Deer University podcasts are all about deer biology and management. Drs. Bronson Strickland and Steve Demarais are both deer hunters, deer biologists, professors of wildlife management, and co-directors of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab. Steve and Bronson are so crazy about deer biology and management that they made it their career! Our goal is to explain how you can use deer research to improve your hunting and management experiences. Don't take for granted what your buddy says o ...
…
continue reading
Center For Wildlife Information Podcasts
Do you work at an animal sanctuary or rescue? Is it your dream to start one? Join the staff of The Open Sanctuary Project as we have accessible conversations about some of the many important topics affecting sanctuaries and compassionate animal care, including species-specific guidance and sanctuary logistics, staff and volunteer support, governance considerations, fundraising and budgeting, public outreach, and effective humane education strategies! For more information and to access our ex ...
…
continue reading
Learn what bear pepper spray is and how to use it effectively to deter a bear attack
…
continue reading
Jacob and Eric sit down with MSU Assistant Research Professor Dr. Melanie Boudrou to discuss the results of a recent project that used GPS collars to study deer-pig interactions. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to…
…
continue reading
1
59 - The Open Sanctuary Project's 2025 Year In Review
31:28
31:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:28Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia celebrate our eight years of operation by discussing the year in review at The Open Sanctuary Project. We know that our audience of compassionate caregivers are often caught up in the day-to-day work of direct care for animals, so this is your chance to catch up with what's new this year in…
…
continue reading
Jacob and Eric catch up to discuss the rut. They cover everything from what triggers the rut to phases of the rut, changes in buck behavior, and hunting strategies. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the semi…
…
continue reading
1
58 - Turkeys Part 2: Welcoming A New Turkey Resident To Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue
37:13
37:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:13Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Senior Advisor Tara talk more about turkeys! Building on our last discussion of how turkeys got here and how domestication has impacted them, we talk about the considerations sanctuaries and rescues should keep in mind when welcoming a new turkey resident to ensure all their needs are met! --- This Episode's Reference…
…
continue reading
1
57 - Agency-Centered Animal Sanctuary Education Webinar With Dr. Emily Tronetti
58:16
58:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:16Community Education Specialist Andie and Dr. Emily Tronetti of the Institute for Human Education led a special presentation on October 22nd, 2025 on how to nurture farmed animal agency and consent in sanctuary education. This is the audio recording of that presentation. --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Webinar: Agency…
…
continue reading
1
56 - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Three
21:21
21:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:21Community Education Specialist Andie and Dr. Emily Tronetti of the Institute for Human Education discuss agency-centered sanctuary education and its connection to off-site programming. Andie and Emily explore the crucial considerations sanctuaries should make before planning and facilitating any off-site educational program with residents. They als…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 090 - Arkansas Chronic Wasting Disease Deer Study
1:38:08
1:38:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:38:08Jacob and Eric sit down with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Research Division Chief, Cory Gray and Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dr. Marcelo Jorge to discuss the results of their 5-year project evaluating the effects of CWD in Arkansas. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources opt…
…
continue reading
1
55 - Introduction To Turkeys For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue, Part 1
25:37
25:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:37Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Senior Advisor Tara talk turkeys! In the first part of our Turkey series, we discuss how domesticated turkeys got here and how that influences their care, as well as many of the considerations that you need to take into account when welcoming a new turkey resident to your sanctuary or rescue! --- This Episode's Refere…
…
continue reading
1
54 - When Your Sanctuary Is Contacted To Help Wildlife
26:47
26:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:47Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Community Education Specialist Andie talk about how you might encounter requests outside of the scope of your mission or your capacity generally, and in particular when those requests concern wild living animals. We offer a framework where you can say no, while still offering support, and also what to do when you feel…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 089 - Cool-season Food Plots Part 2
1:13:22
1:13:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:22We're back with Part 2 of discussing cool-season food plots. Hosts Jacob and Eric catch up with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop to talk about seed mixes and weed management. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an accoun…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 088 - Cool-season Food Plots Part 1
1:08:31
1:08:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:31In this episode, hosts Jacob and Eric discuss cool-season food plots with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop. They cover key topics such as food plot placement, soil testing, and seed-bed preparation in part 1 of this 2-part series. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Cate…
…
continue reading
1
53 - Coexisting With Wildlife At Your Animal Sanctuary
22:29
22:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:29Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Community Education Specialist Andie discuss the importance of peaceful and compassionate coexistence with wildlife. Whether it's through careful environmental management, robust predator protection for residents, stringent biosecurity protocols, or engaging educational programs, animal sanctuaries can be at the foref…
…
continue reading
In this episode, hosts Jacob and Eric dive into the challenges of the late summer stress period for deer. They explore key topics, including the declining nutritional quality of plants, the demands of antler growth, late gestation, and lactation. They also share insights on how strategic habitat management and food plots can help alleviate the summ…
…
continue reading
1
52 - An Introduction To Pigeons For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue
25:37
25:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:37Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia dedicate an episode to a specific bird type: Pigeons! Pigeons may not be the first animals you think of when it comes to sanctuary, but they are very special individuals who, for many reasons, may find themselves in need of sanctuary, and they deserve individualized, compassionate care. We …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 086 – Taking the Reins and New World Screwworm
55:41
55:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:41In this episode, the new co-directors of the MSU Deer Lab, Drs. Jacob Dykes and Eric Michel, share their plans for the deer lab and their vision for research and outreach. They discuss hosting in-person events and the construction of the new captive deer facility and outreach building at Mississippi State University. The discussion then shifts to a…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Bronson and Steve introduce the new Co-Directors of the MSU Deer Lab. Dr. Eric Michel succeeds Steve and now serves as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction. Replacing Bronson is Dr. Jacob Dykes, the new Coordinator of the St. John Family Endowed Professorship of Wildli…
…
continue reading
1
51 - How We Update OSP, Plus Major Updates To Our Sanctuary Capacity Resource!
24:23
24:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:23Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss what it means to us when we say that The Open Sanctuary Project is a living library. We talk about how and why we perform regular resource updates to address community feedback, integrate new developments in compassionate care and organizational strategies, and more. We also discuss…
…
continue reading
1
50 - Intro To Sanctuary Sustainability: The Elements Of Organizational Resilience
24:21
24:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:21In the 50th episode of The Open Sanctuary Podcast, Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss a memorable and actionable definition of sanctuary sustainability and break down its elements. We discuss assessing your current capacity needs and limitations, planning to address them in both the near and distant future, and, cruc…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 084 - Steve's Dispersal Event
1:18:30
1:18:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:30In this bittersweet episode Bronson visits with Steve as he reflects on his retirement from the MSU Deer Lab after a long and impactful career in wildlife management. Steve discusses some of the research that he considered very important in his career that impacted resource management. He reviews his research on forest management, prescribed fire, …
…
continue reading
1
49 - Contingency Planning Basics For Your Animal Organization
19:39
19:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:39Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss contingency planning! We discuss the common challenges individuals face when it comes to contingency planning, as well as the various types of events that your organization should prepare for, including organizational challenges, operational challenges, and resident challenges. We o…
…
continue reading
1
48 - Succession Planning For Animal Sanctuaries, Part 3
22:23
22:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:23Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia conclude their three-part discussion of succession planning! In this episode, we discuss succession planning for executive directors and other key roles at your sanctuary, contingency planning, as well as the importance of day-to-day resident and organizational recordkeeping! --- This Episo…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 083 - When You Can't Hunt: Fertility Control as a Deer Management Tool
1:10:09
1:10:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:09In this episode, Stephanie Boyles-Griffin, Jessica Tegt, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the complexities of urban deer management, exploring the challenges posed by growing deer populations in urban areas. While recreational hunting remains the most effective and practical tool for population control in most settings, an increasing …
…
continue reading
1
47 - Succession Planning For Animal Sanctuaries, Part 2
16:17
16:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:17Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia continue their discussion of succession planning! In our last episode on this subject, we discussed some of the challenges and emotions that can come up regarding succession planning. In this episode, we list some practical steps founders can take to work on a succession plan with their tea…
…
continue reading
1
46 - Succession Planning For Animal Sanctuaries, Part 1
23:19
23:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:19Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia embark on the first part of an episode series addressing the question of succession in animal sanctuaries and rescues. We discuss some of the challenges (including the emotional ones) that folks may face when considering succession planning. If you have also encountered these feelings, list…
…
continue reading
Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Community Education Specialist Andie discuss animal sanctuaries' role as advocates. From a movement standpoint, sanctuaries are essential vectors of change when it comes to society's view of animals. In terms of education and even legal advocacy, sanctuaries do a great deal to change hearts and minds while supporting …
…
continue reading
1
44 - Introducing Our New Animal Database System With Kyle Behrend
