Whitetail Landscapes - Hunting & Habitat Management

In this podcast, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Tim Russell (Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services) discuss what to consider when buying hunting land. Tim explains how to think differently about your forest and what trees might be most meaningful from a wildlife or economic standpoint. Tim and Jon discuss site indexes and the benefit to timber.  Tim provides resources that help evaluate property quality and gives an idea where the best location is for food plots. Tim discusses GIS and how to evaluate changes in the forest and what areas have the potential for future timber. Tim discusses the importance of doing remote analysis on properties before stepping foot to do the legwork. Tim and Jon explain diversity on these properties and Tim identifies the type of property he would purchase.Tim explains the importance of access for equipment and hunting. Tim discusses how to manage property and what he would choose if he had an option of field or timber. Both contributors assess property in increments and steps, explaining important criteria to valuing property. Tim explains the importance of thinking through the money and time elements of a property before purchase, and not pushing land buying budget without thinking about improvements. Also, Tim explains why smaller properties might be a better option for buyers. Jon discusses the importance of solar radiation and how it influences deer movement and forest stands. Tim and Jon discuss the benefits of water sources on the property, how to utilize water as a friend and increase deer usage in specific areas. Jon discusses drought proofing your property and how you can improve elements of your property to be more productive. Tim breaks down and provides clients options to consider when weighing timber improvements but not losing focus on hunting.  Jon explains how to break down and evaluate a field and improve it with different ways to better support deer utilization.Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enGreen Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, LLCCheck out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Matt Light (Light Foundation, 3x Superbowl Champion) discuss the Light Foundation and how the program leads children into the outdoors and establishes success. Matt discusses the leaders he is developing through various camps and teachings and how they experience life changes through turkey hunting that instils leadership.Matt explains how the programs under the Light Foundation brings youth together, and shapes them from a career and education perspective and provides them responsibility for shooting firearms and holding one another accountable.  Introducing kids to adults associated with the program enhances the leadership experience and shapes them in the right ways to ensure a positive change is created.Jon and Matt discuss the universal problem of distractions for kids and how post COVID views have changed our world and pushed a differing perspective on the children of today. Matt explains the best ways to get kids into the outdoors and how to break the ‘wall’ of electronic devices and games that are overtly distracting. Matt details the youth turkey hunt they offer and how you can create a similar experience on your own property.Matt explains how kids can apply to the Light Foundation programs, which include hunting, fishing, outdoors, timber framing and leadership development. Matt provides details on how to support the Light Foundation and what opportunities the foundation can provide our communities. Matt ends with an idea that will change your relationship with your kids and how new environments will shape their future.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enhttps://www.mattlight72.com/

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Todd Shippee (Empire Land Management) discuss prescribed fire and the benefit to whitetail deer. Todd discusses the process of burning and tactics that allow a landowner to plan out a burn and what is important to consider. Topics such as weather, smoke management, are critical to burning property.  Todd explains each element and piece of equipment you need to plan out and execute a prescribed fire.  Todd goes through his no go, and go checklist.Todd discusses essential tools to burn and when is the best time to burn, and critical considerations such as wind and humidity. Todd explains how to manage fuel loads when areas have not been burned previous. Todd and Jon explain the pitfalls of a fast fire and to stay away from uphill burns. Todd explains how to burn wet areas and areas of complex vegetation.Todd explains the best techniques to manage burns for flanking and head fires. Also, designing your hunting property around fire and thinking about firebreaks. Todd and Jon discuss the basics and the essential benefits of burning, and why burning should occur in increments. Jon discusses restoration projects and how to achieve the desired outcome with burning. Todd explains how to burn multiple times in locations to get the most effective burns. Todd and Jon discuss Oaks and Aspen trees and how they benefited from burning. Jon discusses layout when it comes to integrating fire into a property design.  Todd discusses the latest equipment options and must haves that allow you to work fire.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enEmpire Land Management (@empirelandmgmt) • Instagram photos and videosWhitetail Institute - Food Plots - Deer Food Plot Seeds - Soil Testing

