Podcasts about white-tailed deer

In this episode, Dr. Mark Turner discusses his research on the nutrient requirements of deer and the availability of native plants to fulfill those requirements. He sampled common deer forages throughout the Eastern US and found that only 44% of the forages sampled met the minimum crude protein requirement, and only 19% met the minimum phosphorus requirement. This highlights the importance of providing a diverse range of forage options for deer. Mark also emphasizes the need to consider both the amount and quality of forage when estimating nutritional carrying capacity. He suggests that landowners consider incorporating native plants into their management strategies and diversify their food plots to provide a more balanced diet for deer.  And Steve may have rambled a little too. Takeaways Providing a diverse range of forage options is important for meeting the nutrient requirements of deer. Only 44% of the forages sampled met the minimum crude protein requirement, and only 19% met the minimum phosphorus requirement. Estimating nutritional carrying capacity requires considering both the amount and quality of forage available. Incorporating native plants into management strategies can help provide a more balanced diet for deer. Diversifying food plots can also contribute to meeting the nutritional needs of deer.   Sound Bites "Diversify your habitat and then let them do their job" "Deer have pretty high phosphorus requirements and a lot of the plants are not meeting that requirement" "Deer develop an aversion to forages that are very high in nutrients they already have"   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)

In this conversation, Bronson and Steve discuss various topics related to deer management during the summertime. They start by addressing recent concerns about hunters contracting CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) from consuming deer with CWD and emphasize the importance of following public health guidelines and not eating venison from CWD-positive deer. They then move on to discuss deer management tasks for the summer, including getting soil tests and adjusting pH for food plots, moving hunting blinds off food plots to reduce disturbance, controlling ryegrass in food plots, and using prescribed fire for habitat management. They highlight the benefits of burning during the growing season and the importance of providing high-quality forage for deer. Bronson and Steve emphasize the importance of analyzing harvest data and deer observations to make informed decisions about deer population and harvest strategies. Additionally, they discuss the benefits of forest management, improving road access, and diversifying food sources. The conversation concludes with a reminder to start planning larger-scale projects, such as timber harvest, well in advance. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

In this episode we visit with Dr. Natasha Ellison to review her findings relative to buck use of food plots during the hunting season.  How often are bucks visiting food plots pre-rut, peak-rut, and post-rut?  When are bucks spending more time on food plots?  How does hunting pressure affect these relationships?  Natasha is a Mathematical Ecologist and is helping the MSU Deer Lab dig deeper in the buck movement dataset to answer questions about buck behavior relevant to hunters and managers. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

The latest Extension publication from the MSU Deer Lab is “Understanding Buck Movement: How, When, and Why Bucks Navigate the Landscape” is now available for viewing and download.  You can find the publication here: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/results.php?q=deer%20movement In Part 2, Steve and Bronson discuss more of the findings presented in the publication and explain how you can interpret the data and use the information for management and hunting. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

We've partnered with Wayne Saunders from the Warden's Watch podcast to delve into a gripping story that serves as a cautionary tale for hunters and conservationists alike. Ohio is a prime destination for white-tailed deer hunters, but unfortunately, it also attracts poachers. We'll explore the story of "Big Boy," a trophy buck that captured the attention of ethical hunters and law enforcement officers, only to fall victim to poaching. Ohio as a Hunting Destination: Why Ohio is a hotspot for white-tailed deer hunting and, regrettably, also for poaching. The Ethical Hunters: Ian Obenshain and Brad Bailey spot Big Boy in the summer of 2009 and plan to hunt it ethically in the fall. Officer Gilkey's Involvement: The hunters specifically wanted Officer Gilkey to be involved in overseeing the hunting area. The Disappearance: Big Boy vanishes from trail cameras just before the hunting season begins. The Expo Revelation: Months later, Big Boy is displayed at an expo, claimed to be a Kentucky state record by a poacher. The Confession: The poacher sticks to his story but eventually confesses, hoping to avoid prison time. Legal Consequences: The poacher, with thirteen prior hunting convictions, faces a lifetime hunting ban and a $23,572.05 fine under Ohio's Trophy Restitution Law. Recognition for Officer Gilkey: He receives the Ohio Bow Hunter Officer of the Year award for solving this case. Role of Ethical Hunters: The hunters who initially spotted and documented Big Boy also deserve recognition for their ethical approach. Reporting Wildlife Crime: The importance of reporting wildlife crimes through platforms like wildlifecrimestoppers.org. The Emotional Toll: The loss of Big Boy was hard for the ethical hunters, but the case also brought them closer as friends. Law Enforcement's Approach: The seriousness with which the case was handled is a testament to the importance of wildlife conservation.   The tale of Big Boy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by ethical hunters and the importance of wildlife conservation. While the story had a bittersweet ending, it also showcased the dedication of law enforcement officers like Officer Gilkey and the role of ethical hunters in preserving the integrity of the sport. The case also highlights the importance of reporting wildlife crimes, which can be done across all 50 states and Canada through wildlifecrimestoppers.org. Let's all take a moment to appreciate the efforts of those who strive to keep our forests and wildlife safe.    

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Dr. Charlie Bahnson, the Department's wildlife veterinarian, about the updated CWD proclamation and management plan, the importance of hunter participation in surveillance and the many thoughtful conversations that went into these decisions.

You found a deer fawn all alone... now what?  In this episode, Emily talks with Wildlife Biologist Scott Lindsay to discuss the normal and natural behavior of female white-tailed deer (doe) during the spring season when they give birth to their young (fawn). Listen in to learn a little more about our wonderful white-tails and how to S.P.O.T. a fawn in need of help! Learn more about dealing with orphaned or injured fawns at mefishwildlife.com/fawn

Gabe Spencer and Trey Spillers are two enthusiastic hunters who have recently returned from a thrilling mid-Asian ibex hunting expedition in Tajikistan. The experiences they gained from this epic journey will remain with them forever. Join them as they share their incredible adventures in Istanbul, Turkey, and Tajikistan.Studio:https://www.kimbercreekmedia.com/Out of The Blind is sponsored by Back Down South Clothing Co., where you can get 15% off with the code "Outoftheblind15."https://backdownsouthclothing.com/Watch Out Of The Blind:https://youtu.be/EgtlmtzfbyEListen to Out Of The Blind on the following platforms:SpotifyApple PodcastGoogle Podcast

In this episode of Out of The Blind, Gabe Spencer goes over recent events and what's to come next.Gabe recently traveled to Maine for a family vacation, made a stop in Port Aransas, and then headed off to North Dakota with a friend and a couple of strangers to hunt waterfowl.Studio:https://www.kimbercreekmedia.com/Out of The Blind is sponsored by Back Down South Clothing Co., where you can get 15% off with the code "Outoftheblind15."https://backdownsouthclothing.com/Watch Out Of The Blind:https://youtu.be/EgtlmtzfbyEListen to Out Of The Blind on the following platforms:SpotifyApple PodcastGoogle Podcast#podcast

In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Dr. Brad Pickering about COVID-19 spillover from humans into other animals, particularly his work on viral spillover into white-tailed deer in Canada, as well as the case he and his team discovered that might be the first, identifiable case of deer to human transmission of the virus. He will discuss the unique mutations in the deer viral samples, the potential first case of deer to human transmission (how it was identified and how it might have occurred), vaccine effectiveness against the deer viral samples and what this potential spillover and spillback might mean for managing the COVID-19 virus going forward. Dr. Pickering is the head of the Special Pathogens Unit at the National Center for Foreign Animal Disease for the Canadian Government. You can read his study here. To contact Dr. Eeks, do so through bloomingwellness.comOr follow her on Instagram here.Twitter here.Or Facebook here.Subscribe to her newsletter here!

