PODCAST

Fins, Fur, and Feathers

Fins, Fur, and Feathers provides science-based solutions to real-world problems faced by producers, land managers, recreational landowners, and others who are dealing with wildlife or water-related problems or for those wanting to produce more fish and wildlife from their land.

science natural sciences

All Episodes

45:20

After the Harvest

Fins, Fur, and Feathers ·

2025/11/04

While a hunt may end with the release of an arrow or pulling the trigger, what a hunter does next has important legal, food safety, and food quality implications. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss important considerations for tagging and proof-of-sex requirements, care and handling of harvested game to minimize disease transmission, zoonotic diseases to be aware of, and how to handle harvested game to maximize the quality of the meat we harvest. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension

Frogs, Salamanders, and Water Quality

Fins, Fur, and Feathers ·

2025/10/21

Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders are common critters often seen in the Midwest near ponds, creeks, and rivers. These animals are often indicators of water quality conditions. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common amphibians of the Great Plains, why many of these populations are declining, and steps you can take to help ensure frogs are calling and salamanders are crawling in your aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the

39:49

Food Plots or Hunting Plots?

Fins, Fur, and Feathers ·

2025/10/07

Food plots can be a beneficial tool for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, but do they serve the same purpose throughout the geographic range of white-tailed deer in the United States? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the uses of food plots, tips on what to plant, and when they are most productive in the Great Plains. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more

22:57

Aeration in Ponds

Fins, Fur, and Feathers ·

2025/09/24

Pond owners and managers often add aeration to their ponds to increase the ecological health of the pond, but do they actually work and should you add them to your pond? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why aeration might be needed, benefits of pond aeration, and tips on how to properly manage pond aeration systems. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more

40:46

Voles

Fins, Fur, and Feathers ·

2025/09/16

Voles are common herbivorous rodents that can become very abundant when their food and cover are plentiful. They typically go unnoticed , but sometimes cause damage to turf grass, plants in vegetable gardens and flower beds, as well as trees in orchards and grape vines. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss vole biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control options for preventing or dealing with vole damage. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension

Voles | Fins, Fur, and Feathers Episode 50

Fins, Fur, and Feathers ·

2025/09/09