You should be doing this for turkeys | Wild Turkey Science #459
Release Date: 08/11/2025
Aquatic Vegetation Management | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #465
Natural Resources University
Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems but they can also cause problems when they become overabundant. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common aquatic plant species, share tips on identifying plants in your pond or waterbody, and discuss the most effective techniques for managing and controlling aquatic vegetation. 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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Designing your turkey property | Wild Turkey Science #464
Natural Resources University
We’re bringing back a popular episode where we boiled down the key areas of focus for improving turkey habitat and connectivity on your property. Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: 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 , ...
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From Panama To The Plains: Screwworm Is On The Move | BGWT #463
Natural Resources University
In this episode, our hosts sit down with Dr. Jonathan Cammack, Extension Livestock Entomologist at Oklahoma State University, to discuss the troubling northward advance of the New World Screwworm. Once eradicated from the U.S. in the late 20th century, this destructive pest is again making headlines as it moves from Central America into Mexico—now only about 300 miles from the U.S. border. Dr. Cammack explains the history of eradication efforts, including the groundbreaking sterile fly release program, and details why current prevention depends on vigilant monitoring, quick wound...
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How to start: Step by step to managing pine timber | Wild Turkey Science #462
Natural Resources University
In this episode, we are joined by forest manager Michael Heatherly who walks us through the steps landowners should take when managing pine timber on their properties. Michael Heatherly Sizemore & Sizemore Resources: 00:00 Introduction to Forest Management and Wildlife Objectives 03:12 Understanding Landowner Objectives and Initial Steps 05:59 The Role of Thinning and Clear Cutting in Habitat Management 09:03 Timber Harvesting: Economic Considerations and Market Dynamics 11:45 Long-Term Management Strategies for Landowners 14:59 Navigating Timber Sales and...
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Hack, Spray, & Blaze: Enhancing Oklahoma’s Wildlife Habitats | BGWT #461
Natural Resources University
In this episode, John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner sit down for a laid-back, boots-on-the-ground talk about Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) and how it plays a big role in shaping better wildlife habitats for deer, turkey, and quail—especially right here in Oklahoma. They swap stories and share how FSI differs from Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), and why even folks without marketable timber can still benefit from these management techniques. You’ll hear plenty of real-world advice—how to get more sunlight to the forest floor, which trees to keep or cut, and what tools...
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Managing Woodlands for Wildlife | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #460
Natural Resources University
Forests and woodlands are terms commonly used interchangeably, but did you know they are different ecosystems? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the differences in wooded areas and how to best manage them for native wildlife. 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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You should be doing this for turkeys | Wild Turkey Science #459
Natural Resources University
In this episode, we discuss what you should be thinking about and implementing on your property for turkeys right now. WATCH this episode ! Resources: , Dr. Craig Harper 00:00 Introduction and Banter 02:55 Habitat-Centric Discussions 05:55 Fishing Adventures and Insights 08:48 Turkey Management Strategies 11:45 Field Management for Turkeys 14:48 Importance of Early Successional Cover 17:36 Burning and Timber Harvest Planning 28:53 Expanding the Burn Window 30:15 Increasing Sunlight for Turkey Abundance 31:44 Optimizing Poults Habitat 34:01 Managing Old Fields...
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Shaping the Heartland - The Evolution of Working Landscapes | WildAg #458
Natural Resources University
This month we are joined by Dr. Larkin Powell, Director of the School of Natural Resources at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With years of research experience in the Great Plains and beyond, Dr. Powell narrates the story of how our agricultural landscapes have changed over time and the opportunities and challenges that come along with these changes. We also discuss Dr. Powell's upcoming book, "The Best of Intentions: A story of landscape change in the Great Plains." Resources: Dr. Larkin Powell [, , , ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants...
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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. WATCH this episode ! Resources: 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...
info_outlineIn this episode, we discuss what you should be thinking about and implementing on your property for turkeys right now.
WATCH this episode here!
Resources:
Guide to Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants, Dr. Craig Harper
00:00 Introduction and Banter
02:55 Habitat-Centric Discussions
05:55 Fishing Adventures and Insights
08:48 Turkey Management Strategies
11:45 Field Management for Turkeys
14:48 Importance of Early Successional Cover
17:36 Burning and Timber Harvest Planning
28:53 Expanding the Burn Window
30:15 Increasing Sunlight for Turkey Abundance
31:44 Optimizing Poults Habitat
34:01 Managing Old Fields for Turkeys
35:55 Evaluating Agronomic Crops for Wildlife
37:46 The Role of Joint Vetch in Habitat Management
39:59 Balancing Ideal vs. Optimal Management
42:23 Practical Approaches to Habitat Management
43:48 Mast Management and Acorn Production
44:50 Identifying and Managing Problematic Trees
46:45 Combatting Ryegrass in Food Plots
50:15 Evaluating Management Practices
Fundraising Banquet (To enter 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
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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