Wild Turkey Science

What's eating your turkeys | #188

15 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're bringing back our episode where we dig into what the scientific literature actually says about what eats turkeys at every life stage.   Resourc...

Burning During Nesting: What the research says | #187

08 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're bringing back our episode with Dr. Chris Moorman on the use of prescribed fire during the nesting season.    Resources: Kilburg, Eric L., et...

Trap the pigs, folks | #186

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Feral pigs are bad news for wild turkeys – but how bad, and what should you actually do about it? In this episode, we break down the latest research...

Blackberries buffer coyote predation | #185

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We break down a 2026 coyote diet study to reveal how blackberry availability actually buffers fawns from predation, and what that means for how you sh...

How science has shaped the way we hunt | #184

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how years of turkey research has directly influenced the way that we hunt.    Resources: Fist Full of Dirt: Dr. Distu...

The Trumpet Strikes Again | #183

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gear up for another storytime episode as we swap late-season turkey hunting chronicles in this one.   Resources: Turkey Calling Tutorial: Master th...

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

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into new research findings on the prevalence and biological impact of REV and LPDV in wild turkeys.    Resources: Adcock,...

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

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss practical strategies for hunting and managing turkeys.    Resources: Can Jakes Breed? #181 Population Dynamics, Man...

Can Jakes Breed? | #180

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Hunting Stories - Spring 2026 edition | #179

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we recap our season and swap turkey hunting highlights.  WATCH this episode here: https://youtu.be/YUG2gIZc9yQ   Our lab is primari...

Next steps in NWTF support of turkey research | #178

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 futur...

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

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Westervelt Lodge | #176

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We deep dive into the history and legacy of the Westervelt Company and its iconic hunting school with Kevin McKinstry, Recreation Director for Westerv...

Are predators really the problem? | #175

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Has nesting success changed over time? | #174

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Mid-Atlantic Turkey Research Collaborative | #173

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pennsylvania state turkey biologist Reina Tyl rejoins us to share updates on the long-term, multi-state Mid-Atlantic Turkey Research Collaborative to ...

From Poults to Super Jakes: A year inside the aviary | #172

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As last year's poults mature into jakes and jennies, Marcus shares firsthand observations of how behavior, vocalizations, dominance, and personality c...

Extreme winter and the wild turkey | #171

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the impacts of extreme cold weather on wild turkey populations.    Resources:   Acorn production post (DrDisturbance IG...

Factors influencing SD wild turkey populations | #170

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Wild turkey biologist Reina Tyl joins us to unpack her comprehensive study assessing population growth of Easterns in South Dakota.    Resources:  ...

Are turkeys eating quail? | #169

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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:   Ch...

Debunking the Drowning Poults | #168

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How often you burn matters more than when | #167

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss how repeated fire disturbance influences plant structure, fuel loads, and wildlife use, and why focusing on timing alone often misses the p...

Are fire ants causing the turkey decline? | #166

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We explore the myths surrounding fire ants and their negative impacts on nests, hens, and poults.   Resources:   Allen, C. R., et al. (2004). Red im...

Does rain impact nest predation risk? | #165

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Does water on a hen make it more susceptible to predation? In this episode, we comb through the literature on olfactory camouflage, dissecting studies...

Wild Turkey Symposium Takeaways | #164

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we review papers that stood out to each of us from the 2025 Wild Turkey Symposium.   Resources:   Collier, B. A., & Chamberlain, M...

Wisconsin Turkeys : A success story | #163

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wisconsin gamebird ecologist Taylor Finger joins us to breakdown the status of turkeys in the state. Join as he shares details on how Wisconsin has ac...

Turkeys and Grouse | #162

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Ben Jones, CEO of RGS & AWS, joins us to explore how active forest stewardship - from prescribed fire to targeted timber harvests and new wood mar...

Why to Science | #161

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Strap in for a philosophical episode as we sit with Dr. Dwayne Elmore and explore the complex nature of critically evaluating information in an age of...

NEW Online Wild Turkey Training | #160

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've launched our SECOND online training course focused on wild turkey biology, history, and heritage! Be the first to know when our new course launc...

AL results on LPDV in wild turkeys | #159

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We dive into Will's recent research assessing the effects and prevalence of Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) in wild turkeys in Alabama.   Re...

Landscape level habitat corridor sustains turkeys | #158

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss our recent paper quantifying turkey abundance, highlighting the Florida Wildlife Corridor and exploring how this project p...

Restoring the functionally extinct American Chestnut | #157

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're bringing back our episode exploring the American chestnut's history, ecological importance, challenges faced due to habitat change and disease, ...

Scale of management for wild turkeys | #156

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how management scale and arrangement influence turkey behavior and productivity.    Resources: Chitwood, M. C., et al. ...

Managing old fields for turkey | #155

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we walk you through the steps on managing your fallow fields for turkey and deer. We cover the plants we're after and those we want t...

