Natural Resources University

A recently published note in the journal Neurobiology describing potential human transmission of chronic wasting disease is getting quite a bit of attention. Join us as we discuss the recent publication, chronic wasting disease, and steps you can take to try to limit the spread of this important disease within and among deer 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

Dr. Alan Krakauer joins us to dive into his research on turkey kin selection and breakdown the many strategies gobblers use to pass on genes. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Krakauer, A. H. (2005). Kin selection and cooperative courtship in wild turkeys. Nature, 434(7029), 69-72. Krakauer, A. H. (2008). Sexual selection and the genetic mating system of wild turkeys. The Condor, 110(1), 1-12. Watts, C. R., & Stokes, A. W. (1971). The social order of turkeys. Scientific American, 224(6), 112-119. Dr. Alan Krakauer Website, Academic Profile Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, 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! 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

Anglers know that many fish species depend on the structure that trees provide. Habitat, such as standing timber, blow downs, snags, and cypress trees are popular places to fish in lakes and streams. But what about when the river leaves the riverbed and enters the bottomland forest? It turns out that this "flooded forest" habitat is critical for many fish species. Most lowland rivers used to seasonally flood into the surrounding forests, which could remain inundated for months at a time. These areas were important to spawning, early life history, and feeding ecology of many important fish species. Today, many rivers have lost this connection due to river regulation for navigation and flood control, with consequence for many river species that depended on flooded forests. In this episode, Wes discusses the value of flooded forests and ways we can improve our highly regulated rivers with Dr. Sandra Correa. Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!

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)

Dr. Dwayne Elmore, Director of the Game Bird Program at Tall Timbers Research Station, joins us to breakdown the reproductive ecology and behavior of wild turkeys, how and why they lek, and if this impacts spring hunting. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Honeycomb Custom Calls Red-capped manakin bird Dr. Dwayne Elmore Tall Timbers, Academic Profile Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear! 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

In this episode we visit with Luke Resop to discuss buck beds and bedding areas. How often are they bedding? What's their affinity to certain bedding areas? What's the circuit time for returning to a bedding area? Day beds and night beds are all discussed. We also introduce our newest member to the MSU Deer Lab, Dr. Natasha Ellison. She is a Mathematical Ecologist and is helping us 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)

New EPA Standards https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-stronger-standards-harmful-soot-pollution-significantly-increasing#:~:text=By%20strengthening%20the%20annual%20health,to%204%2C500%20premature%20deaths%20and Tall Timbers Fire Research https://talltimbers.org/research-at-tall-timbers/tall-timbers-research/fire-research/ A brief history of humans and fire in the Southeast: https://www.jstor.org/stable/24707703?seq=3

The Ogallala Aquifer is found underground in parts of 8 states. This vital resource provides groundwater for agricultural producers, wildlife, and citizens in these states. Water use practices have led to declines in the aquifer and recent trends in water use have led to depletion in water levels throughout this region. Join us as we discuss the current status of the Ogallala Aquifer, steps being taken to conserve water moving forward, and what it all means for agricultural producers, citizens, and wildlife that rely on the amazing resource. 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

Marcus and Will sit down under one roof to review the available literature on declining insect populations. They pull from studies across the globe to discuss the implications of insect declines on terrestrial, ground-nesting birds and how we can help mitigate these effects for the wild turkey. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resource: Blösch, S., et al. (2023). A systematic review on the effectiveness of crop architecture-related in-field measures for promoting ground-breeding farmland birds. Journal for Nature Conservation, 126515. DrDisturbance IG Post Haaland, C., et al. (2011). Sown wildflower strips for insect conservation: a review. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 4(1), 60-80. Powell, B. L., et al. (2022). Vegetation structure and food availability following disturbance in recently restored early successional plant communities. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46(5), e1372. Schmidt, A., et al. (2022). Effects of perennial wildflower strips and landscape structure on birds in intensively farmed agricultural landscapes. Basic and Applied Ecology, 58, 15-25. Tallamy, D. W., & Shriver, W. G. (2021). Are declines in insects and insectivorous birds related? Ornithol Appl 123: duaa059. What is a forb? (Video) Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear! 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Ahead of a forthcoming mini-series on forest management for birds, Adam and Jarred discuss a paper reviewing the state of the science examining bird responses to forest management in the eastern U.S. The paper published last year by Michael Skresh and colleagues presents a compelling case for the importance of managed disturbances in eastern forests to benefit birds of conservation concern. Jarred also foreshadows some conversations he has planned in the coming episodes. Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm Research & Resources discussed in the episode Here's the paper we discussed: Akresh, Michael E., David I. King, Savannah L. McInvale, Jeffery L. Larkin, and Anthony W. D'Amato. 2023. " Effects of Forest Management on the Conservation of Bird Communities in Eastern North America: A Meta-Analysis." Ecosphere 14(1): e4315. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4315 Here's a paper Adam's written about forest management for birds: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/15963 h Here's the episode we mentioned with Marcus Lashley and fire disturbance regimes: https://habitatuniversity.libsyn.com/episode-03-aldos-tools-getting-creative-with-prescribed-fire

Mark Turner, PhD candidate in Dr. Craig Harper's lab at the University of Tennessee, joins us to disclose results from their recent study assessing the effects of canopy reduction and fire seasonality on turkey habitat quality and use in upland hardwoods. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Burning during nesting | #19 Nichols, R. A., et al. (2021). Alter fire timing to recouple forage nutrients with herbivore nutrient demands. Forest Ecology and Management, 500, 119646. Turner et al. (2024). Canopy reduction and fire seasonality effects on deer and turkey habitat in upland hardwoods. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121657. Mark Turner @markturner442, Academic Profile Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Academic Profile Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Academic Profile Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

For more information on Dr. Treadwell's work: https://sanangelo.tamu.edu/people/dr-morgan-russell-assistant-professor-extension-range-specialist/ Texas Prescribed Burn Handbook: https://agrilife.org/rxburn/ More information on the story of how prescribed burns saved the town of Borger, Texas: https://www.newschannel10.com/2024/03/08/prescribed-burn-saves-borger-windy-deuce-fire/ https://wildfiretoday.com/2024/02/29/a-prescribed-burn-stalled-the-huge-texas-fire/

Working Lands for Wildlife Bobwhite Conservation Pilot: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/crp-conservation-reserve-program/news/usda-launches-new-bobwhite-conservation Wildfires in Texas: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/texas-wildfire-impacting-quail/

In this episode, we discuss habitat management, and how common habitat management practices for a species in some regions may not be appropriate everywhere a species occurs. 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

Dr. Mike Chamberlain, Terrell Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of Georgia, re-joins the podcast to walk us through the various life stages of a gobbler. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Goodwin, C. C., et al. (2024). Experimental infection of domestic turkeys with lymphoproliferative disease virus of North American origin. Veterinary Pathology. Krakauer, A. H. (2005). Kin selection and cooperative courtship in wild turkeys. Nature, 434(7029), 69-72. Nelson, S. D., et al. (2023). Age‐based shifts in habitat selection of wild turkey broods. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 87(8), e22494 Wightman, P. H., et al. (2024). Survival and cause‐specific mortality of male wild turkeys across the southeastern United States. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22531. Dr. Mike Chamberlain (@wildturkeydoc) (Wild Turkey Lab) Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Dr. Rick Gerhold, Associate Professor of Parasitology/Wildlife Diseases at the University of Tennessee, joins us to breakdown common diseases among turkeys and their symptoms, pathways of transmission, and infected biological effects. He also discusses histomonas and how you can get involved in cutting-edge egg research. Dr. Rick Gerhold ([email protected]) (Academic Profile) Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

In this episode, we discuss how to stock fish in your pond, what type of fish are usually recommended, and the best time to add fish to your pond. Discussion includes how to know if you should stock your pond, common issues with newly stocked fish, and some thoughts on adding minnows to your pond that may save you some money! Resources for this episode: Kansas Aquaculture Association: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/kaa/ Kansas Pond Stocking Guide: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Pond-Management-Program/Producing-Fish-and-Wildlife-in-Kansas-Ponds/Stocking

Pine beetle outbreaks are usually not the result of one stress factor, but the cumulative result of several possible variables that lower pine vigor. Join us, along with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University, as we discuss pine beetle biology and environmental conditions leading up to problems with pine beetles. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Tes Randle Jolly, award-winning professional wildlife and turkey photographer extraordinaire, joins Marcus and Will to share her deep insight and perspective into wild turkey behavior from over 25 years of photographing our favorite bird. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Tes Jolly (@jovtes) Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

This episode quacks me up. Fisheries management to produce quality fishing often requires actions that are counterproductive to attracting migratory ducks and vice versa. But in this episode, we'll talk about some ways that you might be able to have the best of both worlds. Wes sits down with two leading experts in the duck realm, and they brainstorm on what can be done to bring more ducks to a small pond without necessarily hurting fishing opportunities. Any you'll receive wonderful egg-splanantion on the intricacies of duck biology, including how to deal with pesky resident geese. If you migrate to the link and listen to podcast, I promise I will quit quacking duck puns. Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes! Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook

Dr. Richard Buccholz, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research at the University of Mississippi, joins Will and Marcus to shed light on the fascinating world of wild turkey behavior. Learn of the interplay between displayed traits and biological fitness, which traits influence sexual selection, and how this information can help us strategize research for better management moving forward. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Hill, G. E., et al. (2005). The effect of coccidial infection on iridescent plumage coloration in wild turkeys. Animal Behaviour, 69(2), 387-394 Huang, M. H., et al. (2022). Analysis of supplemental wildlife feeding in Mississippi and environmental gastrointestinal parasite load. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 995437. Dr. Richard Buchholz (Website) (Academic Profile) Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Today on Working Wild U, we're spotlighting, quite literally, one special species that calls the Great Plains home. A small predator that was thought to be extinct.... twice! Meet the black-footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in North America. Thanks to community-driven efforts spanning the Great Plains, from dedicated ranchers in eastern Colorado to the Fort Belknap Indian Community in northern Montana, this elusive predator is staging a remarkable comeback. As always, find our complete show notes, including links, videos and other references from the episode at workingwild.us.

In this episode we talk with Dr. Mark McConnell, Assistant Professor of Upland Birds at Mississippi State, about wildlife conservation in agricultural landscapes and his research into creating win-win solutions for wildlife and agricultural producers. We cover a variety of topics in this episode from reacting to Adam's new mustache, Mark's use of memes to help wildlife student engage with farmers, and using precision conservation to delivery economically targeted conservation. Themes in the episode: meeting farmer where they are, building your conservation team, economics and Precision Agricultural/Conservation. Targeted Conservation Delivery, Economically Targeted Conservation, Wildlife-Friendly Farming Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm Research & Resources discussed in the episode Research on who farmers trust when making decisions about agricultural practices - https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/fnr-488-w.pdf Personal outreach to landowners is vital to conservation program success (article about Lutter et al 2018 paper). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180405093305.htm Bridging the gap between conservation delivery and economics with precision agriculture (McConnell 2021) - https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wsb.995 Economically targeting conservation practices to optimize conservation and net revenue using precision agriculture tools (Meng et al. 2022) - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11119-022-09890-7 Farming and the fate of nature (Green et al. 2005) - https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1106049 Wildlife-friendly farming benefits rare birds, bees and plants (Pywell et al. 2012) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22675140/ Crop Advisors as Conservation Intermediaries (Eanes et al. 2019) - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837718310238 Creating Environmentally Resilient Agriculture Landscapes Using Precision Agriculture Technology: An Economic Perspective (McConnell 2019) - https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2019-1334.ch007 CRP Menu Tool - https://crpmenu.gri.msstate.edu/

In this episode, we discuss how turkey vultures and black vultures provide both positive and negative values to residents of the Great Plains, and how to deal with problems associated with these 2 species. Resources for this episode: Black Vulture Damage Control University of Kentucky Extension: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/FOR/FOR129/FOR129.pdf Black Vulture Effigy Plans: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/files/forfs18-03.pdf Paint an effigy to look like a turkey vulture: 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

Dr. Patrick Wightman, Research Scientist at UGA, joins Marcus and Will to reveal results from a recent region-wide collaborative project - across 4 states, 8 study sites, and with over 900 banded birds - assessing the effects of hunting pressure on male survival. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Wightman, P. H., et al. (2024). Survival and cause‐specific mortality of male wild turkeys across the southeastern United States. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22531. Dr. Patrick Wightman (@WildTurkeyNerd) (Academic Profile) (Wild Turkey Lab) Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

New data brings to light more pieces of our habitat-predator puzzle. Join as Marcus and Will pull from recent studies to discuss the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund 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. Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

This month is the first Q&A episode. Brady and Shaun get to listener questions they have received since the first episode. They discuss taxes, some hardwood silviculture, and the northern long-eared bat. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

In this episode we discuss what happens to ponds in the winter. Where do fish go? Do you need aeration? What pond management can you do in the winter to benefit your pond during the warmer months? Join us as we discuss these questions and more! 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

Dr. Geoff Hill, professor of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, joins Marcus and Will to break down the unique evolutionary biology of our favorite bird. Learn which characteristics hens select for, what make decoys effective, if gene selection is impacted by hunter harvest, the intricacies of the turkey brotherhood, and much more. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Geoff Hill (Website) (Academic Profile) Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Grizzly bears are expanding their range. But where are they headed? To find out, we get out on the land with ranchers Erik Kalsta and Jami Murdoch, who are working with partners to monitor wildlife – including grizzlies – on their operation in southwest Montana. Together with Erik, Jami and Blackfeet rancher Kristen Kipp, plus a band of other experts, we explore what it really means for grizzly bears to recover under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, and the real challenges bears, and people, face as they do. Read the complete show notes, as always, at workingwild.us.

Have you ever noticed that when someone catches a big largemouth or Florida bass, like a double-digit bass, they refer to it as "she", "her", or "big girl"? That is because female bass get larger than male bass, and you'll never catch a male that big. In a normal population, half the population is male, so only the female half will have trophy potential. But we can change this dynamic if we only stock the lady bass. In this episode, Wes and Senior Fisheries Biologist Tim Bonvechio discuss the efforts Georgia DNR has been undertaking to create all-female lakes for better trophy fishing. They talk establishment, prey, harvest, and keeping out those pesky males who only have one thing on their mind. Tune in – this may be an option for your next pond or lake renovation! Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes! Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook

Marcus and Will explain why our current data on turkeys supports both sides of this ongoing debate and what is needed to determine whether habitat or predation is to blame. They also discover another interesting link between supplemental feeding and predation, and discuss four studies that would answer most of our questions related to the current decline in wild turkey populations. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Resources: Cano-Martínez et al. (2023). Bottom-up rather than top-down mechanisms determine mesocarnivore interactions in Norway. Authorea Preprints. Newsome et al. (2015). The ecological effects of providing resource subsidies to predators. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 24(1), 1-11. Rosatte et al. (2007). Raccoon density and movements after population reduction to control rabies. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 71(7), 2373-2378. Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management related to deer production in the Great Plains, and whether or not it makes sense to control coyotes as a deer management practice 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

Will and Marcus discuss why they and other biologists are more likely to endorse habitat management, versus predator control, to increase turkey populations. They also cover a study showing trapping can effectively reduce raccoon populations by up to 90% and discuss why that may or may not translate into more turkeys on the landscape. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Resources: How effective is trapping to reduce raccoon abundance? (IG Post) What does wild turkey nesting cover look like? (Video) Chance et al. (2020). Vegetation characteristics influence fine-scale intensity of habitat use by wild turkey and white-tailed deer in a loblolly pine plantation. Basic and applied ecology, 43, 42-51. Cohen et al. (2022). Movement, spatial ecology, and habitat selection of translocated Gould's wild turkeys. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 46(2), e1270. Lazure, L., & Weladji, R. B. (2024). Methods to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts involving common mesopredators: a meta‐analysis. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22526. Nelson et al. (2023). Age‐based shifts in habitat selection of wild turkey broods. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 87(8), e22494 Rosatte et al. (2001). Emergency response to raccoon rabies introduction into Ontario. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 37(2), 265-279. Rosatte et al. (2007). Raccoon density and movements after population reduction to control rabies. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 71(7), 2373-2378. Palmer, William E., et al. "Effect of field borders and nest‐predator reduction on abundance of northern bobwhites." Wildlife Society Bulletin 33.4 (2005): 1398-1405. Rader et al. (2011). Simulating northern bobwhite population responses to nest predation, nesting habitat, and weather in South Texas. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 75(1), 61-70. Turner et al. (2024). Canopy reduction and fire seasonality effects on deer and turkey habitat in upland hardwoods. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121657. Wightman et al. (2023). Landscape characteristics and predation risk influence spatial variation in auditory courtship of an upland game bird. Landscape Ecology, 38(5), 1221-1236. Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

When a section of the Big Hole River in southwest Montana ran dry in 1988, all eyes were on the future of one of the last remaining populations of arctic grayling in the lower 48. Out of the struggle, a collaboration emerged that change the future of the Big Hole - a future where human communities, wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on can thrive. And it might even serve as a model for how we can conserve species that are headed for the brink. Complete show notes are available at workingwild.us

Mark Hatfield, National Director of Science and Planning for NWTF, joins Marcus and Will to discuss how their organization has helped wild turkeys through research involvement, areas of focus throughout the decades, and ongoing programs and events. Resources: Habitat for the Hatch Women in the Outdoors Wheelin' Sportsman JAKES Program Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Cocktails and Conversation (FB Live) 2024 NWTF Convention www.nwtf.org Mark Hatfield X @TheBeardedBio IG @thebeardedbio Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

