Gamebird University

Latest Episodes:

From Quail Cover to Duck Water: Preseason Habitat Management Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Gamebird University, James Callicutt and Mark McConnell catch up on fall habitat management for waterfowl and upland game birds. They discuss how timing, scale, and landscape context influence management decisions, from prescribed burning and fall disking to crop harvest, vegetation control, and water management. The conversation covers habitat diversity, quail cover, food availability, waterfowl migration, and how birds respond to changing conditions across the landscape. James and Mark also discuss the importance of monitoring habitat response, adapting management when aggressive plant species become a problem, and recognizing that the same practice may produce very different results depending on where and how it is applied. They close with discussion of waterfowl movements, thermal ecology, landowner management, and getting dogs ready for the upcoming hunting season.

Cooperative Duck Management: Neighbors, Networks, and Better Hunts Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, James and Ryan Dulaney, manager of Grindle Slough in Arkansas, take a deep dive into the current state of waterfowl management, covering habitat conditions, duck populations, and how weather influences migration patterns. They discuss practical strategies for managing duck ground, including vegetation management, soil disturbance, water management, and the timing of flooding. James and Ryan also highlight the importance of managing hunting pressure, fostering cooperation among neighboring landowners, and shifting mindsets toward long-term stewardship and consistent management to support sustainable waterfowl hunting.

From Data to Drawdowns: Telemetry and Winter Ducks—Signals, Noise, and Habitat Strategy Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Gamebird University, James sits down with Dr. Ryan Askren, Director of the Five Oaks Agricultural Research & Education Center, to refocus the lens on the wintering grounds—where habitat configuration, disturbance, and management decisions shape duck behavior long before spring.

James and Ryan dig into what modern GPS/GSM telemetry is really telling us about winter movements, night feeding, and sanctuary use—and where tag choice can bias migration inferences. They explore how wetland complexes outperform single units, why scrub-shrub/buttonbush cover may be undervalued for thermal refuge and predator avoidance, and what fecal DNA diet work reveals.

The conversation connects science to practice: post-season water on non-timber units, hunt-rest rotations, and coordinating with neighbors to create the mosaic ducks actually select. Ryan also shares insights from comparative studies of backpack vs. implant transmitters (and what that means for estimating timing and survival) and closes with how the Five Oaks certificate program turns ecology-savvy students into equipment-ready managers who can calibrate sprayers, plan drawdowns, and talk shop with farmers.

Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock & Young Forests—Science, Dogs, and the Power of Habitat Work Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell sit down with Dr. Ben Jones, CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society, for a grounded, field-tested conversation about young-forest conservation in the South—and what it really takes to sustain ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and the people who care about them across the range.

The crew explores how disturbance and interspersion drive habitat value, why woodcock routinely show up in unexpected cover, and how modern tools—GPS tracking, remote sensing, and on-the-ground monitoring—are reshaping our understanding of migration, wintering needs, and day-to-day behavior. They dig into practical management levers (from timber harvest to patch size and structure) and the realities of working forests where wildlife, landowners, and economics intersect.

They also confront the messaging gap: how public perception can stall necessary habitat work, and why conservationists must reclaim the narrative from preservation-only mindsets with clear, science-forward communication. Along the way, they spotlight the rise of bird-dog culture, why trusting your dog is often the best lesson in ecology, and how woodcock hunting can be an inviting on-ramp for new hunters and future advocates.

Listeners will come away with a crisp picture of what "young forest" actually means on the ground, how technology is sharpening management decisions, and why collaborative, working-lands conservation remains essential for upland birds—across seasons, ownerships, and communities.

Ducks in Crisis? Understanding the Breeding Grounds, Harvest, and More Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Brian Davis sit down with Dr. Scott Stephens, Senior Director of Prairie and Boreal Conservation Strategy with Ducks Unlimited, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on duck breeding, population trends, and the future of waterfowl conservation. The trio explores the sharp declines in duck populations since 2015 and unpacks the critical role that prairie breeding grounds—especially small wetlands and intact grasslands—play in sustaining duck numbers. Scott shares insights from decades of research and conservation strategy, highlighting how environmental conditions, habitat loss, and climate variability are reshaping the waterfowl landscape. The discussion covers the complex interplay between habitat availability, agricultural practices, and conservation economics, emphasizing the importance of working with private landowners and leveraging programs that support voluntary conservation. They also examine harvest management in the context of declining populations, underscoring the need for adaptive approaches that reflect habitat conditions on the ground. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving duck population dynamics and the urgent need for collaborative, landscape-scale conservation. From duck stamp funding to community engagement, this conversation reinforces why safeguarding waterfowl habitats across the Prairie and Boreal regions is more important than ever—for hunters, landowners, and future generations alike.

Duck Behavior, New Tech, and the Challenges of Conservation Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell sit down with Dr. Frank Rohwer, President and Chief Scientist of Delta Waterfowl, for a wide-ranging conversation about waterfowl research, management, and conservation. The trio reflects on Frank's long career—from his early academic days at LSU to leading Delta's scientific programs—and explores the questions and challenges in understanding duck behavior and habitat use. They talk about how weather and temperature shape ducks' movements and foraging habits, sharing surprising insights about when ducks feed, move, and seek refuge across varying temperatures. The conversation delves into advances in GPS and transmitter technology that have opened new windows into waterfowl movements, as well as long-running studies of ring-necked ducks that reveal unexpected connections between southern wintering areas and western boreal breeding grounds. Throughout the episode, the group explores new methods for assessing duck production, including the use of drones and thermal imaging to locate nests, track brood survival, and measure reproductive success. They also discuss the role of predator management in boosting duck production and the growing focus across wildlife disciplines on making conservation more cost effective. The puzzling range expansion of black-bellied whistling ducks emerges as a point of discussion, along with questions about the species' ecology and its future impacts across southern landscapes. The conversation also touches on the role ducks, quail, and pheasants play as vital ecosystem services that benefit rural economies and wildlife heritage. At its heart, this episode captures the deep connections between hunters, researchers, and their dogs, reminding listeners why waterfowl conservation matters—not just for its ecological benefits, but for the traditions, stories, and shared passions that accompany it.

Prairie Pressures: Weather, Farming & the Future of Ducks Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, James and Mark are joined by Matt Chouinard, Waterfowl Programs Director for Delta Waterfowl, for an in-depth discussion on current prairie wetland and grassland conditions. They explore how recent weather patterns and agricultural pressures are shaping duck nesting success across the Prairie Pothole Region. Matt shares insights on the critical role of habitat for both nesting and brood-rearing, the value of conservation programs like CRP, and the importance of additional management strategies—including Delta's innovative Hen House program. The conversation also dives into the psychology of duck hunters, public perceptions of population trends, and the data-driven science behind conservation decisions. From habitat loss to hunter memories, this episode unpacks the complex relationships among agriculture, wetlands, waterfowl populations, and hunting success—highlighting why sustaining prairie ecosystems is essential for the future of waterfowl conservation.

Cool Cover, Hot Topic: The Role of Temperature in Quail Survival May 29, 2025

Show notes

James and Mark are joined by Dr. Dwayne Elmore, Gamebird Program Director at Tall Timbers, for a deep dive into the vital role of thermal ecology in gamebird management—particularly for quail. Dr. Elmore explains how temperature shapes bird behavior, habitat selection, and the critical value of shrub cover in providing thermal refuge. The conversation highlights the need for more research on thermal conditions and their implications for wildlife management, especially in the Southeast. Key insights include the variability of operative temperatures across different cover types and how this influences quail management strategies. The episode also explores nest site selection and how environmental factors like temperature and airflow affect reproductive success. Dr. Elmore discusses the role of vegetation in predator avoidance and the interaction between hunting pressure and bird behavior. The conversation concludes with discussions of ongoing quail restoration efforts and the increasing interest in wildlife management among hunters.

Changing Habitats, Changing Minds: Game Bird Myths and Realities May 01, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging episode, James and Mark are joined by Dave Godwin, Landowner Coordinator for the Mississippi Forestry Association and former Wild Turkey Program Coordinator for MDWFP, and Dr. Joshua Stafford, Assistant USGS Cooperative Leader at South Dakota State University. Together, they tackle some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding game birds—especially turkeys, quail, and ducks. The conversation explores the origins of these myths, how environmental factors influence bird populations, and the complexities of modern wildlife management. The guests emphasize the importance of scientific understanding in dispelling misinformation and the need for informed, adaptive management as ecosystems change. The discussion also examines the intersection of environmental change, hunting practices, and wildlife management. The participants address how hunters' perceptions of climate change are evolving, debunk myths about wild turkey and quail populations, and highlight how misinformation can hinder effective management. They further explore turkey mobility and emphasize the critical role of habitat management in sustaining healthy bird populations.

Gobblers, Hens, and Hunt Dates: Managing Mississippi's Turkeys Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, James and Mark are joined by Adam Butler, Director of Conservation Development and former Wild Turkey Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Together, they explore the complexities of turkey population dynamics and the science behind setting hunting regulations in Mississippi. The conversation covers the historical context of turkey populations, the importance of research-driven management, and findings from a recent experiment examining how season timing affects breeding and population trends. They dive into key topics such as hen survival, harvest pressure, breeding strategies, and the challenges of population modeling. This episode underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between MDWFP and Mississippi State University, and the need for both state-level strategy and on-the-ground management. Public support and education emerge as vital components of successful conservation.

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