In this episode we talk with Dr. Mark McConnell, Assistant Professor of Upland Birds at Mississippi State, about wildlife conservation in agricultural landscapes and his research into creating win-win solutions for wildlife and agricultural producers. We cover a variety of topics in this episode from reacting to Adam’s new mustache, Mark’s use of memes to help wildlife student engage with farmers, and using precision conservation to delivery economically targeted conservation. Themes in the epis...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 238
In this episode, we discuss how turkey vultures and black vultures provide both positive and negative values to residents of the Great Plains, and how to deal with problems associated with these 2 species. Resources for this episode: Black Vulture Damage Control University of Kentucky Extension: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/FOR/FOR129/FOR129.pdf Black Vulture Effigy Plans: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/files/forfs18-03.pdf Paint an effigy to look like a turkey vulture: Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr....
Feb 27, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 237
Dr. Patrick Wightman, Research Scientist at UGA, joins Marcus and Will to reveal results from a recent region-wide collaborative project - across 4 states, 8 study sites, and with over 900 banded birds - assessing the effects of hunting pressure on male survival. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Wightman, P. H., et al. (2024). Survival and cause‐specific mortality of male wild turkeys across the southeastern United States. The Journ...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 236
New data brings to light more pieces of our habitat-predator puzzle. Join as Marcus and Will pull from recent studies to discuss the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Resources: Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills. Forest Ecology ...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 235
This month is the first Q&A episode. Brady and Shaun get to listener questions they have received since the first episode. They discuss taxes, some hardwood silviculture, and the northern long-eared bat. For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram , YouTube , Twitter , and Facebook ....
Feb 14, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 234
In this episode we discuss what happens to ponds in the winter. Where do fish go? Do you need aeration? What pond management can you do in the winter to benefit your pond during the warmer months? Join us as we discuss these questions and more! 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-pro...
Feb 13, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 233
Dr. Geoff Hill, professor of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, joins Marcus and Will to break down the unique evolutionary biology of our favorite bird. Learn which characteristics hens select for, what make decoys effective, if gene selection is impacted by hunter harvest, the intricacies of the turkey brotherhood, and much more. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https:/...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 232
Grizzly bears are expanding their range. But where are they headed? To find out, we get out on the land with ranchers Erik Kalsta and Jami Murdoch, who are working with partners to monitor wildlife – including grizzlies – on their operation in southwest Montana. Together with Erik, Jami and Blackfeet rancher Kristen Kipp, plus a band of other experts, we explore what it really means for grizzly bears to recover under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, and the real challenges bears, an...
Feb 09, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 231
Have you ever noticed that when someone catches a big largemouth or Florida bass, like a double-digit bass, they refer to it as “she”, “her”, or “big girl”? That is because female bass get larger than male bass, and you’ll never catch a male that big. In a normal population, half the population is male, so only the female half will have trophy potential. But we can change this dynamic if we only stock the lady bass. In this episode, Wes and Senior Fisheries Biologist Tim Bonvechio discuss the ef...
Feb 07, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 230
Marcus and Will explain why our current data on turkeys supports both sides of this ongoing debate and what is needed to determine whether habitat or predation is to blame. They also discover another interesting link between supplemental feeding and predation, and discuss four studies that would answer most of our questions related to the current decline in wild turkey populations. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Please help us by taking our ...
Feb 05, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 229
In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management related to deer production in the Great Plains, and whether or not it makes sense to control coyotes as a deer management practice 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...
Feb 02, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 228
Will and Marcus discuss why they and other biologists are more likely to endorse habitat management, versus predator control, to increase turkey populations. They also cover a study showing trapping can effectively reduce raccoon populations by up to 90% and discuss why that may or may not translate into more turkeys on the landscape. Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 227
When a section of the Big Hole River in southwest Montana ran dry in 1988, all eyes were on the future of one of the last remaining populations of arctic grayling in the lower 48. Out of the struggle, a collaboration emerged that change the future of the Big Hole - a future where human communities, wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on can thrive. And it might even serve as a model for how we can conserve species that are headed for the brink. Complete show notes are available at workingwil...
Jan 24, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 226
Mark Hatfield, National Director of Science and Planning for NWTF, joins Marcus and Will to discuss how their organization has helped wild turkeys through research involvement, areas of focus throughout the decades, and ongoing programs and events. Resources: Habitat for the Hatch Women in the Outdoors Wheelin’ Sportsman JAKES Program Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Cocktails and Conversation (FB Live) 2024 NWTF Convention www.nwtf.org Mark Hatfield X @TheBeardedBio IG @thebeardedbio Please hel...
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 225
In the final episode of our second season, Jarred and Adam review the conversations we’ve had on the theme of private lands habitat conservation, discuss some things “left on the bone,” and share with the listeners where Habitat University is heading in the new year! Be sure to check out the previous episodes in the podcast, including those from Season 2 discussed in this episode, and Season 1 if you haven’t already! And as always please help us improve the podcast by taking this Habitat Univers...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 224
In this episode, we discuss eagles, their natural history, decline, subsequent recovery, and important special protections that are afforded to eagles. Contact us: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/contact.html
Jan 16, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 223
Jason Lupardus, Director of Business Operations and Partnerships for Turkeys for Tomorrow, joins Marcus and Will to reveal TFT’s vision, solution, and strategies for addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the wild turkey. Learn how you can get involved with Turkeys for Tomorrow's citizen-science land management today. TFT: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Marcus Las...
