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Nick Bakner

@nwb5059

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B.S. PSU 2013. M.S. LSU 2019. PhD UGA 2023. Postdoctoral researcher at University of Delaware

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Happy nurses weeks everyone. I’m so proud of @bridgetdonegan every day. It is remarkable of what she accomplishes and the dedication to her patients. Absolutely unbelievable to meet a person so passionate about her work. It’s unbelievable. by @nwb5059

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5 months ago

After SEAFWA, flew up to Maine to hunt some grouse with @dylandoesducks and @lisabakner. What a crazy landscape up there. Never seen anything like it. Shot my first grouse ever was so excited stepped off the old logging road into what I thought was a puddle and sunk in up to my chest at 7:00am 35 degrees. Continued walk 10 miles for the rest of the day. Lou decided to chase some snowshoe hares around because she’s nuts. Let Millie do some retrieving. Lily found a dead grouse behind the cabin got some good rolls in. And most importantly Lisa let us get the suburban all dirty. I can’t wait for more trips like this they’re always really special with a lot of good laughs. by @nwb5059

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a year ago

Had such a great time presenting at SEAFWA this week! One of the best parts of this job is getting to share our science and learn from so many incredible wildlife biologists, integrating science into management is what it’s all about. Also great finally putting faces to names!
I can’t tag everyone I met for the first time, but man, this was a good one. I’m so proud of all the students and collaborators, especially those attending their first conference. You all did outstanding work, and I couldn’t be more proud to work alongside some of the brightest up-and-coming scientists out there. by @nwb5059

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a year ago

Guess it’s time for an update! I’ve officially moved out of Tennessee and up to Delaware to start a new postdoc at the University of Delaware. Finally back in the homeland and on the Atlantic coast. I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with a wide range of waterfowl species and of course, continue my work with wild turkeys.
I’m definitely going to miss all my friends in Tennessee, but I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon (in Mississippi, that is 😄). A huge thank you to my mom, @lisabakner, for all her help with the move none of this would’ve happened without you. Glad you could make it down to the Caverns for a show before I left!
Keep your eyes peeled for new research coming soon! by @nwb5059

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a year ago

Couple weekends back home with the friends and family. Mont Alto carnival for the first time in 10 years (Dylan won a fish, Trent flicked a dime in a shot glass won $50, I won carnival hotdogs). Caught some fish. Finished up my turkey frame. Lots and lots of dogs. Oh and LSU won the college World Series. by @nwb5059

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a year ago

I decided to live in the moment for once and not take my cell phone to @dylandoesducks and @lizzibonczek wedding. So thanks everyone for letting me steal your photos haha. I’m so glad everyone traveled all the way to join us for this event. I cannot fully convey how happy I am for you both. I love you both so damn much!! by @nwb5059

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a year ago

We captured Wild Rio Grande Hen Turkeys in South Texas on @mconofences and placed GPS units on each. Learn about why we did this, habitat management, predator work, and everything about wild turkeys on our YouTube channel! by @nwb5059

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2 years ago

I woke up this morning knowing I couldn’t call my grandmother to wish her a happy birthday for the first time. I tried all day to shake that feeling. The weather people kept predicting rain and wind, but I pushed that aside and decided to go out on what I thought would be a pointless scouting mission (with the dogs, which is always a gamble, haha). The plan was simple: explore a new area and put in some miles. I was completely stunned when I found those morels. If anyone had seen me, they probably would’ve thought I was crazy. I just laid there on the ground, while the dogs went wild, not knowing what was happening.

I finally made it back to the truck and told the dogs, “Let’s just check one more spot.” No sooner had I gone half a mile down the trail with the pups when I found one that seemed to want to put on a show for us this evening. Donald sat in my lap while Dakota laid there at my feet perking up at every gobble. We stayed there from around 6 to 7:20, when he finally stopped gobbling. I know my grandmother was watching over me today. I wished her a happy birthday out there, and I miss her so much. And she sure did love eating morels. by @nwb5059

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2 years ago

Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s a throwback to 2015 when @dylandoesducks and I were running through the northern PA forests with @rmk5339, chasing down turkeys. One of the highlights was this capture, where we caught one of my biggest Eastern flocks around 30 birds! Grateful for these unforgettable moments in the wild. by @nwb5059

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2 years ago

In 2014, I left my home state of Pennsylvania for the first time, to work for Ducks Unlimited. As I walked through the prairie pothole region, counting waterfowl, I witnessed a landscape transformed by nature a sight that few had the chance to appreciate. In 2015, I returned as a crew leader, deepening my connection to the land. The sight of thousands of ducks filling the wetlands was truly unimaginable.

This year, thanks to some incredible friends, I had the opportunity to revisit the very first plot of land I ever surveyed. The beautiful work of our dogs allowed me to take my first limit of grouse, a testament to the dedication and passion that has fueled my journey.

Yet, as I navigated those hills again, I was reminded of the physical demands of this path. It’s a rigorous yet rewarding pursuit, and I can’t help but reflect on how far this career has taken me. I’ve hunted in places I never dreamed possible, and each experience has enriched my life in ways I could never have anticipated. This journey has not only shaped my career but has also deepened my appreciation for the natural world and the community that surrounds it. by @nwb5059

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2 years ago

Sooooo ready to get back out west. by @nwb5059

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2 years ago

One more month we will be back after them! by @nwb5059

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2 years ago