Fins, Fur, and Feathers

This week's show discusses a question from a listener that reached out asking how adding fish to a pond can change the pond ecosystem. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the ecological roles of different fish in a pond, how the fish we use for each of these roles may vary in different geographical areas, and how amphibians and insects might respond to adding fish.

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

Bats play a vital role in our ecosystems, providing natural insect control and contributing to healthy environments. However, when bats enter homes, buildings, or other occupied structures, they can present unique challenges for wildlife managers, pest management professionals, and property owners. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss bat habitat, exposure, and exclusion.

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

Much like terrestrial landscapes, ponds and aquatic environments change over time. Management plans can help support and drive how many of the processes in the pond play out over time. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss changes that occur in a pond over time, how to identify if these changes are occurring, and what you can do to help manage your pond for long-term success.

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

Implementing a wildlife management plan is not cheap and the associated costs may be a barrier for many landowners to start improving their land for wildlife. Fortunately, there are a number of resources and financial assistance programs that can substantially reduce the technical and cost barriers that many landowners encounter. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss sources of technical assistance, cost-share programs, and the advantages of some of these programs that are available to landowners looking to improve wildlife habitat on their property in the Great Plains and beyond.

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

Fish kills can result in detrimental losses in ponds but dead fish are just part of the bigger story. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss how to identify a fish kill, common fish kill causes, and how to prevent fish kills 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

Mourning doves are a popular migratory game bird to hunt in Kansas and many other states in the U.S. Kansas alone accounts for about 630,000 harvested mourning doves per year. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss population trends, diet, habitat, and hunting of doves.

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

With information more accessible than ever, it can be hard to know what's actually good advice for your pond. In this episode, Joe and Drew talk through common sources of misinformation, examples of good spirited bad advice, and how to determine if the guidance you hear is worth listening to.

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

Raccoons are smart, adaptable omnivores that can be challenging to manage, because they are very resourceful. Drew and Joe share some insights into solving common problems with raccoons. Drew also shares some valuable insight into the kinds of traps that work best based on location, and why relocating raccoons isn't best for them.

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

Catfish are among the most popular fish to catch in the Great Plains. Kansas is home to 12 species of catfish including small madtoms and record setting Flathead Catfish. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss catfish diets, habitats, and much more.

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

Many diseases can be transmitted from wildlife to humans, and one in particular has been making headlines recently. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss what Hantavirus is, how it is transmitted, the wildlife species most commonly associated with it, the habitats where exposure is most likely to occur, and how to avoid infection.

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