Kentucky Afield

Latest Episodes:

#168 Tommy Apostolopoulos - 2026 Deer Season Changes, Management, and Outlook Sep 11, 2026

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On this episode of the podcast we're joined by Tommy Apostolopoulos, a deer biologist with KDFWR. Archery season has arrived, and most of Kentucky's best deer hunting is right around the corner! Tommy walks us through some changes that are in place for the 2026 season, gives us insights into deer management that's taking place across the state, and shares some personal experiences and insights as well. Good luck to all of the deer hunters this season...Hunt smart and stay safe!

#167 - Fish & Wildlife at The Kentucky State Fair Aug 31, 2026

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On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're at the 2026 KY State Fair! We bounced around the KDFWR booth, talked briefly to a variety of guest from the agency, and also chatted with podcast listeners and others from the public. Some of the highlights were finding out everyone's favorite fair activity, their favorite outdoor memory, hearing about what's going on in the outdoors from a biologist and a game warden, and also reliving a fun elk hunting story told by a former Navy SEAL. Recording this episode was a ton of fun... Speaking to a variety of people and never knowing what was going to come up kept us on our toes. Thanks for listening! Guest included: Lorraine Leveronne Hannah Edelen Jay Stone Marcy Anderson Alex Cline Rich Storm Sgt. Jason Wells Aaron Reed Geoff Roberts

#166 – Fall Hunting Is Almost Here, and So Is the State Fair Aug 13, 2026

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On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Nathan Brooks, who's not only an avid outdoorsman, but also an Assistant Director in the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife's IEM division. Nathan oversees the TV show, magazine, website, press releases, and hunting guides... So he knows what's going on! We're talking about the upcoming fall hunting seasons, things that are new for this year (including over 30 counties seeing a change in deer zones), and previewing opportunities at the fast-approaching Kentucky State Fair.

#165 - KY Wild Pig Eradication | Myths and Misconceptions Aug 07, 2026

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There’s no shortage of opinions, questions and misconceptions when it comes to wild pigs — so we’re tackling them head-on in this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast. KDFWR Wild Pig Biologist Terri Brunjes joins KDFWR Social Media Manager Ashlynn Trevino to talk about Kentucky’s wild pig eradication efforts, the progress that’s been made, why the program takes the approach it does and what the future looks like. Ashlynn also brings some of the most common questions and comments we’ve seen from people across social media, giving Terri the chance to separate fact from fiction when it comes to wild pigs in Kentucky. And if you’ve ever wondered what happens after you report seeing a wild pig or finding pig sign, Terri explains how that information helps her crew track down and remove these invasive animals. 🎧 Give it a listen and get the real story on wild pigs in Kentucky.

#164 – Roger Lapointe & Tom Waters | Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry Jul 02, 2026

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As deer season approaches, there's no better time to learn how your harvest can make a real difference. This week, we're joined by Roger Lapointe and Tom Waters of Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry to discuss one of Kentucky's most impactful conservation and outreach programs. Coming off a record-breaking year, Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry accepted nearly 5,000 donated deer and helped provide roughly 800,000 meals to families in need across the Commonwealth. With expanded deer hunting opportunities in Zone 1 counties this season, the potential to help even more Kentuckians has never been greater—but it all depends on hunters stepping up to participate. Roger and Tom explain exactly how the program works, how simple it is to donate a harvested deer at no cost to the hunter, and why those donations benefit far more than just the recipients. Deer donations help manage overabundant deer populations, reduce agricultural damage, lessen deer-vehicle collisions, and support healthier deer herds throughout Kentucky. Whether you've donated before or are hearing about the program for the first time, this episode will show you how one deer can have an incredible impact on your community.

