

Whitetail Landscapes - Hunting & Habitat Management
Sportsmen's Empire
Whitetail Landscapes focuses on enhancing whitetail deer hunting properties through design and management efforts. Jon Teater owns and operates Whitetail Landscapes and has established clients throughout the United States. Jon’s experience combined with reoccurring podcast guests will provide opportunities for those around the country to learn how to improve their hunting property.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2025 • 59min
Late Season Wildlife Trees, Silvopasture, Land Management, Tree Protection
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses (Whitetail Landscapes) various aspects of land management and hunting strategies, focusing on the benefits of honey locust trees in silvopasture systems. Joined by guest Austin Unruh (Trees for Graziers) and Thomas Mlsna (Untamed Ambition), they explore the ecological services provided by these trees, their nutritional value for wildlife, and practical applications for integrating them into hunting properties. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patience and strategic planning in land management to enhance hunting success. In this conversation, the group discusses the integration of trees in silvopasture systems, focusing on the benefits of various tree species, particularly mulberries, for wildlife and livestock. The discussion emphasizes the importance of effective tree protection methods, the role of tree gender in fruit production, and introduces his new tree nursery business aimed at providing high-quality trees for sustainable farming practices.TakeawaysMaximize Your Hunt focuses on land management and hunting strategies.Winter severity can impact deer populations and habitat management.Silvopasture integrates trees into pasture systems for livestock and wildlife.Honey locust trees provide late-season food sources for deer.Dappled shade from honey locust benefits both livestock and wildlife.Honey locust pods are high in sugar and energy, crucial for winter nutrition.Designing landscapes with honey locust can create consistent deer movement.Patience is essential for seeing results in land management.Honey locust, Persimmon, Mulberry can be a valuable resource for bees and other wildlife.Understanding the ecological benefits of trees is key to effective land management. Five to eight years is a guideline for tree yield.Silvopasture integrates trees for shade and forage.Fiberglass stakes are durable and cost-effective.Mulberries provide high protein feed for wildlife.Tree protection is essential for successful growth.Growing trees above browse height reduces costs.Mulberry trees are resilient and easy to manage.Tree gender affects fruit and pod production.A new nursery focuses on silvopasture trees.Effective tree management enhances ecosystem benefits. Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enhttps://www.theuntamedambition.com/https://treesforgraziers.com/austin-unruh/

Jan 7, 2025 • 59min
Small Hunting Property Design and Layout, Access, Wetlands
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, Jon Teater and Jake Ehlinger (Habitat Solutions 360) discuss various aspects of managing hunting properties, focusing on design concepts, challenges faced, and strategies for successful hunting. He emphasizes the importance of integrating food sources into property layouts and the need for careful planning to enhance hunting experiences. The conversation also touches on the unpredictability of weather and its impact on property management, as well as the significance of reading the landscape to optimize hunting success. In this conversation, Jake Ehlinger shares his extensive experience in habitat management and hunting strategies, focusing on the importance of understanding the landscape, particularly wetlands, and how to manage edges for wildlife diversity. Jake and Jon emphasize the balance between economic considerations and ecological stewardship, highlighting the need for patience and observation in land management practices. Teater also discusses the excitement of new projects and the continuous learning that comes with managing land effectively.Takeaways:The importance of integrating food sources into property design.Understanding the ecological function of plants is crucial.Unpredictable weather can significantly impact hunting plans.Small property design requires careful planning and layout.Access management is key to successful hunting.Balancing human activity and deer movement is essential.Utilizing edible plants can enhance property value.Reading the landscape helps in making informed decisions.Diversity in plant selection improves habitat quality.Planning for seasonal changes is vital for property management. Reading the landscape is crucial for successful hunting.Wetlands can be complex ecosystems that require specific management strategies.Managing edges can enhance habitat diversity and attract wildlife.Economic factors play a significant role in habitat management decisions.Patience is essential in observing and understanding land management outcomes.Diversity in plant species is vital for a healthy ecosystem.Experience in habitat management leads to better decision-making over time.Safety is paramount when working in potentially hazardous environments.Innovative approaches can lead to improved land management practices.Smaller properties can be just as successful as larger ones in habitat management.Social Linkshttp://habitatsolutions360.com/https://www.facebook.com/HabitatSolutions360https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCetSptPTK0gmg0BE5oRnTTAhttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 16min
Maximize Deer Populations, More Does, Balance, Better Rut
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses the complexities of deer management with Rocky Burruss (SA Farm Management Service). They explore the responsibilities of hunters in managing both deer populations and habitats, share personal hunting success stories, and delve into the dynamics of deer populations and management strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating ideal habitats for deer while balancing populations with neighboring hunters' practices. In this conversation, Teater and Burruss discuss the complexities of deer management, emphasizing the importance of habitat quality, understanding deer behavior, and tailoring management strategies to local conditions. Both argue against a one-size-fits-all approach to deer management, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of population dynamics and the impact of environmental factors. Teater highlights the need for education in the hunting community to promote sustainable practices and improve hunting success.Takeaways:Hunters have a responsibility to manage both deer populations and habitats.Successful deer management requires understanding the dynamics of herd populations.Creating a balanced forage environment is crucial for deer health.Personal hunting success stories can provide insights into effective management strategies.The best hunting properties often have minimal human interference.Controlling daylight movement of deer can enhance hunting success.Deer populations can self-regulate under certain conditions.Habitat quality directly impacts deer health and population dynamics.Strategic doe management can lead to healthier buck populations.Collaboration with neighboring hunters is essential for effective deer management. Managing deer populations requires understanding local conditions.Habitat quality directly influences deer health and hunting success.Population dynamics are affected by environmental factors and hunting pressure.Education is crucial for effective deer management strategies.Tailoring management practices to specific properties can yield better results.Deer behavior varies significantly based on habitat and hunting pressure.Sustainable hunting practices can lead to healthier deer populations.Collaboration with neighbors can enhance deer management efforts.Selective harvesting can improve the quality of deer in an area.A balanced approach to doe and buck management is essential for population growth. Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enSA FARMS Management Service | Facebookhttps://www.instagram.com/safarmmanagementservice/?hl=en

Dec 24, 2024 • 51min
Regenerating Deer Hunting Properties, Natural Ecosystems, High Caliber Deer
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater and Thomas Mlsna, founder of Untamed Ambition, discuss various aspects of hunting property management, including reflections on the current hunting season, the importance of ecological systems, and strategies for improving habitat diversity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding deer physiology, the role of soil health, and the application of permaculture principles to enhance landscape design. Teater and his guest explore how to raise the potential of hunting properties through effective management practices and the creation of ecological refugia. In this conversation, Teater and Mlsna discuss the importance of enhancing landscape design to improve ecological systems, emphasizing soil health and the role of food plots. Both highlight the significance of observation and perception in landscape management, advocating for a rethinking of traditional orchard systems to create resilient landscapes. The discussion culminates in a call to push the limits of land management practices and to adopt a new perspective that focuses on sustainability and abundance.Takeaways:Maximizing hunting property requires understanding ecological systems.Client success stories provide valuable insights for future management.Every property has a ceiling that can be raised with proper management.Diversity in habitat is crucial for attracting wildlife.Soil health is a fundamental aspect of habitat management.Creating ecological refugia enhances wildlife interest in an area.Focus on the health of does for better fawn development.Permaculture principles can improve landscape design and function.Fire can be used strategically to reset and improve soil health.Understanding deer physiology helps in creating better habitats. Enhancing landscape design can improve ecological systems.Soil health is fundamental for successful food plots.Observation and perception are critical in land management.Rethinking traditional orchard systems can lead to resilience.Pushing the limits of land management can yield better results.Creating resilient systems reduces maintenance needs.Understanding your property as a whole system is essential.Maximizing abundance requires a shift in perspective.Investing in soil health benefits wildlife and ecosystems.Sustainable practices lead to long-term success in land management.

