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!
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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!
May 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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 c...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 29 min
Jeff Crosby, KDFWR Fisheries Biologist, joins us for this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! We'll dive into some of the most aggressive biting and hard fighting fish that the state has to offer, and explore the hybrid species in-depth. Why do they make hybrids? What's the advantage? Do they truly fight harder? We'll answer those questions and many more on this episode of the podcast!
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Zak has some exciting news to share as turkey season is on the horizon, both for this year's hunt, and for the next several years to come... Find out why things might be looking up for the turkey population and turkey hunters of the state, as well as what biologist are doing in the field at this very moment!
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 23 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Dave Baker, a fisheries biologist with The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Dave is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to both fish and fishing, as he's not only a professional in the field, but also an excellent angler as well... Here we're talking about all the exciting spring fishing opportunities that are on the horizon, including: White Bass, Crappie, Sauger, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Catfish! Get your ...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 21 min
We're joined by Nick Ray, the Assistant Director of KDFWR's EIT division! "EIT" stands for Engineering, Infrastructure and Technology, and the follks who work in this division really make things work for the outdoors men and women of the state... We'll learn about some of the projects they take on, how they increase opportunity as a whole, and hear some stories of the challenges that they can run into along the way!
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 10 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined Dr. John Hast, Kentucky's lead bear and elk biologist, and he's taking us deep into the world of wildlife management and conservation efforts for two of the state's most iconic species: black bears and elk. Dr. Hast discusses the ongoing work to protect and sustain these populations, the challenges they face, and the exciting hunting opportunities available to sportsmen and women. In addition to wildlife management, Dr. Hast shares his ...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 11 min
We're joined by Dr. John Brunjes, the Migratory Bird Program Coordinator for KDFWR! John is an avid outdoorsman, and specifically a waterfowl lover. He speaks to all the reasons that waterfowl hunters love what they do, and about what makes it such a unique hunting opportunity. Additionally, Dr. Brunjes also sheds some light on the "behind the scenes" of migratory bird conservation efforts in North America... After speaking with him, we feel like we need to give waterfowl a shot!
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 17 min
We're joined by Tommy, a biologist with the KDFWR deer program! The whitetail rut is right around the corner, and so is the state's modern firearms season for deer... We'll talk about that, tips and tactics, and also go over some need-to-know information for hunters in Kentucky.
Nov 01, 2024•59 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Rachel Crume, who's not only the R3 Branch Manager for KDFWR, but also an experienced deer tracker who services the state of KY! Rachel is going to give us the rundown on deer tracking from her perspective, sharing information that she's gathered over the course of hundreds of successful and unsuccessful tracks... She'll tell us why she does it, what she enjoys about it, and share some helpful tips for deer hunters across the state.
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 21 min
We're joined by Jimmy Woods, a biologist with The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we're talking about small game! Jimmy's giving us the rundown of the mast crops across the state, discussing how this information is useful for outdoors men and women, talking about hunting with dogs, and letting us know about a new website feature that is going to help improve management efforts across the board!
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 15 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Dave Dreves, the Director of the Fisheries Division for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and the primary topic is bass... We're talking about eating bass, and why doing that could lead to improved fisheries. We'll also hit on a new trophy bass initiative that the department is undertaking, and discuss what's going on in fisheries in general. We appreciate you listening!
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 18 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by John Boel, an avid-angler and nightly news anchor with too many accolades to mention individually... John is a Wisconsin native and Kentucky transplant who's mastered walleye, smallmouth, musky, and a number of other species in the state. We're talking about how he fishes, why he fishes, and life in general...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 13 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Rachel Young, who's with The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation! Rachel's organization helps fund conservation, and does some amazing things for the state's youth... She's telling us how they accomplish these goals, and how you can help! For more information visit: kentuckywildlife.com
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 4 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Adam Martin, Program coordinator and Sport-Fish Biologist in the western region of the state! Adam is here to tell us some good news related to bass and catfish in the big lakes, and to break down some interesting data that the fisheries crews have gathered recently. You'll find out what fishing will be like in the future on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, learn a bit about the fisheries and ecosystems, and about the life of a fisher...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 20 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about the best way to beat this Summer heat... Kayaking! Lee has traveled the state and documented 38 streams, and has multiple kayaking trips mapped for each stream. We're going to learn about his process, what is included in the articles, and find out his favorite floats throughout the state! For Lee's "Blue Water Trails" articles visit -> https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Blue-Water-Trails.aspx
Jun 24, 2024•57 min
This episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast is a special one for me (Chase), as I tell the story of my recently-passed beagle "Hunter". He was an excellent hunting dog and companion who did a lot for me personally... In addition to that we're discussing what we've been up to lately and spring fishing opportunities!
