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.

Effects of Snow on Aquatic Ecosystems 01/14/2025

Effects of Snow on Aquatic Ecosystems Wild animals have a variety of life history strategies to adapt and thrive in colder weather. However, the arrival of colder winter temperatures and snowy conditions can affect fish and wildlife in many ways. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the effects of snow on aquatic ecosystems, the detriments and benefits of winter fish kills, and the importance of snowmelt on fish and wildlife 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/34848600

Beavers 12/31/2024

Beavers Beavers are a fascinating species that can transform forests and prairies into wetland ecosystems, but their ingenuity is not always welcome and can lead to devastating property damage in some situations. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss beaver biology and management of this fascinating species 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/34591585

Trout Biology, Life History, and Winter Trout Fishing 12/17/2024

Trout Biology, Life History, and Winter Trout Fishing Trout provide unique fishing experiences and are stocked in many states to provide fun fishing opportunities in cooler months. In this episode, Joe and Drew dive into the fascinating world of trout biology, the importance of the ocean in their life history, and how the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provides trout fishing opportunities 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/34474035

Managing Oaks for Acorn Production 12/03/2024

Managing Oaks for Acorn Production Acorns are a valuable food resource for deer and other wildlife when and where they are available. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the nutritional content of acorns, variability in acorn production among years and trees, and how to promote acorn production in oak woodlands. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/34256465

Waterfowl Ecology at Ponds and Streams 11/19/2024

Waterfowl Ecology at Ponds and Streams Ducks and geese are fun to watch and provide exciting hunting opportunities at your pond or stream - but are they okay for your water quality? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss waterfowl ecology, life history patterns, and what to do if you have too many geese waddling around your property. 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/33985222

Armadillos 11/05/2024

Armadillos Armadillos are a relative newcomer to much of the Great Plains, and can be an aggravating species because of the damage that they frequently cause to lawns and landscaping. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the history of armadillos in the Great Plains, the recent discovery of new species of armadillos, biology and management of damage caused by this mammal. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/33783817

Water Clarity 10/22/2024

Water Clarity Is your pond too muddy? Do you really want clear water in your pond? Water clarity is an important component of maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss water clarity, factors that increase or decrease water clarity, and what you can do to maintain healthy turbidity levels 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 https://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/33559872

Direct Effects of Prescribed Fire On Wildlife 10/08/2024

Direct Effects of Prescribed Fire On Wildlife Prescribed fire is an essential tool for managing wildlife habitat, especially in grassland ecosystems. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss direct effects of prescribed fire on several wildlife species, differences between wildfires and prescribed fire, and some specific responses of northern bobwhite to prescribed fire from recent studies conducted 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/33364097

Managing Fish Populations 09/24/2024

Managing Fish Populations Establishing and maintaining a balanced fish population will boost fishing opportunities and enhance the ecology of your pond. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss common pitfalls with fish population management strategies and give tips on how to manage pond fish populations. Gain insight into how to develop and implement a plan that will have you on your way to catching bigger fish from 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/33142407

Sunflowers and Opossums 09/10/2024

Sunflowers and Opossums Fall is in the air in the Great Plains, and the signs include shorter days, cooler mornings, brilliant yellow sunflowers and dispersing mammals. In this episode, Drew and Joe discuss sunflowers, the value that they provide to wildlife, why we see these beautiful plants in some places and not others. The conversation then takes a turn to focus on opossum biology and management. Resources discussed in this episode: KDWP 2023 Summer Roadside Survey Report: Virginia Opossum Diet/Ecological Trap Studies: 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/32947527

Aquatic Invertebrates 08/28/2024

Aquatic Invertebrates Aquatic invertebrates can be a great indicator of pond health and fill important roles in aquatic ecosystems. Join Joe and Drew for a discussion about the value of aquatic invertebrates and how these critters find their way into seemingly isolated water bodies. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/32763947

Bats! 08/13/2024

Bats! Bats can be fascinating, frustrating, valuable, and spooky all at the same time. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss bat ecology, conservation concerns, disease risk, and steps to take if bats are entering your home or other buildings. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/32553917

Summer Pond Management 07/30/2024

Summer Pond Management Summer is a great time of year to enjoy your pond but the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight can result in oxygen fluctuations and excessive plant growth. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss how pond ecology changes in warmer months, how animals in the pond react to these changes, and what management strategies you can implement to help ensure your pond stays happy and healthy. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/32344082

Invasive Plant Management 07/16/2024

Invasive Plant Management Invasive plants outcompete native vegetation, destroying habitat for many species of wildlife, degrading native ecosystems, and reducing agricultural productivity. Join us as we discuss strategies and important considerations for invasive plant management. Resources discussed in this episode: KSRE Chemical Weed Control Guide: Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants by Dr. Craig Harper: 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/32137612

Turtles: Ecology, Management, and More! 07/02/2024

Turtles: Ecology, Management, and More! The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is reintroducing Alligator Snapping Turtles into Kansas. Join us as we discuss why these turtles need introduced, whether you should be concerned about turtles eating fish in your pond, and the many other roles that all turtles play in maintaining a healthy aquatic 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/31964232

