You asked and we listened. In this episode, we are joined by Luke Garver, Wild Turkey Project Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, to discuss the current state of the wild turkey in Illinois. We dive into long-term population trends, environmental factors impacting reproduction, predator-prey dynamics, habitat challenges posed by invasive species, on-going research initiatives, and more.    Resources: IL DNR Wild Turkey Survey IDNR Turkey Survey App ...

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). Acorn selection by female wood ducks. The Journal of wildlife management, 592-602. Boggess, C. M., et al. (2022). Exposure to fire affects...

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.   Resources: Managing hardwoods for turkeys (Part 1/2) | #52 Managing hardwoods for turkeys (Part 2/2) | #53   Donate to wild turkey...

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 affects wildlife feeding behavior. Current Zoology, zoae026. Tree plantings for turkeys | #95   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation...

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 DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund  Do you have a...

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 death games, and more.   Resources:   Bogdziewicz, M., et al. (2023). Maximizing the Moran effect: summer solstice orchestrates the...

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 Donation Fund  Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at [email protected]!   Dr....

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 property. Resources: McDonough, M. T. (2023). Population response of eastern wild turkeys and white-tailed deer to removal of wild pigs (Master's...

In this episode, we dive deep into the literature on coyotes and explore the impacts of their interactions with turkeys. Join as we delve into the science of coyote predator-prey dynamics, the expansion of coyote populations across North America, their diets and impacts on turkey populations, research conducted on the efficacy of trapping, and more.    Resources: Cherry, M. J., et al. (2016). Coyote diets in a longleaf pine ecosystem. Wildlife Biology, 22(2), 64-70. Conner, L. M., et...

Dudley Phelps, Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries plant expert and co-host of the Gamekeeper Podcast, joins us to dish out details on tree plantings for turkeys. Learn of Dudley’s go-to species - both early and late successional - for attracting turkeys,  what landowners should take into account when planning their plantings, ideal tree care and maintenance, the importance of diversifying tree species to attract turkeys, timing of acorn production across various oak species, and much more.  ...

In this episode, Will takes us on a deep dive of best recipes and recommendations when food plotting for both deer and turkey. Landowners won’t want to miss the science-backed recommendations for plantings, region-specific species recommendations, best timings for plantings, what to search for when scouting plot areas, and more.    Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at [email protected]!   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey...

In this episode, we discuss upcoming episodes on the horizon, including how cattle grazing affects turkey management, food plotting for turkeys, how much coyotes influence turkeys, bringing back Dr. Craig Harper to update us on his fire season study assessing plant response and turkey use, the importance of oaks for turkeys, and more. Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at [email protected]!   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey...

Want to join the team? We are recruiting a videographer to focus on developing video content to help wild turkeys.  Apply here!

In this episode, we begin with a more philosophical discussion evaluating outcomes rather than techniques in turkey management. Then, we jump into details of our upcoming studies addressing current gaps in turkey research. Finally, we finish up with an exciting announcement that will enhance our understanding of turkey populations across the state of Florida in unprecedented ways.   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    Dr. Marcus...

In this episode, we respond to audience questions around fire management for turkeys. We discuss the importance of timing diversification, dive into general guidelines and parameters for fire regimes, dig into the details on why fire return interval is the primary filter influencing vegetation outcomes from your wild turkey management, and deliver fire training resources for landowners and practitioners.   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation...

In this episode, we review a recent Wisconsin study focused on restoring native woodlands and introducing fire to promote higher insect abundance, species richness, and plant and bird biodiversity. We highlight key points of the study and infer how the same methods can be used to promote high insect abundance at the time that poults need it most.    Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund   Resources: Habitat management = predator...

In this episode, we boil down the key areas of focus for improving turkey habitat and connectivity on your property. Which grasses to target, when, and with which herbicides; how to ensure connectivity across your property for brooding and nesting cover using road systems with daylighting; how much sunlight is needed; how frequent of a fire return interval to use; maximizing food plots for both deer and turkey, and more!   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn...

In this episode, we discuss the various ways in which landowners can estimate poults per hen, monitor trends in reproductive success, and improve turkey habitat on their property. From standardized data collection using trail cameras to back-dating incubation for specific management practices, this episode will give you a sneak peek into our everyday thought experiments on the wild turkey.   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    ...

Heather Keane Thomas joins us to shed light on her non-traditional upbringing with her father and renowned turkey researcher Dr. Lovett Williams. From childhood experiences imprinting poults on their family farm to attending national turkey conventions for family vacations, this is a story time you won’t want to miss.   Resources: Lovett Williams (Website) Real Turkey Calls   Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications ...

We sit down for a second time to answer questions from our listeners and followers - ranging from topics on upcoming turkey research, mid-summer land management recommendations, how to increase gobbling on your property by 10-fold, and more!   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    Resources:  Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29 Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30 How does fire affect nest predation? (Video) ...

In this episode, we recap our recent trip to the annual Wild Turkey Working Group and share major findings from research projects across Southern states.   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    Resources: Byrne, Michael E., et al. (2022). "Nest site fidelity and nesting success of female wild turkeys." Wildlife Society Bulletin 46.2: e1279. Density-dependence in upland game birds | #14 Kurzejeski, Eric W., and L. D....

In this episode, we take a step away from the scientific literature to ask a regen ag practitioner about their experiences and glean some interesting observations for future study. Jason Snavely, wildlife biologist and founder of Drop-Tine Wildlife Consulting, joins us to dive deep into the microbiology of soil health, trade-offs between conventional and regenerative practices, and how biomimicking nature could help us reach our objectives.    Resources: O’donoghue, T., et al. (2022)....

Does water on a hen make it more susceptible to predation? In this episode, we comb through the literature on olfactory camouflage, dissecting studies assessing correlations between nest survival, weather, and environmental conditions, and divulging into the complicated web of ecology dynamics. Strap on your science boots for this one, it’s gonna be dense… Research papers referenced: Bakner, N. W., et al.  (2019). Incubation recess behaviors influence nest survival of Wild Turkeys....

Brent Rogers, wild turkey historian and collector extraordinaire, joins us to break down wild turkey history through the eyes of early naturalists and literature.. Learn how the culture and conservation concerns surrounding the wild turkey developed over time since the 17th century, what impacted transitions in knowledge and observation of wild turkey management, how restocking efforts have shifted throughout the decades, historical hunting practices, and more!    Donate to wild turkey...