Symposium. Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). 2-5 Mar 1980.. 1980.
What does nesting cover look like? Ep 121
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Strap in for another research review as we dive into scientific studies assessing characteristics of effective nesting sites. We discuss the critical aspects of nesting cover for wild turkeys, the dilemma of habitat preference versus availability, and the implications of these factors on turkey population success.
Resources:
What does wild turkey nesting cover look like? (video)
Crawford, J. C., et al. (2021). Wild turkey nest success in pine‐dominated forests of the southeastern United States. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 85(3), 498-507.
Everett Jr., D. D. (1982). Factors limiting populations of wild turkeys on state wildlife management areas in north Alabama. Auburn University.
Habitat Management = Predator Management | #66
Johnson, V. M., et al. (2022). Nest site selection and survival of wild turkeys in Tennessee. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 9, 134-143.
Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire." The Journal of Wildlife Management 78.6 (2014): 1033-1039.
Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
Porter, W. F. (1992). Habitat analysis and assessment. The Wild Turkey: Biology and Management, 187.
Porter, W. F., et al. (1983). Effects of winter conditions on reproduction in a northern wild turkey population. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 281-290.
Speake, Daniel W. "Predation on wild turkeys in Alabama." 4th National Wild Turkey Symposium. Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). 2-5 Mar 1980.. 1980.
Thogmartin, W. E., & Johnson, J. E. (1999). Reproduction in a declining population of wild turkeys in Arkansas. The Journal of wildlife management, 1281-1290.
Wild Turkey Management Academy (March 8th) Get your tickets now!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Chris Helzer, Director of Science and Stewardship at The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, to talk about the importance of habitat diversity. Whether you have a small urban yard or 10,000 acres with cattle, Chris walks us through why messy, shifting habitat is ideal and how to create it.
Resources:
- The Prairie Ecologist
- The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska [@nature_ne]
- Ranch Management for Wildlife | The Prairie Ecologist
Chris Helzer [website, @prairieecologist]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Starlings were introduced to North America by European settlers who missed wildlife that reminded them of home. Today, European starlings cause more than a $1 Billion in property damage in the US annually, spread zoonotic disease, and create quite a mess in North America and throughout the world. On this episode, Drew and Joe discuss damage caused by European Starlings in North America, and control options available to reduce or mitigate the problems associated with this invasive species.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Craig Harper re-joins the podcast to share preliminary results from his on-going research comparing dormant, early-, mid-, and late-growing season fire treatments and assessing their effects on plant communities and wildlife, including turkeys and deer.
Resources:
Gruchy, J. P. (2007). An evaluation of field management practices to improve bobwhite habitat.
Gruchy, J. P., & Harper, C. A. (2014). Effects of field management practices on northern bobwhite habitat. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 1(1), 133-141.
Harper, C. A., et al. (2016). Fire effects on wildlife in the Central Hardwoods and Appalachian regions, USA. Fire Ecology, 12, 127-159.
Johnson, V. M., et al. (2022). Nest site selection and survival of wild turkeys in Tennessee. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 9, 134-143.
Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2014). Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 78(6), 1033-1039.
Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2015). Wild turkey prenesting-resource selection in a landscape managed with frequent prescribed fire. Southeastern Naturalist, 14(1), 137-146.
McCord, J. M., et al. (2014). Brood cover and food resources for wild turkeys following silvicultural treatments in mature upland hardwoods. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 38(2), 265-272.
Powell, B. L., et al. (2025). Changes in Plant Composition Following Disturbance in Restored Native Early Successional Communities. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 98, 480-489.
Turner, M. A., et al. (2020). Improving coastal plain hardwoods for deer and turkeys with canopy reduction and fire. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 44(4), 705-712.
Turner, M. A., et al. (2025). Effect of growing season fire timing on oak regeneration. Fire Ecology, 21(1), 6.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Craig Harper Website, Publications
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Today's episode, we explore what strategies landowners and managers can utilized when standard thinning operations cannot occur due to poor markets. For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
Dr. Corey Callaghan, Assistant Professor of Wild Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, joins us to discuss the dynamics of citizen science and how data collected by bird watchers and turkey hunters can contribute to wildlife research. Be sure to download the eBird app in the show notes below to help us double the turkey observations this season!
Resources:
Callaghan, C. T., et al. (2021). Global abundance estimates for 9,700 bird species. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Deer University
eBird
Florida Wildlife Corridor
iNaturalist
Merlin Bird ID
Natural Resources University Network
NWTF Proposal Application
Snapshot USA
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Corey Callaghan Website, Publications
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Hunting and fishing are enjoyable activities for many people. These activities require interactions with animals and the environment that come with moral and legal thresholds. On this episode, Joe and Drew explore the social side of wildlife management and discuss what Ethical Harvest means in their view. Discussions include the role of harvest for wildlife management, the importance of planning your harvest, and how ethical harvest extends beyond fish and wildlife.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State university. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Bob Long, Wild Turkey and Upland Game Bird Project Manager for the Maryland DNR, joins us to share insights on the state’s turkey populations, historical trends, current challenges, and details on their on-going comprehensive, multi-state wide turkey research project.
Resources:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland Turkey Hunting Season and Regulations
MD Wild Turkey Information (including Summer Survey)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Bob Long, Contact
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain, National Wild Turkey Federation Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia to talk about the state of the wild turkey across the country and what the future looks like for this iconic bird.
Resources:
· Wild Turkey Lab
· Ongoing research: Wild Turkey Ecology in Western Nebraska
Dr. Mike Chamberlain [website, @wildturkeydoc]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Emily Rushton, Turkey Program Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, joins us to discuss the current status of turkey populations in the state, as well as trends in hunting and harvest data.
Resources:
Avid Hunter/Harvest Card Survey (fill out after each hunt)
Interactive Turkey Harvest Dashboard
Poult Production Survey (record all turkey observations, with or without poults, in June, July, and August)
Poult Survey Dashboard
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Emily Rushton Contact
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Luke Kelly, Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology at the University of Melbourne, joins us to discuss his research on fire and biodiversity in Australia, focusing on the diverse ecosystems, the challenges posed by changing fire regimes, and the role of grazing and invasive species. We explore the importance of understanding plant traits in relation to fire resilience and the ongoing biodiversity crisis, and how Australian fire science is working to address these issues.
Resources:
Kelly, L. T., et al. (2023). Understanding fire regimes for a better Anthropocene. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 48(1).
Dr. Luke Kelly Email, Publications, Website
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi @wildlandmgmt, Publications
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
Moles are mysterious mammals that spend most of their lives underground where they feed on insects and other arthropods. Moles provide a beneficial role in nature, but their digging activity can damage turfgrass in lawns, golf courses, parks, and other manicured outdoor spaces. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss mole distribution in North America, diet, reproduction, and identification and management of mole damage.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we discuss the importance of turkey advocacy and conservation efforts within the hunting community. Join as we explore the various actions that you can take to support wild turkey populations, resources for hands-on training and workshops, and the importance of engaging with the next generation to ensure the future of the wild turkey.
Resources:
Ducks Unlimited
I lease land…what about me? | #12
National Deer Association
National Wild Turkey Federation
NWTF Gator Gobblers
Quail Forever
Turkeys for Tomorrow
Wild Turkey Cost Share Program
Wild Turkey Management Academy (March 8, 2025)
Upcoming Learn & Burns:
Alabama
Georgia
Mississippi
NC State Workshop Page
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In today's episode, we go back to basics and map out for listeners the biological, operational, and economic considerations of thinning pine stands. For most in the southeast, markets are tough for pine thinning material, but we explore why it's so important to thin nonetheless. Remember if you don't thin your forest, mother nature will. Next episode: we'll touch on some alternatives you can explore in light of the depressed markets.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
John Gruchy re-joins the podcast to break down the steps and requirements you need to get fire on your property. We discuss the essential equipment needed, legal liability considerations, resources and financial support available, tips for success, and why burning is imperative for the wild turkey.
Resources:
Martin, J. A., et al. (2012). Wild turkey habitat use in frequently-burned pine savanna. Forest Ecology and Management, 285, 179-186.
MDWFP Private Lands Programs
National Deer Association
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NRCS Programs & Initiatives
Tall Timbers
Quail Forever
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
John Gruchy MS Land Conservation Assistance Network
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Wild animals have a variety of life history strategies to adapt and thrive in colder weather. However, the arrival of colder winter temperatures and snowy conditions can affect fish and wildlife in many ways. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the effects of snow on aquatic ecosystems, the detriments and benefits of winter fish kills, and the importance of snowmelt on fish and wildlife populations.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Wild pigs. Feral swine. Wild hogs. Whatever you call them, invasive wild pigs are rapidly spreading across the US and Canada – destroying crops and spreading disease along the way. Experts are calling them one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in the country. What can we do about it?
To find out, we’re talking with the show’s own Dr. Jared Beaver to find out the dirty details (and solutions!) regarding wild pigs.
Please take our listener survey: https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7bDYRyUKs8j2pU
Learn more about Montana’s Squeal on Pigs campaign.
Feral swine fact sheet – Montana State University
Check out the full show notes here.
In this episode, we answer your questions. Join as we discuss the ecological impacts of hurricanes on turkeys survival rates and nesting success, ideal fire return intervals for nesting cover, the impacts of deer on vegetation and how this affects turkey populations, the importance of fire timing in habitat dynamics, and the challenges of recruiting young hunters into the turkey hunting culture.
Resources:
Byrne, M. E. (2013). Nesting ecology of wild turkeys in a bottomland hardwood forest. The American Midland Naturalist, 170(1), 95-110.
How do hurricanes affect birds?
How do hurricanes affect deer?
How do hurricanes affect wildlife?
Moscicki, D. J. (2020). Evaluation of Space Use and Movement by Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) During Extreme Climatic Disturbances and Annual Phenological States.
What does wild turkey nesting look like?
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Dr. Heath Hagy rejoins James and Brian for an insightful discussion on the complexities of managing duck habitat, with a particular focus on the role of sanctuaries. Together, they delve into what defines a sanctuary, its historical development, and the challenges of measuring its effectiveness.
The conversation explores the critical role private lands play in supporting ducks, how duck behavior and movements influence management strategies, and the ongoing need for research to address these dynamic relationships. Dr. Hagy and the hosts emphasize the intent of balancing hunting opportunities with sanctuary availability to sustain waterfowl use and benefit their survival. They also highlight the need for collaboration among researchers, agencies, and private landowners to ensure effective conservation efforts.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the science and strategy behind sanctuary management and its impact on waterfowl conservation
In this episode, we reflect upon our experiences and insights from 2024. We share our top episodes, theme highlights, the emergence of new research in turkey science, and our ambitious wild turkey goals for 2025.
We’re calling on audience engagement to help shape future content! Let us know what you want to hear and how you want to engage with us by emailing wildturkeyscience@gmail.com.
Resources:
Has turkey habitat changed? | Ep 21
Habitat vs. predator control | Ep 63
Snoods, feathers, and the Turkey Brotherhood | Ep 65
Habitat management = predator management | Ep 66
Longer the snood, bigger the brood | Ep 68
Up close and personal with wild turkeys | Ep 69
We got bug problems | Ep 73
Conventional vs. Regenerative Ag | Ep 79
Managing pine rotations for turkeys | Ep 80
Fly, float, and mate | Ep 83
Food plotting in nature’s image | Ep 84
Little House in the Flatwoods | Ep 87
100th episode special | Ep 100
The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | Ep 106
Wild New World: The Epic Story of Animals and People in America, by Dan Flores
Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History, by Dan Flores
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Luke Meduna, Big Game Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to talk about all things deer-related, from hunting and disease to the inside scoop on management.
Resources:
- Big Game Guide
- 2024 Big Game Recommendations
- River Anterless Nebraska Unit Map
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Luke Meduna [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Beavers are a fascinating species that can transform forests and prairies into wetland ecosystems, but their ingenuity is not always welcome and can lead to devastating property damage in some situations. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss beaver biology and management of this fascinating species in the Great Plains.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
We continue the gobbling activity conversation as Will walks us through the available research on the complex dynamics between habitat management, gobbling activity, and the overall health of turkey populations. We explore the significance of early successional cover, the impact of vegetation composition on gobbling rates, the challenges of researching gobbling, and our upcoming research that can help address some of these questions. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of this episode, we recommend listening to Episode 111 before returning to this episode.
@davidfolker5850 please email wildturkeyscience@gmail.com to claim your signed potcall!
Resources:
Bevill, W. V., Jr. 1973. Some factors influencing gobbling activity among turkeys. Proceedings of the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners 27:62–73.
Chamberlain, M. J., et al. (2018). Gobbling activity of eastern wild turkeys relative to male movements and female nesting phenology in South Carolina. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 42(4), 632-642.
Grehan, Janelle, "Spring Gobbling Chronology and Turkey Habitat Use In Upstate South Carolina" (2022). All Theses. 3880.
Hoffman, R. W. 1990. Chronology of gobbling and nesting activities of Merriam’s wild turkeys. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 6:25–31.
Kienzler, J. M., et al. 1996. Effects of weather, incubation, and hunting on gobbling activity in wild turkeys. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 7:61-68.
Lehman, C. P. (2005). Ecology of Merriam's turkeys in the southern Black Hills, South Dakota. South Dakota State University.
Lehman, C. P., et al. (2007). Gobbling of Merriam's turkeys in relation to nesting and occurrence of hunting in the Black Hills, South Dakota. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium. 9: 343-349.
Lint, J. R., Leopold, B. D., & Hurst, G. A. (1995). Comparison of abundance indexes and population estimates for wild turkey gobblers. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 164-168.
Miller, D. A., Hurst, G. A., & Leopold, B. D. (1997). Chronology of wild turkey nesting, gobbling, and hunting in Mississippi. The Journal of wildlife management, 840-845.
Norman, G. W., et al. (2001). Reproductive chronology, spring hunting, and illegal kill of female wild turkeys. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 8:269–279.
Palmer, W. E., et al. (1990). Effort, success, and characteristics of spring turkey hunters on Tallahala Wildlife Management Area, Mississippi. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 6, pp. 208-213).
Palumbo, M. D., et al. (2019). Latitude and daily-weather effects on gobbling activity of wild turkeys in Mississippi. International journal of biometeorology, 63, 1059-1067.
Pollentier, C. D., et al. (2021). Gobbling across landscapes: Eastern wild turkey distribution and occupancy–habitat associations. Ecology and Evolution, 11(24), 18248-18270.
Wakefield, C. T., et al. (2020). Hunting and nesting phenology influence gobbling of wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 84(3), 448-457.
Wightman, P. H., et al. (2019). Gobbling chronology of eastern wild turkeys in South Carolina. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 83(2), 325-333.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Grab a notepad and pen, because today we’re diving into the complex factors influencing gobbling activity. In this Part 1 segment, Will walks us through the available literature on the seasonal patterns of gobbling, the relationship between gobbling activity and reproduction, the influence of weather and environmental conditions, the impact of hunting pressure, and more. Stay tuned for Part 2, releasing next Monday.
@davidfolker5850 please email wildturkeyscience@gmail.com to claim your signed potcall!
Resources:
Bevill, W. V., Jr. 1973. Some factors influencing gobbling activity among turkeys. Proceedings of the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners 27:62–73.
Chamberlain, M. J., et al. (2018). Gobbling activity of eastern wild turkeys relative to male movements and female nesting phenology in South Carolina. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 42(4), 632-642.
Grehan, Janelle, "Spring Gobbling Chronology and Turkey Habitat Use In Upstate South Carolina" (2022). All Theses. 3880.
Hoffman, R. W. 1990. Chronology of gobbling and nesting activities of Merriam’s wild turkeys. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 6:25–31.
Kienzler, J. M., et al. 1996. Effects of weather, incubation, and hunting on gobbling activity in wild turkeys. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 7:61-68.
Lehman, C. P. (2005). Ecology of Merriam's turkeys in the southern Black Hills, South Dakota. South Dakota State University.
Lehman, C. P., et al. (2007). Gobbling of Merriam's turkeys in relation to nesting and occurrence of hunting in the Black Hills, South Dakota. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium. 9: 343-349.
Lint, J. R., Leopold, B. D., & Hurst, G. A. (1995). Comparison of abundance indexes and population estimates for wild turkey gobblers. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 164-168.
Miller, D. A., Hurst, G. A., & Leopold, B. D. (1997). Chronology of wild turkey nesting, gobbling, and hunting in Mississippi. The Journal of wildlife management, 840-845.
Norman, G. W., et al. (2001). Reproductive chronology, spring hunting, and illegal kill of female wild turkeys. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 8:269–279.
Palmer, W. E., et al. (1990). Effort, success, and characteristics of spring turkey hunters on Tallahala Wildlife Management Area, Mississippi. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 6, pp. 208-213).
Palumbo, M. D., et al. (2019). Latitude and daily-weather effects on gobbling activity of wild turkeys in Mississippi. International journal of biometeorology, 63, 1059-1067.
Pollentier, C. D., et al. (2021). Gobbling across landscapes: Eastern wild turkey distribution and occupancy–habitat associations. Ecology and Evolution, 11(24), 18248-18270.
Wakefield, C. T., et al. (2020). Hunting and nesting phenology influence gobbling of wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 84(3), 448-457.
Wightman, P. H., et al. (2019). Gobbling chronology of eastern wild turkeys in South Carolina. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 83(2), 325-333.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Fisheries managers have a wealth of information available on how to manage small ponds, and there has been substantial research directed at managing large reservoirs that impound substantial rivers. However, there is a scarcity of information on reservoirs that are too big to be ponds and too small to be major reservoirs. These mid-size systems appear to be biologically distinct from their larger and smaller cousins. In this episode, Wes discusses these intermediate systems with biologist Hayden Funk, who just completed his master’s degree on management of mid-size southern impoundments. They discuss the fish, the habitat, and the people that make up the management triad of these lakes, and some of the management opportunities that are available.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Trout provide unique fishing experiences and are stocked in many states to provide fun fishing opportunities in cooler months. In this episode, Joe and Drew dive into the fascinating world of trout biology, the importance of the ocean in their life history, and how the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provides trout fishing opportunities in Kansas.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Colter Chitwood is back on to break down the unique population dynamics of the wild turkey. Join as we explore which vital rates are significant to turkey population trajectories, impacts of boom bust cycles on reproductive success, the interplay between reproductive parameters and hen survival, why high reproduction rates may not compensate for low hen survival, what this all means for wild turkey management.
Resources:
Bieber, C., & Ruf, T. (2005). Population dynamics in wild boar Sus scrofa: ecology, elasticity of growth rate and implications for the management of pulsed resource consumers. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42(6), 1203-1213.
Keller, B. J., et al. (2015). A review of vital rates and cause‐specific mortality of elk C ervus elaphus populations in eastern N orth A merica. Mammal Review, 45(3), 146-159.
Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we take a shot at listener questions ranging from controlling tree of heaven to addressing the pros and cons of managing for longleaf as compared to loblolly pine. We also address on-site and off-site characteristics to keep in mind when buying timber property.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
In this episode, James and Mark are joined by Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Coordinator with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and B.C. Rogers, III, a passionate conservationist, avid waterfowl hunter, and owner of Wren & Ivy Sporting and Travel Gear. Together, they tackle the question, “What makes for a good duck season?” The discussion delves into what defines a successful season from both ecological and hunting perspectives, examining the critical roles of weather, habitat management, and the expanding knowledge base among duck hunters. They highlight the importance of open communication between hunters and biologists to promote mutual understanding and advance conservation efforts. The conversation also explores the multifaceted nature of hunter satisfaction, blending personal stories, the social aspects of the sport, and reflections on how their experiences have evolved over time. Topics include the significance of time spent in the field, the challenges faced during hunts, and the impact of weather on duck migration patterns. The episode underscores the pivotal role of research in addressing these complexities and shaping the future of duck hunting.
By popular demand, we sit down to explore the significance and functional role of the passenger pigeon. Join as we dive into the available literature on the history and ecological importance of passenger pigeons, learning how they shaped ecosystems and oak forest dynamics, how these historical disturbances can give insight into our management practices today, what this means for turkeys, and more.
Resources:
Blockstein, D. E., and H. B. Tordoff. 1985. Gone forever: a contempo-rary look at the extinction of the passenger pigeon. American Birds39:845–851
Ellsworth, J. W., & McCOMB, B. C. (2003). Potential effects of passenger pigeon flocks on the structure and composition of presettlement forests of eastern North America. Conservation Biology, 17(6), 1548-1558.
Hung, C. M., et al. (2014). Drastic population fluctuations explain the rapid extinction of the passenger pigeon. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(29), 10636-10641.
Schorger, A. W. 1955. The passenger pigeon: its natural history and extinction. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison
Has turkey habitat changed? | #21
The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | #106
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
James and Mark are joined by Rick Hamrick, state quail biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, to dive into a trending topic among bobwhite quail enthusiasts: parasites, specifically eye worms. The conversation underscores the importance of habitat as the most critical factor influencing quail populations. They discuss how poor habitat quality or habitat loss can exacerbate the effects of other stressors, such as predators, drought, and parasites. The episode also explores the distinction between managing individual animals and focusing on population-level dynamics, emphasizing the need to measure and enhance vital rates to support effective conservation. Key topics include the timeline of the scientific community's understanding of these parasites, the lack of evidence linking eye worms to population-level declines, and how future studies should be designed to address these questions comprehensively.
Acorns are a valuable food resource for deer and other wildlife when and where they are available. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the nutritional content of acorns, variability in acorn production among years and trees, and how to promote acorn production in oak woodlands.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
We are joined by Zak Danks, Wild Turkey & Ruffed Grouse Program Coordinator for the state of Kentucky, to discuss the state’s wild turkey status. Join as he walks us through restoration effort history, harvest rate trends, ongoing research (including unpublished poult-per -hen data), impacts of cicada hatches, habitat challenges, season structures, and more.
Resources:
Filson, J. (2017). The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucky (1784)
Zak Danks zak.danks@ky.gov
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, YT, FB, IG
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Range Management Specialist at University of Nebraska, and Kaitlyn Dozler, Virtual Fence Program Manager at University of Missouri, to talk about Kaitlyn’s research with virtual fencing and how it can be safely used for conservation on ranchlands.
Resources:
- Influence of virtual fence on heart rate response in beef cattle
- Precision Livestock Management on Extensive Rangelands
- University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture
Dr. Mitchell Stephenson [academic profile]
Kaitlyn Dozler [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
We have scientifically proven approaches to lake and pond management, but there is always an element of art involved. Every lake is different. There is always something just a little odd that needs to be considered or a unique issue that must be addressed, and some lakes are just simply “problem lakes”. In this episode, we take an in-depth look at a lake that fits this description. This is a lake built in a deep erosion valley of the Mississippi River escarpment that has faced watershed issues, plant issues, and fisheries management issues for some time. But with proper management and attention to detail, the lake is getting back on track. Wes discusses this lake with owner/manager, Mr. Jeffrey Clark.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Today we are joined by Nick Thomas and Weston Thompson from Steward Link, a consultation company focused on helping landowners gain access to USDA conservation programs. Join as they breakdown the application process, eligibility requirements, available financial assistance, regional differences, common barriers to entry, complexities of government contracts, and much more. If you’re a landowner, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Resources:
NRCS Programs & Initiatives
Steward Link
Phone: 662-535-0233
FB, IG, X
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Ducks and geese are fun to watch and provide exciting hunting opportunities at your pond or stream - but are they okay for your water quality? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss waterfowl ecology, life history patterns, and what to do if you have too many geese waddling around your property.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we delve into the ecological significance of the American chestnut tree with Sara Fitzsimmons, Chief Conservation Officer for The American Chestnut Foundation. Join as we explore its history, ecological importance, challenges faced due to habitat change and disease, on-going conservation efforts, and how you can get involved in its ecological restoration.
Resources:
Diamond, S. J., et al. (2000). Hard mast production before and after the chestnut blight. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry, 24(4), 196-201.
The American Chestnut Foundation
The American Chestnut Foundation: Growing Chestnuts
Tree Snapp App
Varner, J. M., et al. (2021). Litter flammability of 50 southeastern north American tree species: evidence for mesophication gradients across multiple ecosystems. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 4, 727042.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Sara Fitzsimmons sara.fitzsimmons@tacf.org, Website
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode we speak with Dr. Kevin Boston from the University of Arkansas at Monticello to discuss a recent landmark Supreme Court decision Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024) that overturned a long-standing precedent for federal agency authority on interpreting intent of Congressional legislation.
Dr. Boston received a Ph.D. In Forest Engineering at Oregon State University (1996) and has a JD, from the Northwest School of Law at Lewis and Clark College (2016). Dr. Boston has been working in the field of forestry as a registered forester across the globe since the early 80s and has submitted an Amicus Curiae to the Supreme Court for Decker v. Northwest Environmental Defense Center case from 2012-2013.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
In this episode, we review the available research on wild pig competition for acorns and their impact on competing wildlife species. We discuss the concept of competitive exclusion, the role of acorns in the diets of various species, the implications of pig removal on ecosystem dynamics, and what this means for turkeys.
Resources:
Anderson, W. M., et al. (2018). Using DNA metabarcoding to examine wild pig (Sus scrofa) diets in a subtropical agro-ecosystem. In Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference (Vol. 28, No. 28).
Bieber, C., & Ruf, T. (2005). Population dynamics in wild boar Sus scrofa: ecology, elasticity of growth rate and implications for the management of pulsed resource consumers. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42(6), 1203-1213.
Cutini, A., et al. (2013). Mast seeding in deciduous forests of the northern Apennines (Italy) and its influence on wild boar population dynamics. Annals of forest science, 70, 493-502.
Dykstra, A. M., et al. (2023). Biological invasions disrupt activity patterns of native wildlife: An example from wild pigs. Food Webs, 34, e00270.
Fay, A. S., et al. (2023). Impacts of wild pigs on acorn availability as a food source for native wildlife. Wildlife Research, 50(12), 1123-1130.
How pig removal affects turkeys | #97
Shimada, T., Iijima, H., & Kotaka, N. (2024). Wild boar population fluctuations in a subtropical forest: the crucial role of mast seeding in Ryukyu Islands, Japan. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 70(3), 1-11.
USDA Feral Swine Population Distribution
Wood, G. W., & Roark, D. N. (1980). Food habits of feral hogs in coastal South Carolina. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 44(2), 506-511.
Wentworth, J. M., Johnson, A. S., & Hale, P. E. (1989). Influence of acorn abundance on whitetailed deer in the Southern Appalachians. In Proceedings of Workshop Southern Appalachian Mountain Range (pp. 2-6). Knoxville: University of Tennesee.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, James and Brian talk with Dr. Mike Schummer (waterfowl professor at the State University of New York and host of the Fowl Weather podcast) to discuss the intricate relationship between weather patterns and duck migration, particularly focusing on mallards. The discussion covers key weather variables that influence migration, the adaptability of ducks to changing climates, and the impact of food resources on their movement. The conversation also touches on the implications of game farm mallards on wild populations and the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective wildlife management and hunting success.
Armadillos are a relative newcomer to much of the Great Plains, and can be an aggravating species because of the damage that they frequently cause to lawns and landscaping. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the history of armadillos in the Great Plains, the recent discovery of new species of armadillos, biology and management of damage caused by this mammal.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
You asked and we listened. In this episode, we are joined by Luke Garver, Wild Turkey Project Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, to discuss the current state of the wild turkey in Illinois. We dive into long-term population trends, environmental factors impacting reproduction, predator-prey dynamics, habitat challenges posed by invasive species, on-going research initiatives, and more.
Resources:
IL DNR Wild Turkey Survey
IDNR Turkey Survey App
huntillinois.org/turkey
Parker, C., et al. (2021). Pyrodiversity matters: wild turkey habitat selection in a fire managed landscape. Forest Ecology and Management, 493, 119227.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Luke Garver Illinois.gov/wildlifestaff
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Mr. Bob Bettger, a fifth-generation Nebraska landowner and producer, to tell his story – both the benefits and challenges – of integrating conservation practices into his operation.
Resources:
- Federal Conservation Programs (Farm Service Agency)
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this episode, we dive into the available literature on wildlife preferences for acorns. We review the dietary composition of turkeys, factors influencing acorn consumption, how various wildlife species select for specific acorns, and highlight the complex interconnectedness of these ecological processes.
Resources:
Barras, S. C., et al. (1996). Acorn selection by female wood ducks. The Journal of wildlife management, 592-602.
Boggess, C. M., et al. (2022). Exposure to fire affects acorn removal by altering consumer preference. Forest Ecology and Management, 508, 120044.
Oak Forest Ecosystems
Pérez-Ramos, I. M., et al. (2007). Acorn removal and dispersal by the dung beetle Thorectes lusitanicus: ecological implications. Ecological Entomology, 32(4), 349-356.
Pyare, S., et al. (1993). Acorn preference and habitat use in eastern chipmunks. American Midland Naturalist, 173
Richardson, K. B., et al. (2013). Acorn-foraging preferences of four species of free-ranging avian seed predators in eastern deciduous forests. The Condor, 115(4), 863-873.
Wakeling, B. F., & Rogers, T. D. (1994). Characteristics of pinon-juniper habitats selected for feeding by wintering Merriam's turkey. Desired Future Conditions for Pinon-Juniper Ecosystems, 74.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Fishing has become a game of technology. Some of it is finding fish, like with GPS and sonar, and some of it is catching fish, like electronic lures and synthetic scents. But there’s tool in the bass fishing word that is engineered to help you decide when and how to fish. The application is called BassForecast and it is the #1 bass fishing app in the world, boasting about 1 million subscribers. Research on BassForecast suggests that its fishing predictions can significantly increase the likelihood of success on the water. To discuss the app, Wes interviews avid angler and the app’s founder, Mike Mehlmann. Mike and Wes discuss how and why app works, gives some examples of its efficacy, and go off on some pretty interesting tangents. Tune in and decide if this app is for you!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Is your pond too muddy? Do you really want clear water in your pond? Water clarity is an important component of maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss water clarity, factors that increase or decrease water clarity, and what you can do to maintain healthy turbidity levels in your pond.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Will leads us on a detailed dive into the intricacies of herbicide management. Join as we delve into the uses and applications of selective herbicides for habitat management and forest stand improvement, associated risks with herbicide use, specific chemicals for invasive species, proper application techniques, mitigating nutsedge, and more.
Resources:
- Managing hardwoods for turkeys (Part 1/2) | #52
- Managing hardwoods for turkeys (Part 2/2) | #53
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
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Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode we circle back to carbon markets with a very special guest Dr. Gregory Latta, Associate Research Professor of Forest Economics and Director of Policy Analysis Group at the University of Idaho. Dr. Latta brings several decades of experience in research and practical experience in designing and evaluating carbon programs. He discusses some of the challenges currently facing carbon markets and provides some much-needed perspective on new markets.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
We are joined by Dr. Adam Pellegrini, Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, to better understand how ecosystems respond to global change. Dr. Pellegrini breaks down how fire maintains and affects carbon cycling and how these key processes shape ecosystems worldwide.
Dr. Adam Pellegrini @eco_pelle, Website, Academic Profile
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi @wildlandmgmt, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus walks us through his comprehensive oak study quantifying seasonal oak masting patterns and wildlife response. Join as he breaks down the methodology, findings, and implications of the research, and learn how oaks play a critical role in wildlife management.
Resources:
Demeny, K. M., et al. (2024). Intra-annual variation in oak masting affects wildlife feeding behavior. Current Zoology, zoae026.
Tree plantings for turkeys | #95
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
For our 100th episode, we review (and react to) some memorable moments recorded throughout the last few years. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to 100 more!
Watch this episode on YouTube here.
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Prescribed fire is an essential tool for managing wildlife habitat, especially in grassland ecosystems. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss direct effects of prescribed fire on several wildlife species, differences between wildfires and prescribed fire, and some specific responses of northern bobwhite to prescribed fire from recent studies conducted in the Great Plains.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this third episode with Dr. Mark Turner, we discuss Mark's research exploring the factors that contribute to the variation in population-level buck antler size. He explains that deer tend to be larger in areas further north due to heat retention and dissipation. He also highlights the importance of landscape characteristics, such as row crop agriculture, in influencing deer size. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of managing forage availability on individual properties, including improving early successional plant communities and implementing holistic food plotting approaches. Overall, the key takeaways are the importance of considering the context of a property within the larger landscape, the potential for incremental improvements in deer management, and the need to manage both habitat and deer density to optimize deer quality.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
This month we are joined by Ted LaGrange, Wetland Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to discuss the incredible benefits that wetlands offer, the challenges facing them, and opportunities for farmers to work with wetlands.
Resources:
- Wetlands of Nebraska
- Landowner Habitat Programs in Nebraska
Ted LaGrange [email]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
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If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
For the first episode in our Oaktober mini-series, we discuss the general biology of oaks. Listen as we breakdown the definition of mast seeding, the proximate and ultimate causes of masting, the direct and indirect effects it has on wildlife, local and regional scale masting effects, the differences in quality between oak species, the squirrel death games, and more.
Resources:
Bogdziewicz, M., et al. (2023). Maximizing the Moran effect: summer solstice orchestrates the subcontinental-scale synchrony of mast seeding.
Bogdziewicz, et al. (2023). Mechanisms driving interspecific variation in regional synchrony of trees reproduction. Ecology Letters, 26(5), 754-764.
Bogdziewicz, M., et al. (2024). Evolutionary ecology of masting: mechanisms, models, and climate change. Trends in Ecology & Evolution.
Boggess, C. M., et al. (2021). Facultative seed predators drive community-level indirect effects of mast seeding. Forest Ecology and Management, 502, 119713.
Journé, V., et al. (2023). Forecasting seed production in perennial plants: identifying challenges and charting a path forward. New Phytologist, 239(2), 466-476.
Managing hardwoods: Oak biology | #49
Niedzielski, B., & Bowman, J. (2015). Survival and cause-specific mortality of the female eastern wild turkey at its northern range edge. Wildlife Research, 41(7), 545-551.
Szymkowiak, J., et al. (2024). Masting ontogeny: the largest masting benefits accrue to the largest trees.
Szymkowiak, J., et al. (2024). Community-wide masting improves predator satiation in North American oaks. Forest Ecology and Management, 569, 122172.
Thogmartin, W. E., & Johnson, J. E. (1999). Reproduction in a declining population of wild turkeys in Arkansas. The Journal of wildlife management, 1281-1290.
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Dr. Mark Turner discusses his research on the nutrient requirements of deer and the availability of native plants to fulfill those requirements. He sampled common deer forages throughout the Eastern US and found that only 44% of the forages sampled met the minimum crude protein requirement, and only 19% met the minimum phosphorus requirement. This highlights the importance of providing a diverse range of forage options for deer. Mark also emphasizes the need to consider both the amount and quality of forage when estimating nutritional carrying capacity. He suggests that landowners consider incorporating native plants into their management strategies and diversify their food plots to provide a more balanced diet for deer. And Steve may have rambled a little too.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
James, Mark, and guest Dr. Heath Hagy from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service examine the intricate factors affecting duck migration, including habitat changes and the concept of flyway shifts. They discuss how genetics and environmental disturbances influence migration patterns and emphasize the importance of sanctuaries and cooperative efforts in conservation. The episode also touches on the social side of duck hunting and highlights the importance of keeping water on the landscape post-season to benefit waterfowl populations. Join this in-depth discussion on migration challenges and strategies for successful conservation.
James and Mark, along with guest John Mark Curtis of Quail Forever, explore the current state of Bobwhite quail in the Mid-South and the ongoing habitat restoration efforts aimed at preserving these iconic birds. They share personal stories about quail management success and emphasize the need for landowners to set realistic goals while seeking expert advice. As interest in quail hunting shifts, more landowners are seeing the value of conserving Bobwhites on their properties. Tune in for a hopeful conversation about the tools and resources available to support quail populations.
James and Mark, joined by Houston Havens from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, take a deep dive into dove hunting in Mississippi. They discuss the differences between hunting doves and other gamebirds, touching on resident vs. migratory populations and the timing of the season. Listeners will get practical tips on field management, from preparing natural grasses to creating water sources. The episode also highlights the need for more research into dove diet and management, and how agricultural practices, such as corn harvesting, impact dove populations. A must-listen for hunters looking to enhance their dove season experience!
Habitat drives duck populations! James and Brian are joined by Dr. Josh Vest of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to break down the latest waterfowl breeding population and habitat survey report. They explore how this critical data informs hunting management and waterfowl conservation, noting a modest increase in duck numbers amid significant habitat loss in the Prairie Pothole Region. The episode tackles the tension between agriculture and habitat preservation, with discussions on precision and regenerative farming as potential solutions. Tune in to understand the vital role of habitat conservation in sustaining healthy waterfowl populations.
In this inaugural episode, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell introduce themselves and set the stage for the topics to come. They dive into key concepts like moist soil management for waterfowl and quail, discuss the complexities of teal migration, and explore challenges in managing ducks, quail, and the elusive woodcock. Join them for a glimpse into the fascinating world of gamebird conservation, with insights and knowledge that every enthusiast will appreciate.
Safely operating a chainsaw, from the moment you start the engine to the moment you turn it off, is a critical piece of safe habitat management in many ecosystems. In our final episode of our 5-part Habitat Safety Miniseries, forestry educator and chainsaw expert Chris Evans from the University of Illinois takes Adam through every step of safe chainsaw maintenance, operation, and use.
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources mentioned in the show:
You can learn more about the wildland fire chainsaw class (S212) Chris mentioned at this link: https://www.nwcg.gov/training/courses/s-212-wildland-fire-chainsaws-2012/administration
Safety and Woods Workers training resources: http://sawwtraining.com/index.html
Chainsaw safety video series from Husqvarna: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0VcazyXHqErUd8ib-OKs6sZkfGFQ5shu&si=LwGG9mEA1Un-3kSE
Chainsaw safety tips from Penn State Extension: https://extension.psu.edu/chainsaw-safety-tips
Chainsaw safety tips from Missouri Extension: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g1959
Our producer Charlotte drops by to read us some questions and comments from our YouTube audience. Be sure to leave us a comment on this episode’s YouTube video for a chance to win a turkey call! Signed by yours truly.
Resources:
1st National Wild Turkey Symposium (1959)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
From large bulldozers to small ATVs, habitat management often necessitates the use of heavy machinery. And safely transporting and using that equipment ensures we protect the people and the land engaged in this critical work! In this episode, the fourth in our Habitat Safety Miniseries, Adam visits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Heavy Equipment Manager for Region 3 in the upper Midwest, Clint DeMenge. Clint shares his knowledge from a career operating and training others to safely operate all kinds of heavy equipment to help habitat managers think about safely transporting and operating equipment!
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources mentioned in the show:
Determine if you need a CDL and how to get one by searching your state DOT. Here’s the page from Iowa: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/cdl/How-to-get-a-CDL/Do-I-need-a-CDL
Ritchie Brother’s equipment specs to learn your load size: https://www.ritchiespecs.com/
811 Call Before You Dig: https://call811.com/811-In-Your-State
Logging safety videos from Minnesota OSHA: https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/workplace-safety-and-health/mnosha-wsc-logging-safety-videos
Clint mentioned “safety walk arounds” and suggested you Google it. Here’s one we found! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIZcC_NRoOE
Establishing and maintaining a balanced fish population will boost fishing opportunities and enhance the ecology of your pond. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss common pitfalls with fish population management strategies and give tips on how to manage pond fish populations. Gain insight into how to develop and implement a plan that will have you on your way to catching bigger fish from your pond.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Matt McDonough, PhD student at Auburn University, walks us through his master’s project assessing how wild pig densities impact turkeys and their poults. Join as he breaks down his study’s experimental design and results, and learn of Matt’s key takeaways for landowners curious about the efficacy of pig removal on turkey populations across their property.
Resources:
McDonough, M. T. (2023). Population response of eastern wild turkeys and white-tailed deer to removal of wild pigs (Master's thesis, Auburn University).
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Matt McDonough @mmcd9, Website, Publications
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Herbicides can be a critical tool for habitat management, especially when it comes to invasive species. But their use does not come without risk to the applicator or the environment. In this episode, Adam visits with Dr. Fred Whitford, clinical engagement professor and director of the pesticide programs at Purdue University. Fred talks through the critical steps of making sure you’re using the right tool at the right time to confront the right challenge and then how to do it safely for you and the environment!
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources mentioned in the show:
You can learn more about Integrated Pest Management from regional hubs indexed at this site: https://www.ipmcenters.org/
Basic PPE for Pesticide use article from Iowa State: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Basic-PPE-for-Pesticide-Use
Fred mentioned state certification manuals – Here’s resources from his unit at Purdue: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/ppp/resources/training-manuals/ Search online for those in your states too.
Learn more about the unit Fred works in here: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/extension/ppp
Dr. Kendall Calhoun of UCLA and UC Davis joins us to discuss the impact of megafires on wildlife communities. We delve into what defines a megafire, explore his research on wildlife and habitat responses to megafires, and discuss both the positive and negative effects of these events.
Resources:
- Calhoun, K. L., et al. (2024). Movement behavior in a dominant ungulate underlies successful adjustment to a rapidly changing landscape following megafire. Movement Ecology, 12(1), 53.
- Calhoun, K. L. et al. (2023). Mammalian resistance to megafire in western US woodland savannas. Ecosphere, 14(7), e4613.
- Calhoun, K. L. et al. (2022). Spatial overlap of wildfire and biodiversity in California highlights gap in non‐conifer fire research and management. Diversity and Distributions, 28(3), 529-541.
- Kreling, S. E. et al. (2021). Site fidelity and behavioral plasticity regulate an ungulate’s response to extreme disturbance. Ecology and Evolution, 11(22), 15683-15694.
Dr. Kendall Calhoun @kenleecalhoun, @kenleecalhoun, Academic Profile
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi @wildlandmgmt, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Check out the first annual Bobwhite Heritage Festival! - Flyer & Facebook Event Page
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we dive deep into the literature on coyotes and explore the impacts of their interactions with turkeys. Join as we delve into the science of coyote predator-prey dynamics, the expansion of coyote populations across North America, their diets and impacts on turkey populations, research conducted on the efficacy of trapping, and more.
Resources:
Cherry, M. J., et al. (2016). Coyote diets in a longleaf pine ecosystem. Wildlife Biology, 22(2), 64-70.
Conner, L. M., et al. (2016). Predator exclusion as a management option for increasing white‐tailed deer recruitment. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 80(1), 162-170.
Grigione, M. M., et al. (2011). Diet of Florida coyotes in a protected wildland and suburban habitat. Urban Ecosystems, 14, 655-663.
Gulsby, W. D., et al. (2015). White‐tailed deer fawn recruitment before and after experimental coyote removals in central Georgia. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 39(2), 248-255.
Hickman, J. E., et al. (2016). Home range, habitat use, and movement patterns of female coyotes in Georgia: implications for fawn predation. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2, 144-150.
Hody, J. W., & Kays, R. (2018). Mapping the expansion of coyotes (Canis latrans) across North and Central America. ZooKeys, (759), 81.
Houchin, R. L. (2005). Coyote predation on the Rio Grande wild turkey in the Texas Panhandle and southwestern Kansas (Doctoral dissertation).
Kelly, J. D., et al. (2015). Seasonal and spatial variation in diets of coyotes in central Georgia. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2, 296-302.
Kilgo, J. C., et al. (2014). Coyote removal, understory cover, and survival of white‐tailed deer neonates. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 78(7), 1261-1271.
MacCracken, J. G., & Uresh, D. W. (1984). Coyote foods in the Black hills, South Dakota. The Journal of wildlife management, 48(4), 1420-1423.
Mastro, L. L., et al. (2019). Home range and habitat use of West Virginia Canis latrans (Coyote). Northeastern Naturalist, 26(3), 616-628.
Melville, H. I. (2012). The impacts of three common mesopredators on the reintroduced population of Eastern Wild Turkeys in Texas. Texas A&M University.
Miller, D. A., et al. (1998). Survival and cause-specific mortality of wild turkey hens in central Mississippi. The Journal of wildlife management, 306-313.
Niedzielski, B., & Bowman, J. (2015). Survival and cause-specific mortality of the female eastern wild turkey at its northern range edge. Wildlife Research, 41(7), 545-551.
Sasmal, I., et al. (2019). Seasonal space use of transient and resident coyotes (Canis latrans) in North Carolina, USA. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 97(4), 326-331.
Schrecengost, J. D., et al. (2008). Seasonal food habits of the coyote in the South Carolina coastal plain. Southeastern Naturalist, 7(1), 135-144.
UF DEER Lab Coyote FB Post
Wang, G., Butler, A. B., & Shan, X. (2023). Inverse relationships between coyote and wild turkey population time series: Implications for future studies of predator–prey interactions. Wildlife Letters, 1(4), 171-177.
Youngmann, J. L., et al. (2023). Assessing springtime vertebrate prey of sympatric mesopredators in the southeastern United States using metabarcoding analysis. Plos one, 18(10), e0293270.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Most people interested in management of forests are familiar with chemical site preparation as a management tool. However, many are not aware of other herbicide application options available for fine tuning management in later efforts of the rotation. Join Shaun and Brady as they discuss how herbaceous weed control, release, and mid rotation brush control as well as cut stump, basal bark, and stem injection treatments may fit into the later forest management work.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
Prescribed fire is crucial for managing fire-adapted ecosystems worldwide. To ensure this tool remains effective, the safety of those who use it and those nearby is essential too. In this episode, Adam talks with Jennifer Fawcett from North Carolina State University. Jennifer is the Prescribed Fire Work Group Coordinator for the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) and a forestry educator at NCSU. She assists landowners and foresters in the Southeast and beyond in managing their properties using fire. Listen along as Jennifer outlines practices and considerations to make sure you can keep using fire as the critical tool it is for years to come!
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources mentioned in the show:
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group is the main resource for agency professionals doing prescribed fire. You can check out their website here: https://www.nwcg.gov/
· Watchout Situations: https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms118/18-watch-out-situations-pms-118
· Incident response pocket guide (IRPG) - https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms461
o You can buy one here: https://www.forestry-suppliers.com/p/49218/39770/incident-response-pocket-guide?%26itemnum=
Asynchronous Online courses to learn about prescribed fire:
· eFIRE Equipment Videos – The eFIRE site guides prospective burners through the process of planning, conducting, and evaluating prescribed fire. The Equipment site includes videos about options for various parts of PPE.
· Online course: https://campus.extension.org/ (search “prescribed fire”)
· Rx Fire Training online course: https://ifas-cesrxfire.catalog.instructure.com/courses/wildland-fire-training
Learn more about prescribed burn associations here: https://go.ncsu.edu/pba
Guidebook for Prescribed Burning in the Southern Region has tips for planning, implementing, and follow up on a prescribed burn that applies nationwide: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1560&title=guidebook-for-prescribed-burning-in-the-southern-region
Smoke Management Guidebook for Prescribed Burning in the Southern Region: https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/18519.pdf
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Prescribed Burn Equipment Fact Sheet summarizes the different parts of prescribed burn equipment, including PPE: https://ucanr.edu/sites/forestry/files/283877.pdf
3-part blog post series on “Prescribed Fire PPE: Practical Options for Landowners”
o Part 1: The first post in this series highlights practical personal protective equipment (PPE) pant and shirt options for landowners conducting prescribed fires. https://sites.cnr.ncsu.edu/southeast-fire-update/2019/09/09/ppe-for-landowners-practical-clothing-options/
o Part 2: This post discusses options for other PPE items including head coverings, face coverings, and eye protection. https://sites.cnr.ncsu.edu/southeast-fire-update/2021/06/11/ppe-for-landowners-practical-clothing-options-part-two/
o Part 3: This post addresses boots and shoes, gloves, and overall considerations for choosing PPE items.https://sites.cnr.ncsu.edu/southeast-fire-update/2021/06/29/prescribed-fire-ppe-practical-options-for-landowners-part-three/
Kestrel tool to take weather readings on site for a safe burn: https://www.forestry-suppliers.com/p/89574/38050/kestrel-3500fw-fire-weather-meter
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center: https://lessons.fs2c.usda.gov/
Nebraska Prescribed Fire Council has a bunch of resources on fire, including a nice practitioner-contributed section on “Lessons Learned” that are available on their website: https://www.nefirecouncil.org/
Fall is in the air in the Great Plains, and the signs include shorter days, cooler mornings, brilliant yellow sunflowers and dispersing mammals. In this episode, Drew and Joe discuss sunflowers, the value that they provide to wildlife, why we see these beautiful plants in some places and not others. The conversation then takes a turn to focus on opossum biology and management.
Resources discussed in this episode:
KDWP 2023 Summer Roadside Survey Report: https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Research-Publications/Wildlife-Research-Surveys
Virginia Opossum Diet/Ecological Trap Studies:
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2009.1159?casa_token=XMw9PomAH2IAAAAA%3ABGDOWaXUul7IY_9cNhLG44Uontx_dM1zrPdmnWmUaacvYgb02Ucvw7A3OlCO3VSRbRvYusH5r11mk0TC
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cecilia-Hennessy/publication/353264681_Are_Virginia_opossums_really_ecological_traps_for_ticks_Groundtruthing_laboratory_observations/links/60f733642bf3553b29ffba62/Are-Virginia-opossums-really-ecological-traps-for-ticks-Groundtruthing-laboratory-observations.pdf?origin=journalDetail&_tp=eyJwYWdlIjoiam91cm5hbERldGFpbCJ9
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dudley Phelps, Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries plant expert and co-host of the Gamekeeper Podcast, joins us to dish out details on tree plantings for turkeys. Learn of Dudley’s go-to species - both early and late successional - for attracting turkeys, what landowners should take into account when planning their plantings, ideal tree care and maintenance, the importance of diversifying tree species to attract turkeys, timing of acorn production across various oak species, and much more.
Resources:
Harper, C. A., et al. (2021). Plant community response and implications for wildlife following control of a nonnative perennial grass. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 45(4), 618-629.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Dudley Phelps Mossy Oak, Nativ Nurseries, Gamekeeper Podcast, MossyOak articles
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
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This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, to discuss Leopold’s legacy on wildlife management and what it means for modern conservation.
Resources:
- The Aldo Leopold Foundation
- 75th Anniversary Edition A Sand County Almanac
Buddy Huffaker [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Nothing is more important in habitat management than the people doing habitat management! That’s why this month we’re focusing on the basics of habitat safety with a series of episodes featuring experts in the field. In this first episode, Adam and Jarred set the stage for the mini-series. Then Adam interviews Rich Gassman from Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Iowa. Rich sets the stage for the series and challenges us to think about who we’re being safe for. Stay tuned for four more episodes in the mini-series coming this month.
Resources mentioned in the show:
Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (I-CASH)
Twelve centers for agriculture safety in the U.S. are linked at this website. Find the one nearest you to explore their resources and programs: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/extramural-programs/php/about/ag-centers.html
National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) – Learn more about the 2024 week here: https://www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
In this episode, Will takes us on a deep dive of best recipes and recommendations when food plotting for both deer and turkey. Landowners won’t want to miss the science-backed recommendations for plantings, region-specific species recommendations, best timings for plantings, what to search for when scouting plot areas, and more.
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
Dykes, J. L. (2018). Nutrients influence diet selection in herbivores. Mississippi State University.
Dykes, J. L., Strickland, B. K., Demarais, S., Reynolds, D. B., & Lashley, M. A. (2020). Diet selection of white-tailed deer supports the nutrient balance hypothesis. Behavioural Processes, 179.
Dykes, J. L., et al. (2018). Soil nutrients indirectly influence intraspecific plant selection in white-tailed deer. Basic and Applied Ecology, 32, 103-109.
Deer University: Deer Food Plot Forage Selection with Jacob Dykes
Managing DEER food plots for TURKEYS (video)
We manage DEER food plots for TURKEYS (video)
Which food plot crops do deer prefer, and why? (NDA article)
Which food plots should you plant for DEER & TURKEY? (video)
Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants, by Craig A. Harper (book)
What is the BEST food plot for deer? (video)
Episode transcript
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Aquatic invertebrates can be a great indicator of pond health and fill important roles in aquatic ecosystems. Join Joe and Drew for a discussion about the value of aquatic invertebrates and how these critters find their way into seemingly isolated water bodies.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we discuss upcoming episodes on the horizon, including how cattle grazing affects turkey management, food plotting for turkeys, how much coyotes influence turkeys, bringing back Dr. Craig Harper to update us on his fire season study assessing plant response and turkey use, the importance of oaks for turkeys, and more. Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Want to join the team?
We are recruiting a videographer to focus on developing video content to help wild turkeys.
Apply here!
Do you own a property rich in ponds or a small lake? Do you want to make money off those resources? If so, this episode is for you. Wes chats with Dr. Daryl Jones, Professor at Mississippi State University and leader of the Natural Resources Enterprise Program. They discuss what type of person it takes to run such a business, the potential opportunities a landowner might consider, and the legal and business side of making money from water. Grab a notebook and your laptop, because Fish University will get you started on turning your land into a profitable outdoor enterprise.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
In this episode, we begin with a more philosophical discussion evaluating outcomes rather than techniques in turkey management. Then, we jump into details of our upcoming studies addressing current gaps in turkey research. Finally, we finish up with an exciting announcement that will enhance our understanding of turkey populations across the state of Florida in unprecedented ways.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Want to join the team? We are recruiting a videographer to focus on developing video content to help turkeys. Apply here!
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Bats can be fascinating, frustrating, valuable, and spooky all at the same time. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss bat ecology, conservation concerns, disease risk, and steps to take if bats are entering your home or other buildings.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we respond to audience questions around fire management for turkeys. We discuss the importance of timing diversification, dive into general guidelines and parameters for fire regimes, dig into the details on why fire return interval is the primary filter influencing vegetation outcomes from your wild turkey management, and deliver fire training resources for landowners and practitioners.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- 2 year vs. 4 year Fire Return Interval (video)
- Stoddard Plots: How Varying Fire Return Intervals Affect Plant Communities Over Decades (video)
- Stoddard plots: Fire return frequency (video)
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30
- Online Fire Training Course (FREE)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Today, we are joined by a special guest Alicia Robbins, who is Vice President of Portfolio Analytics and Business Development with Weyerhaeuser. She discusses the basics of forestry carbon and the fledging forest carbon market. If you don’t know anything about these markets this is the episode for you. It will be the first of many podcasts on the subject, as we dive into this new world that forest landowners are primed to take a leading role in.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
Interested in improving your property for ruffed grouse or American Woodcock? Tune in as we travel north and chat about all things grouse and woodcock with Jon Steigerwaldt, Great Lakes and Upper Midwest Region Forest Conservation Director from the Ruffed Grouse Society.
Topics include: grouse ecology and habitat, woodcock ecology and habitat, grouse as bellwethers for healthy forests, forest ecology of the Great Lakes states, forestry, forest management, habitat management for grouse and woodcock, grouse and woodcock habitat fundamentals, boutique forestry, and more.
Jon Steigerwaldt - https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/author/jon-steigerwaldt/
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
In this episode, we review a recent Wisconsin study focused on restoring native woodlands and introducing fire to promote higher insect abundance, species richness, and plant and bird biodiversity. We highlight key points of the study and infer how the same methods can be used to promote high insect abundance at the time that poults need it most.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Habitat management = predator management | Ep 66
- Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2014). Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 78(6), 1033-1039.
- Marcus’ social media post
- Persche, M. E., et al. (2024). Complex and highly saturated soundscapes in restored oak woodlands reflect avian richness and abundance.
- Tyl, R. M., et al. (2020). Factors influencing productivity of eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota. Ecology and Evolution, 10(16), 8838-8854.
- We got bug problems | Ep 73
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Carlos Villarreal, Nebraska State Soil Scientist at USDA-NRCS, to discuss all things soil health in Nebraska and beyond.
Resources:
- Soil Health Basics and Benefits
- Unlock Your Farm’s Potential: Dig a Little, Learn a Lot
- Unlock Your Farm’s Potential: Discover the Cover
- Unlock Your Farm’s Potential: Do Not Disturb
Carlos Villarreal [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
In this conversation, Bronson, Steve, and Mark Turner discuss the relationship between doe body weight and buck antler size. Mark's research at the University of Tennessee aimed to evaluate how deer body and antler size varied across the eastern US and what habitat characteristics were associated with bigger deer. The results showed a consistent relationship between doe body weight and buck antler size, with an 8.5-inch increase in antler size for every 10-pound increase in doe body mass. This relationship provides a predictive equation that can help property managers and hunters assess and improve buck antler size by focusing on increasing doe body weight. The conversation also includes topics like harvest bias, compositional bias, and monitoring techniques.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Dr. Molly Hunter joins us to discuss her work with the Joint Fire Science Program and the Fire Science Exchange Network, two organizations established to support fireland science research, provide science-based decisions to managers, and foster collaboration between scientists and practitioners. We also discuss the importance of measuring outcomes and the roles that trust and collaboration play in successful fire science management.
Resources:
- Joint Fire Science Program
- Fire Science Exchange Network
- Hunter, M. E. (2016). Outcomes of fire research: is science used?. International Journal of Wildland Fire, 25(5), 495-504.
- Hunter, M. E., et al. (2020). The use of science in wildland fire management: a review of barriers and facilitators. Current Forestry Reports, 6, 354-367.
Dr. Molly Hunter Academic Profile
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi wildlandmgmt, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
Summer is a great time of year to enjoy your pond but the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight can result in oxygen fluctuations and excessive plant growth. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss how pond ecology changes in warmer months, how animals in the pond react to these changes, and what management strategies you can implement to help ensure your pond stays happy and healthy.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we boil down the key areas of focus for improving turkey habitat and connectivity on your property. Which grasses to target, when, and with which herbicides; how to ensure connectivity across your property for brooding and nesting cover using road systems with daylighting; how much sunlight is needed; how frequent of a fire return interval to use; maximizing food plots for both deer and turkey, and more!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30
- Conventional vs. Regenerative Ag | #79
- Food plotting in nature’s image | #84
- I lease land…what about me? | #12
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Throughout this season, we’ve explored landowner- and community-led efforts to support imperiled species, from bears and birds to ferrets and fish. In the final episode of this season, we’re looking ahead to the future of imperiled pollinators on working lands.
Across the country, there is a growing crisis when it comes to pollinators. What happens when wide-ranging species that reside across vast expanses of public, private and Tribal lands, like the western bumblebee and monarch butterfly, are listed under the Endangered Species Act, as appears likely in the coming years? And what role will land stewards and working lands play in this next chapter of conservation?
With your help, we can make the next season of Working Wild U even better! Take our listener survey.
Scientific American: Can we save every species from extinction? by Robert Kunzig
Data on the distribution and abundance of most of the world’s 20,000 bee species is lacking, write Mary Jamieson, et al. in Frontiers of Ecology.
North Bridger Bison
Bee Girl’s Buzz on the Range project
Full show notes available at workingwild.us
This week we talk with Dr. Jessica Outcalt one of the creators of the Forestry for the Birds program in Indiana about how Hoosier conservationists are leveraging the connections between people and birds to help encourage landowners and foresters to provide better homes for Indiana’s forest birds.
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Dr. Jessica Outcalt - https://extension.purdue.edu/cdext/about-us/our-team/profile/jessica_outcalt/jessica-outcalt.html
Saving Indiana Songbirds Starts in Our Forests - https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/forestry-for-the-birds/
Forestry for the Birds Pocket Guide: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Forestry-for-the-Bird-Pocket-Guide-April2022.pdf
Forestry for the Birds Silviculture Guide: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/TNC-Forestry-for-the-Birds-Silviculture-Guide.pdf
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour: https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/forest-management.html
In this episode, we discuss the various ways in which landowners can estimate poults per hen, monitor trends in reproductive success, and improve turkey habitat on their property. From standardized data collection using trail cameras to back-dating incubation for specific management practices, this episode will give you a sneak peek into our everyday thought experiments on the wild turkey.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Burning during nesting | #19
- NC research update: Largest private land turkey study | #10
- Wild Turkey Quiz (Survey Monkey)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Are you thinking of building a pond or are managing an existing pond? In this episode, Wes presents his crash course in pond management. Learn about the best approaches for recreational fishing ponds from construction to stocking to fish management, and even adjusting water quality to maximum fish health and trophy production. We’ll start with the three golden rules and build on them with examples from Wes’s years of pond management Extension experience.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Invasive plants outcompete native vegetation, destroying habitat for many species of wildlife, degrading native ecosystems, and reducing agricultural productivity. Join us as we discuss strategies and important considerations for invasive plant management.
Resources discussed in this episode:
KSRE Chemical Weed Control Guide: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/2024-chemical-weed-control-for-field-crops-pastures-rangeland-and-noncropland_CHEMWEEDGUIDE.pdf
Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants by Dr. Craig Harper: https://nocsopublishing.com/
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Heather Keane Thomas joins us to shed light on her non-traditional upbringing with her father and renowned turkey researcher Dr. Lovett Williams. From childhood experiences imprinting poults on their family farm to attending national turkey conventions for family vacations, this is a story time you won’t want to miss.
Resources:
- Lovett Williams (Website)
- Real Turkey Calls
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Approximately two thirds of Americans do not have a will and the implications of this can be far reaching. Join us as Dr. Rebecca Smith, Director of the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy, discusses basic estate planning and how it can help landowners.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
How do we restore salmon spawning habitat in the Upper Salmon watershed without harming the ranching communities that rely on the river? The answer lies in locally-driven collaboration. In this episode, we explore the decades-long community effort to restore spawning grounds for Columbia Basin salmon by letting landowners take the lead. Back in the 1990s the hurdles seemed so insurmountable, rancher Merrill Beyeler likened the task to making pigs fly. Hundreds of miles upstream of where the Columbia pours into the Pacific Ocean, along the Lemhi River in Idaho, Beyeler and a huge group of partners have figured out how.
Complete show notes available at workingwild.us.
We sit down for a second time to answer questions from our listeners and followers - ranging from topics on upcoming turkey research, mid-summer land management recommendations, how to increase gobbling on your property by 10-fold, and more!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30
- How does fire affect nest predation? (Video)
- Year 1 Results: How does fire affect nest predation? (Video)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Often, the term “clearcut” is viewed as a 4-lettered word when it comes to forest or wildlife management. But, can clearcuts provide vital resources for songbirds – including those species typically associated with mature closed canopy forests? Join us for our conversation with Dr. Patrick Ruhl as we explore his research into songbird use of clearcuts in Indiana.
Steve Hagenbuch - https://vt.audubon.org/contact/steve-hagenbuch
Audubon Vermont - https://vt.audubon.org/
Resources mentioned in episode:
Foresters for the Birds: Vermont - https://vt.audubon.org/conservation/foresters-birds
Foresters for the Birds Demonstration Sites - https://vt.audubon.org/conservation/forestry-birds-demonstration-sites
Foresters for the Birds: Birder’s Dozen - https://vt.audubon.org/sites/default/files/static_pages/attachments/birdersdozen.pdf
Forest Bird Habitat Assessment - https://vt.audubon.org/sites/default/files/assessment-guide.pdf
Birds with Silviculture in Mind - https://vt.audubon.org/sites/default/files/bird-guide.pdf
Silviculture with Birds in Mind - https://vt.audubon.org/sites/default/files/silviculture-options_0.pdf
Bird Friendly Maple Project - https://vt.audubon.org/conservation/working-lands/landing/bird-friendly-maple-project
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is reintroducing Alligator Snapping Turtles into Kansas. Join us as we discuss why these turtles need introduced, whether you should be concerned about turtles eating fish in your pond, and the many other roles that all turtles play in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
In this episode, we recap our recent trip to the annual Wild Turkey Working Group and share major findings from research projects across Southern states.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Byrne, Michael E., et al. (2022). "Nest site fidelity and nesting success of female wild turkeys." Wildlife Society Bulletin 46.2: e1279.
- Density-dependence in upland game birds | #14
- Kurzejeski, Eric W., and L. D. Vangilder. "Population management." The wild turkey: biology and management. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA (1992): 165-184.
-
Legends of turkey research | #50
-
Quehl, J. O., et al. (2024). Assessing wild turkey productivity before and after a 14-day delay in the start date of the spring hunting season in Tennessee. Ecology and Evolution, 14, e11390.
- Vangilder, Larry D., and Eric W. Kurzejeski. "Population ecology of the eastern wild turkey in northern Missouri." Wildlife Monographs (1995): 3-50.
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month we are joined by Sam Wilson, Furbearer Carnivore Program Manager at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Jason Clark, Conservation Forester at the Nebraska Forest Service, to discuss mountain lions in Nebraska.
Resources:
- Medullary Configurations Illustration
- Mountain Lion Management in Nebraska
- ***Updated population estimates in Nebraska (updated 6/27/2024)
Sam Wilson [website]
Jason Clark [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
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Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Kim Sash, the Biological Monitoring Coordinator for Tall Timbers Research Station, joins us to shed light on how fire shapes reptilian and amphibian habitat, the challenges of applying fire regimes to wetland management, and how fire is used to help conserve these fascinating creatures.
Resources:
- Bailey, M. A., et al. (2006). Habitat management guidelines for amphibians and reptiles of the southeastern United States. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Technical Publication HMG-2, Montgomery, Alabama, 88.
Kim Sash Contact, Tall Timbers
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi wildlandmgmt, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
In the heart of America's grasslands, a battle for survival is unfolding. The lesser prairie-chicken, an iconic species of the Great Plains, is on the brink of extinction. But there's a growing network of producers and partners across the plains looking to change that.
Today on the show, can ranchers and partners work together to save the lesser prairie-chicken while supporting their livelihoods and communities? We’re headed to eastern New Mexico to find out.
Learn more about the project: https://westernlandowners.org/stewardship/nm-rangelands-enhancement/
https://www.workinglandsconservation.org/
https://climatechange.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/grasslands-more-reliable-carbon-sink-than-trees
Complete show notes are available at https://workingwild.us/
In this episode, we take a step away from the scientific literature to ask a regen ag practitioner about their experiences and glean some interesting observations for future study. Jason Snavely, wildlife biologist and founder of Drop-Tine Wildlife Consulting, joins us to dive deep into the microbiology of soil health, trade-offs between conventional and regenerative practices, and how biomimicking nature could help us reach our objectives.
Resources:
- O’donoghue, T., et al. (2022). Regenerative agriculture and its potential to improve farmscape function. Sustainability, 14(10), 5815.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Jason Snavely Drop-Tine Wildlife (Website), @DropTineWildlife (FB), DropTine Podcast
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
When it comes to conservation, can a group of high school students really make a difference? Join Jared and Hallie as they dive into a story involving the Colorado River, an ancient endangered fish, and a group of high school students who are becoming the next generation of stewards.
More on the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program: https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-river-endangered-fish-recovery-nets-some-success/
Epic migration of razorback sucker in the Colorado River Basin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNfVxKACAfM
More photos for this story: https://onland.westernlandowners.org/2023/stewardship-in-action/teens-take-on-species-recovery/
Webinar on the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=192ZjnaAm2A
Complete show notes are available at https://workingwild.us/
You have surely heard of the flying carp that invaded our larger rivers. Videos of water skiers dressed up like gladiators and armed with dip nets pulled at 30 mph are ubiquitous on the internet. In this episode of Fish University, Wes talks to the leading expert on the invasive carps from Asia, Mr. Duane Chapman. We talk the history, biology, movement, control, and even a recipe or two. Duane shares stories from his decades working on these species, including the time he and colleagues captured 240,000 pounds of these fish!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Plant and structural diversity is key when managing native grasslands for wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the process of promoting diversity and heterogeneity in native grasslands by using disturbances like fire and grazing as tools to manage wildlife habitat in native grasslands.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Does water on a hen make it more susceptible to predation? In this episode, we comb through the literature on olfactory camouflage, dissecting studies assessing correlations between nest survival, weather, and environmental conditions, and divulging into the complicated web of ecology dynamics. Strap on your science boots for this one, it’s gonna be dense…
Resources:
- Bakner, N. W., et al. (2019). Incubation recess behaviors influence nest survival of Wild Turkeys. Ecology and Evolution, 9(24), 14053-14065.
- Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Robust assessment of associations between weather and eastern wild turkey nest success. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22524.
- Braun, M. S., et al. (2018). Birds, feather-degrading bacteria and preen glands: the antimicrobial activity of preen gland secretions from turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) is amplified by keratinase. FEMS microbiology ecology, 94(9), fiy117.
- Conover, M. R. (2007). Predator-prey dynamics: the role of olfaction. CRC Press.
- Fluen, T. (2008). A comparative analysis of evolutionary changes in island birds. MSc Thesis, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
- Grieves, L. A., et al. (2020). Food stress, but not experimental exposure to mercury, affects songbird preen oil composition. Ecotoxicology, 29, 275-285.
- Grieves, L. A., et al. (2022). Olfactory camouflage and communication in birds. Biological Reviews, 97(3), 1193-1209.
- Lehman, C. P., et al. (2010). Ground roost resource selection for Merriam's wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 74(2), 295-299.
- Lowrey, D. K., et al. (2001). Influences of selected weather variables on predation of wild turkey females and nest success. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 8, pp. 173-178).
- Potier, S., et al. (2018). Preen oil chemical composition encodes individuality, seasonal variation and kinship in black kites Milvus migrans. Journal of Avian Biology, 49(7), e01728.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2002). Sandpipers (Scolopacidae) switch from monoester to diester preen waxes during courtship and incubation, but why?. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 269(1505), 2135-2139.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2005). Switch to diester preen waxes may reduce avian nest predation by mammalian predators using olfactory cues. Journal of Experimental Biology, 208(22), 4199-4202.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2006). Discerning adaptive value of seasonal variation in preen waxes: comparative and experimental approaches. Acta Zoologica Sinica, 52, 272-275.
- Reneerkens, J., et al. (2007a). Parental role division predicts avian preen wax cycles. Ibis, 149(4), 721-729.
- Tuttle, E. M.,et al. (2014). Variation in preen oil composition pertaining to season,sex, and genotype in the polymorphic white-throated sparrow.Journal of ChemicalEcology40, 1025–1038.
- Whelan, R. J., et al. (2010). Short-chain carboxylic acids from gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) uropygial secretions vary with testosterone levels and photoperiod. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 156(3), 183-188.
-
Webb, S. L., et al. (2012). Landscape features and weather influence nest survival of a ground-nesting bird of conservation concern, the greater sage-grouse, in human-altered environments. Ecological Processes, 1, 1-15.
-
Effectiveness of trapping across game bird species | #08
- Which vital rates are most important to turkey populations? | #13
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Join Timber University and special guest John Gruchy, a Wildlife Biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. John is the Coordinator of the Private Lands Program, including the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). John discusses the finer points of managing the forest with prescribed fire and gives some insights for where landowners can go to gain the needed skills to set burns with confidence.
John Gruchy john.gruchy@wfp.ms.gov
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Finding an imperiled species on his ranch scared the daylights out of Russell Davis. What he and his neighbors did next may have saved their town.
Today on Working Wild U, join us as we return to the high plains of eastern Colorado to learn how a small ranching community transformed a migratory bird’s imperiled status from threat to opportunity.
Full show notes available at: workingwild.us
Brent Rogers, wild turkey historian and collector extraordinaire, joins us to break down wild turkey history through the eyes of early naturalists and literature. Learn how the culture and conservation concerns surrounding the wild turkey developed over time since the 17th century, what impacted transitions in knowledge and observation of wild turkey management, how restocking efforts have shifted throughout the decades, historical hunting practices, and more!
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Brent on MossyOak Gamekeepers Ep 88: History of the Wild Turkey
- Illumination in the Flatwoods, by Joe Hutto
- Illumination in the Flatwoods: Bottomland Book Club, by Brent Rogers
- Proceedings of the 1st National Wild Turkey Symposium (1959)
- The Colonel and the Fox
- Turkey Hunting History and Literature, by Brent Rogers
- Yelp & Gobble, Inc. by Brent Rogers
Brent Rogers @gobblegitr, Contact
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Co-hosts Andrew Little and Nathan Pflueger discuss how research projects come about including funding, the process, and necessary components.
Resources:
- The Scientific Method – University of Nevada, Reno Extension
- The Scientific Method – Purdue University Extension
- How Science Works [Video] - California Academy of Sciences
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Often, the term “clearcut” is viewed as a 4-lettered word when it comes to forest or wildlife management. But, can clearcuts provide vital resources for songbirds – including those species typically associated with mature closed canopy forests? Join us for our conversation with Dr. Patrick Ruhl as we explore his research into songbird use of clearcuts in Indiana.
Dr. Patrick Ruhl - https://ruhlresearch.wixsite.com/patrickjruhl
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UEACzAEAAAAJ&hl=en
Resources mentioned in episode:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment - https://heeforeststudy.org/
Confirmation of Successful Chestnut-sided Warbler Breeding in South-Central Indiana - https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ias/article/download/23245/22567/37006
Ecological factors explain habitat associations of mature-forest songbirds in regenerating forest clearcuts - https://doi.org/10.1676/1559-4491-132.1.145
Characterization of Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) breeding habitat at the landscape level and nest scale - https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/faculty_publications/1677/
Roost preference, postfledging habitat use, and breeding phenology of adult female Worm-eating Warblers (Helmitheros vermivorum) on the breeding grounds - https://doi.org/10.1676/16-222.1
Using stable isotopes of plasma, red blood cells, feces, and feathers to assess mature-forest bird diet during the post-fledging period - https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjz-2019-0109
View from a clearcut
Relationship between Scarlet Tanagers and Ripe Blackberries
Cyanobacteria, commonly called Blue Green Algae, can rapidly reproduce when conditions are right causing potentially hazardous Harmful Algal Blooms. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why blooms occur, the risks of toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms on wildlife and livestock, and what you can do to reduce your likelihood of experiencing a cyanobacteria bloom.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Today we are joined by Dr. Chad Lehman, senior biologist for the South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks, and Dr. Chris Rota, associate professor of wildlife and fisheries resources at West Virginia University. We discuss their previous and ongoing research investigating harvest declines across South Dakota, major variables impacting hen survival and nest incubation, best management practices for SD private landowners, and more.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Lehman, C. P., et al. (2022). Factors influencing rate of decline in a Merriam's wild turkey population. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 86(6), e22240.
- Tyl, R. M., et al. (2020). Factors influencing productivity of eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota. Ecology and Evolution, 10(16), 8838-8854.
- Tyl, R. M., et al. (2023). Factors influencing survival of female eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 47(2), e1429.
Dr. Chris Rota Contact, Publications
Dr. Chad Lehman Contact, ResearchGate
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Ted DeVos, co-founder of Bach and DeVos Forestry and Wildlife Services, walks us from ground zero through the various ways in which to manage pine plantations for turkeys. Whether your goal is to increase turkey or timber productivity, this episode is jam-packed with information you don’t want to miss.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Bach and DeVos Forestry and Wildlife Services Website, Facebook
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this conversation, Bronson and Steve discuss various topics related to deer management during the summertime. They start by addressing recent concerns about hunters contracting CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) from consuming deer with CWD and emphasize the importance of following public health guidelines and not eating venison from CWD-positive deer. They then move on to discuss deer management tasks for the summer, including getting soil tests and adjusting pH for food plots, moving hunting blinds off food plots to reduce disturbance, controlling ryegrass in food plots, and using prescribed fire for habitat management. They highlight the benefits of burning during the growing season and the importance of providing high-quality forage for deer. Bronson and Steve emphasize the importance of analyzing harvest data and deer observations to make informed decisions about deer population and harvest strategies. Additionally, they discuss the benefits of forest management, improving road access, and diversifying food sources. The conversation concludes with a reminder to start planning larger-scale projects, such as timber harvest, well in advance.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Native warm season plant communities provide valuable food and cover for many wildlife species, and are often missing from properties that are managed for wildlife. Join us as we discuss the process of restoring native warm season grasses and forbs to your property.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Bronson Strickland, co-director of the MSU Deer Lab and founder of the Deer University podcast, joins us to explain regenerative agriculture and break down their new experiment testing the differences in nutrient density and deer use between conventional and regenerative food plots.
- Deer University Podcast
- Food plot experiment (Jacob Dykes)
- Ryegrass is not good
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Bronson Strickland Website, Publications, @MSUDeerLab, @MSUDeerLabTV
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In Western Missouri there is a lake that doesn’t follow the standard private pond formula. Lake Deanna is a larger private lake with unique habitat, unusual depth, and an experimental fish community. The deep lake has been stocked with largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and sunfish. Bluegill and Redear Sunfish are already pushing a pound, and bass have exceeded 8 pounds in just 4 years! However, the lake is not without its issues. In this episode, Wes discusses Lake Deanna with the Pond Boss, Bob Lusk, and the lake’s owner and visionary, Greg Graves. We’ll take you from inception and construction, through the development of the fishery, and even prescribe management for the future. So grab a beverage and join in, you don’t want to miss it!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
This episode we are joined by Dr. Morgan Varner from the Tall Timbers Land Trust and Research Center. Dr. Varner discusses the benefits of fire on the landscape, a brief history of utilizing prescribed fire in the US south, and the consequences of using and not using prescribed fire to manage forests.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Dr. Ben Sikes, Associate Professor of Microbial Ecology at the University of Kansas, joins us to shed light on the fascinating relationships between fungi and fire. Learn of the interconnection between plants created by mycorrhizal networks (AKA the “wood wide web”), how fire regimes drive changes in fungal communities, the mechanisms of carrying out fungal research, and much more.
- Bond, W. J., & Keeley, J. E. (2005). Fire as a global ‘herbivore’: the ecology and evolution of flammable ecosystems. Trends in ecology & evolution, 20(7), 387-394.
- Hopkins, J. R., et al. (2021). Fungal community structure and seasonal trajectories respond similarly to fire across pyrophilic ecosystems. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 97(1), fiaa219.
- Hopkins, J. R., et al. (2020). Frequent fire slows microbial decomposition of newly deposited fine fuels in a pyrophilic ecosystem. Oecologia, 193, 631-643.
- Hansen, P. M., et al. (2019). Recurrent fires do not affect the abundance of soil fungi in a frequently burned pine savanna. Fungal ecology, 42, 100852.
- Fox, S., et al. (2022). Fire as a driver of fungal diversity—A synthesis of current knowledge. Mycologia, 114(2), 215-241.
- Dao, V. Q., et al. (2022). Substrate and low intensity fires influence bacterial communities in longleaf pine savanna. Scientific reports, 12(1), 20904.
Dr. Ben Sikes Contact/Website, Academic Profile
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi wildlandmgmt, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
After much feedback from our latest episode, we sit down to review through recent episodes and lay out the available data known to us. Covering season timing and reproduction to the predator-habitat complex, there’s no tiptoeing around the controversy in this one.
- Isabelle, J. L., et al. (2018). Considerations for timing of spring wild turkey hunting seasons in the southeastern United States. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 5, 106-113.
- Kurzejeski, Eric W., and L. D. Vangilder. "Population management." The wild turkey: biology and management. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA (1992): 165-184.
-
Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
-
(Preprint) Quehl, J., et al. (2024). Assessing the relationship between spring wild turkey hunting season dates and wild turkey productivity.
- Vangilder, Larry D., and Eric W. Kurzejeski. "Population ecology of the eastern wild turkey in northern Missouri." Wildlife Monographs (1995): 3-50.
- Watts, C. R., & Stokes, A. W. (1971). The social order of turkeys. Scientific American, 224(6), 112-119.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
What distinguishes a forest, woodland, and savanna? How does wildlife and plant diversity differ between them? How do we restore woodlands and savannas? Join Jarred as he talks with Dr. Andy Vander Yacht about his research into restoring oak woodlands and savannas and the wildlife that thrive within in.
In part 2, we discuss how birds and bats responded to restoration treatments (thinning and fire), and how Andy’s research can inform oak woodland restoration on public and private land.
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Research & Resources discussed in the episode
Dr. Andy Vander Yacht - https://www.esf.edu/faculty/vander_yacht/index.php
Ecology and Management of Oak Woodlands and Savannahs - https://utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-content/uploads/sites/269/2023/10/PB1812.pdf
Bat response to prescribed fire and overstory thinning in hardwood forest on the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112715005435
Avian occupancy response to oak woodland and savanna restoration - https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jwmg.21097
Getting big fish in your pond requires a strong pond management plan. Join us as we discuss steps to consider when managing the fish community in your pond including the importance of habitat diversity, fish genetics, and which fish you should consider harvesting from your pond if you want to catch some lunkers.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Craig Harper and Dr. Dave Buehler from the University of Tennessee join us to discuss results from their seven-year, robust before-after control-impact study assessing the role of experimental season date delays on turkey reproduction. Spoiler alert: Season delays had no effect on any of the 8 vital rates they measured.
(Preprint) Quehl, J., et al. (2024). Assessing the relationship between spring wild turkey hunting season dates and wild turkey productivity.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Craig Harper Website, Publications
Dr. Dave Buehler Website, Publications
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Brian Teeter, Prescribed Fire Coordinator at Nebraska Pheasants Forever, joins us to discuss prescribed fire on agriculturally dominated landscapes.
Resources:
- Nebraska Burn Associations
- Nebraska Prescribed Fire Council
Brian Teeter [website]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Dr. John Carroll, professor of wildlife ecology and management at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us to discuss predators and predator management in agriculturally dominated landscapes.
Resources:
- Wild Turkey Science Podcast: Habitat Managements = predator management
- Impacts of Predators on Northern Bobwhites in the Southeast
- The Pheasant: A Special Report by the Game Conservancy Trust
- Provision of brood-rearing cover on agricultural land to increase survival of wild ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus broods at Seefeld Estate, Lower Austria, Austria
- Landscape Features Affecting Northern Bobwhite Predator-Specific Nest Failures in Southeastern USA
- Reduction in Meso-Mammal Nest Predators Improves Northern Bobwhite Demographics
- Impacts of Predation on Quail
Dr. John Carroll [academic profile, @galliformessg]
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Welcome to the WildAg Podcast! WildAg is part of the Natural Resources University podcast network and serves as a connection point for natural resource professionals and landowners who want to integrate conservation with agriculture. Join our hosts, Dr. Andrew Little of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nathan Pflueger of Pheasants Forever, as they introduce themselves and WildAg.
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
What distinguishes a forest, woodland, and savanna? How does wildlife and plant diversity differ between them? How do we restore woodlands and savannas? Join Jarred as he talks with Dr. Andy Vander Yacht about his research into restoring oak woodlands and savannas and the wildlife that thrive within in.
This is a two-part series. In part 1, we discuss the historical context of forests, woodlands, and savannas in the eastern US, and Andy’s research into how fire and thinning influence plant composition and diversity.
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Research & Resources discussed in the episode
Dr. Andy Vander Yacht - https://www.esf.edu/faculty/vander_yacht/index.php
Vegetation response to canopy disturbance and season of burn during oak woodland and savanna restoration in Tennessee - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112716311513
Litter to glitter: promoting herbaceous groundcover and diversity in mid-southern USA oak forests using canopy disturbance and fire - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-020-00072-2
Reversing Mesophication Effects on Understory Woody Vegetation in Mid-Southern Oak Forests - https://academic.oup.com/forestscience/article/65/3/289/5232699
Restoration of oak woodlands and savannas in Tennessee using canopy-disturbance, fire-season, and herbicides - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112717307776
Fuel dynamics during oak woodland and savanna restoration in the Mid-South USA - https://www.publish.csiro.au/wf/wf18048
Webinar: Litter to glitter: releasing the herbaceous groundlayer potential stored in oak forest floors - https://vimeo.com/493748345
Adam Butler, Wild Turkey Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, joins us to discuss the turkey trends seen across Mississippi and the Southeast, what may or may not be influencing these cyclical patterns of productivity, and a general rule of thumb for how many gobblers to harvest on your property.
Resources:
- How Many Gobblers Should I Take? (Article)
- Isabelle, J. L., et al. (2018). Considerations for timing of spring wild turkey hunting seasons in the southeastern United States. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 5, 106-113.
- Wild turkey population dynamics and what the manipulative study of season dates in Mississippi tells us about the role of hunting, ft. Adam Butler | #02
Adam Butler Contact, MDWFP
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Over the past few years, brownspot needle blight and an assemblage of other problematic pathogenic species have garnered increasing concern in pine systems across the South. Join us as we discuss these along with current research efforts centered on this problem with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Bobwhite Translocation to Pennsylvania:
https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunting/Documents/Letterkenny%20Army%20Depot%20Bobwhite%20Quail%20Focus%20Area%20Management%20Plan.pdf
https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/outdoors/2024/02/28/where-do-northern-bobwhite-quail-live-in-pennsylvania-game-commisison-letterkenny-army-depot/72766192007/
https://www.dailyamerican.com/videos/sports/outdoors/2024/03/19/northern-bobwhite-quail-released-at-letterkenny-army-depot-game-commission-pheasants-forever/73035688007/
Fire Return Interval and Seasonality:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIkglJ18-3o
https://talltimbers.org/fire-frequency-and-hardwood-re-sprouting/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112711006281
https://talltimbers.org/the-burning-question-when-to-burn-or-why/#:~:text=To%20achieve%20wildlife%20management%20and,typically%20good%20spring%20burning%20weather.
https://americaslongleaf.org/media/tmfnnboo/fire-effects-on-breeding-birds-_nfwf_.pdf
Scale of prescribed burns conducted in the Southeast:
https://www.mdpi.com/2571-6255/6/10/372
Are Rednecks the Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Management?
https://www.iatp.org/sites/default/files/Are_Rednecks_the_Unsung_Heroes_of_Ecosystem_Ma.pdf
A recently published note in the journal Neurobiology describing potential human transmission of chronic wasting disease is getting quite a bit of attention. Join us as we discuss the recent publication, chronic wasting disease, and steps you can take to try to limit the spread of this important disease within and among deer populations.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Alan Krakauer joins us to dive into his research on turkey kin selection and breakdown the many strategies gobblers use to pass on genes.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Krakauer, A. H. (2005). Kin selection and cooperative courtship in wild turkeys. Nature, 434(7029), 69-72.
- Krakauer, A. H. (2008). Sexual selection and the genetic mating system of wild turkeys. The Condor, 110(1), 1-12.
- Watts, C. R., & Stokes, A. W. (1971). The social order of turkeys. Scientific American, 224(6), 112-119.
Dr. Alan Krakauer Website, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Anglers know that many fish species depend on the structure that trees provide. Habitat, such as standing timber, blow downs, snags, and cypress trees are popular places to fish in lakes and streams. But what about when the river leaves the riverbed and enters the bottomland forest? It turns out that this “flooded forest” habitat is critical for many fish species. Most lowland rivers used to seasonally flood into the surrounding forests, which could remain inundated for months at a time. These areas were important to spawning, early life history, and feeding ecology of many important fish species. Today, many rivers have lost this connection due to river regulation for navigation and flood control, with consequence for many river species that depended on flooded forests. In this episode, Wes discusses the value of flooded forests and ways we can improve our highly regulated rivers with Dr. Sandra Correa.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
In this episode we visit with Dr. Natasha Ellison to review her findings relative to buck use of food plots during the hunting season. How often are bucks visiting food plots pre-rut, peak-rut, and post-rut? When are bucks spending more time on food plots? How does hunting pressure affect these relationships? Natasha is a Mathematical Ecologist and is helping the MSU Deer Lab dig deeper in the buck movement dataset to answer questions about buck behavior relevant to hunters and managers.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Dr. Dwayne Elmore, Director of the Game Bird Program at Tall Timbers Research Station, joins us to breakdown the reproductive ecology and behavior of wild turkeys, how and why they lek, and if this impacts spring hunting.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Honeycomb Custom Calls
- Red-capped manakin bird
Dr. Dwayne Elmore Tall Timbers, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode we visit with Luke Resop to discuss buck beds and bedding areas. How often are they bedding? What’s their affinity to certain bedding areas? What’s the circuit time for returning to a bedding area? Day beds and night beds are all discussed. We also introduce our newest member to the MSU Deer Lab, Dr. Natasha Ellison. She is a Mathematical Ecologist and is helping us dig deeper in the buck movement dataset to answer questions about buck behavior relevant to hunters and managers.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
The latest Extension publication from the MSU Deer Lab is “Understanding Buck Movement: How, When, and Why Bucks Navigate the Landscape” is now available for viewing and download. You can find the publication here:
https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/results.php?q=deer%20movement
In Part 2, Steve and Bronson discuss more of the findings presented in the publication and explain how you can interpret the data and use the information for management and hunting.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
New EPA Standards
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-stronger-standards-harmful-soot-pollution-significantly-increasing#:~:text=By%20strengthening%20the%20annual%20health,to%204%2C500%20premature%20deaths%20and
Tall Timbers Fire Research
https://talltimbers.org/research-at-tall-timbers/tall-timbers-research/fire-research/
A brief history of humans and fire in the Southeast:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24707703?seq=3
The Ogallala Aquifer is found underground in parts of 8 states. This vital resource provides groundwater for agricultural producers, wildlife, and citizens in these states. Water use practices have led to declines in the aquifer and recent trends in water use have led to depletion in water levels throughout this region. Join us as we discuss the current status of the Ogallala Aquifer, steps being taken to conserve water moving forward, and what it all means for agricultural producers, citizens, and wildlife that rely on the amazing resource.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Marcus and Will sit down under one roof to review the available literature on declining insect populations. They pull from studies across the globe to discuss the implications of insect declines on terrestrial, ground-nesting birds and how we can help mitigate these effects for the wild turkey.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resource:
- Blösch, S., et al. (2023). A systematic review on the effectiveness of crop architecture-related in-field measures for promoting ground-breeding farmland birds. Journal for Nature Conservation, 126515.
- DrDisturbance IG Post
- Haaland, C., et al. (2011). Sown wildflower strips for insect conservation: a review. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 4(1), 60-80.
- Powell, B. L., et al. (2022). Vegetation structure and food availability following disturbance in recently restored early successional plant communities. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46(5), e1372.
- Schmidt, A., et al. (2022). Effects of perennial wildflower strips and landscape structure on birds in intensively farmed agricultural landscapes. Basic and Applied Ecology, 58, 15-25.
- Tallamy, D. W., & Shriver, W. G. (2021). Are declines in insects and insectivorous birds related? Ornithol Appl 123: duaa059.
- What is a forb? (Video)
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Ahead of a forthcoming mini-series on forest management for birds, Adam and Jarred discuss a paper reviewing the state of the science examining bird responses to forest management in the eastern U.S. The paper published last year by Michael Skresh and colleagues presents a compelling case for the importance of managed disturbances in eastern forests to benefit birds of conservation concern. Jarred also foreshadows some conversations he has planned in the coming episodes.
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Research & Resources discussed in the episode
Here's the paper we discussed: Akresh, Michael E., David I. King, Savannah L. McInvale, Jeffery L. Larkin, and Anthony W. D'Amato. 2023. “ Effects of Forest Management on the Conservation of Bird Communities in Eastern North America: A Meta-Analysis.” Ecosphere 14(1): e4315. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4315
Here’s a paper Adam’s written about forest management for birds: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/15963 h
Here’s the episode we mentioned with Marcus Lashley and fire disturbance regimes: https://habitatuniversity.libsyn.com/episode-03-aldos-tools-getting-creative-with-prescribed-fire
Mark Turner, PhD candidate in Dr. Craig Harper’s lab at the University of Tennessee, joins us to disclose results from their recent study assessing the effects of canopy reduction and fire seasonality on turkey habitat quality and use in upland hardwoods.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Burning during nesting | #19
- Nichols, R. A., et al. (2021). Alter fire timing to recouple forage nutrients with herbivore nutrient demands. Forest Ecology and Management, 500, 119646.
- Turner et al. (2024). Canopy reduction and fire seasonality effects on deer and turkey habitat in upland hardwoods. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121657.
Mark Turner @markturner442, Academic Profile
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
For more information on Dr. Treadwell’s work:
https://sanangelo.tamu.edu/people/dr-morgan-russell-assistant-professor-extension-range-specialist/
Texas Prescribed Burn Handbook:
https://agrilife.org/rxburn/
More information on the story of how prescribed burns saved the town of Borger, Texas:
https://www.newschannel10.com/2024/03/08/prescribed-burn-saves-borger-windy-deuce-fire/
https://wildfiretoday.com/2024/02/29/a-prescribed-burn-stalled-the-huge-texas-fire/
Working Lands for Wildlife Bobwhite Conservation Pilot:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/crp-conservation-reserve-program/news/usda-launches-new-bobwhite-conservation
Wildfires in Texas:
https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/texas-wildfire-impacting-quail/
In this episode, we discuss habitat management, and how common habitat management practices for a species in some regions may not be appropriate everywhere a species occurs.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Mike Chamberlain, Terrell Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of Georgia, re-joins the podcast to walk us through the various life stages of a gobbler.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Goodwin, C. C., et al. (2024). Experimental infection of domestic turkeys with lymphoproliferative disease virus of North American origin. Veterinary Pathology.
- Krakauer, A. H. (2005). Kin selection and cooperative courtship in wild turkeys. Nature, 434(7029), 69-72.
- Nelson, S. D., et al. (2023). Age‐based shifts in habitat selection of wild turkey broods. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 87(8), e22494
- Wightman, P. H., et al. (2024). Survival and cause‐specific mortality of male wild turkeys across the southeastern United States. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22531.
Dr. Mike Chamberlain (@wildturkeydoc) (Wild Turkey Lab)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Rick Gerhold, Associate Professor of Parasitology/Wildlife Diseases at the University of Tennessee, joins us to breakdown common diseases among turkeys and their symptoms, pathways of transmission, and infected biological effects. He also discusses histomonas and how you can get involved in cutting-edge egg research.
Dr. Rick Gerhold (rgerhold@utk.edu) (Academic Profile)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we discuss how to stock fish in your pond, what type of fish are usually recommended, and the best time to add fish to your pond. Discussion includes how to know if you should stock your pond, common issues with newly stocked fish, and some thoughts on adding minnows to your pond that may save you some money!
Resources for this episode:
Kansas Aquaculture Association:
https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/kaa/
Kansas Pond Stocking Guide:
https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Pond-Management-Program/Producing-Fish-and-Wildlife-in-Kansas-Ponds/Stocking
Pine beetle outbreaks are usually not the result of one stress factor, but the cumulative result of several possible variables that lower pine vigor. Join us, along with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University, as we discuss pine beetle biology and environmental conditions leading up to problems with pine beetles.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Tes Randle Jolly, award-winning professional wildlife and turkey photographer extraordinaire, joins Marcus and Will to share her deep insight and perspective into wild turkey behavior from over 25 years of photographing our favorite bird.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Tes Jolly (@jovtes)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This episode quacks me up. Fisheries management to produce quality fishing often requires actions that are counterproductive to attracting migratory ducks and vice versa. But in this episode, we’ll talk about some ways that you might be able to have the best of both worlds. Wes sits down with two leading experts in the duck realm, and they brainstorm on what can be done to bring more ducks to a small pond without necessarily hurting fishing opportunities. Any you’ll receive wonderful egg-splanantion on the intricacies of duck biology, including how to deal with pesky resident geese. If you migrate to the link and listen to podcast, I promise I will quit quacking duck puns.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Dr. Richard Buccholz, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research at the University of Mississippi, joins Will and Marcus to shed light on the fascinating world of wild turkey behavior. Learn of the interplay between displayed traits and biological fitness, which traits influence sexual selection, and how this information can help us strategize research for better management moving forward.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Hill, G. E., et al. (2005). The effect of coccidial infection on iridescent plumage coloration in wild turkeys. Animal Behaviour, 69(2), 387-394
- Huang, M. H., et al. (2022). Analysis of supplemental wildlife feeding in Mississippi and environmental gastrointestinal parasite load. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 995437.
Dr. Richard Buchholz (Website) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Today on Working Wild U, we're spotlighting, quite literally, one special species that calls the Great Plains home. A small predator that was thought to be extinct.... twice! Meet the black-footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in North America.
Thanks to community-driven efforts spanning the Great Plains, from dedicated ranchers in eastern Colorado to the Fort Belknap Indian Community in northern Montana, this elusive predator is staging a remarkable comeback.
As always, find our complete show notes, including links, videos and other references from the episode at workingwild.us.
In this episode we talk with Dr. Mark McConnell, Assistant Professor of Upland Birds at Mississippi State, about wildlife conservation in agricultural landscapes and his research into creating win-win solutions for wildlife and agricultural producers. We cover a variety of topics in this episode from reacting to Adam’s new mustache, Mark’s use of memes to help wildlife student engage with farmers, and using precision conservation to delivery economically targeted conservation.
Themes in the episode: meeting farmer where they are, building your conservation team, economics and Precision Agricultural/Conservation. Targeted Conservation Delivery, Economically Targeted Conservation, Wildlife-Friendly Farming
Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey:
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Research & Resources discussed in the episode
Research on who farmers trust when making decisions about agricultural practices - https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/fnr-488-w.pdf
Personal outreach to landowners is vital to conservation program success (article about Lutter et al 2018 paper). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180405093305.htm Bridging the gap between conservation delivery and economics with precision agriculture (McConnell 2021) - https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wsb.995
Economically targeting conservation practices to optimize conservation and net revenue using precision agriculture tools (Meng et al. 2022) - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11119-022-09890-7
Farming and the fate of nature (Green et al. 2005) - https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1106049
Wildlife-friendly farming benefits rare birds, bees and plants (Pywell et al. 2012) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22675140/
Crop Advisors as Conservation Intermediaries (Eanes et al. 2019) - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837718310238
Creating Environmentally Resilient Agriculture Landscapes Using Precision Agriculture Technology: An Economic Perspective (McConnell 2019) - https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2019-1334.ch007
CRP Menu Tool - https://crpmenu.gri.msstate.edu/
In this episode, we discuss how turkey vultures and black vultures provide both positive and negative values to residents of the Great Plains, and how to deal with problems associated with these 2 species.
Resources for this episode:
Black Vulture Damage Control University of Kentucky Extension: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/FOR/FOR129/FOR129.pdf
Black Vulture Effigy Plans: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/files/forfs18-03.pdf
Paint an effigy to look like a turkey vulture:
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Patrick Wightman, Research Scientist at UGA, joins Marcus and Will to reveal results from a recent region-wide collaborative project - across 4 states, 8 study sites, and with over 900 banded birds - assessing the effects of hunting pressure on male survival.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Wightman, P. H., et al. (2024). Survival and cause‐specific mortality of male wild turkeys across the southeastern United States. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22531.
Dr. Patrick Wightman (@WildTurkeyNerd) (Academic Profile) (Wild Turkey Lab)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
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Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
New data brings to light more pieces of our habitat-predator puzzle. Join as Marcus and Will pull from recent studies to discuss the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121596.
- Fire University #13 - How fire affects predators, ft. Dr. Michael Cherry
- Jones, D. D., et al. (2004). Prescribed fire and raccoon use of longleaf pine forests: implications for managing nest predation?. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 32(4), 1255-1259.
- Jorge, M. H., et al. (2020). Fire and land cover drive predator abundances in a pyric landscape. Forest Ecology and Management, 461, 117939.
- Kilburg, E. L., et al. (2014). Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 78(6), 1033-1039.
- Lohr, A. K., et al. (2019). Effects of individual recess behaviors on nest and female survival of Eastern wild turkeys (Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia).
- Wann, G. T., et al. (2020). The influence of prescribed fire on wild turkeys in the Southeastern United States: A review and synthesis. Forest Ecology and Management, 455, 117661.
- Wild Turkey Science #19 - Burning during nesting
- What does wild turkey nesting cover look like? (Craig Harper Video)
- Yeldell, N. A., et al. (2017). Nest site selection and nest survival of eastern wild turkeys in a pyric landscape. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 81(6), 1073-1083.
- Yeldell, N. A., et al. (2017). Prescribed fire influences habitat selection of female eastern wild turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 81(7), 1287-1297.
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
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Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
This month is the first Q&A episode. Brady and Shaun get to listener questions they have received since the first episode. They discuss taxes, some hardwood silviculture, and the northern long-eared bat.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
In this episode we discuss what happens to ponds in the winter. Where do fish go? Do you need aeration? What pond management can you do in the winter to benefit your pond during the warmer months? Join us as we discuss these questions and more!
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Dr. Geoff Hill, professor of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, joins Marcus and Will to break down the unique evolutionary biology of our favorite bird. Learn which characteristics hens select for, what make decoys effective, if gene selection is impacted by hunter harvest, the intricacies of the turkey brotherhood, and much more.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
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Dr. Geoff Hill (Website) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Grizzly bears are expanding their range. But where are they headed? To find out, we get out on the land with ranchers Erik Kalsta and Jami Murdoch, who are working with partners to monitor wildlife – including grizzlies – on their operation in southwest Montana.
Together with Erik, Jami and Blackfeet rancher Kristen Kipp, plus a band of other experts, we explore what it really means for grizzly bears to recover under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, and the real challenges bears, and people, face as they do. Read the complete show notes, as always, at workingwild.us.
Have you ever noticed that when someone catches a big largemouth or Florida bass, like a double-digit bass, they refer to it as “she”, “her”, or “big girl”? That is because female bass get larger than male bass, and you’ll never catch a male that big. In a normal population, half the population is male, so only the female half will have trophy potential. But we can change this dynamic if we only stock the lady bass. In this episode, Wes and Senior Fisheries Biologist Tim Bonvechio discuss the efforts Georgia DNR has been undertaking to create all-female lakes for better trophy fishing. They talk establishment, prey, harvest, and keeping out those pesky males who only have one thing on their mind. Tune in – this may be an option for your next pond or lake renovation!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Marcus and Will explain why our current data on turkeys supports both sides of this ongoing debate and what is needed to determine whether habitat or predation is to blame. They also discover another interesting link between supplemental feeding and predation, and discuss four studies that would answer most of our questions related to the current decline in wild turkey populations.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
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Resources:
- Cano-Martínez et al. (2023). Bottom-up rather than top-down mechanisms determine mesocarnivore interactions in Norway. Authorea Preprints.
- Newsome et al. (2015). The ecological effects of providing resource subsidies to predators. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 24(1), 1-11.
- Rosatte et al. (2007). Raccoon density and movements after population reduction to control rabies. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 71(7), 2373-2378.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management related to deer production in the Great Plains, and whether or not it makes sense to control coyotes as a deer management practice in Kansas.
Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html
Will and Marcus discuss why they and other biologists are more likely to endorse habitat management, versus predator control, to increase turkey populations. They also cover a study showing trapping can effectively reduce raccoon populations by up to 90% and discuss why that may or may not translate into more turkeys on the landscape.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
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Resources:
- How effective is trapping to reduce raccoon abundance? (IG Post)
- What does wild turkey nesting cover look like? (Video)
- Chance et al. (2020). Vegetation characteristics influence fine-scale intensity of habitat use by wild turkey and white-tailed deer in a loblolly pine plantation. Basic and applied ecology, 43, 42-51.
- Cohen et al. (2022). Movement, spatial ecology, and habitat selection of translocated Gould's wild turkeys. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46(2), e1270.
- Lazure, L., & Weladji, R. B. (2024). Methods to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts involving common mesopredators: a meta‐analysis. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22526.
- Nelson et al. (2023). Age‐based shifts in habitat selection of wild turkey broods. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 87(8), e22494
- Rosatte et al. (2001). Emergency response to raccoon rabies introduction into Ontario. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 37(2), 265-279.
- Rosatte et al. (2007). Raccoon density and movements after population reduction to control rabies. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 71(7), 2373-2378.
- Palmer, William E., et al. "Effect of field borders and nest‐predator reduction on abundance of northern bobwhites." Wildlife Society Bulletin 33.4 (2005): 1398-1405.
- Rader et al. (2011). Simulating northern bobwhite population responses to nest predation, nesting habitat, and weather in South Texas. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 75(1), 61-70.
- Turner et al. (2024). Canopy reduction and fire seasonality effects on deer and turkey habitat in upland hardwoods. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121657.
- Wightman et al. (2023). Landscape characteristics and predation risk influence spatial variation in auditory courtship of an upland game bird. Landscape Ecology, 38(5), 1221-1236.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
When a section of the Big Hole River in southwest Montana ran dry in 1988, all eyes were on the future of one of the last remaining populations of arctic grayling in the lower 48.
Out of the struggle, a collaboration emerged that change the future of the Big Hole - a future where human communities, wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on can thrive. And it might even serve as a model for how we can conserve species that are headed for the brink.
Complete show notes are available at workingwild.us
Mark Hatfield, National Director of Science and Planning for NWTF, joins Marcus and Will to discuss how their organization has helped wild turkeys through research involvement, areas of focus throughout the decades, and ongoing programs and events.
Resources:
- Habitat for the Hatch
- Women in the Outdoors
- Wheelin’ Sportsman
- JAKES Program
- Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.
- Cocktails and Conversation (FB Live)
- 2024 NWTF Convention
- www.nwtf.org
Mark Hatfield
X @TheBeardedBio IG @thebeardedbio
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In the final episode of our second season, Jarred and Adam review the conversations we’ve had on the theme of private lands habitat conservation, discuss some things “left on the bone,” and share with the listeners where Habitat University is heading in the new year! Be sure to check out the previous episodes in the podcast, including those from Season 2 discussed in this episode, and Season 1 if you haven’t already! And as always please help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Bird friend coffee: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/bird-friendly
Bird friendly beef: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/ranching
Learn more about the Land sparing and land sharing debate with this article: https://e360.yale.edu/features/sparing-vs-sharing-the-great-debate-over-how-to-protect-nature
For a much more thorough treatment of the history of Native peoples’ relationships to much of what we today know as private land, check out the exceptional book: An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
In this episode, we discuss eagles, their natural history, decline, subsequent recovery, and important special protections that are afforded to eagles.
Contact us: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/contact.html
Jason Lupardus, Director of Business Operations and Partnerships for Turkeys for Tomorrow, joins Marcus and Will to reveal TFT’s vision, solution, and strategies for addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the wild turkey. Learn how you can get involved with Turkeys for Tomorrow's citizen-science land management today.
TFT: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
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Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Episode 17 – Natural Regeneration of Pines
Prior to active silvicultural management, natural regeneration propagated pine species across the South for millennia. Join the Timber University team and their guest, Dr. Michael Blazier with the University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss this and what options still exist for the land manager wanting to utilize developed silvicultural techniques available for naturally regenerating pines.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Marcus calls Will from the road to reflect upon and breakdown their recent site visit to a landowner managing for deer and turkey, the primary factors weighed when juggling multiple objectives, and when to use which strategies.
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!
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Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Hide your dog, hide your kids, stay indoors! Monster fish are taking over! Well, not quite. In this episode, Wes talks with the biologist who was at ground zero of the Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) invasion in Virginia. John Odenkirk tells the story of the first detection, subsequent expansion, and the system-level impacts that snakehead fish have had in the two decades since they were first detected. Join us and learn about the real and perceived issues with this fish, and about how they continue to be spread around the United States.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management and how hunting, trapping and other forms of harvest can be used as lethal control measures to manage livestock losses.
Resources:
How to trap a coyote extension publication: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/c660.pdf
Coyote trapping video series: https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife/playlists
Marcus and Will wrap up our first year of production by reflecting upon the most memorable moments from recording, favorite segments from the season, unexpected feedback from listeners, and our plans for the show moving forward.
Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey below. Thank you in advance!
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Resources:
- I lease land…what about me? | #12
- Has turkey habitat changed? | #21
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29
- Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30
- How to science | #37
- What not to do | #39
- Legends of turkey research | #50
- NE Update: Year 1 results | #56
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
The latest Extension publication from the MSU Deer Lab is “Understanding Buck Movement: How, When, and Why Bucks Navigate the Landscape” is now available for viewing and download. You can find the publication here: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/results.php?q=deer%20movement
In Part 1, Steve and Bronson discuss some of the findings presented in the publication and explain how you can interpret the data and use the information for management and hunting.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Duck Locascio, Forestry Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, joins Marcus and Will to demystify and provide actionable steps to managers interested in improving turkey habitat in bottomland hardwood forests.
Resources:
- Desired Forest Conditions document
- Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Carolina and Marcus sit down with Ciera Rhodes of Quail Forever to discuss the importance of using fire when managing for gamebirds, programs and agencies available to assist landowners with management practices and funding, and best fire practices for maximizing quail on your property.
Resources:
- NRCS
- EQIP
- Quail Forever
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi (wildlandmgmt) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
Duck Locascio, Forestry Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, joins Marcus and Will to demystify and provide actionable steps to managers interested in improving turkey habitat in bottomland hardwood forests.
Resources:
- Desired Forest Conditions document
- Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We're excited to announce the second season of Working Wild U: Imperiled. This season we're exploring community and landowner-led wildlife conservation on working and tribal lands across the West. From grizzly bears to lesser-known species, join us as we discover the challenges and successes of how communities are working together for common-ground solutions.
We'll dive into the action, meeting individuals on the ground stewarding habitats and supporting thriving rural communities. As the Endangered Species Act turns 50, we reflect on the past and ponder the next 50 years of conservation in the US. Stay tuned for episodes dropping soon – it's a season of surprising stories and crucial questions about the future of working lands in the West.
Stay tuned for episodes dropping soon!
Pine regeneration efforts often deviate from work in hardwoods due to genetic advances we have made in available planting stock choices. For this reason, artificial regeneration is typically chosen by land managers wishing to regenerate pines. Join Shaun and Brady, along with their guest speaker, Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss history, current methodology, and what research tells us regarding artificial regeneration of pines.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
In this episode, we discuss the dos and don’ts of providing habitat for fish and their prey in ponds, and why the title of this episode may or may not fit the correct definition of habitat…
Dr. Andy Little joins Marcus and Will to break down the study design and year 1 results from his research assessing wild turkey habitat needs across the state of Nebraska. Then, how landscape changes may be impacting population trends and which potential factors are bottlenecking brood survival.
Turkey Newsletter 2023
Dr. Andy Little (Publications) (IG) (X)
AWESM Lab (Website) (IG) (Facebook) (X)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Every water body has them. Plants. Sometimes they’re good, like phytoplankton that for the base of the food chain or a patch of American Pondweed that holds a 10-pound bass. Sometimes they are bad, like Naiad that blocks your boat ramp. And sometimes they are just plain ugly, like Giant Salvinia that suffocates waterways with mats that might be 3 feet thick. In this episode, Wes and his guest, Dr. Gray Turnage, discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of aquatic plants. Don’t miss this discussion, as you’ll learn all about when and if to treat, how to treat, and how to encourage beneficial plants.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Will provides us with updates on his ongoing, hunter-led AL project quantifying fertility indexes in wild turkeys and how it relates to behavior and disease. Then, an update from Marcus on the FL genetic study assessing habitat connectivity and gene flow made possible by hunter-donated feathers. And finally, a look into Will’s next project inspired by our listeners.
Resources:
- AL Update: Is there a dominant gobbler?
- Status of turkeys in FL (Part 1/2)
- Status of turkeys in FL (Part 2/2)
- FL Wildlife Corridor
- NY Times: Wild Turkey Decline
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we discuss the consequences of moving problem critters around on the landscape, and reasons why wildlife biologists do not recommend translocation of wildlife as a humane option when removal is needed.
In this episode we discuss the effects of drought on ponds in the Great Plains. We cover some of the concerns related to drought and best practices for pond construction to help mitigate these concerns. We also talk about wildlife disease and some of the reasons that disease might increase during drought conditions.
We discuss the biology, benefits, and concerns of Black-Tailed Prairie Dog populations. We cover how overlap between wildlife and producers in the Working Landscape that exists in a private land state. Discussions include pesticide methods and things to consider when considering whether to use various pesticides.
Fins, Fur, and Feathers is the fish and wildlife management podcast of K-State Research and Extension. It is hosted by Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts, two lifelong hunters and anglers, and current K-State Research and Extension Specialists. Join them as they cover topics to help citizens with their fish, wildlife, and pond managemet needs. If you have ever had a wildlife or pond managment challenge, or just want to learn more about critters, science, and the outdoors, then this is the podcast for you.
In this episode, Joe and Drew introduce themselves, discuss the reasons behind starting the podcast, and provide listeners with insight on what to expect in future episodes.
Marcus and Will kick off the holiday season by reviewing a newly published predator-prey diet selection study, discussing fall diets for turkeys during poor oak masting years, and touching upon the American tradition of fall turkey hunting.
Resources
- Youngmann, et al. (2023). Assessing springtime vertebrate prey of sympatric mesopredators in the southeastern United States using metabarcoding analysis. Plos one, 18(10), e0293270.
- DrDisturbance IG Reel
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
The Deep South and other parts of the whitetail’s range are experiencing severe drought and many cool-season food plots are struggling or failing. In this episode we visit with Dr. Erick Larson, an Agronomist and Extension Specialist at Mississippi State University, that works with many of the forages hunters and managers plant for deer. Erick will discuss when is too late and what steps we can take to make the best of a bad situation.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Marcus and Will pull from the literature to discuss the science-based management strategies across fire, silviculture, herbicide, and more, that can help turn your hardwoods into turkeys. Listen to Part 1 of this episode here: https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/wild-turkey-science-managing-hardwoods-for-turkeys-part-12-199
Resources:
- Bogdziewicz, M., Crone, E. E., Steele, M. A., & Zwolak, R. (2017). Effects of nitrogen deposition on reproduction in a masting tree: benefits of higher seed production are trumped by negative biotic interactions. Journal of Ecology, 105(2), 310-320.
- Dey, D. C., & Schweitzer, C. J. (2018). A review on the dynamics of prescribed fire, tree mortality, and injury in managing oak natural communities to minimize economic loss in North America. Forests, 9(8), 461.
- FOOD PLOTS, FEED OR FIRE: THE REAL COSTS PER POUND OF DEER FORAGE
- Lashley, M. A., McCord, J. M., Greenberg, C. H., & Harper, C. A. (2009). Masting characteristics of white oaks: Implications for management. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeast Association Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Vol. 63, pp. 21-26).
- Lashley, M. A., Harper, C. A., Bates, G. E., & Keyser, P. D. (2011). Forage availability for white‐tailed deer following silvicultural treatments in hardwood forests. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 75(6), 1467-1476.
- Mann, D. P., Wiedenbeck, J. K., Dey, D. C., & Saunders, M. R. (2020). Evaluating economic impacts of prescribed fire in the Central Hardwood Region. Journal of Forestry, 118(3), 275-288.
- Marschall, J. M., Guyette, R. P., Stambaugh, M. C., & Stevenson, A. P. (2014). Fire damage effects on red oak timber product value. Forest Ecology and Management, 320, 182-189.
- McDaniel, J. K., Alexander, H. D., Siegert, C. M., & Lashley, M. A. (2021). Shifting tree species composition of upland oak forests alters leaf litter structure, moisture, and flammability. Forest ecology and Management, 482, 118860.
- Stanis, S., Wiedenbeck, J., & Saunders, M. R. (2019). Effect of prescribed fire on timber volume and grade in the Hoosier National Forest. Forest Science, 65(6), 714-724.
- Turner, M. A., Gulsby, W. D., Harper, C. A., & Ditchkoff, S. S. (2020). Improving Coastal Plain Hardwoods for Deer and Turkeys with Canopy Reduction and Fire. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 44(4), 705-712.
- Turner, M. A., Gulsby, W. D., & Harper, C. A. (2021). Mixture of triclopyr and imazapyr more effective than triclopyr alone for hardwood forest stand improvement. Forest Science, 67(1), 43-48.
- Wiedenbeck, J. K., & Schuler, T. M. (2014). Effects of prescribed fire on the wood quality and marketability of four hardwood species in the central Appalachian region. In In: Groninger, John W.; Holzmueller, Eric J.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; Dey, Daniel C., eds. Proceedings, 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2014 March 10-12; Carbondale, IL. General Technical Report NRS-P-142. Newtown Square, PA: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 202-212. (pp. 202-212).
- Wolgast, L. J., & Stout, B. B. (1977). Effects of age, stand density, and fertilizer application on bear oak reproduction. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 685-691.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Timber trespass, is the unauthorized removal of trees, and can occur unintentionally where property boundaries are unmarked, unmaintained, or remote. Join us as we discuss this far reaching topic with Dr. Eric McConnell, an associate professor of forest business at Mississippi State University to talk with us about how to mitigate trespass and theft and actions a landowner may take after the fact.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Marcus and Will pull from the literature to assess various management strategies across fire, silviculture, herbicide, and more, that can help turn your hardwoods into turkeys. Part 2 of this episode releases next Monday.
Resources:
- Bogdziewicz, M., Crone, E. E., Steele, M. A., & Zwolak, R. (2017). Effects of nitrogen deposition on reproduction in a masting tree: benefits of higher seed production are trumped by negative biotic interactions. Journal of Ecology, 105(2), 310-320.
- Dey, D. C., & Schweitzer, C. J. (2018). A review on the dynamics of prescribed fire, tree mortality, and injury in managing oak natural communities to minimize economic loss in North America. Forests, 9(8), 461.
- FOOD PLOTS, FEED OR FIRE: THE REAL COSTS PER POUND OF DEER FORAGE
- Lashley, M. A., McCord, J. M., Greenberg, C. H., & Harper, C. A. (2009). Masting characteristics of white oaks: Implications for management. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeast Association Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Vol. 63, pp. 21-26).
- Lashley, M. A., Harper, C. A., Bates, G. E., & Keyser, P. D. (2011). Forage availability for white‐tailed deer following silvicultural treatments in hardwood forests. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 75(6), 1467-1476.
- Mann, D. P., Wiedenbeck, J. K., Dey, D. C., & Saunders, M. R. (2020). Evaluating economic impacts of prescribed fire in the Central Hardwood Region. Journal of Forestry, 118(3), 275-288.
- Marschall, J. M., Guyette, R. P., Stambaugh, M. C., & Stevenson, A. P. (2014). Fire damage effects on red oak timber product value. Forest Ecology and Management, 320, 182-189.
- McDaniel, J. K., Alexander, H. D., Siegert, C. M., & Lashley, M. A. (2021). Shifting tree species composition of upland oak forests alters leaf litter structure, moisture, and flammability. Forest ecology and Management, 482, 118860.
- Stanis, S., Wiedenbeck, J., & Saunders, M. R. (2019). Effect of prescribed fire on timber volume and grade in the Hoosier National Forest. Forest Science, 65(6), 714-724.
- Turner, M. A., Gulsby, W. D., Harper, C. A., & Ditchkoff, S. S. (2020). Improving Coastal Plain Hardwoods for Deer and Turkeys with Canopy Reduction and Fire. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 44(4), 705-712.
- Turner, M. A., Gulsby, W. D., & Harper, C. A. (2021). Mixture of triclopyr and imazapyr more effective than triclopyr alone for hardwood forest stand improvement. Forest Science, 67(1), 43-48.
- Wiedenbeck, J. K., & Schuler, T. M. (2014). Effects of prescribed fire on the wood quality and marketability of four hardwood species in the central Appalachian region. In In: Groninger, John W.; Holzmueller, Eric J.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; Dey, Daniel C., eds. Proceedings, 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2014 March 10-12; Carbondale, IL. General Technical Report NRS-P-142. Newtown Square, PA: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 202-212. (pp. 202-212).
- Wolgast, L. J., & Stout, B. B. (1977). Effects of age, stand density, and fertilizer application on bear oak reproduction. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 685-691.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Living in a water world comes with challenges that are markedly different than those we air breathers face, and fish have developed unique and creative ways to face these challenges. Understanding fish biology and physiology is not only interesting, but also useful to us fish-loving air breathers. It doesn’t matter if you are an aquarist, and angler, a pond manager, or a researcher, a greater understanding of why fish are the way they are will make you better at your fish-loving pursuits. In this episode, Wes picks the brain of Fish Physiologist Dr. Peter Allen on how fish work. We’ll talk osmoregulation, respiration, senses, and even some reproduction. So, tune in and hear all about what makes fish do what they do, and what you can do to keep, manage, or catch them more effectively.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Will and Marcus comb through the available literature to analyze the relationships between hardwood forests and wild turkeys.
Resources:
- Alexander et al. (2021). Mesophication of oak landscapes: Evidence, knowledge gaps, and future research. BioScience, 71(5), 531-542.
- Burk et al. (1990). Wild turkey use of streamside management zones in loblolly pine plantations. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 6, pp. 84-89).
- Byrne, M. E. (2013). Nesting ecology of wild turkeys in a bottomland hardwood forest. The American Midland Naturalist, 170(1), 95-110.
- Davis et al. (2018). Landscape-abundance relationships of male Eastern Wild Turkeys Meleagris gallopavo silvestris in Mississippi, USA. Acta ornithologica, 52(2), 127-139.
- Marable et al. (2023). Seasonal Resource Selection and Use of Hardwood Regeneration by Translocated Wild Turkeys in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Diversity, 15(9), 1007.
- McShea et al. (2007). Forestry matters: decline of oaks will impact wildlife in hardwood forests. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 71(5), 1717-1728.
- Nelson et al. (2022). Fine‐scale resource selection and behavioral tradeoffs of eastern wild turkey broods. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 86(5), e22222.
- Nelson et al. (2023). Age‐based shifts in habitat selection of wild turkey broods. The Journal of Wildlife Management, e22494.
- Norman & Steffen (2003). Effects of recruitment, oak mast, and fall-season format on wild turkey harvest rates in Virginia. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 553-559.
- Norman et al. (2022). Hunting and environmental influences on survival of male wild turkeys in Virginia and West Virginia. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46(2), e1284.
- Schemnitz, S. D. (1956). Wild turkey food habits in Florida. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 20(2), 132-137.
- Thogmartin, W. E. (2001). Home-range size and habitat selection of female wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Arkansas. The American Midland Naturalist, 145(2), 247-260.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Anthony Taylor, Associate Professor of Forest Management at the University of New Brunswick, joins Carolina to discuss the Canadian wildfires, the implications of climate change on our ecological and human communities, and what tools can help mitigate these effects moving forward.
