The Michigan DNR's Wildtalk Podcast

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division

About

The Wildtalk Podcast is a production of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. On the Wildtalk Podcast, representatives of the Wildlife Division chew the fat and shoot the scat about all things habitat, feathers, and fur. With insights, interviews, and listener questions answered on the air, you'll come away with a better picture of what's happening in the world of Michigan's wildlife. Thank you for listening.Email questions to: dnr-wildlife@michigan.govor call 517-284-9453

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71 episodes

Flying deer, frogs, herons and Southeast Michigan habitat

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Nate Levitte about all things habitat in the Southeast Lower Peninsula region of the state, fly away with a discussion about the Great blue heron, and we wrap up the episode with a chat about wood frogs. Pete Kailing also stops in to talk about hunting and trapping opportunities and more that are available in the month of April.  Episode Hosts: Rachel Lincoln and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

41m
Apr 01
Southwest Lower Peninsula habitat, woodcock, the bear essentials and coy wolves?

* In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to James Miller about all things habitat in the Southwest Lower Peninsula region of the state, fly away with a discussion about the American woodcock, answer a question about the existence of coywolves and we wrap up the episode with a chat about Michigan black bears. Pete Kailing also stops in to talk about hunting and trapping opportunities available in the month of March.  Episode Hosts: Rachel Lincoln and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

47m
Mar 02
Crows, otters and Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Scott Eggeman about all things habitat in the Northern Lower Peninsula region of the state, fly away with a discussion about crows, and we wrap up the episode with a chat about otters. Pete Kailing also stops in to talk about hunting and trapping opportunities available in the month of February.  Episode Hosts: Rachel Lincoln and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

40m
Feb 01
UP habitat work, snowy owls, the bog lemming and a new year

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Bill Scullon about all things habitat in the Upper Peninsula region of the state, fly away with a discussion about snowy owls, and we wrap up the episode with a chat about bog lemmings.       Episode Hosts: Rachel Lincoln and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

34m
Jan 01
Southwest Michigan habitat, pileated woodpeckers and the pine marten

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Mark Mills about all things habitat in the Southwest region of the state, fly away with a discussion about pileated woodpeckers, and we wrap up the episode with a chat about the elusive pine marten.       Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

43m
Dec 01, 2023
Michigan Natural Features Inventory, bird migration and the white-tailed deer

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Jesse Lincoln from Michigan Natural Features Inventory about all things habitat, fly away with a discussion about bird migration and die-offs from window collisions, and we wrap up the episode with a chat about what is perhaps Michigan’s most iconic fall mammal, the white-tailed deer.                 Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

38m
Nov 01, 2023
Spooky season: Southeast Lower Peninsula habitat work, and nocturnal owls and skunks

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Joe Robison about all things habitat in the Southeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan, fly away with eastern screech-owls as we talk all things feathers, and we discuss the odorous, striped skunk in our all things fur segment. Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

37m
Oct 01, 2023
Northern Lower Peninsula habitat work, sharp-tailed grouse and the Ursus americanus

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Mike Parker about all things habitat in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, fly away with sharp-tailed grouse as we talk all things feathers, and we discuss the Ursus americanus in our all things fur segment. Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

38m
Sep 01, 2023
Southwest Michigan, piping plovers and huge squirrels

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Kristin Wildman about all things habitat in Southwest Michigan, fly away with piping plovers as we talk all things feathers, and talk about Michigans largest squirrel in our all things fur segment. Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner and Eric Hilliard Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

29m
Aug 01, 2023
Wildlife adaptations to a changing climate

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we replay one of our popular interviews about the challenges a changing climate pose to wildlife.   Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner, Holly Vaughn and Hannah Schauer Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

23m
Jul 01, 2023
Ticks, ticks, ticks!

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we replay one of our most popular interviews about one of everyones least favorite woodland insects — the tick.   Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

34m
Jun 01, 2023
Plan A: Leave Wildlife B

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we replay one of our most popular interviews on the importance of leaving wildlife in the wild.  Episode Hosts: Rachel Leightner Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

44m
May 01, 2023
The Northern Lower Peninsula, wild turkeys in the spring and the little brown bat

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk about habitat projects happening in Michigans Northern Lower Peninsula, fly away with a discussion about spring wild turkey behavior, and have a high-flying discussion about little brown bats.  Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

21m
Apr 01, 2023
UP habitat improvements, GEMS birding and preventing conflicts with bears

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk about habitat projects happening in Michigans Upper Peninsula, fly away with a discussion about birding on Grouse Enhanced Management Sites (GEMS), and dive into tips on avoiding conflicts with black bears this spring.  Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard Assistant producer/editor: Caleb Edge __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

25m
Mar 01, 2023
Southwest Michigan habitat, bird declines and backyard predators

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to John Niewoonder about all things habitat in Southwest Michigan, fly away with a discussion about what can be done concerning bird population declines as we talk all things feathered, and dive into fox and coyote conflict prevention tips in our all things fur segment.  Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

17m
Feb 01, 2023
Southeast Michigan, snow buntings and more

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we talk to Terry McFadden about all things habitat in Southeast Michigan, fly away with Snow Buntings as we talk all things feathered, and dive into winter hunting and trapping opportunities in our all things fur segment. Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard __ __ __ ____ Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD) or email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov.

