Whitetail Landscapes - Hunting & Habitat Management

In this podcast Kenny Kane (Generations Forestry) and Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) discuss the blending of forest management practices and wildlife improvement. Both small and large properties landowners are challenged with managing their properties and balancing optimized deer habitat with sustainable timber management. In this podcast Kenny and Jon breakdown how to process these topics and the contemplated areas we need to assess to get the best prescription possible. Issues related to high graded forest are discussed as many landowners experience the pitfalls with mismanaged timber from the past. Kenny explains the best techniques when you are dealing with cleaning up and restoring areas that are high graded.   Kenny’s process of evaluating forested areas from understanding the concerns to making decisions will help landowners feel empowered to think ahead and begin to build a superb deer hunting property. Jon and Kenny provide rules of thumb and techniques to make informed decisions as landowners undergo the transformation of building their hunting property and deciding what trees to cut or leave. Kenny explains the impacts certain landowners may experience when markets for certain timber are not in demand. Jon provides a recommendation of what to do next when you are trying to understand market demands.Kenny explains how to balance quality and poor timber situations and how to look toward the future. Jon explains his techniques for timber stand improvement. Kenny provides a major takeaway on how to invest in your property and what species we sometimes overlook when we are thinking about wildlife. Kenny and Jon discuss the benefits of improvement and the short and long term thinking that can get landowners in a better position for the future.Social Linkshttp://new.generationsforestry.com/https://instagram.com/kenjkane?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this podcast Tim Russell (Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services) and Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) discuss the significance of chestnut trees and their benefit to wildlife. Tim details the history and science of chestnuts and how the landscape has changed as a result of the blight.  Previously, chestnuts provided an economic and wildlife benefit that is important to our country and is now missed with the current whitetail deer herd. The value of the chestnut tree is something we have sometimes forgotten and can be a game changer on the landscape. Listen to the podcast to further understand the benefits and how this tree can benefit your deer herd.  Jon discusses his secrets to designing a property with chestnut trees in mind. Tim discusses the benefits of chestnuts versus acorns; the answer may surprise you!  Jon asks Tim about planting non-native chestnuts and the impact on the landscape. Both contributors discuss the type of chestnuts (native, non-native, hybrid and transgenic) and the benefits of each and how certain organizations are working toward supporting a transgenic tree on the landscape.  Jon discusses simple options to planting and how he approaches chestnuts and deer.Tim discusses the best options going forward for those wanting to plant chestnut trees on their property, specifically the American chestnut. Tim and Jon break down the key factors for choosing chestnuts, and how to manage them on the landscape. Other important information and specifics as it relates to preferred soil type, environments and what not to do with chestnuts is explained in the podcast.Social LinksGreen Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, LLChttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this podcast Todd Shippee (Empire Land Management) and Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) explore some of the best practices for Food Plot establishment. Todd also discusses strategies for removing reed canary grass on the landscape. Spring food plots can be one of the more important activities this time of year. Todd discusses simple, effective methods to install food plots with limited equipment. Further, Todd explains what barebones equipment and herbicide you can get away with and still have a healthy food plot.Todd and Jon discuss seed blends that work best in the fall and springtime. Todd explains when you have more equipment other planting may be a better choice for food plotters. Todd and Jon detail simple and complex food plot seed blends that are effective for spring months. Todd identifies seeds that help drought proof your food plots. Further, Todd discusses fertilizer choices that can help you achieve better plant growth. As stated in previous podcasts, soils samples are critical to know what deficiencies are present.Todd and Jon discuss nurse crop choices in the spring months and using these plants to establish better early season food plots. Further, thinking about seed size, planting depth, and spreading seed is critical to the establishment of an effective food plot. Todd discusses his favorite seed options for sandy soil. Todd provides his go to blend of soybeans and corn. Jon provides some alternative plants for beans.  Todd explains an unknown plant that deer hammer during the warm period.  Todd discusses advanced strategies for food plots. Jon discusses his technique using a roller crimper. All these examples will get you ahead of the game and support weed reduction. Todd recommends a different plant that benefits turkeys and deer. Todd explains the positives and negatives as it relates to mowing food plots and balancing biomass and establishing young tender plants like clover.

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Jake Ehlinger (Habitat Solutions 360) discuss the latest strategies and ideas surrounding the effort required to enhance a deer hunting property for success. Jake’s strategies include planning, and promoting detailed, focused movements across the landscape to ensure deer use and bed on a property at a high rate. Jake utilizes a chainsaw, backpack blower and walk behind brush cutter to ensure his detailed plans are implemented and result led to success.Jake and Jon discuss the most overlooked details that create failures when setting up a hunting property. On the properties Jake supports he explains how he setups travel corridors and how dealing with mother nature can be the most difficult impediment, limiting success of any work and improvements. Jake gets into the details on specific trail sizes, the shape and how layouts should look to enhance a hunting property.Jake explains some of the key differences he experiences on his clients’ properties and Jon details some tricks he uses to help individuals work on portions of their property at a faster pace. Jake gives his secrets to figuring out bedding areas and exactly how he lays them out for the best utilization. Jon gets into some of the rules of thumb he employs with clients when setting up bedding areas. Jake details layouts on steep slope terrain, exact dimensions and trees that should be left for balancing timber and wildlife needs.Jake ends the podcast with his number one tactic that has led to his success as a land manager and consultant. Social Linkshttp://habitatsolutions360.com/https://www.facebook.com/HabitatSolutions360https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCetSptPTK0gmg0BE5oRnTTA https://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Perry Battin (Drury Outdoors) discuss the latest strategies and ideas surrounding food plot architecture. Perry introduces himself and converses about the latest turkey season in his area. Perry also discusses how food plot decisions are made on the Drury farms in both Iowa and Missouri.Perry discusses the planning that is required during the late winter months to ensure the correct seed, fertilizer and equipment is ready to go for spring planting. Perry explains all season food plot strategies and the Drury teams’ focus and the related benefits of summer and fall food sources for the deer herd. Perry also recognizes and justifies his approach of all-season food and the results of having more attractiveness on the landscape.  Perry breaks down the key shapes and sizes of the food plots, and specific layouts and food plot seed choices (biologic) that will create a successful hunt. Jon and Perry discuss the fertilizer dilemma that’s occurring, and Jon points out options for those considering alternatives to fertilizer. Perry explains the importance of access, and how food plot layouts are built around hunting locations. Both confer about improvements in and around food plots and how timber management and specific access or pinch points drive deer into the best hunting locations. Perry gives details on relative distances that he considers when separating food plots and deer bedding areas. Perry discusses special tactics that make large destination food plots more huntable.Perry and Jon end with the most cost affordable food plot seed options and how these choices will be the best option for hunters all season long.

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Mark Haslam (Southeast Whitetail) discuss how to improve pine plantations. Mark’s expertise and management strategy to improve loblolly or longleaf pine stands can drastically improve overall deer interest and hunting. Mark and Jon discuss balancing wildlife enhancements and cash flow from a farm, and finding a balance. Mark breaks down some of the harvest rotations on his family farm and how you can get the most out of your property with some simple, straightforward changes, and minimize the stigma of a pine stand wildlife wasteland.Mark and John discuss diversity and Mark gives examples of how his property provides much benefit to his deer herd. Mark details his checkerboard approach to handling pine harvests and controlled burns across the farm. Mark explains how hinge cutting hasn’t worked and why. Mark provides recommendations on how to get the most out of every inch of your property and simple, effective ways to manage trees during the growth stage to ensure deer and turkey will remain interested in an area.Mark discusses changes that can be made on almost any property that will benefit turkeys. Mark and Jon both discuss improvements related to deer and turkey and how to approach habitat improvement with both species. Mark concludes with his number one turkey habitat improvement technique that will get results and how to balance income on your farm.    Social Linkshttps://southeastwhitetail.com/https://www.instagram.com/markhaslam/?hl=enhttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) discusses his recent travels to clients and most importantly the mindset you should have to succeed with changing your property for the better.  The concepts suggested will displace non-native plants with healthy natural, native plants that will lead to more opportunities to attract and hold deer on your property. Jon’s process and recommendations to changing a property for good leads to legacy benefits that will increase hunting for the long run.   