Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting

Does Burning Create More Turkeys? It is widely known the value that prescribed fire can play in habitat management for wild turkeys. However, we commonly see folks burning during improper timing, frequencies, and/or in areas that are not ready for fire, meaning unthinned timber. Fire in closed canopies may actually in some cases make turkey habitat worse. During this podcast, we discuss the proper steps and directions for those looking to improve the habitat with fire for turkeys. Brooding cover, nesting cover, and overall better foraging opportunities for adult birds are all topics of discussion. We hope this podcast encourages you to take the next steps in your knowledge and application of your knowledge so that you can make a larger positive impact for the wild turkey!

Most landowners overlook a simple yet powerful strategy—you can dramatically improve deer habitat and hunting success by strategically logging and creating early successional growth. In this episode, Adam Keith reveals the surprisingly straightforward approach that transformed one two-acre oak-hickory stand into a deer magnet in just four years. Amid hectic farm life, Adam shares behind-the-scenes details of a fascinating logging experiment—leaving mid-story trees to optimize deer bedding and forage while minimizing habitat disturbance. You’ll discover how a gentle, targeted clear-cut, followed by prescribed burns and native grass establishment, can boost wildlife movement, increase browse, and turn your property into a thriving wildlife corridor. We break down concrete tactics: how to collaborate with loggers for small acreage, the best timing for dormant and growing season burns, and the native species that flourish when disturbance is done right. Adam discusses a native grass planting project involving big bluestem, Indian grass, and little bluestem—an effort to convert invasive-infested fields into resilient, multi-use native habitat that supports both hunting and ecology. Why does all this matter? Because in a landscape full of common misconceptions, strategic logging and habitat tweaks can unlock hidden potential—leading to healthier deer populations, better hunting, and more vibrant ecosystems. Whether you own 10 acres or 100, these insights will help you make smarter land management decisions—and see results faster. Ideal for hunters, landowners, and conservation enthusiasts looking to improve habitat and wildlife diversity, this episode reveals the proven steps to turn disturbance into growth. Discover the power of thoughtful forestry, prescribed fire, and native plantings—tools that transform your land into a wildlife sanctuary, no matter the size. Ready to learn how a few strategic cuts and burns can reshape your property’s future? Tune in now and start turning your land into the habitat of your dreams.

The NWTF is doubling down on science-led conservation strategy A dedicated research leadership role signals a new era of coordinated, national-scale research Investments in research and partnerships are driving data-backed wildlife management decisions Conservation is not just about wildlife—it’s about preserving outdoor traditions and ecosystems for future generations