Natural Resources University
Natural Resources University is a podcast network focused on delivering science-based natural resource management. The series housed within this network aim to deliver expert-based knowledge for their corresponding genre of natural resource management.
info_outline
Harvest rates and season dates | Wild Turkey Science #264
04/29/2024
Harvest rates and season dates | Wild Turkey Science #264
Adam Butler, Wild Turkey Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, joins us to discuss the turkey trends seen across Mississippi and the Southeast, what may or may not be influencing these cyclical patterns of productivity, and a general rule of thumb for how many gobblers to harvest on your property. Resources: Adam Butler , Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! Leave a podcast rating 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 . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/31013183
info_outline
Status of Needle Blight in the South | Timber University #263
04/24/2024
Status of Needle Blight in the South | Timber University #263
Over the past few years, brownspot needle blight and an assemblage of other problematic pathogenic species have garnered increasing concern in pine systems across the South. Join us as we discuss these along with current research efforts centered on this problem with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University. For questions or comments, email us at Subscribe directly to and follow NRU on , , , and .
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30936028
info_outline
Eastern Fire Science with Kevin Robertson and Morgan Varner of Tall Timbers, Part 2 | Small Game University #262
04/24/2024
Eastern Fire Science with Kevin Robertson and Morgan Varner of Tall Timbers, Part 2 | Small Game University #262
Bobwhite Translocation to Pennsylvania: Fire Return Interval and Seasonality: . Scale of prescribed burns conducted in the Southeast: Are Rednecks the Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Management?
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30935863
info_outline
Chronic Wasting Disease | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #261
04/23/2024
Chronic Wasting Disease | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #261
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/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30935658
info_outline
Do dominant gobblers dominate breeding? | Wild Turkey Science #260
04/22/2024
Do dominant gobblers dominate breeding? | Wild Turkey Science #260
Dr. Alan Krakauer joins us to dive into his research on turkey kin selection and breakdown the many strategies gobblers use to pass on genes. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resources: Dr. Alan Krakauer , Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! Leave a podcast rating 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/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30916548
info_outline
Trees are for Fish | Fish University #259
04/17/2024
Trees are for Fish | Fish University #259
Anglers know that many fish species depend on the structure that trees provide. Habitat, such as standing timber, blow downs, snags, and cypress trees are popular places to fish in lakes and streams. But what about when the river leaves the riverbed and enters the bottomland forest? It turns out that this “flooded forest” habitat is critical for many fish species. Most lowland rivers used to seasonally flood into the surrounding forests, which could remain inundated for months at a time. These areas were important to spawning, early life history, and feeding ecology of many important fish species. Today, many rivers have lost this connection due to river regulation for navigation and flood control, with consequence for many river species that depended on flooded forests. In this episode, Wes discusses the value of flooded forests and ways we can improve our highly regulated rivers with Dr. Sandra Correa. Do you have questions or comments? Follow the and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30830038
info_outline
Buck Food Plot Use During the Hunting Season | Deer University #258
04/16/2024
Buck Food Plot Use During the Hunting Season | Deer University #258
In this episode we visit with Dr. Natasha Ellison to review her findings relative to buck use of food plots during the hunting season. How often are bucks visiting food plots pre-rut, peak-rut, and post-rut? When are bucks spending more time on food plots? How does hunting pressure affect these relationships? Natasha is a Mathematical Ecologist and is helping the MSU Deer Lab dig deeper in the buck movement dataset to answer questions about buck behavior relevant to hunters and managers. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series () and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have 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 ()
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30786398
info_outline
Do turkeys lek and does it matter? | Wild Turkey Science #257
04/15/2024
Do turkeys lek and does it matter? | Wild Turkey Science #257
Dr. Dwayne Elmore, Director of the Game Bird Program at Tall Timbers Research Station, joins us to breakdown the reproductive ecology and behavior of wild turkeys, how and why they lek, and if this impacts spring hunting. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resources: Dr. Dwayne Elmore , Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Leave a podcast rating 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 . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30814373
info_outline
Pulling the Covers Off Buck Beds | Deer University #256
04/12/2024
