Ep. 67 | Forged by Fire: Prescribed Burns for Better Habitat

Ep. 67 | Forged by Fire: Prescribed Burns for Better Habitat

Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission March 4, 2026 Duration: 56:06
Prescribed fire is a HOT topic in Pennsylvania!  Fire Program Manager Bryan Whitmore and Southcentral Assistant Regional Forester Brent McNeal join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of prescribed fire as the ultimate habitat management tool that directly benefits game species and how meticulous practices ensure safety and promote healthy native wildlife habitat.     Episode Highlights:  Current status of the 15-year PGC fire program What an ideal burn day looks like What a burn plan is and why it’s so important Why prescribed fire is an effective habitat management tool  The difference between prescribed fire and wildfire Driving the future of the fire program through refinement   Resources:  Learn more about the PGC prescribed fire program.  View our online mapping system for upcoming prescribed fires.  Sign up for prescribed fire notifications in your area. Check out the Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council.    

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…