North Dakota Outdoors Podcast

Ep. 65 – Pathways to Conservation Feb 19, 2025

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Amber Kologi, Valley City State University fisheries and wildlife undergraduate student, and Alec Christensen, North Dakota State University conservation sciences graduate research assistant, about their career paths so far, what inspired them and what advice they have for other young conservationists.

Ep. 64 – Different Mascots, Same Mission Feb 05, 2025

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Jennifer Kross, Ducks Unlimited outreach biologist, and Seth Owens, Pheasants Forever education and outreach coordinator, about the importance of conservation education, the unique events both organizations have upcoming, and how you can get involved.

Ep. 63 – Because of the Way That It Is Jan 22, 2025

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Scott Gangl, Department fisheries management section leader, and Paul Bailey, Department south central district fisheries supervisor, about some of the unique characteristics of North Dakota fish species, why that is and how this information can be useful to anglers.

Ep. 62 – Less Throwing Stones, More Conversations Jan 08, 2025

In this episode of NDO Podcast Casey and Cayla talk about the main takeaways from the Habitat and Hunting Access Summit and possible pathways forward.

Ep. 61 – Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog Dec 27, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Rep. Todd Porter, district 34, about the North Dakota legislative process and how and why sportsmen can get involved.

Ep. 60 – Lutefisk and 4-Buckle Boots Dec 11, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we celebrate the season by visiting with Scott Peterson, deputy director, and Greg Link, conservation and communications division chief, about Christmas traditions growing up in smalltown North Dakota, holiday meals, and a few gift ideas for the outdoorsy people in your life.

Ep. 59 – Habitat and Hunting Access Nov 27, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Kevin Kading, Department private land section leader, about the upcoming Habitat and Hunting Access Summit and the challenges facing the future of our hunting heritage in North Dakota.

Ep. 58 – Mountain Lion Tango Nov 13, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Stephanie Tucker, Department game management section leader and furbearer biologist, about bounties, fur market, fisher pregnancies, the wildlife health laboratory, trapping regulations, and the time Steph came face to face with a mama mountain lion.

Ep. 57 – Fighting the October 5th Historic Wildfires Oct 30, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Ryan Melin, fire management officer with the North Dakota Forest Service and Hunter Noor, NDFS wildland fire operations assistant fire management officer, about the historic wildfires in western North Dakota and the coordination, on-the-ground efforts and support involved in wildland firefighting.

Ep. 56 – Salmon Mom Russ Oct 16, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Russ Kinzler, Department Missouri River System fisheries management supervisor, about the history of North Dakota’s salmon stocking program, the spawning process and some tips for anglers hoping to pursue salmon.

Ep. 55– Elegant Yet Clunky Oct 02, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Michael Szymanski, Department migratory game bird management supervisor, about the process of developing waterfowl regulations; from monitoring efforts, to state and national collaboration, to federal approval and what it all means for hunters.

Ep. 54– Healthy Forests, Healthy Wildlife, Healthy People Sep 18, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Matt Olson, forest stewardship manager for North Dakota Forest Service, and Brian Prince, Department wildlife resource management supervisor, about managing North Dakota’s rare, but unique, native forests to meet the needs of the wildlife and people who inhabit them.

Ep. 53 – Crashing Weddings & Pregnant Pasta Sep 04, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Jesse Kolar, Department upland game management supervisor, about the state of our four grouse species, an additional sharp-tailed grouse hunting opportunity open this year and our favorite upland game bird recipes.

Ep. 52 – Gut Juice Aug 21, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Rhett Hall and Jason Babinchak, founders of the North Dakota Tracking Dog Group, about the process of legalizing the use of dogs in the recovery of big game, what it takes to train these dogs and, of course, some good tracking stories.

Ep. 51 – Cottage Cheese and Split Pea Soup Aug 07, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Josh Wert, watershed management program manager for North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, and Emilee Novak, DEQ nonpoint source pollution management program coordinator, about harmful algal blooms, mitigation efforts and what to be on the lookout for when recreating this summer and fall.

Ep. 50– Live from the Fair! Jul 23, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Greg Gullickson, Department outreach biologist, live from the Conservation and Outdoor Skills Park at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot. We also snag a few fairgoers and a volunteer to talk fishing, fair food and their favorite things to do.

Ep. 49 – Fledging to Find the Easy Fruit Jul 10, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast Casey and Cayla talk R3, hunter and angler recruitment, retention and reactivation plus national and state trends, all while Cayla struggles to accurately recall expressions.

Ep. 48 – Butterflies are Metal Jun 26, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Elisha Mueller, Department conservation biologist and Cami Dixon, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife biologist, about the underappreciated beauty of the prairie, challenges facing our native grasslands and today’s hip lingo for describing things that are cool.

Ep. 47 – We Need to Save the Grasslands Jun 12, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Darrell Oswald, district manager for Burleigh County Soil Conservation District, and Dave Bauer, rancher and North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition mentor, about the five soil health principles, the realities of keeping ranching profitable and the dire call to save our grasslands.

Ep. 46 – Ducks Like Mudholes May 29, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with two duck gurus, Mike Szymanski, Department migratory game bird management supervisor, and Rick Warhurst, wetland biologist with North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, about the incredible role wetlands play in supporting ducks and other wildlife and what we can all do to conserve these vital ecosystems.

Ep. 45 – Growing Walleyes is Like Farming Asparagus May 15, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Paul Bailey, the Department’s south central district fisheries supervisor, about spring fisheries field work, a new Department walleye tagging study and the information these studies provide our fisheries managers.

Ep. 44 – Wetlands Have Something for Everyone May 01, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Aaron Larsen, Department conservation biologist, and Emily Joynt, environmental scientist with North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, about the importance of wetlands for water quality, carbon sequestration, recreation and more in celebration of American Wetlands Month.

Ep. 43 – Badlands Mule Deer: The Long Process in a Nutshell Apr 17, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast Casey and Cayla talk Badlands mule deer hunting, real and perceived social and biological pressures, a recent survey the Department contracted to investigate this more and some of the possible changes up for discussion.

Ep. 42 – If You Move You Lose Apr 03, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with John Paulson, retired North Dakota USDA Wildlife Services director, about his love of turkey hunting, homemade wing bone calls, losing strikers, and other tricks of the trade just in time for spring turkey season.

Ep. 41 – What’s Better than Mud Baths and S’mores? Mar 21, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Kristin Byram, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department strategic communications chief, about North Dakota state parks, their diverse landscapes, activities and amenities (including mud baths), and the quest for the simultaneous s’mores cooking world record.

Ep. 40 – You Can’t Be Everything to Everyone Mar 06, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Kent Luttschwager, Department wildlife resource management section leader, and Levi Jacobson, Department wildlife resource management supervisor in Bismarck, about the purpose of our wildlife management areas, management practices, and grappling with the many desired uses of these lands.

Ep. 39 – Conservation Means Development as Much as it Does Protection Feb 21, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Reice Haase, North Dakota Industrial Commission deputy director, and Brenna Jessen, North Dakota Industrial Commission grant programs specialist, about the Outdoor Heritage Fund, its history and directives and some of the familiar success stories spanning every county in the state.

Ep. 38 – Diversity is Resiliency Feb 07, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Greg Link, Department conservation and communications chief, about key conservation mechanisms in North Dakota, historic paradigms in wildlife management and the importance of quality habitat through it all.

Ep. 37 – The Most Important Job You’ll Ever Have Jan 24, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Scott Gangl, Department fisheries management section leader and Bill Haase, Department assistant wildlife chief, about the importance of seasonal employees, the many benefits of working as a seasonal and tips and tricks for landing one of these upcoming job openings.

Ep. 36 – Curiosity Kills the Coyote Jan 10, 2024

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Jim Job, Department outreach biologist and Cody Krause, wildlife specialist with USDA Wildlife Services, about coyote biology and behavior and the range of equipment and strategies for effectively hunting these furbearers.

Ep. 35 – Igniting the Spark Dec 27, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Kelli Kuska, Pheasants Forever prescribed fire coordinator and Chris Gordon, North Dakota fire manager with The Nature Conservancy, about the benefits of prescribed fire and the education, training and support the North Dakota Prescribed Fire Cooperative can offer to private landowners interested in burning.

Ep. 34 – It’s More of a Lifestyle Than a Job Dec 14, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Mike Sedlacek and Gage Muench, Department district wardens, about the process of becoming a warden, the atypical, but rewarding work life it provides and the upcoming testing dates to join this team of elite conservationists.

Ep. 33 – A World Record for Around Here Nov 29, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Trace Armstrong, owner of Tall Tines Taxidermy, and lucky winner of the 2023 North American Game Warden Museum moose tag raffle, about his once-in-a-lifetime (maybe twice if his luck keeps up) hunt for a record-breaking velvet moose with his bow.

Ep. 32 – Back Pocket Band-Aids Nov 15, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Paul Bailey, the Department’s south central district fisheries supervisor, about North Dakota’s state fish, the northern pike, results from a study the Department did on trophy pike utilization in the Missouri River System and some tips for targeting these toothy sportfish this ice fishing season.

