Kentucky Afield

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On this episode of the podcast we're joined by KDFWR Boating Safety Officer, Marcus Bowling, and we're talking all things kayaking, boating, safety, and much more! Enjoy.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're on the bank of the beautiful Elkhorn Creek in Franklin County, and we're going fishing! You might hear some geese flying over, some running water, and some wind during this episode... We apologize for that, but things happen when you try to record outside! Here we talk about what Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery does for the state, recap a fish catch from the past weekend, and cover the basics of fishing Elkhorn Creek right now... Enjoy!

R3 Coordinator and Conservation Educator Olivia Dangler is here to talk about the KDFWR's learn to hunt, fish, and kayak programs! Additionally we of course also touch on the looming white bass run and other opportunities across the state... Enjoy!

KDFWR Fisheries Biologist David Baker is here, and we're talking fishing! Water temperatures are warming up and opportunities are becoming more and more plentiful for bass, perch, and panfish species across the state. Enjoy!

Central district fisheries biologist Jeff Crosby is here to talk about what's going on in the world of Kentucky's fisheries! We bounce from favorite fishing opportunities, to habitat work and it's importance, and then cover one stream in Kentucky that is getting many more trout than it has in the past this year... Enjoy!

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Conservation Educator Geoff Roberts, a man who know's a ton about Kentucky's wildlife, and has also been out braving the cold to catch stream smallmouth! We talk creek fishing in the winter, raptors of Kentucky, and much much more... Enjoy!

We're back for our first Kentucky Afield Podcast of 2022, and we're both recapping what's happened recently, and looking ahead to opportunities that are right around the corner! Black bear hunting, coyote hunting, and winter fishing opportunities are some highlights, but there's much much more... Enjoy!

Migratory Bird Biologist Wes Little joins us for todays podcast, and he sheds a lot of light on the topic of waterfowl hunting for us. We go over all of the rules, gear, and tactics that someone needs to know when setting out to waterfowl hunt for the first time. In addition we also talk about a number of other wintertime hunting opportunities that the state of Kentucky has to offer. Enjoy!

KDFWR Program Coordinator John Hast joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming modern firearms season for deer, regulation changes pertaining to predators, and bear hunting in the state of Kentucky. We take a dive into the deer season to this point, and look ahead to the coming weeks as the bulk of the state's hunters take to the woods. Enjoy, and good luck out there!

Rachel Crume is here to talk deer hunting, deer tracking, hunter education, and much more! Additionally Lee is excited about Fall fishing and Chase just wants to punch his buck tag so he can hit the water... Enjoy!

Lee is back, and we're talking deer hunting and fall fishing on this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! There is some important information regarding CWD and deer hunting in the state of Kentucky that all sportsmen need to be aware of. On top of that we're also excited and looking forward to some of the best fishing the state has to offer... It's right around the corner. Enjoy!

Deer biologist Kyle Sams is here to talk about what he knows the most about... Deer! We're previewing the upcoming archery season, talking about what's going on with the state's deer herd now, and also looking back at stats and data from the 2020-21 deer season. Enjoy!

On this episode of the KY Afield Podcast we're tuning in to hear the experts answer questions on a recent Kentucky Afield TV show! Michaela Rogers, Kate Slankard, and Geoff Roberts are here alongside Chad Miles to field and answer all of the audiences questions related to KY Wild. For those not familiar with KY Wild, it's a program that supports the states most vulnerable species; those that are not hunted, fished, or trapped. Enjoy!

Lee is back, and we're talking about what's going on now and what's coming up in the world of Kentucky's outdoors! In this episode we cover state record fish and fish ID, stream fishing and kayaking resources, and hit on early deer season preparations. Enjoy!

KDFWR fisheries biologist David Baker is here to talk about low head dam removals, such as the Elkhorn creek dam that was recently removed, and also to help highlight some underutilized waterways here in the bluegrass state! Enjoy!

We're at the beautiful Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort for this episode of the podcast, and we're trying to catch smallmouth bass!

