Kentucky Afield

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jay Herrala, a biologist who specializes in moving-water fisheries for the KDFWR. It's the best time of the year to stream fish in Kentucky, so we're definitely talking about opportunities. Additionally, we've had some unique rainfall in the state this year, so we'll pick Jay's brain on the affects of flooding on the fisheries. Then, of course, it's Derby week... So we'll get Lee's thoughts on the big race in before the podcast ends!

Ahead of the Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing we're all excited at the thought of elk hunting in the Commonwealth! So we asked Dr. John Hast, KDFWR Bear and Elk Program Coordinator, to join us for an episode... We discuss elk hunting in the state over the years and what it's like now, what the odds of being drawn are, how the process works, tell a few stories, and much more. The deadline to enter for the drawing is April 30, so be sure to click over to FW.KY.GOV and visit "My Profile" if you'd like a chance at getting drawn!

Jeff Crosby, KDFWR Fisheries Biologist, joins us for this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! We'll dive into some of the most aggressive biting and hard fighting fish that the state has to offer, and explore the hybrid species in-depth. Why do they make hybrids? What's the advantage? Do they truly fight harder? We'll answer those questions and many more on this episode of the podcast!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Zak has some exciting news to share as turkey season is on the horizon, both for this year's hunt, and for the next several years to come... Find out why things might be looking up for the turkey population and turkey hunters of the state, as well as what biologist are doing in the field at this very moment!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Dave Baker, a fisheries biologist with The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Dave is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to both fish and fishing, as he's not only a professional in the field, but also an excellent angler as well... Here we're talking about all the exciting spring fishing opportunities that are on the horizon, including: White Bass, Crappie, Sauger, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Catfish! Get your rods and reels ready... It's just about time to go fishing!

We're joined by Nick Ray, the Assistant Director of KDFWR's EIT division! "EIT" stands for Engineering, Infrastructure and Technology, and the follks who work in this division really make things work for the outdoors men and women of the state... We'll learn about some of the projects they take on, how they increase opportunity as a whole, and hear some stories of the challenges that they can run into along the way!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined Dr. John Hast, Kentucky's lead bear and elk biologist, and he's taking us deep into the world of wildlife management and conservation efforts for two of the state's most iconic species: black bears and elk. Dr. Hast discusses the ongoing work to protect and sustain these populations, the challenges they face, and the exciting hunting opportunities available to sportsmen and women. In addition to wildlife management, Dr. Hast shares his personal passion for the Cumberland River—one of his favorite spots to fish during the winter months. Hear about his love for this beautiful stretch of water, its unique ecosystem, and the types of fishing adventures it offers. Whether you're a hunter, angler, or nature enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into Kentucky's natural resources and the dedicated work going into preserving them for future generations.

We're joined by Dr. John Brunjes, the Migratory Bird Program Coordinator for KDFWR! John is an avid outdoorsman, and specifically a waterfowl lover. He speaks to all the reasons that waterfowl hunters love what they do, and about what makes it such a unique hunting opportunity. Additionally, Dr. Brunjes also sheds some light on the "behind the scenes" of migratory bird conservation efforts in North America... After speaking with him, we feel like we need to give waterfowl a shot!

We're joined by Tommy, a biologist with the KDFWR deer program! The whitetail rut is right around the corner, and so is the state's modern firearms season for deer... We'll talk about that, tips and tactics, and also go over some need-to-know information for hunters in Kentucky.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Rachel Crume, who's not only the R3 Branch Manager for KDFWR, but also an experienced deer tracker who services the state of KY! Rachel is going to give us the rundown on deer tracking from her perspective, sharing information that she's gathered over the course of hundreds of successful and unsuccessful tracks... She'll tell us why she does it, what she enjoys about it, and share some helpful tips for deer hunters across the state.

We're joined by Jimmy Woods, a biologist with The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we're talking about small game! Jimmy's giving us the rundown of the mast crops across the state, discussing how this information is useful for outdoors men and women, talking about hunting with dogs, and letting us know about a new website feature that is going to help improve management efforts across the board!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Dave Dreeves, the Director of the Fisheries Division for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and the primary topic is bass... We're talking about eating bass, and why doing that could lead to improved fisheries. We'll also hit on a new trophy bass initiative that the department is undertaking, and discuss what's going on in fisheries in general. We appreciate you listening!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by John Boel, an avid-angler and nightly news anchor with too many achilleates to mention individually... John is a Wisconsin native and Kentucky transplant who's mastered walleye, smallmouth, musky, and a number of other species in the state. We're talking about how he fishes, why he fishes, and life in general...