Ep. 31 – The Issues Haven’t Changed Nov 01, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Ron Wilson, North Dakota OUTDOORS editor, about the history of the Department’s magazine and trends from the past and present. Plus, we wander down a few squirrel trails, too.

Ep. 30 – More of an Opportunity than an Obligation Oct 18, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Scott Peterson, Department deputy director, about the upcoming fall advisory board meetings, this year’s slate of topics and a few humorous tales from a long career of attending these meetings.

Ep. 29 – It Pays to Look Over the Hill Oct 04, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Kevin Kading, Department private land section leader, and Jens Johnson, Department private land biologist, about the Private Land Open to Sportsmen program, what it takes to go from a phone call to pounding a PLOTS sign into the ground and commonly asked questions about accessing these lands.

Ep. 28 – Lions and Skunks and Snakes, Oh my! Sep 20, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Dr. Morgan Dallman and Dr. Carolyn Woodruff, owners of Knife River Veterinary Clinic, about the many hazards our four-legged companions face in the field, hunting dog preventative care, first-aid and stories from their many years of vet care and hunting.

Ep. 27 – We are the Best at Everything Sep 06, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Congressman Kelly Armstrong, a Dickinson native, about his passion for the outdoors, some of the policy that impacts our beloved natural resources in the state and how Cayla forgot to hit record the first time around.

Ep. 26 – CWD Management Moving Forward Aug 21, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Dr. Charlie Bahnson, the Department’s wildlife veterinarian, about the updated CWD proclamation and management plan, the importance of hunter participation in surveillance and the many thoughtful conversations that went into these decisions.

Ep. 25 – The Eyes and Ears of Our Sportsmen and Women Aug 09, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Scott Winkelman, Department chief game warden, and John Bradley, executive director of North Dakota Wildlife Federation, about the Report All Poachers program, the upcoming RAP auction and the diligent work of our wardens to protect the people’s wildlife

Ep. 24 – Post-Deer Lottery Discussion Jul 26, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Brian Hosek, Department business operations manager, about the deer gun lottery, how it works, how to sign up for Casey alerts and the critical role habitat plays in all of this

Ep. 23 – First and Foremost, Habitat Jul 12, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Emily Spolyar, Pheasants Forever North Dakota state coordinator about Pheasants Forever’s mission and initiatives, their team and chapters in the state, how to get involved and the first pheasant brood sightings of the season.

Ep. 22 – We Should Be Able to Disagree Jun 28, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Department advisory board landowner representatives, Cody Sand and Beau Wisness, about what the advisory board even is, what they’ve learned about the Department since starting their terms and Cody’s impressive Snapchat streak.

Ep. 21 – Keeping Common Species Common Jun 14, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Department conservation biologists, Elisha Mueller and Patrick Isakson about the State Wildlife Action Plan, how it’s developed, its purpose and impact on North Dakota and the conservation section’s infamous reputation for top notch treats.

Ep. 20 – What It Takes May 31, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Scott Gangl, Department fisheries management section leader, and Bob Frohlich, Department fisheries development supervisor, about what it takes to develop and maintain a fishery, the critical role local partnerships play and perhaps most importantly, how we name a lake.

Ep. 19 – This Isn’t First-Class Flying May 17, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Department big game biologists, Bruce Stillings and Jason Smith about using aerial surveys to manage big game populations in the state, how these surveys are conducted, and how grueling, and sometimes dangerous, this work can be.

Ep. 18 – It’s Okay to Let Kids Throw Rocks May 03, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Brian Schaffer, Department hunter education supervisor, and Jeff Long, Department outdoor skills coordinator, about our various outdoor education programs, the volunteers that make them possible, and just getting kids and adults introduced to the outdoors.

Ep. 17 – Using Research to Improve the Way We Do Business Apr 19, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast Cayla makes her return with Casey and they visit with Stephanie Tucker, Department game management section leader, and RJ Gross, Department upland game biologist, about the Department’s research philosophy, new turkey research in collaboration with University of North Dakota, other ongoing Department research projects and spring gobbler plans.

Ep. 16 – Knee-deep in Snow and Wildlife Depredation Apr 05, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast Casey visits with Bill Haase, Department assistant wildlife chief and Kevin Kading, Department private lands section leader, about the tough winter and the many short- and long-term tools and resources the Department can offer to landowners to address wildlife depredation, especially during winters like this.

Ep. 15 – Reflections on North Dakota Fisheries During a Challenging Winter Mar 21, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast Casey Anderson visits with Fisheries Division Chief Greg Power about ice fishing and what this year’s harsh winter is going to mean for fisheries going into the open water fishing season.