Resources:
- Wang, J., Taylor, A. R., & D’Orangeville, L. (2023). Warming-induced tree growth may help offset increasing disturbance across the Canadian boreal forest. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(2), e2212780120.
Dr. Anthony Taylor (website) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi (wildlandmgmt) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus and Will travel back in time with legendary turkey researchers Dr. Larry Vangilder and Eric Kurzejeski. Join as they discuss the early days of restocking and lessons learned, how hunting regulations changed as populations grew, initial assumptions impacting today’s regulations, challenges they faced as biologists, and thoughts on why we’re seeing declines today.
Dr. Larry Vangilder, Eric W. Kurzejeski
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Will and Marcus launch our hardwoods series by discussing oak masting biology. They review studies assessing acorn production variation across and within oak species, discuss study results of wildlife acorn preference, and provide management tools to increase acorn productivity on your land.
Resources:
- Brooke, J. M., Basinger, P. S., Birckhead, J. L., Lashley, M. A., McCord, J. M., Nanney, J. S., & Harper, C. A. (2019). Effects of fertilization and crown release on white oak (Quercus alba) masting and acorn quality. Forest Ecology and Management, 433, 305-312.
- Boggess, C. M., Strickland, B., Alexander, H. D., & Lashley, M. A. (2019). Mast Seeding in Oaks: A Strategy to Satiate Predators or Strengthen Apparent Competition?. In American Fisheries Society & The Wildlife Society 2019 Joint Annual Conference. AFS.
- Boggess, C. M., Baruzzi, C., Alexander, H. D., Strickland, B. K., & Lashley, M. A. (2022). Exposure to fire affects acorn removal by altering consumer preference. Forest Ecology and Management, 508, 120044.
- Downs, A. A., & McQuilkin, W. E. (1944). Seed production of southern Appalachian oaks. Journal of Forestry, 42(12), 913-920.
- Greenberg, C. H., & Parresol, B. R. (2000). Acorn production characteristics of southern Appalachian oaks: a simple method to predict within-year crop size. Res. Pap. SRS-20. Asheville, NC: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 16 p., 20.
- Lashley, M. A., McCord, J. M., Greenberg, C. H., & Harper, C. A. (2009). Masting characteristics of white oaks: Implications for management. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeast Association Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Vol. 63, pp. 21-26).
- Minser, W. G., Allen, T., Ellsperman, B., Schlarbaum, S. E., & Eversole, A. G. (1995). Feeding response of wild turkeys to chestnuts in comparison with other mast species. In Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of Southeastern Association of Fish Wildlife Agencies, SEAFWA, Nashville, TN (pp. 490-499).
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Several surveys indicate that non-industrial private forest landowners own land for reasons other than timber production. These reasons include aesthetics, wildlife-related recreation, and other natural resource-based activities.The term multiple use in natural resource management is straightforward: it is the management of lands for more than one purpose. Inherently, this management approach is more complex and requires forest landowners to understand and assess each additional use for its compatibility with their long-term forest-management goals.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Adam Rhonke, Assistant Extension Professor at Mississippi State University, to walk us through the complexities and opportunities Multiple Use Management provides to forest landowners.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
We are joined this week by Matt Ross from the National Deer Association to chat about the importance of private lands and private land management for America’s favorite game species, the white-tailed deer. We discuss how whitetails can be a catalyst for private lands habitat management and all the work NDA does to assist private landowners.
Resources discussed:
National Deer Association – https://deerassociation.com/
2023 Deer Report - https://deerassociation.com/2023-deer-report/
Deer Steward Program - https://deerassociation.com/steward/
Land Certification Program - https://deerassociation.com/land-certification/
Cooperative Program - https://deerassociation.com/coop/
Golden, K. E., M. N. Peterson, C. S. DePerno, R. E. Bardon, and C. E. Moorman. 2012. Factors shaping private landowner engagement in wildlife management. Wildlife Society Bulletin 37:94–100. https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wsb.235
Macaulay, L. 2016. The role of wildlife-associated recreation in private land use and conservation: Providing the missing baseline. Land Use Policy 58:218–233. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837716306159
Mitterling, A. M., B. A. Rudolph, and D. B. Kramer. 2021. The Influence of Private Land Deer Management Cooperatives on Harvest Outcomes and Hunter Satisfaction. Wildlife Society Bulletin 45:456–464. https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wsb.1209?af=R
Pruitt, H. P., B. B. Boley, G. K. D’Angelo, and M. D. McConnell. 2022. Deer management cooperative members’ likelihood of engaging in conservation initiatives: an importance-likelihood analysis. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 0:1–20. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10871209.2022.2077483
Marcus and Will wrap up our feeding series by reviewing global drivers of supplemental feeding and breakdown a study reporting positive effects on wild turkey populations from supplemental feed.
Resources:
- Cox, D. T., & Gaston, K. J. (2018). Human–nature interactions and the consequences and drivers of provisioning wildlife. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 373(1745), 20170092.
- Malpass, J. S., Rodewald, A. D., & Matthews, S. N. (2017). Species-dependent effects of bird feeders on nest predators and nest survival of urban American Robins and Northern Cardinals. The Condor: Ornithological Applications, 119(1), 1-16.
- Robb, G. N., McDonald, R. A., Chamberlain, D. E., & Bearhop, S. (2008). Food for thought: supplementary feeding as a driver of ecological change in avian populations. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 6(9), 476-484.
- Robertson, B. C., Elliott, G. P., Eason, D. K., Clout, M. N., & Gemmell, N. J. (2006). Sex allocation theory aids species conservation. Biology Letters, 2(2), 229-231.
- Pattee, O. H., & Beasom, S. L. (1979). Supplemental feeding to increase wild turkey productivity. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 43(2), 512-516.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Deep in the Sonoran Desert are various fish species that survive in the harshest of conditions. These extremophiles often live in water that is often much saltier than seawater, much hotter than a jacuzzi, much faster than a freight train, and with little or no oxygen. Where did they come from? How do they survive? What is their future? Wes chats with desert fish expert Dr. Scott Bonar of the University of Arizona to answer these and many more questions. So, grab a tall glass of water and your sunscreen, because this one is a scorcher!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
While in Nebraska, Marcus and Will discuss the shared challenges they see across states when trying to integrate multiple objectives into working landscapes.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus and Will dive deeper into the literature surrounding the potential impacts of feeding on wild turkeys. Join as they discuss the data on risks of feeding across species, predation, pathogens, and contaminants and what we can do to mitigate these risks for turkeys moving forward.
Resources:
- Cooper, S. M., & Ginnett, T. F. (2000). Potential effects of supplemental feeding of deer on nest predation. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 660-666.
- Dale, L. L. (2014). Potential for aflatoxicosis in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) exposed to contaminated grain at feeding stations (Doctoral dissertation, Oklahoma State University).
- Dale, L. L., O'Connell, T. J., & Elmore, D. (2015). Aflatoxins in wildlife feed: Know how to protect wildlife. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.
- Eckert, K. D., Keiter, D. A., & Beasley, J. C. (2019). Animal visitation to wild pig (Sus scrofa) wallows and implications for disease transmission. Journal of wildlife diseases, 55(2), 488-493.
- Godbois, I. A., Conner, L. M., & Warren, R. J. (2004). Space‐use patterns of bobcats relative to supplemental feeding of northern bobwhites. The Journal of wildlife management, 68(3), 514-518.
- Huang, M. H., Demarais, S., Strickland, B. K., & Brookshire, W. C. (2022). Identifying aflatoxin exposure risk from supplemental feeding of deer. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 58(2), 384-388.
- Huang, M. H., Demarais, S., Brookshire, W. C., & Strickland, B. K. (2022). Analysis of supplemental wildlife feeding in Mississippi and environmental gastrointestinal parasite load. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 995437.
- Monson, M. S., Coulombe, R. A., & Reed, K. M. (2015). Aflatoxicosis: Lessons from toxicity and responses to aflatoxin B1 in poultry. Agriculture, 5(3), 742-777.
- Moore, D. L., Henke, S. E., Fedynich, A. M., & Laurenz, J. C. (2019). The effect of aflatoxin on adaptive immune function in birds. Aflatoxins and wildlife, 155-180.
- Murray, M. H., Becker, D. J., Hall, R. J., & Hernandez, S. M. (2016). Wildlife health and supplemental feeding: a review and management recommendations. Biological Conservation, 204, 163-174.
- Pickova, D., Ostry, V., Toman, J., & Malir, F. (2021). Aflatoxins: History, significant milestones, recent data on their toxicity and ways to mitigation. Toxins, 13(6), 399.
- Rauber, R. H., Dilkin, P., Giacomini, L. Z., de Almeida, C. A., & Mallmann, C. A. (2007). Performance of turkey poults fed different doses of aflatoxins in the diet. Poultry Science, 86(8), 1620-1624.
- Sorensen, A., van Beest, F. M., & Brook, R. K. (2014). Impacts of wildlife baiting and supplemental feeding on infectious disease transmission risk: a synthesis of knowledge. Preventive veterinary medicine, 113(4), 356-363.
- Quist, C. F., Bounous, D. I., Kilburn, J. V., Nettles, V. F., & Wyatt, R. D. (2000). The effect of dietary aflatoxin on wild turkey poults. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 36(3), 436-444.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
What is a deer signpost? In this episode Steve and Bronson visit with Dr. Karl Miller, the former professor and researcher of deer biology and management at the University of Georgia. Karl and his students and colleagues have studied white-tailed deer signposting behavior for decades and he shares key findings regarding the biology and ecology of this research, and how you can apply it to hunting.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here).
Will and Marcus characterize the available data on wildlife feeding across the South and discuss the implications for wild turkeys.
Resources:
- SC 2006
- AK 2011
- FWC 2019
- Land Ethic
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
After a casualty event, a forest landowner must make many difficult decisions. We discuss topics such as what to do immediately following a casualty event and proper steps to take as you move forward in the salvage process.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Dr. Kelly Dunning, Associate Professor at Auburn University and Timberline Professor at the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, joins Will and Marcus to discuss the complexities associated with conservation policy-making and how we can better integrate wild turkey research and political science moving forward. Listen to Part 1 of this episode here: https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/wild-turkey-science-can-conservation-governance-save-turkeys-part-12-182
Dr. Kelly Dunning (khd0008@auburn.edu) (Website) (@DrKellyHDunning) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
If you like to fish, you have probably caught Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass, and maybe you have caught Spotted Bass. But if you are on a quest to catch all the Black Bass (Micropterus spp.), you have a long way to go. In this episode, Wes chats with Steve Sammons, a researcher from Auburn University who has worked with many of the bass species. They’ll discuss the 14 described species of bass and where they can be found, as well as talk about 5 more potential species that may soon be described. The Black Bass Slam just got a whole lot more complicated, so grab a notebook and a map, and join us on this road trip!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Dr. Kelly Dunning, Associate Professor at Auburn University and Timberline Professor at the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, joins Will and Marcus to discuss the complexities associated with conservation policy-making and how we can better integrate wild turkey research and political science moving forward. Part 2 of this episode releases next Monday.
Dr. Kelly Dunning (khd0008@auburn.edu) (Website) (@DrKellyHDunning) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Mike Byrne joins Marcus and Will to discuss the ongoing comprehensive private-land wild turkey research project in northern Missouri studying the effects of nest survival. They also cover important topics related to raccoon movements related to hen nesting and density dependence in turkey populations. Listen to Part 1 of this episode (here).
Resources:
- Byrne, Michael E. Influences of landscape characteristics on the nesting ecology of female wild turkeys and behavior of raccoons. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, 2011.
- Byrne, Michael E., et al. "Nest site fidelity and nesting success of female wild turkeys." Wildlife Society Bulletin 46.2 (2022): e1279.
- Byrne, M. E., Chamberlain, M. J., & Collier, B. A. (2015). Potential density dependence in wild turkey productivity in the southeastern United States. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 11, pp. 329-351).
Dr. Mike Byrne (Academic Profile) (University of Missouri)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Mike Byrne joins Marcus and Will to discuss the ongoing comprehensive private-land wild turkey research project in northern Missouri studying the effects of nest survival. They also cover important topics related to raccoon movements in relation to hen nesting and density dependence in turkey populations. Part 2 of this episode releases next Monday.
Resources:
- Byrne, Michael E. Influences of landscape characteristics on the nesting ecology of female wild turkeys and behavior of raccoons. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, 2011.
- Byrne, Michael E., et al. "Nest site fidelity and nesting success of female wild turkeys." Wildlife Society Bulletin 46.2 (2022): e1279.
- Byrne, M. E., Chamberlain, M. J., & Collier, B. A. (2015). Potential density dependence in wild turkey productivity in the southeastern United States. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 11, pp. 329-351).
Dr. Mike Byrne (Academic Profile) (University of Missouri)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Join Shaun and Brady as they offer advice on considerations for marketing your timber at harvest time. We briefly discuss sale preparation, the bidding process, reasons for using a consultant, and other topics in this episode of Timber University. Remember, it is incumbent upon you to ensure you get the most for your timber by employing appropriate marketing strategy.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Marcus and Will are joined by Jason Hardin, Wild Turkey Program Leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Listen to learn details on the status of our favorite bird in the Lonestar State.
Jason Hardin Jason.hardin@tpwd.texas.gov
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Have you purchased or inherited a property with and old and neglected pond on it? Or perhaps you’ve lived on the property with a pond for your whole life, but life simply got in the way of proper management? Either way, tune into Fish University to hear Wes discuss how to restore ponds that have been let go for far too long. His guest is Mark Griffith, a private pond consultant and owner of Ichthys Pond Management, LLC. They’ll discuss levee inspection, organic matter buildup, alternative strategies, complete renovation, and much, much more!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Will and Marcus discuss what not to do on your property when managing for wild turkey.
Resources:
- Wild nesting cover ft. Dr. Craig Harper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6xsKyis404&lc=Ugyq5o49_is0gQOzEQl4AaABAg
- Wild Turkey Habitat Improvements for Leased Land: https://huntinland.libsyn.com/wild-turkey-habitat-improvements-for-leased-land
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus and Will discuss the origins of hypotheses related to timing and intensity of spring harvest and how they may affect reproduction. They also discuss the challenges landowners face when establishing property level harvest decisions.
Resources:
- Isabelle, Jason L., et al. "Considerations for timing of spring wild turkey hunting seasons in the southeastern United States." Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 5 (2018): 106-113.
- The Wild Turkey: Biology & Management
- Kurzejeski, Eric W., and L. D. Vangilder. "Population management." The wild turkey: biology and management. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA (1992): 165-184.
- Watts, Charles Robert, "The Social Organization of Wild Turkeys on the Welder Wildlife Refuge, Texas" (1969). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7423.
- Exum, J. H., et al. "Ecology of the Eastern Wild Turkey in an Intensively Managed Pine Forest in Southern Alabama, vol. 23." Tall Timbers Research Station Bull., Tallahassee, FL, USA (1987).
- Healy, W. M., and S. M. Powell. Wild turkey harvest management: biology, strategies, and techniques. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Technical Publication. BTP-R5001-1999, Washington DC, USA, 1999.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Istvan Kereszy joins Marcus and Carolina to discuss his company: Fire Neural Network. Learn how artificial intelligence is used to detect high-risk lightning, how it is currently being applied to fight wildfires across the globe, and how we can continue to benefit from this technology moving forward.
Dr. Istvan Kereszy (info@fireneuralnetwork.com)
Fire Neural Network (https://www.fireneuralnetwork.com/)
UF Article (https://news.ufl.edu/2023/04/fire-neural-network/)
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi (wildlandmgmt) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Marcus and Will break down the research process. Join as they discuss the nuts and bolts of experimental design, identifying objectives, how to generate funding, which agencies are involved, financial expenses, isolating and controlling variables, and how you as a citizen can influence research in your state.
Interested in helping the wild turkey? Donate to our research funds today: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Resources:
- Wild nesting cover ft. Dr. Craig Harper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6xsKyis404&lc=Ugyq5o49_is0gQOzEQl4AaABAg
- The basketball technique for good fawning cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct1pnJYld6s
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Interested in helping the wild turkey? Donate to our research funds today: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
When natural regeneration options are off the table, artificial regeneration methods are the only option available to the landowner wanting to establish a hardwood forest. Join us as we discuss planting stock choices and what research tells us about their use.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
We asked and you answered! Join Marcus and Will as they review questions from followers covering brooding cover, disease, decoys, effective trail cam use, timing of fire, and more.
Resources:
- Wild nesting cover ft. Dr. Craig Harper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6xsKyis404&lc=Ugyq5o49_is0gQOzEQl4AaABAg
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Interested in helping the wild turkey? Donate to our research funds today: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
What the heck is buck breeding value? In this episode Steve and Bronson visit with Dr. Randy DeYoung, a professor and researcher at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Randy and his colleagues and students have worked for many years analyzing genetics data related to maternity and paternity assignment in South Texas deer herds. Randy will share results from the buck side of the equation and tell us how they impact management.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Have you ever though about purposefully trying to push your bream to trophy size? What if you had the resources, connections, and the perfect pond to do so? In this episode, we chat with someone who is doing just that. Sarah “The Closer” Parvin joins Wes to tell a story about a trophy bass pond that suddenly died off and rose from the ashes like a phoenix, reborn into one of the best bream ponds in the world. Called “The Slab Lab” for obvious reasons, Sarah and her father are consistently growing coppernose bluegill in the 1–2-pound range, with 2-3 pounders becoming more frequent. The pond is only 5 years old and is an experiment in progress, so who knows what they’ll be pulling out in a year or two!
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Marcus and Will sit down with Adam Keith and Matt Dye, co-owners, consultants, and fellow podcasters of Land and Legacy. Listen as they share from years of habitat consulting experience on what they’re seeing across landowner landscapes and which factors are the most limiting for the wild turkey.
Land & Legacy - https://landandlegacy.tv/
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus and Will wrap up their time at the Southeast Wild Turkey Working Group conference by discussing their key takeaways, study results from the experts, exciting plans across an array of states, and how you as a hunter can help out.
Resources:
- Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Edited by Charlotte Nowak
Intro music by Dr. David Mason
Music by Artlist.io
In this episode of Timber University, we discuss natural regeneration methodology in hardwood systems. When biologically possible, natural regeneration is the cheapest option available to the forest landowner wishing to regenerate a hardwood stand. However, considerable footwork is usually necessary to employ these techniques.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Marcus and Will sit down at the Southeast Wild Turkey Working Group Meeting with Nick Oakley, Wild Turkey Biologist for Missouri. Join as Nick discloses the state’s turkey history and trends, current status and hunting guidelines, and a breakdown of the ongoing research to assess what’s driving production.
Resources:
- MO Wild Turkey Brook Survey
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Edited by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus and Will recap Dr. Harper’s dense episodes by discussing indicator plants to evaluate success in brood field management.
Resources:
- iNaturalist
- Seek
- Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses
- Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants
- GeFellers, James Wade, et al. "Seeding is not always necessary to restore native early successional plant communities." Restoration Ecology 28.6 (2020): 1485-1494.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Edited by Charlotte Nowak
We welcome Dr. Carolina Baruzzi, Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology & Management at the University of Florida, who joins Marcus as our new co-host of Fire University! Hear about their previous work together, Dr. Baruzzi’s research interests, and their ideas for the series moving forward.
Resources from the episode:
- Baruzzi, C., et al. "The pyrogenic bunchgrass Aristida beyrichiana is negatively affected by soil biota when planted outside of its home soil." Plant and Soil (2022): 1-10.
- Nichols, Rainer A., et al. "Alter fire timing to recouple forage nutrients with herbivore nutrient demands." Forest Ecology and Management 500 (2021): 119646.
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi (wildlandmgmt) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here)
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
As the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper fishing seasons kick off for 2023, Wes sits down with Dr. Marcus Drymon, and Assistant Extension Professor with extensive experience in Red Snapper research and management. Marcus tells the history of Red Snapper fishing, some of the controversies and conflicts that have arisen between recreational and commercial anglers, managers, and scientists, and they discuss the status of Red Snapper research and management. Tune in an let Fish University dispel some of the myths and highlight some of the challenges in the management of this iconic fishery.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
TFT Legal Council and board member Carter Weeks joins us to discuss how Turkeys for Tomorrow got started, the vision of the organization, and how you can get involved to make a difference. To learn more about TFT, check out turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
There’s no doubt that prescribed fire is good for wildlife habitat, but what’s the best time of year to burn? What are the pros and cons of burning during the dormant season (winter) and the growing season (spring and summer)? In this episode Bronson and Steve visit with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop and discuss the findings from his research where he examined the response of vegetation to dormant and growing season fire. Which is the best? You guessed it…IT DEPENDS.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Dr. Craig Harper joins to disclose step-by-step instructions on how to implement better brooding and nesting cover on your property. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Dr. Craig Harper (Website)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Craig Harper joins to disclose step-by-step instructions on how to implement better brooding and nesting cover on your property. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Dr. Craig Harper (Website)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Jarred and Adam explain the Wildlife Habitat Education Program, which engages kids from throughout the country in wildlife habitat management through 4-H and FFA. Adam and Jarred first discuss the structure of the program and how it’s implemented in states across the country, and then they explore the national competition, including featuring voices of competitors from the 2022 National Competition in Kentucky.
If you’re interested in starting a WHEP club in your community, you should reach out to your local or state 4-H or FFA leaders. Learn more about the program and how to get involved at the link below.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources from the episode:
Learn more about WHEP at: https://www.whep.org/
Forestland and its subsequent management are still sound investments! Join us in this episode of Timber University as we discuss some of the things you should consider when investing in natural resources. We also discuss how timber value varies depending upon a different location and onsite factors.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
FWC Wild Turkey Management Program Coordinator Buddy Welch discloses details on the previous and on-going research conducted on wild turkeys. Then, discussion of Florida landowner resources, cost-share programs, and habitat characteristics unique to the state that are vital for turkey population. This is Part 2 of this episode.
Resources from the episode:
- FWC Wild Turkey Summer Survey (opens June 1)
- Florida Wildlife Corridor
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2022 Annual Wild Turkey Hunting Status Report
- Wild Turkey Cost Share Program
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
You know what to do when your pet cat or dog is sick, but have you ever thought about who to call when your pet fish are under the weather? In this episode, Wes chats with Dr. Jessie Sanders, a mobile aquatic veterinarian and author, to talk fish health. From sick Koi and goldfish to whether fish get constipated, no discussion is out of bounds. Join in for a fun and informative discussion about your aquatic scale babies.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
FWC Wild Turkey Management Program Coordinator Buddy Welch joins us to disclose details on the state’s season frameworks, restocking history, and harvest trends. Then, a look into the previous and on-going research studies conducted on wild turkeys across Florida. This is Part 1 of this episode.
Resources from the episode:
- FWC Wild Turkey Summer Survey (opens June 1)
- Florida Wildlife Corridor
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2022 Annual Wild Turkey Hunting Status Report
- Wild Turkey Cost Share Program
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Music by Artlist.io
Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
We’ve covered a lot this season: wolves, working lands, and some of the ideas and management practices that divide and unite the people of the American West. In our final episode of the season, Alex and Jared are headed to Colorado, where a ballot initiative, passed in 2020, requires Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce wolves to the western part of the state by the end of 2023.
Full show notes: https://workingwild.us/season-one/13-colorado-wolf-reintroduction-and-the-great-divide/
PA Game Commission wild turkey biologist Mary Jo Caselena joins us to disclose details on their state’s mark recapture study, population trends, and private landowner incentive programs. Then, a look into the largest conducted, multi-state mid-Atlantic hen population study. This is Part 2 of this episode.
Resources from the episode:
- PA Landowner Programs
- Casalena, M. J., et al. "Understanding the new normal: wild turkeys in a changing northeastern landscape." Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium. Vol. 11. 2015.
- 5 Environmental Factors that Affect Turkey Populations
- Board of Game Commissioners Meeting January 27, 2023
- Pennsylvania NRCS
- PSU cooperative extension’s county offices
Corrections:
- CREP enrollment is currently 91,739 acres and has not reached maximum acreage in over 10 years.
- Predation rates are influenced by habitat quality (on local and landscape scales), weather, and disease.
Mary Jo Caselena
1-833-742-4868
ra-comments@pa.gov
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
PA Game Commission wild turkey biologist Mary Jo Caselena joins us to disclose details on their state’s mark recapture study, population trends, and private landowner incentive programs. Then, a look into the largest conducted, multi-state mid-Atlantic hen population study. This is Part 1 of 2 for this episode.
Resources from the episode:
- PA Landowner Programs
- Casalena, M. J., et al. "Understanding the new normal: wild turkeys in a changing northeastern landscape." Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium. Vol. 11. 2015.
- 5 Environmental Factors that Affect Turkey Populations
- Board of Game Commissioners Meeting January 27, 2023
Corrections:
- CREP enrollment is currently 91,739 acres and has not reached maximum acreage in over 10 years.
- Predation rates are influenced by habitat quality (on local and landscape scales), weather, and disease.
Mary Jo Caselena
1-833-742-4868
ra-comments@pa.gov
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak
Wildlife Biologist John Gruchy gives us his fastball pitch on adjusting old fields, even food plots, into poult-rearing cover. This is Part 2 of Monday's episode.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Forest tax is a very specialized area in the tax codes. Many forest landowners, CPAs, and lawyers are often not well versed with this type of taxation. This episode of Timber University is recorded with the intent of highlighting some of the more pertinent areas of tax law that concern landowners and their forest management.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Wildlife Biologist John Gruchy joins the show to discuss the timeline of landscape changes across Mississippi, consequences of earlier management decisions, and what we’ve got to eradicate moving forward. Check back Thursday for Part 2 of this episode.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus and WIll jump back on to correct literature data on exotic grasses from Monday’s episode, clarify a few points on CRP and burning during nesting, and swap turkey hunting stories.
Referenced paper: Barnes, Thomas G., Stephen J. DeMaso, and Matt A. Bahm. "The impact of 3 exotic, invasive grasses in the southeastern United States on wildlife." Wildlife Society Bulletin 37.3 (2013): 497-502.
Get your call: https://honeycombcustomcalls.com/collections/our-partners/products/chasing-tales
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we discuss the large-scale habitat changes that may have contributed to wild turkey decline, key management strategies that shifted the landscapes, what changes contributed to habitat loss, and what we can do to save the poults moving forward.
Papers:
- Barnes, Thomas G., Stephen J. DeMaso, and Matt A. Bahm. "The impact of 3 exotic, invasive grasses in the southeastern United States on wildlife." Wildlife Society Bulletin 37.3 (2013): 497-502.
- Carmichael Jr, D. Breck. "The Conservation Reserve Program and wildlife habitat in the southeastern United States." Wildlife Society Bulletin (1997): 773-775.
- Martinuzzi, Sebastián, et al. "Scenarios of future land use change around United States’ protected areas." Biological Conservation 184 (2015): 446-455.
- Napton, Darrell E., et al. "Land changes and their driving forces in the Southeastern United States." Regional Environmental Change 10 (2010): 37-53.
- Nowacki, Gregory J., and Marc D. Abrams. "The demise of fire and “mesophication” of forests in the eastern United States." BioScience 58.2 (2008): 123-138.
- Griffith, Jerry A., Stephen V. Stehman, and Thomas R. Loveland. "Landscape trends in mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States ecoregions." Environmental Management 32 (2003): 572-588.
Videos:
- Leaf Traits Affect Fire Behavior in Upland Hardwoods
- How Varying Fire Return Intervals Affect Plant Communities Over Decades
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Colter Chitwood re-joins the podcast to give us an update of the on-going turkey research in the state of Oklahoma. Learn details of the hunter-led work estimating vital rates to increase poult per hen ratios, and learn how state-wide genetics can help us understand turkey movement across the landscape.
Dr. Colter Chitwood (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
When it comes to getting boots on the ground for private lands conservation, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever is a leader. This episode we are joined by Quail Forever Tennessee State Coordinator, Brittney Viers, to discuss all the work PF & QF does for wildlife on private lands. From Farm Bill Biologists to Precision Ag & Conservation Specialists, tune in to learn about the wide-ranging roles of PFQF employees, and how they work to create and enhance habitat on private lands.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources from the episode:
Find your local Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever Biologist: https://quailforever.org/Habitat/findBiologist.aspx
Contact a Precision Ag & Conservation Specialist: https://www.pheasantsforever.org/Conservation/Precision-Agriculture/Contact.aspx
Dr. Chris Moorman rejoins the podcast to discuss the use of prescribed fire during nesting season. Plus, gain inside details on the studies Dr. Moorman has led concerning burn timing as it relates to ground nesting birds.
Papers:
- Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire." The Journal of Wildlife Management 78.6 (2014): 1033-1039.
- Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey prenesting-resource selection in a landscape managed with frequent prescribed fire." Southeastern Naturalist 14.1 (2015): 137-146.
- Kroeger, Anthony J., et al. "Northern bobwhite non‐breeding habitat selection in a longleaf pine woodland." The Journal of Wildlife Management 84.7 (2020): 1348-1360.
- Winiarski, Jason M., et al. "Nest-site selection and nest survival of Bachman's Sparrows in two longleaf pine communities." The Condor: Ornithological Applications 119.3 (2017): 361-374.
Dr. Chris Moorman (habitatdoc) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Dr. Colter Chitwood re-joins the podcast to give us an update of the on-going turkey research in the state of Oklahoma. Learn details of the hunter-led work estimating vital rates to increase poult per hen ratios, and learn how state-wide genetics can help us understand turkey movement across the landscape.
Dr. Colter Chitwood (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Today, Alex and Jared explore how livestock producers and researchers are working together to adapt old world tools into new world technologies to help reduce conflicts. They’ll look at how innovative solutions can often be simple, and how new tools can help keep people, livestock, and wildlife safe.
Full show notes: https://workingwild.us/season-one/12-co-producing-technology-to-reduce-conflict/
Did you know that fish much larger than you with a mouth full of sharp teeth might be swimming just below the surface of your favorite swimming hole? Don’t worry, these ancient creatures do not have a taste for humans. In this episode, Wes interviews Matt Wegener (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) and Kayla Kimmel (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service) about the biology and conservation of one of North America’s largest fish, the Alligator Gar.
In this episode, Alex and Jared dive into techniques that can help ranchers reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock. They’ll explore how a new spin on an old tool increases the effectiveness of fencing, how putting riders back on the range can have a multitude of benefits, and how one valley in Montana is working together to compost carcasses to reduce attractants on the landscape.
But applying these tools takes know-how, money, and time. Who pays for conflict reduction efforts that support both wildlife and working lands?
Full show notes: https://workingwild.us/season-one/11-old-world-tools-to-new-world-technology/
We review our recent episodes on the density dependence hypothesis, what we learned from conversations with experts, and implications this may have on management of the wild turkey moving forward.
Papers:
- Bond, Bobby T., et al. "Thirty-year case study showing a negative relationship between population and reproductive indices of eastern wild turkeys in Georgia." Georgia Journal of Science 70.2 (2012): 5.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we give you an update on the ongoing projects in Alabama including preliminary results on which gobblers can breed, the most common predators of nests, effects of hunting on gobbling, and more.
Paper: Proportion of tom’s had testes large enough that they could breed
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we take on the difficult subject of casualty loss. This is a subject no landowner looks forward to, but planning for the worst is sound planning. Join us as we discuss what the IRS considers a casualty, how to determine your loss in the eyes of the IRS, and how best to move forward, from a Forest Tax perspective, after one occurs.
Resources:
Tips for Landowners Attempting to Salvage Hurricane Damaged Timber
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Is density dependence operating on wild turkeys? Dr. Bret Collier walks us through his point of view on density dependence and whether it is responsible for observed changes in turkey populations. We cover a lot of ground and discuss various aspects of wild turkey biology from many studies and regions.
Papers
- Byrne, M. E., Chamberlain, M. J., & Collier, B. A. (2015). Potential density dependence in wild turkey productivity in the southeastern United States. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 11, pp. 329-351).
- Collier, B. A., Melton, K. B., Hardin, J. B., Silvy, N. J., & Peterson, M. J. (2009). Impact of reproductive effort on survival of Rio Grande wild turkey Meleagris gallop intermedia hens in Texas. Wildlife Biology, 15(4), 370-379.
- Randel, C. J., Aguirre, R., Jones, D. A., Schaap, J. N., Willsey, B. J., Peterson, M. J., & Silvy, N. J. (2005). Nesting ecology of Rio Grande wild turkey in the Edwards Plateau of Texas. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 9, pp. 37-243).
- Schwertner, T. W., Peterson, M. J., & Silvy, N. J. (2007). Effect of precipitation on Rio Grande wild turkey poult production in Texas. In Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium (Vol. 9, pp. 127-132).
Dr. Bret Collier (drshortspur) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Seems like you either love dog hunting, or hate it. There’s no in between. But what does the research say about the effects of dog hunting on deer herds? In this episode we visit with Dr. Gino D’Angelo, a professor at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. Gino is one of the few biologists that has studied a deer population routinely hunted with dogs. Gino will fill us in on the effects of dog hunting and best management practices if dog hunters hunt a property adjacent to you.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
What is density-dependence and how can it be manipulated to enhance wild turkey populations? Dr. Mark McConnell joins Marcus and Will to pull knowledge from research on density-dependence in upland game bird species and how these factors may affect wild turkey populations.
Papers:
- Byrne, Michael E., et al. "Nest site fidelity and nesting success of female wild turkeys." Wildlife Society Bulletin 46.2 (2022): e1279.
- Guthrie, Joshua D., et al. "Evaluation of a global positioning system backpack transmitter for wild turkey research." The Journal of Wildlife Management 75.3 (2011): 539-547.
- Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
- McGhee, Jay D., and James M. Berkson. "Estimation of a nonlinear density-dependence parameter for wild turkey." The Journal of wildlife management 71.3 (2007): 706-712.
- McGhee, Jay D., and Jim Berkson. "Correlation of eastern wild turkey poult: hen ratios with population indices to detect reproductive density dependence." Virginia Journal of Science 58.3 (2007): 3.
- Stevens, Bryan S., et al. "Structural uncertainty limits generality of fall harvest strategies for wild turkeys." The Journal of Wildlife Management 81.4 (2017): 617-628.
- Taylor II, Jimmy D., et al. "Seasonal survival and cause-specific mortality of northern bobwhites in Mississippi." National Quail Symposium Proceedings. Vol. 4. No. 1. 2000.
- Vangilder, Larry D., and Eric W. Kurzejeski. "Population ecology of the eastern wild turkey in northern Missouri." Wildlife Monographs (1995): 3-50.
Dr. Mark McConnell (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, we wrap our mini-segment on approaches to private lands habitat management with a visit to a state with only about 30% private land: Idaho! Sal Palazzolo is the State Wildlife Habitat Program Manager for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. He works with staff and partners to manage habitat throughout the state on private and public lands and took Adam on a tour of the state and its diversity to admire their unique challenges and share some of their successes!
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Learn more about private land programs in Idaho here: https://idfg.idaho.gov/wildlife/lands
What does the available wild turkey research tell us and what gaps need to be filled moving forward? Dr. Chitwood walks us through 50+ years of published literature on eastern wild turkey vital rates. They literally incorporated all of the vital rates published on easterns into a model, to determine the status of population trajectories, and identify which factor was most important in driving those trajectories. This is the first release of the only known, all-inclusive meta-analysis on the wild turkey, so tune in, it is powerful. If you’re thinking nesting or brooding success…think again.
Paper:
- Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.
Figures:
- Figure 01
- Figure 02
Dr. Colter Chitwood (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
It’s obvious that we need to do something about poult-rearing cover. What are the opportunities for you to help on land you don’t own? Join Marcus and Will as they discuss what desirable brooding cover looks like, how to achieve it, and how and where our listeners have improved turkey habitat on the places they hunt. This is a bonus episode for the tremendous feedback and questions received related to this topic.
Paper:
- Palmer, William E., et al. "Effect of field borders and nest‐predator reduction on abundance of northern bobwhites." Wildlife Society Bulletin 33.4 (2005): 1398-1405.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Join us in this episode of Timber University as we discuss the pros and cons of site preparation in forestry. Many forest managers are familiar with the various mechanical and chemical site preparation methods available, but may not know how they compare with each other in implementation and effectiveness. This episode is intended to familiarize you with the most commonly encountered treatments currently used in forestry.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com. Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
So far this season, we’ve been spending a lot of time in the Northern Rockies, in the states where grey wolves first returned to the West – whether by reintroduction or recolonization. But in 2008, dispersing wolves from Idaho denned in both eastern Oregon and Washington, where they hadn’t been seen since the 1940’s.
In this episode, Alex and Jared explore how different geography, politics and management goals put wolves in the center of a tough dynamic in the Pacific Northwest.
Full show notes: https://workingwild.us/season-one/10-wolf-management-in-the-pacific-northwest/
While at the Southeast Deer Study Group, Marcus and Will sit down to reflect on the recent predation episodes. They discuss key takeaways, lessons learned, and where mindsets began to shift.
Paper:
- Palmer, William E., et al. "Effect of field borders and nest‐predator reduction on abundance of northern bobwhites." Wildlife Society Bulletin 33.4 (2005): 1398-1405.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
When wolves disperse, they are increasingly moving through human-dominated landscapes where they often get into trouble.
In today’s episode, Alex and Jared explore where wolves are, where different people think they should be, and the tricky business of managing and living with wolves in a changing world.
Links from the episode:
Gray Wolf Spotted 3 Times In Ventura County Believed To Have Traveled From Oregon
Study: Does dispersal make the heart grow bolder? Avoidance of anthropogenic habitat elements across wolf life history
NPR: To conserve U.S. lands, ecologists want wolves and beavers to ‘re-wild’ the West
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife – Wolves in Oregon
Full show notes: https://workingwild.us/season-one/09-wolves-dispersing-in-the-modern-west/
200 private landowners, 25,000+ acres of private land, years of data… on hundreds of birds!?! If you live or hunt in North Carolina this episode is a must-listen! Dr. Chris Moorman joins Marcus and Will to reveal details on a unique, multi-regional wild turkey research project taking place in the state of North Carolina. Stay tuned for a later NC research update for details on how the project is progressing.
Dr. Chris Moorman (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fundv
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
The world of fishing, and especially bass fishing, has changed considerably in the past 50 years. In this episode, Wes sits down with retired fisheries expert and active angler Dr. Hal Schramm to discuss how the techniques, science, and management of bass fishing has evolved over the past 50 years and what the next great challenges may be.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Dr. Bret Collier joins Marcus and Will to challenge the status quo of how we view wild turkey nest predation. Bringing a new perspective to how we define predators, Dr. Collier breaks down our conventional approach, while proposing a few new methods, to controlling wild turkey predation.
Resources from the episode:
- Byrne, Michael E., and Michael J. Chamberlain. "Seasonal space use and habitat selection of adult raccoons (Procyon lotor) in a Louisiana bottomland hardwood forest." The American midland naturalist 166.2 (2011): 426-434.
- Dreibelbis, Justin Z., et al. "Predation of Rio Grande wild turkey nests on the Edwards Plateau, Texas." The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120.4 (2008): 906-910.
- Fyffe, Nathan, et al. "Nesting perseverance by a female Gould's Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) under multiple direct predation threats." The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 130.4 (2018): 1041-1047.
- Healy, W. M., and S. M. Powell. Wild turkey harvest management: biology, strategies, and techniques. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Technical Publication. BTP-R5001-1999, Washington DC, USA, 1999.
- Keever, Allison C., et al. "Early nest initiation and vegetation density enhance nest survival in Wild Turkeys: La iniciación temprana del nido y la densidad de la vegetación mejoran la supervivencia del nido en Meleagris gallopavo silvestris." Ornithology 140.1 (2023): ukac050.
- Schwertner, T. Wayne, Markus J. Peterson, and Nova J. Silvy. "Raccoon abundance and Rio Grande wild turkey production in central Texas." Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Vol. 58. 2004.
Dr. Bret Collier (drshortspur) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fundv
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Many people, when they think about wolves, think of Yellowstone National Park. And for good reason; it has some of the best wolf watching in the world. But tensions rose when changes to Montana’s wolf hunt along the Park border were made just before the 2021-22 season.
Join Alex and Jared as they explore wolves in and around Yellowstone National Park. They’ll look at how wolves are managed differently depending on where they are on a map, and what that really means for the communities around the Park. Plus, can non-consumptive users help fund wildlife conservation?
Full shownotes: https://workingwild.us/season-one/08-the-yellowstone-wolf/
With limited research on wild turkey predator trapping, Marcus and Will turn to Dr. Dwayne Elmore for his professional and personal experience with predator trapping across various game bird species. Join as they pull and apply concepts from the available body of literature to help us further understand predator control for wild turkeys.
Resources from the episode:
- Ellis‐Felege, Susan N., et al. "Predator reduction results in compensatory shifts in losses of avian ground nests." Journal of Applied Ecology 49.3 (2012): 661-669.
- Messmer, Terry A., et al. "United States public attitudes regarding predators and their management to enhance avian recruitment." Wildlife Society Bulletin (1999): 75-85.
- Sanders, Heather Nicole. Impacts of invasive wild pigs on wild turkey reproductive success. Diss. Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 2017.
- Cooper, Susan M., and Tim F. Ginnett. "Potential effects of supplemental feeding of deer on nest predation." Wildlife Society Bulletin (2000): 660-666.
- Huang, Miranda HJ, et al. "Identifying Aflatoxin Exposure Risk from Supplemental Feeding of Deer." The Journal of Wildlife Diseases 58.2 (2022): 384-388.
- Dale, Leah L., Timothy J. O'Connell, and Dwayne Elmore. Aflatoxins in wildlife feed: Know how to protect wildlife. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, 2015.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Marcus is joined by Jenn Fawcett, Extension Associate & SERPPAS Prescribed Fire Work Group Coordinator for NC State University. Join as they discuss the various avenues of education and coordination available to landowners across the southeast wanting to get fire on their land.
Resources from the episode:
- https://kstate.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3eacaaf1a3514d3da2e5215b5dd55f9b
- https://sites.cnr.ncsu.edu/southeast-fire-update/prescribed-burn-associations//
- https://www.frames.gov/catalog/21218
Dr. Marcus Lashley- @DrDisturbance
Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science!
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Marcus and Will delve deeper into the research on wild turkey predator trapping. Join as they break down key findings, interpret study designs, discuss strengths and limitations, and continue the conversation of controversy surrounding wild turkey predator trapping.
Resources from the episode:
- Speake, Daniel W. "Predation on wild turkeys in Alabama." 4th National Wild Turkey Symposium. Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). 2-5 Mar 1980.. 1980.
- Williams Jr, L. E., D. H. Austin, and T. E. Peoples. "Turkey nesting success on a Florida study area." 4th National Wild Turkey Symposium. Little Rock, Arkansas (USA). 2-5 Mar 1980.. 1980.
- Gulsby, William D., et al. "White‐tailed deer fawn recruitment before and after experimental coyote removals in central Georgia." Wildlife Society Bulletin 39.2 (2015): 248-255.
- Smith, Rebecca K., et al. "Effectiveness of predator removal for enhancing bird populations." Conservation Biology 24.3 (2010): 820-829.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
Mr. David Bean is the owner of Advisory Services, Ltd. in Mountain View, Arkansas. Join Brady and Shaun as they talk with David about estate planning with a natural resources spin with topics covering items from construction of wills to trusts.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com. Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
What eats turkeys? Has the predator context changed? We give you a look from the literature, historical writings, discuss underrepresented predators, and breakdown important concepts in predator prey dynamics.
Resources from the episode:
- Chitwood et al. 2020. Raccoon Vigilance and Activity Patterns When Sympatric with Coyotes
- Gulsby et al. 2017 Landscape heterogeneity reduces coyote predation on white-tailed deer fawns
- Kelly et al. 2015. Seasonal and Spatial Variation in Diets of Coyotes in Central Georgia
- Nelson et al. 2022. Fine-scale resource selection and behavioral tradeoffs of eastern wild turkey broods
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
In this episode, Wes talks with Dr. Beth Baker of Mississippi State University. Beth and Wes discuss sediment and nutrients in our water and how they affect fish and other aquatic life.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback. We felt compelled to address major themes in the questions y’all gave us from the first topic series. Here we address several major questions and also highlight things brought to our attention by the audience.
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
In 2021, the Montana and Idaho legislatures each passed a suite of bills liberalizing wolf hunting. These changes ignited national debate around fair chase ethics, norms of state wildlife management decision-making, and potential relisting of wolves in the Northern Rockies under the Endangered Species Act.
Honing in on Montana, hosts Alex and Jared explore what these recent changes to wolf hunt regulations could mean for wolf populations in the state and for people who share the landscape with wolves. Plus, they seek to understand if a collaborative, ground-up, scientifically and publicly-informed management approach could create more durable solutions that might help prevent pendulum swings in the future.
Links and resources from State management in the Northern Rockies The Boone and Crockett Club’s Fair Chase statement
The Boone and Crockett Club’s position on predator management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service press release on the status review of gray wolf in the Western U.S.
Understanding Rural Attitudes Toward the Environment and Conservation in America, by Robert Bonnie
Research led by Eric Olson, published in Conservation Letters: “Pendulum Swings in Wolf Management Led to Conflict, Illegal Kills, and a Legislated Wolf Hunt” (PDF)
Montana Free Press bill tracker 2021 legislative history of:
- SB 314: Revise laws related to wolf harvest
- SB 267: Authorize reimbursement for wolf trapping and hunting
Official Montana Wolf Harvest Data from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana Hunt Regulations: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/wolf
Check out WLA’s Working Wild Challenge: westernlandowners.org/working-wild-challenge/
Recommended listening: The On Land Podcast, presented by Western Landowner’s Alliance
Please take our listener survey: https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7bDYRyUKs8j2pU
Credits Working Wild U is a production of Montana State University Extension and Western Landowners Alliance with support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Western SARE and you, our listeners.
Today’s episode was directed and edited by Zach Altman and produced by Matthew Collins, Zach Altman, Alex Few, Jared Beaver, and Abby Nelson.
Our hosts are Jared Beaver and Alex Few.
Louis Wertz is our Executive Producer. Music is from Artlist and Blue Dot Sessions.
Special thanks to Kathleen Shannon for helping edit this episode, and thanks to Doug Smith, Abby Nelson, Dan Vermillion, Mike Jimenez, and Ken Mills.
Follow Working Wild U on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Please rate and review the show on Apple podcasts, and share this episode with a friend or neighbor!
Is the science settled? Will and Marcus have a deep discussion about what we learned from the first few episodes, what data we have, what is missing, and where we should go from here.
Paper: Considerations for Timing of Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons in the Southeastern United States
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Produced by Charlotte Nowak
It’s easy to see wolf management in two buckets: full protection under the Endangered Species Act or unregulated wolf hunting. But successful management of established wildlife populations is most often somewhere in the middle, with hunting used both as a tool and a conservation funding mechanism.
Join Alex and Jared as they explore hunting as a management tool and take a look at how the North American model of wildlife conservation allows species to fund their own conservation and management. Plus, they’ll take a look at how Wyoming’s unique approach to managing wolves has helped increase acceptance and reduce conflicts.
Links from this episode:
Please take our listener survey.
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
The North American model of wildlife conservation: Wildlife for everyone – by Brent Lawrence with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wyoming wolf trophy game management area map, and more info on Wyoming wolf hunting from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Hunters aren’t the worst threat to wolves’ survival, by David Mech for Minnesota Public Radio in 2009
Aldo Leopold’s classic essay from A Sand County Almanac, Thinking Like a Mountain
Our opening wolf hunt audio came from this YouTube video by Stuck N the Rut. Viewer discretion is advised.
Marcus is joined by Laurel Kays, Fire Learning Network Manager of The Nature Conservancy. Learn of the programs and networking support in which fire professionals are helping landowners to understand and navigate getting fire on their lands.
Resources from the episode:
- Fire Learning Network
- Project Firehawk: Decolonizing Prescribed Fire
- A Pessimist’s Guide to Optimal Hope
- Dr. Sarah McCaffrey on Effective Communication about Wildfire Management: Observations from 20 years of fire social science research
Laurel Kays
Dr. Marcus Lashley- @DrDisturbance
Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
In this episode, Dr. Mike Chamberlain discusses various aspects of wild turkey biology and ecology, signs of problems across many states, how hunter harvest could be contributing to wild turkey decline, and potential solutions.
Paper: Status and distribution of wild turkeys in theUnited States in 2019
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Click here to donate to wild turkey research.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, check out turkeysfortomorrow.org.
In this episode, Adam Butler gives us an historical context for wild turkey population dynamics and reveals results from the ongoing season date manipulation across several wild turkey populations in Mississippi.
Paper: Considerations for Timing of Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons in the Southeastern
United States
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Click here to donate to wild turkey research.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, check out turkeysfortomorrow.org.
In this episode, Dr. Craig Harper fills us in on their experimental manipulation of season dates across several counties in Tennessee and how it affected wild turkey productivity. We also cover several topics that are critical to understand about wild turkey populations.
Paper: Nest-site Selection and Survival of Wild Turkeys in Tennessee
Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.
Click here to donate to wild turkey research.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, check out turkeysfortomorrow.org.
In their inaugural episode, Marcus and Will discuss what they are trying to accomplish with this podcast and how it was made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow. Help us help turkeys by subscribing and sharing with your friends and family.
Click here to donate to wild turkey research.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby) UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab) Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Here is a sneak peak of the upcoming episodes of Wild Turkey Science (here), the newest series in the Natural Resources University podcast network. Subscribe now because it’s going to get intense quick! Release date: January 22, 2023.
Click here to donate to wild turkey research.
Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance)
Dr. Will Gulsby (dr_will_gulsby)
Turkeys for Tomorrow (turkeysfortomorrow)
UF DEER Lab (ufdeerlab)
Do all the habitat recommendations that deer biologists make also benefit turkey? In this episode, Bronson and Steve visit with Marcus Lashley and Will Gulsby to discuss habitat limiting factors for turkey, and how to incorporate habitat management techniques that benefit both deer and turkey. Stay tuned until the end for a big announcement…
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit the MSU Deer Lab YouTube channel (here).
For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Dr. John Auel is the Certification Programs Director for the Mississippi Forestry Association. Join us in this episode of Timber University as we discuss best management practices with John and how this style of management serves to maintain environmentally sound timber management.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
If you are interested in building the best fishing lake, you need to talk to the most experienced lake designer! In this episode, Wes chats with The Pond Boss, Bob Lusk, about what factors he considers when designing awesome fishing lakes.
Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
For more, follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook.
Do wolves pose a threat to people? What is “normal” wolf behavior? What happens when wolves set up shop in your neighborhood? Join hosts Alex and Jared as they explore a collection of stories about wolves getting a little too close for comfort, and the difficult choices wildlife managers face when wolves come to town.
Please take our listener survey: https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7bDYRyUKs8j2pU
Jared (and co-authors)’s article titled Effectiveness, economics, and safety of drop nets and helicopters with net-gunning for capturing white-tailed deer
Are wolves dangerous to humans?
Life in the Land Big Hole Watershed film, featuring Chet Robertson
Follow Working Wild U on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
https://workingwild.us/
In 1995, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after decades of absence. It didn’t take long for them to make their way to Julia Childs’ ranch, located just north of the park. When wolves were reintroduced in the Northern Rockies, they were entering a complex social and political landscape that continues today.
In this episode, Alex and Jared explore the nuances of the wolf reintroduction and recovery, made possible by the Endangered Species Act. This landmark environmental law passed with bipartisan support in 1973. Join us as we untangle how the ESA became just as controversial as the wolves it would seek to protect, and what that means for the future of species recovery on the eve of its 50th anniversary.
We’re so grateful for all of our listeners! To help secure the future of the show, we need to hear from you. Please take our listener survey: https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7bDYRyUKs8j2pU
2008 statute creating the distinct population segment in the Northern Rockies.
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Gray wolf timeline for the contiguous United States
The history of the Endangered Species Act
Follow Working Wild U on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
96% of wolves in the Northern Rockies live in the working wild: public and private lands where people and wildlife share the landscape. But who pays the cost of supporting biodiversity on the landscape? To find out, we explore the economics of our food system and take a look at how one ranch family is getting creative in order to share the landscape with wolves and maintain open space.
New York Times The Daily podcast episode on prices in the beef market: “Who do you want controlling your food?”
John and Weston Helle’s wool apparel company, Duckworth
The Ruby Valley Strategic Alliance
Cole Mannix’s enterprise: Old Salt Co-op
The Blackfoot Challenge
Lesli Allison’s Director’s Letter in On Land: “Working lands are the future of conservation”
Follow Working Wild U on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
To understand how we got to where we are today, hosts Alex and Jared go to Albert Sommers’ operation and the Green River Drift, a cattle migration in Wyoming that’s been taking place for generations. We’ll learn about the land management policies that shaped predator eradication, public lands, and the West we know today.
Nathan Sayre’s “History of Rangeland Policy” talk from Beyond Conflict, WLA event in 2021
Nathan Sayre’s book: The Politics of Scale
Threshold’s season on bison: Oh, Give Me A Home
Feature-length documentary about the Green River Drift: The Drift
CBS News segment on the Green River Drift
If you’re interested in learning more about the homesteading days in the Upper Green, you can head to the Sommers Homestead Living History Museum near Pinedale, Wyoming. The museum is located about 7 miles south of the Cora Junction on US 191 on the East Green River Road, Just west of Pinedale Wyoming. For more information, call the Museum of the Mountain Man(307-367-4101), or find it on Facebook.
Follow Working Wild U on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
In the western United States, wolves represent many things to many people. To some, wolves are a symbol of wildness. To others, wolves represent a very real threat to their livelihoods and well-being. Join us as we explore how people’s values impact how they think about wolves. When it comes to wolves, can we find a shared vision for the future?
Aldo Leopold’s land ethic
Mr. Pat O’Toole testifies on drought before Senate Energy Committee
A good place to start for background information about wolves
Oregon ranchers turn to bigger dogs to protect livestock from wolves, featuring Kim Kerns
Robert Bonnie’s paper: Understanding Rural Attitudes Toward the Environment and Conservation in America
On Land magazine’s Humans of the Working Wild series
Conservation professionals agree on challenges to coexisting with large carnivores but not on solutions
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt on Bookshop.org
Jonathan Haidt and the Moral Matrix: Breaking Out of Our Righteous Minds from Scientific American
Follow Working Wild U on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Only a small percentage of landowners actually possess a written management plan for their property. This episode of Timber University details the benefits of having a management plan as well as commonly included components and their importance when writing a management plan.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com. Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
In this episode of Timber University, we discuss the importance of setting objectives and realistic goals for ownership of your property. Often forestland owners do not know where to start in their management efforts, this episode is intended to help you begin the management process by listing some things to consider before undertaking this exciting challenge.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
We are pleased to introduce the newest series within the NRU network: Timber University!
In this, the first episode of Timber University, we explain our goals for the podcast, what we intend on covering, and who would benefit from listening. We also discuss our backgrounds and career paths that led us to working for the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.
For more, follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Dr. Marcus Lashley is joined by Dr. Kevin Robertson, Fire Ecology Research Scientist at Tall Timbers Research Station. In this episode, they discuss Dr. Robertson’s recent research assessing how fire affects the restoration of pine savannas over a 100 year period. Research study discussed: Pine savanna restoration on agricultural landscapes: The path back to native savanna ecosystem services
Dr. Kevin Robertson
Dr. Marcus Lashley- @DrDisturbance
Enroll now in our free fire course.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Once home to the largest brown trout ever caught, the Little Red River is fighting a battle between perception and reality. Dr. Wes Neal visits with researcher Dr. Steve Lochmann to discuss what’s really going on. Sit back and enjoy!
Follow Fish University on Facebook
Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook
Be sure to subscribe to Working Wild University, coming soon to NRU.
This is a crossover episode with A Talk On The Wild Side podcast, hosted by Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak. Dr. Mike Cherry is the Stuart W. Stedman Chair for White-tailed Deer Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and has experience researching and managing deer from Texas to Florida to Virginia. Mike and Bronson talk about deer management and habitat management in the Southeastern US as compared to South Texas.
New podcast alert!! Be sure to subscribe to Working Wild University, coming soon to NRU.
We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a new NRU network series: Working Wild University!
Working Wild U is a narrative podcast that explores people and wildlife at the crossroads of culture and science. This season explores wolves in the West, from eradication to recovery, and what it really means to share the landscape with large carnivores. Stay tuned and be sure to subscribe to their show! https://workingwild.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwildu/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@workingwildu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkingWildU
Dr. Wes Neal chats with Tom Lang, Director of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, about the selective breeding approaches the state of Texas is using to grow bigger, better bass. Hear all about the Toyota Share-Lunker Program and how genetic approaches are increasing maximum bass size in Texas. Enjoy!
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In this episode of Fire University, Marcus chats with Dr. Victoria Donovan, Assistant Professor of Forest Management at the University of Florida. Join as they discuss her past research understanding the roles of fire dynamics across plant and animal communities, as well as future research programs to continue understanding how fire shapes communities within spatio-temporal scales.
Dr. Victoria Donovan
The Donovan Lab
victoria.donovan@ufl.edu
Dr. Marcus Lashley - @DrDisturbance - @ufdeerlab
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course. Available to all!
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!
We’re back with another Q & A, this time with questions focused on buck movement and hunting strategy. Enjoy!
Be sure to follow us on social media @MSUDeerLab and subscribe to our YouTube channel MSU Deer Lab TV.
We are happy to introduce our newest series within the Natural Resources University podcast network...Fish University!
Fish University is a science-based podcast covering the latest research in fish management from the small pond to the vast ocean. In this first episode, Dr. Wes Neal sits down with Deer University host Dr. Bronson Strickland to discuss the similarities between managing for trophy bass in ponds and trophy bucks in the deer woods. It turns out deer are just bass with antlers.
We asked and y’all delivered…Bronson and Steve sit down to answer your questions from social media on deer biology. Stay tuned for the following two Deer University episodes where more of your questions get answered! Be sure to follow us on social media @MSUDeerLab.
Earlier this year, we created an online Fire Training Course to teach and train participants on how to use prescribed fire to reach land management objectives. We had fire experts join a panel discussion to answer questions and share their knowledge on the fundamentals of implementing fire and connecting with fire communities. This episode is that panel discussion.
The Fire Training Course remains open, free, and available to all: https://bit.ly/RxFireTraining
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!
@DrDisturbance - @ufdeerlab
Earlier this year, we created an online Fire Training Course to teach and train participants on how to use prescribed fire to reach land management objectives. We had fire experts join a panel discussion to answer questions and share their knowledge on the fundamentals of implementing fire and connecting with fire communities. This episode is that panel discussion.
The Fire Training Course remains open, free, and available to all: https://bit.ly/RxFireTraining
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!
@DrDisturbance - @ufdeerlab
Bronson and Steve are joined by a special guest and founding father of the MSU Deer Lab, Dr. Harry Jacobson. Travel back to the early Deer Lab days and learn of early research conducted, achievements gained throughout the years, and lessons learned along the way.
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course. Available to all!
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
Bronson and Steve are joined by a special guest and founding father of the MSU Deer Lab, Dr. Harry Jacobson. Travel back to the early Deer Lab days and learn of early research conducted, achievements gained throughout the years, and lessons learned along the way.
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course. Available to all!
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
Whether it’s from fear of red meat allergy or Lyme’s disease, it’s safe to say that most people don’t hope to find a tick on them during routine checks. In this episode, Marcus introduces longtime friend and newly hired UF Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management Dr. Carolina Baruzzi. Join as they break down their recent (unreleased) study assessing the effects that fire timing and deer have on tick populations.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
The Phenology of Ticks and the Effects of Long-Term Prescribed Burning on Tick Population Dynamics in Southwestern Georgia and Northwestern Florida
Reptile Host Associations of Ixodes scapularis in Florida and Implications for Borrelia spp. Ecology
Why Lyme disease is common in the northern US, but rare in the south: The roles of host choice, host-seeking behavior, and tick density
Can restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems reduce ticks and tick-borne disease prevalence in the eastern United States?
Reduced Abundance of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) with Exclusion of Deer by Electric Fencing Get access Arrow
Abundance of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) After the Complete Removal of Deer from an Isolated Offshore Island, Endemic for Lyme Disease
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi - @OaksandGoats
Dr. Marcus Lashley - @DrDisturbance - @ufdeerlab
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course. Available to all!
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!
This episode is devoted to doe harvest. Steve and Bronson spend a lot of time talking about which bucks to harvest, but in this episode, they discuss the need for doe harvest, when to harvest, and what does to select.
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course. Available to all!
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
The species you hunt need habitat year round. Now is a key time to evaluate your habitat management outcomes and plan for upcoming applications. Join Marcus as he chats with old friend and colleague Dr. Will Gulsby, Associate professor at Auburn University, as they discuss what you can do during the July heat.
Dr. Will Gulsby - @dr_will_gulsby - Auburn Deer Lab
Dr. Marcus Lashley - @DrDisturbance - @ufdeerlab
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course. Available to all!
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!
On this episode Adam is joined by Bill White and Lisa Potter from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Join them for a wide-ranging conversation about the MDC private lands program and how 80+ biologists work to get wildlife conservation done on private land.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources from the episode:
Missouri Private Lands Program - https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course!
How has our outreach affect you? (survey) https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZdpHVy5wwkAt4q
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It’s summertime - bucks are growing antlers, does are lactating, and Steve has returned from Europe just in time to sit down with Bronson to inform listeners on what they can be doing now to help meet nutritional demands for deer this summer and following seasons to come. Get the overview of tools, resources, and science behind deer nutritional timelines in this episode you don't want to miss.
We talk a lot about the aspects of habitat that wildlife use the most…but what about the unique habitat features wildlife use infrequently but are critical to their survival? For this episode, Marcus sits down with good colleagues and friends Dr. Colter Chitwood and Dr. Dwayne Elmore of Oklahoma State University to discuss this concept with gamebirds, box turtles, and more.
Dr. Colter Chitwood - colter.chitwood@okstate.edu - Chitwood Lab
Dr. Dwayne Elmore - dwayne.elmore@okstate.edu
Dr. Marcus Lashley - @DrDisturbance - @ufdeerlab
Papers discussed in this episode:
- Chiwood et al. 2017: Macroarthropod response to time-since-fire in the longleaf pine ecosystem
- Harris et al. 2020: Direct and Indirect Effects of Fire on Eastern Box Turtles
- Harris et al. 2020: Spatial Ecology and Resource Selection of Eastern Box Turtles
- Mason & Lashley 2021: Spatial scale in prescribed fire regimes: an understudied aspect in conservation with examples from the southeastern United States
- Robertson et al. 2021: Fire management alters the thermal landscape and provides multi-scale thermal options for a terrestrial turtle facing a changing climate
Enroll now in our free wildland fire course, opening June 20, 2022.
This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort.
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Providing lactating does and their fawns with high-quality forage and cover is integral for both their nutrition and survival. In the southeast, fire is one of the leading management tools used to increase the quality of white-tailed deer habitat. For this episode, Marcus sits down with deer expert Dr. Bronson Strickland of the MSU Deer Lab to discuss details on what factors play a role in creating good-quality habitat for lactating does and their fawns.
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This podcast is supported by donations from our listeners. If you’d like to help, click here to donate today!
Dr. Marcus Lashley | @DrDisturbance | @ufdeerlab
Dr. Bronson Strickland | @MSUDeerLab
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!
Join Jarred from the Bluegrass State as he talks with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Private Lands Coordinator, Jacob Stewart, and Small Game Coordinator, Cody Rhoden. Listen in as Jacob and Cody discuss their philosophy on private lands conservation and how Kentucky is trying to make wildlife a by-product of everyday land management. Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources from the episode:
KDFWR Private Lands Program - https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/Improve-Your-Land-for-Wildlife.aspx
KDFWR Bobwhite Restoration Plan 2020 - https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/QuailPlan2020.pdf
Your Bluestem Grazing Resource - https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/bluestem.aspx
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This episode is devoted to mineral stumps. Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) joins the podcast and reviews all the details. How to make them, when to make them, where to make them, and more.
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Dr. Bronson Strickland | @MSUDeerLab
Dr. Marcus Lashley | @DrDisturbance | @ufdeerlab
In today’s episode, @DrDisturbance chats with Dr. Stephen Pyne, author and professor at Arizona State University who specializes in fire history. Come travel back in time as he walks us through the evolution of fire on the North American landscape, human relationship with fire in the environment, and problems we face now and in the future.
Dr. Stephen Pyne : stephen.pyne@asu.edu | Website | Publications
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Dr. Marcus Lashley: @DrDisturbance
UF DEER Lab: @ufdeerlab
State wildlife resource agencies are often on the front lines of wildlife habitat management and conservation on private lands by providing technical expertise and custom-tailored programs to help wildlife and people. But each state has its own unique approach. To learn more about these approaches, we’re going to be taking a tour of state-led private land programs around the country in the next few episodes! To get us started, Adam visited with Ray Aberle, the private lands program manager with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the director of the Private Lands Working Group of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Ray shared some really interesting insights about the approaches states use across the country for private lands work and then discussed the specific programs he oversees in Colorado. Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources and references mentioned in the episode:
Learn more about AFWA and the Private lands working group here: https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-acts/afwa-committees/private-lands-working-group
Learn more about the variety of private lands programs in Colorado that Ray mentioned here:
https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/PrivateLandProgramsResources.aspx
Ray mentioned Rick Knight at Colorado State University—find his work here: https://sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/richardknight/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2019/02/CV.pdf
Ray mentioned the Meadowlark Initiative in North Dakota. Learn more here: https://gf.nd.gov/meadowlark-initiative
In this episode of Fire University, Marcus chats with Dr. Katie Greenberg, research ecologist of upland hardwood ecology and management for the USDA Forest Service. Join them as they discuss findings from long-term research treatments studying the effects of fire intensity on disturbance-dependent species. From open savannahs to upland oaks, you’ll learn the history of fire on the North American landscape as well as tips for improving your current land management practices.
Katie H. Greenberg | cathryn.greenberg@usda.gov
Paper: Greenberg et al 2021. Introduction to Fire Ecology Across USA Forested Ecosystems: Past, Present, and Future. In Fire Ecology and Management: Past, Present, and Future of US Forested Ecosystems (pp. 1-30). Springer, Cham.
Want to help fund ongoing research at the UF DEER Lab? Click here to donate today!
For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
Dr. Marcus Lashley: @DrDisturbance
UF DEER Lab: @ufdeerlab
Summer can be a nutritionally stressful period for deer. When bucks are growing antlers and does are gestating or lactating, there should be abundant high-quality food for them. In this episode we visit with Dr. Craig Harper from the University of Tennessee and discuss the important role of habitat and warm-season food plots during summer. Craig talks about the best summer food plot forages, and strategies to ensure their success. He also discusses his recent research on the effects of mowing perennial plots during summer.
This week we shift our inquiry from the U.S. Department of Agriculture into the Department of the Interior where we find a litany of wildlife biologists working to conserve wildlife habitat on private lands through various programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In this episode, Adam interviews biologist Gwen Kolb from the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in New Mexico and Kraig McPeek from the Ecological Services Office in Illinois. Kraig and Gwen provide a detailed overview of how the USFWS works with private landowners throughout the country to help conserve a diversity of wildlife species and help landowners and managers achieve their own goals!
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources and references mentioned in the episode:
Learn more about the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, including state contacts, at this website: https://www.fws.gov/program/partners-fish-and-wildlife
Find a U.S. FWS office near you with this link: https://www.fws.gov/visit-us?type=%5B%22Conservation%20Office%22%5D
Learn more about federally endangered species here: https://www.fws.gov/program/endangered-species
Learn what species are listed in your state here: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/species-listings-by-state-totals?statusCategory=Listed
Learn more about Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA’s) here: https://www.fws.gov/service/candidate-conservation-agreements
Learn more about the Topeka Shiner conservation success story in this article from NRCS featuring interviewee Kraig McPeek!: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ia/newsroom/stories/nrcs142p2_008651/
Learn more about the Rio Grande Cutthroat (https://westernnativetrout.org/rio-grande-cutthroat-trout/) from the Western Native Trout Initiative.
It’s the 5th and final day of #WildTurkeyWeek, and to wrap it up we’ve brought on hunting lease manager and wildlife biologist Ryan Basinger of Westervelt Wildlife Services. This episode puts you in the shoes of a landowner managing a 25 year old loblolly pine stand. How do your strategies change depending on targeted species and what are the trade-offs involved? Tune in to find out this and more as Ryan breaks down why and how integral fire is to the success of future turkey habitat.
Westervelt Wildlife Services: https://westerveltwildlife.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/westerveltwildlife
Email: RBASINGER@westervelt.com
What is #WildTurkeyWeek? In celebration of turkey season 2022, we’re bringing you a NEW episode EVERY day talkin’ everything TURKEYS! Be sure to follow @DrDisturbance @ufdeerlab to catch the latest science and information on gobblers that you won’t want to miss!
Want to help fund ongoing research at the UF DEER Lab? Click here to donate today!
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For Day 4 of #WildTurkeyWeek, we’ve brought on Ted DeVos, co-owner of Bach and DeVos Forestry and Wildlife Services. Ted has over 22 years of experience helping landowners as a consulting forester and wildlife biologist. In this episode, he breaks down the vital components of turkey habitat management, the resources and programs available to landowners wanting to use prescribed fire, and the responsibility that we as private landowners hold for the future success of this species.
Bach & DeVos Forestry And Wildlife Services, Inc: https://bachanddevos.com/wp/
Bach and DeVos Facebook: @BachAndDevosForestryAndWildlifeServices
What is #WildTurkeyWeek? In celebration of turkey season 2022, we’re bringing you a NEW episode EVERY day talkin’ everything TURKEYS! Be sure to follow @DrDisturbance @ufdeerlab to catch the latest science and information on gobblers that you won’t want to miss!
Want to help fund ongoing research at the UF DEER Lab? Click here to donate today!
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter , YouTube
For Day 3 of #WildTurkeyWeek, we’ve brought on Chipper Gibbes from Whitetail Properties to talk turkey habitat management. Join us as Chipper reveals how he uses fire in tandem with other land management strategies to create his ideal turkey habitat. What is #WildTurkeyWeek? In celebration of turkey season 2022, we’re bringing you a NEW episode EVERY day talkin’ everything TURKEYS! Be sure to follow @DrDisturbance @ufdeerlab to catch the latest science and information on gobblers that you won’t want to miss!
Want to help fund ongoing research at the UF DEER Lab? Click here to donate today!
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter , YouTube
For #WildTurkeyWeek Day 2, we’re sitting down with turkey lover and fire enthusiast David Hawley of the Wild Turkey Report. Hear from David on how he manages his land for wild turkey using prescribed fire, discusses how turkey habitat management has evolved over generations, and shares what future generations can do to help this beloved species. What is #WildTurkeyWeek? In celebration of turkey season 2022, we’re bringing you a NEW episode EVERY day talkin’ everything TURKEYS! Be sure to follow @DrDisturbance @ufdeerlab to catch the latest science and information on gobblers that you won’t want to miss!
Want to help fund ongoing research at the UF DEER Lab? Click here to donate today!
For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter , YouTube
It’s the first day of #WildTurkeyWeek and to kick it off, we’ve brought on Dr. Michael Chamberlain, leading wildlife ecology researcher and professor at the University of Georgia. In this episode, we dive into the latest science on wild turkey populations in the U.S., major problems they currently face, and what we as hunters, landowners, and conservationists can do to improve their habitat moving forward. What is #WildTurkeyWeek? In celebration of turkey season 2022, we’re bringing you a NEW episode EVERY day talkin’ everything TURKEYS! Be sure to follow @DrDisturbance @ufdeerlab to catch the latest science and information on gobblers that you won’t want to miss! Want to help fund ongoing research at the UF DEER Lab? Click here to donate today!
For more information, follow us @ufdeerlab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter , YouTube
CRP, EQIP, WRE, ACEP, CP, SAFE, MA, FRPP.....OK you get the point –there are A LOT of acronyms when it comes to federal programs for conservation work on private lands in the U.S. The Natural Resources Conservation Service –NRCS –is integral in the implementation of many of these programs. So this week, Jarred and Adam visited with Indiana’s NRCS State Wildlife Biologist Brianne Lowe to get the skinny on all these acronyms and how the programs they represent can be used to create habitat for wildlife on private lands!
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources and references mentioned in the episode:
Find a library of the “CP’s” or “Conservation Practices” under the CRP here: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/crp-practices-library/index
Learn more about the ACEP program here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/acep/
Find your local NRCS office here: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
We apologize for the technical difficulties associated with this episode and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
What interactions change in upland oak ecosystems when we expand the burn window into the fall? How does this change acorn preference of wildlife like deer and squirrels? In this episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with deer biologist and old graduate student Moriah Boggess to discuss their recent study assessing the effects of fire on acorn consumer preference. Paper: Boggess, C.M., Baruzzi, C., Alexander, H.D., Strickland, B.K. and Lashley, M.A., 2022. Exposure to fire affects acorn removal by altering consumer preference. Forest Ecology and Management, 508, p.120044.
Moriah Boggess: IG @moriah_biologist
Other relevant studies:
- Alexander et al. 2021: "Mesophication of Oak Landscapes: Evidence, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Research." BioScience
- Boggess et al. 2021: "Facultative seed predators drive community-level indirect effects of mast seeding." For. Ecol. Manage. 502, 119713
- Chiodi et al. 2018: "An analysis of Southeastern US prescribed burn weather windows: Seasonal variability and El Nino associations." Int. J. Wildland Fire 27 (3), 176–189.
- Greenler et al. 2019: "Prescribed fire and partial overstory removal alter an acorn–rodent conditional mutualism." Ecological Applications 29.7: e01958.
- Greenler et al. 2020: "Prescribed fire promotes acorn survival and seedling emergence from simulated caches." Forest Ecology and Management 464 (2020): 118063.
- Nichols et al. 2021: "Alter fire timing to recouple forage nutrients with herbivore nutrient demands." Forest Ecology and Management 500: 119646.
Research Video: https://youtu.be/gnQr9BdzUSc
Want to help fund ongoing research at the UF DEER Lab? Donate today!
For more information, follow @ufdeerlab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter , YouTube
A topic of much debate and argument is cull bucks. Do cull bucks exist? Are they different from management bucks? All good questions. In this episode we review this terminology and discuss scenarios where harvesting cull bucks, or management bucks, makes a lot of sense. At the beginning of the episode we revealed a new Deer Management Online Seminar Series. Below is the link to this program, and if you have questions, please reach out to Bill Hamrick at w.hamrick@msstate.edu
https://reg.extension.msstate.edu/view/cal10a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=81℘=324&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=MSU&rf=&pn=
On this page, you will find 8 courses related to Deer Biology and Management.
Buck Selective Harvest Strategies
Deer Management Concepts: Management Approaches and Population Dynamics
Food Plot Principles
Cool-Season Food Plots
Pine Management Affects Deer Habitat Quality
Regional Variation in Body and Antler Size: Is it Nutrition or Genetics?
Reproductive Ecology: Seasonal Breeding and Reproductive Success
Understanding Nutrition and Life Stage Requirements
Last, we mentioned a book we wrote that goes into great detail about culling or harvesting management bucks. We call the process the Strategic Harvest System and we titled the book “Strategic Harvest System: How to Break Through the Buck Management Glass Ceiling”
https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Harvest-System-Through-Management-ebook/dp/B076VXY475
There is A LOT of private land in the U.S. and that means there are A LOT of challenges and opportunities for wildlife habitat conservation there! This season, Adam and Jarred will be joining guests from across the country to admire these challenges and opportunities thoroughly. In this first episode of Season 2 of Habitat University, they set the stage for the season and discuss what some of these challenges and opportunities will look like and how they’ll be exploring them in the episodes to come!
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources and references mentioned in the episode:
Morgan et al. (2019) study that reports area of private land and numbers of private lands wildlife biologists in each state.
Morgan, J. J., Rhoden, C. M., White, B., & Riley, S. P. (2019). A state assessment of private lands wildlife conservation in the United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 43(3), 328-337. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.997
Overview of private lands wildlife conservation in the U.S. with reference to the 71% private land ownership statistic.
Burger, L. W., Evans, K. O., McConnell, M. D., & Burger, L. M. (2019). Private lands conservation: A vision for the future. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 43(3), 398-407. doi:10.1002/wsb.1001
National Woodland Owner Survey from the U.S. Forest service with information on family forest ownership: https://www.fia.fs.fed.us/nwos/ The dashboard shows customized information for each state, including those shared in the episode: https://ffrc.shinyapps.io/NWOSdashboard/
Report on landownership statistics in Iowa.
Zhang, W. A. Plastina, and W. Sawadgo. 2018. Iowa Farmland Ownership and Tenure Survey 1982-2017: A Thirty-five Year Perspective, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, FM 1893. https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/6492
Macaulay study that shows the impact of wildlife associated recreation on private lands management in the U.S.
Macaulay, L. (2016). The role of wildlife-associated recreation in private land use and conservation: Providing the missing baseline. Land Use Policy, 58, 218-233. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2016.06.024
USFWS Report showing the impacts of CRP on private lands in the northern US on breeding duck production.
Drum, R. G., Loesch, C. R., Carrlson, K. M., Doherty, K. E., & Fedy, B. C. (2015). Assessing the biological benefits of the USDA-Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for waterfowl and grassland passerines in the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States: Spatial analyses for targeting CRP to maximize benefits for migratory birds. Final Report for USDA–FSA Agreement. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/EPAS/PDF/drumetal2015_crp_prr_final.pdf
In this episode we discuss the anatomy and physiology of deer relative to making effective shots that result in a rapid recovery. Our guest is Dr. Joe R. Bumgardner, a retired surgeon who practiced abdominal and chest surgery in Starkville, MS for 28 years and took his expertise from the operating room and applied it to white-tailed deer. Dr. Bumgardner explains how broadheads and bullets disrupt the primary physiological systems of deer and cause their death. Additionally, he provides real-world examples with advice for optimal shot placement and what to do after the shot to increase your odds of recovering your deer.
How does fire regime affect seed production and dispersal in plants? In today’s episode of Fire University, Marcus sits down with former graduate student Dr. Carolina Baruzzi and current PhD candidate David Mason, MSc to chat recent and ongoing research investigating how fire regimes affect plant investment in seed production and how wildlife responses to fire may be important for which plants colonize. Join them as they discuss plant responses to fire, the roles wildlife play in seed dispersal, and how these effects impact the outcome of burning.
Dr. Carolina Baruzzi: @oaksandgoats
David Mason, MSc: @ecografitto
Relevant Studies:
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247159#pone-0247159-t001
- https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s11258-021-01204-7?sharing_token=V7B2WtQjTpfEegBovxisAPe4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY646YoSe7Fb-z7tJiGKpegiu8sZyyr_rShn1PrYmSZRePtyFcx3PxroHoR7xRtKFbriZairs0NslCpATs01M3OTzSJ7rKpGB8rE8_URib4_V5zy73MXvMt1IKn6e4LF6_o%3D
- https://bioone.org/journals/the-american-midland-naturalist/volume-182/issue-2/0003-0031-182.2.276/Patterns-of-Longleaf-Pine-Pinus-palustris-Establishment-in-Wiregrass-Aristida/10.1674/0003-0031-182.2.276.short
- https://faculty.lsu.edu/kharms/files/myers_harms_2009_ecology_with_appendices.pdf
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2980/1195-6860%282008%2915%5B94%3AHIICIA%5D2.0.CO%3B2?casa_token=50nt8eBeymcAAAAA:GfZ2ARu60wKm9DO8_1OXsxG6TS4NFqDnEBf5z4hukwnv2xRZExrBWCdgojK2Vu1EaVf1K6c3jmXx
Wiregrass Blog:
- https://www.ecologyonfire.com/wiregrass-blog
Want more info to get fired up about? Be sure to follow us below to stay up to date with our latest fire science research!
Dr. Marcus Lashley: @DrDisturbance
UF DEER Lab: @ufdeerlab
Not sure what to get the habitat manager on your list this holiday season? Have no fear! In this episode, Adam and Jarred chat about what’s on their holiday habitat wishlist. Take a listen and you are sure to find the perfect gift idea. You will also get a sneak peek about what’s coming up on Habitat University in 2022.
You can find Adam and Jarred’s wishlist below along with some helpful links.
Adam’s WIshlist
- Native Plants - https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/about/native-plants
- Field Guide (Adam’s Favorite) - https://www.littlebrown.com/titles/lawrence-newcomb/newcombs-wildflower-guide/9780316604420/
- Woodworking for wildlife - https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/wildlife/woodworking-wildlife
- Cellular Trail Camera - https://www.trailcampro.com/collections/cellular-trail-cameras
- Good Books (Adam’s recommendation) - https://milkweed.org/book/braiding-sweetgrass
Jarred’s Wishlist
- Drone or UAV - https://extension.purdue.edu/uav/natural-resources/
- Invasive control tools (Backpack sprayer or pulling tool) - https://www.entm.purdue.edu/iisc/pdf/ABH_Tool_Info.pdf
- Gift certificate or registering for an in-person or online wildlife/habitat management course - https://www.deerassociation.com/steward/
- Chainsaw or Prescribed Fire PPE - https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C%201148_1.PDF https://research.cnr.ncsu.edu/blogs/southeast-fire-update/2019/09/09/ppe-for-landowners-practical-clothing-options/
- Drip torch - https://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/products.php?mi=15801&itemnum=85022
Disclaimer
Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or certification of any kind by Purdue Extension. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
In this episode we discuss a food plot system that integrates both cool season and warm season food plot forages in the same plot. Mitt Wardlaw has been using this system for over 5 years with great success. During the hunting season, Mitt has both high-energy grains (soybean or corn) along with high-protein clovers in his food plots. Join us for this episode to learn how to make this food plot planting system work on your property.
A common concern people have when it comes to using prescribed fire is if it will result in the unwanted encroachment of invasive species. In this episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley talks with Dr. David Coyle, assistant professor and extension specialist at Clemson University who researches the impacts of invasive species and forest health management. Join them as they dive into the relationship between invasives and fire and what management strategies you can take to improve overall forest health.
David’s Socials:
https://twitter.com/drdavecoyle
https://www.instagram.com/drdavecoyle/
David’s Google Scholar Profile
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=s5UktDUAAAAJ&hl=en
David’s Clemson Profile
https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/faculty_staff/profiles/dcoyle
Wildland Fire in Ecosystems: Fire and Nonnative Invasive Plants
https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr042_6.pdf
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We’ve all heard time and time again that the biggest problem a landowner faces is their neighbor. But what if instead of competing with your neighbor, you joined forces? Join Dr. Marcus Lashley and Dr. Bronson Strickland, hosts of Fire University and Deer University, as they sit down to discuss the benefits co-ops provide and how working with your neighbor can give you a tangible return on investment. In this episode they interview Hunter Pruitt - founder of the National Wildlife Cooperative, an industry-wide project that quantifies wildlife co-ops across the U.S., connects landowners with nearby cooperatives, and supplies knowledge and resources to aid cooperatives across the U.S. landscape.
National Wildlife Cooperative:
Website: https://www.nationalwildlifecoop.com/national-wildlife-cooperative
Twitter: https://twitter.com/natwildlifecoop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalwildlifecooperative
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalwildlifecooperative/?hl=en
Deer University:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSUDeerLab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msu.deerlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msudeerlab/
Podcast: https://deeruniversity.libsyn.com/
Fire University:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ufdeerlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufdeerlab/
Podcast: https://fireuniversity.libsyn.com/
Natural Resources University:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NR_University
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NRUniversity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nr_university/
Podcast: https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com
Over the past couple decades Kansas has turned into a destination state for deer hunters chasing big whitetails. But what exactly about the Kansas landscape promotes the growth of large antlers? Dr. Drew Ricketts is an Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist for Kansas State University and is an expert on habitat management in Kansas. In this episode Drew, Steve, and Bronson crack the code on why Kansas produces so many record-book bucks.
Due to concerns of damaging tree productivity, most prescribed burning has become limited to the dormant season, a practice that is inconsistent with the historical pattern of lighting-initiated fire. How different are the effects of seasonal biennial burning and which factors play the biggest role in survival? In this episode, Dr. Marcus Lashley turns to experts Dr. Morgan Varner, Director of Fire Research at Tall Timbers, and John Willis, Forest Researcher with the U.S. Forest Service, to break down the science behind the effects that varying seasonal burns have on pine survival and growth.
Check out the study mentioned in this episode down below:
Willis et al. 2021: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FQaFRtVxslTwoMz2yXsB6I_pCU9Gixax/view
Do you have questions, feedback, or a topic you would like to have covered? Send us an email at nrunetwork@gmail.com or find us on any of the accounts listed below.
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Adam and Jarred are joined in this episode by award-winning instructor, Dr. Liz Flaherty, to chat about teaching undergraduate students all about habitat management. Dr. Flaherty is an Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology & Habitat Management at Purdue University. Take a listen to learn about the insights you can take from a college classroom and apply on your own property.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Dr. Liz Flaherty - https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/profile.aspx?strAlias=eflaher
The research Jarred mentioned about the value of CRP fields based on their distance from bobwhite populations. Private land conservation has landscape-scale benefits for wildlife in agroecosystems - https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1365-2664.13136
Dr. Brady Self rejoins the Deer University team for their second installment of timber harvesting, this time focusing on hardwoods. Tune into today’s episode to discover what you need to know for successful hardwood management on your land.
What do you do if you can’t use fire on your land but want to improve your deer and turkey habitat?
In today's episode, Dr. Marcus Lashley inquires upon what landowners can do when faced with prescribed burn limitations. He turns to wildlife experts Dr. Bronson Strickland of the MSU Deer Lab and Dr. Craig Harper of UT Knoxville to discuss the factors and techniques that will help you get around prescribed fire restrictions.
In this special 50th episode, the NRU team sits down with one another to share lessons they’ve learned over these last 8 months, reflect on their favorite episodes, and chat about what you can look forward to for the future.
Do you have a topic you want us to cover? Send us your feedback!
Email: nrunetwork@gmail.com
Don’t forget to cast your vote on your favorite NRU episode! https://twitter.com/NR_University
Deer University: https://deeruniversity.libsyn.com/
Habitat University: https://habitatuniversity.libsyn.com/
Fire University: https://fireuniversity.libsyn.com/
Pond University: https://ponduniversity.libsyn.com/
Ask anyone what they’re doing for wildlife habitat and you’re sure to hear mention of the challenges of invasive species. From aquatic invasive species that restructure entire food webs of Great Lakes to carpets of exotic grasses changing fire regimes in the west, invasive species are everywhere. In this episode, Jarred and Adam first dig in on the science of invasive species and discuss the challenges they present for wildlife and wildlife habitat. Then, we feature short discussions with Dawn Slack of The Nature Conservancy in Indiana to hear about her team’s hand-to-hand combat with invasive plants and Bronson Strickland to get the scoop on invasive feral pigs in the southeast.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
This episode's guests included Dawn Slack from the the Nature Conservancy in Indiana (https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/) and Dr. Bronson Strickland from Mississippi State University (http://extension.msstate.edu/wildlife-fisheries-aquaculture/dr-bronson-strickland).
From our discussion of invasive plant definitions, USDA’s definitions (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ct/technical/ecoscience/invasive/?cid=nrcs142p2_011124) and Grace College’s definition (https://lakes.grace.edu/native-non-native-invasive-species/).
Learn more about the idea of the “Invasion triangle” we discussed in the episode with this paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ece3.47
Download the paper from Iowa that discusses the characteristics of exotic invasive woody plants in Iowa: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1082&context=ncrpis_pubs
References mentioned in the discussion with Dawn Slack:
Indiana Invasive Species Council - https://www.entm.purdue.edu/iisc/index.html
Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasive Management - http://www.sicim.info/
Find a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area - https://www.invasive.org/cismas/
Invasive and Exotic Species of North America - https://www.invasive.org/
Learn more about invasive pigs here: https://www.wildpiginfo.msstate.edu/index.php
Midwest Invasive Plant Network: https://www.mipn.org/
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council: https://www.se-eppc.org/index.cfm
University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health - https://www.bugwood.org/index.cfm
Iowa State resources: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/invasives
Dr. Angus Catchot and Dr. Bronson Strickland visit the Mossy Oak GameKeepers Podcast team to discuss management of armyworms in wildlife food plots and duck holes. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly what armyworms are and what you can do about them.
Special thanks to Bobby Cole, Lannie Wallace, Dudley Phelps, and Toxey Haas for sharing this episode of GameKeepers with the Deer University podcast and helping us get the word out.
Find this episode and others at the Mossy Oak GameKeepers Podcast page. mossyoakgamekeeper.com/podcasts
Also, visit the Mississippi Crop Situation blog. www.mississippi-crops.com
In this week's episode, the Pond University team talks with Assistant Professor Jake Hosen from Purdue University. Jake is an aquatic scientist and limnologist with expertise in building sensors to measure water quality parameters. Jake talks to us about some of the basics of water chemistry and how things like salinity and pH can influence pond management. He also talks to us about the exciting technology that he is currently developing, including the potential for digital sensors for pond monitoring and management. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Also, please consider taking our anonymous listener survey so that we can improve the podcast and include topics that you are interested in.
Anonymous Listener Survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IhSN3DPQpowBPU
Jake’s Profile Page at Purdue University:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=jhosen&intDirDeptID=15
Jake’s Website:
http://www.ecosystemscience.io/
Streamlines Podcast:
https://extension.sdstate.edu/tags/streamlines-podcast
Making Waves Podcast:
https://freshwater-science.org/education-outreach/making-waves
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Purdue’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory:
https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/ppdl/Pages/default.aspx
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Natural Resources University YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-uehW5nyQ8uZMDSHG_low
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
Dr. Brady Self is an Extension Forestry Specialist at Mississippi State University. In this episode of Deer University, Dr. Strickland and Dr. Demaris chat with Brady on the ins and outs of pine management and how it may impact management of wildlife species.
We use fire to manage lands for specific species, but can this management technique also be used to alter the behavior of predators? Tune into today's episode of Fire University as Dr. Marcus Lashley chats with Dr. Michael Cherry of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and PhD student Marcelo Jorge of the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources as they discuss how fire can help decrease predator abundance on your land.
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▬▬▬▬▬ Marcelo Jorge ▬▬▬▬▬
►Website: https://mjorge7.wixsite.com/marcelo
►UGA Deer Lab: https://ugadeerresearch.org/
Want more information on some mentioned papers in this episode?
Check out the studies below!
Predators and Fire:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112719322364?casa_token=K9qIKMiou8oAAAAA:WdhrnjFKCam-ojTvw7Vc-4sNDqfAIfA1QWjGYRK5ye-oLVyls2kOR4wn-Tv8TREVzuDijk_MdXKK
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112719322996?casa_token=uTr8StHYvOsAAAAA:_BrJ3KvTY6wIFKzNs7s7wZUR1z7HaZt3XwE8dle3yAbFzurfQb5WOaW5zIxNW1fIfHSjYVkyYVKO
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0245695
https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/jwmg.110?casa_token=XHDZsYn6Rn4AAAAA:OF6x9IGsLpT4B3BJswwzdiSnvBG06fD1_ZsbglUVRaUR_BcvBLFI9fV3xQoWn-xJ_mlGTxx-ZBNculAX
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2193/0091-7648(2004)032[1255:PFARUO]2.0.CO;2?casa_token=-FW20Ah5n1MAAAAA:2Ey069oa1HV_pJwnZ3NhhUGJWsO-8e1Bw7CGmmVJo92APlZwyuuugIr_zo_xSlwez_XJwHaVh12tOJsD
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/3802775.pdf?casa_token=k0UZ0SnjzRAAAAAA:HoC6Zh0NpO5-v-isvvpqP6C4Jg37cl5gUDcKLt6TjZBjL7vQLWYGQsa0Q91NbYkp5Hls6G2VDrIiHuIcw2ULuoiaMC6Z45rEhA9AVsTiWzpIh0DcNRxg4g
Hardwood Removal and Predator Management:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112716306879?casa_token=6CbDlPY0fFIAAAAA:JFLKuK64zqUxpJT0rs504cHucMINIWeWm3vswqFDHkSHMZzV5WnEGQVsR0SuMH60JyBNAgu1TFpp
Bats and Fire:
https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-021-00105-4
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0245695
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.10.060
https://doi.org/10.1644/08-MAMM-A-349.1
https://doi.org/10.2193/2007-595
When you’re managing habitat for wildlife do you think more about plants than wildlife? Yeah, us too. So who better to chat with than one of the nation’s leading researchers and educators on plant-wildlife interactions? In this episode, Jarred and Adam chat with author and University of Tennessee Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Craig Harper. Tune in for a masterclass on the importance of plants and plant id for all habitat managers. But, don’t worry, you don’t have to be a botanist for this episode; Craig gives some helpful tips for anyone interested in learning more about plants, wildlife, and habitat management on their land.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Learn more about this week’s guest, Dr. Craig Harper: https://fwf.tennessee.edu/craig-harper/
Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants by Dr. Harper: https://nocsopublishing.com/
American Wildlife and Plants book quoted in the episode, a great resource, and where we sorta borrowed the title of this episode from! - https://bookshop.org/books/american-wildlife-and-plants/9780486207933
Flicker color and honeysuckle study: https://www.audubon.org/news/mystery-solved-invasive-berries-blame-turning-flickers-feathers-pink
2020 paper titled “Seeding is not always necessary to restore native early successional plant communities” that Dr. Harper referenced in the episode: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13249
In this episode of Pond University, we talk with Professor Joe Morris from Iowa State University. Joe has worked in pond management and aquaculture for a long time and has a wealth of knowledge and experience on lots of different topics, including aquatic vegetation identification, management and control. Joe is also the director of the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center. Joe talks to us about some of the major considerations when managing aquatic vegetation and some specific management tools including grass carp and herbicides. Please note that any mention of specific herbicide products is for reference only and does not represent an endorsement of those particular products. We hope you enjoy this episode! Also, please consider taking our anonymous listener survey so that we can improve the podcast and include topics that you are interested in.
Anonymous Listener Survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IhSN3DPQpowBPU
Joe’s Profile Page at Iowa State University:
https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/people/joseph-morris
North Central Regional Aquaculture Center website:
https://www.ncrac.org/n
Iowa State University Extension Store:
https://store.extension.iastate.edu/
AquaPlant Tool from Texas A&M University:
https://aquaplant.tamu.edu/
Wisconsin DNR Herbicide Factsheets:
https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/factsheets/
Purdue’s Aquatic Vegetation Guide:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/aquatic-vegetation-management/
Purdue’s Fish Identification Guide:
https://edustore.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FNR-584&_ga=2.92654493.1240264908.1625498857-1847494118.1584900510
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Purdue’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory:
https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/ppdl/Pages/default.aspx
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Natural Resources University YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-uehW5nyQ8uZMDSHG_low
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
Supplemental feeding has become a common practice, but deer biologists are often concerned about the indirect effects and how the practice could degrade habitat quality and impact the native plant community. In this episode we interview Beau Navarre, a graduate student in the MSU Deer Lab, about his research where he measured all sorts of plant data around feeders that concentrated deer. So, does feeding affect the native plant community? Well, it depends. Listen to find out!
In today’s episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with returning guest John Gruchy of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to discuss brood rearing and nesting cover of wild turkeys and northern bobwhites. Join them as they discuss what makes for good brood rearing and nesting cover when managing for turkey poults and bobwhite chicks.
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What do baseball and wildlife habitat management have in common? Take a listen to this week’s episode as Adam and Jarred discuss what Adam calls “the Moneyball problem” of habitat management. They chat about how lessons learned from the best-selling book (and movie) - Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game – can be applied to habitat management.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Resources mentioned:
Moneyball: The art of winning an unfair game, by Michael Lewis - https://bookshop.org/books/moneyball-the-art-of-winning-an-unfair-game/9780393324815
Read a synopsis on the book from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moneyball
The famous, Van Horne paper, Density as a misleading indicator of habitat quality: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3808148
“Streetlight effect” - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streetlight_effect
Moneyball and Shorebirds - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/moneyball-for-shorebirds-how-precision-analytics-are-changing-habitat-conservation/
Rosy retrospection hypothesis - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosy_retrospection
Article about University of Tennessee white oak and fertilizer research project - https://www.deerassociation.com/for-more-acorns-dont-fertilize-oak-trees-maybe-cut-some-down/
In this episode of Pond University, we talk with Ciera Baird. Ciera is an Aquatic Ecotoxicologist with Aquatic Control and is an expert on harmful algal blooms. Ciera talks to us about the difference between regular “green” algae and blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, and the types of conditions that can lead to harmful algal blooms. Ciera also discusses the negative impacts of these blooms and how to prevent and manage them in your pond or lake. We hope you enjoy this episode! Also, please consider taking our anonymous listener survey so that we can improve the podcast and include topics that you are interested in.
Anonymous Listener Survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IhSN3DPQpowBPU
Aquatic Control
https://aquaticcontrol.com/
Aquatic Control YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCavy9apWmnu6ClS1tNL2wKw
Indiana Department of Environmental Management Harmful Algal Bloom Information:
https://www.in.gov/idem/algae/#:~:text=Some%20blue%2Dgreen%20algal%20strains,they%20sink%20to%20the%20bottom
Publication on Harmful Algal Blooms:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/aquatic-vegetation-management/
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Purdue’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory:
https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/ppdl/Pages/default.aspx
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Natural Resources University YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-uehW5nyQ8uZMDSHG_low
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
Supplemental feeding of deer has become a common practice throughout most of the white-tailed deer’s range. Deer biologists often warn of the potential risks of supplemental feeding related to transfer of disease among deer, other wildlife, and people. In this episode we interview Miranda Huang, a graduate student in the MSU Deer Lab, about her research where she quantified disease risk from parasites and aflatoxins. The results were surprising!
In today's episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with Dr. Bronson Strickland of the MSU Deer Lab and Dr. Will Gulsby of Auburn University to chat about deer habitat, timing of fire, and all the nuances of using fire as a tool to manage for deer. Tune in to learn how using prescribed fire can help you create both high quality cover and forage for your deer!
Dr. Bronson Strickland, MSU Deer Lab: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/
Dr. William Gulsby: http://wp.auburn.edu/deerlab/faculty-and-staff/
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►Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab
►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufdeerlab
►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ufdeerlab
►YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UFDEERLab
Aldo Leopold’s defined his 5 tools of game management when he wrote Game Management over 80 years ago. But what tools did he miss, or what tools have been developed in the 88 years since the book was published? Join Adam and Jarred as they share their thoughts on the habitat management tools that should be added to the list. What tools would you add to Aldo’s list? Also, listen as Jarred tries to convince Adam that his toolbox analogy isn’t complete nonsense.
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Hartzler, R. G. (2010). "Reduction in common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) occurrence in Iowa cropland from 1999 to 2009." Crop Protection 29(12): 1542-1544. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219410002152
Rathfon, R. A., S. M. Greenler, and M. A. Jenkins. n.d. Effects of prescribed grazing by goats on non-native invasive shrubs and native plant species in a mixed-hardwood forest. Restoration Ecology n/a:e13361. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/rec.13361
Marzluff, J. M. and K. Ewing (2001). "Restoration of fragmented landscapes for the conservation of birds: A general framework and specific recommendations for urbanizing landscapes." Restoration Ecology 9(3): 280-292. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1526-100x.2001.009003280.x
In this episode, the Pond University team talks with Wes Goldsmith. Wes is a Fish Management Specialist with Aquatic Control and is an alumnus of Purdue’s Aquatic Sciences program. Wes talks to about assessing and managing fish populations, including how to fix common problems. We hope you enjoy this episode! Also, please consider taking our anonymous listener survey so that we can improve the podcast and include topics that you are interested in.
Anonymous Listener Survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IhSN3DPQpowBPU
Aquatic Control
https://aquaticcontrol.com/
Aquatic Control YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCavy9apWmnu6ClS1tNL2wKw
Purdue Extension Fish Management
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/fish-population-management/
Smart Fish App
https://smartfishapp.com/
Lake and Pond Management Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/162038234967760
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Natural Resources University YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-uehW5nyQ8uZMDSHG_low
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
William McKinley is a deer biologist and coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks and has been assisting hunters, managers, and landowners with deer management strategies for 20 years. William has seen a lot of mistakes, but also has many success stories. Join us for a fun and informative conversation with William.
How can you use fire to manage plant communities for quail? This week, Marcus sits down with Dr. James Martin of the University of Georgia and Dr. Mark McConnell of Mississippi State University to discuss the best management strategies using prescribed fire. This episode covers the best management practices including spatial scale, seasonality, and frequency of fire for quail.
Our tour of Aldo’s Tools comes to a close in this episode as we consider the last tool: the gun. From controlling certain game populations to engaging hunters in habitat conservation efforts in their own backyard or across the continent, Patt Dorsey, Director of Conservation Operations in the west for the National Wild Turkey Federation, breaks down how the gun does a lot of good for habitat in this wide ranging discussion with Adam. Patt’s long career in conservation and life-time passion for hunting offer insightful, and often humorous, perspectives on how the gun is a critical tool for wildlife habitat management!
National Wild Turkey Federation: https://www.nwtf.org
Learn more about the Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow Program Patt, Adam, and Jarred all participate in to teach natural resource professionals and students about hunting: https://clft.org/
More on “PR Program” or more formally the “Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program” as discussed in the show: https://www.fws.gov/wsfrprograms/home.html
Hug a Hunter video from Colorado Wildlife Council: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FTuNGX-VvY
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
In this episode, the Pond University team talks with Matt Rayl. Matt is a co-host of another podcast called Sitting Dockside, and is also the co-founder of a non-profit agency for pond and lake management called the Private Water Natural Resources Association. Matt talks about is passion and inspiration for building these educational forums for pond and lake management. He also goes into depth about aeration in ponds, drawing on his more than 20 years of experience in pond management. We encourage you to check out Matt’s podcast and the PWNRA Facebook page. Also, please consider taking our anonymous listener survey so that we can improve the podcast and include topics that you are interested in.
Anonymous Listener Survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IhSN3DPQpowBPU
Pond Fish ID guide:
https://edustore.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FNR-584&_ga=2.98221727.1215617245.1617925114-1847494118.1584900510
Sitting Dockside podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/976324
Private Water Natural Resources Association:
https://pwnra.org/
American Pond and Lake Management:
http://americanpondandlake.com/
PWNRA Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PWNRA/about
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
John Gruchy is a Private Lands Biologist for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks and has been assisting landowners with habitat management for deer and other wildlife for over a decade. During that time, John has compiled a list of habitat management mistakes he sees over and over again. Join us as we review these mistakes with John and discuss how you can avoid these pitfalls.
In this episode, Dr. Lashley sits down with his previous graduate students to talk about what they learned about fire, wildlife habitat and wildlife behavior, and how that’s prepared them for their careers now.
▬▬▬▬▬ NRU Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬
►Twitter: https://twitter.com/NR_University
►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nr_university
►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NRUniversity
▬▬▬▬▬ UF DEER Lab Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬
►Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab
►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufdeerlab
►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ufdeerlab
Through large expanses of the U.S., wildlife live alongside, or are strongly influenced by, the footprint of crop production practices; what Leopold was referencing when he spoke of ‘the plow.’ In this episode, Adam talks to Ryan Heiniger from Pheasants Forever about the challenges and opportunities for wildlife habitat conservation with ‘the plow’ and how a more precision imagining of its utility and place can be good for the farmer AND wildlife. Ryan is the Director of Agriculture and Conservation Innovations for Pheasants Forever, a farmer himself, and nuts about wildlife and wildlife conservation. From food plots to autonomous tractors, this conversation covers it all!
More about Ryan: https://www.pheasantsforever.org/Newsroom/2017-June/Pheasants-Forever-Quail-Forever-Promotes-Ryan-Hein.aspx
Pheasants Forever: The Habitat Organization: https://www.pheasantsforever.org/Habitat/Why-Habitat.aspx
Pheasants Forever’s Precision Agriculture program: https://pheasantsforever.org/Conservation/Precision-Agriculture.aspx
Link to the Iowa Geographic Map server with historical aerial images of farms back to the 1930s: https://isugisf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=47acfd9d3b6548d498b0ad2604252a5c
Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm
Should we be burning while turkeys are nesting?
To cover this controversial topic, Dr. Lashley sits down with Dr. Mike Chamberlain of the University of Georgia and David Hawley of the Wild Turkey Report to discuss in detail the potential risks and benefits of burning during this time frame. Also, we cover burn window, scale of application, and influence on poult survival.
Relevant Papers:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-020-00087-9
https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jwmg.21290
https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jwmg.21267
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037811271730292X
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112717317206
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112719314689
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-019-0058-4
https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jwmg.21944
Wild Turkey Report:
http://www.wildturkeyreport.com/
https://twitter.com/WildTurkeyReprt
Dr. Mike Chamberlain:
https://twitter.com/wildturkeydoc
In this episode ft. Pond University, we talk with Bob Rode, the manager of Purdue’s Aquaculture Research Laboratory. Bob has 30 years of experience in aquaculture and pond management. In this episode, Bob talks about the things to consider when stocking new fish into ponds, as well as some interesting ways to produce fish for food in your pond, including growing fish in cages. Also, please consider taking our anonymous listener survey so that we can improve the podcast and include topics that you are interested in.
Anonymous Listener Survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IhSN3DPQpowBPU
Center for Great Lakes Literacy website:
https://www.cgll.org/
Lafayette Parks and Recreation Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/LafayetteParks
Bob’s website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=rrode&intDirDeptID=15
Purdue’s Aquaculture Research Laboratory:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/labaquaresearch.aspx
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Licensed Commercial Fish Suppliers List:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3607.htm
Purdue Extension Fish Stocking Publication:
https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FNR-569&_ga=2.87976152.1342825268.1614807416-1847494118.1584900510
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center website:
https://srac.msstate.edu/
North Central Regional Aquaculture Center website:
https://www.ncrac.org/
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
How can the axe – or forestry – be used as a habitat management tool? Jarred talks with Jordan Nanney, a Wildlife Forester with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, about how he uses forestry to creatively manage wildlife habitat. As you’ll learn in the episode it can really be a balancing axe {act}.
<< Help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey >>
Resources discussed during the episode:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment - https://heeforeststudy.org/
Short-term response of breeding birds to oak regeneration treatments in upland hardwood forest
Managing your Woods for White-Tailed Deer
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan
Iowa’s Forest Birds
Dr. Mick Hellickson joins Deer University again to compare deer management in South Texas and the Midwest. Mick was born and raised in Iowa and grew up hunting in that agricultural environment, but then moved to South Texas for graduate school and now works there managing deer herds. Mick will review the most important limitations he faces managing deer in these very different environments.
Taking the first steps into using prescribed fire can be daunting – Which tools are needed? How do you develop a plan? Where you can find help and consultation? Look no further!
In this week’s episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with John Stivers and John Gruchy, both with years of experience helping private land owners get started with using prescribed burning, to discuss the basic tools and resources landowners need to begin burning. From drip torches to ATVs to contractors and technique, this episode covers a wide array of information to help you get started with fire management.
Everything from grasshoppers to a bison graze and can have drastic impacts on vegetation on which many other wildlife species depend. Unsurprisingly, many wildlife managers are therefore interested in understanding and using grazing animals to create the unique places where animals, or in the case of the blowout penstemon, unique plants, thrive. In this wide-ranging discussion, Adam talks to The Nature Conservancy’s Marissa Ahlering about how grazing impacts wildlife and how we can creatively use grazing to manage wildlife habitat.
More on Marissa Ahlering: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/our-people/marissa-ahlering/
Find Dr. Ahlering’s research here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=86moVcEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
Including her research on cattle grazing and grassland birds. - https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jwmg.1049
More on blowout penstemon - http://outdoornebraska.gov/blowoutpenstemon/
More on patch burn grazing from our friends at Fire U: https://fireuniversity.libsyn.com/episode-04-patch-burn-grazing-as-a-strategy-to-manage-grassland-communities
In this episode of Pond University, we talk with Amie Robison, an Aquatic Ecologist from Robison Wildlife Solutions in Oklahoma. Amie, who is also known as “The Pond Lady”, has over 20 years’ experience helping landowners and homeowner communities manage their ponds. Amie provides invaluable advice on how to start planning now for management that you should consider in the spring. She discusses everything from dams and sediments, to vegetation and fish. She also shares some interesting stories and case studies from her work in Oklahoma, including a mysterious pond slime that can actually move on its own!
Anonymous feedback survey:
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IhSN3DPQpowBPU
Robison Wildlife Solutions website:
http://www.robisonwildlife.com/
Amie’s social media:
https://twitter.com/The_Pond_Lady
www.instagram.com/the_pond_lady
www.facebook.com/OklahomaPondLady
www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKgHkxpE1bkgep39rb1nEA
Fish Nerds podcast:
https://www.fishnerdspodcast.com/
The Woman Angler and Adventurer podcast:
https://thewomanangler.com/
The Ologies podcast:
https://www.alieward.com/ologies
Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life, by Lulu Miller:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Why-Fish-Dont-Exist/Lulu-Miller/9781501160271
Mysterious pond slime in Nebraska:
https://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/aquatic-ecologists-are-struggling-to-identify-this-bizarre-moving-goo/
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
We get asked all the time “what’s the best food plot forage to plant for deer?” Well, as hunters and managers, we were interested in that question too. Bronson, Steve, and Marcus discuss a food plot forage selection project conducted by former graduate student, Jacob Dykes. Cereal grains, clovers, and brassicas all have different growth rates and maturation dates, making their quality and nutrient profile change over the hunting season. What’s more, the availability of certain nutrients in the naturally occurring plants affect which food plot forages deer may favor, or avoid, and this depends on the time of year, and from place to place. So, what may be the most selected forage on your property, may be different a on property a few miles away.
Research video on the topic: https://youtu.be/WUKEAtW6pqs
Fire was playing an important role in upland hardwood ecosystems when the current mature oaks germinated a century ago. While those mature oaks are still common in the overstory, the next generation of oaks to replace them are not present across much of the central hardwoods and Appalachian regions. Instead, fire exclusion over the last several decades allowed mesophytic (moisture-retaining) species like sweetgum and red maple to get established and begin a transition to non-oak dominance in these forests. In this week’s episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with Dr. Heather Alexander of Auburn University and Dr. Steve Brewer of the University of Mississippi to discuss the role of fire in ensuring oak forests continue to flourish into the next generation, how changes in fuels and flammability affect our ability to burn, and why the problem is more complex than just reintroducing fire.
Want more? Check out our video showing why the encroachment of non-oak species affects our ability to burn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sYbisKFdsI&ab_channel=UFDEERLabIFAS
Alexander et al. 2021. Mesophication of Oak Landscapes: Evidence, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Research. BioScience. https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biaa169/6117972
UF DEER Lab Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab
UF DEER Lab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ufdeerlab
UF DEER Lab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufdeerlab/
UF DEER Lab YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5orPZezH2fNGe97ZHAb9Hg
How can prescribed fire be used creatively to create and enhance habitat for wildlife? Dr. Marcus Lashley, Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist at University of Florida and host of Fire University, joins the podcast to tackle this question, and we take a deep dive into prescribed fire as a habitat management tool.
<< Help us improve the Podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey >>
Resources discussed in the episode
Fire University Episode 3 – Where to get information, experience, and collaborators to meet prescribed burning objectives - https://fireuniversity.libsyn.com/episode-03-where-to-get-information-experience-and-collaborators-to-meet-prescribed-burning-objectives
Fire University Episode 4 – Patch-Burn-Grazing as a strategy to manage grassland communities - https://fireuniversity.libsyn.com/episode-04-patch-burn-grazing-as-a-strategy-to-manage-grassland-communities
Natural Resources University - https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Southern Fire Exchange - https://southernfireexchange.org/
Coalition of Prescribed Fire Council - http://www.prescribedfire.net/
Prescribed Burn Associations - https://research.cnr.ncsu.edu/blogs/southeast-fire-update/prescribed-burn-associations/
In this episode of Pond University, we talk with Scott Wagner, a Certified Agricultural Engineer with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Scott has worked on pond construction and maintenance (among many other things) for over 18 years. Scott discusses the importance of proper planning and permitting for pond construction, and conducting annual inspections for maintaining your pond. He also provides a bunch of useful information and resources for pond management, including potential financial assistance for conservation projects. So, if you are thinking about building a new pond, or need help fixing a leaking pond; hopefully, this episode can help you.
USDA-NRCS website:
http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov
NRCS Ponds - Planning, Design, Construction Handbook:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/16/stelprdb1246427.pdf
NRCS Field Office Technical Guide:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/details
Web Soil Survey:
https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/
Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts:
http://wordpress.iaswcd.org
Indiana DNR Division of Water:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/
Indiana Waterways Inquires Request Portal:
https://www.in.gov/waterways/
Indiana 811:
https://indiana811.org/
IDNR Lake and River Enhancement Program:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2364.htm
NRCS Pond Inspection Checklist:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_030195.xls
Mitch’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter:
https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Pond and wildlife management website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Natural Resources University website:
https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website:
https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us!
https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
We may have more acres to burn than we have time, personnel, and resources to burn it. It is imperative that our tools become more efficient especially with ever-growing societal constraints and considerations. In this week’s episode of Fire University, Marcus Lashley sits down with Kevin Robertson, Morgan Varner, and Kevin Hiers at the Tall Timbers Research Station where they discuss the socio-ecological complexities of fire ecology and delve into the upcoming technological revolution leading us into the next generation of prescribed burning.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ufdeerlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufdeerlab
Most hunters and managers are aware of the benefits of prescribed fire on deer habitat. Fire can be used to set back plant succession (reduce the woody vegetation) and stimulate the growth of forbs (increase the herbaceous vegetation). In the Southeastern US, deer nutrition is often limited during the summer when bucks are growing antlers and does are producing fawns and lactating. Often limitations in summer nutrition is addressed with warm-season food plots, but what about addressing this need with prescribed fire? Today we visit with former MSU Deer Lab graduate student, Rainer Nichols, and discuss his project where he compared plant quality and biomass response to dormant-season and growing season prescribed fire. Rainer examined the impacts prescribed fire phenology and mechanical stump sprouting have on summer nutritional carrying capacity for deer. Diversifying the timing of prescribed fire between the dormant and growing seasons led to increased summer nutrient availability at the landscape level, and mechanically creating stump sprouts from woody plants led to increased available nutrition on a localized level. Combining these two management actions to target summer nutritional limitations can better help deer meet nutritional demands and reach their full potential.
Welcome to the third episode of Pond University! In this episode, we talk with Sandy Clark-Kolaks, the Southern Fisheries Research Biologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Sandy has worked on fisheries management projects for over 13 years, including improving fish habitat in reservoirs and lakes. Today, Sandy talks about the importance of fish habitat and describes the different types of fish habitat you can add to your pond or lake. Plus, building fish habitat structures makes for a great winter project and a frozen lake can allow you to place these structures in the exact location you want!
Indiana DNR Private Pond and Lake Management website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3614.htm
Friends of Reservoirs (FOR) is a tax-deductible non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting and/or restoring fisheries habitat in reservoir systems nationwide. Their website is: https://www.friendsofreservoirs.com/
Mitch’s profile page: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter: https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter: https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Pond and wildlife management website: https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources website: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website: https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us! https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
For as long as people have been interacting with wild animals, they have been manipulating the places where wild animals live. So, is habitat management the oldest job in the world? Join Adam and Jarred as they chat about the history of wildlife habitat management, dig deep into the central premise of habitat management – plant succession – and introduce the five tools for habitat management that Aldo Leopold described in his 1933 book, Game Management.
Learn more about plant succession and its relationship to wildlife habitat by checking out the resources below:
Iowa’s Forest Birds - https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/15963
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer - https://edustore.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=FNR-596-W
Grassland Successional Chart - https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/GrasslandSuccession_wFNR.png
Wildlife Habitat Education Program - https://fwf.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2020/07/1_2020-WHEP-Intro-Acitivites.pdf
Fire and herbivory have always been important disturbances in grasslands and their interaction may be particularly important for wildlife habitat. In this week’s episode, we talk to Dr. Sam Fuhlendorf of Oklahoma State University and Bob Hamilton of The Nature Conservancy about using patch-burn-grazing to mimic that natural process. Strategic use of prescribed fire and cattle may lead to habitat improvements for wildlife while increasing cattle production.
Related peer-reviewed papers:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0234983
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112719318821
https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/1365-2435.13083
Knowing where to get information, training, experience, and help is critical to success in prescribed burning. In this episode of Fire University, Marcus Lashley talks with fire professionals Zach Prusak and Andy Rappe to discuss the tools and resources available to fire practitioners and private landowners no matter where you are and why collaboration throughout the fire community is imperative to everyone’s success.
Some hunters think Chronic Wasting Disease is no big deal, some hunters even think CWD is good for a state wildlife agency because the disease will bring with it an abundance of federal funding. Our interview with Jason Sumners of the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Cory Gray of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will fully explain the issues this disease brings to wildlife management agencies.
In this episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley visits some old friends Dr. Craig Harper, John Gruchy, and Jordan Nanney and discusses burning in upland hardwoods. The conversation focuses on habitat improvement for white-tailed deer and wild turkey, as well as implementation strategy to maximize success.
What do you picture when you hear “habitat”? Habitat is one of the most important concepts in wildlife management, but what does it actually mean? Join Adam and Jarred as they define “habitat” and discuss why its use is a “panchreston problem.” We’ll explain what the heck “panchreston” means and discuss why we should be careful about how we talk about habitat to minimize confusion and clarify objectives. Jarred and Adam will also explore why defining and using habitat correctly is important in helping landowners and managers construct and achieve their management objectives.
Learn more about habitat as a panchreston problem in (Kirk et al. 2018. Our use, misuse, and abandonment of a concept: Whither habitat.Ecology and Evolution 8:4197–4208). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5916312/
Welcome to the second episode of Pond University! In this episode, we talk with Purdue Extension Educator David Osborne. Dave has been helping landowners manage their ponds for over 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge on many pond management topics. Today, he talks about how your pond changes during winter and things that you can do to prevent negative impacts on fish populations. Please see below for useful links:
Dave’s profile page: https://extension.purdue.edu/Ripley/profile/osbornda
Dave’s video recommendation “Great Small Waters”: http://www.rayscott.net/sales/gsw.php
Mitch’s profile page: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Mitch’s twitter: https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan’s profile page: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s twitter: https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Pond and wildlife management website: https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Natural Resources University website: https://naturalresourcesuniversity.libsyn.com/
Purdue’s Department of Natural Resources website: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website: https://iiseagrant.org/
Contact us! https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
Just when are deer most attracted to acorns? You might think - all the time! And hey, you may be right. In this episode with former MSU Deer Lab graduate student Moriah Boggess, we review his research where he monitored deer acorn use throughout the year and see that deer can be attracted to acorns much later in the year than you might expect. This can have important implications when hunting during the post rut.
Where do bucks go during hunting season? Does hunting pressure change where bucks spend time? In this episode Bronson, Steve, and former MSU Deer Lab graduate student Colby Henderson, review research findings from a 2-year study where about 50 bucks were marked with GPS-enabled collars and we monitored their movements throughout a hunted landscape over the hunting season. First, what is habitat “selection”? Selection is a measure of how much time an animal spends in a particular vegetation type relative to how much of that vegetation type exists on the landscape. For example, if hardwood forest is only 5% of a property and deer spend 50% of their time there, then selection for hardwood forest would be very high – deer are differentially selecting for hardwood forest relative to the amount available to them on the landscape. We compared not only what vegetation types bucks selected, but also what hunters selected, and how that changed over the hunting season.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSUDeerLab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msudeerlab/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msu.deerlab
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOZeiPref8vhAHkULM3IGg
Welcome to the very first episode of Pond University! Pond University is hosted by Mitchell Zischke and Megan Gunn from Purdue University and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. In this first episode, we talk with Purdue Aquatic Sciences major Logan Halderman about all the different parts of the pond ecosystem. Please see below for useful links:
Mitch’s profile page: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mzischke&intDirDeptID=15
Megan’s profile page: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=mlgunn&intDirDeptID=15
Pond and wildlife management website: https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/
Purdue’s Department of Natural Resources website: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant website: https://iiseagrant.org/
Logan’s book recommendation “The Founding Fish”: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374528836
Mitchell's Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheAussieWahoo
Megan's Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TFFP
Contact us: https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/contact-us/
Welcome to Habitat University! In this introductory Episode, Habitat University co-hosts Jarred Brooke and Adam Janke discuss the vision for the podcast and how it fits into the new collaborative science-based podcast series called Natural Resources University. Jarred and Adam share information about their background, what they do as state wildlife extension specialists, and where they plan to take this new podcast exploring the in’s and out’s out of wildlife habitat management and conservation in the U.S.
Learn more about Jarred and his work here: https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/wildlife/
Learn more about Adam and his work here: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/wildlife
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Habitat_U
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habitatuniversity/
Fire University is a science-based podcast covering the latest research in fire ecology and how it relates to management of wildlife and plant communities. In this first episode, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with communications specialist Charlotte Nowak to introduce this series on fire ecology.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufdeerlab/
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In this first episode, meet the team of researchers and extension specialists that make up the Natural Resources University network! Subscribe to NRU for all episodes or join an individual series on its respective podcast feed.
Deer University - Bronson Strickland, PhD
Fire University - Marcus Lashley, PhD
Habitat University - Adam Janke, PhD; Jarred Brooke, MSc
Pond University - Mitchell Zischke, PhD; Megan Gunn, BSc
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