What the heck is buck breeding value?  In this episode Steve and Bronson visit with Dr. Randy DeYoung, a professor and researcher at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&amp;M University-Kingsville. Randy and his colleagues and students have worked for many years analyzing genetics data related to maternity and paternity assignment in South Texas deer herds.  Randy will share results from the buck side of the equation and tell us how they impact management. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

What the heck is buck breeding value?  In this episode Steve and Bronson visit with Dr. Randy DeYoung, a professor and researcher at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&amp;M University-Kingsville. Randy and his colleagues and students have worked for many years analyzing genetics data related to maternity and paternity assignment in South Texas deer herds.  Randy will share results from the buck side of the equation and tell us how they impact management. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (<a href="https://reg.extension.msstate.edu/view/cal10a.aspx?ek=&amp;ref=&amp;aa=&amp;sid1=&amp;sid2=&amp;as=81&amp;wp=324&amp;tz=&amp;ms=&amp;nav=&amp;cc=&amp;cat1=&amp;cat2=&amp;cat3=&amp;aid=MSU&amp;rf=&amp;pn=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOZeiPref8vhAHkULM3IGg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)

Episode 70 - Buck Breeding Value and Management Implications

There’s no doubt that prescribed fire is good for wildlife habitat, but what’s the best time of year to burn?  What are the pros and cons of burning during the dormant season (winter) and the growing season (spring and summer)?  In this episode Bronson and Steve visit with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop and discuss the findings from his research where he examined the response of vegetation to dormant and growing season fire.  Which is the best?  You guessed it…IT DEPENDS.    Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

There’s no doubt that prescribed fire is good for wildlife habitat, but what’s the best time of year to burn?  What are the pros and cons of burning during the dormant season (winter) and the growing season (spring and summer)?  In this episode Bronson and Steve visit with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop and discuss the findings from his research where he examined the response of vegetation to dormant and growing season fire.  Which is the best?  You guessed it…IT DEPENDS.    Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (<a href="https://reg.extension.msstate.edu/view/cal10a.aspx?ek=&amp;ref=&amp;aa=&amp;sid1=&amp;sid2=&amp;as=81&amp;wp=324&amp;tz=&amp;ms=&amp;nav=&amp;cc=&amp;cat1=&amp;cat2=&amp;cat3=&amp;aid=MSU&amp;rf=&amp;pn=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOZeiPref8vhAHkULM3IGg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)

Episode 069 – Burn baby burn!

Seems like you either love dog hunting, or hate it. There’s no in between.  But what does the research say about the effects of dog hunting on deer herds? In this episode we visit with Dr. Gino D’Angelo, a professor at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia.  Gino is one of the few biologists that has studied a deer population routinely hunted with dogs. Gino will fill us in on the effects of dog hunting and best management practices if dog hunters hunt a property adjacent to you.     Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

Seems like you either love dog hunting, or hate it. There’s no in between.  But what does the research say about the effects of dog hunting on deer herds? In this episode we visit with Dr. Gino D’Angelo, a professor at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia.  Gino is one of the few biologists that has studied a deer population routinely hunted with dogs. Gino will fill us in on the effects of dog hunting and best management practices if dog hunters hunt a property adjacent to you.     Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (<a href="https://reg.extension.msstate.edu/view/cal10a.aspx?ek=&amp;ref=&amp;aa=&amp;sid1=&amp;sid2=&amp;as=81&amp;wp=324&amp;tz=&amp;ms=&amp;nav=&amp;cc=&amp;cat1=&amp;cat2=&amp;cat3=&amp;aid=MSU&amp;rf=&amp;pn=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOZeiPref8vhAHkULM3IGg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)

Episode 068 – Just how bad is dog hunting on deer?

Do all the habitat recommendations that deer biologists make also benefit turkey?  In this episode, Bronson and Steve visit with Marcus Lashley and Will Gulsby to discuss habitat limiting factors for turkey, and how to incorporate habitat management techniques that benefit both deer and turkey. Stay tuned until the end for a big announcement… Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit the MSU Deer Lab YouTube channel (here). For more, follow NRU on Instagram,  YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Do all the habitat recommendations that deer biologists make also benefit turkey?  In this episode, Bronson and Steve visit with Marcus Lashley and Will Gulsby to discuss habitat limiting factors for turkey, and how to incorporate habitat management techniques that benefit both deer and turkey. Stay tuned until the end for a big announcement… Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (<a href="https://reg.extension.msstate.edu/view/cal10a.aspx?ek=&amp;ref=&amp;aa=&amp;sid1=&amp;sid2=&amp;as=81&amp;wp=324&amp;tz=&amp;ms=&amp;nav=&amp;cc=&amp;cat1=&amp;cat2=&amp;cat3=&amp;aid=MSU&amp;rf=&amp;pn=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit the MSU Deer Lab YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOZeiPref8vhAHkULM3IGg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>). For more, follow NRU on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nr_university/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@naturalresourcesuniversity8808" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> YouTube</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NR_University" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NRUniversity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

Episode 067 - Is habitat management for deer and turkey the same?

This is a crossover episode with A Talk On The Wild Side podcast, hosted by Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak. Dr. Mike Cherry is the Stuart W. Stedman Chair for White-tailed Deer Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and has experience researching and managing deer from Texas to Florida to Virginia.  Mike and Bronson talk about deer management and habitat management in the Southeastern US as compared to South Texas. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here) Subscribe to the newest addition of the NRU network: Working Wild University

This is a crossover episode with A Talk On The Wild Side podcast, hosted by Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak. Dr. Mike Cherry is the Stuart W. Stedman Chair for White-tailed Deer Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and has experience researching and managing deer from Texas to Florida to Virginia.  Mike and Bronson talk about deer management and habitat management in the Southeastern US as compared to South Texas. Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (<a href="https://reg.extension.msstate.edu/view/cal10a.aspx?ek=&amp;ref=&amp;aa=&amp;sid1=&amp;sid2=&amp;as=81&amp;wp=324&amp;tz=&amp;ms=&amp;nav=&amp;cc=&amp;cat1=&amp;cat2=&amp;cat3=&amp;aid=MSU&amp;rf=&amp;pn=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOZeiPref8vhAHkULM3IGg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) Subscribe to the newest addition of the NRU network: <a href="https://workingwild.us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Working Wild University</a>

Episode 066 – South Texas Deer Management

We’re back with another Q &amp; A, this time with questions focused on buck movement and hunting strategy. Enjoy! Be sure to follow us on social media @MSUDeerLab and subscribe to our YouTube channel  MSU Deer Lab TV.

We’re back with another Q &amp; A, this time with questions focused on buck movement and hunting strategy. Enjoy! Be sure to follow us on social media @MSUDeerLab and subscribe to our YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOZeiPref8vhAHkULM3IGg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> MSU Deer Lab TV</a>.

Episode 065 - Buck Movement & Hunting Strategy

We asked and y’all delivered…Bronson and Steve sit down to answer your questions from social media on deer biology. Stay tuned for the following two Deer University episodes where more of your questions get answered! Be sure to follow us on social media @MSUDeerLab.

We asked and y’all delivered…Bronson and Steve sit down to answer your questions from social media on deer biology. Stay tuned for the following two Deer University episodes where more of your questions get answered! Be sure to follow us on social media @MSUDeerLab.

Episode 064 - Deer Biology & Behavior

Bronson and Steve are joined by a special guest and founding father of the MSU Deer Lab, Dr. Harry Jacobson. Travel back to the early Deer Lab days and learn of the pioneering research conducted, achievements gained throughout the years, and lessons learned along the way.

Bronson and Steve are joined by a special guest and founding father of the MSU Deer Lab, Dr. Harry Jacobson. Travel back to the early Deer Lab days and learn of the pioneering research conducted, achievements gained throughout the years, and lessons learned along the way.

Episode 063 - Dr. Harry Jacobson, Founding Father of the MSU Deer Lab

This episode is devoted to doe harvest.  Steve and Bronson spend a lot of time talking about which bucks to harvest, but in this episode, they discuss the need for doe harvest, when to harvest, and what does to select.  Enroll now in our free wildland fire course! For more information, follow us on Instagram, Facebook &amp; Twitter How has our outreach affect you? (survey) https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZdpHVy5wwkAt4q

This episode is devoted to doe harvest.  Steve and Bronson spend a lot of time talking about which bucks to harvest, but in this episode, they discuss the need for doe harvest, when to harvest, and what does to select. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ifas-2Dcesrxfire.catalog.instructure.com_courses_wildland-2Dfire-2Dtraining&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&amp;r=9-6HKXdclpT_oNzVLxjWuQ&amp;m=fhJUBp03rOb7uARoGhk8asm0liGtEhPC-F5KVov_W3mozwQEwJzQI5fUKwUwX0oh&amp;s=xSjqpLulUOyPL0tehUOFOk83YYAVLayOGv-_XuYtT-M&amp;e=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Enroll now in our free wildland fire course</a>! For more information, follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nr_university/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NRUniversity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/NR_University" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> How has our outreach affect you? (survey) <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZdpHVy5wwkAt4q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZdpHVy5wwkAt4q</a>

Episode 062 – Harvesting Does

It’s summertime - bucks are growing antlers, does are lactating, and Steve has returned from Europe just in time to sit down with Bronson to inform listeners on what they can be doing now to help meet nutritional demands for deer this summer and following seasons to come. Get the overview of tools, resources, and science behind deer nutritional timelines in this episode you don't want to miss.

It’s summertime - bucks are growing antlers, does are lactating, and Steve has returned from Europe just in time to sit down with Bronson to inform listeners on what they can be doing now to help meet nutritional demands for deer this summer and following seasons to come. Get the overview of tools, resources, and science behind deer nutritional timelines in this episode you don't want to miss.

Episode 061 - Deer Nutritional Demands During Summer

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 or what you read in a hunting magazine – we’ll train you to think like a deer biologist. As national leaders in deer research, we’ll keep you up to date on the latest and best information, and deliver episodes that cover every deer management topic you can imagine, and then add some that will surprise you. If you are interested in deer hunting and management, this is your podcast! Every shot you take this fall is either a step forward or backward in your management program, so use our knowledge to make every shot count! Hosts of Deer University:Dr. Bronson Strickland, Professor of Wildlife Management, Mississippi State University Extension ServiceDr. Steve Demarais, Professor of Wildlife Management, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center

I really love when he talks about how well hung the stick figure deer family is

Fantastic Podcast

So happy to see a new episode pop up!! I love this podcast and the knowledge these guys share

Love these guys

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 or what you read in a hunting magazine – we’ll train you to think like a deer biologist. As national leaders in deer research, we’ll keep you up to date on the latest and best information, and deliver episodes that cover every deer management topic you can imagine, and then add some that will surprise you. If you are interested in deer hunting and management, this is your podcast! Every shot you take this fall is either a step forward or backward in your management program, so use our knowledge to make every shot count! Hosts of Deer University: Dr. Bronson Strickland, Professor of Wildlife Management, Mississippi State University Extension Service Dr. Steve Demarais, Professor of Wildlife Management, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center

Deer University

Bronson and Steve have a conversation with Donnie Draeger to discuss the topic of culling. Two concepts are discussed in our conversation 1) culling to improve genetics, and 2) culling to manage the buck population to maintain a proper density and conserve food.  In free-ranging deer herds, culling to improve genetics simply does not work for several reasons explained in the podcast. However, if you are in an area where deer density must be controlled, and high-quality foods are limited, you should harvest does and consider strategically harvesting some middle-aged bucks with below average antlers. For more information on culling, consider checking out the book "Strategic Harvest System: How to Break Through the Buck Management Glass Ceiling" that can be found at the link below.  https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Harvest-System-Through-Management/dp/1973235609/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DJ2JTUML7P9Q&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=strategic+harvest+system&amp;qid=1590544060&amp;sprefix=strategic+harv%2Caps%2C170&amp;sr=8-1

Bronson and Steve have a conversation with Donnie Draeger to discuss the topic of culling. Two concepts are discussed in our conversation 1) culling to improve genetics, and 2) culling to manage the buck population to maintain a proper density and conserve food.  In free-ranging deer herds, culling to improve genetics simply does not work for several reasons explained in the podcast. However, if you are in an area where deer density must be controlled, and high-quality foods are limited, you should harvest does and consider strategically harvesting some middle-aged bucks with below average antlers. For more information on culling, consider checking out the book "Strategic Harvest System: How to Break Through the Buck Management Glass Ceiling" that can be found at the link below. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Harvest-System-Through-Management/dp/1973235609/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DJ2JTUML7P9Q&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=strategic+harvest+system&amp;qid=1590544060&amp;sprefix=strategic+harv%2Caps%2C170&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Harvest-System-Through-Management/dp/1973235609/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DJ2JTUML7P9Q&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=strategic+harvest+system&amp;qid=1590544060&amp;sprefix=strategic+harv%2Caps%2C170&amp;sr=8-1</a>

Episode 040 - When is it appropriate to cull? The purpose makes all the difference

Have you ever wondered WHY deer eat the plants they eat? Deer and cows are both ruminants (have a 4-chambered stomach), but deer have a completely different diet. In this episode, Bronson and Steve discuss the physiological adaptations of deer, and those adaptations influence the types of plants they eat.

Have you ever wondered WHY deer eat the plants they eat? Deer and cows are both ruminants (have a 4-chambered stomach), but deer have a completely different diet. In this episode, Bronson and Steve discuss the physiological adaptations of deer, and those adaptations influence the types of plants they eat.

Episode 006 - What deer eat and why

Culling to improve genetics is likely one of the most hotly debated topics among deer hunters.  How often have you heard “that spike buck is genetically inferior.” Or, “I culled that buck to get him out of the gene pool”? Heck, you may have even said this yourself! In this episode we listen to deer biologist Donnie Draeger of the Comanche Ranch in South Texas as he describes the results from a landmark, 13-year study, designed to answer this question once and for all – to determine if culling can be used to “improve” genetics and increase the average antler size of bucks.   After 7 years of removing bucks with below average antler size (i.e., culling) the average antler size per age class did not improve. In fact, in the area where culling was most intense, where culling began with the yearling age class, the buck population began to crash. Most people would think this level of culling, which allowed only the large-antlered bucks to live and breed, would result in production of super bucks! Instead, the effects of the environment (late birth, rainfall, etc.) suppress the expression of genetics, making culling decisions inaccurate and ultimately ineffective. Donnie will describe a negative feedback loop in buck antler size as an example of the law of unintended consequences relative to culling.  Here’s the bottom line – for a number of reasons discussed in the interview a hunter can’t determine the genetic quality of bucks in a free-ranging management scenario. Additionally, hunters can’t determine the genetic quality of does. Combine that with the effects of a variable environment that will limit genetic expression, and buck dispersal to and from your property, and you have a recipe for culling process that only lowers the buck population. Lowering the deer and buck population may be needed on your property because food is limited, so harvesting lower-quality bucks may be an appropriate strategy relative to this objective. But harvesting smaller-antlered bucks with hopes of increasing antler size in subsequent generations is absolute folly. Thanks to Donnie and his colleagues for this incredible study and answering this culling question once and for all.

Culling to improve genetics is likely one of the most hotly debated topics among deer hunters.  How often have you heard “that spike buck is genetically inferior.” Or, “I culled that buck to get him out of the gene pool”? Heck, you may have even said this yourself! In this episode we listen to deer biologist Donnie Draeger of the Comanche Ranch in South Texas as he describes the results from a landmark, 13-year study, designed to answer this question once and for all – to determine if culling can be used to “improve” genetics and increase the average antler size of bucks.   After 7 years of removing bucks with below average antler size (i.e., culling) the average antler size per age class did not improve. In fact, in the area where culling was most intense, where culling began with the yearling age class, the buck population began to crash. Most people would think this level of culling, which allowed only the large-antlered bucks to live and breed, would result in production of super bucks! Instead, the effects of the environment (late birth, rainfall, etc.) suppress the expression of genetics, making culling decisions inaccurate and ultimately ineffective. Donnie will describe a negative feedback loop in buck antler size as an example of the law of unintended consequences relative to culling.  Here’s the bottom line – for a number of reasons discussed in the interview a hunter can’t determine the genetic quality of bucks in a free-ranging management scenario. Additionally, hunters can’t determine the genetic quality of does. Combine that with the effects of a variable environment that will limit genetic expression, and buck dispersal to and from your property, and you have a recipe for culling process that only lowers the buck population. Lowering the deer and buck population may be needed on your property because food is limited, so harvesting lower-quality bucks may be an appropriate strategy relative to this objective. But harvesting smaller-antlered bucks with hopes of increasing antler size in subsequent generations is absolute folly. Thanks to Donnie and his colleagues for this incredible study and answering this culling question once and for all.

Episode 032 - Culling to Improve Genetics - Fact or Fiction

Bronson visits with Dudley Phelps about soft and hard mast trees for deer and other wildlife. What should you plant? When should you plant? Also, Dudley discusses the most common mistakes people make when planting trees.

Bronson visits with Dudley Phelps about soft and hard mast trees for deer and other wildlife. What should you plant? When should you plant? Also, Dudley discusses the most common mistakes people make when planting trees.

Episode 023 - Trees for Deer

We're back! It's been several weeks, but we are back with an episode on food plot science. Marcus and Bronson discuss important information about common cool-season food plot forages for deer. Keep in mind the MSU Deer Lab has food plot app to help you measure food plot acreage and make planting decisions. It's currently only available for iPhone, but will be available for Android in a few weeks.

We're back! It's been several weeks, but we are back with an episode on food plot science. Marcus and Bronson discuss important information about common cool-season food plot forages for deer. Keep in mind the MSU Deer Lab has food plot app to help you measure food plot acreage and make planting decisions. It's currently only available for iPhone, but will be available for Android in a few weeks.

Episode 014 - Cool Season Food Plots

Steve, Marcus, and Bronson discuss the importance of summer nutrition for deer. We review some research on seasonal fluctuations in plant quality, nutritional requirements of bucks and does, and some of the most common warm-season food plot forages. Also, Marcus has an announcement to make.

Steve, Marcus, and Bronson discuss the importance of summer nutrition for deer. We review some research on seasonal fluctuations in plant quality, nutritional requirements of bucks and does, and some of the most common warm-season food plot forages. Also, Marcus has an announcement to make.

Episode 037 - Deer Summer Nutrition

In this episode we visit with Marcus Lashley, habitat management specialist in the MSU Deer Lab, and talk with him about a novel habitat management technique we call mineral stumping. Marcus and Bronson will discuss what mineral stumps are, how to create them, why deer love them so much, and how you can use mineral stumps to boost deer nutrition on your property and create more hunting opportunities.

In this episode we visit with Marcus Lashley, habitat management specialist in the MSU Deer Lab, and talk with him about a novel habitat management technique we call mineral stumping. Marcus and Bronson will discuss what mineral stumps are, how to create them, why deer love them so much, and how you can use mineral stumps to boost deer nutrition on your property and create more hunting opportunities.

Episode 007 - Mineral stumps for deer nutrition

Chris McDonald

In this episode Bronson interviews long-time Mississippi deer biologist Chris McDonald about the tactics used by successful deer managers. What characteristics do successful deer management programs have in common? What are the most common failures?  

