On this episode of the Design. Build. Hunt. podcast, host Josh Raley is joined once again by Whitetail Partners founder Sam Bilhorn for a deep dive into a real client property design—one that blends smart planning, custom goals, and phased implementation.

Josh and Sam walk through a 120-acre Wisconsin property, discussing its strong mix of ag land, diverse cover, and a tornado-altered ravine that provides outstanding whitetail habitat. This design highlights what it looks like when a landowner wants to partner on the process—taking on some of the work while letting the Whitetail Partners team handle the rest. It’s a great example of how we phase improvements, keep things budget-conscious, and stay aligned with the landowner’s unique goals.

Whether you’re managing your own property or just curious about how we approach a real design, this episode is full of takeaways for hunters, landowners, and DIY habitat managers alike.

Want your own property tailored for deer movement, hunter access, and long-term success?

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This week on Design. Build. Hunt., Josh is joined by Tim Kaiser to tackle a question that’s been stirring debate: are water holes overrated? With some consultants saying to skip them and others swearing by them, we break down when—and where—they really matter. From construction tips and placement strategies to runoff considerations and common mistakes, this episode is packed with great info.

If you’re thinking about adding water to your whitetail design—or want to fix an underperforming setup—this conversation is for you.

If you're thinking about adding a water hole or improving one that’s underperforming, we’d love to help you get it right the first time. Visit www.whitetailpartners.com to schedule a consultation, check out more habitat resources, or reach out with your questions.

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In this episode of Design. Build. Hunt., Josh and Tim Menoher dive into one of the most overlooked yet impactful areas on a property when it comes to habitat management—field edges. They unpack how a sharp edge between open ground and timber can limit deer use and how subtle improvements like edge feathering, native browse regeneration, and strip disking can transform these dead zones into dynamic habitat features.

Learn why edge diversity matters, what mistakes to avoid, and how to time and scale your improvements for maximum benefit. Whether you're managing an ag field, a food plot, or an open clearing, this conversation offers practical fixes you can implement now to shape better deer movement come fall.

If you're ready to take your proeprty to the next level, head over to whitetailpartners.com and get in touch.

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You can have the best food plots, bedding cover, and stand locations—but if your access is wrong, it won’t matter. In this episode, Josh Raley and Sam Bilhorn dig into the hidden cost of poor entry and exit strategies. Learn how to recognize when your access is hurting your hunts and what changes you can make this summer to fix it—before deer season is here.

What You’ll Learn:

👉 Need help dialing in your access?

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You’ve got your whitetail habitat plan in hand—now what? In this episode, Josh is joined by Sam Bilhorn to walk through how landowners can move from vision to execution. They break down how to prioritize summer tasks, stay on track with implementation, and avoid the common trap of doing a little bit of everything with no real impact. Whether your plan is brand new or a few years old, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take meaningful steps this season.

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Understanding what’s possible on your hunting property is the key to long-term success. In this episode of Design. Build. Hunt., host Josh Raley is joined by Brenon Maynard from Whitetail Partners New York to discuss hunter expectations. They dive into the realities of land management, how to set achievable goals based on your area’s potential, and why managing your expectations leads to a more rewarding hunting experience. Whether you’re looking to buy land or improve the property you already own, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make informed decisions.

Thinking about buying hunting land or optimizing your property for better results? Visit www.whitetailpartners.com to learn how our expert consultants can help you design, build, and hunt more effectively!

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In this episode of Design. Build. Hunt., Josh and Lee Dixon dive deep into whitetail strategy in the South. From setting up sanctuary bedding and food sources to executing the perfect hunt, Lee breaks down the step-by-step approach that led to harvesting a great buck. Learn how access, habitat improvements, and a well-timed cold front made all the difference. Plus, we discuss the #1 habitat priority you should focus on right now to set up for success next season.

The clock is ticking on habitat season, and our calendars are filling fast! Need a strategic plan for your property? Book a consultation with Whitetail Partners today at whitetailpartners.com and let’s design your dream hunting ground before it’s too late!

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In this episode of Design. Build. Hunt., Josh sits down with Whitetail Partners founder, Sam Bilhorn, to reflect on the past hunting season, key habitat improvements, and the remarkable growth of Whitetail Partners. From post-season strategy and access planning to neighbor collaboration and tree planting, Sam shares insights that can make or break a whitetail property. Plus, we take a look at what's ahead for 2025, including new consulting services and educational resources to help you design, build, and hunt more effectively.

If you're ready to transform your hunting property with expert guidance, Whitetail Partners is here to help. Our team of regional consultants specializes in designing properties tailored for optimal deer movement, habitat enhancement, and hunting success. Visit WhitetailPartners.com to schedule a consultation today!

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In this episode of the Design. Build. Hunt. Podcast, Greg Kazmierski and his client Kurt discuss how strategic property improvements led to first-year hunting success.

Have a topic you want us to explore in future episodes? Let us know!

To learn more, check us out online at whitetailpartners.com, on YouTube, on Instagram, or on Facebook.

Find the Whitetail Partners Habitat Consultant for your region here.

Learn more about Whitetail Partners Design and Management services here.

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In this episode of the Design. Build. Hunt. Podcast, the guys share their approach to planning habitat improvements for 2025.

Have a topic you want us to explore in future episodes? Let us know!

To learn more, check us out online at whitetailpartners.com, on YouTube, on Instagram, or on Facebook.

Find the Whitetail Partners Habitat Consultant for your region here.

Learn more about Whitetail Partners Design and Management services here.

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