Kentucky Afield

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Joe McDermott, the deer program coordinator for the state of Kentucky! With archery season opening up in just a day or so we're talking about early season hunting, deer management, and answering questions from listeners... Good luck this season!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by John Brunjes, the Migratory Bird Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as an avid white water rafter and wildlife photographer. John gives us a great rundown of how data is used to make wildlife conservation decisions, as well as some advice on how to get that perfect shot!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Laura Burford and Zack Couch, the state wildlife action plan coordinator and wildlife diversity program coordinator for the state of Kentucky, respectfully. Laura and Zack are the experts when it comes to the state wildlife action plan (SWAP), which is a very comprehensive document that is beneficial to both conservation organizations and individuals alike, as well as (and most importantly) the wildlife in the state of Kentucky... Give it a listen and find out why SWAP matters, how it benefits wildlife, and how it can potentially benefit you!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by the director of KDFWR's wildlife division, Ben Robinson. Ben is an expert on all things wildlife, and we certainly bounce around from topic to topic a bit, but in general we cover what the wildlife division does, public lands, public land acquisitions, and conservation funding. Enjoy, and good luck this fall!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jay Herrala, who's a fisheries biologist with the "Stream Investigations" unit here in the commonwealth. Jay travels the entire state to identify access locations, and to do species assessments... Essentially there's no better person to talk stream fishing with in the state! Here we get a rundown of his job duties, the goals of the stream investigation team, and Jay's "can't miss" fishing opportunities in each of the states 7 fisheries districts!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KDFWR Boating Safety Officer Marcus Bowling, and we're "taking a dive" into the numbers... At this point in 2023 there have been 23 drowning deaths on Kentucky's waterways. Why is that, and what can boaters/kayakers do to make their outings both more enjoyable and safer? Marcus is here to explain it all to us, Additionally, we're planning some fishing trips and talking about opportunities... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we are joined by wildlife artist Rick Hill, who also happens to be an avid outdoorsman. We talk about the old days and the late Ron Rhody, Kentucky Afield's first host. Additionally, Rick and Chase tell the stories of their turkey hunts and discuss tactics for the remaining 3 days of the season. Rick also dives into being a wildlife artist, and Lee gives his Derby picks... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, a day ahead of the 2023 Spring Turkey Season, we're joined by wild turkey biologist Elizabeth Johnson! She was nice enough to shed some light on wild turkey conservation efforts, current research, and habitat management for us, in addition to being a good sport and just talking hunting... Additionally, Lee caught his saugeye after years of trying, so we had to hit on that too!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Stephanie and Matt, two experts from the KDFWR Ichthyology branch, and they're here to educate us on all things sturgeon! Not long ago we actually went fishing together, and were lucky enough to catch one of these prehistoric beauties while we were at it. Lake sturgeon once thrived in Kentucky, but from the 1950's to 2007 the state was void of them... That all changed when Matt and Stephanie came on board and started working (alongside plenty of others) to restore this impressive species. Here we find out how they're doing, what the hope is, and pretty much everything that you could hope to know about this species... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Assistant Director of Fisheries, Jeff Ross! First and foremost there have been some recent regulation changes that anglers need to be aware of, but in addition to that we're having fun talking fisheries management, fishing techniques, and a number of other late winter/early spring fishing topics... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we are joined by the host of Kentucky Afield Television, Chad Miles! Chad has a ton of experience in all areas of the outdoors... From hunting and fishing to wildlife management and education, he's got something to add no matter where the conversation goes, and here we're talking about a little bit of everything. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we are joined by Dr. Monte McGregor, one of the states most accomplished biologist! Monte is an expert in all things related to mollusk, aquatic ecosystems, and water quality. In fact he's helped save nearly 20 animal species that were sure to go extinct, and he's sharing some of that knowledge with us... Find out why those little shells on the bottom of the creeks, lakes and rivers are so important to a healthy environment!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we find out exactly what it is that Lee does for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we of course discuss what we've seen to this point in the 2022 Modern Firearms Season for deer!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Kentucky's black bear program coordinator, John Hast. John walks us through the history of black bears in the state, their biology, and where we are currently at in regards to black bears and black bear hunting. There were some recent changes to the black bear hunting regulations in the state, so we of course touch on that as well... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KY Fish & Wildlife Foundation Director, Rachel Young! Rachel is a part of a non-profit conservation organization that does great work within the state of Kentucky, and as a part of their fundraising efforts they are hosting a drawing for a very special quail hunt right in the heart of central KY. We talk about those details, conservation camp, hunting, and much more... Enjoy!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast fisheries biologist Dave Baker is here to tell us all about fall fishing! We've got some exciting opportunities coming up that not everyone is completely aware of... From white bass to musky, the fishing is about to turn on!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast KDFWR wild pig biologist Terri Brunjes joins us to talk about what she calls "The perfect invasive species", wild pigs... Truth be told they are a fascinating animal, but are unfortunately very destructive to the landscape, and harmful to native wildlife.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KDFWR Small Game Program Coordinator Cody Rhoden... Cody is an expert on all things related to small game and trees, and it just so happens that Kentucky's first fall hunting season, squirrel season, opens this Saturday, August 20th! We're talking trees, squirrels, squirrel brains, scouting tactics for all wildlife species, fungi, and much more! Enjoy.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by the KDFWR Deer Program Coordinator, Noelle Thompson! She's here to give us the rundown on deer hunting in the state of Kentucky this year, including what the requirements are within the 5 county CWD surveillance zone. Enjoy!

Migratory bird biologist Wes Little is back with us ahead of the 2022 fall hunting seasons! We're previewing some of the state's first fall hunting opportunities, learning about those species and conservation efforts related to them, and touching on some reg changes as well. Visit FW.KY.GOV for fall hunting & trapping season dates and information.