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). …

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 t…

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 Ric…

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. Resour…

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…

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, W…

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 affect…

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 D…

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 this third episode with Dr. Mark Turner, we discuss Mark's research exploring the factors that contribute to the variation in population-level buck antler size. He explains that deer tend to be larger in areas further north due to heat retention and dissipation. He also highlights the importance of landscape characteristics, such as row crop agr…

This month we are joined by Ted LaGrange, Wetland Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to discuss the incredible benefits that wetlands offer, the challenges facing them, and opportunities for farmers to work with wetlands. Resources: Wetlands of Nebraska Landowner Habitat Programs in Nebraska Ted LaGrange [email] Dr. Andrew L…

For the first episode in our Oaktober mini-series, we discuss the general biology of oaks. Listen as we breakdown the definition of mast seeding, the proximate and ultimate causes of masting, the direct and indirect effects it has on wildlife, local and regional scale masting effects, the differences in quality between oak species, the squirrel dea…

In this episode, Dr. Mark Turner discusses his research on the nutrient requirements of deer and the availability of native plants to fulfill those requirements. He sampled common deer forages throughout the Eastern US and found that only 44% of the forages sampled met the minimum crude protein requirement, and only 19% met the minimum phosphorus r…

James, Mark, and guest Dr. Heath Hagy from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service examine the intricate factors affecting duck migration, including habitat changes and the concept of flyway shifts. They discuss how genetics and environmental disturbances influence migration patterns and emphasize the importance of sanctuaries and cooperative efforts in…

James and Mark, along with guest John Mark Curtis of Quail Forever, explore the current state of Bobwhite quail in the Mid-South and the ongoing habitat restoration efforts aimed at preserving these iconic birds. They share personal stories about quail management success and emphasize the need for landowners to set realistic goals while seeking exp…

James and Mark, joined by Houston Havens from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, take a deep dive into dove hunting in Mississippi. They discuss the differences between hunting doves and other gamebirds, touching on resident vs. migratory populations and the timing of the season. Listeners will get practical tips on field…

Habitat drives duck populations! James and Brian are joined by Dr. Josh Vest of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to break down the latest waterfowl breeding population and habitat survey report. They explore how this critical data informs hunting management and waterfowl conservation, noting a modest increase in duck numbers amid significant habi…

In this inaugural episode, hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell introduce themselves and set the stage for the topics to come. They dive into key concepts like moist soil management for waterfowl and quail, discuss the complexities of teal migration, and explore challenges in managing ducks, quail, and the elusive woodcock. Join them for a glim…

Safely operating a chainsaw, from the moment you start the engine to the moment you turn it off, is a critical piece of safe habitat management in many ecosystems. In our final episode of our 5-part Habitat Safety Miniseries, forestry educator and chainsaw expert Chris Evans from the University of Illinois takes Adam through every step of safe chai…

Our producer Charlotte drops by to read us some questions and comments from our YouTube audience. Be sure to leave us a comment on this episode’s YouTube video for a chance to win a turkey call! Signed by yours truly. Resources: 1st National Wild Turkey Symposium (1959) Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donatio…

From large bulldozers to small ATVs, habitat management often necessitates the use of heavy machinery. And safely transporting and using that equipment ensures we protect the people and the land engaged in this critical work! In this episode, the fourth in our Habitat Safety Miniseries, Adam visits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Heavy Eq…

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 …

Matt McDonough, PhD student at Auburn University, walks us through his master’s project assessing how wild pig densities impact turkeys and their poults. Join as he breaks down his study’s experimental design and results, and learn of Matt’s key takeaways for landowners curious about the efficacy of pig removal on turkey populations across their pr…

Herbicides can be a critical tool for habitat management, especially when it comes to invasive species. But their use does not come without risk to the applicator or the environment. In this episode, Adam visits with Dr. Fred Whitford, clinical engagement professor and director of the pesticide programs at Purdue University. Fred talks through the …

Dr. Kendall Calhoun of UCLA and UC Davis joins us to discuss the impact of megafires on wildlife communities. We delve into what defines a megafire, explore his research on wildlife and habitat responses to megafires, and discuss both the positive and negative effects of these events. Resources: Calhoun, K. L., et al. (2024). Movement behavior in a…