Managing turkeys on steep terrain | #154

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Craig Harper returns to share insights on how sloped topography affects plant communities, wild turkey use, and management strategies for both tur...

Decreases in hen survival may explain declines | #153

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we reveal results from our latest research analyzing the role of hen survival in turkey population dynamics.   Our lab is primarily ...

Why predator bounties don't work | #152

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Will leads us through the available research on the effectiveness of predator bounty programs.   Our lab is primarily funded by...

We asked AI why turkeys are declining | #151

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join as we explore and critique ChatGPT's answers to why wild turkeys are declining. Submit your prompt to [email protected]!    Our lab ...

Managing deer for turkeys | #150

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the overlaps and tradeoffs between managing your property for both deer and turkey.    Our lab is primarily funded by do...

Planting trees for turkeys | #149

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've brought back our episode with Dudley Phelps, Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries plant expert and co-host of the Gamekeeper Podcast, to learn about his go...

Turning sunlight into gobblers | #148

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Forester and wildlife biologist Jordan Nanney continues the conversation on hardwood timber sale evaluation. He breaks down the first steps landowners...

Evaluating hardwood timber sales | #147

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by forester and wildlife biologist Jordan Nanney for an overview of hardwood timber markets and a breakdown of how landowners can sell t...

Designing your turkey property | #146

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're bringing back a popular episode where we boiled down the key areas of focus for improving turkey habitat and connectivity on your property.  Ou...

How to start: Step by step to managing pine timber | #145

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by forest manager Michael Heatherly who walks us through the steps landowners should take when managing pine timber on ...

You should be doing this for turkeys | #144

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss what you should be thinking about and implementing on your property for turkeys right now.    WATCH this episode here! ...

All about firebreaks | #143

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the importance of firebreaks for turkey hunting and habitat management, exploring the various types of firebreaks, their strategic uses, an...

Progress on property management | #142

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss progress that we're seeing on private lands management.  WATCH this episode here! Resources:  Fundraising Banquet (to e...

Which plants for brooding cover? | #141

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're bringing back our episode on indicator plants for evaluating successful brood field management.  WATCH this episode here! Resources: iNatural...

Creating Wild Turkey Manager: Advanced Habitat | #140

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Zach Steele and Dorothy Dick, key creators for our online wild turkey training, join us to discuss the production of the course. Join as they shar...

Wild Turkey Manager (Online Course)

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wild Turkey Manager: Advanced Habitat features experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management fo...

Habitat management IS predator management | #139

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're bringing back our episode discussing the multifaceted effects of fire on wild turkey survival and how a new approach could knock off two objecti...

The dominant poult | #138

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's conversation offers a unique window into the intricate world of poults. We are joined by Eva Noroski, Field Coordinator for the UF Game Lab, a...

Managing nesting & brooding cover | #137

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're bringing back Dr. Craig Harper's step-by-step guide on how to create quality brooding and nesting cover on your property.  Resources: Gruchy, ...

Recruitment is down, decoys are up | #136

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we review trending data across hunter age, hunter recruitment, decoy use, and reaping as Dr. Zach Steele, Post-doctoral associate and...

It's not just turkeys | #135

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the findings of a recent state of the bird report, highlighting the interconnectedness and decline of species across ecosy...

Illumination in the Flatwoods (Lashley edition) | #134

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Marcus shares insights from his personal experience being imprinted upon by a brood of turkey poults. Join as he shares details of th...

Fire, predators, & nesting success…oh my! | #133

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we walk through Will's new publication researching the effects of prescribed fire on artificial wild turkey nest survival. Join as we...

Status of Rios, Merriam's, & Easterns in OK | #132

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking turkeys in Oklahoma with Marcus Thibodeau and Eric Suttles, wild turkey biologists for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conserv...

A poult's life | #131

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kelly O'Neil breaks down details of our latest research project focused on poult behavior and development. Join as she walks us step-by-step throu...

Online Wild Turkey Training | #130

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've launched a comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and popu...

FL Wild Turkey Cost-Share program | #129

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we are covering the Florida Wild Turkey Cost-Share program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Forest Service, and National Wild Turkey ...

How many gobblers should I hear? | #128

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us by the campfire as we swap hunting stories from this year's season - discussing hunting strategy, gear reliability, density index for gobbling...

Decoy use in turkey hunting | #127

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the controversies and complexities of decoy use while turkey hunting. Join as we discuss the biological implications of ...

Status of wild turkeys and research in NC | #126

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over 700 birds studied, 400 nesting attempts monitored, 100 broods followed, and in collaboration with over 250 landowners…all on private lands?!  ...

Home ranges of gobblers | #125

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How much area are these gobblers using? What does the literature say? Join us as we dive into the published science on home ranges for each subspecies...

What would Lovett do? | #124

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welp, he would sit in the blind for hours on end next to a nesting hen to collect intricate details about her every move and behavior. Listen in as we...