In this episode Bronson interviews long-time Mississippi deer biologist Chris McDonald about the tactics used by successful deer managers. What characteristics do successful deer management programs have in common? What are the most common failures?

Episode 021 - Deer Management Advice from Chris McDonald

Today Steve and I announce some great news - we have finally finished our eBook on the buck harvesting strategy we call the "Strategic Harvest System." We then discuss the basics of deer movements like dispersal, home range size, migration, and excursions. Hopefully, we have answered your questions about bucks moving from here to there, and why.

Today Steve and I announce some great news - we have finally finished our eBook on the buck harvesting strategy we call the "Strategic Harvest System." We then discuss the basics of deer movements like dispersal, home range size, migration, and excursions. Hopefully, we have answered your questions about bucks moving from here to there, and why.

Episode 017 - Buck Movements and the eBook

Today we visit with MSU Deer Lab graduate students Ashley Jones and Colby Henderson about their research project where they are tracking GPS-collared bucks and measuring their habitat preferences. We discuss buck movement patterns during the rut and what particular cover types bucks are selecting. We talk about focal areas and how often bucks are moving to and from different focal areas. Cover is critical for bucks, but cover that simultaneously provides food is the best! We will also hear from the Ole Buck, Steve Demarais.

Today we visit with MSU Deer Lab graduate students Ashley Jones and Colby Henderson about their research project where they are tracking GPS-collared bucks and measuring their habitat preferences. We discuss buck movement patterns during the rut and what particular cover types bucks are selecting. We talk about focal areas and how often bucks are moving to and from different focal areas. Cover is critical for bucks, but cover that simultaneously provides food is the best! We will also hear from the Ole Buck, Steve Demarais.

Episode 030 - Buck Movement Patterns During the Rut

Ever heard this? "I killed that buck to get him out of the gene pool." Or, "That buck has bad genetics, and I don't want him breeding." We hear these statements all too often. On this episode we will explain the why and how of culling. When can you make progress, and when you can't.

Ever heard this? "I killed that buck to get him out of the gene pool." Or, "That buck has bad genetics, and I don't want him breeding." We hear these statements all too often. On this episode we will explain the why and how of culling. When can you make progress, and when you can't.

Episode 002 - Culling explained - Part 1

In this episode Bronson visits with Dr. Mickey Hellickson about his antler rattling research conducted in South Texas. To our knowledge, this is the only scientific study ever conducted to understand what rattling techniques are effective and what times of the day and times of the year are most productive. If you have ever considered antler rattling, or wondered why it didn't work, this is your episode.

In this episode Bronson visits with Dr. Mickey Hellickson about his antler rattling research conducted in South Texas. To our knowledge, this is the only scientific study ever conducted to understand what rattling techniques are effective and what times of the day and times of the year are most productive. If you have ever considered antler rattling, or wondered why it didn't work, this is your episode.

Episode 013 - The Science of Antler Rattling

Craig Harper

What are the most common habitat management mistakes? In this episode we visit with Deer Habitat guru, Dr. Craig Harper, of the University of Tennessee. Over his 20+ year career, Craig has worked all over the US helping hunters and managers create habitat for deer in forests and old fields. He is also the author of several books on food plots for deer and other wildlife.  Craig will share his insight into the most common mistakes he encounters, as well as strategies for success.  Enjoy!

What are the most common habitat management mistakes? In this episode we visit with Deer Habitat guru, Dr. Craig Harper, of the University of Tennessee. Over his 20+ year career, Craig has worked all over the US helping hunters and managers create habitat for deer in forests and old fields. He is also the author of several books on food plots for deer and other wildlife.  Craig will share his insight into the most common mistakes he encounters, as well as strategies for success.  Enjoy!

Episode 039 - Deer Habitat Management with Craig Harper

Forest management matters! Steve, Marcus, and Bronson discuss how forest management affects where deer spend time. Want to draw more deer to your property? Want deer to spend more time on your property? Manage the forest on your property to produce food and cover. 

Forest management matters! Steve, Marcus, and Bronson discuss how forest management affects where deer spend time. Want to draw more deer to your property? Want deer to spend more time on your property? Manage the forest on your property to produce food and cover.

Episode 035 - Forest Management for Food and Cover

In this episode, Steve, Marcus and Bronson discuss why summer nutrition is so important for deer, and what are the management options you can use to improve summer nutrition.

In this episode, Steve, Marcus and Bronson discuss why summer nutrition is so important for deer, and what are the management options you can use to improve summer nutrition.

Episode 011 - The Importance of Summer Nutrition for Deer

Marcus Lashley tells us why prescribed fire is so important for deer and other wildlife. When should you burn to get the most benefit? What kind of fire should be used in hardwood stands? All this and more.

Marcus Lashley tells us why prescribed fire is so important for deer and other wildlife. When should you burn to get the most benefit? What kind of fire should be used in hardwood stands? All this and more.

Episode 024 - The benefits of prescribed fire

Is is possible does actually play some role in selecting the bucks they breed with? Most people think that when does are in heat they simply breed with the buck that's available. But what if a doe actually had the opportunity to choose which buck to breed with? Would she choose older bucks? Larger-bodied bucks? Or, larger antlered bucks? Exciting new research from the MSU Deer Lab explains what does are looking for in a buck, and why.  

Is is possible does actually play some role in selecting the bucks they breed with? Most people think that when does are in heat they simply breed with the buck that's available. But what if a doe actually had the opportunity to choose which buck to breed with? Would she choose older bucks? Larger-bodied bucks? Or, larger antlered bucks? Exciting new research from the MSU Deer Lab explains what does are looking for in a buck, and why.

Episode 025 - Does choose bucks?

Ever heard the old saying "you are what you eat"? A 10-year research project conducted by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries &amp; Parks and the MSU Deer Lab was designed to explore the regional differences in buck body and antler size found throughout the state of Mississippi.  Were these differences caused by nutrition or genetics, possibly from when deer were re-stocked in the 1950s and 1960s. The results suggest body and antler size is not only a product of what bucks eat, but what their mother ate! Good, or poor, nutrition will impact deer for generations. 

Ever heard the old saying "you are what you eat"? A 10-year research project conducted by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries &amp; Parks and the MSU Deer Lab was designed to explore the regional differences in buck body and antler size found throughout the state of Mississippi.  Were these differences caused by nutrition or genetics, possibly from when deer were re-stocked in the 1950s and 1960s. The results suggest body and antler size is not only a product of what bucks eat, but what their mother ate! Good, or poor, nutrition will impact deer for generations.

Episode 008 - Nutrition or Genetics - Part 1

So you want to start a supplemental feeding program? You better listen to this episode. We again visit with deer biologist, Donnie Draeger, and discuss the pros and cons of supplemental feeding. Donnie and colleagues designed a study to determine exactly what impact a supplemental feeding program would have on antler size and body weight of free-ranging bucks. If you are expecting immediate results, and/or you only have a few feeders…don’t waste your time and money.

So you want to start a supplemental feeding program? You better listen to this episode. We again visit with deer biologist, Donnie Draeger, and discuss the pros and cons of supplemental feeding. Donnie and colleagues designed a study to determine exactly what impact a supplemental feeding program would have on antler size and body weight of free-ranging bucks. If you are expecting immediate results, and/or you only have a few feeders…don’t waste your time and money.

Episode 034 - Want to start a supplemental feeding program?

Marcus and Bronson discuss a new way to use prescribed fire on a very small scale that anyone can do. You can use this burning technique to your advantage for hunting this fall. Along with fall food plots, you should consider bow-range burnin' too!

Marcus and Bronson discuss a new way to use prescribed fire on a very small scale that anyone can do. You can use this burning technique to your advantage for hunting this fall. Along with fall food plots, you should consider bow-range burnin' too!

Episode 026 - Bow-range Burnin'

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