Wild Turkey Science

42:55

How science has shaped the way we hunt | #184

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/05/18

In this episode, we discuss how years of turkey research has directly influenced the way that we hunt. Resources: Fist Full of Dirt: Dr. Disturbance Can Flat-Out Hunt (Part 1) Fist Full of Dirt: Dr. Disturbance Can Flat-Out Hunt (Part 2) Home range of gobblers | Ep 125 Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642. Where do turkeys roost? | Ep 123 Our lab is primarily funded by donations

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32:00

The Trumpet Strikes Again | #183

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/05/11

Gear up for another storytime episode as we swap late-season turkey hunting chronicles in this one. Resources: Turkey Calling Tutorial: Master the Trumpet & Wingbone Call Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection,

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31:23

REV and LPDV: New research on turkey disease | #182

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/05/04

In this episode, we dive into new research findings on the prevalence and biological impact of REV and LPDV in wild turkeys. Resources: Adcock, K. G., et al. (2024). Lymphoproliferative disease virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus detection and disease in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 60(1), 139-150. Cox, F., et al. (2022). Molecular surveillance for lymphoproliferative disease virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus in Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris

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46:39

You can't manage what you don't measure | #181

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/04/27

In this episode, we discuss practical strategies for hunting and managing turkeys. Resources: Population Dynamics, Manipulative Study of Season Dates in Mississippi ft. Adam Butler | #02 Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior,

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51:45

Can Jakes Breed? | #180

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/04/20

We pull the research to explore the reproductive capabilities of jakes and bust the myth of whether or not they can breed. Resources: Davis, B. D., et al. (1994). Breeding Chronology in Rio Grande Turkey Hens.ob No. 7.07. Federal Aid Project No. W-126-R-2. Small Game Research and Surveys. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Final Report. Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased fevmale survival may help explain wild turkey population decline. Wildlife Society Bulletin, e1642. Lewis, J. B.,

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01:14:01

Hunting Stories - Spring 2026 edition | #179

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/04/13

In this episode, we recap our season and swap turkey hunting highlights. WATCH this episode here: https://youtu.be/YUG2gIZc9yQ Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical

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01:01:44

Next steps in NWTF support of turkey research | #178

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/04/06

We sit down with Dr. Patrick Wightman, National Director of Wild Turkey Research and Science at NWTF, to hear about his vision for the company's future support of turkey research. Dr. Patrick Wightman - Email, Publications Resources: Habitat for the Hatch NWTF Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab We've launched our second online wild turkey course ! Enroll in Wild Turkey Manager: Biology,

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01:03:43

The Evolution of Turkey Calling: From bone to box | #177

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/03/30

We chat with wild turkey historian and author Brent Rogers about the fascinating history and evolution of turkey calls. Join as we explore how culture, technology, and conservation shaped the way hunters communicate with wild turkeys. Brent Rogers @gobblegitr The Origin and Evolution of Turkey Calls American Wild Turkey Historical Foundation Wild Turkey Archives Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here:

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01:07:02

The Westervelt Lodge | #176

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/03/23

We deep dive into the history and legacy of the Westervelt Company and its iconic hunting school with Kevin McKinstry, Recreation Director for Westervelt Company, and Steven Carroll, General Manager for the Westervelt Lodge. Resources: Gamekeepers EP 409 | A Discussion of Adventure with J. Wayne Fears Westervelt Lodge Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab We've launched our second online wild

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47:11

Are predators really the problem? | #175

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/03/16

Predation is the leading cause of mortality in wild turkeys - but does that mean predator control is the answer? We explore the science, case studies, and management implications behind one of the most debated topics in turkey research. Resources Habitat management = predator management | Ep 66 Has turkey habitat changed? | Ep 21 Johnson, V. M., et al. (2022). Nest site selection and survival of wild turkeys in Tennessee. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife

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36:17

Has nesting success changed over time? | #174

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/03/09

Drawing from decades of research, Will leads us through a review of historical nesting data from 1970–2022 to assess if nesting success has really changed. Resources: Take 12 Instagram, YouTube Londe, David W., et al. "Review of range‐wide vital rates quantifies eastern wild Turkey population trajectory." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9830. Which vital rates are most important to turkey populations? | Ep 13 Population Ecology for Dummies | Ep 110 What does nesting cover look like

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42:57

Mid-Atlantic Turkey Research Collaborative | #173

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/03/02

Pennsylvania state turkey biologist Reina Tyl rejoins us to share updates on the long-term, multi-state Mid-Atlantic Turkey Research Collaborative to better understand differences in hen survival across states. We also discuss the status of turkeys in PA and potential changes to the spring season structure. Resources: Wild turkey populations in PA (Part 1/2) | Ep 25 Wild turkey populations in PA (Part 2/2) | Ep 26 Vangilder, Larry D., and Eric W. Kurzejeski. "Population ecology of the

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45:42

From Poults to Super Jakes: A year inside the aviary...