Where do turkeys roost? | #123

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will leads us on another deep dive, this time focused on roosting behavior. Join as we journey through the available literature on roost site habitat ...

How habitat helps turkeys: we did the math | #122

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will walks us through a thought experiment, pulling from his Wild Turkey Management Academy presentation, to portray the magnitude effect that quality...

What does nesting cover look like? | #121

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Strap in for another research review as we dive into scientific studies assessing characteristics of effective nesting sites. We discuss the critical ...

Fire timing and turkeys ft. Dr. Craig Harper | #120

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Craig Harper re-joins the podcast to share preliminary results from his on-going research comparing dormant, early-, mid-, and late-growing season...

Citizen science for turkeys | #119

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Corey Callaghan, Assistant Professor of Wild Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, joins us to discuss the dynamics of citizen sc...

Status of the wild turkey in MD | #118

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bob Long, Wild Turkey and Upland Game Bird Project Manager for the Maryland DNR, joins us to share insights on the state's turkey populations, histori...

Status of the wild turkey in GA | #117

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Rushton, Turkey Program Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, joins us to discuss the current status of turkey population...

Are you a turkey advocate? | #116

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the importance of turkey advocacy and conservation efforts within the hunting community. Join as we explore the various ac...

Lighting the spark: Everything you need to know to start burning | #115

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ne...

Listener questions | #114

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer your questions. Join as we discuss the ecological impacts of hurricanes on turkeys survival rates and nesting success, idea...

Reflections & Ambitions: Big ideas for turkey science | #113

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Managing for gobbling habitat | #112

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We continue the gobbling activity conversation as Will walks us through the available research on the complex dynamics between habitat management, gob...

Where my gobbles at? | #111

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Grab a notepad and pen, because today we're diving into the complex factors influencing gobbling activity. In this Part 1 segment, Will walks us throu...

Population Ecology for Dummies | #110

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Colter Chitwood is back on to break down the unique population dynamics of the wild turkey. Join as we explore which vital rates are significant t...

Remembering the passenger pigeon | #109

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

By popular demand, we sit down to explore the significance and functional role of the passenger pigeon. Join as we dive into the available literature ...

Turkeys in Kentucky | #108

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by Zak Danks, Wild Turkey & Ruffed Grouse Program Coordinator for the state of Kentucky, to discuss the state's wild turkey status. Join...

If you own land, cost shares are available to you | #107

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are joined by Nick Thomas and Weston Thompson from Steward Link, a consultation company focused on helping landowners gain access to USDA con...

The American Chestnut: Restoring ecological function | #106

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the ecological significance of the American chestnut tree with Sara Fitzsimmons, Chief Conservation Officer for The Ame...

Are pigs eating all the acorns? | #105

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we review the available research on wild pig competition for acorns and their impact on competing wildlife species. We discuss the co...

Turkeys in the Midwest | #104

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You asked and we listened. In this episode, we are joined by Luke Garver, Wild Turkey Project Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources...

Best acorns for wildlife | #103

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the available literature on wildlife preferences for acorns. We review the dietary composition of turkeys, factors influ...

Herbicides | #102

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will leads us on a detailed dive into the intricacies of herbicide management. Join as we delve into the uses and applications of selective herbicides...

Oak masting research | #101

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus walks us through his comprehensive oak study quantifying seasonal oak masting patterns and wildlife response. Join as he breaks down the method...

100th Episode Special | #100

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For our 100th episode, we review (and react to) some memorable moments recorded throughout the last few years. Thank you for being a part of this jour...

Oak Biology 101 | #99

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For the first episode in our Oaktober mini-series, we discuss the general biology of oaks. Listen as we breakdown the definition of mast seeding, the ...

We gotcha, YouTube | #98

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our producer Charlotte drops by to read us some questions and comments from our YouTube audience. Be sure to leave us a comment on this episode's YouT...

How pig removal affects turkeys | #97

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt McDonough, PhD student at Auburn University, walks us through his master's project assessing how wild pig densities impact turkeys and their poul...

A deep dive into coyotes | #96

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the literature on coyotes and explore the impacts of their interactions with turkeys. Join as we delve into the sci...

Tree plantings for turkeys | #95

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dudley Phelps, Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries plant expert and co-host of the Gamekeeper Podcast, joins us to dish out details on tree plantings for turkey...

Food plotting for turkey & deer | #94

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Will takes us on a deep dive of best recipes and recommendations when food plotting for both deer and turkey. Landowners won't want t...

Help us help you | #93

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss upcoming episodes on the horizon, including how cattle grazing affects turkey management, food plotting for turkeys, how m...

Want to join the team?

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want to join the team? We are recruiting a videographer to focus on developing video content to help wild turkeys.  Apply here!

Our thoughts and research to come | #92

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we begin with a more philosophical discussion evaluating outcomes rather than techniques in turkey management. Then, we jump into det...

Your burning questions | #91

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we respond to audience questions around fire management for turkeys. We discuss the importance of timing diversification, dive into g...