You can’t manage what you don’t measure | Wild Turkey Science #561
Natural Resources University
In this episode, we discuss practical strategies for hunting and managing turkeys. Resources: 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 wild turkey course ! Enroll in to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits....
info_outline
Crappie in Ponds | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #560
Natural Resources University
Crappie fishing is one of the first signs that spring has arrived for many pond owners. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss different types of crappie, why we fish for them earlier than other fish species, and things to consider when deciding if crappie are a good fit for stocking in your pond. 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
info_outline
Can Jakes Breed? | Wild Turkey Science #559
Natural Resources University
We pull the research to explore the reproductive capabilities of jakes and bust the myth of whether or not they can breed. Resources: 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 wild turkey course ! Enroll in to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2...
info_outline
Hunting Stories - Spring 2026 edition | Wild Turkey Science #558
Natural Resources University
In this episode, we recap our season and swap turkey hunting highlights. WATCH this episode here: 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 wild turkey course ! Enroll in to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits....
info_outline
Feral Swine | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #557
Natural Resources University
Feral swine cause billions of dollars in damage to agriculture annually in the United States, and their population numbers can grow extremely quickly. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the origins, characteristics, and control of feral swine in the U.S. 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
info_outline
Next steps in NWTF support of turkey research | Wild Turkey Science #556
Natural Resources University
We sit down with Dr. Patrick Wightman, National Director of Wild Turkey Research and Science at NWTF, to hear about his vision for the company’s future support of turkey research. Dr. Patrick Wightman - , Resources: 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 wild turkey course ! Enroll in to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys....
info_outline
Ponds with a Purpose: Fishery Management on Working Lands | Wild Ag #555
Natural Resources University
If you grew up on or near a farm, you might think back fondly on summer days spent fishing in your local pond. From small ponds to large reservoirs, water in working landscapes provides numerous opportunities while also facing challenges. This month we are joined by Jeff Jackson, Aquatic Habitat Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to talk about fishery and pond management in agricultural and working landscapes. From water quality and sedimentation to healthy bass fisheries and beyond, Jeff covers the challenges facing our ponds and lakes and what we can do to ensure...
info_outline
Local Voices, Lasting Conservation | BGWT #554
Natural Resources University
This episode is made possible by support from the . In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, the hosts sit down with Trey Lam and Lisa Knopf-Owen of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to explain how conservation works on the ground in Oklahoma. They break down the relationship between the Commission and local conservation districts, trace the agency’s roots back to the Dust Bowl, and share how locally led decisions help landowners tackle real challenges like flooding, brush encroachment, soil health, water quality, prescribed fire, and infrastructure needs. The...
info_outline
The Evolution of Turkey Calling: From bone to box | Wild Turkey Science #553
Natural Resources University
We chat with wild turkey historian and author Brent Rogers about the fascinating history and evolution of turkey calls. Join as we explore how culture, technology, and conservation shaped the way hunters communicate with wild turkeys. Brent Rogers 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 wild turkey course ! Enroll in to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical...
info_outline
Ponds and Fire | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #552
Natural Resources University
Many stakeholders use fire to manage their rangeland, but it can also be part of a complete management plan for ponds and waterways. On this episode, Joe and Drew share some insight into the ways that prescribed burning can help foster a healthy pond ecosystem and things to watch out for for any upcoming burns. 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
info_outlineThis 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 Wilson [website]
Frank Andelt
Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]
Nathan Pflueger [website]
AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]
Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]
Watch these podcasts on YouTube
If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!
We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/
Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/
Music by Humans Win
Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin