Hunting Science

Overview We continue our conversations about banded waterfowl with Drs. Ray Alisauskas, Mike Anderson, Jim Leafloor, and Chris Nicolai. Show Notes 0:25 – Introductions and Background 1:50 – Jim Leafloor gives us background about how the idea of using banded waterfowl to estimate abundance of birds came about 3:30 – Ray Alisauskas introduces himself and […]

Overview Imagine the stories that bands and the waterfowl who wear them would tell if they could talk.  We try to bring those muted voice to life in this episode by talking with Drs. John Eadie, Robert “Rocky” Rockwell, Jim Sedinger and Mr. Brandt Meixell about the 100,000s of birds they have banded. Show Notes […]

I talk with Dr. Todd Brinkman and Eduardo Wilner about the reasons why we hunt. We look at this question from a science and philosophy viewpoint, which I think you will learn through the podcast are similar views. There is a video of this episode if you'd like to watch instead of listen this time.

Overview Do you want more ducks on the strap or dead in a tailing pond?  Your vote this fall may affect the outcome for waterfowl.  I talk with Dr. Michael Anderson, retired biologist from Ducks Unlimited Canada, about how policy decisions by the current administration affect waterfowl management and possibly even your hunting experiences.  You […]

Overview Dr. Peggy Keiper, Director of the Sport and Recreation Business Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, talks with us about Grit and how it is important for hunting.  We also discuss our efforts to advance hunting education at a university level. Show Notes 0:30 – Introductions 11:15 – Peggy discusses our efforts to […]

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Randy Brown (see episode 10) and do a slight diversion from hunting to talk about fish ecology.  Specifically, Randy describes his fascinating story of Whitefish, which includes Sheefish, ecology and migration on the Yukon River, Alaska.  We also talk about the science behind glowing salmon.

Listen to this podcast to learn more about how to prepare for the physical demands of Backcountry Hunting.  I talk with Dr. Robert Coker, professor of  Clinical Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, and Larry Bartlett, avid outdoorsman and owner of Pristine Ventures about their participation in and studies of backcountry hunting.

Overview Phil Kahnke talks to us about his photography and duck hunting.  Phil tells us about his techniques and philosophy for capturing his incredible images.  I was particularly intrigued by our conversation about his philosophy for photographing the hunting lifestyle, which I believe appeals to hunters and non-hunters alike.  I challenged Phil to provide a […]

Listen to my conversation with Dr. Andy Ramey about hunters, viruses, and other zoonotics.  Andy is research wildlife geneticist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, who specializes in wildlife health and diseases.  In this special episode, we try to educate listeners about viruses, zoonotics, and what you might consider doing to better protect yourself while in the field and kitchen.

In this episode, I talk with Randy Brown about his knowledge of care of red meat and fish that he obtained during his 15 years of living in the Alaska bush.  We start our conversation by having Randy first tell us about how he struck out into the wilderness at the age of 18, a fascinating story in of itself. 

Listen to my conversation with Tony Hollis, area biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and lifelong hunter, about moose hunting in Alaska.  Tony is passionate about moose hunting and his success is clearly in part due to his knowledge about moose ecology.  It also doesn't hurt that his has an awesome hunting spot.

What is your definition of a "trophy" animal? Why are some hunters motivated by the size of antlers or horns on the animals that they pursue? In episode 8, I talk with Alan Jubenville, retired Professor of Natural Resource Management and official measurer for the Boone and Crockett Club, about trophy hunting. Alan has a fascinating background and has hunted extensively in Alaska and around the world, especially for sheep. Join us to hear many exciting hunting stories and Alan’s view of what constitutes a trophy animal…you might be surprised.

Overview In this episode I talk with Bruce Dale about predator management in Alaska based on his 35 years of experience.  Bruce has a rich set of experiences having worked on a variety of projects for several agencies.  Most recently he was the Director of Wildlife Conservation for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. […]

In this episode, I talk with Rick Merizon, statewide small game coordinator for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, about the science of small game hunting in Alaska. Rick covers the range of small game species in Alaska with a focus on ptarmigan.

Overview In this episode I took advantage of the fact that Jim Sedinger was limited mostly to camp activity since he was still recovering from knee replacement surgery. Jim self-interviewed, although I later added questions, and recounted the history of management on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) of Alaska from memory. It’s a fascinating story and one […]

Overview In this episode (Part 2 of Harvest Management) of Hunting Science, I continue my talk with  Jim Sedinger and Dave Koons about harvest management with a focus on waterfowl harvest management.  Jim Sedinger (ag.unr.edu/sedinger/Default.aspx)  is a recently retired professor of Wildlife Ecology who spent his career studying the life history and ecology of vertebrates, […]