Pulling the Covers Off Buck Beds | Deer University #256
In this episode we visit with Luke Resop to discuss buck beds and bedding areas. How often are they bedding? What’s their affinity to certain bedding areas? What’s the circuit time for returning to a bedding area? Day beds and night beds are all discussed. We also introduce our newest member to the MSU Deer Lab, Dr. Natasha Ellison. She is a Mathematical Ecologist and is helping us dig deeper in the buck movement dataset to answer questions about buck behavior relevant to hunters and managers. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series () and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have 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 ()
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30786273
info_outline
Understanding Buck Movement (Part 2) | Deer University #255
04/11/2024
Understanding Buck Movement (Part 2) | Deer University #255
The latest Extension publication from the MSU Deer Lab is “Understanding Buck Movement: How, When, and Why Bucks Navigate the Landscape” is now available for viewing and download. You can find the publication here: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/results.php?q=deer%20movement In Part 2, Steve and Bronson discuss more of the findings presented in the publication and explain how you can interpret the data and use the information for management and hunting. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series () and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have 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 ()
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30786218
info_outline
Eastern Fire Science with Kevin Robertson and Morgan Varner of Tall Timbers, Part 1 | Small Game University #254
04/10/2024
Eastern Fire Science with Kevin Robertson and Morgan Varner of Tall Timbers, Part 1 | Small Game University #254
New EPA Standards Tall Timbers Fire Research A brief history of humans and fire in the Southeast:
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30759378
info_outline
Ogallala Aquifer: Status, concerns, and implications for wildlife | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #253
04/09/2024
Ogallala Aquifer: Status, concerns, and implications for wildlife | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #253
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/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30734183
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - We got bug problems | #252
04/08/2024
Wild Turkey Science - We got bug problems | #252
Marcus and Will sit down under one roof to review the available literature on declining insect populations. They pull from studies across the globe to discuss the implications of insect declines on terrestrial, ground-nesting birds and how we can help mitigate these effects for the wild turkey. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resource: Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Leave a podcast rating 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 . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30702308
info_outline
Habitat University - Forest management for birds: an introduction to the series | #251
04/03/2024
Habitat University - Forest management for birds: an introduction to the series | #251
Ahead of a forthcoming mini-series on forest management for birds, Adam and Jarred discuss a paper reviewing the state of the science examining bird responses to forest management in the eastern U.S. The paper published last year by Michael Skresh and colleagues presents a compelling case for the importance of managed disturbances in eastern forests to benefit birds of conservation concern. Jarred also foreshadows some conversations he has planned in the coming episodes. Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: Research & Resources discussed in the episode Here's the paper we discussed: Akresh, Michael E., David I. King, Savannah L. McInvale, Jeffery L. Larkin, and Anthony W. D'Amato. 2023. “ Effects of Forest Management on the Conservation of Bird Communities in Eastern North America: A Meta-Analysis.” Ecosphere 14(1): e4315. Here’s a paper Adam’s written about forest management for birds: h Here’s the episode we mentioned with Marcus Lashley and fire disturbance regimes:
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30652343
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - Fire timing in upland hardwoods | #250
04/01/2024
Wild Turkey Science - Fire timing in upland hardwoods | #250
Mark Turner, PhD candidate in Dr. Craig Harper’s lab at the University of Tennessee, joins us to disclose results from their recent study assessing the effects of canopy reduction and fire seasonality on turkey habitat quality and use in upland hardwoods. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resources: Mark Turner , Dr. Marcus Lashley , Dr. Will Gulsby , Turkeys for Tomorrow UF DEER Lab , Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30599053
info_outline
Small Game University - Western Fire Science with Dr. Morgan Treadwell | #249
03/27/2024
Small Game University - Western Fire Science with Dr. Morgan Treadwell | #249
For more information on Dr. Treadwell’s work: Texas Prescribed Burn Handbook: More information on the story of how prescribed burns saved the town of Borger, Texas:
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30537003
info_outline
Small Game University - Introductions and science in small game management | #248
03/27/2024
Small Game University - Introductions and science in small game management | #248
Working Lands for Wildlife Bobwhite Conservation Pilot: Wildfires in Texas:
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30536818
info_outline
Fins, Fur, & Feathers - Introduction to wildlife habitat management in the Great Plains | #247
03/26/2024
Fins, Fur, & Feathers - Introduction to wildlife habitat management in the Great Plains | #247
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/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30533083
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - Life for a gobbler | #246
03/25/2024
Wild Turkey Science - Life for a gobbler | #246
Dr. Mike Chamberlain, Terrell Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of Georgia, re-joins the podcast to walk us through the various life stages of a gobbler. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resources: Dr. Mike Chamberlain () () Dr. Marcus Lashley () () Dr. Will Gulsby () () Turkeys for Tomorrow () UF DEER Lab () () Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30486833
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - Turkey disease ecology | #245
03/18/2024
Wild Turkey Science - Turkey disease ecology | #245
Dr. Rick Gerhold, Associate Professor of Parasitology/Wildlife Diseases at the University of Tennessee, joins us to breakdown common diseases among turkeys and their symptoms, pathways of transmission, and infected biological effects. He also discusses histomonas and how you can get involved in cutting-edge egg research. Dr. Rick Gerhold () () Donate to wild turkey research: , Dr. Marcus Lashley () () Dr. Will Gulsby () () Turkeys for Tomorrow () UF DEER Lab () () Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30395183
info_outline
Fins, Fur, & Feathers - Stocking fish in your pond | #244
03/14/2024
Fins, Fur, & Feathers - Stocking fish in your pond | #244
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 includes 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/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30340218
info_outline
Timber University - Pine beetles and forest management concerns | #243
03/13/2024
Timber University - Pine beetles and forest management concerns | #243
Pine beetle outbreaks are usually not the result of one stress factor, but the cumulative result of several possible variables that lower pine vigor. Join us, along with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University, as we discuss pine beetle biology and environmental conditions leading up to problems with pine beetles. For questions or comments, email us at Subscribe directly to and follow NRU on , , , and .
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30339753
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - Up close and personal with wild turkeys | #242
03/11/2024
Wild Turkey Science - Up close and personal with wild turkeys | #242
Tes Randle Jolly, award-winning professional wildlife and turkey photographer extraordinaire, joins Marcus and Will to share her deep insight and perspective into wild turkey behavior from over 25 years of photographing our favorite bird. Donate to wild turkey research: , Tes Jolly () Dr. Marcus Lashley () () Dr. Will Gulsby () () Turkeys for Tomorrow () UF DEER Lab () () Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30313853
info_outline
Fish University - Managing fishponds for ducks | #241
03/06/2024
Fish University - Managing fishponds for ducks | #241
This episode quacks me up. Fisheries management to produce quality fishing often requires actions that are counterproductive to attracting migratory ducks and vice versa. But in this episode, we’ll talk about some ways that you might be able to have the best of both worlds. Wes sits down with two leading experts in the duck realm, and they brainstorm on what can be done to bring more ducks to a small pond without necessarily hurting fishing opportunities. Any you’ll receive wonderful egg-splanantion on the intricacies of duck biology, including how to deal with pesky resident geese. If you migrate to the link and listen to podcast, I promise I will quit quacking duck puns. Do you have questions or comments? Follow the and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes! Follow Natural Resources University on , , , &
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30246668
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - Longer the snood, bigger the brood | #240
03/04/2024
Wild Turkey Science - Longer the snood, bigger the brood | #240
Dr. Richard Buccholz, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research at the University of Mississippi, joins Will and Marcus to shed light on the fascinating world of wild turkey behavior. Learn of the interplay between displayed traits and biological fitness, which traits influence sexual selection, and how this information can help us strategize research for better management moving forward. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resources: Dr. Richard Buchholz () () Dr. Marcus Lashley () () Dr. Will Gulsby () () Turkeys for Tomorrow () UF DEER Lab () () Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30194548
info_outline
Working Wild U - Can we bring black-footed ferrets back from the brink? | #239
02/29/2024
Working Wild U - Can we bring black-footed ferrets back from the brink? | #239
Today on Working Wild U, we're spotlighting, quite literally, one special species that calls the Great Plains home. A small predator that was thought to be extinct.... twice! Meet the black-footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in North America. Thanks to community-driven efforts spanning the Great Plains, from dedicated ranchers in eastern Colorado to the Fort Belknap Indian Community in northern Montana, this elusive predator is staging a remarkable comeback. As always, find our complete show notes, including links, videos and other references from the episode at .
