Does rain impact nest predation risk? | Wild Turkey Science #516
Natural Resources University
Does water on a hen make it more susceptible to predation? In this episode, we comb through the literature on olfactory camouflage, dissecting studies assessing correlations between nest survival, weather, and environmental conditions, and divulging into the complicated web of ecology dynamics. Strap on your science boots for this one, it’s gonna be dense… Research papers referenced: Episodes referenced: Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: ...
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Return of the River Otter | Wild Ag #515
Natural Resources University
This month we are joined by Sam Wilson, Furbearer Biologist at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Frank Andelt, retired Furbearer Biologist and Sam’s predecessor at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to share the amazing story of the river otter in Nebraska. From thriving populations to complete extirpation, river otters were wiped out across the state. But as our guests share, otters are a resilient species. After a few local otter sightings, Frank shares the story of reintroduction of otters to Nebraska and how far they have come since then. Resources: Sam...
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Wild Turkey Symposium Takeaways | Wild Turkey Science #514
Natural Resources University
In this episode, we review papers that stood out to each of us from the 2025 Wild Turkey Symposium. Resources: Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild turkey training is launching soon! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up ! Be sure to check out our comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across...
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Energy and Antlers | Deer University #513
Natural Resources University
Jacob and Eric sit down with Dr. Levi Heffelfinger of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute to discuss their work evaluating how dietary energy affects antler and body size of white-tailed deer. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series () and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel ()
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Turkeys in Wisconsin : A success story | Wild Turkey Science #512
Natural Resources University
Wisconsin gamebird ecologist Taylor Finger joins us to breakdown the status of wild turkeys in the state. Join as he shares details on how Wisconsin has achieved successful turkey populations unlike any other state in the country. Resources: Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild turkey training is launching soon! Be the first to know when our new course launches by signing up !...
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Grazing, Burning, and the Science Between | BGWT #511
Natural Resources University
Dr. Esben Kjaer joins the Blazin’ Grazin’ hosts to talk fire, forage, and the fine art of managing rangelands for both cattle and wildlife. His work from Kansas to North Dakota reveals how prescribed fire and strategic grazing shape biodiversity - from plant and insect communities to nesting birds. He shares what happens when conservation meets production, and how landowners can use grazing without losing habitat. The conversation also dives into fire aversion, Kentucky bluegrass invasions, and why fire still beats grazing when it comes to restoring native...
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Deer Damage | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #510
Natural Resources University
Deer have many benefits to ecosystems and society, but they can also be a cause of human-wildlife conflict. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the impact deer can have on agricultural production, property, the spread of disease, and humans. Learn more about deer resistant ornamental plants at: 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 Watch the podcast on Youtube at
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The Trophy Factory | Fish University #509
Natural Resources University
Sometimes you just need to follow your dreams. Eric Mayo is a Mississippi pond owner with a small 1.5-acre pond. After complete renovation, Eric wanted something different. So, he did everything we preach against in pond management. He stocked different species, collected them from the wild, and just threw in as many unusual species as possible. The results? Eric holds nine Mississippi rod-and-reel and fly rod records, many of which came from his small pond. If you want to hear about managing for trophy redspotted sunfish and longear sunfish, well hold my beer and watch this! Do you have...
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Forest Health Happenings in the US South | Timber University #508
Natural Resources University
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristy McAndrew from Mississippi State University. Dr. McAndrew will walk us through the ins and outs of Brown spot needle blight, a fungal disease that infects pine needles, leading to premature needle loss, stunted growth, and long-term stress that increases a tree’s vulnerability to other pests and pathogens, and provide an update on Emerald Ash Borer presence in the region. Dr. McAndrew is a forest health specialist at Mississippi State University in the Forestry Department. Kristy has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Bachelor of Science...
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Turkeys and Grouse | Wild Turkey Science #507
Natural Resources University
Dr. Ben Jones, CEO of RGS & AWS, joins us to explore how active forest stewardship - from prescribed fire to targeted timber harvests and new wood markets - can restore age-class diversity and habitat for ruffed grouse and wild turkey across eastern forests. Resources: (NDA article) Dr. Ben Jones Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: We’ve launched our SECOND online training course focused on wild turkey biology, history, and heritage! Be the first to know when our new course launches by...
info_outlineSometimes you just need to follow your dreams. Eric Mayo is a Mississippi pond owner with a small 1.5-acre pond. After complete renovation, Eric wanted something different. So, he did everything we preach against in pond management. He stocked different species, collected them from the wild, and just threw in as many unusual species as possible. The results? Eric holds nine Mississippi rod-and-reel and fly rod records, many of which came from his small pond. If you want to hear about managing for trophy redspotted sunfish and longear sunfish, well hold my beer and watch this!
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