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Wild Turkey Science

Latest episodes

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Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 1min

The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | #106

In this episode, we delve into the ecological significance of the American chestnut tree with Sara Fitzsimmons, Chief Conservation Officer for The American Chestnut Foundation. Join as we explore its history, ecological importance, challenges faced due to habitat change and disease, on-going conservation efforts, and how you can get involved in its ecological restoration.    Resources: Diamond, S. J., et al. (2000). Hard mast production before and after the chestnut blight. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry, 24(4), 196-201. The American Chestnut Foundation The American Chestnut Foundation: Growing Chestnuts Tree Snapp App Varner, J. M., et al. (2021). Litter flammability of 50 southeastern north American tree species: evidence for mesophication gradients across multiple ecosystems. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 4, 727042.   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!   Sara Fitzsimmons sara.fitzsimmons@tacf.org, Website Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube   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  
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Nov 11, 2024 • 58min

Are pigs eating all the acorns? | #105

In this episode, we review the available research on wild pig competition for acorns and their impact on competing wildlife species. We discuss the concept of competitive exclusion, the role of acorns in the diets of various species, the implications of pig removal on ecosystem dynamics, and what this means for turkeys. Resources: Anderson, W. M., et al. (2018). Using DNA metabarcoding to examine wild pig (Sus scrofa) diets in a subtropical agro-ecosystem. In Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference (Vol. 28, No. 28). Bieber, C., & Ruf, T. (2005). Population dynamics in wild boar Sus scrofa: ecology, elasticity of growth rate and implications for the management of pulsed resource consumers. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42(6), 1203-1213. Cutini, A., et al. (2013). Mast seeding in deciduous forests of the northern Apennines (Italy) and its influence on wild boar population dynamics. Annals of forest science, 70, 493-502. Dykstra, A. M., et al. (2023). Biological invasions disrupt activity patterns of native wildlife: An example from wild pigs. Food Webs, 34, e00270. Fay, A. S., et al. (2023). Impacts of wild pigs on acorn availability as a food source for native wildlife. Wildlife Research, 50(12), 1123-1130. How pig removal affects turkeys | #97 Shimada, T., Iijima, H., & Kotaka, N. (2024). Wild boar population fluctuations in a subtropical forest: the crucial role of mast seeding in Ryukyu Islands, Japan. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 70(3), 1-11.  USDA Feral Swine Population Distribution Wood, G. W., & Roark, D. N. (1980). Food habits of feral hogs in coastal South Carolina. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 44(2), 506-511. Wentworth, J. M., Johnson, A. S., & Hale, P. E. (1989). Influence of acorn abundance on whitetailed deer in the Southern Appalachians. In Proceedings of Workshop Southern Appalachian Mountain Range (pp. 2-6). Knoxville: University of Tennesee.   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   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  
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Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 13min

Turkeys in the Midwest | #104

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 huntillinois.org/turkey Parker, C., et al. (2021). Pyrodiversity matters: wild turkey habitat selection in a fire managed landscape. Forest Ecology and Management, 493, 119227.   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!   Luke Garver Illinois.gov/wildlifestaff Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube   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  
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Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 21min

Best acorns for wildlife | #103

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 acorn removal by altering consumer preference. Forest Ecology and Management, 508, 120044. Oak Forest Ecosystems Pérez-Ramos, I. M., et al. (2007). Acorn removal and dispersal by the dung beetle Thorectes lusitanicus: ecological implications. Ecological Entomology, 32(4), 349-356. Pyare, S., et al. (1993). Acorn preference and habitat use in eastern chipmunks. American Midland Naturalist, 173 Richardson, K. B., et al. (2013). Acorn-foraging preferences of four species of free-ranging avian seed predators in eastern deciduous forests. The Condor, 115(4), 863-873. Steffen, D. E., et al. (2002). Turkeys, acorns, and oaks. Oak forest ecosystems: ecology and management for wildlife. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 241-255. Wakeling, B. F., & Rogers, T. D. (1994). Characteristics of pinon-juniper habitats selected for feeding by wintering Merriam's turkey. Desired Future Conditions for Pinon-Juniper Ecosystems, 74.   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   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  
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Oct 21, 2024 • 50min

Herbicides | #102

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 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   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  
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Oct 14, 2024 • 49min

Oak masting research | #101

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 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   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
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Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 4min

100th Episode Special | #100

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 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
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Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 24min

Oak Biology 101 | #99

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 subcontinental-scale synchrony of mast seeding. Bogdziewicz, et al. (2023). Mechanisms driving interspecific variation in regional synchrony of trees reproduction. Ecology Letters, 26(5), 754-764. Bogdziewicz, M., et al. (2024). Evolutionary ecology of masting: mechanisms, models, and climate change. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. Boggess, C. M., et al. (2021). Facultative seed predators drive community-level indirect effects of mast seeding. Forest Ecology and Management, 502, 119713. Journé, V., et al. (2023). Forecasting seed production in perennial plants: identifying challenges and charting a path forward. New Phytologist, 239(2), 466-476. Managing hardwoods: Oak biology | #49 Niedzielski, B., & Bowman, J. (2015). Survival and cause-specific mortality of the female eastern wild turkey at its northern range edge. Wildlife Research, 41(7), 545-551. Szymkowiak, J., et al. (2024). Masting ontogeny: the largest masting benefits accrue to the largest trees. Szymkowiak, J., et al. (2024). Community-wide masting improves predator satiation in North American oaks. Forest Ecology and Management, 569, 122172. Thogmartin, W. E., & Johnson, J. E. (1999). Reproduction in a declining population of wild turkeys in Arkansas. The Journal of wildlife management, 1281-1290.   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 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
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Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 3min

We gotcha, YouTube | #98

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 wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube   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  
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Sep 23, 2024 • 44min

How pig removal affects turkeys | #97

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 thesis, Auburn University).   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!   Matt McDonough @mmcd9, Website, Publications Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube   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  

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