Natural Resources University

Join us on Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things as we talk turkey with Oklahoma State University's Dr. Coulter Chitwood! We're exploring turkey population dynamics, habitat management, and predator-prey relationships in Oklahoma and beyond. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chitwood to discuss the ongoing research into declining turkey populations. We examine factors affecting turkey populati...

Get to know the hosts of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things in this introductory episode! Join Oklahoma State University Extension Specialists John Weir, Laura Goodman, and Mark Turner as they discuss fire ecology, rangeland management, and wildlife across the southern Great Plains. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://www.blazingrazinwildthings.com/classes

Will leads us on another deep dive, this time focused on roosting behavior. Join as we journey through the available literature on roost site habitat preferences, roosting behavior, factors influencing roost site selection, roosting patterns, roost site fidelity, and the impact of habitat quality on their movements.  Resources: Adey, E. A., et al. (2023). Seasonal roost selection of wild turkeys a...

Natasha Neary, Luke Resop, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland delve into the relationships between moon phases, positions, and their potential effects on buck movement and bedding behavior. They review their research findings from a complex and exhaustive analysis of GPS-collared bucks to determine if moon phase and/or position has any relationship with buck movement behaviors. They emphasize...

Today we discuss what's happening in the US south timber markets. We cover what drives lumber consumption, what to keep an eye on for housing, and discuss stumpage drivers and price expectations. For questions or comments, email us at  timberuniversity@gmail.com .

Bluegill sunfish serve many important functions in ponds and reservoirs. Their ability to thrive in multiple environments, grow quickly, and reproduce multiple times per year make them a great addition to any pond. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss Bluegill sunfish, the important functions they serve in your pond, and a tip or two on their favorite way to cook the ones you catch. Dr. Joe Gerken an...

Will walks us through a thought experiment, pulling from his Wild Turkey Management Academy presentation, to portray the magnitude effect that quality habitat has on gobbler populations. Join us for napkin math as we break down the numbers on how comprehensive habitat quality affects nesting success, brood survival, and wild turkey populations.   Resources: Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range...

Strap in for another research review as we dive into scientific studies assessing characteristics of effective nesting sites. We discuss the critical aspects of nesting cover for wild turkeys, the dilemma of habitat preference versus availability, and the implications of these factors on turkey population success. Resources: What does wild turkey nesting cover look like? (video) Crawford, J. C., e...

This month we are joined by Chris Helzer, Director of Science and Stewardship at The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, to talk about the importance of habitat diversity. Whether you have a small urban yard or 10,000 acres with cattle, Chris walks us through why messy, shifting habitat is ideal and how to create it. Resources: The Prairie Ecologist The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska [ @nature_ne ] Ra...

Starlings were introduced to North America by European settlers who missed wildlife that reminded them of home. Today, European starlings cause more than a $1 Billion  in property damage in the US annually, spread zoonotic disease, and create quite a mess in North America and throughout the world. On this episode, Drew and Joe discuss damage caused by European Starlings in North America,  and cont...

Dr. Craig Harper re-joins the podcast to share preliminary results from his on-going research comparing dormant, early-, mid-, and late-growing season fire treatments and assessing their effects on plant communities and wildlife, including turkeys and deer. Resources: Gruchy, J. P. (2007). An evaluation of field management practices to improve bobwhite habitat. Gruchy, J. P., & Harper, C. A. (2014...

Today's episode, we explore what strategies landowners and managers can utilized when standard thinning operations cannot occur due to poor markets. For questions or comments, email us at  timberuniversity@gmail.com .

Dr. Corey Callaghan, Assistant Professor of Wild Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, joins us to discuss the dynamics of citizen science and how data collected by bird watchers and turkey hunters can contribute to wildlife research. Be sure to download the eBird app in the show notes below to help us double the turkey observations this season! Resources: Callaghan, C. T., et al....

Hunting and fishing are enjoyable activities for many people. These activities require interactions with animals and the environment that come with moral and legal thresholds. On this episode, Joe and Drew explore the social side of wildlife management and discuss what Ethical Harvest means in their view. Discussions include the role of harvest for wildlife management, the importance of planning y...

Bob Long, Wild Turkey and Upland Game Bird Project Manager for the Maryland DNR, joins us to share insights on the state's turkey populations, historical trends, current challenges, and details on their on-going comprehensive, multi-state wide turkey research project. Resources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Turkey Hunting Season and Regulations MD Wild Turkey Information (incl...

This month we are joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain, National Wild Turkey Federation Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia to talk about the state of the wild turkey across the country and what the future looks like for this iconic bird. Resources: ·       Wild Turkey Lab ·       Ongoing research: Wild Turkey Ecology in Western Nebraska   Dr. Mike Chamberlain [ website , @wildturkeydoc...

Emily Rushton, Turkey Program Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, joins us to discuss the current status of turkey populations in the state, as well as trends in hunting and harvest data.  Resources: Avid Hunter/Harvest Card Survey (fill out after each hunt) Interactive Turkey Harvest Dashboard Poult Production Survey (record all turkey observations, with or without poults...

Dr. Luke Kelly, Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology at the University of Melbourne, joins us to discuss his research on fire and biodiversity in Australia, focusing on the diverse ecosystems, the challenges posed by changing fire regimes, and the role of grazing and invasive species. We explore the importance of understanding plant traits in relation to fire resilience and the ongoing biod...

Moles are mysterious mammals that spend most of their lives underground where they feed on insects and other arthropods. Moles provide a beneficial role in nature, but their digging activity can damage turfgrass in lawns, golf courses,  parks, and other manicured outdoor spaces. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss mole distribution in North America, diet, reproduction, and identification and managem...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of turkey advocacy and conservation efforts within the hunting community. Join as we explore the various actions that you can take to support wild turkey populations, resources for hands-on training and workshops, and the importance of engaging with the next generation to ensure the future of the wild turkey.   Resources: Ducks Unlimited I lease land…what...

In today's episode, we go back to basics and map out for listeners the biological, operational, and economic considerations of thinning pine stands. For most in the southeast, markets are tough for pine thinning material, but we explore why it's so important to thin nonetheless. Remember if you don't thin your forest, mother nature will. Next episode: we'll touch on some alternatives you can explo...

John Gruchy re-joins the podcast to break down the steps and requirements you need to get fire on your property. We discuss the essential equipment needed, legal liability considerations, resources and financial support available, tips for success, and why burning is imperative for the wild turkey.  Resources: Martin, J. A., et al. (2012). Wild turkey habitat use in frequently-burned pine savanna....

Wild animals have a variety of life history strategies to adapt and thrive in colder weather. However, the arrival of colder winter temperatures and snowy conditions can affect fish and wildlife in many ways. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the effects of snow on aquatic ecosystems, the detriments and benefits of winter fish kills, and the importance of snowmelt on fish and wildlife populations....

Wild pigs. Feral swine. Wild hogs. Whatever you call them, invasive wild pigs are rapidly spreading across the US and Canada – destroying crops and spreading disease along the way.  Experts are calling them one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in the country. What can we do about it?  To find out, we're talking with the show's own Dr. Jared Beaver to find out the dirty details (and solution...

In this episode, we answer your questions. Join as we discuss the ecological impacts of hurricanes on turkeys survival rates and nesting success, ideal fire return intervals for nesting cover, the impacts of deer on vegetation and how this affects turkey populations, the importance of fire timing in habitat dynamics, and the challenges of recruiting young hunters into the turkey hunting culture. R...