On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're on the bank of the beautiful Elkhorn Creek in Franklin County, and we're going fishing! You might hear some geese flying over, some running water, and some wind during this episode... We apologize for that, but things happen when you try to record outside! Here we talk about what Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery does for the state, recap a fish catch from the past weekend, and cover the basics of fishing Elkhorn Creek right now... Enjoy!

#98 - Kayak Musky Catch, Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery, Elkhorn Creek

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Kentucky's black bear program coordinator, John Hast. John walks us through the history of black bears in the state, their biology, and where we are currently at in regards to black bears and black bear hunting. There were some recent changes to the black bear hunting regulations in the state, so we of course touch on that as well... Enjoy!

#106 Dr. John Hast - KY Black Bears and Black Bear Hunting

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, a day ahead of the 2023 Spring Turkey Season, we're joined by wild turkey biologist Elizabeth Johnson! She was nice enough to shed some light on wild turkey conservation efforts, current research, and habitat management for us, in addition to being a good sport and just talking hunting... Additionally, Lee caught his saugeye after years of trying, so we had to hit on that too!

#112 Elizabeth Johnson - Wild Turkey Hunting, Research, Lee Caught His Saugeye

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by John Brunjes, the Migratory Bird Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as an avid white water rafter and wildlife photographer. John gives us a great rundown of how data is used to make wildlife conservation decisions, as well as some advice on how to get that perfect shot!

#118 John Brunjes - Improving Conservation With Data, Wildlife Photography, Migratory Bird Hunting

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Rich Storm! We'll find out who the commissioner is, look back on his tenure to this point, and look ahead to the future... Enjoy!

#122 Rich Storm - KDFWR Commissioner

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Cody Rhoden, Small Game Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Cody's an expert on all things small game (and a few other things too), and today we're picking his brain about the hunting, science, and management of these critters. We'll also touch on how outdoors people can make positive changes that bolster small game numbers in their area... Thanks for listening!

#128 Cody Rhoden - Small Game Animals, Hunting, Science, Habits

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by one of the leading experts on flora and fauna in the Southeast United States, KDFWR's John MacGregor. John has lived a lifetime catching and studying critters both for fun and as a professional. Although he's never listened to a podcast before he was nice enough to join us on ours, and we're essentially just seeing where the conversation takes us. Thanks for listening, and feel free to email John any and all pictures of unusual creatures that you might find... Just don't be surprised if he asked for a GPS coordinate for his records.

#129 John MacGregor - Non-Game Species, Finding Things at Night, Conservation

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jeff Ross, Assistant Director of Fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. We talk about a newly certified state record fish, the process for documenting a record, fish recruitment, the importance of habitat, and much more!

#130 Jeff Ross - State Record Fish, Changes For 2024 -2025, Fish Recruitment

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about bad luck and beneficial skills, or in other words, bananas on boats and foraging... We'll give you a "banana boat" experience or two, as well as the backstory on why they're bad luck, and then we will dive into one of the most beneficial skills that a woodsman can learn, foraging. Thanks for listening, and please use those additional resources!

#131 - Bananas On Boats, Mushroom Hunting In KY, Abilities

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Josh Bender of The Parklands of Floyds Fork! We talk to Josh for a bit about the mission of the park and the opportunities that it provides, and then we head out to do a little smallmouth stream fishing in Floyds Fork itself!

#133 Josh Bender - The Parklands Of Floyds Fork, Stream Smallmouth Fishing

This episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast is a special one for me (Chase), as I tell the story of my recently-passed beagle "Hunter". He was an excellent hunting dog and companion who did a lot for me personally... In addition to that we're discussing what we've been up to lately and spring fishing opportunities!

#134 - "Hunter" the Beagle, What's Going on Now, Spring Fishing

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're talking about the best way to beat this Summer heat... Kayaking! Lee has traveled the state and documented 38 streams, and has multiple kayaking trips mapped for each stream. We're going to learn about his process, what is included in the articles, and find out his favorite floats throughout the state! 

For Lee's "Blue Water Trails" articles visit -> https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Blue-Water-Trails.aspx

#135 - Kentucky Kayak Fishing Destinations, Public Access, Blue Water Trails

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Adam Martin, Program coordinator and Sport-Fish Biologist in the western region of the state! 

Adam is here to tell us some good news related to bass and catfish in the big lakes, and to break down some interesting data that the fisheries crews have gathered recently. You'll find out what fishing will be like in the future on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, learn a bit about the fisheries and ecosystems, and about the life of a fisheries biologist!

#136 Adam Martin - WKY Fisheries, Bass Up, Carp Down

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Rachel Young, who's with The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation! Rachel's organization helps fund conservation, and does some amazing things for the state's youth... She's telling us how they accomplish these goals, and how you can help!

For more information visit: kentuckywildlife.com

#137  Rachel Young - Fundraising For Conservation, Getting Kids Outdoors

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by John Boel, an avid-angler and nightly news anchor with too many accolades to mention individually... John is a Wisconsin native and Kentucky transplant who's mastered walleye, smallmouth, musky, and a number of other species in the state. We're talking about how he fishes, why he fishes, and life in general...

#138 John Boel - From WI To KY, Learning To Fish KY, Why We Fish

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Dave Dreves, the Director of the Fisheries Division for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and the primary topic is bass... We're talking about eating bass, and why doing that could lead to improved fisheries. We'll also hit on a new trophy bass initiative that the department is undertaking, and discuss what's going on in fisheries in general.

We appreciate you listening!

#139 Dave Dreves - Eating Bass, Trophy Bass, Getting Feedback

We're joined by Jimmy Woods, a biologist with The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we're talking about small game! Jimmy's giving us the rundown of the mast crops across the state, discussing how this information is useful for outdoors men and women, talking about hunting with dogs, and letting us know about a new website feature that is going to help improve management efforts across the board!

#140 Jimmy Woods - Small Game Hunting, Mast Crops, Game Participation

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Rachel Crume, who's not only the R3 Branch Manager for KDFWR, but also an experienced deer tracker who services the state of KY! Rachel is going to give us the rundown on deer tracking from her perspective, sharing information that she's gathered over the course of hundreds of successful and unsuccessful tracks... She'll tell us why she does it, what she enjoys about it, and share some helpful tips for deer hunters across the state.

#141 Rachel Crume - Tracking Deer, Shot Placement, Tracking Do's And Don'ts

We're joined by Tommy, a biologist with the KDFWR deer program! The whitetail rut is right around the corner, and so is the state's modern firearms season for deer... We'll talk about that, tips and tactics, and also go over some need-to-know information for hunters in Kentucky. 

#142 Tommy Apostolopoulos - The Rut, New CWD Surveillance Zone, Deer Hunting

We're joined by Dr. John Brunjes, the Migratory Bird Program Coordinator for KDFWR! John is an avid outdoorsman, and specifically a waterfowl lover. He speaks to all the reasons that waterfowl hunters love what they do, and about what makes it such a unique hunting opportunity. Additionally, Dr. Brunjes also sheds some light on the "behind the scenes" of migratory bird conservation efforts in North America... After speaking with him, we feel like we need to give waterfowl a shot!

#143 Dr. John Brunjes - Waterfowl Hunting Sounds Awesome, Migratory Bird Conservation

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined Dr. John Hast, Kentucky's lead bear and elk biologist, and he's taking us deep into the world of wildlife management and conservation efforts for two of the state's most iconic species: black bears and elk. Dr. Hast discusses the ongoing work to protect and sustain these populations, the challenges they face, and the exciting hunting opportunities available to sportsmen and women.

In addition to wildlife management, Dr. Hast shares his personal passion for the Cumberland River—one of his favorite spots to fish during the winter months. Hear about his love for this beautiful stretch of water, its unique ecosystem, and the types of fishing adventures it offers. Whether you're a hunter, angler, or nature enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into Kentucky's natural resources and the dedicated work going into preserving them for future generations.