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Rachel Young, who's with The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation! Rachel's organization helps fund conservation, and does some amazing things for the state's youth... She's telling us how they accomplish these goals, and how you can help! For more information visit: kentuckywildlife.com

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Adam Martin, Program coordinator and Sport-Fish Biologist in the western region of the state! Adam is here to tell us some good news related to bass and catfish in the big lakes, and to break down some interesting data that the fisheries crews have gathered recently. You'll find out what fishing will be like in the future on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, learn a bit about the fisheries and ecosystems, and about the life of a fisheries biologist!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about the best way to beat this Summer heat... Kayaking! Lee has traveled the state and documented 38 streams, and has multiple kayaking trips mapped for each stream. We're going to learn about his process, what is included in the articles, and find out his favorite floats throughout the state! For Lee's "Blue Water Trails" articles visit -> https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Blue-Water-Trails.aspx

This episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast is a special one for me (Chase), as I tell the story of my recently-passed beagle "Hunter". He was an excellent hunting dog and companion who did a lot for me personally... In addition to that we're discussing what we've been up to lately and spring fishing opportunities!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Josh Bender of The Parklands of Floyds Fork! We talk to Josh for a bit about the mission of the park and the opportunities that it provides, and then we head out to do a little smallmouth stream fishing in Floyds Fork itself!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Zak Danks, Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Zak is involved in all things related to turkey management and turkey hunting in the state of Kentucky, and he's lending us his knowledge on both as we pick his brain just days before the 2024 general season opens... Thanks for listening!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about bad luck and beneficial skills, or in other words, bananas on boats and foraging... We'll give you a "banana boat" experience or two, as well as the backstory on why they're bad luck, and then we will dive into one of the most beneficial skills that a woodsman can learn, foraging. Thanks for listening, and please use those additional resources!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jeff Ross, Assistant Director of Fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. We talk about a newly certified state record fish, the process for documenting a record, fish recruitment, the importance of habitat, and much more!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by one of the leading experts on flora and fauna in the Southeast United States, KDFWR's John MacGregor. John has lived a lifetime catching and studying critters both for fun and as a professional. Although he's never listened to a podcast before he was nice enough to join us on ours, and we're essentially just seeing where the conversation takes us. Thanks for listening, and feel free to email John any and all pictures of unusual creatures that you might find... Just don't be surprised if he asked for a GPS coordinate for his records.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Cody Rhoden, Small Game Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Cody's an expert on all things small game (and a few other things too), and today we're picking his brain about the hunting, science, and management of these critters. We'll also touch on how outdoors people can make positive changes that bolster small game numbers in their area... Thanks for listening!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Sgt. Rufus Cravens, who's both an avid predator hunter and a conservation officer with nearly 20 years of experience... We're talking all things coyotes and coyote hunting, and are definitely taking a dive into night hunting, the rules/regs, and the tactics associated with it. Thanks for listening!

We're discussing the past 363 days on this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! We'll take a look back at episodes from the past year, discuss what we found interesting, and make some resolutions for 2024... Also, we want feedback from YOU! Shoot us an email or a social media message and let us know how we can make the podcast better for you as we move into the new year. Thanks! chase.wininger@ky.gov lee.mcclellan@ky.gov

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Gabe Jenkins, Deputy Commissioner for KDFWR and Kentucky's CWD Response Lead. Gabe has been involved in the management and conservation of whitetail deer and elk in the state for years, and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to these topics. Last week the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources was informed of a positive case of CWD that came from a hunter-harvested free-ranging whitetail deer that was harvested in Ballard County. This is the first positive case of CWD that has been confirmed in Kentucky. So, in a nutshell, Gabe is here to walk us through what CWD is, where we go from here, and what this means for deer hunters in the state.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KDFWR Deer Program Biologost, Tommy Apostolopoulos! Tommy's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to deer, and specifically deer and deer hunting in the state of Kentucky... In addition to whitetails he also has experience with bear and elk in the state, and is a lot of fun to talk to!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Chad Miles, host of Kentucky Afield TV! Chad is not only the host of the worlds longest running outdoors TV show, but has been a lifelong outdoorsman of the bluegrass state as well... We're talking about a newly-found and cost-saving hobby, upcoming and recent hunts, and just what it's like hunting with a camera in general. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Rich Storm! We'll find out who the commissioner is, look back on his tenure to this point, and look ahead to the future... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Roger LaPointe, executive director of KY Hunters for the Hungry! This organization donates hundreds of thousands of meals to those in-need each year, and those meals are made of venison that comes from the state's deer hunters... He's here to tell us how their operation works, and how individuals can get involved!

