Gamebird University

About Gamebird University

Gamebird University dives into the conservation and management of gamebirds, uncovering the science behind these efforts. From waterfowl and quail to turkeys, woodcock, and beyond, no gamebird species is off the table for discussion. The show also features engaging discussions on bird dogs and bird hunting. Whether you're passionate about gamebird management or an avid hunter, this podcast is for you! This podcast is part of the Natural Resources University Podcast Network. Hosts of Gamebird University: James Callicutt, Waterfowl and Upland Gamebird Extension Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service Mark McConnell, Assistant professor of Upland Birds, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center Brian Davis, Professor of Waterfowl and Wetlands, Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center

Publisher

Mississippi State University Extension Service

Category

science · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Oct 2024

Latest episode

28 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

20 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Sept 2026

   From Quail Cover to Duck Water: Preseason Habitat Management

   In this episode of Gamebird University, James Callicutt and Mark McConnell catch up on fall habitat management for waterfowl and upland game birds. They discuss how timing, scale, and landscape context influence management decisions, from prescribed burning and fall disking to crop harvest, vegetation control, and water management. The conversation covers habitat diversity, quail cover, food availability, waterfowl migration, and how birds respond to changing conditions across the landscape. James and Mark also discuss the importance of monitoring habitat response, adapting management when aggressive plant species become a problem, and recognizing that the same practice may produce very different results depending on where and how it is applied. They close with discussion of waterfowl movements, thermal ecology, landowner management, and getting dogs ready for the upcoming hunting season.

2. 

   9 Dec 2025

   Cooperative Duck Management: Neighbors, Networks, and Better Hunts

   In this episode, James and Ryan Dulaney, manager of Grindle Slough in Arkansas, take a deep dive into the current state of waterfowl management, covering habitat conditions, duck populations, and how weather influences migration patterns. They discuss practical strategies for managing duck ground, including vegetation management, soil disturbance, water management, and the timing of flooding. James and Ryan also highlight the importance of managing hunting pressure, fostering cooperation among neighboring landowners, and shifting mindsets toward long-term stewardship and consistent management to support sustainable waterfowl hunting.

3. 

   26 Sept 2025

   From Data to Drawdowns: Telemetry and Winter Ducks—Signals, Noise, and Habitat Strategy

   In this episode of Gamebird University, James sits down with Dr. Ryan Askren, Director of the Five Oaks Agricultural Research & Education Center, to refocus the lens on the wintering grounds—where habitat configuration, disturbance, and management decisions shape duck behavior long before spring. James and Ryan dig into what modern GPS/GSM telemetry is really telling us about winter movements, night feeding, and sanctuary use—and where tag choice can bias migration inferences. They explore how wetland complexes outperform single units, why scrub-shrub/buttonbush cover may be undervalued for thermal refuge and predator avoidance, and what fecal DNA diet work reveals. The conversation connects science to practice: post-season water on non-timber units, hunt-rest rotations, and coordinating with neighbors to create the mosaic ducks actually select. Ryan also shares insights from comparative studies of backpack vs. implant transmitters (and what that means for estimating timing and survival) and closes with how the Five Oaks certificate program turns ecology-savvy students into equipment-ready managers who can calibrate sprayers, plan drawdowns, and talk shop with farmers.

Who has been a guest on Gamebird University

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Frank Rohwer
• Matt Chouinard
• Dr Dwayne Elmore

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Gamebird University

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Gamebird University