Managing Native Grasslands for Wildlife 06/18/2024

Managing Native Grasslands for Wildlife Plant and structural diversity is key when managing native grasslands for wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the process of promoting diversity and heterogeneity in native grasslands by using disturbances like fire and grazing as tools to manage wildlife habitat in native grasslands. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/31779492

Blue Green Algae and Harmful Algal Blooms 06/04/2024

Blue Green Algae and Harmful Algal Blooms Cyanobacteria, commonly called Blue Green Algae, can rapidly reproduce when conditions are right causing potentially hazardous Harmful Algal Blooms. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why blooms occur, the risks of toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms on wildlife and livestock, and what you can do to reduce your likelihood of experiencing a cyanobacteria bloom. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/31588117

Native Grass Plantings for Wildlife 05/21/2024

Native Grass Plantings for Wildlife Native warm season plant communities provide valuable food and cover for many wildlife species, and are often missing from properties that are managed for wildlife. Join us as we discuss the process of restoring native warm season grasses and forbs to your property. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/31383307

Big Bass: Pond Management for Bigger Fish 05/07/2024

Big Bass: Pond Management for Bigger Fish Getting big fish in your pond requires a strong pond management plan. Join us as we discuss steps to consider when managing the fish community in your pond including the importance of habitat diversity, fish genetics, and which fish you should consider harvesting from your pond if you want to catch some lunkers. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/31157153

Chronic Wasting Disease 04/23/2024

Chronic Wasting Disease A recently published note in the journal Neurobiology describing potential human transmission of chronic wasting disease is getting quite a bit of attention. Join us as we discuss the recent publication, chronic wasting disease, and steps you can take to try to limit the spread of this important disease within and among deer 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/30929663

Ogallala Aquifer - Status, Concerns, and Implications for Wildlife 04/09/2024

Ogallala Aquifer - Status, Concerns, and Implications for Wildlife The Ogallala Aquifer is found underground in parts of 8 states. This vital resource provides groundwater for agricultural producers, wildlife, and citizens in these states. Water use practices have led to declines in the aquifer and recent trends in water use have led to depletion in water levels throughout this region. Join us as we discuss the current status of the Ogallala Aquifer, steps being taken to conserve water moving forward, and what it all means for agricultural producers, citizens, and wildlife that rely on the amazing resource. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/30734128

Introduction to Wildlife Habitat Management in the Great Plains 03/26/2024

Introduction to Wildlife Habitat Management in the Great Plains In this episode, we discuss habitat management, and how common habitat management practices for a species in some regions may not be appropriate everywhere a species occurs. 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/30532878

Stocking Fish in Your Pond 03/12/2024

Stocking Fish in Your Pond In this episode, we discuss how to stock fish in your pond, what type of fish are usually recommended, and the best time to add fish to your pond. Discussion include how to know if you should stock your pond. Common issues with newly stocked fish. And some thoughts on adding minnows to your pond that may save you some money! Resources for this episode: Kansas Aquaculture Association: Kansas Pond Stocking Guide: /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/30338118

Vultures in the Great Plains 02/27/2024

Vultures in the Great Plains In this episode, we discuss how turkey vultures and black vultures provide both positive and negative values to residents of the Great Plains, and how to deal with problems associated with these 2 species. Resources for this episode: Black Vulture Damage Control University of Kentucky Extension: Black Vulture Effigy Plans: Paint an effigy to look like a turkey vulture: 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/30117503

Winter Pond Management 02/13/2024

Winter Pond Management In this episode we discuss what happens to ponds in the winter. Where do fish go? Do you need aeration? What pond management can you do in the winter to benefit your pond during the warmer months? Join us as we discuss these questions and more! 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/29834153

Coyote Control and Deer Production 01/30/2024

Coyote Control and Deer Production Episode 8 - Coyote Control and Deer Production In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management related to deer production in the Great Plains, and whether or not it makes sense to control coyotes as a deer management practice 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 /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/29705923

Eagles 01/16/2024

Eagles In this episode, we discuss eagles, their natural history, decline, subsequent recovery, and important special protections that are afforded to eagles. Contact us: /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/29496673

Coyote Control and Livestock Production 01/02/2024

Coyote Control and Livestock Production In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management and how hunting, trapping and other forms of harvest can be used as lethal control measures to manage livestock losses. Resources: How to trap a coyote extension publication: Coyote trapping video series: /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/29286968

Pond Habitat 12/12/2023

Pond Habitat In this episode, we discuss the dos and don’ts of providing habitat for fish and their prey in ponds, and why the title of this episode may or may not fit the correct definition of habitat… /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/29021598

To Move or Not To Move: Wildlife Translocation in Human-Wildlife Conflict Management 11/28/2023

To Move or Not To Move: Wildlife Translocation in Human-Wildlife Conflict Management In this episode, we discuss the consequences of moving problem critters around on the landscape, and reasons why wildlife biologists do not recommend translocation of wildlife as a humane option when removal is needed. /episode/index/show/976646f9-c750-4824-8301-5ac692a72f34/id/28787988

Fins, Fur, and Feathers

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