Jason and Dr. Jon Jenks discuss research that exposes the toxicity of neonicotinoid seed treatments to whitetails and other game species. 

Brian Barney is a well known bow hunter and outdoorsman who writes for the Eastmans' Hunting Journal and is the host of the highly rated Eastmans' Elevated podcast. He has over 13,000 followers on Instagram including Joe Rogan. He has traveled all over the world and shares his hunting insights and stories on this episode of Out of The Blind.Brian Barney can be found on Instagram @brian_barneyFollow Brian's podcast here: https://www.eastmans.com/podcast-eastmans-elevatedOut of The Blind is sponsored by Back Down South Clothing Co., where you can get 15% off with the code "Outoftheblind15."https://backdownsouthclothing.com/Watch Out Of The Blind:https://youtu.be/EgtlmtzfbyEListen to Out Of The Blind on the following platforms:https://open.spotify.com/show/1bhn9oc...https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...

Nick Yayawww.nickyaya.com The Free America PodcastWebsite - https://www.freeamericapodcast.com/Bitchute - https://www.bitchute.com/channel/XUMguOqsBvbm/Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/FreeAmericaPodcastAlternate Social Media:Gab - https://gab.com/FreeAmericaPodcastMewe - https://mewe.com/i/freeamerica2 Action ItemsGet your HCQ and Ivermectin prescriptions for free online - https://myfreedoctor.com/LA City Council Backpedals on Vax Passport Mandate - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-11-12/l-a-moves-to-exempt-malls-from-vaccine-verification-rulesWorker Rebellion Swells - https://www.reuters.com/world/us/boeing-mercedes-us-worker-rebellion-swells-over-vaccine-mandates-2021-11-02/Thousands of Public Servants March on LA City Hall - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/will-not-comply-thousands-including-city-workers-lapd-officers-firemen-gather-outside-los-angeles-city-hall-protest-upcoming-deadline-covid-vaccine-mandates-video/CDC Admits Covid Recovered Can't Spread Covid - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/cdc-admits-no-record-unvaccinated-person-spreading-covid-recovering-covid/Gene Simmons Calls Unvaccinated 'Enemies' - https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kiss-gene-simmons-says-anyone-013123220.htmlDozens of Athletes Collapsing and Dying After Getting Jabbed - https://www.reddit.com/r/conspiracy/comments/pvclez/anyone_notice_a_pattern_yet/?utm_content=body&utm_medium=post_embed&utm_name=6817f9c3169943f29de2e578ea81dfda&utm_source=embedly&utm_term=pvclez164 Container Ships Off California Coast - https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/11/11/report-record-164-ships-wait-off-california-coast-unload-goods/Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary is Concerned With Racist Bridges - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/buttigieg-says-infrastructure-bill-will-address-racist-highway-design-prevents-black-brown-kids-bussed-beach-video/The Left Turns on Clapton After He Badmouths Jab - https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/11/11/eric-clapton-vaccine-lockdown/Moderna to Begin Testing on Babies - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/final-frontier-moderna-begins-testing-experimental-covid-jab-infants-young-6-months-old/French Authorities Advise Against Jab for Under 30s - https://www.thelocal.fr/20211109/french-health-authority-advises-against-moderna-vaccine-for-under-30s/Matthew McConaughey Ruffles Globalist Feathers After Saying He Won't Vaccinate His Kids - https://www.newsweek.com/matthew-mcconaughey-vaccine-remarks-medical-experts-disappointed-kids-1647839Pfizer Busted Adding Tromethamine to Kids Covid Jab - https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2021/11/fact-check-pfizer-did-include-tromethamine-to-its-covd19-vaccine-for-children.htmlCA Governor Newsom Extends Emergency Into 2022 - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/winter-coming-newsom-extends-covid-state-emergency-california-march-31-2022/BLM Leader Threatens Violence if Mayor Cracks Down on Crime - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/blm-leader-threatens-riots-fire-bloodshed-new-york-city-mayor-elect-eric-adams-gets-tough-crime/Michigan Schools Close After Teachers Fall Ill From Jab - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/michigan-school-system-closes-large-number-teachers-become-covid-shot/Seattle Schools Close for Same Reason - https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle-schools-will-be-closed-friday-due-to-staff-shortage-district-says/281-ae6589f6-4721-4ae2-8b53-08e755a131ecAustria Prepares to Lock Down Unvaccinated - https://www.reuters.com/world/austrian-lockdown-unvaccinated-is-days-away-chancellor-says-2021-11-11/Newsmax Reporter Banned From Twitter for Posting Truth About Vax - https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/10/media/newsmax-twitter-emerald-robinson-banned/index.html?utm_source=optzlynewmarketribbonMSM Ramps Up Fear Porn With Story About Covid-Infected Deer - https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/11/10/1054224204/how-sars-cov-2-in-american-deer-could-alter-the-course-of-the-global-pandemicMore Covid-Infected Deer Nonsense - https://www.abc27.com/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania/a-new-study-reveals-how-humans-can-transmit-the-covid-19-virus-to-deer/PetMD Confirms That Animals Cannot Spread Covid to Humans - https://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/what-pet-parents-need-know-about-new-coronavirus-38247Moderna Admits Myocarditis Occurring in Young Men - https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/11/moderna-says-covid-vaccine-has-fewer-breakthrough-cases-than-pfizers.htmlNBC Tries to Spin Rittenhouse Attacker's Background - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kyle-rittenhouse-was-active-shooter-according-wounded-paramedic-rcna5249Victim: Obama and Biden Raped Me - https://www.redvoicemedia.com/2021/11/victim-biden-obama-raped-me-powerful-elites-celebs-demonic-sex-abuse-ring/Bayer CEO Admits People Wouldn't Have Taken Vax Under Normal Circumstances - https://theexpose.uk/2021/11/06/bayer-pharmaceuticals-president-admits-mrna-vaccines-are-cell-and-gene-therapy-and-the-public-would-not-have-agreed-to-take-them-if-it-were-not-for-the-pandemic/Security Guard Stabs Maskless Shopper - https://abc7.com/stabbed-mask-security-guard-santa-monica/11215518/Flashback Fauci Fearmongering in the 1980s, Also Withheld Lifesaving Drugs From AIDS Patients - 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https://hotair.com/jazz-shaw/2021/11/08/incoming-nyc-mayor-down-on-school-mask-mandates-conservative-on-crime-n427650Senator Elizabeth Warren Violates 1st Amendment by Calling for Book Ban - https://www.lewrockwell.com/2021/11/joseph-mercola/dr-mercola-files-lawsuit-against-us-sen-elizabeth-warren/ VideosNancy Pelosi Birdbath Babble - Abby Hoffman Quote - https://danielsupertramp.wordpress.com/2010/05/14/put-your-bodies-upon-the-gears/Jim Caviezel Speech (Begins at 10:49) - Racist Hospital Won't Give Whites Monoclonal Antibody Treatments - https://mobile.twitter.com/realDaveReilly/status/1459555435329966083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1459556850349875201%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2021%2F11%2Fmust-watch-texas-hhs-denies-monoclonal-antibody-treatments-whites-black-hispanic-qualify-nurse-yep-right-video%2F

This week on the Out of the Blind Podcast, Gabe Spencer is joined by his good friend and fellow hunter Weston Brown. They discuss hunting, Gabe's bad luck last year, shotgun shells and their past escapades. Out of The Blind is sponsored by Back Down South Clothing Co., where you can get 15% off with the code "Outoftheblind15."https://backdownsouthclothing.com/Listen to the podcast at:https://open.spotify.com/show/1bhn9ocwIuuXH7V7hzVMMo?si=UQYBSxtvS4e_a0Z4hZ4naQ&dl_branch=1https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-the-blind/id1528065085?uo=4https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMjc1MzUwLnJzcw==Watch this episode on Youtube at:https://youtu.be/C-Xc4mTmWL4

Hunting is a long-established tradition woven into the fabric of Wisconsin's culture. As hunters new and old make their way into the woods this November, we wanted to know what makes this season so special in Wisconsin. In this episode, we hear from Carissa Freeh, a wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever in central Wisconsin. Hunting since 2014, she shares advice for anyone interested in trying it but not sure where to start. Also joining the podcast is lifelong hunter Jim Wipperfurth, a retired DNR wildlife technician, hunter's safety instructor, and mentor for the DNR's Learn To Hunt classes. Hunting since his father first took him out in the '70s, Jim shares his love for the hunt.   Whether it's your first deer season or your 50th, there's something exciting about heading out to your treestand on a cool, crisp November morning. Listen in as these guests talk about their favorite time of year – Wisconsin deer season. Find more information on deer hunting in Wisconsin at dnr.wi.gov/adventure/deer  --------------------------------------TRANSCRIPTANNOUNCER: [00:00:00] Welcome to Wisconsin DNR's Wild Wisconsin "Off the Record" podcast. Information straight from the source.KATIE: [00:00:13] Welcome back to another episode of Wild Wisconsin, Off the Record. I'm your host, DNR's Digital Communication Section Chief Katie Grant. This year, many of Wisconsin's residents have found themselves connecting with our natural resources more than ever before. Many of our state parks had lines of people waiting to get in this summer.Overall the park saw 15% more visitors in 2020 than in 2019, and fishing license sales were up 21%.As the leaves start to crunch and the mercury drops we're seeing another interesting trend. As of 10 days before the start of this year's gun deer season, sales of gun deer licenses are up 9% over 2019. Whether they're new hunters or people who just took a couple of years off, we're certain these hunters will find something unique to enjoy in the experience that is hunting in Wisconsin.On today's episode, we spoke with a couple of hunters. One who got into the sport within just the last couple of years and one who has been doing it pretty much his entire life. To learn more about what makes deer hunting in Wisconsin so special. Though our two guests come from different backgrounds and have different experience levels one thing is clear. They are passionate about hunting. So sit back and listen in to hear their stories. First up is Carissa Freeh. CARISSA: [00:01:44] Yeah. Hello. My name is Carissa Freeh. Um, I am currently a Wildlife Biologist, uh, for Pheasants Forever and I work in central Wisconsin. Prior to my job with Pheasants Forever I held, um, a couple of different positions with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the Wildlife Health section. And then as a Field Biologist up in Merrill, Wisconsin. KATIE: [00:02:10] How long have you been hunting for?CARISSA: [00:02:13] I began actually hunting um, I believe in about 2014. Um, my first hunt was actually kind of unique. Um, It was... a mentored raccoon hunt. KATIE: [00:02:29] Very cool. Tell us a little bit how you, how you ended up going on a, a mentored raccoon hunt.CARISSA: [00:02:35] Sure. So I, uh, went to college at UW Madison and after a little bit of soul searching, ended up majoring in Wildlife Ecology and just absolutely fell in love with the major and my peers. And I actually didn't have a hunting background growing up. Um, my immediate family did not hunt and some of my uncles and distant relatives who did, um, we're not living in Wisconsin. So I just was really never exposed to it. And in one of my college courses it was just highly recommended that you know, those of us going into the field of wildlife management, um, to at least just take a Hunter Safety course with hunters being such a big stakeholder and important in the conservation world.Um, they just thought it would be really important for us, you know, in our careers moving forward that we understood kind of that, that hunting heritage that's so rich in Wisconsin. So that was kind of my intention. Um, so I, took Hunter Safety for that reason. And afterwards was still you know, very interested in hunting.And shortly after finishing my course, I started getting some emails and saw some flyers of Learn to Hunt courses that the DNR was hosting. And it, it just so happened that the first one I saw and a weekend that was available to me was a Learn to Raccoon Hunt course. So that was super fun. It was a weekend course where we just learned about the management of hunting in general, and particularly, um, hunting with hounds, raccoon hunting. And I was successful in the mentored hunt and harvesting my first ever animal, which was a raccoon. And really just fell in love with the comradery and the people just being so willing to teach and share and particularly fell in love with dogs. Because of that I now have my own hound and do a little bit of bird hunting as well. And deer hunting and turkey hunting, but it all really just kind of started with that first mentored hunt.KATIE: [00:04:40] So tell me about how you went from small raccoons to hunting something big, like deer.CARISSA: [00:04:47] So, after my first Learn to Hunt class I just really wanted to learn more. And I think what really sparked the next step, um, in particularly hunting deer, was the motivation of food. And so the next, uh, Learn to Hunt course again, that I actually took through the DNR was, a Learn to Hunt for Food class that was targeted around deer hunting. And this was a longer course. I think it ran a couple of months and we would, we would meet and have class, and it was much more in depth of a course. Um, because instead of, you know, some of our standards, like youth hunts, where a lot of the youth that maybe attend, um, have family members that have already exposed them to, you know, what to look for when hunting deer or the equipment you need.Or even how to properly butcher a deer. This class was really geared towards more of those adults who had the interest and motivation to hunt for sustainable meats. And so the class went into all those details and talked about firearms and firearm handling. And we had days that we got to go in the field together and basically scout for good deer hunting spots. And the teachers of that course you know, taught us what to look for, what signs to look for. We had a course on butchering the deer. Um, so that would, we would ultimately be self-sufficient in doing that once we completed the course. Like many of the Learn to Hunt classes, they culminate in a mentored hunt. And I was fortunate enough to get paired with a mentor who's actually a DMAP cooperator. So, the Deer Management Assistance Program. Um, he's a cooperator in that program, and I was paired up with him and on a September afternoon I harvested my first deer at his property. KATIE: [00:06:44] Tell me a little bit about what it was like to actually be successful in that, and what did it mean to you to be successful?CARISSA: [00:06:52] You know, it's really, it's really difficult to pinpoint what it means. And I think that that's something that I value so much about hunting is the fact that it is such a unique experience person to person. It's incredibly hard to describe like there are some tangible things that I can take away of why I enjoy hunting and continue to do it.And some that are a little bit less tangible and I guess, hard to communicate. Um, but I do recall on that my first deer hunt, it was... it was incredibly overwhelming. At first it was this feeling of, Oh, what did I do? You know, I absolutely love wildlife. I'm fascinated with wildlife. And so there's that, you know, moment of almost shock when you are responsible for taking a life.And so that lasted, you know, for the first half an hour or so, but that quickly changed and it quickly changed because of the support and comradery back at camp. And so ultimately what it meant to me is... I felt incredibly self-sufficient. Like, I had just been through a course and was able to retrieve that animal and get it back and butcher it and package it and, you know, eat that meat over the following year. There was just, you know, that yeah, the self-sufficiency of doing that on your own and knowing that I was eating sustainable, uh, local foods. KATIE: [00:08:22] Yeah, for sure. Would you say that for you it's that self-sufficiency that, that food aspect that keeps you coming back? Or is there something else that keeps you coming back to hunting year after year?CARISSA: [00:08:34] Um, it definitely originated with hunting for food. And that is one main reason that keeps me coming back. But it's kind of evolved since then. Um, you know, since hunting and this first mentored hunt back in like 2014, I have continued to deer hunt on my own now or with family and friends, um, assisting me.It has evolved in the motivations that keep me coming back year to year. And some of those that I've seen are how quickly I'm able... Like it wasn't that long ago that I was the student and I was the one learning. Um, and in the few short years that I've been hunting, I've already found myself in scenarios to help new hunters around me or even longtime hunters.Um, and so something that actually comes to mind that is such a motivation for me is just assisting others and seeing other people's joy, um, from harvesting a deer. Um, actually just last week a close friend of ours harvested his first deer ever. And so it was really fun to help him track, um, and be there and help him, you know, learn how to field dress that deer.And I got to assist in that, even though it wasn't that long ago that I was a student myself. Um, but again I would say one of the biggest motivations keeps looping back to that community aspect. And so our friend came and we helped him butcher the deer and help him package it and told him the different cuts of meat and gave him some ideas on recipes.And he just told me that this past weekend he made a venison roast for his family and had his entire family over for a meal. Which is something that he has never done before. And so it was just kind of such a joy to live through other people's successes as well. So that community aspect is big um, in terms of the motivation that keeps me coming back year to year. In my first few years of hunting, um, it definitely has evolved.And I was thinking about this a little bit and it's kind of a strange motivation, but it is definitely very valid in that is honestly the mystery behind it. So I was just thinking about this and you know, like, why am I excited to go out this fall? Why am I excited to get out in the stand? Because... just like the years before the intent is the same, ideally to get some sustainable meat on the table to ideally have some time with friends and family and share stories to just be in the natural world.Um, because I have such a fascination with wildlife. It's just so wonderful to be out there. But one of the best parts is the mystery. Every time you walk into the woods, you never know if you're going to see zero deer or 10 deer, if you might spot the biggest buck of your life, if you might see a bear or turkeys or other wildlife, maybe the chance that even seeing like an albino deer.Um, so one of, one of the biggest motivations and I guess which... what keeps it exciting is the fact that there's just so many unknowns and there's so much mystery. And every time you walk into the woods, it's just going to be a new experience.KATIE: [00:12:01] That's actually a really cool way of thinking of it that I've never heard anyone express before. So thank you for sharing that, you know, you don't know what you're going to find in the woods. You don't know if you'll be successful. Um, and I think that that adds to the challenge. And like you said, the excitement, so... very cool. So for you, I know you've talked a lot about the, the community side of things. What is that like to be a deer hunter in Wisconsin? What does that mean to you?  CARISSA: [00:12:28] To me specifically to be a deer hunter in Wisconsin, it feels like a love of place. I just feel like it is so ingrained in the history and heritage of the people around us now, and people many, many, many years before us. And so, yeah, definitely love of place.I just feel like a lot of Wisconsinites in general and particularly wisconsin hunters have this passion for where they live. A passion for where they recreate. This passion for the diversity and the landscapes that are offered in our state. Um, and so it definitely feels like to be a deer hunter it's just  have a love of home and a love of place. KATIE: [00:13:10] What are you most looking forward to in this 2020 deer season? I know 2020 has been a bit of a crazy time. Um, it's, it's a little bit, not what anyone has expected, but what are you most looking forward to this year? CARISSA: [00:13:25] Yeah. It is a difficult year. I guess I'll preface that a little bit with the fact that the last two years, a group of friends and colleagues of mine created our own little version of, um, deer camp.It's a ladies only deer camp. Since most of us there, um, didn't start hunting until a little bit later in life. Most of us, um, did not grow up, you know, hunting with mom or dad. And so we kind of have this connection and that, you know, we're all ladies, which not as many women are hunters and we all are more or less, relatively new to hunting.And so the past couple of years, we had this deer camp where we got together and just the comradery hunting together, helping each other, sharing equipment. But just that time, I just was probably the thing I looked forward to the most in the last two years. And so in a normal year I would say that that is again, what I would be looking most forward to was, um, our ladies deer camp.And unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we're not going to be able to get together like we have the last couple of years, but still, um... what I'm most looking forward to this season is finding a way for us to get together and enjoy hunting together. We're not quite sure how it might look yet, but what I'm most looking forward to this year is seeing friends I have not seen in a long time, um, and just celebrating the best time of the year.KATIE: [00:14:59] For sure. I know we've kind of here at the DNR, talked about different ways that people can still experience that community, that comradery, even if we can't physically get together. And one of the things we talked about, you know, was utilizing those group chats or, you know, I know we're all zoomed out. We spend too much time on the computer, but just, you know, doing a quick FaceTime after someone gets their deer and being able to celebrate that together.So I think there it's, like you said, it's going to look different, but there, there are ways to make that happen. For sure. So. Obviously, you know, as you talked about Wisconsin, hunting has been a thing in this state for many years. A lot of our, our residents have, have grown up hunting, but we also have a lot of people who have never hunted before much like you hadn't until recently. What would you say to someone regardless of age, sex, race, you know, wherever in the state that they're from, if they're on the fence about getting into the woods and giving hunting a try, what, what advice would you give them? CARISSA: [00:16:02] Yeah, if I was giving advice to, um, a non hunter who, who may be interested, um, I guess just kind of reflecting back on, on my early experience, the advice I would give is... there is no expectation. One of my biggest fears when kind of looking down this path and following my interest in learning how to hunt was that I didn't have the equipment.I had never handled a gun. I didn't know how to field dress a deer. And so I guess the advice I would give is that there is no expectation and there is no right way. I learned very quickly that, you know, old pair of Goodwill jeans and a hand me down orange coat from a mentor, um, is all you need. I've been very fortunate and I would want other people out there to know who may be interested, that there are lots of people willing to help.Our biggest challenge is connecting the right mentors with mentees. Like how do we find people who are close, you know, located or live near each other that we can make it work. But there's so much help out there. The other thing I would say is there's no expectation with harvesting an animal. In some of my early classes, there was at least one peer of mine that when a deer presented itself for a shot, uh, they were....they weren't comfortable with it. And so my biggest advice is there's no expectations. And just to kind of learn with yourself and go with your gut and that there are people out there willing to help.KATIE: [00:17:41] Thanks, Carissa. We can't wait to hear how your deer season goes. Next up is a conversation with Jim Wipperfurth. Someone who has been hunting almost as long as he can remember. He's also spent a good chunk of his time mentoring others through their first hunts. Take it away, Jim. JIM: [00:17:59] All right. So I am actually a retired DNR Wildlife Technician. I retired from there four years ago. Um, I'm a Hunter Safety instructor. Uh, also have taught the DNR's Learn to Hunt Turkey and Learn to Hunt Deer classes. And, uh, avid hunter. I've hunted pretty much all my life. Hunt, fish trap, all the outdoor stuff. KATIE: [00:18:21] Fantastic. So you said that you've hunted pretty much your whole life. Do you remember how old you were when you first started hunting? JIM: [00:18:27] Well, when I first legally hunted you had to be 12 years old. So that's how old I am. So, so now we can hunt earlier, you know, with the mentor hunting laws, but we didn't have that back then. So when I was 12 years old, I got my first hunting license and I have had a license, a deer license every year, since then. And I've also had small game licenses every year, since then. So that's been... I'm 61 now so that's been almost 50 years. KATIE: [00:18:53] There've been a few years in there for sure. Was it deer that you went hunting for first or was there something else? JIM: [00:19:00] I think... back then we all started with small game. So I was a squirrel hunter. I mean, it was when I was 12 years old I was a squirrel hunter first because that season opened first. That was open early in September or October and the deer season didn't open until November and there wasn't as much archery hunting back then as there is now. And my dad was not a bow hunter so I never bow hunted until I was at least, oh, I think I was 17 or 18. So it was a few years since I was a bowhunter. KATIE: [00:19:27] So was this something, you know, where you wanted to do it for a specific reason or were you interested in it because it was what your family had done? Or tell me a little bit about how you got started.JIM: [00:19:39] Yeah. For sure. My dad is, was a big hunter and still hunts. He's 86 and doesn't get around to hunt as much as he used to, but he still likes to get out. So that's what we did. All my cousins, all my uncles. That was the big thing. We hunted. When there, there was no computer games, no video games, you know, there was three stations on TV, so our entertainment was to go out and hunt. And so that's how I learned to hunt.KATIE: [00:20:03] For sure. Is there a favorite memory that you have from your childhood hunting that you  might mind sharing? JIM: [00:20:10] There are so many, but I will say my, I can remember my first deer, which was shot actually about half a mile from where I live right now. I can give you every detail of that one.It would be a long enough story, but, but, uh, I shot him... I was driving, my dad and I were driving. It was about lunchtime and we were driving back to our house and my mom was out. She always would drive around looking for deer. This is back in the day and we were in Dane County. And she was parked in the road in front of us and said, a deer just ran across the road right here.And she was excited to see it. So I was 14 at the time, so I could legally hunt by myself. So my dad and I took off across the field, the woods to get back where we expected that deer to run. And I, of course being 14, beat my dad back there and then the deer came running across the field where we expected it to, which never seems to work nowadays.But I remember I shot that deer. So like I say, it was a half a mile from where I live right now. So, so the first of everything is always one that I remember. So that was my first deer. Ever. And I think it was a nub buck. It wasn't a big deer, but it didn't matter. Your first deer doesn't matter if it's a nub buck or a 30 pointer, they're all, all special.KATIE: [00:21:24] For sure. That's very cool that you have such a fond memory. Do you have another favorite memory from all of your years hunting? JIM: [00:21:32] I will say one of my... I'm a big turkey hunter now. And back in... 50 years ago, we didn't have turkeys here. So this is, you know, these are the much more recent memories, but even those are 20...getting to be 25, 30 years old. But one of the best ones is... my wife actually shot a turkey and she is not really a hunter, but she was seeing all the fun we were having. I was taking my nephews out and she said she would go if it was going to be 70 degrees. Cause she doesn't like the cold weather. So we went and we hunted across the road from where we live now.And we tracked and tracked and tracked and never heard a turkey. And at that time you could only hunt till noon. So we were... I think it was 10:30, we were about probably a mile and a half from the... our house right now, from where we started. And I had three or four mouth calls and went thru all of them. And I had one that never, ever got a turkey to answer.I figured I got nothing to lose. It's 10:30. We haven't heard a turkey all morning. I put that in. Turkey gobbled back at me. And he wasn't very far away so we set up on him and he came right in, strutted in front of us. And my wife was sitting just a little bit below me and she couldn't see the turkey. I could see him plain as day, but she could not get a shot.And finally, I just let the turkey walk away. And then she's, I said, let's circle around and see if we can get a better angle on him. Maybe he'll come back in and we snuck around and came back at a different angle... and called and that turkey came right in and she shot him. That's the only turkey she's ever shot.And it was a 24 and 1/2 pound tom and it was 11... I think it was 11:25 or 11:30 um, when, when she finally got that bird and like I say, we could only hunt until noon. So that is a very fond memory of mine.KATIE: [00:23:14] You've been hunting, obviously for quite some time. You said about 50 years. What is it about hunting in general? Um, and and maybe specifically deer hunting, but I think we can talk, talk hunting in general, that keeps you coming back year after year.JIM: [00:23:30] Boy. That's a really complicated question. It's, it's kind of a drive. If you're a dyed in the wool hunter like I am. And there... I know quite a few people that are. It's just an inner drive that just keeps me coming back. I think all of... there's so many factors. It's the interaction with the animal... the, you try to fool their senses and their senses are, as anybody who hunts knows, pretty sharp. Um, just the challenge of getting close. I love archery deer hunting because you have to get close and I'm a traditional guy so I shoot a longbow.  So I really have to get them close. So, um, the comradery with hunting with family and friends, that's getting to be more and more of a, of a, a bigger part of my hunting. I'd rather hunt with somebody. And that doesn't mean necessarily sitting with me. If we're going bow hunting. But to get together and then go hunt and get back together and share stories and share experiences and help each other out.Um, mentoring new people is getting... is more and more important. I'd just love to do that. I love to see people get their first deer, their first turkey. Um, so many things. Being part of nature. Just being outside watching the seasons change. I've been hunting, bow hunting... now it's November. So we've been out since September.So I've seen the leaves go from green and the woods being thick. To watching the leaves fall down, turn brown, you know, all of a sudden it's cleared out. You know, animals getting more active now in November. So it's just so many things. So, I don't know if it's, it's not easy to explain it, but I can just say that it's a drive.KATIE: [00:25:06] Yeah. I can totally understand that. You know, we've talked to a couple of different people about this and in my time doing this podcast, I've talked to several different guests about similar things. And that is one thing that always comes up is that challenge. And that, you know, you don't know what you're going to end up with. So that's very cool. JIM: [00:25:24] It's kind of like, I think there's kind of like, Las Vegas gambling. Cause you put a little more in and put a little more in and sometimes it works, most of the time it doesn't. But when you do get the big payoff, which for a hunter would be, you know, getting, you know, a big buck or even any buck or... compared to being in Vegas, hitting the big payoff. Even when that finally happens, it just seems to make everything you've done worthwhile. KATIE: [00:25:51] That is a perfect analogy for it. What is it like to be a deer hunter in Wisconsin? JIM: [00:25:58] What is it like? That is a very difficult question. So for me, I don't know what people do in November if they're not deer hunting. To be a deer hunter in Wisconsin is, is a privilege for one. We have such a great deer population, a great tradition in Wisconsin that I guess I have a hard time coming up with what it's like to be a deer hunter because that's just who I am. And, you know, it's not, it's not a hobby if... it's just something that I am. It's part of me. So it's... for me, it's just exciting. KATIE: [00:26:30] I know, you mentioned that mentoring is, is something you've done a lot of and something that you're pretty passionate about. What would you say to someone, whether they, you know, come from a background where they've grown up with family hunting, or maybe they've never known anyone who's hunted before in their lives, what would you say to them if they may be on the fence and thinking about getting in the woods this season? JIM: [00:26:55] Yeah. Anyone who's on the fence. If you can find a way to hunt. And the way... really the way the hunt is to find a mentor. Find someone that will take you out. And that can be difficult. You might have to search around and maybe you don't know anybody that hunts, but the thing to do is find out who the Hunter Safety instructors are in your area and give them a call.And they may... may not be able to do it themselves, but they may have some suggestions for you. That is one of the hard parts of the COVID because we have not been able to do our Learn to Hunt classes. And we see it every year. People come in that want to learn to deer hunt. We see their enthusiasm and, you know, they look at deer hunting a little bit differently.A lot of that is more the food aspect, but once they get involved and see the excitement part of it, and just the pure fun of it... they're hooked. So, so the hardest part of becoming a new deer hunter is that first step. And a lot of that is just having a mentor to show you those steps, finding a place to go.So, so if you, if you think you want to go, you know, right now start asking around and find somebody that'll take you hunting. And even if they say, I'll take you along, but you can't bring a gun... go along. And that's one way to at least get a foot in the door, see if you enjoy it. Um, I guess, you know, try your best. Anybody that wants to hunt should try it. KATIE: [00:28:15] You've been listening to Wild Wisconsin, a podcast brought to you by the Wisconsin DNR. Interested in learning more about hunting in Wisconsin and how you can get started? Send those questions to dnrpodcast@wisconsin.gov and we'll work with our staff to get you answers. For more great content be sure to subscribe to Wild Wisconsin, wherever you get your podcasts. Leave us a review or tell us who you'd like to hear from on a future episode. Thanks for listening. 