19m
Jan 01, 2023
Raccoons, elk and the Pure Michigan Hunt

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we’ll shine our wildlife spotlight on the dark-eyed junco, find out what habitat work is happening in the Southwest Lower Peninsula, hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment and get a sample of conservation officer activity reports from the field.  Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer/editor: Eric Hilliard Assistant Producer/editor: Caleb Edge Law enforcement segment host: Katie Gervasi __ __ __ __ ____

19m
Dec 01, 2022
Juncos, Southwest Michigan and getting lost in the swamp

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we’ll shine our wildlife spotlight on the dark-eyed junco, find out what habitat work is happening in the Southwest Lower Peninsula, hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment and get a sample of conservation officer activity reports from the field.  Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Chad Fedewa Law enforcement segment host: Katie Gervasi __ __ __ __ ____

29m
Nov 01, 2022
Blue Jays, birding trails, white tails and enforcement tales

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we’ll shine our wildlife spotlight on the Blue Jay, find out what habitat work is happening in the Upper Peninsula, talk deer with Chad Stewart and Brian Frawley, hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment and get a sample of conservation officer activity reports from the field. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Bill Scullon Interview guests: Chad Stewart and Brian Frawley Law enforcement segment host: Katie Gervasi __ __ __ __ __ ____

40m
Oct 01, 2022
Elk, events, rescues and reporting

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we’ll shine our wildlife spotlight on the elk, find out what habitat work is happening in the Southeastern Lower Peninsula, hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment and get a sample of conservation officer activity reports from the field. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Kaitlyn Barnes Law enforcement segment host: Katie Gervasi __ __ __ __ ____

28m
Sep 01, 2022
Toads, dams, small fish and barrels

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, we’ll shine our wildlife spotlight on the American toad, find out what habitat work is happening in the Northern Lower Peninsula, hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment and get a sample of conservation officer activity reports from the field. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Brian Mastenbrook Law enforcement segment host: Katie Gervasi __ __ __ __ ____

23m
Aug 01, 2022
Ticks, ticks and more ticks

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, find out what habitat work is happening in the southwest part of the state, learn everything you probably ever wanted to know about ticks, and hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a sample of conservation officer activity reports from the field. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Holly Vaughn, Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Mark Mills Main Interview Guest(s): Dr. Jean Tsao, Dr. Megan Porter and Dr. Dan OBrien Law enforcement segment host: Katie Gervasi __ __ __ __ __ ____

52m
Jul 01, 2022
Avian influenza

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, find out what’s happening with wildlife habitat in the Upper Peninsula, learn about avian influenza with Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. Megan Moriarty, and hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a discussion about muskrats and how to avoid potential conflicts with them.  Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Karen Sexton Main Interview Guest(s): Dr. Megan Moriarty __ __ __ __ __ ____

42m
Jun 01, 2022
Please Leave Wildlife in the Wild

In this episode of the Wildtalk Podcast, find out what’s happening with wildlife habitat in the Southeastern Lower Peninsula, learn about why natural resource agencies remove wildlife from people keeping them as pets or rehabilitating them without a license, and hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a discussion about the contest. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Terry McFadden Main Interview Guest(s): Dr. Dan OBrien, Dr. Kimberly Signs and Dr. Jim Sikarskie __ __ __ __ __ __ ____

1h 2m
May 01, 2022
Spring birding

In this episode of the Michigan DNRs Wildtalk Podcast, you’ll find out what work is happening for wildlife in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula, talk about birds with MiBirds coordinator, Erin Rowan, and hear listener questions answered during the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a discussion about avoiding conflicts with migratory birds. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Rex Ainslie Main Interview Guest(s): Erin Rowan __ __ __ __ __ __ ____

34m
Apr 01, 2022
Bear with us for a moment

In this episode of the Michigan DNRs Wildtalk Podcast, you’ll find out what work is happening for wildlife in Michigan’s Southwest Lower Peninsula, talk about bears and large carnivores with Cody Norton, and hear listener questions answered during the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a discussion about how you can save yourself and the wildlife around your home from headaches this spring. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Mark Sargent Main Interview Guest(s):  __ __ __ __ __ ____

30m
Mar 01, 2022
Wildlife adaptations to a changing climate

In this episode of the Michigan DNRs Wildtalk Podcast, you’ll find out what work is happening for wildlife in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, talk about climate change and wildlife adaptation with Chris Hoving, and hear listener questions answered during the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a discussion about avoiding nuisance skunk issues. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Holly Vaughn, Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Bill Scullon Main Interview Guest(s): Chris Hoving __ __ __ __ __ ____

40m
Feb 01, 2022
Harvesting the Fur

In this episode of the Michigan DNRs Wildtalk Podcast, you’ll find out what work is happening for wildlife in Michigan’s Southeast Region, talk fur harvesting with Adam Bump, and hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a discussion about the approaching breeding activities of coyotes and foxes. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Terry McFadden Main Interview Guest(s): Adam Bump __ __ __ __ __ ____

35m
Jan 01, 2022
Michigan: A Winter Wonderland

In this episode of the Michigan DNRs Wildtalk Podcast, you’ll find out what work is happening for wildlife in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula Region, talk winter activities at Michigan State Parks with Maia Turek, and hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with a discussion about winter bird watching activities and animal track identification in the snow. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: Rex Ainsle Main Interview Guest(s): Maia Turek __ __ __ __ __ ____

33m
Dec 01, 2021
The Deer Time of Year

In this episode of the Michigan DNRs Wildtalk Podcast, you’ll find out what work is happening for wildlife in Michigan’s Southwest Region, talk deer with Ashley Autenrieth and Chad Stewart, and hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment. The episode wraps up with some helpful hunter safety tips. Questions or comments about the show? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). You can also email dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov, and even send your question as a sound file that you record on your phone to be played on the air! Episode Hosts: Hannah Schauer and Rachel Leightner Producer: Eric Hilliard Around the State Guest: John Niewoonder Main Interview Guest(s): Ashley Autenrieth and Chad Stewart __ __ __ __ __ ____

45m
Nov 01, 2021