This week, we’re joined by Rachel Crume, KDFWR’s R3 Program Coordinator, and Megan Bagby from the R3 Branch. We kick things off with early season deer hunting strategies, and Rachel—who’s also an experienced deer tracker—shares valuable post-shot advice every hunter can use this fall.

From there, we dive into the work of the R3 Branch (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation), highlighting how they help get people outdoors and involved in hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. Programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops and Hunter Education courses are just a couple of examples we cover.

We round things out with some fishing talk and a few fun side topics along the way.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tommy Apostolopoulos, Wildlife Biologist with the KDFWR Deer Program, to talk all things early season deer hunting in Kentucky.

With archery and crossbow seasons just around the corner, Tommy breaks down what hunters can expect this year—from whitetail behavior in the early season to tactics for success when temps are high and patterns are still predictable.

We also cover:

🦌 New regulations for 2025, including expanded opportunities with new and lengthened seasons

📍 Public land hot-spots to consider for your next hunt

🔬 What hunters need to know about CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) surveillance this fall

📚 Tips on staying informed and legal afield

Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or heading into the woods for the first time, this is a must-listen as we kick off the 2025–26 deer season.

We sat down with KDFWR R3 Coordinator Rachel Crume to talk about the importance of recruiting, retaining, and reactivating outdoor enthusiasts—for the future of conservation in Kentucky. From Learn to Hunt and Fish classes to Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops and Annie Oakley Range Days, there are more ways than ever to get involved. Plus, we dive into some of our own hunting and fishing experiences, and learn a bit about big-game tracking from an expert in the field!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re talking wild pigs and wild water! Biologist Terri Brunjes from KDFWR’s wild pig program joins us to break down the damage feral swine cause in Kentucky—and what’s being done to root them out. We also swap stories about kayaking and whitewater paddling, a shared passion among those on the show. Tune in for a fun and informative ride from the backwoods to the backwaters, and remember to report wild pigs or wild pig sign if you see it!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jay Herrala, a biologist who specializes in moving-water fisheries for the KDFWR. It's the best time of the year to stream fish in Kentucky, so we're definitely talking about opportunities. Additionally, we've had some unique rainfall in the state this year, so we'll pick Jay's brain on the affects of flooding on the fisheries. Then, of course, it's Derby week... So we'll get Lee's thoughts on the big race in before the podcast ends!

Ahead of the Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing we're all excited at the thought of elk hunting in the Commonwealth! So we asked Dr. John Hast, KDFWR Bear and Elk Program Coordinator, to join us for an episode... We discuss elk hunting in the state over the years and what it's like now, what the odds of being drawn are, how the process works, tell a few stories, and much more.

The deadline to enter for the drawing is April 30, so be sure to click over to FW.KY.GOV and visit "My Profile" if you'd like a chance at getting drawn!

Jeff Crosby, KDFWR Fisheries Biologist, joins us for this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! We'll dive into some of the most aggressive biting and hard fighting fish that the state has to offer, and explore the hybrid species in-depth. Why do they make hybrids? What's the advantage? Do they truly fight harder? We'll answer those questions and many more on this episode of the podcast!

Jeff Crosby, KDFWR Fisheries Biologist, joins us for this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! We'll dive into some of the most aggressive biting and hard fighting fish that the state has to offer, and explore the hybrid species in-depth. Why do they make hybrids? What's the advantage? Do they truly fight harder? We'll answer those questions and many more on this episode of the podcast!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Zak has some exciting news to share as turkey season is on the horizon, both for this year's hunt, and for the next several years to come... Find out why things might be looking up for the turkey population and turkey hunters of the state, as well as what biologist are doing in the field at this very moment!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Dave Baker, a fisheries biologist with The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Dave is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to both fish and fishing, as he's not only a professional in the field, but also an excellent angler as well... Here we're talking about all the exciting spring fishing opportunities that are on the horizon, including: White Bass, Crappie, Sauger, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Catfish! Get your rods and reels ready... It's just about time to go fishing!