Best Joe Gerken Podcasts (2025)

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Deer Damage 45:25

Play Pause

9d ago45:25

45:25

Episode 57 - Deer Damage Deer have many benefits to ecosystems and society, but they can also be a cause of human-wildlife conflict. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the impact deer can have on agricultural production, property, the spread of disease, and humans. Learn more about deer resistant ornamental plants at: https://extension.rutgers.edu/d…

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AI Generated Wildlife Videos 33:51

25d ago33:51

33:51

AI generated wildlife videos are common on the internet and it can be hard to distinguish what is real and what isn't. For this episode, Drew and Joe are joined by Danny to discuss the kinds of AI generated videos that frequently feature wildlife, the ways artificially generated videos can alter expectations of real-world interactions with wildlife…

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Waterfowl Migration 30:19

1M ago30:19

30:19

Waterfowl and other birds often migrate long distances to optimize habitats for feeding and meeting. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what triggers migration, how far species travel, and the cost and benefits associated with these long distance movements. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wil…

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After the Harvest 45:20

2M ago45:20

45:20

While a hunt may end with the release of an arrow or pulling the trigger, what a hunter does next has important legal, food safety, and food quality implications. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss important considerations for tagging and proof-of-sex requirements, care and handling of harvested game to minimize disease transmission, zoonotic diseas…

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Frogs, Salamanders, and Water Quality 28:04

2M ago28:04

28:04

Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders are common critters often seen in the Midwest near ponds, creeks, and rivers. These animals are often indicators of water quality conditions. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common amphibians of the Great Plains, why many of these populations are declining, and steps you can take to help ensure frogs are c…

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Food Plots or Hunting Plots? 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

Food plots can be a beneficial tool for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, but do they serve the same purpose throughout the geographic range of white-tailed deer in the United States? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the uses of food plots, tips on what to plant, and when they are most productive in the Great Plains. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ri…

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Aeration in Ponds 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

Pond owners and managers often add aeration to their ponds to increase the ecological health of the pond, but do they actually work and should you add them to your pond? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why aeration might be needed, benefits of pond aeration, and tips on how to properly manage pond aeration systems. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ric…

1
Voles 40:46

3M ago40:46

40:46

Voles are common herbivorous rodents that can become very abundant when their food and cover are plentiful. They typically go unnoticed , but sometimes cause damage to turf grass, plants in vegetable gardens and flower beds, as well as trees in orchards and grape vines. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss vole biology, natural history, the property d…

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Aquatic Vegetation Management 35:27

4M ago35:27

35:27

Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems but they can also cause problems when they become overabundant. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss common aquatic plant species, share tips on identifying plants in your pond or waterbody, and discuss the most effective techniques for managing and controlling aquatic vegetati…

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Managing Woodlands for Wildlife 35:44

5M ago35:44

35:44

Forests and woodlands are terms commonly used interchangeably, but did you know they are different ecosystems? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the differences in wooded areas and how to best manage them for native wildlife. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Ma…

1
Floods 25:56

5M ago25:56

25:56

Flooding is often associated with negative consequences for humans, but did you know that floods can provide many benefits for wildlife? Join Joe and Drew as they discuss what a flood is, some reasons why flooding occurs, and give insight on how animals respond to flooding. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty …

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Snakes 36:19

5M ago36:19

36:19

Snakes are a group of species that many people dislike or have a strong fear of. Join Drew and Joe in this episode as they discuss snake natural history, management, and how to stay safe around snakes - including venomous species. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterpri…

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Aquatic Parasites 27:56

6M ago27:56

27:56

Parasites are commonly found in aquatic environments. Join Joe and Drew in this episode as they discuss common parasites found in fish and aquatic wildlife, some factors that influence parasite rates, and what you can do to reduce parasite loadings in your ponds or streams. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty …

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Groundhogs 32:21

6M ago32:21

32:21

Whether you call them groundhogs, woodchucks, or whistlepigs, these large squirrels - yes, they're squirrels - are very interesting, but can also be a challenging critter to deal with when they cause property damage. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss groundhog biology, natural history, the property damage that they sometimes cause, and control opti…

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Stratification 26:18

7M ago26:18

26:18

Ponds can naturally separate with warm oxygenated water near the surface and a cooler, unoxygenated layer in deeper areas. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss pond stratification, summer fish kills, and how aeration may help maintain a thriving pond ecosystem. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the W…

1
Dire Wolves 38:27

7M ago38:27

38:27

Recent claims about "de-extinction" of dire wolves have resulted in an abundance of headlines, memes, and discussion about the biology and ethics of what was happening. To contribute to the discussion, Drew and Joe invited their video production specialist, Danny, into the studio to ask questions and discuss genetics, ethics, and the current state …

1
Bobwhite Quail 39:47

8M ago39:47

39:47

Northern bobwhite quail are a popular game bird in Kansas and across the United States, but they have experienced widespread population decline throughout their range. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss some northern bobwhite basics including: population trends, mortality factors, diet, and management practices in the Great Plains. Dr. Joe Gerken an…

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Walleye, Darters, and other Percids 37:55

9M ago37:55

37:55

Many people are familiar with Walleye, Sauger, and Yellow Perch but did you know that there are a lot of small related fish called Darters? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the fish in the family Percidae including feeding strategies, reproductive trends, and the best time of year to catch big saugeye in Kansas. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Rickett…

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Squirrels 34:03

9M ago34:03

34:03

Tree squirrels are common in cities and rural areas alike. These native rodents can be a source of entertainment and provide a connection to nature for some people, and they can simultaneously be a source of frustration and property damage for others. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss tree squirrel biology, damage caused by the 3 species that occur…

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Bluegill Sunfish 26:32

10M ago26:32

26:32

Bluegill sunfish serve many important functions in ponds and reservoirs. Their ability to thrive in multiple environments, grow quickly, and reproduce multiple times per year make them a great addition to any pond. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss Bluegill sunfish, the important functions they serve in your pond, and a tip or two on their favorite…

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Starlings 32:30

10M ago32:30

32:30

Starlings were introduced to North America by European settlers who missed wildlife that reminded them of home. Today, European starlings cause more than a $1 Billion in property damage in the US annually, spread zoonotic disease, and create quite a mess in North America and throughout the world. On this episode, Drew and Joe discuss damage caused …

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Ethical Harvest of Fish and Wildlife 29:54

11M ago29:54

29:54

Hunting and fishing are enjoyable activities for many people. These activities require interactions with animals and the environment that come with moral and legal thresholds. On this episode, Joe and Drew explore the social side of wildlife management and discuss what Ethical Harvest means in their view. Discussions include the role of harvest for…

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Moles in the Great Plains 34:37

11M ago34:37

34:37

Moles are mysterious mammals that spend most of their lives underground where they feed on insects and other arthropods. Moles provide a beneficial role in nature, but their digging activity can damage turfgrass in lawns, golf courses, parks, and other manicured outdoor spaces. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss mole distribution in North America, d…

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Effects of Snow on Aquatic Ecosystems 32:56

12M ago32:56

32:56

Wild animals have a variety of life history strategies to adapt and thrive in colder weather. However, the arrival of colder winter temperatures and snowy conditions can affect fish and wildlife in many ways. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss the effects of snow on aquatic ecosystems, the detriments and benefits of winter fish kills, and the import…

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Beavers 45:25

12M ago45:25

45:25

Beavers are a fascinating species that can transform forests and prairies into wetland ecosystems, but their ingenuity is not always welcome and can lead to devastating property damage in some situations. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss beaver biology and management of this fascinating species in the Great Plains. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Rick…

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Trout Biology, Life History, and Winter Trout Fishing 34:27