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/02/23

As last year's poults mature into jakes and jennies, Marcus shares firsthand observations of how behavior, vocalizations, dominance, and personality change with age. Resources Longer the snood, bigger the brood | Ep 68 Snoods, feathers, and the Turkey Brotherhood | Ep 65 Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab Don't miss out on a chance to win a custom Benelli Super Black Eagle 3! This 28-gauge

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49:06

Extreme winter and the wild turkey | #171

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/02/16

In this episode, we explore the impacts of extreme cold weather on wild turkey populations. Resources: Acorn production post (DrDisturbance IG) Austin, D. E., & DeGraff, L. W. (1975). Winter survival of wild turkeys in the southern Adirondacks. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1975, 55-60. Brooke, J. M., et al. (2019). Effects of fertilization and crown release on white oak (Quercus alba) masting and acorn quality. Forest Ecology and Management, 433, 305-312. Gonnerman, M., et al. (2023)

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40:58

Factors influencing SD wild turkey populations | #170

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/02/09

Wild turkey biologist Reina Tyl joins us to unpack her comprehensive study assessing population growth of Easterns in South Dakota. Resources: Lashley, M. A., et al. (2025). Decreased female survival may explain wild turkey decline. bioRxiv, 2025-05. Tyl, R. M. (2019). Factors Influencing Survival, Productivity, and Population Growth of Eastern Wild Turkeys in Northeastern South Dakota. West Virginia University. Tyl, R. M., Rota, C. T., & Lehman, C. P. (2025). Factors influencing eastern

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51:23

Are turkeys eating quail? | #169

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/02/02

Is the cause of quail decline because turkeys are eating them? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Mark McConnell to bust this myth… Resources: Check out Dr. McConnell's Gamebird Podcast (Here)! Dr. Mark McConnell (Contact) MSU Gamebird Extension (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube) We got bug problems | Ep 73 (Watch Here) Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab We've launched our second online wild turkey

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38:46

Debunking the Drowning Poults | #168

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/01/26

Sometimes, the best stories are embellished but grounded in a little bit of truth… Join as we peel back the myth that poults drown when they look up at rainfall. Resources: Boone, W. W., et al. (2025). Effects of temperature and precipitation on wild turkey brood survival in the southeastern United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 49, e70003. Healy, W. M., & Nenno, E. S. (1985). Effect of weather on wild turkey poult survival. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 1985, 91-101. Roberts, S. D., &

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29:07

How often you burn matters more than when | #167

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/01/19

We discuss how repeated fire disturbance influences plant structure, fuel loads, and wildlife use, and why focusing on timing alone often misses the point. Resources: How does burning outside of the dormant season affect pine survival and growth? (Fire University Ep 15) Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab Coming Soon: Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History, & Heritage! Our newest online wild

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43:38

Are fire ants causing the turkey decline? | #166

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/01/12

We explore the myths surrounding fire ants and their negative impacts on nests, hens, and poults. Resources: Allen, C. R., et al. (2004). Red imported fire ant impacts on wildlife: a decade of research. The American Midland Naturalist, 152(1), 88-103. Brennan, L. A. (1993). Fire ants and northern bobwhites: a real problem or a red herring?. Wildlife Society Bulletin (1973-2006), 21(3), 351-355. Jones, J. C., Hodges, B. N., Tegt, J., & Butler, A. B. (2015). INVASIVE NON‐NATIVE SPECIES AND

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01:22:12

Does rain impact nest predation risk? | #165

Wild Turkey Science ·

2026/01/05

Does water on a hen make it more susceptible to predation? In this episode, we comb through the literature on olfactory camouflage, dissecting studies assessing correlations between nest survival, weather, and environmental conditions, and divulging into the complicated web of ecology dynamics. Strap on your science boots for this one, it's gonna be dense… Research papers referenced: Bakner, N. W., et al. (2019). Incubation recess behaviors influence nest survival of Wild Turkeys. Ecology and

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