Natural Resources University

In this episode, James and Ryan Dulaney, manager of Grindle Slough in Arkansas, take a deep dive into the current state of waterfowl management, covering habitat conditions, duck populations, and how weather influences migration patterns. They discuss practical strategies for managing duck ground, including vegetation management, soil disturbance, water management, and the timing of flooding. Jame...

Jacob and Eric get back to the basics of deer management with The Old Biologist, Mr. Lann Wilf. The conversation covers everything from managing expectations to understanding what drives deer herds.   Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series ( here ) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The se...

Kansas is estimated to have 100,000 – 200,000 ponds, and many of these play an important role in supporting livestock operations. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common risks associated with livestock in ponds, practical strategies for reducing these risks, and steps you can take to maximize the functionality and enjoyment of your livestock ponds. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extensi...

In this episode of Gamebird University, James sits down with Dr. Ryan Askren, Director of the Five Oaks Agricultural Research & Education Center, to refocus the lens on the wintering grounds—where habitat configuration, disturbance, and management decisions shape duck behavior long before spring. James and Ryan dig into what modern GPS/GSM telemetry is really telling us about winter movements, nig...

As last year's poults mature into jakes and jennies, Marcus shares firsthand observations of how behavior, vocalizations, dominance, and personality change with age.   Resources Longer the snood, bigger the brood | Ep 68 Snoods, feathers, and the Turkey Brotherhood | Ep 65   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/U...

In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell sit down with Dr. Ben Jones, CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society, for a grounded, field-tested conversation about young-forest conservation in the South—and what it really takes to sustain ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and the people who care about them across the range. The crew explores...

In this episode, we explore the impacts of extreme cold weather on wild turkey populations.    Resources: Acorn production post (DrDisturbance IG) Austin, D. E., & DeGraff, L. W. (1975). Winter survival of wild turkeys in the southern Adirondacks. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1975, 55-60. Brooke, J. M., et al. (2019). Effects of fertilization and crown release on white oak (Quercus alba) masting and...

False information on social media isn't new, but the use of AI generated images can cause it to be more convincing. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss misinformation about wildlife on social media, how to spot it, and reputable sources where you can locate accurate information. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise...

Wild turkey biologist Reina Tyl joins us to unpack her comprehensive study assessing population growth of Easterns in South Dakota.    Resources: Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may explain wild turkey decline. bioRxiv, 2025-05. Tyl, R. M. (2019). Factors Influencing Survival, Productivity, and Population Growth of Eastern Wild Turkeys in Northeastern South Dakota. West Vi...

Jacob and Eric catch up with Dr. Bronson Strickland to discuss what deer managers can do now that deer season is over. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series ( here ) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be...

This month we are joined by Carlie Gizel, Wild Turkey Biologist with National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. As a native species of Nebraska, wild turkeys have lived and evolved in the Great Plains for years, at times exploding in numbers and at others succumbing to new threats. Through it all, they have remained an iconic species of the landscape, and hunters f...

Is the cause of quail decline because turkeys are eating them? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Mark McConnell to bust this myth…   Resources:   Check out Dr. McConnell's Gamebird Podcast ( Here )! Dr. Mark McConnell ( Contact ) MSU Gamebird Extension ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) We got bug problems | Ep 73 ( Watch Here )   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to he...

In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Brian Davis sit down with Dr. Scott Stephens, Senior Director of Prairie and Boreal Conservation Strategy with Ducks Unlimited, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on duck breeding, population trends, and the future of waterfowl conservation.   The trio explores the sharp declines in duck populations since 2015 and unpac...

Today we discuss arguably the most important topic facing our working forests, that of the excess supply of small-diameter timber. Shaun and Brady are joined by Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Director of the Center for Forest Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He discusses the consequences of not finding market outlets for this material, both economic and ecological, and walks us through s...

In this episode of Gamebird University, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell sit down with Dr. Frank Rohwer, President and Chief Scientist of Delta Waterfowl, for a wide-ranging conversation about waterfowl research, management, and conservation. The trio reflects on Frank's long career—from his early academic days at LSU to leading Delta's scientific programs—and explores the questions and ch...

Freshwater mussels are important animals in a healthy aquatic ecosystem but they are facing widespread declines in Kansas and throughout their native ranges. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss freshwater mussel life history characteristics, how humans have used them in the past, and steps you can take to help ensure they persist for future generations.  Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are exte...

On this episode, Brady and Shaun are joined by Dr. David Clabo from the University of Georgia to discuss pine straw raking as an alternative income source for forest landowners. Dr. Clabo is an Associate Professor of Silviculture Outreach, who did his degree training at the University of Tennessee.  To contact Dr. Clabo with questions or clarifications please see his information at the following l...

In this episode, James and Mark are joined by Matt Chouinard, Waterfowl Programs Director for Delta Waterfowl, for an in-depth discussion on current prairie wetland and grassland conditions. They explore how recent weather patterns and agricultural pressures are shaping duck nesting success across the Prairie Pothole Region.   Matt shares insights on the critical role of habitat for both nesting a...

Sometimes, the best stories are embellished but grounded in a little bit of truth… Join as we peel back the myth that poults drown when they look up at rainfall.   Resources:    Boone, W. W., et al. (2025). Effects of temperature and precipitation on wild turkey brood survival in the southeastern United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 49, e70003.   Healy, W. M., & Nenno, E. S. (1985). Effect of...

We discuss how repeated fire disturbance influences plant structure, fuel loads, and wildlife use, and why focusing on timing alone often misses the point.   Resources: How does burning outside of the dormant season affect pine survival and growth? (Fire University Ep 15)   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UF...

In this episode of Timber University, Shaun and Brady welcome James Callicutt, Extension Instructor - Waterfowl, Upland Gamebirds, and Invasive Species at Mississippi State University, to discuss the intricacies of Green Tree Reservoirs (GTRs). James shares insights into the management and ecological significance of GTRs, particularly in the context of waterfowl habitat. For more info you can reac...

Rabies is an ancient, frightening, and deadly disease that humans are exposed to by wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss recent incidents involving rabies that have made news headlines, wildlife reservoirs for rabies in the US, how to limit our exposure to wildlife that might carry rabies, and what to do if you may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal.   Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Dr...

We explore the myths surrounding fire ants and their negative impacts on nests, hens, and poults.   Resources:   Allen, C. R., et al. (2004). Red imported fire ant impacts on wildlife: a decade of research. The American Midland Naturalist, 152(1), 88-103.   Brennan, L. A. (1993). Fire ants and northern bobwhites: a real problem or a red herring?. Wildlife Society Bulletin (1973-2006), 21(3), 351-3...

In this episode, Dr. Tanger and Dr. Self are joined by Dr. Kevin Boston. They discuss the different US forest certification standards and the benefits of self regulation of the industry as a way to show good stewardship to potential and existing markets and to the general public.  Dr. Boston is an Associate Professor of Forest Operations at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and has written...

Having a pond is a great way to increase the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of your property. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss key considerations for constructing a pond, proper techniques for building a pond to ensure it holds water, and methods for addressing issues with a pond's design or construction.   Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty memb...