Natural Resources University

Latest Episodes:

Managing Mid-Size Lakes | Fish University #373 Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Fisheries managers have a wealth of information available on how to manage small ponds, and there has been substantial research directed at managing large reservoirs that impound substantial rivers. However, there is a scarcity of information on reservoirs that are too big to be ponds and too small to be major reservoirs. These mid-size systems appear to be biologically distinct from their larger and smaller cousins. In this episode, Wes discusses these intermediate systems with biologist Hayden Funk, who just completed his master's degree on management of mid-size southern impoundments. They discuss the fish, the habitat, and the people that make up the management triad of these lakes, and some of the management opportunities that are available.

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

Trout Biology, Life History, and Winter Trout Fishing | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #372 Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Trout provide unique fishing experiences and are stocked in many states to provide fun fishing opportunities in cooler months. In this episode, Joe and Drew dive into the fascinating world of trout biology, the importance of the ocean in their life history, and how the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provides trout fishing opportunities in Kansas.

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

Population Ecology for Dummies | Wild Turkey Science #371 Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Colter Chitwood is back on to break down the unique population dynamics of the wild turkey. Join as we explore which vital rates are significant to turkey population trajectories, impacts of boom bust cycles on reproductive success, the interplay between reproductive parameters and hen survival, why high reproduction rates may not compensate for low hen survival, what this all means for wild turkey management.

Resources:

Bieber, C., & Ruf, T. (2005). Population dynamics in wild boar Sus scrofa: ecology, elasticity of growth rate and implications for the management of pulsed resource consumers. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42(6), 1203-1213.

Keller, B. J., et al. (2015). A review of vital rates and cause‐specific mortality of elk C ervus elaphus populations in eastern N orth A merica. Mammal Review, 45(3), 146-159.

Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830.

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

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

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube

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

Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!

Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code 'TurkeyScience' at checkout!

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

Q&A Episode | Timber University #370 Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we take a shot at listener questions ranging from controlling tree of heaven to addressing the pros and cons of managing for longleaf as compared to loblolly pine. We also address on-site and off-site characteristics to keep in mind when buying timber property.

For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com.

How was your duck season? The Science and Tradition of Waterfowling Success | Gamebird University #369 Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, James and Mark are joined by Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Coordinator with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and B.C. Rogers, III, a passionate conservationist, avid waterfowl hunter, and owner of Wren & Ivy Sporting and Travel Gear. Together, they tackle the question, "What makes for a good duck season?" The discussion delves into what defines a successful season from both ecological and hunting perspectives, examining the critical roles of weather, habitat management, and the expanding knowledge base among duck hunters. They highlight the importance of open communication between hunters and biologists to promote mutual understanding and advance conservation efforts. The conversation also explores the multifaceted nature of hunter satisfaction, blending personal stories, the social aspects of the sport, and reflections on how their experiences have evolved over time. Topics include the significance of time spent in the field, the challenges faced during hunts, and the impact of weather on duck migration patterns. The episode underscores the pivotal role of research in addressing these complexities and shaping the future of duck hunting.

Remembering the passenger pigeon | Wild Turkey Science #368 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

By popular demand, we sit down to explore the significance and functional role of the passenger pigeon. Join as we dive into the available literature on the history and ecological importance of passenger pigeons, learning how they shaped ecosystems and oak forest dynamics, how these historical disturbances can give insight into our management practices today, what this means for turkeys, and more.

Resources:

Blockstein, D. E., and H. B. Tordoff. 1985. Gone forever: a contempo-rary look at the extinction of the passenger pigeon. American Birds39:845–851

Ellsworth, J. W., & McCOMB, B. C. (2003). Potential effects of passenger pigeon flocks on the structure and composition of presettlement forests of eastern North America. Conservation Biology, 17(6), 1548-1558.

Hung, C. M., et al. (2014). Drastic population fluctuations explain the rapid extinction of the passenger pigeon. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(29), 10636-10641.

Schorger, A. W. 1955. The passenger pigeon: its natural history and extinction. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison

Has turkey habitat changed? | #21

The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | #106

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

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

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube

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

Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!

Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code 'TurkeyScience' at checkout!

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

Eye Worms in Quail: What science tells us and what it doesn't | Gamebird University #367 Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

James and Mark are joined by Rick Hamrick, state quail biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, to dive into a trending topic among bobwhite quail enthusiasts: parasites, specifically eye worms. The conversation underscores the importance of habitat as the most critical factor influencing quail populations. They discuss how poor habitat quality or habitat loss can exacerbate the effects of other stressors, such as predators, drought, and parasites. The episode also explores the distinction between managing individual animals and focusing on population-level dynamics, emphasizing the need to measure and enhance vital rates to support effective conservation. Key topics include the timeline of the scientific community's understanding of these parasites, the lack of evidence linking eye worms to population-level declines, and how future studies should be designed to address these questions comprehensively.

Managing Oaks for Acorn Production | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #366 Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Acorns are a valuable food resource for deer and other wildlife when and where they are available. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the nutritional content of acorns, variability in acorn production among years and trees, and how to promote acorn production in oak woodlands.

Turkeys in Kentucky | Wild Turkey Science #365 Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

We are joined by Zak Danks, Wild Turkey & Ruffed Grouse Program Coordinator for the state of Kentucky, to discuss the state's wild turkey status. Join as he walks us through restoration effort history, harvest rate trends, ongoing research (including unpublished poult-per -hen data), impacts of cicada hatches, habitat challenges, season structures, and more.

Resources:

Filson, J. (2017). The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucky (1784)

Zak Danks zak.danks@ky.gov

Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, YT, FB, IG

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

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

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube

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

Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!

Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code 'TurkeyScience' at checkout!

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

Fences of the Future | Wild Ag #364 Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

This month we are joined by Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Range Management Specialist at University of Nebraska, and Kaitlyn Dozler, Virtual Fence Program Manager at University of Missouri, to talk about Kaitlyn's research with virtual fencing and how it can be safely used for conservation on ranchlands.

Resources:

Dr. Mitchell Stephenson [academic profile]

Kaitlyn Dozler [website]

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!

Music by Humans Win

Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin