Wild Turkey Science

• Status of the wild turkey in GA | #117

  Emily Rushton, Turkey Program Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, joins us to discuss the current status of turkey populations in the state, as well as trends in hunting and harvest data.  Resources: Avid Hunter/Harvest Card Survey (fill out after each hunt) Interactive Turkey Harvest Dashboard Poult Production Survey (record all turkey observations, with or without poults, in June, July, and August) Poult Survey Dashboard    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 [email protected]!   Emily Rushton Contact 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  

  --------  

  1:03:27
• Are you a turkey advocate? | #116

  In this episode, we discuss the importance of turkey advocacy and conservation efforts within the hunting community. Join as we explore the various actions that you can take to support wild turkey populations, resources for hands-on training and workshops, and the importance of engaging with the next generation to ensure the future of the wild turkey.   Resources: Ducks Unlimited I lease land…what about me? | #12 National Deer Association National Wild Turkey Federation NWTF Gator Gobblers Quail Forever Turkeys for Tomorrow Wild Turkey Cost Share Program  Wild Turkey Management Academy (March 8, 2025) Upcoming Learn & Burns: Alabama Georgia Mississippi NC State Workshop Page   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 [email protected]!   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  

  --------  

  1:00:52
• Lighting the spark: Everything you need to know to start burning | #115

  John Gruchy re-joins the podcast to break down the steps and requirements you need to get fire on your property. We discuss the essential equipment needed, legal liability considerations, resources and financial support available, tips for success, and why burning is imperative for the wild turkey.    Resources: Martin, J. A., et al. (2012). Wild turkey habitat use in frequently-burned pine savanna. Forest Ecology and Management, 285, 179-186. MDWFP Private Lands Programs National Deer Association National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NRCS Programs & Initiatives Tall Timbers Quail Forever   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 [email protected]!   John Gruchy MS Land Conservation Assistance Network 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  

  --------  

  49:13
• Listener questions | #114

  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 [email protected]!   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  

  --------  

  1:01:09
• Reflections & Ambitions: Big ideas for turkey science | #113

  In this episode, we reflect upon our experiences and insights from 2024. We share our top episodes, theme highlights, the emergence of new research in turkey science, and our ambitious wild turkey goals for 2025.  We’re calling on audience engagement to help shape future content! Let us know what you want to hear and how you want to engage with us by emailing [email protected]. Resources: Has turkey habitat changed? | Ep 21 Habitat vs. predator control | Ep 63 Snoods, feathers, and the Turkey Brotherhood | Ep 65 Habitat management = predator management | Ep 66 Longer the snood, bigger the brood | Ep 68 Up close and personal with wild turkeys | Ep 69 We got bug problems | Ep 73 Conventional vs. Regenerative Ag | Ep 79 Managing pine rotations for turkeys | Ep 80 Fly, float, and mate | Ep 83 Food plotting in nature’s image | Ep 84 Little House in the Flatwoods | Ep 87 100th episode special | Ep 100 The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | Ep 106   Wild New World: The Epic Story of Animals and People in America, by Dan Flores Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History, by Dan Flores   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 [email protected]!   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  

  --------  

  56:25

More Science podcasts

Trending Science podcasts

About Wild Turkey Science