Chronic Wasting Disease is an always fatal, infectious disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Hunters (and non-hunters, alike!) play an important role in helping us monitor the disease across the state. And in 2020, we've made it easier than ever before to help us do exactly that.On this episode of Wild Wisconsin, we sit down with DNR wildlife conservation specialist, Amanda Kamps, to learn more about how hunters can participate by getting their deer sampled for CWD, the improvements that have been made to the process and some changes you should be aware of for the 2020 deer season. She also discusses some important ways non-hunters can help along the way.Learn more about CWD in Wisconsin at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/cwd.htmlFind a CWD sampling location near you at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/registersample.htmlListen to Episode 33 to learn more about important CWD research happening here in Wisconsin: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7e55a356Listen to Episode 29 to learn more about the basics of CWD: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b651fb8--------------------------------------TRANSCRIPTANNOUNCER: [00:00:00] Welcome to Wisconsin DNR's Wild Wisconsin "Off the Record" podcast. Information straight from the source.KATIE: [00:00:13] Welcome back to another episode of Wild Wisconsin Off the Record. I'm your host, DNR's acting Communications Director, Katie Grant. More and more hunters in Wisconsin are looking for ways to get involved with Wisconsin's management of Chronic Wasting Disease. CWD is an always fatal infectious nervous system disease that affects deer, moose, elk, and reindeer.As the name suggests this disease slowly deteriorates the brain and nervous systems of the host animal, causing it to lose excessive weight and behave abnormally before ultimately dying. CWD was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2002. Since then, Wisconsin hunters have played an important role in helping us learn more about the disease and its impacts on Wisconsin's deer herd.This year, we are looking to expand that sampling, to continue to better understand where the disease is throughout the state. Whether you're a hunter or simply a Wisconsinite who's concerned about protecting our animal populations, there are ways that you can help. In this episode, we speak with DNR Wildlife Conservation Specialist, Amanda Kamps on how hunters can report cases of CWD to assist the DNRs efforts.She also goes into details about the various tools and resources hunters can use and updates us on new developments as far as CWD monitoring goes and so much more. So sit back and listen in. AMANDA: [00:01:48] All right, well, I am Amanda Kamps. I am the Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist for Wisconsin DNR. And part of my main responsibilities are to work with Chronic Wasting Disease and our monitoring and management of the disease and work with our staff statewide in a whole variety of different aspects from sampling efforts to public outreach and education. I'm aware of research that we have going on. So, involved in quite a variety of different things when it comes to CWD. KATIE: [00:02:22] Yeah. So just to get us started, what is Chronic Wasting Disease? Or as, as we often refer to it CWD.AMANDA: [00:02:31] Of course. So CWD is a fatal infectious nervous system disease, belonging to a family that's known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathys or prion diseases.So prion diseases is probably a much easier name to say, uh, when we're talking about CWD. And this is a disease that's found in cervid species. So we're talking deer, moose, elk, and reindeer or caribou. It has been found in the state in Wisconsin here. Our first positives were detected back in 2002 from a few deer that were harvested during the 2001 deer hunting season. But in general, uh, in Wisconsin, we had actually started monitoring for CWD in 1999. KATIE: [00:03:25] So what does it do to the deer? AMANDA: [00:03:27] So CWD is kind of like the name implies, so it's a chronic disease. Um, it's wasting, so it's a disease that takes some time to show some outward effects. So by chronic, it means that it takes that time in order for that to be visible, at least for, for us to see in deer. And with the wasting disease part of it is that when, uh, a deer had the disease for quite some time and now we're starting to see those outward symptoms of the disease. It's starting to get skinnier. It's starting to act a little bit more abnormal. And so it's, it's more or less really looking like the animal is wasting away. KATIE: [00:04:09] So I am I correct in remembering that when, when you and I have talked about this before, it's not exactly eating away at the brain, but it kind of in a way is, am I remembering that correctly?AMANDA: [00:04:20] Well, it's causing a change in the brain. The disease can be detected throughout the nervous system. So in the brain and the spinal cord, um, in the lymph nodes throughout the body. And what happens is when, uh, if a deer is infected with it, those prions, which are abnormal shaped proteins, once those start to accumulate enough in the body, they start creating a change in things like the lymph tissue, like the brain. Then it starts creating this change in those tissues, which then create then that outward appearance or the clinical signs that we see. KATIE: [00:05:00] Perfect. So it's been around here in Wisconsin for a while. Why do we care about it here? What potential bad could it bring to Wisconsin?AMANDA: [00:05:09] Yeah, that's a great question. And, you know, we were monitoring or sampling for it for, you know, since 1999. And certainly we don't know when exactly it came into the state, but at least in that 2002, when we got those test results back. Uh, that's when we had at least first detected it here. And so by having the disease here, you know, looking at research and seeing what we know about the disease already is that our research is suggesting if it's left unmanaged, that CWD can eventually spread throughout our entire state here. And that other modeling research suggests an increase of CWD prevalence in a deer herd will cause a moderate to substantial long-term reduction in the harvestable surplus. And there's other researchers in other states like out in Wyoming and they're seeing indications that CWD may be reducing both the age structure and overall populations in some of the highest, uh, CWD prevalence areas out there. So if these indications are correct, ultimately, uh, this could lead to declines in Wisconsin. Which then could have a significant impact on deer hunting here in the state. KATIE: [00:06:32] I think it's, you know, important to note here that it isn't just Wisconsin that's dealing with this, right? It is, you know, a lot of states throughout the country. There are some, some other countries looking at this, correct? AMANDA: [00:06:45] Yeah, that's correct. KATIE: [00:06:46] Right, right. So you mentioned that we have been sampling and testing for it here in Wisconsin for quite some time at this point. What does the DNR have planned for CWD testing around the state this year in 2020?AMANDA: [00:07:02] Yeah. This year is, um, well, every year for that matter is a little bit unique in the, uh, areas of the state where we are doing more sampling efforts, um, than we may have previously. So every year we do put together a, what we call our surveillance plan. And that plan um, looks at our information that we know about CWD in the state already.Where has it been detected? Uh, have we done sampling in certain areas recently? Or has it been some time where we may want to increase sampling efforts to get a little bit more of a current or up to date picture and see what's going on, as far as sampling deer, um, in certain areas across the state. So for this year with our surveillance plan, we have, uh, this is the third year actually, of what we're calling, uh, like a statewide sweep. So this year, our enhanced efforts are really focusing in the northeast. So this is the first year where, uh, we have many more sampling locations available to hunters. So we are looking to collect quite a few more samples from deer that are harvested in our northeast part of the state.Last year, we had this increased effort in the northern part of our state. So there's a handful of counties in the north where we are continuing to provide additional sampling locations because we are looking to collect a few more samples from those counties. And the purpose of this district's sweep is, is really just to collect more samples from areas of the state where we haven't collected this many samples from in a few years. So this is just giving us that more up to date picture about our deer herd in the state, the health of the deer herd. And if there are additional positives detected, we'll know where they are. And we can focus other surveillance and monitoring efforts in those areas. And if we don't detect the disease, that's great information to know as well.KATIE: [00:09:19] Right. So really, you know, we're, we're looking to get more data because if we don't have the data, we don't have a full picture of what's going on. Right? AMANDA: [00:09:28] Right. Exactly. So we need the data, we need the samples and the test results and both of the, uh, test results for positive deer and also the deer that are not detected. Those are equally important to know. KATIE: [00:09:43] So, how can hunters find where they can take their deer to get sampled? AMANDA: [00:09:48] Yeah, of course. So we have a number of sampling locations across the state. So the best place to go for hunters to find out where the locations are, is to go on our DNR website and type in or search for CWD sampling.And we have a whole page that is that, that has this map on this page that lists not only the CWD sampling locations. But also carcass disposal locations. So you can zoom in, you can find your county where you'll be harvesting. You can zoom in and click on icons on the map. That'll show you where the locations are, what type of location it is.If it's a self service kiosk, or if it's a cooperator or another location that will provide assistance with CWD sampling. So really the best thing to do is just to keep checking this map regularly throughout the season. We might have some things change. Some details about a location might change or some new additions might be added.So just important that as hunters are getting closer to their time out in the field. That they check the map regularly. So they know where, where the closest location is to them and that'll work out