In the final episode of our second season, Jarred and Adam review the conversations we've had on the theme of private lands habitat conservation, discuss some things "left on the bone," and share with the listeners where Habitat University is heading in the new year! Be sure to check out the previous episodes in the podcast, including those from Season 2 discussed in this episode, and Season 1 if you haven't already! And as always please help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat University Listener Feedback Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oteinFuEzFCDmm Resources mentioned in the episode: Bird friend coffee: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/bird-friendly Bird friendly beef: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/ranching Learn more about the Land sparing and land sharing debate with this article: https://e360.yale.edu/features/sparing-vs-sharing-the-great-debate-over-how-to-protect-nature For a much more thorough treatment of the history of Native peoples' relationships to much of what we today know as private land, check out the exceptional book: An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

In this episode, we discuss eagles, their natural history, decline, subsequent recovery, and important special protections that are afforded to eagles. Contact us: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/contact.html

Jason Lupardus, Director of Business Operations and Partnerships for Turkeys for Tomorrow, joins Marcus and Will to reveal TFT's vision, solution, and strategies for addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the wild turkey. Learn how you can get involved with Turkeys for Tomorrow's citizen-science land management today. TFT: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Episode 17 – Natural Regeneration of Pines Prior to active silvicultural management, natural regeneration propagated pine species across the South for millennia. Join the Timber University team and their guest, Dr. Michael Blazier with the University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss this and what options still exist for the land manager wanting to utilize developed silvicultural techniques available for naturally regenerating pines. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Marcus calls Will from the road to reflect upon and breakdown their recent site visit to a landowner managing for deer and turkey, the primary factors weighed when juggling multiple objectives, and when to use which strategies. Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Hide your dog, hide your kids, stay indoors! Monster fish are taking over! Well, not quite. In this episode, Wes talks with the biologist who was at ground zero of the Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) invasion in Virginia. John Odenkirk tells the story of the first detection, subsequent expansion, and the system-level impacts that snakehead fish have had in the two decades since they were first detected. Join us and learn about the real and perceived issues with this fish, and about how they continue to be spread around the United States. Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes! Follow Natural Resources University on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, & Facebook

In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management and how hunting, trapping and other forms of harvest can be used as lethal control measures to manage livestock losses. Resources: How to trap a coyote extension publication: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/c660.pdf Coyote trapping video series: https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife/playlists

Marcus and Will wrap up our first year of production by reflecting upon the most memorable moments from recording, favorite segments from the season, unexpected feedback from listeners, and our plans for the show moving forward. Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey below. Thank you in advance! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Resources: I lease land…what about me? | #12 Has turkey habitat changed? | #21 Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29 Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30 How to science | #37 What not to do | #39 Legends of turkey research | #50 NE Update: Year 1 results | #56 Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

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 1, Steve and Bronson discuss some 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)

Duck Locascio, Forestry Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, joins Marcus and Will to demystify and provide actionable steps to managers interested in improving turkey habitat in bottomland hardwood forests. Resources: Desired Forest Conditions document Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Carolina and Marcus sit down with Ciera Rhodes of Quail Forever to discuss the importance of using fire when managing for gamebirds, programs and agencies available to assist landowners with management practices and funding, and best fire practices for maximizing quail on your property. Resources: NRCS EQIP Quail Forever Dr. Carolina Baruzzi (wildlandmgmt) (Academic Profile) Dr. Marcus Lashley (DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback! (here) Check out our newest podcast, Wild Turkey Science! Enroll now in our free, online fire course. Available to all. This podcast is supported by listener donations - thank you for being a part of this effort. For more information, follow UF DEER Lab on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. Music by Dr. David Mason and Artlist.io Produced and edited by Charlotte Nowak

Duck Locascio, Forestry Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, joins Marcus and Will to demystify and provide actionable steps to managers interested in improving turkey habitat in bottomland hardwood forests. Resources: Desired Forest Conditions document Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow) UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund 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. Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

We're excited to announce the second season of Working Wild U: Imperiled. This season we're exploring community and landowner-led wildlife conservation on working and tribal lands across the West. From grizzly bears to lesser-known species, join us as we discover the challenges and successes of how communities are working together for common-ground solutions. We'll dive into the action, meeting individuals on the ground stewarding habitats and supporting thriving rural communities. As the Endangered Species Act turns 50, we reflect on the past and ponder the next 50 years of conservation in the US. Stay tuned for episodes dropping soon – it's a season of surprising stories and crucial questions about the future of working lands in the West. Stay tuned for episodes dropping soon!