Jan 15, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 222
Episode 17 – Natural Regeneration of Pines Prior to active silvicultural management, natural regeneration propagated pine species across the South for millennia. Join the Timber University team and their guest, Dr. Michael Blazier with the University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss this and what options still exist for the land manager wanting to utilize developed silvicultural techniques available for naturally regenerating pines. For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversi...
Jan 10, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 221
Marcus calls Will from the road to reflect upon and breakdown their recent site visit to a landowner managing for deer and turkey, the primary factors weighed when juggling multiple objectives, and when to use which strategies. Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Marcus Lashley ( @DrDisturbance ) ( Academic Profile ) Dr. Will Gulsby ( @dr_will_gulsby ) ( Academic Profile ) Turkeys for Tomorrow ( @turkeysforto...
Jan 08, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 220
Hide your dog, hide your kids, stay indoors! Monster fish are taking over! Well, not quite. In this episode, Wes talks with the biologist who was at ground zero of the Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) invasion in Virginia. John Odenkirk tells the story of the first detection, subsequent expansion, and the system-level impacts that snakehead fish have had in the two decades since they were first detected. Join us and learn about the real and perceived issues with this fish, and about how they co...
Jan 04, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 219
In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management and how hunting, trapping and other forms of harvest can be used as lethal control measures to manage livestock losses. Resources: How to trap a coyote extension publication: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/c660.pdf Coyote trapping video series: https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife/playlists...
Jan 02, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 218
Marcus and Will wrap up our first year of production by reflecting upon the most memorable moments from recording, favorite segments from the season, unexpected feedback from listeners, and our plans for the show moving forward. Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey below. Thank you in advance! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Resources: I lease land…what about me? | #12 Has turkey habitat changed? | #21 Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29 Brooding and...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 217
The latest Extension publication from the MSU Deer Lab is “Understanding Buck Movement: How, When, and Why Bucks Navigate the Landscape” is now available for viewing and download. You can find the publication here: https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/results.php?q=deer%20movement In Part 1, Steve and Bronson discuss some of the findings presented in the publication and explain how you can interpret the data and use the information for management and hunting. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online semin...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 216
Duck Locascio, Forestry Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, joins Marcus and Will to demystify and provide actionable steps to managers interested in improving turkey habitat in bottomland hardwood forests. Resources: Desired Forest Conditions document Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Dr. Marcus Lashley ( @DrDisturbance ) ( Academic Profile ) Dr. Will Gulsby ( @dr_will_gulsby ) ( Academic Profile ) Turkeys for Tomorrow ( @turkeysfortomorrow ) UF DEER Lab...
Dec 25, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 215
Carolina and Marcus sit down with Ciera Rhodes of Quail Forever to discuss the importance of using fire when managing for gamebirds, programs and agencies available to assist landowners with management practices and funding, and best fire practices for maximizing quail on your property. Resources: NRCS EQIP Quail Forever Dr. Carolina Baruzzi ( wildlandmgmt ) ( Academic Profile ) Dr. Marcus Lashley ( DrDisturbance ) ( Academic Profile ) Have suggestions for future episodes? Send us your feedback!...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 214
Duck Locascio, Forestry Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, joins Marcus and Will to demystify and provide actionable steps to managers interested in improving turkey habitat in bottomland hardwood forests. Resources: Desired Forest Conditions document Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Dr. Marcus Lashley ( @DrDisturbance ) ( Academic Profile ) Dr. Will Gulsby ( @dr_will_gulsby ) ( Academic Profile ) Turkeys for Tomorrow ( @turkeysfortomorrow ) UF DEER Lab...
Dec 18, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 213
We're excited to announce the second season of Working Wild U: Imperiled. This season we're exploring community and landowner-led wildlife conservation on working and tribal lands across the West. From grizzly bears to lesser-known species, join us as we discover the challenges and successes of how communities are working together for common-ground solutions. We'll dive into the action, meeting individuals on the ground stewarding habitats and supporting thriving rural communities. As the Endang...
Dec 14, 2023•3 min
Pine regeneration efforts often deviate from work in hardwoods due to genetic advances we have made in available planting stock choices. For this reason, artificial regeneration is typically chosen by land managers wishing to regenerate pines. Join Shaun and Brady, along with their guest speaker, Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss history, current methodology, and what research tells us rega...
Dec 13, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 212
In this episode, we discuss the dos and don’ts of providing habitat for fish and their prey in ponds, and why the title of this episode may or may not fit the correct definition of habitat…
Dec 12, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 211
Dr. Andy Little joins Marcus and Will to break down the study design and year 1 results from his research assessing wild turkey habitat needs across the state of Nebraska. Then, how landscape changes may be impacting population trends and which potential factors are bottlenecking brood survival. Turkey Newsletter 2023 Dr. Andy Little ( Publications ) ( IG ) ( X ) AWESM Lab ( Website ) ( IG ) ( Facebook ) ( X ) Dr. Marcus Lashley ( @DrDisturbance ) ( Academic Profile ) Dr. Will Gulsby ( @dr_will_...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 210