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30155308
info_outline
Habitat University - Conserving Wildlife in Ag. Landscapes: Creating win-win solutions for wildlife and farmers | #238
02/28/2024
Habitat University - Conserving Wildlife in Ag. Landscapes: Creating win-win solutions for wildlife and farmers | #238
In this episode we talk with Dr. Mark McConnell, Assistant Professor of Upland Birds at Mississippi State, about wildlife conservation in agricultural landscapes and his research into creating win-win solutions for wildlife and agricultural producers. We cover a variety of topics in this episode from reacting to Adam’s new mustache, Mark’s use of memes to help wildlife student engage with farmers, and using precision conservation to delivery economically targeted conservation. Themes in the episode: meeting farmer where they are, building your conservation team, economics and Precision Agricultural/Conservation. Targeted Conservation Delivery, Economically Targeted Conservation, Wildlife-Friendly Farming Give us some feedback or potential topics you would like to here by filling out our listener survey: Research & Resources discussed in the episode Research on who farmers trust when making decisions about agricultural practices - Personal outreach to landowners is vital to conservation program success (article about Lutter et al 2018 paper). Bridging the gap between conservation delivery and economics with precision agriculture (McConnell 2021) - Economically targeting conservation practices to optimize conservation and net revenue using precision agriculture tools (Meng et al. 2022) - Farming and the fate of nature (Green et al. 2005) - Wildlife-friendly farming benefits rare birds, bees and plants (Pywell et al. 2012) - Crop Advisors as Conservation Intermediaries (Eanes et al. 2019) - Creating Environmentally Resilient Agriculture Landscapes Using Precision Agriculture Technology: An Economic Perspective (McConnell 2019) - CRP Menu Tool -
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30141748
info_outline
Fins, Fur, & Feathers - Vultures in the Great Plains | #237
02/27/2024
Fins, Fur, & Feathers - Vultures in the Great Plains | #237
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/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30117713
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - Gobbler survival across the south | #236
02/26/2024
Wild Turkey Science - Gobbler survival across the south | #236
Dr. Patrick Wightman, Research Scientist at UGA, joins Marcus and Will to reveal results from a recent region-wide collaborative project - across 4 states, 8 study sites, and with over 900 banded birds - assessing the effects of hunting pressure on male survival. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resources: Dr. Patrick Wightman () () () Dr. Marcus Lashley () () Dr. Will Gulsby () () Turkeys for Tomorrow () UF DEER Lab () () Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Watch these podcasts on YouTube: This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Dr. David Mason & Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30098298
info_outline
Wild Turkey Science - Habitat management = predator management | #235
02/20/2024
Wild Turkey Science - Habitat management = predator management | #235
New data brings to light more pieces of our habitat-predator puzzle. Join as Marcus and Will pull from recent studies to discuss the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame. Donate to wild turkey research: , Resources: Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! Dr. Marcus Lashley () () Dr. Will Gulsby () () Turkeys for Tomorrow () UF DEER Lab () () Watch these podcasts on YouTube: This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to . Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family. Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak
/episode/index/show/naturalresourcesuniversity/id/30027363