Wild Turkey Science

Dr. Richard Buccholz, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research at the University of Mississippi, joins Will and Marcus to shed light on the fascinating world of wild turkey behavior. Learn of the interplay between displayed traits and biological fitness, which traits influence sexual selection, and how this information can help us strategize research for better management moving forward.   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    Resources: Hill, G. E., et al. (2005). The effect of coccidial infection on iridescent plumage coloration in wild turkeys. Animal Behaviour, 69(2), 387-394 Huang, M. H., et al. (2022). Analysis of supplemental wildlife feeding in Mississippi and environmental gastrointestinal parasite load. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 995437.   Dr. Richard Buchholz (Website) (Academic Profile)  Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)  UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)   Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0   Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube   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  

Dr. Patrick Wightman, Research Scientist at UGA, joins Marcus and Will to reveal results from a recent region-wide collaborative project - across 4 states, 8 study sites, and with over 900 banded birds - assessing the effects of hunting pressure on male survival.    Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund    Resources: Wightman, P. H., et al. (2024). Survival and cause‐specific mortality of male wild turkeys across the southeastern United States. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22531.   Dr. Patrick Wightman (@WildTurkeyNerd) (Academic Profile) (Wild Turkey Lab) Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)  UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)   Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0   Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube   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  

The podcast delves into how habitat management influences predator control for wild turkeys, showcasing studies on prescribed burns reducing mammalian species richness. They discuss the impact of fire on predators like raccoons and gray foxes, emphasizing the need for precise habitat and predator management. The podcast highlights the benefits of habitat management in enhancing turkey productivity and conservation efforts in the eastern United States.

Dr. Geoff Hill, professor of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, joins Marcus and Will to break down the unique evolutionary biology of our favorite bird. Learn which characteristics hens select for, what make decoys effective, if gene selection is impacted by hunter harvest, the intricacies of the turkey brotherhood, and much more.  Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0 Dr. Geoff Hill (Website) (Academic Profile) Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)  UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube 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  

The podcast explores the ongoing debate between habitat and predator as the cause for the decline in wild turkey populations. The hosts discuss the challenges of studying turkeys and the interesting link between supplemental feeding and predation. They highlight four studies that can provide answers to the current decline and explore collaborative research and funding solutions. They also touch on the funding challenges faced by state wildlife agencies and express their dedication and gratitude to their audience.

Biologists discuss the importance of habitat management over predator control to increase turkey populations. They explore trapping's effectiveness in reducing raccoon populations and its impact on turkeys. A study reveals revegetated field borders and trapping have a positive impact on quail populations. The hosts highlight the significance of habitat for upland game birds and discuss conflicts with miso predators. They examine bias in publishing studies on predator control and strategies for raccoon control. The speakers explore the impact of predator control on fawn survival and recruitment. They discuss diversionary feeding as a strategy for predator control and the potential role of coyotes in reducing bird predation. Habitat loss is identified as the main cause of declining quail populations.

Mark Hatfield, National Director of Science and Planning for NWTF, joins Marcus and Will to discuss how their organization has helped wild turkeys through research involvement, areas of focus throughout the decades, and ongoing programs and events.    Resources: Habitat for the Hatch Women in the Outdoors Wheelin’ Sportsman JAKES Program Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Cocktails and Conversation (FB Live) 2024 NWTF Convention www.nwtf.org   Mark Hatfield X @TheBeardedBio IG @thebeardedbio   Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey - Thank you! https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VR10xcKOMTvZH0   Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) (Academic Profile) Dr. Will Gulsby (@dr_will_gulsby) (Academic Profile) Turkeys for Tomorrow (@turkeysfortomorrow)  UF DEER Lab (@ufdeerlab) (YouTube)   Watch these podcasts on YouTube: Wild Turkey Science YouTube   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund  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  

A wildlife biologist and forester discusses the challenges of managing and conserving the wild turkey population, emphasizing the need for public awareness and habitat preservation. The podcast also highlights TFT's mission-focused approach, engaging younger individuals, and the importance of habitat management and population dynamics. The hosts express gratitude for listener participation and support from Turkeys for Tomorrow.

Dr. Marcus Lashley and Dr. Will Gulsby discuss effective land management practices for wild turkeys, including daylighting roads, clear cuts, and spot spraying. They emphasize the importance of timing and setting back understory vegetation through methods like fire. They also talk about prioritizing burning decisions, creating management units, and the need for brooding cover and connectivity. The hosts highlight the significance of timing in burning for bird cover management and discuss staying connected with conservation efforts. They preview upcoming topics, encourage audience feedback, and reflect on their experiences in the field while expressing gratitude to their supporters.

The hosts reflect on the impact of their podcast, diversity of feedback received, and the surprising amount of positive influence they have had. They discuss past episodes, the importance of feedback, and their plans for future episodes. They express gratitude for their producer and announce an upcoming interview. They highlight the achievements of an organization and address concerns about its direction. They discuss future plans for the podcast, including incorporating graduate students and audience-driven episodes. They emphasize transparency and objectivity in scientific research and discuss bottomland hardwood management and diverse perspectives on turkeys. They reflect on listening to podcasts while hunting and the benefits of connecting with nature.