Wild pigs. Feral swine. Wild hogs. Whatever you call them, invasive wild pigs are rapidly spreading across the US and Canada – destroying crops and spreading disease along the way.  Experts are calling them one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in the country. What can we do about it?

To find out, we’re talking with the show’s own Dr. Jared Beaver to find out the dirty details (and solutions!) regarding wild pigs.

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Learn more about Montana’s Squeal on Pigs campaign.

Feral swine fact sheet – Montana State University

Check out the full show notes here.

In this episode, we answer your questions. Join as we discuss the ecological impacts of hurricanes on turkeys survival rates and nesting success, ideal fire return intervals for nesting cover, the impacts of deer on vegetation and how this affects turkey populations, the importance of fire timing in habitat dynamics, and the challenges of recruiting young hunters into the turkey hunting culture.

Resources:

Byrne, M. E. (2013). Nesting ecology of wild turkeys in a bottomland hardwood forest. The American Midland Naturalist, 170(1), 95-110.

How do hurricanes affect birds?

How do hurricanes affect deer?

How do hurricanes affect wildlife?

Moscicki, D. J. (2020). Evaluation of Space Use and Movement by Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) During Extreme Climatic Disturbances and Annual Phenological States.

What does wild turkey nesting look like?

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!

Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications

Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications

Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow

UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube

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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.

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Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

In this episode, Dr. Heath Hagy rejoins James and Brian for an insightful discussion on the complexities of managing duck habitat, with a particular focus on the role of sanctuaries. Together, they delve into what defines a sanctuary, its historical development, and the challenges of measuring its effectiveness.

The conversation explores the critical role private lands play in supporting ducks, how duck behavior and movements influence management strategies, and the ongoing need for research to address these dynamic relationships. Dr. Hagy and the hosts emphasize the intent of balancing hunting opportunities with sanctuary availability to sustain waterfowl use and benefit their survival. They also highlight the need for collaboration among researchers, agencies, and private landowners to ensure effective conservation efforts.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the science and strategy behind sanctuary management and its impact on waterfowl conservation