Kentucky Afield

Latest Episodes:

#158 Rich Storm – From the Field to the Commissioner’s Office Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we sit down with KDFWR Commissioner Rich Storm to talk about the path that led him from a passion for the outdoors to leading The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Rich shares how his early hunting and fishing experiences shaped his interest in conservation, and influenced his career and leadership style. We also discuss some of the accomplishments he’s most proud of during his time with the department, as well as the real challenges facing fish and wildlife conservation today. From agency successes to the road ahead, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and priorities guiding conservation in the Commonwealth.

#157 David Baker - Good Fishing RIGHT NOW, Habitat Work, How You Can Help Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by David Baker, KDFWR Central District Fisheries Biologist! We're talking about what's "hot" right now in regards to fishing, and some of the best-eating species that the state has to offer are currently on the menu. We'll discuss how and where to target them for wintertime fishing success! Fisheries crews across the state are also preparing to install a massive amount of habitat in lakes across the Commonwealth, made possible by Christmas tree donations that are coming in from the public right now. We'll tell you how and why these habitat sites are built, as well as where you can find locations for them online. Thanks for listening, and good luck on the water!

156 Dr. John Hast — Black Bear Hunting Common Questions, Management Goals, A First Harvest Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we're joined by Dr. John Hast, Bear and Elk Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, for an in-depth conversation on black bears and bear hunting in the Commonwealth. With Kentucky currently in the middle of its rifle season for bears, we're breaking down why the season is timed the way it is, the long-term goals of Kentucky’s bear program, and how season dates help meet those management objectives. We also dive into the reasoning behind why baiting bears is not allowed in Kentucky, how weather conditions can influence bear movement and hunter success, and how shifting food sources impact bear behavior throughout the season. To wrap things up, Chase shares the story of harvesting his first-ever Kentucky black bear on public land during the October archery season. Whether you’re a seasoned bear hunter or just curious about Kentucky’s growing bear population, this episode offers valuable insight straight from the biologist helping lead the program.

#155 Joe McDermott - Deer on the Move: GPS Collars, Rut Action, and Modern Gun Season Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Modern Firearms Season kicks off this weekend, and deer hunting doesn’t get much better than this! 🦌 In this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re joined by Deer Program Coordinator Joe McDermott to talk about the latest deer research shaping management decisions across the Commonwealth — including a GPS collar study that’s shedding light on how deer move as the rut approaches. The results point to great conditions for hunters hitting the woods this weekend. We also dive into the importance of harvesting does in areas with high deer numbers, how hunters play a key role in keeping herds healthy, and ways to get your harvested deer tested for CWD through our freezer drop-off sites and the Shoot for Samples program — where you could win a $500–$2,000 prize just for participating. If you’re gearing up for Modern Gun Season, give this episode a listen.

#154 - Early Season Deer Hunting, R3 Opportunities, BOW Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Crume, KDFWR’s R3 Program Coordinator, and Megan Bagby from the R3 Branch. We kick things off with early season deer hunting strategies, and Rachel—who’s also an experienced deer tracker—shares valuable post-shot advice every hunter can use this fall. From there, we dive into the work of the R3 Branch (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation), highlighting how they help get people outdoors and involved in hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. Programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops and Hunter Education courses are just a couple of examples we cover. We round things out with some fishing talk and a few fun side topics along the way.

#153 Deer Season 2025 - Opportunities, Trends, Management Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by Tommy Apostolopoulos, Wildlife Biologist with the KDFWR Deer Program, to talk all things early season deer hunting in Kentucky. With archery and crossbow seasons just around the corner, Tommy breaks down what hunters can expect this year—from whitetail behavior in the early season to tactics for success when temps are high and patterns are still predictable. We also cover: 🦌 New regulations for 2025, including expanded opportunities with new and lengthened seasons 📍 Public land hot-spots to consider for your next hunt 🔬 What hunters need to know about CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) surveillance this fall 📚 Tips on staying informed and legal afield Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or heading into the woods for the first time, this is a must-listen as we kick off the 2025–26 deer season.

#152 - R3- The Future of Kentucky's Outdoors with Rachel Crume Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

We sat down with KDFWR R3 Coordinator Rachel Crume to talk about the importance of recruiting, retaining, and reactivating outdoor enthusiasts—for the future of conservation in Kentucky. From Learn to Hunt and Fish classes to Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops and Annie Oakley Range Days, there are more ways than ever to get involved. Plus, we dive into some of our own hunting and fishing experiences, and learn a bit about big-game tracking from an expert in the field!

#151 Terri Brunjes - Wild Pigs in KY, Issues and Efforts, Paddlesports Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re talking wild pigs and wild water! Biologist Terri Brunjes from KDFWR’s wild pig program joins us to break down the damage feral swine cause in Kentucky—and what’s being done to root them out. We also swap stories about kayaking and whitewater paddling, a shared passion among those on the show. Tune in for a fun and informative ride from the backwoods to the backwaters, and remember to report wild pigs or wild pig sign if you see it!

#150 Jay Herrala - Stream Fisheries, Affects of Flooding, Lee's Derby Picks May 02, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jay Herrala, a biologist who specializes in moving-water fisheries for the KDFWR. It's the best time of the year to stream fish in Kentucky, so we're definitely talking about opportunities. Additionally, we've had some unique rainfall in the state this year, so we'll pick Jay's brain on the affects of flooding on the fisheries. Then, of course, it's Derby week... So we'll get Lee's thoughts on the big race in before the podcast ends!

#149 Dr. John Hast - Elk Hunting in Kentucky, The Drawing, Odds, Process Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

Ahead of the Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing we're all excited at the thought of elk hunting in the Commonwealth! So we asked Dr. John Hast, KDFWR Bear and Elk Program Coordinator, to join us for an episode... We discuss elk hunting in the state over the years and what it's like now, what the odds of being drawn are, how the process works, tell a few stories, and much more. The deadline to enter for the drawing is April 30, so be sure to click over to FW.KY.GOV and visit "My Profile" if you'd like a chance at getting drawn!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected