In this episode, James and Mark are joined by Adam Butler, Director of Conservation Development and former Wild Turkey Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Together, they explore the complexities of turkey population dynamics and the science behind setting hunting regulations in Mississippi. The conversation covers the historical context of turkey populations, the importance of research-driven management, and findings from a recent experiment examining how season timing affects breeding and population trends. They dive into key topics such as hen survival, harvest pressure, breeding strategies, and the challenges of population modeling. This episode underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between MDWFP and Mississippi State University, and the need for both state-level strategy and on-the-ground management. Public support and education emerge as vital components of successful conservation. 

In this episode, Dr. Heath Hagy rejoins James and Brian for an insightful discussion on the complexities of managing duck habitat, with a particular focus on the role of sanctuaries. Together, they delve into what defines a sanctuary, its historical development, and the challenges of measuring its effectiveness.

The conversation explores the critical role private lands play in supporting ducks, how duck behavior and movements influence management strategies, and the ongoing need for research to address these dynamic relationships. Dr. Hagy and the hosts emphasize the intent of balancing hunting opportunities with sanctuary availability to sustain waterfowl use and benefit their survival. They also highlight the need for collaboration among researchers, agencies, and private landowners to ensure effective conservation efforts.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the science and strategy behind sanctuary management and its impact on waterfowl conservation