#163 Marcy Anderson – Southeast Kentucky Fishing Hotspots & The Alabama Bass Threat Jun 17, 2026

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Southeast Kentucky is home to some of the state's most scenic and productive fisheries, and on this week's episode we're joined by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Marcy Anderson to talk about what anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can expect this summer. Marcy highlights several outstanding destinations for boating, kayaking, fishing, and outdoor recreation across the Southeast Region, including rivers and streams that support healthy populations of walleye, brown trout, and striped bass. Whether you're looking for your next fishing trip or simply want to explore some beautiful Kentucky waters, you'll find plenty of ideas in this episode. We also discuss the recent discovery of Alabama Bass in Lake Linville. Marcy explains why this invasive species is a concern for Kentucky's native fish populations, how it can impact fisheries management, and what Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is doing in response.

#162 Courtney Hayes — Favorite Animals, Wildlife Research & Kentucky Wild May 29, 2026

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On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re joined by Courtney Hayes, a Wildlife Biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources who specializes in Kentucky’s non-game species. This episode is a fun dive into some of Kentucky’s most fascinating and overlooked wildlife, as we each share a few of our favorite species and the reasons they stand out to us. From beavers and timber rattlesnakes to Virginia big-eared bats, whip-poor-wills, hellbenders, spotted skunks, and more, we discuss the unique behaviors, habitats, and conservation stories behind some of the Commonwealth’s wildest creatures. Right off the top, we also discuss Kentucky’s newest official wildlife designations — the Eastern hellbender as the state amphibian and the spotted skunk as the state non-game mammal — two species that Courtney has worked closely with through monitoring and restoration efforts. We also talk about current conservation work involving hellbenders, bat habitat and monitoring, and spotted skunk research that Courtney's involved with across Kentucky.

#161 Zak Danks - Record Harvest (So Far), Turkey Reproduction, Lee's Derby Picks Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re once again joined by Zak Danks, KDFWR Turkey Program Coordinator. This time, we get a mid-season update on the turkey harvest, which is trending toward an all-time high. Zak breaks down why that’s happening and what it could mean for the future. He also shares insights on turkey reproduction and where we are in that process—offering a look at how hunting conditions may shape up over the next few weeks. Plus, host Chase Wininger recaps a successful hunt, and co-host Lee McClellan shares his Derby picks!

#160 Zak Danks - Turkey Numbers, Research & Spring Season Forecast Mar 27, 2026

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Turkey season is right around the corner in Kentucky, and there’s no better way to get prepared than hearing straight from the source. In this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we sit down with Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, to break down what hunters can expect this spring. With Youth Season set for April 4–5 and the General Statewide Season running April 18 through May 10, Zak shares why optimism is high heading into 2026. Thanks in part to strong cicada hatches over the past two years, turkey numbers are looking solid across much of the state. Hunters in western Kentucky can expect a great crop of 2-year-old gobblers, while central and eastern portions of the state should offer a healthy mix of jakes and mature toms. We also dive into the science behind the season. Zak walks us through ongoing research efforts—including banding studies, GPS-tracked hens, and audio monitoring of turkey vocalizations—and explains how this data is shaping management decisions and ensuring sustainable hunting opportunities for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or gearing up for your first season, this episode is packed with insights to help you hit the woods with confidence.

#159 - From History to Headwaters: Bass Relocation, River Recovery, and Jay’s Top Kentucky Fishing Spots Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

This week’s episode takes a storytelling approach to fisheries management with Jay Herrala of the Rivers and Streams Research Branch of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Jay walks us through the history behind today’s bass populations — starting with the changes that shaped both Kentucky’s lakes and the Ohio River — and how those shifts led to the current conditions anglers see on the water. From there, he explains an experimental project aimed at improving bass fishing on multiple fronts: relocating bass from overcrowded lakes to the Ohio River to help create better growth potential in those lakes, while also supporting river populations that have struggled with natural recruitment. Jay shares what this effort looks like on the ground and what early results are showing from the research side. Beyond the science, Jay brings a wealth of on-the-water experience across Kentucky’s lakes and streams — and he shares his “Best-of-the-Best” fishing destinations around the state. If you’re looking for new places to fish or want insight on where to plan your next trip, you won’t want to miss his recommendations. As always, we mix in some stories, conversation, and a little behind-the-scenes insight into how fisheries management really works in Kentucky. 🎧 Listen now and start planning your next trip

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