Natural Resources University

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.    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.  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. 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. - OSU NREM Patch Burning Research - OK-FIRE - 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