<description>On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we're joined by Dr. John Hast, Bear and Elk Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, for an in-depth conversation on black bears and bear hunting in the Commonwealth. With Kentucky currently in the middle of its rifle season for bears, we're breaking down why the season is timed the way it is, the long-term goals of Kentucky’s bear program, and how season dates help meet those management objectives.

We also dive into the reasoning behind why baiting bears is not allowed in Kentucky, how weather conditions can influence bear movement and hunter success, and how shifting food sources impact bear behavior throughout the season. To wrap things up, Chase shares the story of harvesting his first-ever Kentucky black bear on public land during the October archery season.

Whether you’re a seasoned bear hunter or just curious about Kentucky’s growing bear population, this episode offers valuable insight straight from the biologist helping lead the program.</description>

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, w…

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we're joined by Dr. John Hast, Bear and Elk Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, for an in-depth conversation on black bears and bear hunting in the Commonwealth. With Kentucky currently in the middle of its rifle season for bears, we're breaking down why the season is timed the way it is, the long-term goals of Kentucky’s bear program, and how season dates help meet those management objectives.

We also dive into the reasoning behind why baiting bears is not allowed in Kentucky, how weather conditions can influence bear movement and hunter success, and how shifting food sources impact bear behavior throughout the season. To wrap things up, Chase shares the story of harvesting his first-ever Kentucky black bear on public land during the October archery season.

Whether you’re a seasoned bear hunter or just curious about Kentucky’s growing bear population, this episode offers valuable insight straight from the biologist helping lead the program.

156 Dr. John Hast — Black Bear Hunting Common Questions, Management Goals, A First Harvest

<description>Modern Firearms Season kicks off this weekend, and deer hunting doesn’t get much better than this! 🦌 In this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re joined by Deer Program Coordinator Joe McDermott to talk about the latest deer research shaping management decisions across the Commonwealth — including a GPS collar study that’s shedding light on how deer move as the rut approaches. The results point to great conditions for hunters hitting the woods this weekend.

We also dive into the importance of harvesting does in areas with high deer numbers, how hunters play a key role in keeping herds healthy, and ways to get your harvested deer tested for CWD through our freezer drop-off sites and the Shoot for Samples program — where you could win a $500–$2,000 prize just for participating.

If you’re gearing up for Modern Gun Season, give this episode a listen.</description>

Modern Firearms Season kicks off this weekend, an…

Modern Firearms Season kicks off this weekend, and deer hunting doesn’t get much better than this! 🦌 In this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re joined by Deer Program Coordinator Joe McDermott to talk about the latest deer research shaping management decisions across the Commonwealth — including a GPS collar study that’s shedding light on how deer move as the rut approaches. The results point to great conditions for hunters hitting the woods this weekend.

We also dive into the importance of harvesting does in areas with high deer numbers, how hunters play a key role in keeping herds healthy, and ways to get your harvested deer tested for CWD through our freezer drop-off sites and the Shoot for Samples program — where you could win a $500–$2,000 prize just for participating.

If you’re gearing up for Modern Gun Season, give this episode a listen.

#155 Joe McDermott - Deer on the Move: GPS Collars, Rut Action, and Modern Gun Season

<description>This week, we’re joined by Rachel Crume, KDFWR’s R3 Program Coordinator, and Megan Bagby from the R3 Branch. We kick things off with early season deer hunting strategies, and Rachel—who’s also an experienced deer tracker—shares valuable post-shot advice every hunter can use this fall.

From there, we dive into the work of the R3 Branch (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation), highlighting how they help get people outdoors and involved in hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. Programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops and Hunter Education courses are just a couple of examples we cover.

We round things out with some fishing talk and a few fun side topics along the way.</description>

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Crume, KDFWR’s …

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Crume, KDFWR’s R3 Program Coordinator, and Megan Bagby from the R3 Branch. We kick things off with early season deer hunting strategies, and Rachel—who’s also an experienced deer tracker—shares valuable post-shot advice every hunter can use this fall.

From there, we dive into the work of the R3 Branch (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation), highlighting how they help get people outdoors and involved in hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. Programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops and Hunter Education courses are just a couple of examples we cover.

We round things out with some fishing talk and a few fun side topics along the way.

#154 - Early Season Deer Hunting, R3 Opportunities, BOW

<description>In this episode, we’re joined by Tommy Apostolopoulos, Wildlife Biologist with the KDFWR Deer Program, to talk all things early season deer hunting in Kentucky.

With archery and crossbow seasons just around the corner, Tommy breaks down what hunters can expect this year—from whitetail behavior in the early season to tactics for success when temps are high and patterns are still predictable.

We also cover:

🦌 New regulations for 2025, including expanded opportunities with new and lengthened seasons
📍 Public land hot-spots to consider for your next hunt
🔬 What hunters need to know about CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) surveillance this fall
📚 Tips on staying informed and legal afield

Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or heading into the woods for the first time, this is a must-listen as we kick off the 2025–26 deer season.</description>

In this episode, we’re joined by Tommy Apostolopo…

In this episode, we’re joined by Tommy Apostolopoulos, Wildlife Biologist with the KDFWR Deer Program, to talk all things early season deer hunting in Kentucky.

With archery and crossbow seasons just around the corner, Tommy breaks down what hunters can expect this year—from whitetail behavior in the early season to tactics for success when temps are high and patterns are still predictable.

We also cover:

🦌 New regulations for 2025, including expanded opportunities with new and lengthened seasons
📍 Public land hot-spots to consider for your next hunt
🔬 What hunters need to know about CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) surveillance this fall
📚 Tips on staying informed and legal afield

Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or heading into the woods for the first time, this is a must-listen as we kick off the 2025–26 deer season.

#153 Deer Season 2025 - Opportunities, Trends, Management

<description>We sat down with KDFWR R3 Coordinator Rachel Crume to talk about the importance of recruiting, retaining, and reactivating outdoor enthusiasts—for the future of conservation in Kentucky. From Learn to Hunt and Fish classes to Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops and Annie Oakley Range Days, there are more ways than ever to get involved. Plus, we dive into some of our own hunting and fishing experiences, and learn a bit about big-game tracking from an expert in the field! </description>

We sat down with KDFWR R3 Coordinator Rachel Crum…

We sat down with KDFWR R3 Coordinator Rachel Crume to talk about the importance of recruiting, retaining, and reactivating outdoor enthusiasts—for the future of conservation in Kentucky. From Learn to Hunt and Fish classes to Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops and Annie Oakley Range Days, there are more ways than ever to get involved. Plus, we dive into some of our own hunting and fishing experiences, and learn a bit about big-game tracking from an expert in the field! 

#152 - R3- The Future of Kentucky's Outdoors with Rachel Crume

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