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Local Voices, Lasting Conservation | BGWT #554

Natural Resources University

Release Date: 04/03/2026

Checking Boxes on Warm-Season Food Plots | Deer University #565 show art Checking Boxes on Warm-Season Food Plots | Deer University #565

Natural Resources University

Jacob and Eric discuss warm-season food plots with John Gruchy, Coordinator of the Private Lands Program for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. 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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Graduate School Insights with Guest Grace Lansdell | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #564 show art Graduate School Insights with Guest Grace Lansdell | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #564

Natural Resources University

Research is an important source of scientific information and graduate students are often tasked with collecting data to help answer these questions. On this week’s episode, Grace Lansdell, a graduate student in Dr. Gerken’s lab, joins Joe and Drew as a guest commentator to discuss fish farms, bird predation, and the luxurious life of a graduate student.  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...

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REV and LPDV: New research on turkey disease | Wild Turkey Science #563 show art REV and LPDV: New research on turkey disease | Wild Turkey Science #563

Natural Resources University

In this episode, we dive into new research findings on the prevalence and biological impact of REV and LPDV in wild 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...

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Monarchs on the Move | Wild Ag #562 show art Monarchs on the Move | Wild Ag #562

Natural Resources University

In this episode, we’re joined by Jake Koenig, Midwest Habitat Program Manager for the Monarch Joint Venture, to explore the fascinating world of monarch butterflies. Jake shares insights into their incredible multi-generational migration, the challenges they face, and what conservation efforts are underway to support their survival and growth. He also takes us along on his recent trip to Mexico, where monarchs gather in breathtaking numbers at their overwintering grounds. From the incredible spectacle of migration to possible ventures in milkweed production, we explore the incredible world...

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You can’t manage what you don’t measure | Wild Turkey Science #561 show art 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....

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Crappie in Ponds | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #560 show art 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  

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Can Jakes Breed? | Wild Turkey Science #559 show art 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...

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Hunting Stories - Spring 2026 edition | Wild Turkey Science #558 show art 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....

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Feral Swine | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #557 show art 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

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Next steps in NWTF support of turkey research | Wild Turkey Science #556 show art 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....

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More Episodes

This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.

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 conversation highlights how practical conservation succeeds when local people shape priorities and partnerships bring resources together. From upstream flood-control dams and water-quality monitoring to simplified cost-share programs and support for prescribed burn associations, this episode shows how voluntary, common-sense conservation can deliver real results for producers, communities, and the state as a whole.

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