Dec 17, 2024 • 50min
Doe Numbers, Mature Buck Equation, Population Control
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) discusses various strategies for managing hunting properties, focusing on deer population dynamics, habitat improvement, and effective harvest strategies. Joined by Mark Haslam (Southeast Whitetail), they delve into the importance of record-keeping, understanding deer ratios, and the impact of food plots on deer health. The conversation emphasizes the need for a strong management plan to achieve sustainable hunting and conservation goals.Takeaways:Maximizing hunting property requires effective land management.Understanding deer population dynamics is crucial for successful hunting.Record-keeping is essential for tracking deer health and population.Harvest strategies should be based on population metrics and ratios.Food plots play a significant role in deer nutrition and habitat.Sustainable hunting practices contribute to whitetail conservation.Monitoring buck maturity helps in managing age classes effectively.Early doe harvest can minimize disturbance during the rut.Utilizing local resources for deer density studies can aid management.Creating diverse habitats enhances deer cover and forage availability. Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enSoutheast Whitetail – Habitat, Conservation & VenisonSoutheast Whitetail (@southeast.whitetail) • Instagram photos and videos

Dec 10, 2024 • 43min
Trespassing, Hunter Conflict, Poaching, Technology
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater and Perry Battin (Drury Outdoors) discuss various aspects of hunting, including personal experiences, the challenges of trespassing, and the importance of maintaining good relationships with neighbors. The conversation highlights the use of technology, such as cell cameras, to monitor properties and manage trespassing issues. Battin and Teater share stories of both humorous and serious encounters with trespassers, emphasizing the need for respectful communication and understanding in the hunting community. The episode concludes with insights on navigating property purchases and leases, and the significance of building positive relationships with fellow hunters.TakeawaysThe importance of land management and habitat improvement.Big deer can lead to risky behavior among hunters.Trespassing can have serious consequences for both parties.Using technology like cell cameras can help monitor properties.Building relationships with neighbors is crucial for a harmonious hunting experience.Respectful communication can prevent conflicts over property lines.Tracking deer across property lines requires cooperation and understanding.Social media can exacerbate trespassing issues.Humor can be found in challenging situations with trespassers.Navigating property purchases requires sensitivity to existing relationships. Social Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/perrybattin_druryoutdoors/?hl=enhttps://www.druryoutdoors.com/https://www.plantbiologic.com/https://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=enDruryOutdoors - YouTubeDeerCast | Get Ahead of Your Game

Dec 3, 2024 • 47min
Fundamentals of Deer Property Design and Landscape Management
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, Jon Teater discusses the current state of deer activity, the importance of landscape management, and the impact of weather and soil quality on hunting success. He reflects on personal hunting experiences, emphasizing the need for patience and observation in understanding deer behavior. The conversation also covers practical strategies for improving hunting properties through effective water management and understanding geological factors. Teater encourages listeners to focus on the overall health of their hunting environments to ensure future success.TakeawaysDeer activity peaks in November, requiring careful observation.Mature deer may be in poor condition due to heavy breeding.Letting younger deer go can improve future hunting opportunities.Feeling defeated in hunting can be a learning experience.Observation of deer movement patterns is crucial for success.Weather significantly impacts deer behavior and habitat quality.Soil quality and terrain features are essential for effective land management.Water management is critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems.Understanding geology helps in assessing soil composition and health.Planning for future seasons is key to long-term hunting success.Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Nov 26, 2024 • 47min
How to Design and Build the Best Deer Hunting Property
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses the intricacies of designing a hunting property. He emphasizes the importance of understanding personal resources, limitations, and the ecological aspects of the land. The conversation covers the significance of asking the right questions when hiring consultants, the potential pitfalls of purchasing a property that requires extensive work, and the need for a thorough site assessment. Teater encourages listeners to connect with their property and consider their goals and vision for the future. In this conversation, Jon Teater discusses the essential steps for effectively managing and designing a property. He emphasizes the importance of mapping, observation, and understanding the climate and geography of the land. Teater outlines how to set clear goals for property use and the significance of design principles, including