Natural Resources University

Gear up for another storytime episode as we swap late-season turkey hunting chronicles in this one.   Resources: Turkey Calling Tutorial: Master the Trumpet & Wingbone Call   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Turkey Manager: Bio...

Jacob and Eric discuss warm-season food plots with John Gruchy, Coordinator of the Private Lands Program for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series ( here ) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are...

Research is an important source of scientific information and graduate students are often tasked with collecting data to help answer these questions. On this week's episode, Grace Lansdell, a graduate student in Dr. Gerken's lab, joins Joe and Drew as a guest commentator to discuss fish farms, bird predation, and the luxurious life of a graduate student.  Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are e...

In this episode, we dive into new research findings on the prevalence and biological impact of REV and LPDV in wild turkeys.    Resources: Adcock, K. G., et al. (2024). Lymphoproliferative disease virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus detection and disease in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 60(1), 139-150. Cox, F., et al. (2022). Molecular surveillance for lym...

In this episode, we're joined by Jake Koenig, Midwest Habitat Program Manager for the Monarch Joint Venture, to explore the fascinating world of monarch butterflies. Jake shares insights into their incredible multi-generational migration, the challenges they face, and what conservation efforts are underway to support their survival and growth. He also takes us along on his recent trip to Mexico, w...

In this episode, we discuss practical strategies for hunting and managing turkeys.    Resources: Population Dynamics, Manipulative Study of Season Dates in Mississippi ft. Adam Butler | #02   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Tu...

Crappie fishing is one of the first signs that spring has arrived for many pond owners. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss different types of crappie, why we fish for them earlier than other fish species, and things to consider when deciding if crappie are a good fit for stocking in your pond.  Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Ou...

We pull the research to explore the reproductive capabilities of jakes and bust the myth of whether or not they can breed.    Resources: Davis, B. D., et al. (1994). Breeding Chronology in Rio Grande Turkey Hens.ob No. 7.07. Federal Aid Project No. W-126-R-2. Small Game Research and Surveys. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Final Report. Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased fevmale surviva...

In this episode, we recap our season and swap turkey hunting highlights.  WATCH this episode here: https://youtu.be/YUG2gIZc9yQ   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the pr...

Feral swine cause billions of dollars in damage to agriculture annually in the United States, and their population numbers can grow extremely quickly.  Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the origins, characteristics, and control of feral swine in the U.S. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at K...

We sit down with Dr. Patrick Wightman, National Director of Wild Turkey Research and Science at NWTF, to hear about his vision for the company's future support of turkey research.    Dr. Patrick Wightman - Email , Publications     Resources: Habitat for the Hatch NWTF   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGame...

If you grew up on or near a farm, you might think back fondly on summer days spent fishing in your local pond. From small ponds to large reservoirs, water in working landscapes provides numerous opportunities while also facing challenges. This month we are joined by Jeff Jackson, Aquatic Habitat Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to talk about fishery and pond management in...

This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commissio n . In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, the hosts sit down with Trey Lam and Lisa Knopf-Owen of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to explain how conservation works on the ground in Oklahoma. They break down the relationship between the Commission and local conservation districts, trace the ag...

We chat with wild turkey historian and author Brent Rogers about the fascinating history and evolution of turkey calls. Join as we explore how culture, technology, and conservation shaped the way hunters communicate with wild turkeys.   Brent Rogers @gobblegitr The Origin and Evolution of Turkey Calls American Wild Turkey Historical Foundation   Wild Turkey Archives   Our lab is primarily funded b...

Many stakeholders use fire to manage their rangeland, but it can also be part of a complete management plan for ponds and waterways. On this episode, Joe and Drew share some insight into the ways that prescribed burning can help foster a healthy pond ecosystem and things to watch out for for any upcoming burns. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in t...

We deep dive into the history and legacy of the Westervelt Company and its iconic hunting school with Kevin McKinstry, Recreation Director for Westervelt Company, and Steven Carroll, General Manager for the Westervelt Lodge.   Resources: Gamekeepers EP 409 | A Discussion of Adventure with J. Wayne Fears Westervelt Lodge   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support...

Predation is the leading cause of mortality in wild turkeys - but does that mean predator control is the answer? We explore the science, case studies, and management implications behind one of the most debated topics in turkey research.   Resources Habitat management = predator management | Ep 66 Has turkey habitat changed? | Ep 21 Johnson, V. M., et al. (2022). Nest site selection and survival of...

This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Wildfire preparedness isn't just a checklist — it's a resilience plan for your ranch, your family, and your community. In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, hosts John Weir and Dr. Mark Turner talk with OSU Extension agriculture and food policy specialist Amy Hagerman Ph. D. about what to do  be...

Jacob and Eric catch up with William McKinley and Kamen Campbell of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to discuss this past deer season. They cover everything from the acorn crop to deer surveys and donating venison to feed the hungry. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series ( here ) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. Yo...

Dr. Karen Hickman sits down with John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner to talk invasive plants across the Great Plains—what's here, what's coming, and why our best defense often starts with a clean pickup, a better plant choice, and a tighter contract. We walk through Callery/Bradford pear's "overnight" takeover, Old World bluestem's misnamed reputation, and how sericea, Johnson grass,...

Fire is an important tool for rangeland and wildlife habitat management, but how does burning large brush piles impact native wildlife? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the effects of burning brush piles on landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife, and characteristics of brush piles that can affect their cover value for different species. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists...

Drawing from decades of research, Will leads us through a review of historical nesting data from 1970–2022 to assess if nesting success has really changed.   Resources: Take 12 Instagram , YouTube Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830. Which vital rates are most important to turkey p...

If you drive across the Midwest, much of the landscape is under production for corn and soybeans. But, it didn't always look like that. Only a couple of generations ago, farmers were planting more diverse fields, many of them including wheat. This month we are joined by Nathan Mueller, Executive Director of Nu Horizon Genetics and producer, to talk about the "third crop" -- winter wheat. Learn how...

Have you ever caught a marine fish that was dressed like a convict and had goofy-looking teeth that made you think you could hear a banjo playing in the distance? Ok, maybe that was unfair to all the banjo-playing fish out there, but you may have caught a sheepshead. Sheepshead can be found along the Western Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia down to Brazil, with high abundance in the Gulf of Mexico....

Pennsylvania state turkey biologist Reina Tyl rejoins us to share updates on the long-term, multi-state Mid-Atlantic Turkey Research Collaborative to better understand differences in hen survival across states. We also discuss the status of turkeys in PA and potential changes to the spring season structure.   Resources: Wild turkey populations in PA (Part 1/2) | Ep 25 Wild turkey populations in PA...