Call of the Outdoors Episode 53: Keep Wildlife Wild-The Dangers of Supplemental Feeding

Call of the Outdoors Episode 53: Keep Wildlife Wild-The Dangers of Supplemental Feeding

Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission January 1, 2025 Duration: 46:56
Piling up corn for deer might seem helpful during harsh winters, but feeding wildlife is actually dangerous to animals and humans. Deputy Executive Director Dave Gustafson and Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Di Salvo join host Matt Morrett to explain how supplemental feeding negatively impacts wildlife, why food plots and birdfeeders are different, and how Pennsylvanians can create complex habitat in their own backyards. Episode Highlights: The ways supplemental feeding can harm wildlife How feeding deer can disrupt habitat for other species Why food plots can be beneficial for several species Best practices for birdfeeders Tips for helping wildlife long-term no matter where you live  Resources: Learn more about the dangers of feeding wildlife. Find six things you can do for wildlife. Explore ways to improve habitat for wildlife.

There’s a particular feeling that comes from swapping stories with good company under an open sky, and that’s the spirit we try to capture in every episode of Call of the Outdoors. Produced by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this podcast brings together voices who live and breathe the state’s wild places. You’ll hear from biologists, wardens, hunters, and conservationists, all sharing their deep, firsthand knowledge. Conversations range from the intricate management of local habitats and the science behind tracking species, to the timeless traditions of hunting and the simple joys of noticing nature’s details. It’s not all serious talk-expect genuine laughter and personal anecdotes that remind you of a friendly chat around a campfire. Each installment offers a specific, grounded look at a piece of Pennsylvania’s natural world, whether it’s following the journey of a black bear, understanding the role of prescribed fires, or exploring how communities get involved in protecting their local environment. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that connect you to the ongoing story of wildlife and wilderness stewardship in the Keystone State.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Call of the Outdoors
Podcast Episodes
Episode 36 Part 1: Healthy Forests, Healthy Deer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:30
The average adult white-tailed deer needs five pounds of browse per day — healthy habitat is critical to a healthy deer population. Chief Forester Paul Weiss and host Matt Morrett discuss how the Game Commission manages…
Episode 35: Life-Saving Advice from State Game Wardens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:42
Last year, Pennsylvania recorded 14 hunting-related shooting incidents, and more than 6,000 hunters were cited for serious violations that could put themselves, other hunters, and wildlife at risk. State Game Warden Mari…
Episode 33: Discussing Public Lands in the Keystone State  [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:39
Whether you hunt, fish, hike, or simply enjoy viewing wildlife, Pennsylvania has millions of acres of public lands for you to to take advantage of. Host Matt Morrett is joined by Division Chief of Habitat Planning and De…
Episode 31: Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:41
It’s the best time of year! Mornings are crisp and it’s beginning to feel like fall. Pennsylvania is celebrating 50 years of conservation for this year’s National Hunting and Fishing Day. Host Matt Morrett is joined by E…
Episode 30: People & Patience: Keys to PA Waterfowl Hunting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:37
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Daylight hours are shortening, and Pennsylvania’s first hunting seasons are finally here. Waterfowl hunters are gearing up for early Canada goose season, which opens Thursday, Se…
Episode 29: Habitat 101 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:25
How do you define habitat? Host Matt Morrett is joined by Dave Gustafson, Bureau Director of Wildlife and Habitat Management for the Pennsylvania Game Commission who dives in on habitat 101. Dave explains that habitat is…
Episode 28: Spilling Turkey Secrets, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:35
What makes a turkey talk? Host Matt Morrett and Denny Gulvas continue to break down turkey habits, mannerisms and body language to help you develop your turkey calls and have a successful season. In this part 2, they are…