Ep. 14 – 2023 North Dakota Outdoors Legislation Mar 09, 2023

In this episode of the NDO Podcast Casey visits with Department Director Jeb Williams and Deputy Director Scott Peterson about the 2023 North Dakota legislative session and outdoor related bills.

Ep. 13 - Introducing the North Dakota Game and Fish Department Mobile App Feb 23, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Department Business Operations Manager Brian Hosek about the new North Dakota Game and Fish Department mobile app. We will discuss some of the features of this free app and tell you how you can get it for your smartphone.

Ep. 12 - You Learn a Lot About Yourself in the Outdoors Feb 08, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Jason Mitchell, angler, industry leader, TV host, guide, YouTuber and dad. We talk about how he got his start in the industry, North Dakota fisheries management, his failed trapping endeavors and the trials and tribulation of introducing kids to the outdoors.

Ep. 11 - Sausage Camp Season Jan 25, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Department deputy director, Scott Peterson and his son, Greg Peterson. We dive into North Dakota sausage making culture and traditions with recipes, garage logic, equipment, and plenty of laughs.

Ep. 10 - We Live and Die by Droughts and Floods Jan 11, 2023

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Department fisheries chief, Greg Power. We talk about the challenges this unprecedented snow presents for our fish and wildlife populations and ice fishing access. But we also talk silver linings and our favorite hardwater hacks.

Ep. 9 - We Don’t Work in Perfection Dec 28, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with the Department director, Jeb Williams. He talks about his smalltown North Dakota upbringing, long and varied career with the Department, priorities moving forward and holiday meal plans.

Ep. 8 - More Than Just Successful or Unsuccessful Dec 14, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with the Department’s survey coordinator, Chad Parent. He explains the pros and cons of mandatory harvest reporting versus the harvest surveys we utilize, how harvest surveys, in combination with other data, contribute to understanding the big picture of how wildlife populations are faring and argues that participating in harvest surveys should be added to the list of unwritten hunter ethic rules right after not yelling at your buddy’s dog.

Ep. 7 - An Integrated Approach to Managing Wildlife Nov 30, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Stephanie Tucker, Department game management section leader and furbearer biologist and John Paulson, USDA Wildlife Services director in North Dakota. We explain the collaborative agreement between the agencies when it comes to wildlife depredation, explore some of the other unique avenues of Wildlife Services’ work and laugh about the soaring truffle salt industry since Episode 5.

Ep. 6 - The Acquired Taste of the Prairie Nov 16, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Heather Husband, Meadowlark Initiative coordinator with the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, and Ryan Taylor, Ducks Unlimited public policy director of North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. We discuss the purpose and mission behind the Meadowlark Initiative, the benefits to all North Dakotans and the subtle beauty of the prairie.

Ep. 5 - Deviled Kidneys & Buck Bacon Nov 02, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Jeff Benda, hunter, photographer, writer and wild game chef out of Fargo. We talk about some unique field care techniques, underrated cuts of meat, deviled-kidneys and more wild game dish ideas just in time for North Dakota’s deer opener.

Ep. 4 - Broken Slinkys are No Good for Anybody Oct 19, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Dr. Charlie Bahnson, the Department’s wildlife veterinarian. We learn more about the many diseases impacting wildlife in the state, touch on CWD and the status in North Dakota and hear about the grossest thing Dr. Charlie has encountered as a wildlife vet.

Ep. 3 - Smelly Wing Envelopes & Mary the Hen Pheasant Oct 05, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Jesse Kolar, the Department’s upland game management supervisor, and Ben Geaumont, research associate professor of wildlife and range at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. We talk upland game management, the impacts of recent weather events on pheasants and the importance of grasslands and what the future might hold for upland game birds in North Dakota.

Ep. 2 - Walleye: A Tale of Two Factors Sep 21, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Paul Bailey, the Department’s south central district fisheries supervisor. We take a deep dive into the walleye tagging studies on the Missouri River System and Lake Alkaline, and discuss how those studies support that hormones and temperature are two important factors influencing walleye feeding and angler success.

Ep. 1 - Hunting the Blue Squares Sep 07, 2022

In this episode of NDO Podcast we visit with Jacob Lardy, land management specialist with the Department of Trust Lands, more commonly known to many North Dakota hunters as state school lands or the blue squares on the map. We talk about the department’s history and mission, regulations and restrictions and the upcoming grouse opener.

Ep. 0 - Meet the Hosts Aug 18, 2022

Welcome to North Dakota Outdoors podcast, the official podcast of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Meet the hosts, R3 coordinator, Cayla Bendel and wildlife division chief, Casey Anderson.

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