Natural Resources University

Collaboration of land-grant universities
  • 5.0 (122)
  • Natural Sciences
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Natural Resources University is a podcast network focused on delivering science-based natural resource management. The series housed within this network aim to deliver expert-based knowledge for their corresponding genre of natural resource management.

  1. 16h ago

    Fish, Frogs, and Bugs: How Stocking Fish Changes Pond Ecology | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #633

    This week's show discusses a question from a listener that reached out asking how adding fish to a pond can change the pond ecosystem. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the ecological roles of different fish in a pond, how the fish we use for each of these roles may vary in different geographical areas, and how amphibians and insects might respond to adding fish. 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 at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife

    Fish, Frogs, and Bugs: How Stocking Fish Changes Pond Ecology | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #633

  2. 1d ago

    Strategic Acres: Where Pheasant Habitat Matters Most | Wild Ag #632

    Habitat loss is a major hurdle for many upland game birds, including the Ring-necked pheasant. In response to pheasant declines throughout Nebraska, many conservation efforts have focused on enrolling private lands into conservation programs that work with producers to convert portions of agricultural fields into suitable wildlife habitat. But all habitat is not equal habitat, so how do we know when and where to prioritize habitat restoration for the best results? Joining the podcast this month to unpack new research addressing this issue are Dr. Allison Barg, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Bryan O'Connor, Upland Game Program Manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. From current pheasant population trends to developing tools for more strategic management, this is a great conversation highlighting the current collaborative work on a very special bird.   Resources: Identifying and Prioritizing Pheasant Habitat in Agricultural Landscapes (AWESM Lab) Pheasants 365: A Review of Seasonal Ring-Necked Pheasant Habitat in Central North America PhD Dissertation: Identifying and Prioritizing Habitat for Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) Conservation in Nebraska   Dr. Allison Barg  [website, academic profile] Bryan O'Connor [website] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc] Nathan Pflueger [website] AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]   Watch these podcasts on YouTube If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!   We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/   Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/   Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin

    Strategic Acres: Where Pheasant Habitat Matters Most | Wild Ag #632

  3. 1d ago

    Status of Wild Turkeys in NY | Wild Turkey Science #631

    Dr. Mike Muthersbaugh, Upland Gamebird Biologist for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, joins us to disclose the status of turkey populations in the state, management challenges, and ongoing research efforts to improve hunting experiences and conservation strategies.   Resources: Wild Turkey Data Dashboards: Fall, Spring Fink, D., et al. (2024). eBird Status and Trends, Data Version: 2023; Released: 2025. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York.    Dr. Mike Muthersbaugh - Email, Publications   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio   Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!    Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube   Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!   Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Watch these podcasts on YouTube   Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!    Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube   Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!   Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!   This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

    Status of Wild Turkeys in NY | Wild Turkey Science #631

  4. 4d ago

    Whitetail Food: Why Summer Forbs Matter | BGWT #630

    White-tailed deer management is not just a fall conversation. In this episode, John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph.D., and Mark Turner Ph.D. explain why summer is one of the most important seasons for deer nutrition, especially when bucks are growing antlers and does are producing milk for fawns. The discussion moves beyond acorns and food plots to focus on the plants deer depend on most: forbs, fresh browse, soft mast, and young regrowth. The crew breaks down why many plants landowners call weeds can be some of the best deer food on the place. Ragweed, pokeweed, horseweed, tick clovers, blackberry, greenbrier, and other broadleaf plants all come into the conversation, along with the role of sunlight, prescribed fire, and tree control in making those plants available. They also explain why dense cedar, closed-canopy timber, and unmanaged Cross Timbers can leave deer with cover but very little quality food. This episode also takes a practical look at food plots and supplemental feeding. Mark explains why food plots may help with hunting or viewing deer, but they rarely make up enough acres to fix poor habitat across a property. Instead, the group points landowners back to the basics: open the canopy, reduce cedar, use fire at different times of year, encourage fresh regrowth, manage deer density, and grow more high-quality native forage where deer can actually reach it. Resources - Oklahoma Conservation Commission - OSU Extension White-tailed Deer Habitat Evaluation and Management Guide

  5. Oct 26

    Status of Wild Turkeys in Ohio | Wild Turkey Science #629

    Mark Wiley, Forest Gamebird Biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, joins us to share insights on wild turkey populations, management strategies, and recent policy changes in the state.    Resources: Debunking the Drowning Poults | #168 Legends of turkey research | #50 Ohio Fall and Spring Hunting Season Reports Smith, C. R., et al. (2026). Annual survival and resource selection of juvenile male wild turkeys in central Tennessee. The Journal of Wildlife Management, e70255. What Affects Jake Survival? | Ep 199 Wild turkey populations in PA (Part 1/2) | Ep 25 Wild turkey populations in PA (Part 2/2) | Ep 26   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio   Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!    Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube   Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!   Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Watch these podcasts on YouTube   Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!    Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube   Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!   Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!   This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

    Status of Wild Turkeys in Ohio | Wild Turkey Science #629

  6. Oct 20

    Bat Exposure and Exclusion: From Risk Assessment to Resolution | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #628

    Bats play a vital role in our ecosystems, providing natural insect control and contributing to healthy environments. However, when bats enter homes, buildings, or other occupied structures, they can present unique challenges for wildlife managers, pest management professionals, and property owners. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss bat habitat, exposure, and exclusion. 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 at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife

    Bat Exposure and Exclusion: From Risk Assessment to Resolution | Fins, Fur, & Feathers #628

  7. Oct 19

    The Skinny Hen Hypothesis | Wild Turkey Science #627

    In this episode, we dive into the literature to explore the complex relationship between body condition, reproductive success, and population dynamics in wild turkeys.   Resources: Badyaev, A. V., et al. (1996). Habitat sampling and habitat selection by female wild turkeys: ecological correlates and reproductive consequences. The Auk, 113(3), 636-646. Healy, W. M., & Nenno, E. S. (1985). Effect of weather on wild turkey poult survival. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1985, 91-101. Lashley, M., et al.  (2026). Wildlife feeding increases risk of male wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) to hunter harvest. bioRxiv, 2026-04. Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642. Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830. Norman, G. W., et al. (2001). Reproduction of eastern wild turkeys in Virginia and West Virginia. The Journal of wildlife management, 1-9. Palumbo, K. (2026). FACTORS INFLUENCING EASTERN WILD TURKEY (MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO SILVESTRIS) PRODUCTIVITY AND NESTING CHRONOLOGY IN WEST VIRGINIA. Porter, W. F., et al. (1983). Effects of winter conditions on reproduction in a northern wild turkey population. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 281-290. Thogmartin, W. E., & Johnson, J. E. (1999). Reproduction in a declining population of wild turkeys in Arkansas. The Journal of wildlife management, 1281-1290. Tyl, R. M., et al. (2020). Factors influencing productivity of eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota. Ecology and Evolution, 10(16), 8838-8854. Vangilder, L. D., et al. (2000). Reproductive ecology of eastern wild turkey females in the eastern Missouri Ozarks. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2000, 53-59.   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio   Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!    Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube   Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!   Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Watch these podcasts on YouTube   Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!    Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube   Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!   Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!   This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

    The Skinny Hen Hypothesis | Wild Turkey Science #627

  8. Oct 17

    The Largest Whitetail Culling Study Ever Conducted | Deer University #626

    Jacob and Eric discuss the largest whitetail culling study ever conducted with Dr. Randy DeYoung. They talk about the monster project and the unexpected findings. 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 sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

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Natural Resources University is a podcast network focused on delivering science-based natural resource management. The series housed within this network aim to deliver expert-based knowledge for their corresponding genre of natural resource management.

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