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Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting

Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting

604 episodes — Page 2 of 13

Ep 1168To Plant or Not to Plant

It's foodplot season!!! Most people are geared up and ready to plant their summer plots, but is that what we should be doing? On this episode, Alan and Brady discuss when a landowner should plant summer plots. It's time to take a look at your farm, to see if a summer plot will actually benefit the property. Summer plots certainly have their place on many farms, but sometimes they can lead us astray from what should really be taking place to have a more successful hunt. We've also included some tips and strategies that we use to ensure ample forage during the crucial antler-growing period for bucks.

May 21, 202548 min

Ep 1167Cutting Timber Holds more Deer- We've Got the Facts

We've got the facts that point you to how quickly deer relate to the value produced from harvesting timber! A client conducted a thermal drone survey in 2024 before a timber harvest was completed. From May to October of 2024 the farm had its timber harvested by a crew, bedding thickets, heavy TSI, medium TSI, and Light TSI were all conducted through the harvesting. Following up the timber harvest, in early 2025 another thermal drone survey was conducted and the comparison between the two is astounding. It's not that numbers bumped largely, but simply the reallocation or distribution of resident deer are heavily selecting the logged vs unlogged areas. During the podcast we review a LandBeat video that highlights all of the amazing information we collected from these surveys! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-5vNHmDeQQ

May 15, 202522 min

Ep 1166NWTF Turkey Management Collaboration February - March

In this episode of the Land and Legacy podcast, Matt Dye and Alan Summerford discuss the NWTF project, focusing on the management and behavior of wild turkeys during the months of March and April. They emphasize the importance of active management for wild turkey habitats, exploring the behavioral patterns of turkeys as they prepare for breeding season, their foraging habits, and effective management techniques to enhance turkey populations. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding turkey behavior and habitat needs to ensure successful management and conservation efforts. This conversation delves into the management strategies for wild turkeys, focusing on habitat techniques for March and April. The discussion highlights the importance of managing food plots, controlling grasses, and creating suitable nesting environments. The speakers emphasize the significance of diversity in habitat management and the need for proactive measures to ensure successful turkey reproduction. They also share insights on the nesting behavior of turkeys and the critical factors influencing nest success.

May 13, 20251h 19m

Ep 1165LandBeat Breakdown: How Not to Use Fire and TSI

On this week's podcast we cover the nuisance usage of TSI and fire. We review a particular location that has years of fire and a round of TSI, but no reward to show for that effort. Why you may ask is a great question! We talk constantly about these techniques and how good they are! But, if you are executing them poorly or too frequently, the results will suffer or you can even go backwards! Wouldn't it be wild to know that what you thought was helping was hurting? We don't see it often, but when we do, we have to discuss how the overuse or abuse of good things can create negatives on the landscape. We are talking about the removal of fuel loads, cover, and removal of forage opportunities for deer and wild turkey. Follow-along on this week's podcast to see if you are executing well and effectively with the habitat management techniques of prescribed fire and TSI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VRcFUDkkUc

Apr 30, 202525 min

Ep 1164LandBeat: Creating 3000lbs of Deer Food Per Acre

During this week's podcast Matt Dye walk you through a recent Whitetail Properties LandBeat video. We dive deep into the details, steps, and nuances of the technique of old field management. These steps if done correctly can produce the most valuable food and cover on a recreational farm. Exposing the seed bank once non-native grasses have been removed is an easy yet incredibly valuable opportunity for wildlife. The main objective with this technique is to change the vegetation from non-native cool season grass dominated to diverse forbs, shrubs, and some native grasses. Ideally the composition is similar to the following over time, 60% forbs, 20% shrubs, and 20% native grasses. These acres will offer some of the best forage and cover for species like deer, turkey, and quail. Find out what you're missing when you begin to manage with a purpose and promote native species! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XyT8GanbbM

Apr 25, 202540 min

Ep 1163Wildlife Openings for Turkeys

Sometimes it may take years to see the results of your hard work. However, other projects may be immediate. Matt and Alan dive into some of the most overlooked areas that occur on pretty much every property we see throughout our consulting travels. Wildlife openings can be a huge part of the success of not only harvesting turkeys, but providing beneficial plant structures that are conducive to raising more poults. It's time to start evaluating the areas of the property that may not be doing much currently, but with a little work, could be a huge piece of the puzzle to help hens have a place to take their poults. Wildlife openings should be managed in a way that removes any nonnative grasses, and focused more on promoting native forbs and legumes. These areas provide ample opportunity for young poults to move through and have the perfect amount of cover above them with bare soil underneath that they can navigate without becoming soaked from dews. The structure of the forbs and legumes also allow the poults to move freely through the opening with ease while also attracting a multitude of bugs providing crucial nutrition to young poults. When these areas are also in close proximity to good nesting cover, the chance of a hen raising a brood is really high. It's truly amazing to see how quick the wildlife will respond to the work we do. The creation of this wildlife opening started with spraying the fescue on March 2, then followed up with a burn on March 12. Turkeys showed up on March 13, and have been utilizing the fresh burn ever since. A huge part of the success of this hunt was providing an area that was different from the hundreds of acres of fields that surrounded this small timber block and wildlife opening. It's time to start taking a different approach to the odd areas of our fields or open areas of our timber. Every opening doesn't have to be a foodplot, and in most cases these openings can be the best strut zones on the property. A native wildlife opening will be much better than a mediocre foodplot, or even a poorly placed foodplot on the property.

Apr 16, 202554 min

Ep 1162Florida Turkey Hunt Success

On this weeks podcast Kyle and Frank recap their recent Turkey hunt in Florida on a property that they wrote the plan for several years ago. They go into detail on what has been implemented since they were last there and also touch on upcoming turkey hunting plans in Kansas and Missouri.

Apr 7, 202550 min

Ep 1161Crash Course for Prescribed Fire

Fire shouldn’t be terrifying. Smokey said only you can prevent forest fires, but the lack of fire is even more devastating on the landscape. On this week’s episode Alan and Brady discuss the tools and methods they use to conduct safe prescribed fires. Topics include: -what can be used as a firebreaks -tools of the trade -days you should burn for beginners vs skilled -conditions you should burn -timber burns vs field burns -how to get started doing your own prescribed burns

Mar 27, 202554 min

Ep 1160New Research Explained: Bedding Thickets Studied

Matt Dye and Adam Keith discuss a recent study by Dr. Craig Harper on deer bedding blocks using hinge cuts and canopy manipulation. The study, conducted in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, involved 3, 10-acre hardwood blocks with 10-acre treatment areas and 5-acre control areas. Deer activity increased significantly, with daily detections rising from 1.4 to 7.5 after treatment. The study found a 435% increase in deer activity in treated areas and a 41% decrease in predator detections. They emphasize the importance of strategic placement and management of bedding thickets for effective deer hunting.

Mar 19, 20251h 6m

Ep 1159LandBeat Breakdown: In Depth Timber Evaluation

On this weeks podcast Adam is breaking down all your questions from a recent whitetail properties LandBeat video. When it comes to deciding which tree to kill and which to keep during TSI is a common question and we break down how we decide on that very question. Be sure to check out the LandBeat series and ask your questions to get a further break down on here!

Mar 11, 202527 min

Ep 1158Strategically Evaluating Where You are Going

During this podcast we review the importance and acknowledgment of the direction of your farm transformation. Where are you starting and where are you going? What is reasonable to expect with regard to your efforts to enhance the habitat. This week is a review of that process and stories from our recent consultations where we review working with different folks along the habitat journey in different tiers. This will help you execute and relate to landowners who are going through the same process.

Mar 4, 202559 min

Ep 1157Usable Space

In this week's podcast Kyle and Frank do a deep dive on usable space and how it pertains to deer, turkeys, quail, and overall property management.

Feb 26, 202552 min

Ep 1156The Habitat Association - Improving Habitat is our Priority

Today we are officially announcing the formation of The Habitat Association. We have joined forces with The Habitat Project, The Hunting Public, and Ryan Kirby Art to form a non-profit that focuses on improving and creating diverse native habitat across our landscape. We will remain lean and effective and turn donations into improved acres. All of our backgrounds when joined together form a profound coalition to turn our heads to the root cause of the decline of our natural landscape and the wildlife that call it home. Please join us at The Habitat Association to support native landscapes across the country! Become a member today and link arms with young outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to make a lasting and positive impact on quality habitat.

Feb 24, 20251h 12m

Ep 1155You Have to Let Good Deer Walk to Shoot Giants

Adam Keith and Alan Summerford discuss the hunt for a deer named Cream. Alan's son Reid coined the name while watching a pair of deer that resembled twins, leading to the names "Cookie" and "Cream." The discussion focuses on developing a hunting strategy for a specific buck, covering topics such as: * Eliminating the guesswork when choosing your best stands * Analyzing historical patterns from last year to predict this year's hunting locations * Determining the optimal time to hunt in the right location

Feb 19, 202559 min

Ep 1154Timber Management Order of Operations

Matt Dye and Brady Bradley discuss the importance of proper timber management, emphasizing the need for a multi-step process. They highlight the critical order of operations: "Don't thin unless you plan on burning and don't burn unless you plan on thinning." They address scenarios for both closed-canopy forests without invasives and those with invasive species like multiflora rose and autumn olive. For invasive-free Timber, the process involves timber harvest followed by thinning and burning. For Timber with invasives, initial treatment is necessary before thinning and burning. They stress the importance of patience and thorough planning to achieve long-term success in timber management.

Feb 17, 202551 min

Ep 1153Open Water in the Winter for Wildlife

Sometimes the only way we will know is to try. In this podcast we're talking about one of the tests we have going on at the farm on trying to keep water from freezing during the winter months. The point of this is to keep open water for deer to drink. Follow along as we test this during the winter, in a time frame that most water sources near food are often frozen.

Feb 13, 202532 min

Ep 1152All About Screens

On this weeks podcast Kyle and Frank Discuss the necessity and functionality of screens. From annual screens, to perennial options this podcast covers it top to bottom. Depending on the situation and scenario, we will help you decide which options and species are best suited for your needs. Screening is not just for the hunter. Screening can be used to increase daylight movement for deer and block them from long distances. If done correctly screens can have great impacts for the hunter and the hunted. We hope you enjoy the podcast and develop screens where necessary on your farm!

Feb 10, 202554 min

Ep 1151Sheds on the Brain

In this episode Brady and Tucker discuss shed hunting tips and tactics. Why look for sheds, where to look, and when to look? From stories to strategy behind shed hunting this podcast is good for beginners and veteran shed hunters, with a big emphasis on getting your family outdoors and learning a farm through shed hunting.

Feb 3, 20251h 1m

Ep 1150Deep Dive Into TSI

It's a hot topic right now, TSI! In this episode, following our "How to Get Started with TSI," we dive deeper into the weeds of timber stand improvement (TSI). We discuss how we utilize different intensities of TSI for timber production, turkey management, and deer management across the landscape. From the Deep South to the Far North, one thing rings true: timber management is necessary for healthy wildlife populations and timber stands. With hunting seasons ending across the country, we are hitting the woods hard this time of the year managing our timbered areas. So, if you have been on the fence about diving into the world of TSI, make sure to give these two episodes a listen!

Jan 24, 20251h 15m

Ep 1149How to Get Started with TSI

TSI is a well known and adopted technique to dramatically improve the timbered acres on a given recreational property. However, most people don't know how or where to start. They may not feel comfortable running a chainsaw, they don't know how to ID trees, or perhaps they don't understand how to evaluate a forest in its layers. But, during this podcast we walk you through the mental game step by step process to truly and accurately evaluate a forest so you can begin to start TSI. Give this a listen and share to those who need help starting TSI. Once you start and see the results, you will be captivated, but you have to start! Break the forest into layers and think logically through the best technique and GO!

Jan 14, 202550 min

Ep 1148Hunting Success and Tactics Recap

In this episode, Alan Summerford and Brady Bradley discuss their 2024 hunting seasons and tactics. They are joined by the buck slayer himself, Reed Summerford, who doesn't hold anything back! The rut is in full swing in the deep South for Alan and Reed; they discuss their tactics for the lockdown phase and post-rut. Brady discusses his late-season tactics as deer season is winding down across the Midwest and the bucks are refueling their rut-torn bodies.

Jan 6, 20251h 4m

Ep 1147The Full Season Pursuit with Alan Summerford

During this episode Alan Summerford discusses his pursuit of a mature Tennessee whitetail. This episode is full of hunting strategy tips as Alan had 8 encounters with this buck before getting him harvested. We dive deep into stand access, historical trail camera information, weather conditions, food plots and habitat manipulation. Alan is a great woodsman and stays the course being persistent on the right days of the season to be successful. We share this journey to inspire you all and provide hope to others in the pursuit of a specific deer. Enjoy this episode and chase for a mature 10-point buck in the south!

Dec 30, 202448 min

Ep 1146Is A Consultation What You Need?

During this podcast we break down for you the importance of knowing if you are ready for a consultation or not. Everyone is in a different place in their journey of landownership and knowledge, that makes an important distinction to whether or not you will get the most out of the process or not. You can be a seasoned veteran in the woods, stone cold killer, or new to the game of land ownership, but a consultation will still be valuable to you.

Dec 19, 202440 min

Ep 11452025 Whitetail Workshop - KY Buck Factory

We have two special events for 2025. These Workshop opportunities are fantastic learning experiences for attendees to get hands-on lessons of habitat management and hunting strategies. Hear it first hand for yourselves from last year's attendees. The Kentucky Buck Factory has only 25 spots available for 2025! This limited offering ensures a great learning environment for all in attendance. The lodge is incredible, it's time to book your spot and learn how to improve the habitat on your property!

Dec 10, 202440 min

Ep 1144How to Effectively Run Trail Cameras

During this podcast we cover the basis when it comes to how to effectively run, setup, place, and evaluate trail cameras. The mis-use of trail cameras is often the origin for poor hunting strategies. Being able to use trail cameras effectively is foundational to a well developed approach to harvesting target deer with regularity opposed to "luck" We break down the absolute no-no's of trail camera placement, we discuss in detail where to place them throughout each individual timeframe of the hunting season, from pre-season to late season. In addition, we cover what a trail camera picture is actually telling you. The behind the scenes information that you should be considering from each picture of target deer!

Dec 6, 20241h 22m

Ep 1143The Hunt and Story of Beef Cake

This week we share the hunt breakdown and story behind a buck we called Beef Cake. This buck was appropriately named based off his appearance and mature body characteristics. We later find out, he acted like a Beef Cake as well. This story goes back to the early summer as Tucker and Matt put out trail cameras on a new lease. Beef Cake was the first and about the only mature deer to show himself all summer long. This deer was also the first buck we laid eyes on during our first hunt on the new lease. Despite being a smaller racked mature deer, he fit the bill for November hunt and a refined herd management strategy for this property. We break down this strategy as we witnessed some very defined and aggressive behavior to other younger bucks he would encounter. To learn more about this strategy, be sure to listen to the podcast.

Nov 25, 20241h 2m

Ep 1142Whitetail Workshop Announcement: Heartland Bowhunter - 2025

We are thrilled to announce a 2025 offering to you all. We have partnered with Heartland Bowhunter for a one of a kind event at their farm in North Missouri. The event will be a 2.5-day Whitetail Workshop event, May 31- June 2nd, 2025. We are capping the event at 30 people to keep it a very manageable learning environment for all attendees. The design of this event is to showcase how habitat design and a hunting strategy is interwoven. We will be reviewing successful hunts from Heartland Bowhunter, then walking you through the design, layout, implementation, and ways to further improve these setups. You will get immersed throughout the property and see where several hunts have taken place. If you have wondered how we turn good farms into great farms, then this event is for you. To register and take advantage of the early bird pricing, be sure to follow the link below to register. Remember there are only 30 spots available, these will go quickly! We hope to see you all at this wonderful event to take your woodsmanship skills to a whole new level! Registration Link: https://heartlandbowhunter.com/pages/whitetail-workshop

Nov 18, 202431 min

Ep 1141LandBeat Breakdown: The #1 Gun Hunting Mistake and How to Fix it!

On this week's podcast, we breakdown a LandBeat video discussing the missing aspects of most gun hunting setups. Evaluating gun hunting seasons and deer behavior is critical for your success during this portion of the season. Many firearm seasons overlap with peak estrous, if so, you need to have your eyes overlooking dense bedding cover. We examine the different ecoregions of the country and chat through the different habitat types that should be strongly considered when hunting with a firearm in hand. Most deer behavior at this time of the year revolves around bedding or secure cover. Does are seeking it, and therefore bucks will follow suit. Even if you remove the rutting behavior from the equation, the excess human pressure during gun season drives deer to seek dense cover. Long range views into cover is key! Watch the LandBeat video here are this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwS7XgcsE3Y

Nov 12, 202432 min

Ep 1140Brady Harvests a Mature Midwestern 9 Point

This week we catch up with Land & Legacy consultant Brady Bradley as he fills his archery tag on a mature Missouri buck. We break down this hunt from start to finish from tactics, access, transitions, acorn crops, and pre-rut behavior. This hunt was action packed from the pre-dawn light until the arrow was released. Brady is a fine woodsman and a persistent hunter when his time allows. This combination is deadly, even when time is limited, waiting for quality opportunities is key. Oftentimes it's not how frequently you hunt, rather how quality are the days in which you do take to go will be the determining factors for your success.

Nov 5, 202445 min

Ep 1139S&F Recovering your Trophy

We've spent all summer waiting for season to open preparing for that buck to give us a shot, but what should we do after the shot? What if there is no blood or the blood trail ends before we find our deer? Today we set down with two top notch blood dog trackers, Brent Taylor and Heath Devazier from East Arkansas Wounded Game Recovery to discuss recovering your trophy and common mistakes they see hunters make.

Nov 4, 20241h 24m

Ep 1138Where Should I Hunt This Week?

On this week's podcast, Alan and Matt sit down to discuss the current weather patterns, acorn crop, drought, and winds we've experienced this season. To say the least, in our respective regions, there have been some challenges to contend with. But, as we look ahead and use our woodsmanship skills, there is hope for an increase in deer activity as the pre-rut phase descends upon us rapidly. We review the key features to look for in weather, topography, and deer activity to make the most of this time frame. Field edges, saddles, creek crossings, bedding thickets and benches are key. Focus efforts in the mid to late mornings as well. This is when cruising/seeking from bucks will be peaking. Be safe and enjoy your time outdoors! Use all your woodsmanship skills to maximize your time afield.

Oct 29, 202452 min

Ep 1137Connecting the Dots Through God's Creation

During this podcast we connect the dots between experiencing God's creation from a deer stand and taking it a step further acknowledging his power, divinity, his desire for a relationship with you. This is a deep conversation with our Pastor, Brad Lotz. Our prayer is that you listen to this podcast with an open heart and mind prior to spending your fall or rutcation in a deer stand. Year after year we hear people discuss how they feel connected or at peace in a deer stand, but that is as far as the "spiritual side" of things go, but God desires more and we know you do too. A few key takeaways from this podcast are 1) God loves us and gifted us his Creation to enjoy, connect, and have dominion over. 2) God pursues us through his Creation. 3) You should be humbled and in awe at the magnitude of his Creation and how you are just a speck among it. 4) God is mighty and big, and this is a good thing. 5) If you feel connected outside, it's because God is pursuing YOU! Please listen and share with the outdoorsmen, hunter, and friend who needs to hear this message. Remember to respond to Jesus if he tugs at your heart!

Oct 21, 20241h 4m

Ep 1136Creating Soft Edges is a Breeze

This week Kyle Hedges and Matt Dye bring you a discussion regarding the importance, preparation, execution, and benefits of creating soft edges throughout your property. For years the understanding of creating or softening the edge between two very distinct habitat types such as trees to a food plot edge is necessary and valuable. This would be an example of a hard edge that gets softened. However, in today's podcast, we talk about creating soft edges and corridors through herbaceous cover, where previously there weren't existing edges! Kyle has been using specific herbicide applications around food plot edges and through dense rank native warm season grass stands to promote a heavier presence of annual broadleaf weeds, opposed to rank grasses. This is a prime example of soft edge feathering. This practice produces more forage than before while still promoting vertical structure, yet it is not nearly as dense to traverse for many different game species. This practice is very simple to replicate, affordable, and impactful in how deer will navigate your farm if done properly. Take a listen and share this with someone who needs to hear about this practice of soft edge development.

Oct 14, 202457 min

Ep 1135How to Manage Whitetails and Game Birds in Bitter Cold Winters

This week, Kyle and Frank discuss a consulting trip that they took during 2024 to North Dakota. These two consultants were assisting a landowner improve his property for whitetail deer, mule deer and numerous game bird species in a mixed prairie/ag setting. Although this exact situation may not be how you are managing, you need to listen closely for some key takeaways about habitat management, mindset of managing within the Land & Legacy Principles, and how to manage weather extremes! Frank and Kyle knocked this farm consultation out of the park with great advice for the client to not up-end his farming operation, but allow wildlife improvements to work within a grazing system, crop field rotation, and native pasture system.

Oct 10, 202424 min

Ep 1134Is "If Its Brown its Down" All That Bad?

Hold on to your seats... this podcast may make you reconsider a lot about your neighborhood when it comes to managing for older age class deer. The old phrase of "If its brown its down" was a forbidden foe of the hunters seeking to harvest more mature deer. In this podcast, we compare and contrast this method of harvesting to the neighborhood who is activiely trageting and harvesting the 3.5 to 4.5 year old age class aggressively. It may seem as if the older age class harvesting would be the best option for you, however we really dive into the facts of this harvest regime in a neighborhood like this. All of the potential is wiped out of a single age class (3.5) as opposed to more or less even distribution between multiple age structures in the if its brown its down neighborhood. These scenarios are all dependent upon the harvest total annually to be equal, but if the same number of bucks are taken in each neighborhood, we have found that it is easier for the landowner seeking to harvest mature deer to do so in a "if its brown its down" neighborhood. Call us crazy, but listen to the podcast, I bet you will change your mind!

Oct 1, 202459 min

Ep 1133S&F What Should I Feed My Deer?

This week we are joined with Pierce Young. Pierce is the Assistant Coordinator of Private Lands, with Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, and has years of experience dealing with over 500 private hunting properties across the south. Tune in and let's find out what we should be feeding our deer to maximize their potential.

Sep 27, 20241h 22m

Ep 1132A Complete Guide to Determining if a Location is HUNTABLE

This is a detailed guide to answering the tough question everyone asks, Can I hunt here? We always give ourselves a pass or an excuse to be in an area that has a deer sign. However, many times those locations can do more harm than good. In this podcast, you will learn how to strategically and logically work through the mental process of vetting out a high quality huntable location. Take it to the bank, if each location you have checks all the boxes, sit back and let that area work for you! If by the end of this podcast, you haven't taken down a least half of your treestands, you need to listen critically to it again! We discuss topics such as wind speed, wind direction, leaf coverage, shade, full sun, thermals, access, parking locations, etc... Do not miss this podcast. We encourage you to share it with your hunting buddies to make sure they too can share in the successes to come.

Sep 23, 20241h 29m

Ep 1131Non-Intrusive Farm Improvements

On this week's podcast Kyle and Frank discuss ways to maximize your fall if you tag out early or just plain can't get enough farm improvements. These non-intrusive management strategies will get you ready for all the winter and spring projects ahead of you. Don't let the fall and hunting slow you down from what you need to be focused on with regard to making the farm better. These tips and tricks for the fall will save you time, money, and headaches when it's time to get after it in the coming months!

Sep 17, 202425 min

Ep 1130White Oak vs. Red Oak

Feed trees can play a major role in daylight activity on your property. Join us this week as Alan and Brady dive into the tactics to have success hunting over feed trees. In this episode we break down our favorite feed trees, and talk about where to find them, when to find them, and how to hunt them. We discuss the differences between red oak vs. white oak. The timing of when certain trees can be targeted, and what to look for on your property. Having knowledge of the property, and history with deer on the property can take the guesswork out of finding the right tree to hunt. Feed trees aren't just for early season hunting. This buck was killed using historical data, and feed tree tactics in November.

Sep 9, 202455 min

Ep 1129S&F Managing Existing Ponds

Pond management for fish isn't that much different than managing upland habitat for wildlife. This week we are joined again by Fisheries Biologist Micah Tindall to discuss managing fish and the habitats they require.

Sep 6, 20241h 14m

Ep 1128LandBeat Breakdown: Ultimate Guide to Deer Bedding Thickets

On this week's podcast we are trying out a new podcast style and need your feedback. We have been filming for years with the folks at Whitetail Properties and it's time we begin to break down in fine detail the nuance details of habitat management. So this week, let us know in the comments what you think about this podcast style! Bedding thickets come in all shapes and sizes, but so do the implementation guidelines. This week we walk you through how we would cut a unit that is an average stocking rate with average ranges of timber size classes. We break it down 1/3, 1/3, and 1/3rd and apply a girdle/spray, fell, and hinge to each 1/3rd. This creates a great matrix of sunlight, structure, and new plant growth that will ultimately hold deer in these secure units during daylight hours. What more do you want?!?Watch the LandBeat video here are this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq9TIMJRg4k. We hope you enjoy the behind the scenes look at creating a bedding thicket in the hot June sun!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq9TIMJRg4k&authuser=0

Sep 5, 202436 min

Ep 1127Velvet Bucks in Range and Reading the Script

On this week's podcast, Alan and Reid Summerford take to the woods in search of a velvet whitetail. The prep work has been completed and in part 1 of this podcast you will hear all about the work they have completed to make this hunt a success before the season even opens. Oftentimes, the hard work ahead of the hunt will prove itself deadly. This pre-hunt interview calls the shots of what they suspect will happen. Let's see if their suspicions are correct in part 2! During part 2 of the podcast, we hear how the actual hunt unfolded and why it was a success. These unconventional techniques can be the make or break of success. In this episode, you will really see how habitat management and hunting strategy are essentially one in the same.

Aug 29, 20241h 10m

Ep 1126The Transformation of a Bowhunter to a Land Manager with Shawn Luchtel

On this week’s podcast we sit down the Shawn from Heartland Bowhunter. Shawn is a devoted bowhunter but now is a land manager. Shawn is passionate about trying to promote a healthy native landscape that improves the habitat and overall hunting experience. This transformation is journey didn’t happen overnight and wasn’t his due to his own interests. Many people along the way influenced and guided him to dive deep in land management. We hope you enjoy this story and journey from Shawn. If you haven’t taken a deep dive into managing quality habitat, we hope Shawn will convince you to join us on the journey.

Aug 27, 202445 min

Ep 1125S&F New Pond and Lake Construction

Several of us have ponds on the farms that we manage, and others may be thinking of building or stocking a new body of water. Just like your wildlife habitat, your fish need managed and so does the habitat they need to thrive. Today we are joined by Fisheries Biologist Micah Tindall with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to discuss the in's and out's of setting up a new fish pond.

Aug 22, 20241h 4m

Ep 1124A Buyers Top Considerations for Buying a Recreational Farm

Today, we take a deep dive into several key considerations when buying recreational land. The biggest of all is to investigate the neighborhood with intensity. Know the good and the bad! Avoid the bad areas as your best habitat management efforts maybe futile. The best way to determine the neighbor impact is to not look for a single stud buck on camera, but a well developed age structure! This says way more about the neighborhood than an outlier buck from years ago. Age structure is often what people "mean" when they are incorrectly using the term "genetics". We are stern and serious on the delivery with this podcast to make sure there isn't buyers remorse! This is a big decisions, hundreds and millions of dollars are being spent, make a good decision. Develop a great working relationship with your local Whitetail Properties Agent to be on the shortlist for quality land in the best neighborhoods.

Aug 21, 202452 min

Ep 1123All Things Food Plots

In this episode we discuss what creates an awesome food plot, it's not just the seed that goes in the ground, but the location, soil type, and nature of the plot that can lead to more success. We discuss the key factors that are critical to maximizing the production of a food plot. -Prepping the soil to plant. -What to look for in a forecast to sow the seed. -Timing of planting. -Planting techniques. -Using cattle farming practices to create food plots. -Clover Plot Maintenance

Aug 15, 202450 min

Ep 1122S&F Just Burn It

Prescribed fire is one of our favorite tools in our management tool box. In fact, there aren't many properties that wouldn't benefit from fire, but its not always the solution by itself, sometimes its not even the correct tool to use.

Aug 13, 20241h 7m

Ep 1121Habitat Planning And Recommendations

We're using some photos from recent consults to guide you through the recommendations you hear weekly to help on your farm! Enjoy how we plan to guide these landowners to manipulating the natural resources to improve these farms for whitetail deer!

Aug 2, 202443 min

Ep 1120S&F Sharpening your axe

No, it’s probably not what you think. We took a short break to catch up on life, or to “sharpen our axe” but we are back! Join Hunter and Thomas this week as they talk about the necessary break they took from the Sawdust & Fire Podcast as well as some of the things they have going on.

Jul 30, 202448 min

Ep 111920/80 Rule - Work Smarter Not Harder

Don't be lazy, get out there and do the work! But! if time is limited, start with these projects to ensure success this fall on your farm. What is the silver bullet to habitat management? We get asked this question a lot and the answer is never what the person wants to hear. Fotunately in this podcast we discuss what would be a silver bullet if we had one.

Jul 23, 20241h 4m