Natural Resources University

Dr. Rick Gerhold, Associate Professor of Parasitology/Wildlife Diseases at the University of Tennessee, joins us to breakdown common diseases among turkeys and their symptoms, pathways of transmission, and infected biological effects. He also discusses histomonas and how you can get involved in cutting-edge egg research.    Dr. Rick Gerhold ( rgerhold@utk.edu ) ( Academic Profile )   Donate to wil...

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 includes 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....

Pine beetle outbreaks are usually not the result of one stress factor, but the cumulative result of several possible variables that lower pine vigor. Join us, along with Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University, as we discuss pine beetle biology and environmental conditions leading up to problems with pine beetles.   For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com Subscribe...

Tes Randle Jolly, award-winning professional wildlife and turkey photographer extraordinaire, joins Marcus and Will to share her deep insight and perspective into wild turkey behavior from over 25 years of photographing our favorite bird.   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund     Tes Jolly ( @jovtes ) Dr. Marcus Lashley ( @DrDisturbance ) ( Academi...

This episode quacks me up. Fisheries management to produce quality fishing often requires actions that are counterproductive to attracting migratory ducks and vice versa. But in this episode, we'll talk about some ways that you might be able to have the best of both worlds. Wes sits down with two leading experts in the duck realm, and they brainstorm on what can be done to bring more ducks to a sm...

Dr. Richard Buccholz, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research at the University of Mississippi, joins Will and Marcus to shed light on the fascinating world of wild turkey behavior. Learn of the interplay between displayed traits and biological fitness, which traits influence sexual selection, and how this information can help us strategize research for better management...

Today on Working Wild U, we're spotlighting, quite literally, one special species that calls the Great Plains home. A small predator that was thought to be extinct.... twice! Meet the black-footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in North America.   Thanks to community-driven efforts spanning the Great Plains, from dedicated ranchers in eastern Colorado to the Fort Belknap Indian Community in no...

In this episode we talk with Dr. Mark McConnell, Assistant Professor of Upland Birds at Mississippi State, about wildlife conservation in agricultural landscapes and his research into creating win-win solutions for wildlife and agricultural producers. We cover a variety of topics in this episode from reacting to Adam's new mustache, Mark's use of memes to help wildlife student engage with farmers,...

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....

Dr. Patrick Wightman, Research Scientist at UGA, joins Marcus and Will to reveal results from a recent region-wide collaborative project - across 4 states, 8 study sites, and with over 900 banded birds - assessing the effects of hunting pressure on male survival.    Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund     Resources: Wightman, P. H., et al. (2024)....

New data brings to light more pieces of our habitat-predator puzzle. Join as Marcus and Will pull from recent studies to discuss the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame.  Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund   Resources: Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescr...

This month is the first Q&A episode. Brady and Shaun get to listener questions they have received since the first episode. They discuss taxes, some hardwood silviculture, and the northern long-eared bat.  For questions or comments, email us at timberuniversity@gmail.com Be sure to subscribe directly to Timber University and follow NRU on Instagram , YouTube , Twitter , and Facebook .  

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...

Dr. Geoff Hill, professor of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, joins Marcus and Will to break down the unique evolutionary biology of our favorite bird. Learn which characteristics hens select for, what make decoys effective, if gene selection is impacted by hunter harvest, the intricacies of the turkey brotherhood, and much more.  Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund ,...

Grizzly bears are expanding their range. But where are they headed? To find out, we get out on the land with ranchers Erik Kalsta and Jami Murdoch, who are working with partners to monitor wildlife – including grizzlies – on their operation in southwest Montana.  Together with Erik, Jami and Blackfeet rancher Kristen Kipp, plus a band of other experts, we explore what it really means for grizzly b...

Have you ever noticed that when someone catches a big largemouth or Florida bass, like a double-digit bass, they refer to it as "she", "her", or "big girl"? That is because female bass get larger than male bass, and you'll never catch a male that big. In a normal population, half the population is male, so only the female half will have trophy potential. But we can change this dynamic if we only s...

Marcus and Will explain why our current data on turkeys supports both sides of this ongoing debate and what is needed to determine whether habitat or predation is to blame. They also discover another interesting link between supplemental feeding and predation, and discuss four studies that would answer most of our questions related to the current decline in wild turkey populations. Donate to wild...

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 State University. Find out more about the program...

Will and Marcus discuss why they and other biologists are more likely to endorse habitat management, versus predator control, to increase turkey populations. They also cover a study showing trapping can effectively reduce raccoon populations by up to 90% and discuss why that may or may not translate into more turkeys on the landscape.   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Aub...

When a section of the Big Hole River in southwest Montana ran dry in 1988, all eyes were on the future of one of the last remaining populations of arctic grayling in the lower 48. Out of the struggle, a collaboration emerged that change the future of the Big Hole - a future where human communities, wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on can thrive. And it might even serve as a model for how we...

Mark Hatfield, National Director of Science and Planning for NWTF, joins Marcus and Will to discuss how their organization has helped wild turkeys through research involvement, areas of focus throughout the decades, and ongoing programs and events.    Resources: Habitat for the Hatch Women in the Outdoors Wheelin' Sportsman JAKES Program Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Cocktails and Conversation...

In the final episode of our second season, Jarred and Adam review the conversations we've had on the theme of private lands habitat conservation, discuss some things "left on the bone," and share with the listeners where Habitat University is heading in the new year! Be sure to check out the previous episodes in the podcast, including those from Season 2 discussed in this episode, and Season 1 if...

In this episode, we discuss eagles, their natural history, decline, subsequent recovery, and important special protections that are afforded to eagles. Contact us:  https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/contact.html

Jason Lupardus, Director of Business Operations and Partnerships for Turkeys for Tomorrow, joins Marcus and Will to reveal TFT's vision, solution, and strategies for addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the wild turkey. Learn how you can get involved with  Turkeys for Tomorrow's citizen-science land management today.   TFT: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter   Please help us by taking our...

Episode 17 – Natural Regeneration of Pines   Prior to active silvicultural management, natural regeneration propagated pine species across the South for millennia. Join the Timber University team and their guest, Dr. Michael Blazier with the University of Arkansas at Monticello, as they discuss this and what options still exist for the land manager wanting to utilize developed silvicultural techni...