best for them. KATIE: [00:11:07] Right. Yeah. That's a question we get a lot on social media, you know... "Hey, it's the beginning of October, I'm looking at this map. There aren't any locations showing up in my area right now. How am I supposed to get my deer tested?" So it's, it's important to remember that that map is really reflecting what's available right now. And certainly as we get into the height of deer season, uh, those number of locations is going to increase. So there, there will be more added. AMANDA: [00:11:32] Oh, absolutely. Yep. KATIE: [00:11:34] Perfect. Yeah, you guys are hard at work. Keeping that up to date and, and looking for more ways that we can make this easier for hunters. So.AMANDA: [00:11:42] Yep, absolutely. KATIE: [00:11:43] So other than us focusing a good number of those efforts in those northern regions, what else is new this year in terms of the ways that the DNR is looking to fight CWD across the state?AMANDA: [00:11:57] Yeah, that's a great question. So we do have a new option available for hunters to enter or submit all of the other information that goes along with the actual tissue sample that's needed for CWD testing. So any hunters out there, if they've sent, if they've had their deer tested before they might be familiar with this datasheet that goes along with every sample.So the data sheet previously has just been available in a paper form. So after a hunter registers their deer, you get a confirmation email just to say your deer was registered. And in that email, there is a link and a message to say, if you're interested in getting your deer tested for CWD, you can click on the link in that email, and it'll bring you to an option where you can enter information about yourself. Uh, the location of harvest and then some other details about your deer and you can take care of all of that electronically this year. KATIE: [00:13:01] I think that's a really cool thing because you know, obviously everyone's penmanship is a little bit different or, you know, you may miss a thing on the paper form, and then you get a phone call from the DNR or one of our volunteers trying to help figure that out and interpret what it is that you wrote down. I think it just makes it a bit more straightforward and easier all around. AMANDA: [00:13:23] Oh, definitely. And I know one of the pieces of information that can be challenging, uh, on the data sheet is the location of harvest. So on the paper form, we asked for very, you know, specific location information that not everybody knows, um, off the top of their head.But if you enter this information online, you can see a map and you can zoom in on a map and just place a pin on your location of harvest. And it'll collect all of that other information automatically for you. A couple of other notes to say about that process too, is that. You can access the online form to submit that data through that confirmation email, like I said. You can log into your Go Wild account and you can access it that way.Uh, but one, a couple of things that are important to know in order to do that is you do have to know the station ID number for what station you'll be going to, to actually drop off the deer head for sampling. So every station has an assigned number. You'll need to know that number, which you can get, uh, at the station itself.Or you can get that number on that map that we just talked about that shows all the sampling and disposal locations, those numbers are in that map. But you do still need to go to a sampling location because the other number you'll need is a CWD bar code number. So that six digit number, and you need to enter that online.So important note, takeaway note right now is that... visit a sampling location and then start entering your data through that online process to finish it completely in one step. And then just another safety measure this year, since this is the first year with that online option, is that when you pick up your data sheet, just write your name and phone number on that.And then, um, keep that in the, the black plastic bags that you're using for, um, submitting your, your deer head at that sampling location. Just in case we need to contact you for something. It's nice to have your name and number right there. Since all of your other information was submitted online. KATIE: [00:15:44] Perfect. Perfect. Is there anything else new this year in terms of things that we're doing to help hunters fight CWD? AMANDA: [00:15:52] Um, yeah, so we are expanding our Adopt a Dumpster programs this year and also Adopt a Kiosk. Those two programs have been available for the past couple of years. And participation has been great.It's been increasing every year. And one of the new things with the Adopt a Dumpster program this year is our cost share option. So last year we, uh, the DNR was able to provide a cost share option for certain counties and up to two dumpsters in those counties and reimbursing a certain amount for those couple of dumpster locations.Well, this year what's new is that we have the cost share option available to every county. All 72 counties statewide. So if you, or an organization that you're affiliated with, if you're interested in looking into having a carcass disposal option available to hunters in your community, then check out this program and see if you can still sign up and even participate in that cost share option.KATIE: [00:17:04] Awesome. What can hunters keep in mind to help in the fight to slow the spread of CWD? AMANDA: [00:17:11] There's quite a few things that hunters can, uh, keep in mind here. So, you know, certainly we've been talking a lot about getting their deer tested and having those carcass disposal options available. And aside from those two things, there's... hunters should be aware and follow the carcass transport regulations that we have, uh, both for deer that were harvested here in the state.But also if any hunters go to a different state and want to hunt there and are successful and they bring back um, some meat or bring back something here to their home, is just knowing what those carcass transport regulations are. Both for in-state and, and for out of state. Um, another bit of information hunters should know about is baiting and feeding.So there are, um, right now currently 52 counties in the state have a baiting and feeding ban. And it's just knowing if your county is one of those or whether it's not. And then knowing what the regulations are when it comes to baiting and feeding. Ultimately, it's just making sure as a hunter for where you will be hunting, know if you have a baiting and feeding ban. And just, if you have questions on it, you can check our website to stay current, to know a little bit about that in your area or certainly reach out to us with any other questions. KATIE: [00:18:40] Yeah, absolutely. Are there other ways for hunters to help out in their communities?AMANDA: [00:18:48] Oh. Absolutely. So, uh, hunters can, um, you know, if they're interested, they can, uh, harvest additional deer and even possibly donate those to our, uh... through the deer donation program. So, um, we have this program that's available in the states where, you know, if hunters are out there, they enjoy getting outside. Um, they enjoy contributing to the need, the needs of their communities, where, um, those who may visit the pantries could then have a great option for some venison. KATIE: [00:19:25] 2020 obviously has thrown us a lot of curve balls. Um, everyone has had to make some changes. The DNR included. Is there anything different about CWD testing this year that hunters should be aware of? AMANDA: [00:19:38] Be mindful that the time that it would take that you might be... hunters might be used to, in the past for the time for when they submit their deer for testing to when they get those test results back might be a little bit longer this year. You know, we do have some adjustments that we're making, uh, with our staff and our sampling locations that we have available to hunters.And we're really still trying to do the best we can to have a lot of options out there. And we're checking them frequently. We're getting samples sent in for testing very regularly, but, but just because um, you know, everything that we're still going through here in this state, just give a little bit of extra time or a little bit more patience.It may be a little bit longer for those tests results to come back. And even the lab that does the testing might have some limitations there too. So, really the best advice is to, if you harvest a deer, just try and get it submitted for testing as soon as possible.KATIE: [00:20:41] Right. Yeah. Keep yourself and, and other hunters safe and healthy while, while you're at those stations. And we're, we're going to work our hardest to, to not have there be delays, but just kind of given the way things are there. There probably will be a longer time than you're used to. So great advice there. What's the most important thing for hunters to know going into this season, uh, with regard to CWD specifically?AMANDA: [00:21:07] I guess, overall, and this might be more of an encompassing, you know, um, big takeaway message right now is just really, um, their participation in one way or another in CWD sampling or monitoring surveillance. There's a lot of different ways that hunters can be involved and really we're all in this together to keep monitoring the health of the deer herd in the state. So if hunters can participate in any way that they can, that's really the best thing that they can do.You know, another way that hunters and even non-hunters can help with CWD monitoring is reporting sick deer. Or anything that's kind of abnormal. Making those reports to your local DNR wildlife staff. Um, and one last thing, of course I always recommend, is just for everybody to stay informed and up to date on CWD. There's a lot that we know already, but there's still a lot that we're still learning and that we don't know yet. And so it's really just doing what we can. Stay informed about it. And everybody definitely has a part in helping to protect our, the health of our deer herd in the state. KATIE: [00:22:25] You've been listening to Wild Wisconsin. A podcast brought to you by the Wisconsin DNR. Interested in learning more about CWD and how you can do your part to help? Send those questions to dnrpodcast@wisconsin.gov and we'll work with Amanda and the rest of our wildlife management team here at the DNR to get you answers. For more great content be sure to subscribe to Wild Wisconsin wherever you get your podcasts.Leave us a review or tell us who you'd like to hear from on a future episode. Thanks for listening. 

