<description>On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re once again joined by Zak Danks, KDFWR Turkey Program Coordinator. This time, we get a mid-season update on the turkey harvest, which is trending toward an all-time high. Zak breaks down why that’s happening and what it could mean for the future. He also shares insights on turkey reproduction and where we are in that process—offering a look at how hunting conditions may shape up over the next few weeks.

Plus, host Chase Wininger recaps a successful hunt, and co-host Lee McClellan shares his Derby picks!</description>

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, w…

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re once again joined by Zak Danks, KDFWR Turkey Program Coordinator. This time, we get a mid-season update on the turkey harvest, which is trending toward an all-time high. Zak breaks down why that’s happening and what it could mean for the future. He also shares insights on turkey reproduction and where we are in that process—offering a look at how hunting conditions may shape up over the next few weeks.

Plus, host Chase Wininger recaps a successful hunt, and co-host Lee McClellan shares his Derby picks!

#161 Zak Danks - Record Harvest (So Far), Turkey Reproduction, Lee's Derby Picks

<description>Turkey season is right around the corner in Kentucky, and there’s no better way to get prepared than hearing straight from the source. In this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we sit down with Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, to break down what hunters can expect this spring.

With Youth Season set for April 4–5 and the General Statewide Season running April 18 through May 10, Zak shares why optimism is high heading into 2026. Thanks in part to strong cicada hatches over the past two years, turkey numbers are looking solid across much of the state. Hunters in western Kentucky can expect a great crop of 2-year-old gobblers, while central and eastern portions of the state should offer a healthy mix of jakes and mature toms.

We also dive into the science behind the season. Zak walks us through ongoing research efforts—including banding studies, GPS-tracked hens, and audio monitoring of turkey vocalizations—and explains how this data is shaping management decisions and ensuring sustainable hunting opportunities for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or gearing up for your first season, this episode is packed with insights to help you hit the woods with confidence.</description>

Turkey season is right around the corner in Kentu…

Turkey season is right around the corner in Kentucky, and there’s no better way to get prepared than hearing straight from the source. In this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we sit down with Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, to break down what hunters can expect this spring.

With Youth Season set for April 4–5 and the General Statewide Season running April 18 through May 10, Zak shares why optimism is high heading into 2026. Thanks in part to strong cicada hatches over the past two years, turkey numbers are looking solid across much of the state. Hunters in western Kentucky can expect a great crop of 2-year-old gobblers, while central and eastern portions of the state should offer a healthy mix of jakes and mature toms.

We also dive into the science behind the season. Zak walks us through ongoing research efforts—including banding studies, GPS-tracked hens, and audio monitoring of turkey vocalizations—and explains how this data is shaping management decisions and ensuring sustainable hunting opportunities for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or gearing up for your first season, this episode is packed with insights to help you hit the woods with confidence.

#160 Zak Danks - Turkey Numbers, Research & Spring Season Forecast

<description>This week’s episode takes a storytelling approach to fisheries management with Jay Herrala of the Rivers and Streams Research Branch of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Jay walks us through the history behind today’s bass populations — starting with the changes that shaped both Kentucky’s lakes and the Ohio River — and how those shifts led to the current conditions anglers see on the water. From there, he explains an experimental project aimed at improving bass fishing on multiple fronts: relocating bass from overcrowded lakes to the Ohio River to help create better growth potential in those lakes, while also supporting river populations that have struggled with natural recruitment. Jay shares what this effort looks like on the ground and what early results are showing from the research side.

Beyond the science, Jay brings a wealth of on-the-water experience across Kentucky’s lakes and streams — and he shares his “Best-of-the-Best” fishing destinations around the state. If you’re looking for new places to fish or want insight on where to plan your next trip, you won’t want to miss his recommendations.

As always, we mix in some stories, conversation, and a little behind-the-scenes insight into how fisheries management really works in Kentucky.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your next trip</description>

This week’s episode takes a storytelling approach…

This week’s episode takes a storytelling approach to fisheries management with Jay Herrala of the Rivers and Streams Research Branch of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Jay walks us through the history behind today’s bass populations — starting with the changes that shaped both Kentucky’s lakes and the Ohio River — and how those shifts led to the current conditions anglers see on the water. From there, he explains an experimental project aimed at improving bass fishing on multiple fronts: relocating bass from overcrowded lakes to the Ohio River to help create better growth potential in those lakes, while also supporting river populations that have struggled with natural recruitment. Jay shares what this effort looks like on the ground and what early results are showing from the research side.

Beyond the science, Jay brings a wealth of on-the-water experience across Kentucky’s lakes and streams — and he shares his “Best-of-the-Best” fishing destinations around the state. If you’re looking for new places to fish or want insight on where to plan your next trip, you won’t want to miss his recommendations.

As always, we mix in some stories, conversation, and a little behind-the-scenes insight into how fisheries management really works in Kentucky.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your next trip

#159 - From History to Headwaters: Bass Relocation, River Recovery, and Jay’s Top Kentucky Fishing Spots

<description>On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we sit down with KDFWR Commissioner Rich Storm to talk about the path that led him from a passion for the outdoors to leading The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Rich shares how his early hunting and fishing experiences shaped his interest in conservation, and influenced his career and leadership style.

We also discuss some of the accomplishments he’s most proud of during his time with the department, as well as the real challenges facing fish and wildlife conservation today. From agency successes to the road ahead, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and priorities guiding conservation in the Commonwealth.</description>

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we sit down with KDFWR Commissioner Rich Storm to talk about the path that led him from a passion for the outdoors to leading The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Rich shares how his early hunting and fishing experiences shaped his interest in conservation, and influenced his career and leadership style.

We also discuss some of the accomplishments he’s most proud of during his time with the department, as well as the real challenges facing fish and wildlife conservation today. From agency successes to the road ahead, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and priorities guiding conservation in the Commonwealth.

#158 Rich Storm – From the Field to the Commissioner’s Office

<description>On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by David Baker, KDFWR Central District Fisheries Biologist! We're talking about what's "hot" right now in regards to fishing, and some of the best-eating species that the state has to offer are currently on the menu. We'll discuss how and where to target them for wintertime fishing success! Fisheries crews across the state are also preparing to install a massive amount of habitat in lakes across the Commonwealth, made possible by Christmas tree donations that are coming in from the public right now. We'll tell you how and why these habitat sites are built, as well as where you can find locations for them online. 

Thanks for listening, and good luck on the water!</description>

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we…

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by David Baker, KDFWR Central District Fisheries Biologist! We're talking about what's "hot" right now in regards to fishing, and some of the best-eating species that the state has to offer are currently on the menu. We'll discuss how and where to target them for wintertime fishing success! Fisheries crews across the state are also preparing to install a massive amount of habitat in lakes across the Commonwealth, made possible by Christmas tree donations that are coming in from the public right now. We'll tell you how and why these habitat sites are built, as well as where you can find locations for them online. 

Thanks for listening, and good luck on the water!

#157 David Baker - Good Fishing RIGHT NOW, Habitat Work, How You Can Help

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