Manage the Wild

Nick Madsen

All things wildlife: hunting, fishing, conservation, habitat and wildlife management from the perspective of a wildlife ecology and management graduate. read less
ScienceScience

Episodes

291: Time Crunch and Hunt Recommendations
21-02-2024
291: Time Crunch and Hunt Recommendations
In this episode, host Nick Madsen discusses the time crunch faced by wildlife biologists and managers when making hunt recommendations. The hunt recommendation numbers are released in April, but the data collection process is challenging due to the hunting season starting in August and ending in January. The biologists rely on various data sources, including population estimates, GPS collar data, hunter harvest data, habitat and environmental conditions, and disease data. They use this information to determine buck-to-doe ratios, assess population objectives, and make recommendations for permits. The episode highlights the importance of accurate and up-to-date data in the decision-making process. Takeaways Hunt recommendation numbers are released in April, but the data collection process is challenging due to the hunting season starting in August and ending in January. Wildlife biologists and managers rely on various data sources, including population estimates, GPS collar data, hunter harvest data, habitat and environmental conditions, and disease data. Buck-to-doe ratios are used to assess population objectives and determine the number of permits to be issued. Accurate and up-to-date data is crucial for making informed hunt recommendations Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/your-adrenaline License code: QWS1TG5BYTFK2  #bigbuck #biggamehunting #wildlife #bowhunter #archeryhunting #outdoors #huntingthings #muledeer #deerhunter
286: M.OVI Strikes Again, Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Infected
02-02-2024
286: M.OVI Strikes Again, Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Infected
The conversation discusses the outbreak of pneumonia in the Hells Canyon area of Idaho among bighorn sheep. The host shares his personal experience with a similar outbreak in the past and highlights the severity of the disease. The challenges of managing and translocating infected sheep are also discussed. The conversation emphasizes the inability to slow the spread of the disease and the potential catastrophic impact on the bighorn sheep population. The tri-state area and the response of each state are mentioned, and the hope for a better outcome is expressed. Takeaways Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (MOV) is a serious threat to bighorn sheep populations. Translocating infected sheep can lead to the spread of the disease and compromise the entire herd. There is currently no effective way to slow the spread of the disease or reduce death among infected sheep. The outbreak in the Hells Canyon area of Idaho could have a catastrophic impact on the bighorn sheep population. The response of each state in the tri-state area will be crucial in monitoring and managing the outbreak.  Pneumonia hits Hells Canyon bighorn sheep, F&G and neighboring states monitoring the effects | Idaho Fish and Game Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/your-adrenaline License code: QWS1TG5BYTFK2  #bigbuck #biggamehunting #wildlife #bowhunter #archeryhunting #outdoors #huntingthings #muledeer #deerhunter
285: Are Hunters Using GPS Collars to track Animals
02-02-2024
285: Are Hunters Using GPS Collars to track Animals
In this episode, Nick Madsen discusses the recent elk trapping and disease testing conducted by the Utah Division of Wildlife. He highlights the use of collar data by hunters to track elk and the debates surrounding the use of equipment and technology in hunting. Madsen raises ethical concerns about accessing telemetry frequencies and expresses worries about the potential misuse of such data. He concludes by mentioning House Bill 404 in Idaho, which aims to restrict public access to telemetry data. Takeaways Elk trapping is conducted for disease testing purposes, with a focus on collaring calves for movement ecology studies. Hunters have started using collar data to track elk by obtaining telemetry frequencies from states. Debates exist regarding the use of equipment and technology in hunting, with differing opinions on scopes, trail cams, and radios. There are ethical concerns about accessing telemetry frequencies and the potential impact on fair chase principles. Misuse of telemetry data, such as for gaining an unfair advantage in hunting, is a growing concern. House Bill 404 in Idaho aims to restrict public access to telemetry data, reflecting ongoing discussions about data privacy and hunting ethics. (No date) MSN. Available at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/cheat-codes-for-hunters-idaho-bill-would-help-prevent-pinpoint-of-wildlife-locations/ar-BB1hCWet (Accessed: 01 February 2024). Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/your-adrenaline License code: QWS1TG5BYTFK2  #bigbuck #biggamehunting #wildlife #bowhunter #archeryhunting #outdoors #huntingthings #muledeer #deerhunter