Waterfowl Ecology at Ponds and Streams | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #361
Natural Resources University
Ducks and geese are fun to watch and provide exciting hunting opportunities at your pond or stream - but are they okay for your water quality? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss waterfowl ecology, life history patterns, and what to do if you have too many geese waddling around your property. 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
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The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | Wild Turkey Science #360
Natural Resources University
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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The Loper Decision and How it May Affect Forest Landowners | Timber University #359
Natural Resources University
In this episode we speak with Dr. Kevin Boston from the University of Arkansas at Monticello to discuss a recent landmark Supreme Court decision Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024) that overturned a long-standing precedent for federal agency authority on interpreting intent of Congressional legislation. Dr. Boston received a Ph.D. In Forest Engineering at Oregon State University (1996) and has a JD, from the Northwest School of Law at Lewis and Clark College (2016). Dr. Boston has been working in the field of forestry as a registered forester across the globe since the early 80s...
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Are pigs eating all the acorns? | Wild Turkey Science #358
Natural Resources University
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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Forecasting Fowl: Understanding Duck Migration | Gamebird University #357
Natural Resources University
In this episode, James and Brian talk with Dr. Mike Schummer (waterfowl professor at the State University of New York and host of the Fowl Weather podcast) to discuss the intricate relationship between weather patterns and duck migration, particularly focusing on mallards. The discussion covers key weather variables that influence migration, the adaptability of ducks to changing climates, and the impact of food resources on their movement. The conversation also touches on the implications of game farm mallards on wild populations and the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective...
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Armadillos | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #356
Natural Resources University
Armadillos are a relative newcomer to much of the Great Plains, and can be an aggravating species because of the damage that they frequently cause to lawns and landscaping. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the history of armadillos in the Great Plains, the recent discovery of new species of armadillos, biology and management of damage caused by this mammal. 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
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Turkeys in the Midwest | Wild Turkey Science #355
Natural Resources University
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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Conservation in Practice | Wild Ag #354
Natural Resources University
This month we are joined by Mr. Bob Bettger, a fifth-generation Nebraska landowner and producer, to tell his story – both the benefits and challenges – of integrating conservation practices into his operation. Resources: Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
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Best acorns for wildlife | Wild Turkey Science #353
Natural Resources University
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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BassForecast | Fish University #352
Natural Resources University
Fishing has become a game of technology. Some of it is finding fish, like with GPS and sonar, and some of it is catching fish, like electronic lures and synthetic scents. But there’s tool in the bass fishing word that is engineered to help you decide when and how to fish. The application is called BassForecast and it is the #1 bass fishing app in the world, boasting about 1 million subscribers. Research on BassForecast suggests that its fishing predictions can significantly increase the likelihood of success on the water. To discuss the app, Wes interviews...
info_outlineOur producer Charlotte drops by to read us some questions and comments from our YouTube audience. Be sure to leave us a comment on this episode’s YouTube video for a chance to win a turkey call! Signed by yours truly.
Resources:
1st National Wild Turkey Symposium (1959)
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at [email protected]!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube
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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.
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Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak