Natural Resources University

This month we are joined by Jackson Stansell, Founder and CEO of Sentinel Ag. Following our previous episode on nitrate issues in drinking water with Crystal Powers, Andy and Nate chat with Jackson about how his team at Sentinel is tackling the nitrate issue head on – while also helping farmers be more profitable and efficient. From being good stewards of our land and natural resources to the impo...

Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems but they can also cause problems when they become overabundant. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common aquatic plant species, share tips on identifying plants in your pond or waterbody, and discuss the most effective techniques for managing and controlling aquatic vegetation. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are exten...

We're bringing back a popular episode where we boiled down the key areas of focus for improving turkey habitat and connectivity on your property.  Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab WATCH this episode ( here ) Resources: Conventional vs. Regenerative Ag #79 Food plotting in nature's image #84 I lease...

In this episode, our hosts sit down with Dr. Jonathan Cammack, Extension Livestock Entomologist at Oklahoma State University, to discuss the troubling northward advance of the New World Screwworm. Once eradicated from the U.S. in the late 20th century, this destructive pest is again making headlines as it moves from Central America into Mexico—now only about 300 miles from the U.S. border. Dr. Cam...

In this episode, we are joined by forest manager Michael Heatherly who walks us through the steps landowners should take when managing pine timber on their properties.    Michael Heatherly mheatherly@sizemore1949.com Sizemore & Sizemore https://sizemoretimber.com/   Resources: Association of Consulting Foresters Society of American Foresters   00:00 Introduction to Forest Management and Wildlife O...

In this episode, John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner sit down for a laid-back, boots-on-the-ground talk about Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) and how it plays a big role in shaping better wildlife habitats for deer, turkey, and quail—especially right here in Oklahoma. They swap stories and share how FSI differs from Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), and why even folks without marketable...

Forests and woodlands are terms commonly used interchangeably, but did you know they are different ecosystems? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the differences in wooded areas and how to best manage them for native wildlife. 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...

In this episode, we discuss what you should be thinking about and implementing on your property for turkeys right now.    WATCH this episode  here !   Resources: Guide to Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants , Dr. Craig Harper   00:00 Introduction and Banter 02:55 Habitat-Centric Discussions 05:55 Fishing Adventures and Insights 08:48 Turkey Management Strategies 11:45 Field Managemen...

This month we are joined by Dr. Larkin Powell, Director of the School of Natural Resources at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With years of research experience in the Great Plains and beyond, Dr. Powell narrates the story of how our agricultural landscapes have changed over time and the opportunities and challenges that come along with these changes. We also discuss Dr. Powell's upcoming book, "Th...

How do fish colonize newly formed island streams? How do fish get above a 200-foot waterfall? Answers to these questions and more on this episode of Fish University. Wes sits down for a conversation with Dr. Gus Engman from the University of Tennessee about island fish and the threats that they face. They also talk about their new book and how you can get a digital copy absolutely free! So, join u...

We discuss the importance of firebreaks for turkey hunting and habitat management, exploring the various types of firebreaks, their strategic uses, and practical tips for effective management.     WATCH this episode here !   Resources: What would Lovett do? #124 00:00 – Intro  01:18 – Chitter chatter  02:00 – Choosing Firebreaks 04:00 – Wildlife Value of Planted Firebreaks 06:00 – Designing Firebr...

The word "jellyfish" may bring up a memory of an unpleasant beach experience, or of nostalgic childhood days watching Spongebob Squarepants. Often jellyfish don't get the love that many other marine critters enjoy, but Spongebob certainly loved them, as fishing for jellyfish was his favorite pastime. Although jellyfish can be a nuisance and a hazard, they are an important component of marine ecosy...

Flooding is often associated with negative consequences for humans, but did you know that floods can provide many benefits for wildlife? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what a flood is, some reasons why flooding occurs, and give insight on how animals respond to flooding. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Man...

In this episode, we discuss progress that we're seeing on private lands management. Watch this episode  here ! Resources: Fundraising Banquet (to enter into the online raffles, click on 'Get Tickets' and then scroll down to the 'Add-ons') Has turkey habitat changed? | #21 Turner, M. A., et al. (2021). Mixture of triclopyr and imazapyr more effective than triclopyr alone for hardwood forest stand i...

We're bringing back our episode on indicator plants for evaluating successful brood field management.  Watch this episode here ! Resources: iNaturalist Seek Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants GeFellers, J. et al. (2020). Seeding is not always necessary to restore native early successional plant communities. Restoration Ecology,...

Snakes are a group of species that many people dislike or have a strong fear of. Join Drew and Joe in this episode as they discuss snake natural history, management, and how to stay safe around snakes - including venomous species. 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....

Dr. Zach Steele and Dorothy Dick, key creators for our online wild turkey training, join us to discuss the production of the course. Join as they share insights into the research and development, the expert contributors that shaped the course content, feedback received from constituents, challenges faced during filming, and the memorable moments that made the project enjoyable.  Watch this episode...

Wild Turkey Manager: Advanced Habitat  features experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. This course is intended to be comprehensive, leading you through advanced concepts in habitat management, predator management, disease, and population management. The course offers continuing education credits (CEUs) available throug...

In this bittersweet episode Bronson visits with Steve as he reflects on his retirement from the MSU Deer Lab after a long and impactful career in wildlife management.  Steve discusses some of the research that he considered very important in his career that impacted resource management.  He reviews his research on forest management, prescribed fire, DMAP data, environment vs genetics, females choo...

We're bringing back our episode discussing the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objectives with one flame.  Watch this episode here ! Resources: Boone, W. W., et al. (2024). Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills. Forest Ecology and Management, 553, 121596. Fire University...

In this episode, Gabriella Scolio and Jacob Penner from The Nature Conservancy join us to talk about carbon markets and what it means for farmers in the Midwest. We learn about what a carbon credit is, why companies are interested in carbon credits and how they are measuring their emissions, and how and why farmers might want to get involved.  Resources: Natural Climate Solutions: How nature can f...

In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, hosts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner dig deep into the value of growing season burns. They discuss how summer fires, often underused due to misconceptions about safety, can be the most effective tool for land managers dealing with eastern redcedar, poor forage quality, and wildlife habitat degradation.  Drawing on years o...

Parasites are commonly found in aquatic environments. Join Joe and Drew in this episode as they discuss common parasites found in fish and aquatic wildlife, some factors that influence parasite rates, and what you can do to reduce parasite loadings in your ponds or streams. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Man...

Today's conversation offers a unique window into the intricate world of poults. We are joined by Eva Noroski, Field Coordinator for the UF Game Lab, as she shares insights into poult development, growth rates, behavior, vocalization, social dynamics, social bonding, and more. WATCH this episode here ! We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple instit...

In this episode, Stephanie Boyles-Griffin, Jessica Tegt, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the complexities of urban deer management, exploring the challenges posed by growing deer populations in urban areas. While recreational hunting remains the most effective and practical tool for population control in most settings, an increasing number of circumstances—especially in urban and su...