Jon’s unique method to evaluate properties and pushing listeners to the next steps of evoking change will ensure you have the best plants on the landscape; this will ultimately get you further than you anticipated and the net benefit should be more deer, turkeys, insects, birds and other small mammals. Jon explains problems he experiences with clients and his own property, and solutions that will allow you to manage plants that create interference. Jon discusses specific plants that hold individuals back from transforming their deer habitat into something special.Jon breaks down the top five non-native plants that can be destructive to your habitat and provides a multitude of plants that can replace them. Jon suggests ways to remove plants and the harm that comes from leaving them on the landscape. For example, Japanese barberry and related tick populations can be problematic to human health. Jon explains steps that will improve the landscape when non-native plants are present and a big takeaway that will allow you to plan, make changes, and succeed! Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/ https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this episode, Jon Teater of Whitetail Landscapes discusses with Steve Sherk of Sherk’s Guide Service the process of finding big buck sheds. Jon discusses his recent shed find folly.  Steve and Jon discuss how to hunt sheds, versus just find sheds, especially in the big woods.   Shed hunting can be just as rewarding for some hunters and targeting a specific buck and their sheds can lead to excellent data for the following year. Steve discusses mistakes that shed hunters make and Jon identifies specific habitat features that support winter preferences to help attract deer to the areas we can hunt.  Jon explains how a client has gone from no sheds to over a dozen based on the strategies that he employs on his property.Steve discusses timing of antler casting and how the winter can dictate a good or bad shed season. Jon explains why deer drop their antlers. Unexpectedly, Steve explains that tough winters lead to better shed hunting. Listen in to all the shed tips and tricks Steve and Jon use to be successful. Steve and Jon end with a future saga and give insight into upcoming podcasts where Steve will be breaking down his target deer for next year.  Social LinksSherk's Guide Service – Guided Deer Hunts (sherksguideservice.com)Sherk's Guide Service - Home | FacebookSteve Sherk Jr. (@sherksguideservice) • Instagram photos and videoshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this podcast Rocky Burrus from SA Farms Management Service, based in Tennessee, discusses his top three hunting property flaws that he sees on client properties. Rocky discusses the box blinds he is using on client properties and why they are essential to success. Rocky dives into his process and how he evaluates access, cover and food on the landscape. Jon Teater, WhitetailLandscapes, discusses some of his concepts that support Rocky’s recommendations. Rocky gets deep into design ideas that will help you improve your hunting property.Rocky lays out specifics on how to fix each of these flaws and provides specific examples that can support better layout for hunting on your property. Rocky provides details and tactics of how he manipulates the landscape, so deer use food plots and are undisturbed by human presence. Rocky’s design concepts create more daylight usage in food plots creating more success for him and his clients.   Rocky ends with an access concept that will help anyone that has tough hunting scenarios triumph.  Social Linkshttps://www.facebook.com/safarmmanagement/https://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this podcast Tim Russell from Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services discusses how to attack and design your forest for deer. Understanding and recognizing the state of our forests and how to approach a forest stand with various tactics allows for an opportunity to meet our goals. One of those goals is increasing a variety of plants providing more forage for deer. Understanding the tree species that survive well in shade, intermediate shade or full sunlight explain much about the site and how trees have coevolved. Considering and establishing strategies to allow certain tree species to dominate our landscape through management and manipulation may allow for more vegetation for wildlife. Also, consider the resources on the landscapes based on the tree species, layout, and the features juxtaposed create options for those designing their hunting properties.  As trees reach maturity and eventual die-off, which rarely happens nowadays, few gaps in the canopy occur and considering disturbances on the landscape are paramount to changing management units to allow for improvement in habitat for various species.  Jon Teater, Whitetail Landscapes, and Tim consider the status of the landscape across many properties and what tactics they are using afield to promote both even (one distinct tree age class) and uneven aged stands (several tree age classes) on the properties they are working with. Both contributors discuss how to avoid mistakes of cutting certain trees hurting your landscape and creating more options to maximize value on the property. Evaluating the trees, volume and quality, and recognizing that landowners should do something to achieve goals. The contributors consider the most popular options for forest stands: don’t do anything, forest stand improvement, temporary opening, regeneration cuttings.Tim and Jon discuss specific examples and techniques for working with oak and aspen stands. How to coppice trees and example layouts that allow landowners the option to help wildlife flourish on the landscape. Tim and Jon evaluate various prescriptions that lead landowners down the path of finding success and in some cases making money all at the same time.  Both contributors suggest that keeping the forest stand in a state of production, controlling invasive species, and thinking about how to balance long and short-term financial returns will be a weighted decision on the landowner. The podcast ends with a good example of how to take a prescription and apply it to ensure that you can rehabilitate the property for wildlife, particularly for deer.Social LinksGreen Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, LLChttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en