patterns, zones, and sectors. He also highlights the necessity of building infrastructure to support land management and wildlife, ultimately guiding listeners toward a successful property design.Takeaways:Maximizing your hunting experience requires thoughtful land management.Asking the right questions is crucial when hiring a consultant.Understanding your personal resources can guide property decisions.Buying a property that requires a lot of work may not be wise.Connecting with your property enhances your hunting experience.Designing your property involves understanding its ecological potential.Personal limitations can impact property management decisions.A thorough site assessment is essential for effective planning.Your vision for the property should align with your goals.Building relationships with consultants can lead to better outcomes. Start to develop a cadence and understanding of what you want.Observation is key to success in property management.Always start with climate when analyzing your property.Define your goals clearly for better outcomes.Everything on the landscape is patternable and interconnected.Focus on the edges and margins for biodiversity.You can change some features of the landscape, but not the climate.Each piece of your design should connect to one another.A well-structured design minimizes risk and enhances creativity.Next week will cover more detailed fundamentals of property assessment.Social Links:https://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Nov 19, 2024 • 38min
Small Acreage Habitat Improvement, Open Spaces, Holding Better Deer
In this episode of 'Maximize Your Hunt', host Jon Teater shares insights on improving hunting properties through effective land management and habitat improvement strategies. He discusses personal hunting experiences, the importance of soil health, and how to design backyards to attract deer. The conversation delves into regenerative agriculture, creating hospitable environments for plants, and the significance of ecological systems in enhancing wildlife habitats. Teater emphasizes the need for thoughtful design that works with nature to maximize sunlight, photosynthesis, and overall ecosystem health.Takeaways:Hunting success stories can inspire and motivate others.Soil health is the foundation for successful land management.Designing your backyard can create opportunities for deer sightings.Creating hospitable environments for plants enhances growth.Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil health and function.Effective design should consider sunlight, moisture, and wind.Ecological systems can support diverse wildlife habitats.Maximizing sunlight exposure is crucial for plant health.Guilds of plants can create beneficial relationships in ecosystems.Thoughtful design can lead to sustainable and productive landscapes.Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Nov 12, 2024 • 46min
Decoding Deer Movement During the Rut and Habitat Management
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host John Teater shares insights from his recent hunting experiences, discussing deer movement patterns, breeding behavior, and the importance of observation in hunting. He emphasizes the need for persistence and adaptability in hunting strategies, as well as the significance of having the right equipment and setup for success. The conversation delves into the dynamics of deer behavior during the breeding season and how hunters can better understand and capitalize on these patterns to improve their chances of success in the field. In this conversation, Jon Teater shares his insights on tactical hunting strategies, emphasizing the importance of mindset, preparation, and understanding deer movement. He discusses the significance of having a well-designed hunting property and reflects on his successful hunting season, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. Teater encourages hunters to adopt a purposeful approach and to be adaptable in their methods, while also recognizing the value of distractions and maintaining a positive attitude in the field.TakeawaysThe podcast focuses on land management and habitat improvement for hunting.Jon has been hunting for 17 consecutive days, sharing his experiences.Observation is crucial for understanding deer movement and behavior.Deer exhibit three modes of movement: breeding, exploratory, and observational.Hunters should be deliberate and slow when accessing their stands to avoid spooking deer.Persistence and consistency are key to successful hunting.Deer behavior can be erratic, requiring hunters to adapt their strategies.Equipment choice is important for comfort and effectiveness in the field.Understanding deer dynamics during the breeding season can enhance hunting success.Trail cameras may miss a significant amount of deer activity. Use observation and data to improve hunting success.Mindset and attitude are crucial for a positive hunting experience.Preparation and the right equipment can enhance your hunt.Understanding deer movement is key to effective hunting.Designing your property can significantly impact deer activity.Success in hunting can take many forms, not just kills.Distractions in the stand can be beneficial for mental health.Unevenness in habitat can create better conditions for deer.A well-managed property can hold more deer and improve hunting outcomes.Reflecting on past hunts can inform future strategies.Social Linkshttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en