Fins, Fur, and Feathers

Armadillos are a relative newcomer to much of the Great Plains, and can be an aggravating species because of the damage that they frequently cause to lawns and landscaping. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the history of armadillos in the Great Plains, the recent discovery of new species of armadillos, biology and management of damage caused by this mammal. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts ar...

Is your pond too muddy? Do you really want clear water in your pond? Water clarity is an important component of maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss water clarity, factors that increase or decrease water clarity, and what you can do to maintain healthy turbidity levels in your pond.  Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty membe...

Prescribed fire is an essential tool for managing wildlife habitat, especially in grassland ecosystems. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss direct effects of prescribed fire on several wildlife species, differences between wildfires and prescribed fire, and some specific responses of northern bobwhite to prescribed fire from recent studies conducted in the Great Plains. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew R...

Establishing and maintaining a balanced fish population will boost fishing opportunities and enhance the ecology of your pond. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss common pitfalls with fish population management strategies and give tips on how to manage pond fish populations. Gain insight into how to develop and implement a plan that will have you on your way to catching bigger fish from your pond. D...

Fall is in the air in the Great Plains, and the signs include shorter days, cooler mornings, brilliant yellow sunflowers and dispersing mammals. In this episode, Drew and Joe discuss sunflowers, the value that they provide to wildlife, why we see these beautiful plants in some places and not others. The conversation then takes a turn to focus on opossum biology and management. Resources discussed...

Aquatic invertebrates can be a great indicator of pond health and fill important roles in aquatic ecosystems. Join Joe and Drew for a discussion about the value of aquatic invertebrates and how these critters find their way into seemingly isolated water bodies. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Progr...

Bats can be fascinating, frustrating, valuable, and spooky all at the same time.  Join Drew and Joe as they discuss bat ecology, conservation concerns, disease risk, and steps to take if bats are entering your home or other buildings. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State Universi...

Summer is a great time of year to enjoy your pond but the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight can result in oxygen fluctuations and excessive plant growth. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss how pond ecology changes in warmer months, how animals in the pond react to these changes, and what management strategies you can implement to help ensure your pond stays happy and healthy. Dr. Joe Gerke...

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...