Wild Turkey Science

Wild Turkey Science is a science-based podcast bringing you the latest research on wild turkey ecology and management. This podcast is part of the Natural Resources University podcast network and made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow.

Landscape level habitat corridor sustains turkeys | #158 11/17/2025

Landscape level habitat corridor sustains turkeys | #158 In this episode, we discuss our recent paper quantifying turkey abundance, highlighting the Florida Wildlife Corridor and exploring how this project preserves turkey habitat amidst increasing development pressures. Paper will be linked as soon as it is released. Resources: Citizen science for turkeys Ep119 eBird Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation FWC Summer Brood Survey iNaturalist Merlin Bird ID Snapshot USA 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 01:23 Exploring Turkey Management and Habitat 02:48 The Impact of Human Population on Turkey Habitats 05:47 Florida Wildlife Corridor: A Case Study 11:38 Quantifying the Effects of the Corridor on Turkeys 20:47 Characterizing the Landscape for Turkeys 22:49 Understanding Turkey Occupancy and Abundance 25:09 The Impact of Human Population on Turkey Habitats 28:42 The Role of the Wildlife Corridor 31:19 Challenges Facing Osceola Turkey Populations 37:33 Management Strategies for Turkey Habitats 41:47 The Importance of Collaborative Conservation Efforts Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: 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. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF Game Lab , Donate to our wild turkey research: , Want to help wild turkey conservation? to take part in our research! Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! - Thank you! Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support! for a chance to win free gear! This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak /episode/index/show/14e2df8e-f367-4943-9807-186362e4c1cf/id/39045020

Restoring the functionally extinct American Chestnut | #157 11/10/2025

Scale of management for wild turkeys | #156 11/03/2025

Managing old fields for turkey | #155 10/27/2025

Managing turkeys on steep terrain | #154 10/20/2025

Decreases in hen survival may explain declines | #153 10/13/2025

Why predator bounties don’t work | #152 10/06/2025

We asked AI why turkeys are declining | #151 09/29/2025

Managing deer for turkeys | #150 09/22/2025

Planting trees for turkeys | #149 09/15/2025

Turning sunlight into gobblers | #148 09/08/2025

Evaluating hardwood timber sales | #147 09/01/2025

Designing your turkey property | #146 08/25/2025

How to start: Step by step to managing pine timber | #145 08/18/2025

How to start: Step by step to managing pine timber | #145 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 Contracts 17:45 Ensuring Compliance and Quality During Harvesting 20:41 The Importance of Consulting Foresters 23:33 Building Long-Term Relationships with Landowners 36:43 Maximizing Timber Revenue 39:30 Landowner-Forester Collaboration 44:30 Navigating Market Challenges 50:26 Best Practices for Thinning 54:24 The Importance of Professional Guidance 59:22 Finding the Right Forester (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. Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF Game Lab , Donate to our wild turkey research: , Want to help wild turkey conservation? to take part in our research! Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support! for a chance to win free gear! This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak /episode/index/show/14e2df8e-f367-4943-9807-186362e4c1cf/id/37842785

You should be doing this for turkeys | #144 08/11/2025

You should be doing this for turkeys | #144 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 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 (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. 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 you’d like us to cover? or send us an email at ! - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support! for a chance to win free gear! This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak /episode/index/show/14e2df8e-f367-4943-9807-186362e4c1cf/id/37751995