May 23, 2024•1 hr 12 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Josh Bender of The Parklands of Floyds Fork! We talk to Josh for a bit about the mission of the park and the opportunities that it provides, and then we head out to do a little smallmouth stream fishing in Floyds Fork itself!
May 03, 2024•26 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Zak Danks, Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Zak is involved in all things related to turkey management and turkey hunting in the state of Kentucky, and he's lending us his knowledge on both as we pick his brain just days before the 2024 general season opens... Thanks for listening!
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 12 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about bad luck and beneficial skills, or in other words, bananas on boats and foraging... We'll give you a "banana boat" experience or two, as well as the backstory on why they're bad luck, and then we will dive into one of the most beneficial skills that a woodsman can learn, foraging. Thanks for listening, and please use those additional resources!
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 17 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jeff Ross, Assistant Director of Fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. We talk about a newly certified state record fish, the process for documenting a record, fish recruitment, the importance of habitat, and much more!
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 19 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by one of the leading experts on flora and fauna in the Southeast United States, KDFWR's John MacGregor. John has lived a lifetime catching and studying critters both for fun and as a professional. Although he's never listened to a podcast before he was nice enough to join us on ours, and we're essentially just seeing where the conversation takes us. Thanks for listening, and feel free to email John any and all pictures of unusual creat...
Feb 14, 2024•2 hr 10 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Cody Rhoden, Small Game Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Cody's an expert on all things small game (and a few other things too), and today we're picking his brain about the hunting, science, and management of these critters. We'll also touch on how outdoors people can make positive changes that bolster small game numbers in their area... Thanks for listening!
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 18 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Sgt. Rufus Cravens, who's both an avid predator hunter and a conservation officer with nearly 20 years of experience... We're talking all things coyotes and coyote hunting, and are definitely taking a dive into night hunting, the rules/regs, and the tactics associated with it. Thanks for listening!
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 17 min
We're discussing the past 363 days on this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! We'll take a look back at episodes from the past year, discuss what we found interesting, and make some resolutions for 2024... Also, we want feedback from YOU! Shoot us an email or a social media message and let us know how we can make the podcast better for you as we move into the new year. Thanks! chase.wininger@ky.gov lee.mcclellan@ky.gov
Dec 28, 2023•53 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Gabe Jenkins, Deputy Commissioner for KDFWR and Kentucky's CWD Response Lead. Gabe has been involved in the management and conservation of whitetail deer and elk in the state for years, and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to these topics. Last week the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources was informed of a positive case of CWD that came from a hunter-harvested free-ranging whitetail deer that was harvested in Bal...
Dec 14, 2023•58 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KDFWR Deer Program Biologost, Tommy Apostolopoulos! Tommy's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to deer, and specifically deer and deer hunting in the state of Kentucky... In addition to whitetails he also has experience with bear and elk in the state, and is a lot of fun to talk to!
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 18 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Chad Miles, host of Kentucky Afield TV! Chad is not only the host of the worlds longest running outdoors TV show, but has been a lifelong outdoorsman of the bluegrass state as well... We're talking about a newly-found and cost-saving hobby, upcoming and recent hunts, and just what it's like hunting with a camera in general. Enjoy!
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 21 min
On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Rich Storm! We'll find out who the commissioner is, look back on his tenure to this point, and look ahead to the future... Enjoy!
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 12 min
