Natural Resources University

In this episode,  James  and Mark are joined by Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Coordinator with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and B.C. Rogers, III, a passionate conservationist, avid waterfowl hunter, and owner of Wren & Ivy Sporting and Travel Gear. Together, they tackle the question, "What makes for a good duck season?"   The discussion delves into what defines...

By popular demand, we sit down to explore the significance and functional role of the passenger pigeon. Join as we dive into the available literature on the history and ecological importance of passenger pigeons, learning how they shaped ecosystems and oak forest dynamics, how these historical disturbances can give insight into our management practices today, what this means for turkeys, and more....

James and Mark are joined by Rick Hamrick, state quail biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, to dive into a trending topic among bobwhite quail enthusiasts: parasites, specifically eye worms. The conversation underscores the importance of habitat as the most critical factor influencing quail populations. They discuss how poor habitat quality or habitat loss c...

Acorns are a valuable food resource for deer and other wildlife when and where they are available.  Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the nutritional content of acorns, variability in acorn production among years and trees, and how to promote acorn production in oak woodlands. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise...

We are joined by Zak Danks, Wild Turkey & Ruffed Grouse Program Coordinator for the state of Kentucky, to discuss the state's wild turkey status. Join as he walks us through restoration effort history, harvest rate trends, ongoing research (including unpublished poult-per -hen data), impacts of cicada hatches, habitat challenges, season structures, and more.    Resources: Filson, J. (2017). The Di...

This month we are joined by Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Range Management Specialist at University of Nebraska, and Kaitlyn Dozler, Virtual Fence Program Manager at University of Missouri, to talk about Kaitlyn's research with virtual fencing and how it can be safely used for conservation on ranchlands.   Resources: Influence of virtual fence on heart rate response in beef cattle Precision Livestock Mana...

We have scientifically proven approaches to lake and pond management, but there is always an element of art involved. Every lake is different. There is always something just a little odd that needs to be considered or a unique issue that must be addressed, and some lakes are just simply "problem lakes". In this episode, we take an in-depth look at a lake that fits this description. This is a lake...

Today we are joined by Nick Thomas and Weston Thompson from Steward Link, a consultation company focused on helping landowners gain access to USDA conservation programs. Join as they breakdown the application process, eligibility requirements, available financial assistance, regional differences, common barriers to entry, complexities of government contracts, and much more. If you're a landowner,...

Ducks and geese are fun to watch and provide exciting hunting opportunities at your pond or stream - but are they okay for your water quality? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss waterfowl ecology, life history patterns, and what to do if you have too many geese waddling around your property. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdo...

In this episode, we delve into the ecological significance of the American chestnut tree with Sara Fitzsimmons, Chief Conservation Officer for The American Chestnut Foundation. Join as we explore its history, ecological importance, challenges faced due to habitat change and disease, on-going conservation efforts, and how you can get involved in its ecological restoration.    Resources: Diamond, S....

In this episode we speak with Dr. Kevin Boston from the University of Arkansas at Monticello to discuss a recent landmark Supreme Court decision Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024) that overturned a long-standing precedent for federal agency authority on interpreting intent of Congressional legislation.  Dr. Boston received a Ph. D. In Forest Engineering at Oregon State University (1996) a...

In this episode, we review the available research on wild pig competition for acorns and their impact on competing wildlife species. We discuss the concept of competitive exclusion, the role of acorns in the diets of various species, the implications of pig removal on ecosystem dynamics, and what this means for turkeys. Resources: Anderson, W. M., et al. (2018). Using DNA metabarcoding to examine...

In this episode, James and Brian talk with Dr. Mike Schummer (waterfowl professor at the State University of New York and host of the Fowl Weather podcast) to discuss the intricate relationship between weather patterns and duck migration, particularly focusing on mallards. The discussion covers key weather variables that influence migration, the adaptability of ducks to changing climates, and the...

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...

You asked and we listened. In this episode, we are joined by Luke Garver, Wild Turkey Project Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, to discuss the current state of the wild turkey in Illinois. We dive into long-term population trends, environmental factors impacting reproduction, predator-prey dynamics, habitat challenges posed by invasive species, on-going research initiatives...

This month we are joined by Mr. Bob Bettger, a fifth-generation Nebraska landowner and producer, to tell his story – both the benefits and challenges – of integrating conservation practices into his operation.    Resources: Federal Conservation Programs (Farm Service Agency)   Dr. Andrew Little [ academic profile , @awesmlabdoc] Nathan Pflueger [ website ] AWESM Lab [ website , @awesmlab ] Nebrask...

In this episode, we dive into the available literature on wildlife preferences for acorns. We review the dietary composition of turkeys, factors influencing acorn consumption, how various wildlife species select for specific acorns, and highlight the complex interconnectedness of these ecological processes.  Resources: Barras, S. C., et al. (1996). Acorn selection by female wood ducks. The Journal...

Fishing has become a game of technology. Some of it is  finding  fish, like with GPS and sonar, and some of it is  catching  fish, like electronic lures and synthetic scents. But there's tool in the bass fishing word that is engineered to help you decide  when  and  how to fish. The application is called BassForecast and it is the #1 bass fishing app in the world, boasting about 1 million subscrib...

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...

Will leads us on a detailed dive into the intricacies of herbicide management. Join as we delve into the uses and applications of selective herbicides for habitat management and forest stand improvement, associated risks with herbicide use, specific chemicals for invasive species, proper application techniques, mitigating nutsedge, and more.   Resources: Managing hardwoods for turkeys (Part 1/2) |...

In this episode we circle back to carbon markets with a very special guest Dr. Gregory Latta, Associate Research Professor of Forest Economics and Director of Policy Analysis Group at the University of Idaho. Dr. Latta brings several decades of experience in research and practical experience in designing and evaluating carbon programs. He discusses some of the challenges currently facing carbon ma...

We are joined by Dr. Adam Pellegrini, Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, to better understand how ecosystems respond to global change. Dr. Pellegrini breaks down how fire maintains and affects carbon cycling and how these key processes shape ecosystems worldwide.   Dr. Adam Pellegrini @eco_pelle , Website , Academic Profile Dr. Carolina Baruzzi...

Marcus walks us through his comprehensive oak study quantifying seasonal oak masting patterns and wildlife response. Join as he breaks down the methodology, findings, and implications of the research, and learn how oaks play a critical role in wildlife management.   Resources: Demeny, K. M., et al. (2024). Intra-annual variation in oak masting affects wildlife feeding behavior. Current Zoology, zo...

For our 100th episode, we review (and react to) some memorable moments recorded throughout the last few years. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here's to 100 more! Watch this episode on YouTube here.   Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance , Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby , Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow   UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab , YouTube   Donate to wil...

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...