1y ago34:27

34:27

Trout provide unique fishing experiences and are stocked in many states to provide fun fishing opportunities in cooler months. In this episode, Joe and Drew dive into the fascinating world of trout biology, the importance of the ocean in their life history, and how the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provides trout fishing opportunities in …

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Managing Oaks for Acorn Production 33:29

1y ago33:29

33:29

Acorns are a valuable food resource for deer and other wildlife when and where they are available. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the nutritional content of acorns, variability in acorn production among years and trees, and how to promote acorn production in oak woodlands. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and facult…

1
Waterfowl Ecology at Ponds and Streams 39:57

1y ago39:57

39:57

Ducks and geese are fun to watch and provide exciting hunting opportunities at your pond or stream - but are they okay for your water quality? Join Drew and Joe as they discuss waterfowl ecology, life history patterns, and what to do if you have too many geese waddling around your property. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension special…

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Armadillos 31:39

1y ago31:39

31:39

Armadillos are a relative newcomer to much of the Great Plains, and can be an aggravating species because of the damage that they frequently cause to lawns and landscaping. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the history of armadillos in the Great Plains, the recent discovery of new species of armadillos, biology and management of damage caused by th…

1
Water Clarity 28:39

1y ago28:39

28:39

Is your pond too muddy? Do you really want clear water in your pond? Water clarity is an important component of maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss water clarity, factors that increase or decrease water clarity, and what you can do to maintain healthy turbidity levels in your pond. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ric…

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Direct Effects of Prescribed Fire On Wildlife 39:47

1y ago39:47

39:47

Prescribed fire is an essential tool for managing wildlife habitat, especially in grassland ecosystems. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss direct effects of prescribed fire on several wildlife species, differences between wildfires and prescribed fire, and some specific responses of northern bobwhite to prescribed fire from recent studies conducted …

1
Managing Fish Populations 40:13

1+ y ago40:13

40:13

Establishing and maintaining a balanced fish population will boost fishing opportunities and enhance the ecology of your pond. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss common pitfalls with fish population management strategies and give tips on how to manage pond fish populations. Gain insight into how to develop and implement a plan that will have you on …

1
Sunflowers and Opossums 33:11

1+ y ago33:11

33:11

Fall is in the air in the Great Plains, and the signs include shorter days, cooler mornings, brilliant yellow sunflowers and dispersing mammals. In this episode, Drew and Joe discuss sunflowers, the value that they provide to wildlife, why we see these beautiful plants in some places and not others. The conversation then takes a turn to focus on op…

1
Aquatic Invertebrates 26:41

1+ y ago26:41

26:41

Aquatic invertebrates can be a great indicator of pond health and fill important roles in aquatic ecosystems. Join Joe and Drew for a discussion about the value of aquatic invertebrates and how these critters find their way into seemingly isolated water bodies. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in th…

1
Bats! 29:32

1+ y ago29:32

29:32

Bats can be fascinating, frustrating, valuable, and spooky all at the same time. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss bat ecology, conservation concerns, disease risk, and steps to take if bats are entering your home or other buildings. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enter…

1
Summer Pond Management 22:21

1+ y ago22:21

22:21

Summer is a great time of year to enjoy your pond but the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight can result in oxygen fluctuations and excessive plant growth. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss how pond ecology changes in warmer months, how animals in the pond react to these changes, and what management strategies you can implement to help ensur…

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Invasive Plant Management 29:07

1+ y ago29:07

29:07

Invasive plants outcompete native vegetation, destroying habitat for many species of wildlife, degrading native ecosystems, and reducing agricultural productivity. Join us as we discuss strategies and important considerations for invasive plant management. Resources discussed in this episode: KSRE Chemical Weed Control Guide: https://bookstore.ksre…

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Turtles: Ecology, Management, and More! 25:22

1+ y ago25:22

25:22

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is reintroducing Alligator Snapping Turtles into Kansas. Join us as we discuss why these turtles need introduced, whether you should be concerned about turtles eating fish in your pond, and the many other roles that all turtles play in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew R…

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Managing Native Grasslands for Wildlife 35:59

1+ y ago35:59

35:59

Plant and structural diversity is key when managing native grasslands for wildlife. Join Drew and Joe as they discuss the process of promoting diversity and heterogeneity in native grasslands by using disturbances like fire and grazing as tools to manage wildlife habitat in native grasslands. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension speci…

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Blue Green Algae and Harmful Algal Blooms 26:26

1+ y ago26:26

26:26

Cyanobacteria, commonly called Blue Green Algae, can rapidly reproduce when conditions are right causing potentially hazardous Harmful Algal Blooms. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss why blooms occur, the risks of toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms on wildlife and livestock, and what you can do to reduce your likelihood of experiencing a cyanobacteri…

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Native Grass Plantings for Wildlife 30:14

1+ y ago30:14

30:14

Native warm season plant communities provide valuable food and cover for many wildlife species, and are often missing from properties that are managed for wildlife. Join us as we discuss the process of restoring native warm season grasses and forbs to your property. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members …

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Big Bass: Pond Management for Bigger Fish 26:10

1+ y ago26:10

26:10

Getting big fish in your pond requires a strong pond management plan. Join us as we discuss steps to consider when managing the fish community in your pond including the importance of habitat diversity, fish genetics, and which fish you should consider harvesting from your pond if you want to catch some lunkers. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts…

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Chronic Wasting Disease 36:41

1+ y ago36:41

36:41

A recently published note in the journal Neurobiology describing potential human transmission of chronic wasting disease is getting quite a bit of attention. Join us as we discuss the recent publication, chronic wasting disease, and steps you can take to try to limit the spread of this important disease within and among deer populations. Dr. Joe Ge…

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Ogallala Aquifer - Status, Concerns, and Implications for Wildlife 26:13

1+ y ago26:13

26:13

The Ogallala Aquifer is found underground in parts of 8 states. This vital resource provides groundwater for agricultural producers, wildlife, and citizens in these states. Water use practices have led to declines in the aquifer and recent trends in water use have led to depletion in water levels throughout this region. Join us as we discuss the cu…

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Introduction to Wildlife Habitat Management in the Great Plains 32:00

2y ago32:00

32:00

In this episode, we discuss habitat management, and how common habitat management practices for a species in some regions may not be appropriate everywhere a species occurs. 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 ou…

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Stocking Fish in Your Pond 24:41

2y ago24:41

24:41

In this episode, we discuss how to stock fish in your pond, what type of fish are usually recommended, and the best time to add fish to your pond. Discussion include how to know if you should stock your pond. Common issues with newly stocked fish. And some thoughts on adding minnows to your pond that may save you some money! Resources for this epis…

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Vultures in the Great Plains 32:02

2y ago32:02

32:02

In this episode, we discuss how turkey vultures and black vultures provide both positive and negative values to residents of the Great Plains, and how to deal with problems associated with these 2 species. Resources for this episode: Black Vulture Damage Control University of Kentucky Extension: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/FOR/FOR129/FOR129.…

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Winter Pond Management 30:15

2y ago30:15

30:15

In this episode we discuss what happens to ponds in the winter. Where do fish go? Do you need aeration? What pond management can you do in the winter to benefit your pond during the warmer months? Join us as we discuss these questions and more! Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Ou…

1
Coyote Control and Deer Production 37:51

2y ago37:51

37:51

Episode 8 - Coyote Control and Deer Production In this episode, we discuss coyote biology and management related to deer production in the Great Plains, and whether or not it makes sense to control coyotes as a deer management practice in Kansas. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and …

1
Eagles 21:23

2y ago21:23

21:23

In this episode, we discuss eagles, their natural history, decline, subsequent recovery, and important special protections that are afforded to eagles. Contact us: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/contact.html