Episodes

  • Trapping Furbearers
    May 19 2026

    Trapping wildlife is a practice that dates back to ancient history, and remains a particularly important tool for harvesting furbearing mammals. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss modern trapping techniques, reasons to trap, and development of the Best Management Practices for Trapping Furbearers in the United States

    Learn more about the importance of trapping in the management of furbearers and the Best Management Practices here: https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-inspires/furbearer-management

    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

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    34 mins
  • Graduate School Insights with Guest Grace Lansdell
    May 5 2026

    Research is an important source of scientific information and graduate students are often tasked with collecting data to help answer these questions. On this week's episode, Grace Lansdell, a graduate student in Dr. Gerken's lab, joins Joe and Drew as a guest commentator to discuss fish farms, bird predation, and the luxurious life of a graduate student.

    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

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    30 mins
  • Crappie In Ponds
    Apr 21 2026

    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

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    27 mins
  • Feral Swine
    Apr 7 2026

    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

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    27 mins
  • Ponds and Fire
    Mar 24 2026

    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

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    32 mins
  • Brush Piles
    Mar 10 2026

    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

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    37 mins
  • Livestock Ponds
    Feb 24 2026

    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

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    33 mins
  • Social Media and Wildlife
    Feb 10 2026

    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

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    45 mins