The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | #106
Wild Turkey Science
In this episode, we delve into the ecological significance of the American chestnut tree with Sara Fitzsimmons, Chief Conservation Officer for The American Chestnut Foundation. Join as we explore its history, ecological importance, challenges faced due to habitat change and disease, on-going conservation efforts, and how you can get involved in its ecological restoration. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Sara Fitzsimmons , Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys...
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Are pigs eating all the acorns? | #105
Wild Turkey Science
In this episode, we review the available research on wild pig competition for acorns and their impact on competing wildlife species. We discuss the concept of competitive exclusion, the role of acorns in the diets of various species, the implications of pig removal on ecosystem dynamics, and what this means for turkeys. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , - Thank you! Check out...
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Turkeys in the Midwest | #104
Wild Turkey Science
You asked and we listened. In this episode, we are joined by Luke Garver, Wild Turkey Project Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, to discuss the current state of the wild turkey in Illinois. We dive into long-term population trends, environmental factors impacting reproduction, predator-prey dynamics, habitat challenges posed by invasive species, on-going research initiatives, and more. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Luke Garver Dr. Marcus...
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Best acorns for wildlife | #103
Wild Turkey Science
In this episode, we dive into the available literature on wildlife preferences for acorns. We review the dietary composition of turkeys, factors influencing acorn consumption, how various wildlife species select for specific acorns, and highlight the complex interconnectedness of these ecological processes. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , - Thank you! Check out the NEW...
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Herbicides | #102
Wild Turkey Science
Will leads us on a detailed dive into the intricacies of herbicide management. Join as we delve into the uses and applications of selective herbicides for habitat management and forest stand improvement, associated risks with herbicide use, specific chemicals for invasive species, proper application techniques, mitigating nutsedge, and more. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , - Thank...
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Oak masting research | #101
Wild Turkey Science
Marcus walks us through his comprehensive oak study quantifying seasonal oak masting patterns and wildlife response. Join as he breaks down the methodology, findings, and implications of the research, and learn how oaks play a critical role in wildlife management. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! for a chance to win free gear!...
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100th Episode Special | #100
Wild Turkey Science
For our 100th episode, we review (and react to) some memorable moments recorded throughout the last few years. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to 100 more! Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! for a chance to win free gear! Get a 10% discount at by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout! This podcast is made...
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Oak Biology 101 | #99
Wild Turkey Science
For the first episode in our Oaktober mini-series, we discuss the general biology of oaks. Listen as we breakdown the definition of mast seeding, the proximate and ultimate causes of masting, the direct and indirect effects it has on wildlife, local and regional scale masting effects, the differences in quality between oak species, the squirrel death games, and more. Resources: Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send...
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We gotcha, YouTube | #98
Wild Turkey Science
Our producer Charlotte drops by to read us some questions and comments from our YouTube audience. Be sure to leave us a comment on for a chance to win a turkey call! Signed by yours truly. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! for a chance to win free gear! Get a 10% discount at by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at...
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How pig removal affects turkeys | #97
Wild Turkey Science
Matt McDonough, PhD student at Auburn University, walks us through his master’s project assessing how wild pig densities impact turkeys and their poults. Join as he breaks down his study’s experimental design and results, and learn of Matt’s key takeaways for landowners curious about the efficacy of pig removal on turkey populations across their property. Resources: Donate to wild turkey research: , Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! Matt McDonough , , Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER...
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We are recruiting a videographer to focus on developing video content to help wild turkeys.