It's Derby week in the bluegrass, but on top of that it's also turkey season and time to hit the creeks! We're talking about all three on this week's episode. If you'd like to hear Lee's Derby stories in full you'll have to ask him about it in person sometime... Enjoy!

Today KDFWR Turkey Program Coordinator Zak Danks joins the podcast to talk all about turkeys and turkey hunting! The history of turkeys in the state, the conservation efforts, and the current management plan for this species are all fascinating, and certainly something that sportsmen and women should be aware of... Enjoy!

We're talking white bass fishing, how to prep for the upcoming turkey season, and much more on this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast. Enjoy!

Rachel Crume, KDFWR's R3 Branch Manager, joins the podcast to talk about her blood tracking dog Sookie and all kinds of happenings surrounding the R3 program! Want to send your kids to conservation camp? She tell's us how to get that done, and much much more! Enjoy.

Lee is back for this episode, and we're sitting down to discuss some excellent outdoor opportunities that are right around the corner. We're also going over one of the best resources for fishermen in the state of Kentucky, the annual fishing forecast, and answering some questions! Enjoy.

It's just me and you on this podcast as we're hitting the field for a quick coyote hunt, and then talking tactics back at the office! Thanks for tuning in... I hope you were able to learn something. If you have any questions just let me know!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we are joined by KDFWR migratory bird biologist Wes Little, and he's giving us a heavy dose of waterfowl knowledge! We talk migratory birds, field questions from Instagram and much more. Enjoy!

KDFWR wildlife biologist John Hast is sitting down with us to discuss the recent Kentucky black bear season, what's going on with the states population, favorite wild game recipes, and much much more... Enjoy!

On this weeks episode we are joined by KDFWR law enforcement officer Marcus Bowling to discuss the cold weather ahead, and how to handle it from a fishing and a boating perspective. We're also covering the new coyote hunting night season with rifles, and much much more... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're breaking down harvest numbers from opening weekend of modern firearms season, giving information related to a recent poaching case, and talking winter fishing opportunities... Towards the end we also get derailed and talk ballistics and other nonsense. Enjoy!

On this weeks episode we are joined by Gabe Jenkins, former KDFWR Deer and Elk Program Coordinator, to discuss deer season to this point, deer season to come, and to go over some tactics that might be useful when modern firearms season opens up... We're breaking down the numbers and taking a deep dive into the 2020 deer season! Enjoy!

On this episode wildlife biologist Cody Rhoden joins us to talk about the 2020 mast crop and its effect on wildlife movement and harvest. Enjoy!

On this episode we sit down to discuss an absolutely amazing day of fishing that, and give you a few pointers so you can try it for yourself sometime! We also cover deer hunting during the month of October and include the basics of grunting and rattling for whitetails... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about our 2020 archery elk hunt, which acorns to focus on for deer, and getting some musky fishing tips as well! Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about some of our recent outings, including on the Green River and Elkhorn Creek, and also hitting on early bow season and dove season. Enjoy!

On this episode Wes Little, KDFWR Migratory Bird Biologist, joins us to talk doves and all things dove hunting... Including what a first time hunter should expect when hitting the field, but first we have to recap our weekend fishing trips! Enjoy!

David Lee Hayes caught perhaps the most impressive fish in history, and unfortunately passed away recently at the age of 95. Lee had visited with Mr. Hayes several times, so today we are telling his story. Enjoy!

This week we're talking about the string of unfortunate drownings that have taken place across Kentucky, and the entire country, and telling you what you can do to keep yourself safe... We're also hitting on what's hot as far as the fishing goes (It's not just the weather), and going over a little deer season prep work... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're discussing a variety of topics, including how lazy it is to leave trash behind when you're outdoors, summertime fishing opportunities, and the current shortage in available fishing gear. Enjoy!

Today we are talking about water safety, which is becoming an increasingly more and more important issue... In addition we will also be getting everyone ready for "Free Fishing Weekend" (June 6-7, 2020) by going over a few great opportunities that are happening right now! Enjoy!

Conservation educator Rachel Young joins us to discuss some of her favorite outdoor hobbies, and to shed some light on how you can become a better outdoorsman or woman over the coming summer months... Enjoy!