Whitetail deer hunting in the Lonestar State is unlike hunting anywhere else, largely in part due to the sheer size. Texas covers 268,586 square miles. For reference, Delaware, the first state could fit into Texas 108 times while Rhode Island, the smallest state, could fit 221 times. Luckily Texas whitetails are one of the most studied, written about, and outright famous members of the deer family, Cervidae. Texas is home to an estimated 3.6 million white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texanus), providing a vast amount of hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Are you ready for our most tangent-filled episode yet!? Because these movies were so boring it was very hard to stay on topic. Important questions: Why does Andy hate Phil Collins? Where is the plot? Is Bambi art? Keep an ear out for Tony getting distracted by Alan Tudyk and Andy forgetting Groundhog Day exists. Our theme music is

Dr. Jared Beaver joins the group to discuss advancements in wildlife science and technology as it relates to the research and understanding of wildlife species. White-tailed deer research being a base for much of his work, Jared discusses strategies in managing for specific target goals and how new technology is making this possible. Jared details the current cutting edge wildlife research partnership between Wake Forest University and Three Rivers Land Trust. How this research will develop into technology available to the public consumer for use in wildlife management applications. Other topics include ethics surrounding new tech for hunting purposes, did you see a black panther? Support the show (http://threeriverslandtrust.org)