#144 Dr. John Hast - Bears and Elk in Kentucky, Bear Hunting, Great Winter Fishing

We're joined by Nick Ray, the Assistant Director of KDFWR's EIT division! "EIT" stands for Engineering, Infrastructure and Technology, and the follks who work in this division really make things work for the outdoors men and women of the state... We'll learn about some of the projects they take on, how they increase opportunity as a whole, and hear some stories of the challenges that they can run into along the way!

#145 Nick Ray - The EIT Division, Access Points, Shooting Ranges and Opportunity

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Dave Baker, a fisheries biologist with The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Dave is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to both fish and fishing, as he's not only a professional in the field, but also an excellent angler as well... Here we're talking about all the exciting spring fishing opportunities that are on the horizon, including: White Bass, Crappie, Sauger, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Catfish! Get your rods and reels ready... It's just about time to go fishing!

#146 David Baker - Spring Fishing Is Nearly Here!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources! Zak has some exciting news to share as turkey season is on the horizon, both for this year's hunt, and for the next several years to come... Find out why things might be looking up for the turkey population and turkey hunters of the state, as well as what biologist are doing in the field at this very moment!

#147 Zak Danks - Spring Turkey Hunting, The Population, Management

Jeff Crosby, KDFWR Fisheries Biologist, joins us for this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast! We'll dive into some of the most aggressive biting and hard fighting fish that the state has to offer, and explore the hybrid species in-depth. Why do they make hybrids? What's the advantage? Do they truly fight harder? We'll answer those questions and many more on this episode of the podcast!

#148 Jeff Crosby - Hybrid Vigor, Top Fish, Spring Fishing

Ahead of the Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing we're all excited at the thought of elk hunting in the Commonwealth! So we asked Dr. John Hast, KDFWR Bear and Elk Program Coordinator, to join us for an episode... We discuss elk hunting in the state over the years and what it's like now, what the odds of being drawn are, how the process works, tell a few stories, and much more. 

The deadline to enter for the drawing is April 30, so be sure to click over to FW.KY.GOV and visit "My Profile" if you'd like a chance at getting drawn!

#149 Dr. John Hast - Elk Hunting in Kentucky, The Drawing, Odds, Process

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Jay Herrala, a biologist who specializes in moving-water fisheries for the KDFWR. It's the best time of the year to stream fish in Kentucky, so we're definitely talking about opportunities. Additionally, we've had some unique rainfall in the state this year, so we'll pick Jay's brain on the affects of flooding on the fisheries. Then, of course, it's Derby week... So we'll get Lee's thoughts on the big race in before the podcast ends!

#150 Jay Herrala - Stream Fisheries, Affects of Flooding, Lee's Derby Picks

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we’re talking wild pigs and wild water! Biologist Terri Brunjes from KDFWR’s wild pig program joins us to break down the damage feral swine cause in Kentucky—and what’s being done to root them out. We also swap stories about kayaking and whitewater paddling, a shared passion among those on the show. Tune in for a fun and informative ride from the backwoods to the backwaters, and remember to report wild pigs or wild pig sign if you see it! 

#151 Terri Brunjes - Wild Pigs in KY, Issues and Efforts, Paddlesports

On a very fun 25th episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast John Hast, Bear, Pig, and Furbearer Biologist, joined us to talk about the state of black bears and wild pigs in Kentucky. I learned a lot, and had a lot of fun... As always, enjoy!

#25 John Hast - Bears in KY, Wild Pigs, Fly fishing the Cumberland

Stream biologist Jason Herrala joins us on this episode to share his knowledge of all things related to Kentucky's creeks and rivers. We field some Instagram generated questions, talk a lot of fishing, and ultimately had a great time doing it. Enjoy!

#41 Jason Herrala - Instagram Q&A, Streams of KY, Rivers of KY

The official Podcast of Kentucky Afield... Covering hunting, fishing, wildlife, and everything Kentucky Outdoors.

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