Wildlife Investments

Why can't you grow big bucks on your property? High grading might be the problem and you may not even know you're doing it! Selective buck harvesting is necessary when managing for age structure and trophy potential, but it opens the door to high-grading. Dr. Bronson Strickland, Bonner Powell, and Moriah Boggess explain why antler-based harvest rules often backfire. Thankfully, they also give some simple strategies to minimize high-grading while pursuing a blend of hunter satisfaction and trophy management goals for your property.

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The opener of gun season no doubt alters deer movement, but does it make deer movement nocturnal? This is a common claim among hunters and there is certainly a lot of anecdotal evidence reported from the deer woods on the subject, but what does science say? Dr. Marcus Lashley, Dr. Bronson Strickland, and Moriah Boggess discuss a research project that measured deer activity in Mississippi before and during rifle season. The results might surprise you, but there is much to be learned and applied from this study.

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We're joined by Dr. Marcus Lashley today for a discussion on density dependence in deer populations, and more interestingly, when populations break from this typical relationship. We also spend time discussing challenges of habitat management in the lower coastal plain and how seeds get moved into freshly thinned, burned, or disturbed habitat units.

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You may have never considered how psychology might be intrinsically linked to deer management, but it is. On this podcast Bronson and Moriah discuss a psychological phenomenon called the Dunning-Kruger Effect, and specifically how this psychological bias affects all of us. From taxes, car repair, and highway driving to fine-scale deer movement, the guys discuss how they consider this bias in deer management and life.

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Herbicides are becoming an increasingly contentious subject in the habitat and food plot management world. There are many valid concerns surrounding their use, but do these concerns outweigh their value? Bronson and Moriah are joined by Luke Resop of the MSU Deer Lab to tackle this topic and discuss how they approach the herbicide issue when managing habitat for game species.

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Join the guys and Dr. Will Gulsby for a fast paced discussion on various turkey management topics. Key topics include determining ideal management unit sizes, quantifying population responses to habitat work, establishing sustainable harvest rates for your property, and more.

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In habitat management we talk a lot about the benefit of forest thinning on forage and cover production, but how do you accomplish this while not hindering future timber value? The short answer, is that context is important and there are always tradeoffs to consider. On this episode we're joined by Jonathon Stoll, our professional forester, to discuss the pitfalls of aggressive thinning and what you should consider when deciding between a moderate and aggressive first or second thin in loblolly pine.

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Looking for real-world strategies to improve wild turkey habitat on your property?  Then this episode of Wildlife Investments is for you, because Will and Marcus join the podcast to share proven turkey management success stories and give you encouragement to make improvements on your property. They share anecdotes, observations, and some laughs while discussing stories of properties they've helped improve.

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If you're wondering how to tweak management on your property for better quality turkey habitat, look no further. Drs Marcus Lashley and Will Gulsby talk with Moriah about the most common issues they see on properties and how a few simple tweaks can greatly move the needle for turkey management. From prescribed fire to food plots, brooding plots, and more, the guys discuss some clear achievable improvements you can make on your property to create better turkey hunting.

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Most recreational properties in the southeast are covered with food plots. Do these food plots add habitat value for quail, or do they just get in the way? Bronson, Moriah, and Dr. Mark McConnell discuss food plots and their value to quail at length, giving you insight into how you can improve food plot value for bobwhite.

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