Natural Resources University

Latest Episodes:

Return to the Little Red River | Fish University #470 Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

The Little Red River is a unique fishery hidden in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas that boasts a world class trout fishery and some unique angling opportunities. The Greers Ferry Dam releases deep, cold water that supports stocked and naturalized trout in the river below. About 30 miles from the cold-water release, the river begins to transition from cold to warm water, and a variety of unique fishing opportunities have developed. Wes asked Dr. Steve Lochmann to return to Fish University and provide an update on his ongoing research activities and to tell us about this stretch of water where you can catch trophy brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye, and warm water species like blue catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Not to mention non-game species like darters, suckers, and invasive species including snakeheads and bigheaded carp!

Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!

Voles | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #469 Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Voles are common herbivorous rodents that can become very abundant when their food and cover are plentiful. They typically go unnoticed , but sometimes cause damage to turf grass, plants in vegetable gardens and flower beds, as well as trees in orchards and grape vines. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss vole biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control options for preventing or dealing with vole damage.

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 http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html

Turning sunlight into gobblers | Wild Turkey Science #468 Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Forester and wildlife biologist Jordan Nanney continues the conversation on hardwood timber sale evaluation. He breaks down the first steps landowners should take, common mistakes made, what to avoid, and ways landowners can protect themselves. Check out the first part of this conversation (here).

Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab

Resources:

NRCS Programs & Initiatives

Jordan Nanney Jordan.Nanney@CompassSouth.com

Compass South Forestry https://compasssouthforestry.com/

We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube

Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund

Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!

Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!

Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!

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 turkeysfortomorrow.org.

Music by Artlist.io

Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Evaluating hardwood timber sales | Wild Turkey Science #467 Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

We are joined by forester and wildlife biologist Jordan Nanney for an overview of hardwood timber markets and a breakdown of how landowners can sell their timber under various product classes.

WATCH this episode (here)!

Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab

Resources:

Brooke, J. M., et al. (2019). Effects of fertilization and crown release on white oak (Quercus alba) masting and acorn quality. Forest Ecology and Management, 433, 305-312.

Lashley, M. A., et al. (2017). Regenerating White Pine (Pinus strobus) in the South: Seedling Position is More Important than Herbivory Protection. Castanea, 82(2), 156-162.

Nanney, J. S., et al. (2018). Nutritional carrying capacity for cervids following disturbance in hardwood forests. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 82(6), 1219-1228.

NRCS Programs & Initiatives

Jordan Nanney Jordan.Nanney@CompassSouth.com

Compass South Forestry https://compasssouthforestry.com/

We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube

Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund

Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!

Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!

Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!

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 turkeysfortomorrow.org.

Music by Artlist.io

Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Nitrogen Stewardship & Profitability: A Conversation with Sentinel Ag | Wild Ag #466 Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

This month we are joined by Jackson Stansell, Founder and CEO of Sentinel Ag. Following our previous episode on nitrate issues in drinking water with Crystal Powers, Andy and Nate chat with Jackson about how his team at Sentinel is tackling the nitrate issue head on – while also helping farmers be more profitable and efficient. From being good stewards of our land and natural resources to the importance of rural prosperity for the benefit of all, we cover the ins and outs of nitrogen in farming and how new innovations are helping to build a healthier future for people, wildlife, and the land.

Resources:

Jackson Stansell [website, X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube]

Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc]

Nathan Pflueger [website]

AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab]

Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!

We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/

Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/

Music by Humans Win

Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin

Aquatic Vegetation Management | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #465 Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems but they can also cause problems when they become overabundant. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common aquatic plant species, share tips on identifying plants in your pond or waterbody, and discuss the most effective techniques for managing and controlling aquatic vegetation.

Designing your turkey property | Wild Turkey Science #464 Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

We're bringing back a popular episode where we boiled down the key areas of focus for improving turkey habitat and connectivity on your property.

Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab

WATCH this episode (here)

Resources:

Conventional vs. Regenerative Ag #79

Food plotting in nature's image #84

I lease land…what about me? #12

Which plants for brooding cover? #141

We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube

Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund

Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!

Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!

Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!

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 turkeysfortomorrow.org.

Music by Artlist.io

Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

From Panama To The Plains: Screwworm Is On The Move | BGWT #463 Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, our hosts sit down with Dr. Jonathan Cammack, Extension Livestock Entomologist at Oklahoma State University, to discuss the troubling northward advance of the New World Screwworm. Once eradicated from the U.S. in the late 20th century, this destructive pest is again making headlines as it moves from Central America into Mexico—now only about 300 miles from the U.S. border. Dr. Cammack explains the history of eradication efforts, including the groundbreaking sterile fly release program, and details why current prevention depends on vigilant monitoring, quick wound treatment, and international cooperation.

The discussion also covers the severe impact screwworm infestations have on both livestock and wildlife, drawing parallels to the devastating losses seen in Florida's endangered key deer population.

From treatment options and insecticide limitations to the importance of adjusting calving seasons, this episode offers a deep dive into strategies producers and wildlife managers can take to stay ahead of the threat.

Plus, listeners get an update on another invasive pest: the recently detected Asian Longhorned Tick in northeast Oklahoma.

Resources

- OkState Livestock Entomology

- OkState New World Screwworm Information

- Jonathan Cammack, Ph.D.

How to start: Step by step to managing pine timber | Wild Turkey Science #462 Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined by forest manager Michael Heatherly who walks us through the steps landowners should take when managing pine timber on their properties.

Michael Heatherly mheatherly@sizemore1949.com

Sizemore & Sizemore https://sizemoretimber.com/

Resources:

Association of Consulting Foresters

Society of American Foresters

00:00 Introduction to Forest Management and Wildlife Objectives

03:12 Understanding Landowner Objectives and Initial Steps

05:59 The Role of Thinning and Clear Cutting in Habitat Management

09:03 Timber Harvesting: Economic Considerations and Market Dynamics

11:45 Long-Term Management Strategies for Landowners

14:59 Navigating Timber Sales and Contracts

17:45 Ensuring Compliance and Quality During Harvesting

20:41 The Importance of Consulting Foresters

23:33 Building Long-Term Relationships with Landowners

36:43 Maximizing Timber Revenue

39:30 Landowner-Forester Collaboration

44:30 Navigating Market Challenges

50:26 Best Practices for Thinning

54:24 The Importance of Professional Guidance

59:22 Finding the Right Forester

Fundraising Banquet (To enter the online raffles, click on 'Get Tickets' and then scroll down to the 'Add-ons')

We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube

Donate to our wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund

Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!

Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!

Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!

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 turkeysfortomorrow.org.

Music by Artlist.io

Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Hack, Spray, & Blaze: Enhancing Oklahoma's Wildlife Habitats | BGWT #461 Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner sit down for a laid-back, boots-on-the-ground talk about Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) and how it plays a big role in shaping better wildlife habitats for deer, turkey, and quail—especially right here in Oklahoma. They swap stories and share how FSI differs from Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), and why even folks without marketable timber can still benefit from these management techniques.

You'll hear plenty of real-world advice—how to get more sunlight to the forest floor, which trees to keep or cut, and what tools make the job easier (spoiler: PlantNet and iNaturalist apps get some love). They also dig into strategies like girdling, hinge cutting, and selective herbicide use. And of course, no land management talk would be complete without prescribed fire. It's not just about burning—it's about building a better future for your land.

Resources

- OkState Range & Pasture Plant ID

- PlantNet

- iNaturalist

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