#148. Tim Riley - From the Field to the DNR: A Wildlife Biologist's Journey

What does it actually take to dedicate your life to Michigan's wild places — and land one of the most coveted jobs in conservation? In this episode, Ryan sits down with longtime friend and newly appointed Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Tim Riley for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the road less traveled.Tim pulls back the curtain on what a typical day in the field really looks like — from early morning surveys to late nights buried in data — and shares the winding, years-long journey it took to earn his place with the Michigan DNR. It's a story that every aspiring wildlife professional and lifelong outdoorsman needs to hear.But this episode isn't just about the career path. Tim and Ryan dive deep into four of Michigan's most fascinating and complex species:🐦 Kirtland's Warbler — one of North America's greatest conservation comeback stories, and the ongoing work to protect this rare songbird's jack pine habitat right here in Michigan.🐻 Black Bear — population trends, management challenges, and what increasing bear activity means for hunters and landowners across the Upper and Lower Peninsula.🐍 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake — Michigan's only venomous snake and a federally threatened species that most people never even knew existed in their own backyard.🦌 Whitetail Deer — the species closest to every Michigan hunter's heart, and Tim's professional perspective on herd health, habitat, and what the future looks like for deer management in the state.Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who's ever dreamed of turning a passion for the outdoors into a career, this episode is loaded with insight straight from someone living it every single day.If you have any questions, concerns, or want to get involved, reach out to Tim at (989) 370-7313. Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: ⁠https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/