Wild Turkey Science

Explore the captivating dynamics between coyotes and turkeys in this engaging discussion. Discover how coyote diet and behavior impact turkey populations, including surprising seasonal effects. Uncover the historical expansion of coyotes in the eastern U.S. and their adaptability in various ecosystems. Dive into humorous anecdotes about scat analysis and the challenges of wildlife management. Finally, understand the complex interplay of predator-prey relationships and the ongoing evolution of conservation strategies.

Dudley Phelps, a plant expert from Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries and co-host of the Gamekeeper Podcast, shares his insights on tree plantings aimed at enhancing turkey habitats. He discusses his go-to tree species for attracting turkeys and highlights the importance of diversifying tree types. The conversation delves into the timing of acorn production and the ecological roles of various oaks. Additionally, Dudley offers practical tips on tree care, stressing strategic planning and the rewards of nurturing nature to benefit wildlife.

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 wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    Resources: Dykes, J. L. (2018). Nutrients influence diet selection in herbivores. Mississippi State University. Dykes, J. L., Strickland, B. K., Demarais, S., Reynolds, D. B., & Lashley, M. A. (2020). Diet selection of white-tailed deer supports the nutrient balance hypothesis. Behavioural Processes, 179. Dykes, J. L., et al. (2018). Soil nutrients indirectly influence intraspecific plant selection in white-tailed deer. Basic and Applied Ecology, 32, 103-109. Deer University: Deer Food Plot Forage Selection with Jacob Dykes Managing DEER food plots for TURKEYS (video) We manage DEER food plots for TURKEYS (video) Which food plot crops do deer prefer, and why? (NDA article) Which food plots should you plant for DEER & TURKEY? (video) Wildlife Food Plots and Early Successional Plants, by Craig A. Harper (book) What is the BEST food plot for deer? (video) Episode transcript   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! 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  

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 wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    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!   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.    Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak  

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 Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab, YouTube   Want to join the team? We are recruiting a videographer to focus on developing video content to help turkeys. Apply here!   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!   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.  Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak  

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 Fund   Resources:  2 year vs. 4 year Fire Return Interval (video) Stoddard Plots: How Varying Fire Return Intervals Affect Plant Communities Over Decades (video) Stoddard plots: Fire return frequency (video) Brooding and nesting cover (Part 1/2) | #29 Brooding and nesting cover (Part 2/2) | #30 Online Fire Training Course (FREE)   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    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!   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.  Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

Explore the fascinating link between wild turkey poults and insect availability, highlighting how habitat management can significantly enhance their survival. Discover innovative restoration strategies in Wisconsin's oak woodlands that utilize fire to boost biodiversity. Learn how effective communication tools can engage the public in wildlife management. The discussion also emphasizes the crucial role of insects in supporting turkey populations and the positive impacts of restored habitats on avian diversity. Plus, look forward to exciting research developments!

Explore the intricacies of improving turkey habitats, from selecting the right grasses to the timing of herbicide application. Discover how to enhance brooding cover and connectivity on your property. Learn about the importance of controlled burns and the balance between wildlife management and personal interests. The hosts mix fishing anecdotes with practical habitat management tips, creating a lively conversation about conservation efforts. Plus, get insights on engaging with the community and supporting wild turkey research!

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    Resources: Burning during nesting | #19 NC research update: Largest private land turkey study | #10 Wild Turkey Quiz (Survey Monkey)   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!   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.  Help us help turkeys by rating this podcast and sharing it with your friends and family.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak