Recent claims about “de-extinction” of dire wolves have resulted in an abundance of headlines, memes, and discussion about the biology and ethics of what was happening. To contribute to the discussion, Drew and Joe invited their video production specialist, Danny, into the studio to ask questions and discuss genetics, ethics, and the current state of wolf populations.

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

In this fiery new episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, we bring the heat with special guests from Quail Forever—Tanner Swank and Adam Ray. They join hosts John Weir and Dr. Mark Turner to discuss how fire, community collaboration, and science-based management are revitalizing Oklahoma's native grasslands and Cross Timbers.

Learn how Quail Forever's landscape-level work benefits not only game species like bobwhite and pheasant, but also pollinators, deer, and the entire ecosystem.

Whether you’re a land manager, extension professional, or outdoorsperson, you’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of fire and the people who wield it wisely.

Resources

- Adam Ray

- Tanner Swank

- Oklahoma Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

- Great Plains Fire Exchange

- Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Associations

The central United States is known for its big rivers. From the mighty Mississippi to its tributaries that include the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas River, these large rivers drain about 41% of the U.S. including 31 states. They are important for our economy as corridors for transportation, and they are important as recreational fisheries. But they are facing many threats. From river modification, to urbanization, to invasive species, to changing precipitation patterns, these rivers aren’t the same as they once were. Wes discusses these impacts with Dr. Mike Eggleton, a fisheries professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Mike’s research career has been largely focused on large river fisheries and ecology, and he shares some of his stories and insight on ol’ man river.

Do you have questions or comments? Follow the Fish University Facebook community and chat with Wes or suggest future episodes!

Today we’re talking turkeys in Oklahoma with Marcus Thibodeau and Eric Suttles, wild turkey biologists for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Join as they disclose the status of subspecies across the state, harvest rates, seasons dates, habitat challenges across the state, successful and unsuccessful restocking efforts, on-going research, assistance for landowners, and more.

Resources:

Online Prescribed Fire Course

We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Enroll Now!

Marcus Thibodeau (Contact)

Eric Suttles (Contact)

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, 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!

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 wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!

Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!

Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!

Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!

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

Gamebird University dives into the conservation and management of gamebirds, uncovering the science behind these efforts. From waterfowl and quail to turkeys, woodcock, and beyond, no gamebird species is off the table for discussion. The show also features engaging discussions on bird dogs and bird hunting. Whether you're passionate about gamebird management or an avid hunter, this podcast is for you!

This podcast is part of the Natural Resources University Podcast Network. Hosts of Gamebird University: James Callicutt, Waterfowl and Upland Gamebird Extension Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service Mark McConnell, Assistant professor of Upland Birds, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center Brian Davis, Professor of Waterfowl and Wetlands, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center

We’re honored to host Dr. Dave Engle—Regents Professor Emeritus at Oklahoma State University and a pioneer in fire ecology. From wildland firefighting in New Mexico to building OSU’s fire program with just two torches and a vision, Dave shares an incredible career rooted in science, stewardship, and some good ol’ fashioned trial and error.

We dive into the origins of patch-burn grazing, the challenges of managing the Cross Timbers, and why eastern redcedar became his lifelong nemesis. Dr. Engle reflects on the research that changed policy, perceptions, and the trajectory of conservation in the Great Plains. If you care about fire, land, or legacy, this episode is a must-listen.

- Dave Engel, Ph.D.

- OSU NREM Patch Burning Research

- OK-FIRE

- The Prairie Project - Patch Burn Grazing Research

Dr. Kelly O’Neil breaks down details of our latest research project focused on poult behavior and development. Join as she walks us step-by-step through a poult’s life - from egg collection to incubation, hatching, imprinting, and development until flight.

We’ve launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. 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 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!

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 wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!

Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you!

Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube

Watch these podcasts on YouTube

Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!

Get a 10% discount at Grounded Brand by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout!

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