All about firebreaks | Wild Turkey Science #456
Release Date: 08/04/2025
Island Fish | Fish University #457
Natural Resources University
How do fish colonize newly formed island streams? How do fish get above a 200-foot waterfall? Answers to these questions and more on this episode of Fish University. Wes sits down for a conversation with Dr. Gus Engman from the University of Tennessee about island fish and the threats that they face. They also talk about their new book and how you can get a digital copy absolutely free! So, join us, won’t you? Do you have questions or comments? Follow the and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
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All about firebreaks | Wild Turkey Science #456
Natural Resources University
We discuss the importance of firebreaks for turkey hunting and habitat management, exploring the various types of firebreaks, their strategic uses, and practical tips for effective management. 00:00 – Intro 01:18 – Chitter chatter 02:00 – Choosing Firebreaks 04:00 – Wildlife Value of Planted Firebreaks 06:00 – Designing Firebreaks for Habitat & Access 08:00 – Common Misconceptions about Firebreaks 12:00 – Real-world Examples from the Field 20:00 – Regional Variation & Turkey Use 26:00 – Seasonal Management & Prescribed Fire 34:00 –...
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Slippery Slope to Slime | Fish University #455
Natural Resources University
The word “jellyfish” may bring up a memory of an unpleasant beach experience, or of nostalgic childhood days watching Spongebob Squarepants. Often jellyfish don’t get the love that many other marine critters enjoy, but Spongebob certainly loved them, as fishing for jellyfish was his favorite pastime. Although jellyfish can be a nuisance and a hazard, they are an important component of marine ecosystems. Their lifecycle is fascinating, and their survival instinct is impressive. On this episode of Fish University, we’ll dive deep into the world of cnidarians with someone almost as...
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Benefits of Flooding for Wildlife | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #454
Natural Resources University
Flooding is often associated with negative consequences for humans, but did you know that floods can provide many benefits for wildlife? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what a flood is, some reasons why flooding occurs, and give insight on how animals respond to flooding. 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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Progress on property management | Wild Turkey Science #453
Natural Resources University
In this episode, we discuss progress that we’re seeing on private lands management. Watch this episode ! Resources: (to enter into the online raffles, click on ‘Get Tickets’ and then scroll down to the ‘Add-ons’) 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...
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Which plants for brooding cover? | Wild Turkey Science #452
Natural Resources University
We’re bringing back our episode on indicator plants for evaluating successful brood field management. Watch this episode ! 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 in our research! Do you have a topic...
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Snakes | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #451
Natural Resources University
Snakes are a group of species that many people dislike or have a strong fear of. Join Drew and Joe in this episode as they discuss snake natural history, management, and how to stay safe around snakes - including venomous species. 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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Creating Wild Turkey Manager: Advanced Habitat | Wild Turkey Science #451
Natural Resources University
Dr. Zach Steele and Dorothy Dick, key creators for our online wild turkey training, join us to discuss the production of the course. Join as they share insights into the research and development, the expert contributors that shaped the course content, feedback received from constituents, challenges faced during filming, and the memorable moments that made the project enjoyable. Watch this episode ! Dr. Zachary Steele Dorothy Dick We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management...
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Wild Turkey Manager (Online Course)
Natural Resources University
Wild Turkey Manager: Advanced Habitat features experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. This course is intended to be comprehensive, leading you through advanced concepts in habitat management, predator management, disease, and population management. The course offers continuing education credits (CEUs) available through The Wildlife Society and the Society of American Foresters. We made the course online so you can take it on your own time, at your own pace, wherever you are! Enroll now:
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Steve's Dispersal Event | Deer University #450
Natural Resources University
In this bittersweet episode Bronson visits with Steve as he reflects on his retirement from the MSU Deer Lab after a long and impactful career in wildlife management. Steve discusses some of the research that he considered very important in his career that impacted resource management. He reviews his research on forest management, prescribed fire, DMAP data, environment vs genetics, females choose antlers, antler restrictions, selective harvest, and CWD sampling. We hope you enjoy Steve’s stroll down memory lane. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online...
info_outlineWe discuss the importance of firebreaks for turkey hunting and habitat management, exploring the various types of firebreaks, their strategic uses, and practical tips for effective management.
00:00 – Intro
01:18 – Chitter chatter
02:00 – Choosing Firebreaks
04:00 – Wildlife Value of Planted Firebreaks
06:00 – Designing Firebreaks for Habitat & Access
08:00 – Common Misconceptions about Firebreaks
12:00 – Real-world Examples from the Field
20:00 – Regional Variation & Turkey Use
26:00 – Seasonal Management & Prescribed Fire
34:00 – Integrating Firebreaks into Larger Management Goals
Fundraising Banquet (to enter into the online raffles, click on ‘Get Tickets’ and then scroll down to the ‘Add-ons’)
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. Enroll Now!
Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications
Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications
Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow
UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube
Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund
Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!
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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