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Patch-Burned Into History | BGWT #425

Natural Resources University

Release Date: 05/17/2025

Habitat management IS predator management | Wild Turkey Science #449 show art Habitat management IS predator management | Wild Turkey Science #449

Natural Resources University

We're bringing back our episode discussing the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame.  Resources:     We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys.     Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow   UF Game Lab ,   Donate to wild turkey research: ,   Want to help wild turkey conservation? to take part...

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The Carbon Market: What Farmers Should Know | Wild Ag #448 show art The Carbon Market: What Farmers Should Know | Wild Ag #448

Natural Resources University

In this episode, Gabriella Scolio and Jacob Penner from The Nature Conservancy join us to talk about carbon markets and what it means for farmers in the Midwest. We learn about what a carbon credit is, why companies are interested in carbon credits and how they are measuring their emissions, and how and why farmers might want to get involved.  Resources:   The Nature Conservancy [, ] 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...

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Green Up & Burn Down: Growing Season Prescribed Burns | BGWT #447 show art Green Up & Burn Down: Growing Season Prescribed Burns | BGWT #447

Natural Resources University

In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, hosts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner dig deep into the value of growing season burns. They discuss how summer fires, often underused due to misconceptions about safety, can be the most effective tool for land managers dealing with eastern redcedar, poor forage quality, and wildlife habitat degradation.  Drawing on years of OSU Extension research and firsthand experience, they reveal how fire during the warmer months can be slower-moving and safer than many think. You will learn how these burns enhance...

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Aquatic Parasites | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #446 show art Aquatic Parasites | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #446

Natural Resources University

Parasites are commonly found in aquatic environments. Join Joe and Drew in this episode as they discuss common parasites found in fish and aquatic wildlife, some factors that influence parasite rates, and what you can do to reduce parasite loadings in your ponds or streams. 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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The dominant poult | Wild Turkey Science #445 show art The dominant poult | Wild Turkey Science #445

Natural Resources University

Today’s conversation offers a unique window into the intricate world of poults. We are joined by Eva Noroski, Field Coordinator for the UF Game Lab, as she shares insights into poult development, growth rates, behavior, vocalization, social dynamics, social bonding, and more. WATCH this episode ! We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys.     Eva Noroski ,   Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow   UF Game...

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When You Can’t Hunt: Fertility Control as a Deer Management Tool | Deer University #444 show art When You Can’t Hunt: Fertility Control as a Deer Management Tool | Deer University #444

Natural Resources University

In this episode, Stephanie Boyles-Griffin, Jessica Tegt, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the complexities of urban deer management, exploring the challenges posed by growing deer populations in urban areas. While recreational hunting remains the most effective and practical tool for population control in most settings, an increasing number of circumstances—especially in urban and suburban areas—render it unfeasible. Stephanie and Jessica, both from the Botstiber Institute, outline non-lethal and alternative methods commonly used to manage deer in these environments and walk...

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Managing nesting & brooding cover | Wild Turkey Science #443 show art Managing nesting & brooding cover | Wild Turkey Science #443

Natural Resources University

We’re bringing back Dr. Craig Harper’s step-by-step guide on how to create quality brooding and nesting cover on your property.  Resources:   We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys.     Dr. Craig Harper () Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow   UF Game Lab ,   Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout....

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Public Range, Prescribed Flames | BGWT #442 show art Public Range, Prescribed Flames | BGWT #442

Natural Resources University

Central Oklahoma’s public lands don’t manage themselves. In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, veteran wildlife manager Jeff Pennington explains how the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation stewards roughly 125,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) scattered from Kansas to Texas. He explains why deer now dominate management goals, how diverse habitats—from Cross Timbers uplands to Red River wetlands—shape every decision, and why prescribed fire remains the single most important habitat tool on state lands. Jeff pulls back the curtain on...

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Groundhogs | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #441 show art Groundhogs | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #441

Natural Resources University

Whether you call them groundhogs, woodchucks, or whistlepigs, these large squirrels - yes, they’re squirrels - are very interesting, but can also be a challenging critter to deal with when they cause property damage.  Join Drew and Joe as they discuss groundhog biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control options for preventing or dealing with groundhog damage. 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...

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Recruitment is down, decoys are up | Wild Turkey Science #440 show art Recruitment is down, decoys are up | Wild Turkey Science #440

Natural Resources University

In this episode, we review trending data across hunter age, hunter recruitment, decoy use, and reaping as Dr. Zach Steele, Post-doctoral associate and interdisciplinary ecologist specializing in human dimensions, walks us through his newest publication.  Resources:   We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys.     Dr. Zach Steele Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow   UF Game Lab ,   Want to...

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More Episodes

We’re honored to host Dr. Dave Engle—Regents Professor Emeritus at Oklahoma State University and a pioneer in fire ecology. From wildland firefighting in New Mexico to building OSU’s fire program with just two torches and a vision, Dave shares an incredible career rooted in science, stewardship, and some good ol’ fashioned trial and error.

We dive into the origins of patch-burn grazing, the challenges of managing the Cross Timbers, and why eastern redcedar became his lifelong nemesis. Dr. Engle reflects on the research that changed policy, perceptions, and the trajectory of conservation in the Great Plains. If you care about fire, land, or legacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources: