Fins, Fur, and Feathers

Fins, Fur, and Feathers provides science-based solutions to real-world problems faced by producers, land managers, recreational landowners, and others who are dealing with wildlife or water-related problems or for those wanting to produce more fish and wildlife from their land.

Crappie In Ponds 04/21/2026

Crappie In Ponds 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/40916745

Feral Swine 04/07/2026

Feral Swine 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/40749555

Ponds and Fire 03/24/2026

Ponds and Fire 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/40595420

Brush Piles 03/10/2026

Brush Piles Fire is an important tool for rangeland and wildlife habitat management, but how does burning large brush piles impact native wildlife? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the effects of burning brush piles on landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife, and characteristics of brush piles that can affect their cover value for different species. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/40345620

Livestock Ponds 02/24/2026

Livestock Ponds Kansas is estimated to have 100,000 – 200,000 ponds, and many of these play an important role in supporting livestock operations. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common risks associated with livestock in ponds, practical strategies for reducing these risks, and steps you can take to maximize the functionality and enjoyment of your livestock ponds. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/40168565

Social Media and Wildlife 02/10/2026

Social Media and Wildlife Episode 61 - Social Media False information on social media isn’t new, but the use of AI generated images can cause it to be more convincing. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss misinformation about wildlife on social media, how to spot it, and reputable sources where you can locate accurate information. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/40022510

Freshwater Mussels 01/27/2026

Freshwater Mussels Freshwater mussels are important animals in a healthy aquatic ecosystem but they are facing widespread declines in Kansas and throughout their native ranges. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss freshwater mussel life history characteristics, how humans have used them in the past, and steps you can take to help ensure they persist for future generations. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/39897870

Rabies 01/13/2026

Rabies Rabies is an ancient, frightening, and deadly disease that humans are exposed to by wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss recent incidents involving rabies that have made news headlines, wildlife reservoirs for rabies in the US, how to limit our exposure to wildlife that might carry rabies, and what to do if you may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/39698945

Pond Design and Construction 12/30/2025

Pond Design and Construction Having a pond is a great way to increase the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of your property. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss key considerations for constructing a pond, proper techniques for building a pond to ensure it holds water, and methods for addressing issues with a pond’s design or construction. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/39508200

Deer Damage 12/16/2025

Deer Damage Episode 57 - Deer Damage 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/39375565

AI Generated Wildlife Videos 12/02/2025

AI Generated Wildlife Videos AI generated wildlife videos are common on the internet and it can be hard to distinguish what is real and what isn’t. For this episode, Drew and Joe are joined by Danny to discuss the kinds of AI generated videos that frequently feature wildlife, the ways artificially generated videos can alter expectations of real-world interactions with wildlife, and some ways to identify AI generated content online. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/39232250

Waterfowl Migration 11/18/2025

Waterfowl Migration Waterfowl and other birds often migrate long distances to optimize habitats for feeding and meeting. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what triggers migration, how far species travel, and the cost and benefits associated with these long distance movements. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/39028230

After the Harvest 11/04/2025

After the Harvest While a hunt may end with the release of an arrow or pulling the trigger, what a hunter does next has important legal, food safety, and food quality implications. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss important considerations for tagging and proof-of-sex requirements, care and handling of harvested game to minimize disease transmission, zoonotic diseases to be aware of, and how to handle harvested game to maximize the quality of the meat we harvest. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/38895125

Frogs, Salamanders, and Water Quality 10/21/2025

Frogs, Salamanders, and Water Quality Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders are common critters often seen in the Midwest near ponds, creeks, and rivers. These animals are often indicators of water quality conditions. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common amphibians of the Great Plains, why many of these populations are declining, and steps you can take to help ensure frogs are calling and salamanders are crawling in your aquatic ecosystems. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/38597495

Food Plots or Hunting Plots? 10/07/2025

Food Plots or Hunting Plots? Food plots can be a beneficial tool for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, but do they serve the same purpose throughout the geographic range of white-tailed deer in the United States? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the uses of food plots, tips on what to plant, and when they are most productive in the Great Plains. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/38441955

Aeration in Ponds 09/24/2025

Aeration in Ponds Pond owners and managers often add aeration to their ponds to increase the ecological health of the pond, but do they actually work and should you add them to your pond? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why aeration might be needed, benefits of pond aeration, and tips on how to properly manage pond aeration systems. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/38338110

Voles 09/16/2025

Voles Voles are common herbivorous rodents that can become very abundant when their food and cover are plentiful. They typically go unnoticed , but sometimes cause damage to turf grass, plants in vegetable gardens and flower beds, as well as trees in orchards and grape vines. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss vole biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control options for preventing or dealing with vole damage. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/38231630

Aquatic Vegetation Management 08/26/2025

Aquatic Vegetation Management 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 Watch the podcast on Youtube at /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/37952910

Managing Woodlands for Wildlife 08/12/2025

Managing Woodlands for Wildlife 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 Watch the podcast on Youtube at /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/37766115

Floods 07/29/2025

Floods Flooding is often associated with negative consequences for humans, but did you know that floods can provide many benefits for wildlife? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what a flood is, some reasons why flooding occurs, and give insight on how animals respond to flooding. 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 http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/37550105

Snakes 07/15/2025

Snakes Snakes are a group of species that many people dislike or have a strong fear of. Join Drew and Joe in this episode as they discuss snake natural history, management, and how to stay safe around snakes - including venomous species. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/37403460

Aquatic Parasites 07/01/2025

Aquatic Parasites Parasites are commonly found in aquatic environments. Join Joe and Drew in this episode as they discuss common parasites found in fish and aquatic wildlife, some factors that influence parasite rates, and what you can do to reduce parasite loadings in your ponds or streams. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/37188800

Groundhogs 06/17/2025

Groundhogs Whether you call them groundhogs, woodchucks, or whistlepigs, these large squirrels - yes, they’re squirrels - are very interesting, but can also be a challenging critter to deal with when they cause property damage. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss groundhog biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control options for preventing or dealing with groundhog damage. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/37030210

Stratification 06/03/2025

Stratification Ponds can naturally separate with warm oxygenated water near the surface and a cooler, unoxygenated layer in deeper areas. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss pond stratification, summer fish kills, and how aeration may help maintain a thriving pond ecosystem. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/36758535

Dire Wolves 05/20/2025

Dire Wolves Recent claims about “de-extinction” of dire wolves have resulted in an abundance of headlines, memes, and discussion about the biology and ethics of what was happening. To contribute to the discussion, Drew and Joe invited their video production specialist, Danny, into the studio to ask questions and discuss genetics, ethics, and the current state of wolf populations. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/36629100

Bobwhite Quail 04/22/2025

Bobwhite Quail Northern bobwhite quail are a popular game bird in Kansas and across the United States, but they have experienced widespread population decline throughout their range. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss some northern bobwhite basics including: population trends, mortality factors, diet, and management practices in the Great Plains. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/36254285

Walleye, Darters, and other Percids 04/08/2025

Walleye, Darters, and other Percids Many people are familiar with Walleye, Sauger, and Yellow Perch but did you know that there are a lot of small related fish called Darters? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the fish in the family Percidae including feeding strategies, reproductive trends, and the best time of year to catch big saugeye in Kansas. 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 http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/36010395

Squirrels 03/25/2025

Squirrels Tree squirrels are common in cities and rural areas alike. These native rodents can be a source of entertainment and provide a connection to nature for some people, and they can simultaneously be a source of frustration and property damage for others. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss tree squirrel biology, damage caused by the 3 species that occur in the eastern Great Plains, and practical solutions for preventing property damage caused by squirrels. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/35817335

Bluegill Sunfish 03/11/2025

Bluegill Sunfish Bluegill sunfish serve many important functions in ponds and reservoirs. Their ability to thrive in multiple environments, grow quickly, and reproduce multiple times per year make them a great addition to any pond. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss Bluegill sunfish, the important functions they serve in your pond, and a tip or two on their favorite way to cook the ones you catch. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/35609045

Starlings 02/25/2025

Starlings Starlings were introduced to North America by European settlers who missed wildlife that reminded them of home. Today, European starlings cause more than a $1 Billion in property damage in the US annually, spread zoonotic disease, and create quite a mess in North America and throughout the world. On this episode, Drew and Joe discuss damage caused by European Starlings in North America, and control options available to reduce or mitigate the problems associated with this invasive species. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/35382250

Fins, Fur, and Feathers

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