Joe Clements and Jack Reid, two of the creators of the film "WildTail", are here to shed some light on their new movie and to talk about the general importance of whitetail deer to conservation success! You can find details and a trailer for the film at wildtailmovie.com, and will be able to watch for yourself on October 27, 2023... Do something good, go deer hunting!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Joe McDermott, the deer program coordinator for the state of Kentucky! With archery season opening up in just a day or so we're talking about early season hunting, deer management, and answering questions from listeners... Good luck this season!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by John Brunjes, the Migratory Bird Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as an avid white water rafter and wildlife photographer. John gives us a great rundown of how data is used to make wildlife conservation decisions, as well as some advice on how to get that perfect shot!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Laura Burford and Zack Couch, the state wildlife action plan coordinator and wildlife diversity program coordinator for the state of Kentucky, respectfully. Laura and Zack are the experts when it comes to the state wildlife action plan (SWAP), which is a very comprehensive document that is beneficial to both conservation organizations and individuals alike, as well as (and most importantly) the wildlife in the state of Kentucky... Give it a listen and find out why SWAP matters, how it benefits wildlife, and how it can potentially benefit you!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by the director of KDFWR's wildlife division, Ben Robinson. Ben is an expert on all things wildlife, and we certainly bounce around from topic to topic a bit, but in general we cover what the wildlife division does, public lands, public land acquisitions, and conservation funding. Enjoy, and good luck this fall!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jay Herrala, who's a fisheries biologist with the "Stream Investigations" unit here in the commonwealth. Jay travels the entire state to identify access locations, and to do species assessments... Essentially there's no better person to talk stream fishing with in the state! Here we get a rundown of his job duties, the goals of the stream investigation team, and Jay's "can't miss" fishing opportunities in each of the states 7 fisheries districts!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KDFWR Boating Safety Officer Marcus Bowling, and we're "taking a dive" into the numbers... At this point in 2023 there have been 23 drowning deaths on Kentucky's waterways. Why is that, and what can boaters/kayakers do to make their outings both more enjoyable and safer? Marcus is here to explain it all to us, Additionally, we're planning some fishing trips and talking about opportunities... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we are joined by wildlife artist Rick Hill, who also happens to be an avid outdoorsman. We talk about the old days and the late Ron Rhody, Kentucky Afield's first host. Additionally, Rick and Chase tell the stories of their turkey hunts and discuss tactics for the remaining 3 days of the season. Rick also dives into being a wildlife artist, and Lee gives his Derby picks... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, a day ahead of the 2023 Spring Turkey Season, we're joined by wild turkey biologist Elizabeth Johnson! She was nice enough to shed some light on wild turkey conservation efforts, current research, and habitat management for us, in addition to being a good sport and just talking hunting... Additionally, Lee caught his saugeye after years of trying, so we had to hit on that too!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Stephanie and Matt, two experts from the KDFWR Ichthyology branch, and they're here to educate us on all things sturgeon! Not long ago we actually went fishing together, and were lucky enough to catch one of these prehistoric beauties while we were at it. Lake sturgeon once thrived in Kentucky, but from the 1950's to 2007 the state was void of them... That all changed when Matt and Stephanie came on board and started working (alongside plenty of others) to restore this impressive species. Here we find out how they're doing, what the hope is, and pretty much everything that you could hope to know about this species... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Assistant Director of Fisheries, Jeff Ross! First and foremost there have been some recent regulation changes that anglers need to be aware of, but in addition to that we're having fun talking fisheries management, fishing techniques, and a number of other late winter/early spring fishing topics... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we are joined by the host of Kentucky Afield Television, Chad Miles! Chad has a ton of experience in all areas of the outdoors... From hunting and fishing to wildlife management and education, he's got something to add no matter where the conversation goes, and here we're talking about a little bit of everything. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we are joined by Dr. Monte McGregor, one of the states most accomplished biologist! Monte is an expert in all things related to mollusk, aquatic ecosystems, and water quality. In fact he's helped save nearly 20 animal species that were sure to go extinct, and he's sharing some of that knowledge with us... Find out why those little shells on the bottom of the creeks, lakes and rivers are so important to a healthy environment!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we find out exactly what it is that Lee does for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we of course discuss what we've seen to this point in the 2022 Modern Firearms Season for deer!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Kentucky's black bear program coordinator, John Hast. John walks us through the history of black bears in the state, their biology, and where we are currently at in regards to black bears and black bear hunting. There were some recent changes to the black bear hunting regulations in the state, so we of course touch on that as well... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KY Fish & Wildlife Foundation Director, Rachel Young! Rachel is a part of a non-profit conservation organization that does great work within the state of Kentucky, and as a part of their fundraising efforts they are hosting a drawing for a very special quail hunt right in the heart of central KY. We talk about those details, conservation camp, hunting, and much more... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast fisheries biologist Dave Baker is here to tell us all about fall fishing! We've got some exciting opportunities coming up that not everyone is completely aware of... From white bass to musky, the fishing is about to turn on!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast KDFWR wild pig biologist Terri Brunjes joins us to talk about what she calls "The perfect invasive species", wild pigs... Truth be told they are a fascinating animal, but are unfortunately very destructive to the landscape, and harmful to native wildlife.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KDFWR Small Game Program Coordinator Cody Rhoden... Cody is an expert on all things related to small game and trees, and it just so happens that Kentucky's first fall hunting season, squirrel season, opens this Saturday, August 20th! We're talking trees, squirrels, squirrel brains, scouting tactics for all wildlife species, fungi, and much more! Enjoy.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by the KDFWR Deer Program Coordinator, Noelle Thompson! She's here to give us the rundown on deer hunting in the state of Kentucky this year, including what the requirements are within the 5 county CWD surveillance zone. Enjoy!

Migratory bird biologist Wes Little is back with us ahead of the 2022 fall hunting seasons! We're previewing some of the state's first fall hunting opportunities, learning about those species and conservation efforts related to them, and touching on some reg changes as well. Visit FW.KY.GOV for fall hunting & trapping season dates and information.