wildturkeyDNA: Year One Surprises, Odd Plumage, and Big Plans for 2026 (Ep 752)
Ducks Unlimited Podcast
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
4.9 • 599 Ratings
🗓️ 26 February 2026
⏱️ 51 minutes
🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
The wildturkeyDNA project is back—and year one delivered far more surprises than expected.
Recorded on location at the NWTF Convention, Dr. Mike Brasher, DU's Senior Waterfowl Scientist, is joined by:
Dr. Mike Chamberlain, NWTF Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia and Wild Turkey Lab
Dr. Phil Lavretsky, Associate Professor and wildlife geneticist at University of Texas at El Paso
Katie Tucker, DU Conservation Science Assistant
Together they break down year one results, insights from odd‑plumage birds and unexpected hybrids, and unveil expansion plans for 2026. This episode offers an inside look at one of the fastest‑growing wildlife genetics projects in North America—powered by turkey hunters.
In this episode:
- Why some "odd plumage" birds turned out to be 100% wild.
- Heritage breeds, hybrids, and true genetic mutations: what showed up and why it matters.
- Why turkey genetics were more complicated than expected.
- How expanded sampling will shed light on subspecies ranges across the country.
- Concern about inbreeding depression and the quest for answers.
- How hunter participation has become the engine behind modern wildlife genetics.
- Big plans for 2026, including expansion into Canada and incorporation of Osceola samples.
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Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | From the Alaskan Wilderness to the Atlantic Flyway, across America's Great Plains and down the Mississippi Delta, |
| 0:07.0 | Ducks Unlimited has been protecting and restoring habitats for nearly 90 years. |
| 0:12.0 | But our work is far from over. |
| 0:15.0 | We need your help to reach our next million-acre milestone and ensure waterfowl for generations to come. D.U volunteers and supporters have led the charge to fill the skies with waterfowl today, |
| 0:26.6 | tomorrow, and forever. Join the team that's making a real difference. Ducks Unlimited is powered by people like you. |
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| 0:48.3 | To join our team today, visit www.w.ducks.org slash volunteer. |
| 0:54.9 | Ducks Unlimited. |
| 0:56.2 | Conservation for a continent. |
| 1:01.8 | This May 27th through 30th, |
| 1:06.7 | Ducks Unlimited is invading sunny Tampa, Florida. |
| 1:10.1 | Join us for D.U's 89th National Convention. |
| 1:13.6 | Four days of waterfront views, incredible events, inspiring conservation sessions, and unforgettable experiences. |
| 1:21.6 | Kick things off with the opening night Pirate Palooza at the Florida Aquarium. |
| 1:26.6 | Then enjoy tours, celebrations, and the spectacular wings over wetlands dinner. |
| 1:32.4 | Register now at convention.dux.org and be part of the mission to conserve North America's |
| 1:38.4 | wetlands. Tampa awaits. Don't miss it. |
| 1:42.4 | Yo, ho, everyone, join us today as we talk turkeys with Dr. Mike Chamberlain, Dr. Phil O'Retzki and |
... |
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