26:58
26:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:58Executive Director Mckenzee and our friend and volunteer Kyle Behrend discuss The Open Sanctuary Project's brand new Animal Database! This project was long requested by the sanctuary community because keeping thorough, up-to-date records of your residents' health and life events is a critical aspect of sanctuary care. To make the record-keeping pro…
…
continue reading
1
43 - An Introduction To Different Animal Sanctuary Staff Roles
29:17
29:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:17Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss different staff positions that may benefit operations at your animal sanctuary. Assigning sanctuary tasks to appropriately skilled staff can help maximize your efficiency and effectiveness as an organization, which is very helpful for long-term sustainability! Listen on to learn mor…
…
continue reading
1
42 - Three Ways To Minimize Liability At Your Animal Organization
33:47
33:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:47Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss three tools The Open Sanctuary Project offers to help your sanctuary minimize liability. These include a resource discussing and analyzing insurance options, a liability waiver template and its accompanying resource, and a free system you can download to easily track visitor liabili…
…
continue reading
1
41 - Sanctuary Considerations For Assisting With Cruelty Cases
35:05
35:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:05Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia have another discussion about sanctuary capacity, this time about cruelty, seizure, bust, and escapee cases. We review all the questions your organization needs to consider before working on these cases. Some of these questions you may anticipate, and some you may not! Please note that we w…
…
continue reading
1
40 - The Importance Of Accuracy & Transparency For Animal Organizations
26:06
26:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:06Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss the critical importance of accuracy and transparency in communicating with supporters and the public. We discuss how these two values work hand in hand to maintain organizational integrity, how they might prevent your sanctuary or rescue from getting into adverse situations with oth…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 082 – Effects of Weather on Buck Movements
1:44:48
1:44:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:44:48In this episode Natasha Neary, Luke Resop, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the MSU Deer Lab's recent analyses that disentangle the intricate relationship between buck movement and weather conditions. They use various metrics of deer activity, like movement rates and bedding percentages, and control for time of day and rut phase to is…
…
continue reading
1
39 - The Differences Between Animal Sanctuaries And Petting Zoos
32:38
32:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:38Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss how animal sanctuaries differ from petting zoos. While this topic might seem evident to many in the sanctuary movement, expectations from the public based on past experiences might lead to conflations between the two environments. We also discuss how animal sanctuaries and advocates…
…
continue reading
1
38 - Introduction To Governance And Education Resources At The Open Sanctuary Project
25:23
25:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:23The Open Sanctuary Project's Community Education Specialist, Andie, and Nonprofit Specialist, Julia, offer an introduction to The Open Sanctuary Project's offerings in our education and governance departments! Did you know that in addition to our direct care resources, we also have a vast array of resources on these two essential subjects for anima…
…
continue reading
1
37 - Zoning Laws And Their Impact On Your Animal Organization
21:47
21:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:47Community Education Specialist Andie and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss zoning laws and their importance to animal sanctuary and rescue work! We've done a few podcast episodes about capacity variables, and zoning is often touched upon. While zoning may not be the first thing you think about in terms of capacity limits, it's critical for you to …
…
continue reading
1
36 - Language Choices In Animal Sanctuary Education & Advocacy
22:24
22:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:24In this episode, The Open Sanctuary Project's Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss the importance of language choices. Language is how we interface with and categorize the world around us. Our choice of language plays a significant role in how we consider others, so your language choices can have a tangible impact on p…
…
continue reading
1
35 - The Open Sanctuary Project's 2024 Year In Review
33:48
33:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:48In this episode of The Open Sanctuary Podcast, Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia celebrate our seventh year of operation by discussing our year in review! We know that our audience of compassionate caregivers is often caught up in the day-to-day work of direct care for animals, so this is your chance to catch up with what's…
…
continue reading
1
34 - Adoption Program Considerations For Animal Sanctuaries
25:04
25:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:04Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss the cases for and against adoption policies at your animal organization and the considerations you must consider when implementing one. We talk about vetting homes, the paperwork you should have in place, the templates we have to help you, and more! To learn even more about how your…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 081 - Lunar Table Fables - Does the Moon Affect Buck Activiy?
1:59:20
1:59:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:59:20Natasha Neary, Luke Resop, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland delve into the relationships between moon phases, positions, and their potential effects on buck movement and bedding behavior. They review their research findings from a complex and exhaustive analysis of GPS-collared bucks to determine if moon phase and/or position has any relation…
…
continue reading