In this part two discussion, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Albert Tomechko (Vitalize Seed) discuss the importance of soil health and food plot options for the spring and fall. Albert discusses the one-two system that is referred to as Nitro Boost and Carbon Load. Each offers a variety of plants that will benefit both deer and soil.Jon explains the various testing methods that can be in the field for your soil. Al discusses the differences in soils and the related seed options to consider. Al identifies the diversity seed blends that lend themselves to being more productive. Jon and Al discuss sandy and clay soils and how best to handle them, technique of planting and what varieties of seed to consider. Al explains his strategy on reducing tillage, and the importance of fungal networks. Al discusses the importance of foliar spray and how to increase biomass. Jon details his spring seed food plot mix that will be implemented this year.Al explains why Nitro Boost provides a better means to feeding soil biology and how a heavier legume crop in the spring and summer is better for those upcoming fall plantings. Al and Jon discuss plant maturity and spacing and how to make the fall crops thrive without use of fertilizers. Al breaks down his fall crop options and how his seed can be distributed as a throw and grow, rather than through tilling.  why their seed strategy requires less inputs. Jon and Al discuss simple seed mixes you can do yourself that will get you ahead of your neighbors.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enHome - Habitat PodcastHome | Vitalize Seed Company

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Austin Delano (Mossy Oak BioLogic) discuss food plots from the north to south. Austin discusses annuals vs perennial food plots. Jon and Austin discuss what seed to plant based on the time of year and the ecoregion. Austin provides direction on how to compete with neighboring food plots and agriculture. Austin breaks down what grows best this time of year in north, Midwest, and southern areas.Austin explains how to optimize small food plots to get the biggest return and ideal food plot sizes for certain seed types. Jon discusses interest gaps in food plots and how to maximize the time deer use food plots. Austin explains what food plot seeds are most important to our soil and deer. Jon explains how to deal with corn residue. Austin explains more about how he blends various biologic seed varieties to support various soil conditions.Jon and Austin discuss poor soils and what seed will work best and the importance of clover on the landscape. Jon discusses equipment options for terminating crops. Austin explains how to develop microhabitats for deer in food plots to achieve the highest utilization. Austin breaks down how to establish alfalfa and if alfalfa is better than clover. Austin explains how to attract turkeys with chufa and why we need to consider this in our food plot designs.  Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/austind_1/?hl=enhttps://www.plantbiologic.com/https://www.mossyoak.com/

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Marcus Lashley (University of Florida and Wild Turkey Science Podcast) discuss turkey habitat, biology, and designing a property for turkeys. Marcus explains the lifecycle of turkey and how they choose habitat types to survive on the landscape. Marcus explains habitat options and preferences that are critical to survival of hens and poults.  Marcus explains the importance of research and the related data, and what is being learned as it pertains to the current turkey population.Jon discusses various goals for clients and examples of nest sites that he has observed on the landscape. Marcus discusses the limiting factors in most forest settings and how to change those on the landscape. Marcus explains how to develop understory plants in a forest setting and ideal setups to create better nest success. Marcus discusses options and vegetation considerations for nest success and how spacing can be critical for hens. Marcus discusses transversable areas, structure, visual observations, overhead cover and limiting predator interest.  Marcus and Jon discuss brooding areas that provide feeding and cover options for turkeys. Marcus details the timeline and the essentials for poults to survive during the first few weeks after hatching. Marcus and Jon discuss the ability for poults to thermoregulate and how climate is critical for the first few weeks of survival.Marcus and Jon discuss winter survival. What to look for when it pertains to habitat options and food to ensure turkey populations are less impacted by cold temperatures. Marcus and Jon discuss ideal property layout examples, food plots and preferred habitat types. Marcus explains the benefits of habitat improvement to other small mammals. Marcus explains more about predators and the impact on turkeys. Jon ends with an explanation of what is critical to managing forest stands for turkeys.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance) / Twitterhttps://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=G84D9fQAAAAJMarcus Lashley (@drdisturbance) • Instagram photos and videosWild Turkey Science on Apple Podcasts

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Albert Tomechko (Vitalize Seed) discuss the importance of soil health and an equation that will lead to bigger deer. Albert discusses the one-two system that they offer and why their seed strategy requires less inputs. Al discusses the most overlooked aspects of soil test, and why we need to think about certain seed mixes to optimize nutrient cycling.  Al and Jon discuss the mistakes of putting too much seed down and related nutrient tie up we sometimes fail to consider.Al discusses soil and plant synergies, and why balancing carbon to nitrogen ratios are so critical to the microbial communities in our soil. Jon and Al discuss the when, why, and how to get a soil sample, to include the depth, location and reducing variables. Jon discusses using a roller crimper and balancing seeding techniques. Al discusses where he goes to get soil samples and thinks about soil from a full spectrum perspective to include mineral balancing. Al and Jon discuss thinking through crop sequencing and thinking through the next crop (i.e. corn).Al and Jon explain what is important to consider in the fall and why carbon building is meaningful. Al discusses options to terminate cover crops in the springtime (i.e. crimper, chopper, etc.) Al discusses when he uses a heavy legume mix and what happens when we become too clover focused. Al and Jon discuss cattle and deer browse. Jon explains simple techniques to assess your soil and how compacted soils can be detrimental to food plots. Jon discusses a simple method to evaluate seed quality and how better-quality soils and plants lead to less disease.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enHome - Habitat PodcastHome | Vitalize Seed Company

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Ryan Haines (Blue Hill Wildlife Nursery) discuss the importance and benefit of fruit trees on the landscape. Ryan explains the considerations when picking a specific tree to plant or propagate on the landscape. Ryan suggests the best practice is replicating quality fruit trees on hunting properties. Jon and Ryan discuss how to prune and shape fruit trees. Both Ryan and Jon converse about tree spacing, scaffolding and light considerations.Ryan discusses management techniques for developing strong branching and optimal fruit. Ryan explains soil considerations when planting trees. Ryan explains soil amendments and soil deficiencies. Ryan and Jon suggest certain amendments required to support tree growth and key nutrients that tend to be deficient on the landscape.Ryan discusses using compost and common mistakes with planting fruit trees near and around food plots. Jon and Ryan discuss fruit tree site selection, and sunlight needs. Ryan discusses spraying fruit trees and timing. Ryan and Jon explain the differences and benefits of dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard trees. Ryan explains fruit drop times and the importance of land setup and positioning of trees.  Ryan ends explaining his top Pear, Crabapple, Applecrab, Apple and Persimmon choices and how to develop the best fruit tree layout for your property.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enFruit Trees For Deer - Blue Hill Wildlife Nursery - Buy Wildlife Trees

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Rocky Burrus (SA Farm Management Service) discuss client mistakes, land setup and tactics. Jon explains the areas he works and client opportunities in the future. Rocky explains what clients are missing on their properties and where deer want to be. Jon discusses a recent client visit and how deer are setting up to pick off hunters as they access their treestands. Rocky explains where deer want to be and the benefits of terrain.Rocky explains where he starts when he is designing a hunting property, and how to prioritize treestand locations and access opportunities. Rocky discusses how he reduces movement down his access trails. Rocky discusses how to pinch deer down in food plots and plants he utilizes to control movement and flow in food plots. Jon and Rocky discuss how to manage edges in and around food plots, to include screening and edge feathering.Jon discusses habitat projects that move deer to other locations. Rocky explains the methods he uses to inventory deer and where to place trail cameras for maximum data collection. Rocky provides details on how to create more attractive scrape locations. Rocky discusses trail camera height and ideal setups to take most data information and impress your hunting buddies. Rocky and Jon discuss techniques for hanging trail cameras in bedding areas and Rocky ends with an incredible buck he killed during the late season.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Jared Van Hees(Habitat Podcast) discuss his property ownership journey. Jared explains his first land purchase, buying small acreage and what he considered essential for buying land. Jared discusses his work and effort on this small acreage and what areas he focused most on. Jared identifies the importance of food plots, screening, timber stand improvement, logging, native warm season grasses, tree planting, waterholes, water tubs, mock scrapes and tree plantings.Jared discusses actions he first wishes he took to improve his 15 acres. From failure to success, Jared describes the things he would do over again to improve his property. Jared identifies actions that help him excel on his property and shoots three big bucks. Jared provides tactics to improve and direct movement for deer on a property.Jared breaks down small acreage compared to large parcels and how he goes about getting more social activity on his property. Jared discusses setting up mock scrapes, to include location, tree type and special techniques to improve and concentrate movement. Jon and Jared discuss buying more land and why Jared is moving to hunting hard properties. Jon discusses the complexity of terrain and variation in ecoregion, which impacts deer interest and movement. Jon explains how he evaluates hunting properties and the impact of lake effect snow and winter severity.  Jared explains his first steps to improving his recent land purchase and why logging will be his first step. Jared explains how and where he is cutting and what he expects from the deer after he makes changes across the landscape.   Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enHome - Habitat Podcast