Cody is joined by Mikey, where they discuss topics of females in a male dominated field, broadcasting from the asylum, what does an Associate Director of a Land Trust do? Who or why would parents name their daughter Michael? Also talk about reasoning for why a female succeeds in the natural resources world. Why are females not as prevalent in the natural resources field? Dive into the first ever Three Rivers Land Trust Ladies Deer Hunt. Gals' skinning feral hogs, shooting high powered firearms for the first time. Successes and lessons learned by a group of complete strangers who bond around campfire smoke and the fascination of the natural world. Stories of successfully creating new contributors to natural resources well-being. Support the show (http://threeriverslandtrust.org)

Sam and Cody of Three Rivers Land Trust discuss personal experiences of the Sportsman Access Program. We get into some detail of our recent accounts of the sportsman access program. We discuss the hunter and anglers role in conservation. Talk of lucky elk ivory teeth and reading white-tailed deer body language. Deciding between family and an outdoor pastime on Thanksgiving weekend. Challenges of reading a white-tailed deer body language. Color blind hunters, more common than you might think. Why Hunters are conservationists. Big bucks and small bucks. Lucky Elk ivory. Does a rabbits foot make the difference in success?Support the show (http://threeriverslandtrust.org)

The botanical name of Wright’s Beebrush is Aloysia wrightii. It used to be Lippia wrightii, well actually it has gone…