Fins, Fur, and Feathers

Invasive plants outcompete native vegetation, destroying habitat for many species of wildlife, degrading native ecosystems, and reducing agricultural productivity. Join us as we discuss strategies and important considerations for invasive plant management.   Resources discussed in this episode: KSRE Chemical Weed Control Guide: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/2024-chemical-weed-control-for-fie...

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is reintroducing Alligator Snapping Turtles into Kansas. Join us as we discuss why these turtles need introduced, whether you should be concerned about turtles eating fish in your pond, and the many other roles that all turtles play in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.  Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty mem...

Plant and structural diversity is key when managing native grasslands for wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the process of promoting diversity and heterogeneity in native grasslands by using disturbances like fire and grazing as tools to manage wildlife habitat in native grasslands. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Out...

Cyanobacteria, commonly called Blue Green Algae, can rapidly reproduce when conditions are right causing potentially hazardous Harmful Algal Blooms. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why blooms occur, the risks of toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms on wildlife and livestock, and what you can do to reduce your likelihood of experiencing a cyanobacteria bloom. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are...

Native warm season plant communities provide valuable food and cover for many wildlife species, and are often missing from properties that are managed for wildlife. Join us as we discuss the process of restoring native warm season grasses and forbs to your property. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management...

Getting big fish in your pond requires a strong pond management plan. Join us as we discuss steps to consider when managing the fish community in your pond including the importance of habitat diversity, fish genetics, and which fish you should consider harvesting from your pond if you want to catch some lunkers. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in...

A recently published note in the journal Neurobiology describing potential human transmission of chronic wasting disease is getting quite a bit of attention. Join us as we discuss the recent publication, chronic wasting disease, and steps you can take to try to limit the spread of this important disease within and among deer populations. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialis...

The Ogallala Aquifer is found underground in parts of 8 states. This vital resource provides groundwater for agricultural producers, wildlife, and citizens in these states. Water use practices have led to declines in the aquifer and recent trends in water use have led to depletion in water levels throughout this region. Join us as we discuss the current status of the Ogallala Aquifer, steps being...

In this episode, we discuss habitat management, and how common habitat management practices for a species in some regions may not be appropriate everywhere a species occurs.  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.e...

In this episode, we discuss how to stock fish in your pond, what type of fish are usually recommended, and the best time to add fish to your pond. Discussion include how to know if you should stock your pond. Common issues with newly stocked fish. And some thoughts on adding minnows to your pond that may save you some money! Resources for this episode: Kansas Aquaculture Association: https://www.w...

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....

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 Stat...

Episode 8 - Coyote Control and Deer Production 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...

In this episode, we discuss eagles, their natural history, decline, subsequent recovery, and important special protections that are afforded to eagles.   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/undergra...

 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 Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are...

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. 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:...

In this episode, we discuss the consequences of moving problem critters around on the landscape, and reasons why wildlife biologists do not recommend translocation of wildlife as a humane option when removal is needed. 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 mor...

In this episode we discuss the effects of drought on ponds in the Great Plains. We cover some of the concerns related to drought and best practices for pond construction to help mitigate these concerns. We also talk about wildlife disease and some of the reasons that disease might increase during drought conditions.  Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty member...

We discuss the biology, benefits, and concerns of Black-Tailed Prairie Dog populations. We cover how overlap between wildlife and producers in the Working Landscape that exists in a private land state. Discussions include pesticide methods and things to consider when considering whether to use various pesticides. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in...

Fins, Fur, and Feathers is the fish and wildlife management podcast of K-State Research and Extension. It is hosted by Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts, two lifelong hunters and anglers, and current K-State Research and Extension Specialists. Join them as they cover topics to help citizens with their fish, wildlife, and pond managemet needs. If you have ever had a wildlife or pond managment ch...