Advertise on podcast: Fins, Fur, and Feathers

Crappie fishing is one of the first signs that spring has arrived for many pond owners. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss different types of crappie, why we fish for them earlier than other fish species, and things to consider when deciding if crappie are a good fit for stocking in your pond.  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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife 

Feral swine cause billions of dollars in damage to agriculture annually in the United States, and their population numbers can grow extremely quickly.  Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the origins, characteristics, and control of feral swine in the U.S. 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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSREWildlife

Many stakeholders use fire to manage their rangeland, but it can also be part of a complete management plan for ponds and waterways. On this episode, Joe and Drew share some insight into the ways that prescribed burning can help foster a healthy pond ecosystem and things to watch out for for any upcoming burns. 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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

Fire is an important tool for rangeland and wildlife habitat management, but how does burning large brush piles impact native wildlife? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the effects of burning brush piles on landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife, and characteristics of brush piles that can affect their cover value for different species. 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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

Kansas is estimated to have 100,000 – 200,000 ponds, and many of these play an important role in supporting livestock operations. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common risks associated with livestock in ponds, practical strategies for reducing these risks, and steps you can take to maximize the functionality and enjoyment of your livestock ponds. 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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife

Episode 61 - Social Media False information on social media isn't new, but the use of AI generated images can cause it to be more convincing. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss misinformation about wildlife on social media, how to spot it, and reputable sources where you can locate accurate information. 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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

Freshwater mussels are important animals in a healthy aquatic ecosystem but they are facing widespread declines in Kansas and throughout their native ranges. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss freshwater mussel life history characteristics, how humans have used them in the past, and steps you can take to help ensure they persist for future generations.  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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

Rabies is an ancient, frightening, and deadly disease that humans are exposed to by wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss recent incidents involving rabies that have made news headlines, wildlife reservoirs for rabies in the US, how to limit our exposure to wildlife that might carry rabies, and what to do if you may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal.   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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

Having a pond is a great way to increase the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of your property. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss key considerations for constructing a pond, proper techniques for building a pond to ensure it holds water, and methods for addressing issues with a pond's design or construction.   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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

Episode 57 - Deer Damage Deer have many benefits to ecosystems and society, but they can also be a cause of human-wildlife conflict. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the impact deer can have on agricultural production, property, the spread of disease, and humans.  Learn more about deer resistant ornamental plants at: https://extension.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants  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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife

AI generated wildlife videos are common on the internet and it can be hard to distinguish what is real and what isn't. For this episode, Drew and Joe are joined by Danny to discuss the kinds of AI generated videos that frequently feature wildlife, the ways artificially generated videos can alter expectations of real-world interactions with wildlife, and some ways to identify AI generated content online. 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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

Waterfowl and other birds often migrate long distances to optimize habitats for feeding and meeting. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what triggers migration, how far species travel, and the cost and benefits associated with these long distance movements. 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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife

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 specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

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 Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife   

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 about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html   Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife