Is Michigan’s deer hunting in a state of crisis, or is it simply at a turning point? In this powerhouse episode of the Everland Podcast, we’ve assembled a "Mount Rushmore" of whitetail expertise to dissect the current state of Michigan’s deer management.We are joined by four industry titans, each bringing a unique philosophy on how to fix the "Michigan problem":Skip Sligh (Iowa Whitetail): The land management guru who brings the "Iowa perspective." Skip breaks down why Michigan is at a crossroads and what law changes—from APRs to season dates—are non-negotiable if we want to improve age structure.Mike Ketelaar (President, Michigan NDA): The man in the "arena." Mike pulls back the curtain on the Deer Management Initiative (DMI) and the Lower Peninsula Advisory Team, explaining how science must override emotion in the 2026-2028 regulation cycle.Dr. James Kroll (aka "Dr. Deer"): The legendary biologist delivers a masterclass on herd health. Dr. Kroll challenges the status quo, diving into the impact of doe harvests, the reality of CWD science, and why state-level management needs a radical shift.While our guests may differ on the how—whether it’s through strict legislative changes, biological mandates, or habitat-first strategies—they all land on one undeniable truth: The Michigan hunter must unite. For decades, infighting and "coffee shop biology" have stalled progress. This episode is a call to action. If we want a world-class resource, we have to move past the "me-first" harvest mentality and speak with one voice to the NRC and DNR.If you're interested more in learning about Everland Outdoors, please visit any of our social media platforms or our website at EverlandOutdoors.com To listen to any of these episodes in full: Skip - https://youtu.be/x8RdbAAO3k8?si=3Q83yWgPEsIITBRkMike Keelaar - https://youtu.be/IU7fp3WJxEw?si=VfR2SYf3utfSYRUPDr. Deer - https://youtu.be/o6JUkcuRxQ8?si=T0KYHxJlsn_mUwJQNorth American Big Game Model - The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is a set of seven principles guiding sustainable, science-based management of fish and wildlife as a public trust in the US and Canada. Developed to reverse 19th-century overexploitation, it ensures wildlife is managed by government agencies, prohibits commercial markets for game, and democratizes access to hunting. Key Principles of the ModelWildlife as Public Trust Resource: Wildlife is managed by the government for the benefit of all people, not owned by individuals.Elimination of Markets for Game: Commercial trafficking in dead game is prohibited to prevent depletion.Allocation of Wildlife by Law: Access is regulated through democratic, law-based systems like hunting seasons and bag limits.Kill Only for Legitimate Purposes: Game is taken for food, fur, or self-defense, not wasted.International Resources: Migratory species are managed across borders.Science-Based Management: Policy is driven by scientific research rather than emotion.Democracy of Hunting: All citizens have access to hunting, regardless of social status or wealth.

What is a healthy whitetail deer herd—and are we managing deer the right way?

In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the science of whitetail deer management, focusing on what actually creates healthy deer herds in Michigan and the Midwest. This conversation breaks down age structure, buck-to-doe ratios, habitat carrying capacity, selective harvest, and long-term herd sustainability—the foundations of successful deer management that every serious whitetail hunter should understand.

A key part of this episode centers on Wayne Sitton’s proven deer management plan at Turtle Lake Club, a 26,000-acre private ranch in Michigan. Turtle Lake Club is a real-world example of how intentional habitat management, disciplined harvest strategies, and data-driven decisions can dramatically improve whitetail quality and herd health over time.

We also tackle one of the most controversial topics in modern deer hunting and wildlife management: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

In this discussion, we cover:

• Can CWD in whitetail deer actually be managed?
• Does herd reduction help control CWD—or make things worse?
• Should deer management strategies be driven by CWD policy or sound biology?
• What does real-world deer herd data show compared to public messaging?

This episode is built for whitetail hunters, landowners, habitat managers, and deer camp conversations focused on better hunting, healthier herds, and long-term sustainability—not politics or fear-based narratives.

 If you care about managing deer the right way, this is a must-listen episode.

What’s the biggest mistake you see in deer management today—overpopulation, bad harvest decisions, or poor habitat?

If you’re interested in high-resolution property maps to improve your deer management and hunting strategy, check out everlandoutdoors.com

After weeks of navigating the dense (and often heated) drama of hunting regulations, it’s time to step out of the courtroom and back into the woods. This week, we’re taking a deep breath and sitting down with Dean Hulce, host of God’s Great Outdoors, for a conversation that strips away the politics to reveal the true heart of the hunt.

In an era of shifting rules and digital noise, Dean helps us reconnect with the raw passion that drives us into the wilderness. We’re journeying back to the "good ol’ days" of the Upper Peninsula, revisiting the rugged heritage of Michigan’s North Country and the timeless lessons learned in remote deer camps.

Whether you're a lifelong woodsman or just someone seeking a bit of peace amidst the noise, this episode is a reminder that the hunt is about much more than what ends up on the wall—it’s about the life we live along the way.

The Michigan DNR is currently facing a tidal wave of pressure from all sides. With the 2026-2028 regulation cycle on the horizon, every hunter has an opinion—but where does the science end and the emotion begin?

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Ketelaar, President of the Michigan National Deer Association (NDA) and Chair of the Lower Peninsula Deer Advisory Team (DAT). Mike is at the center of the conversations that shape how we hunt, and he’s here to pull back the curtain on how these decisions are actually made.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Crossbow Debate: We discuss the data behind crossbow regulations, their impact on the harvest, and what the 2026 rules actually mean for archery season.

• Resolving the Pressure: How the DNR and the DAT handle the intense public pressure while trying to maintain a healthy deer herd.

• Science Over Emotion: Why personal anecdotes from the coffee shop can’t drive policy. Mike explains the biological data used to ensure Michigan’s herd thrives for generations.

• Making a Real Difference: If you want to see change in Michigan, complaining on social media isn't enough. Mike breaks down the professional and effective way to advocate for the deer and the sport.

If you care about the future of Michigan’s woods, this is a must-watch. It’s time to move past the "us vs. them" mentality and look at the facts.

Is Michigan’s deer hunting in crisis? In this episode of the Everland Outdoors Podcast, we sit down with renowned land manager and whitetail advocate Skip Sligh to take a hard look at the current state of Michigan hunting and what needs to change before it’s too late.

Michigan has some of the most passionate hunters in the country, but from outdated regulations to a "brown is down" mentality, we are facing an uphill battle in preserving the quality of our resource. Skip breaks down the specific Michigan hunting law changes necessary to improve age structure and herd health, including the debate over APRs (Antler Point Restrictions) and the impact of our current firearm season dates.

Beyond the laws, we dive into the hunter’s mindset. If we want better hunting, we have to be the change. We discuss how landowners and hunters can shift their approach to management, the power of unified advocacy, and how to effectively voice your concerns to the Michigan NRC and DNR.

In this episode, we cover:

• Michigan Hunting Regulations: What’s working, what’s failing, and the "Iowa Model" vs. the Michigan reality.
• The Mentality Shift: Moving from a "me first" harvest approach to a "resource first" conservation mindset.
• Advocacy for Change: Practical steps for Michigan hunters to influence legislation and preserve the whitetail legacy.
• Landowner Impact: How private land management plays a role in the greater good of the state’s herd.

Join the movement to keep Michigan hunting great. 🌲🦌

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: The state of Michigan Whitetail hunting. 5:20 – Guest Skip Sligh: Why Michigan is at a crossroads. 15:45 – Necessary Law Changes: APRs, Season Dates, and the DNR. 32:10 – Changing the Hunter’s Mentality: Quality over Quantity. 48:00 – How to get involved: Influencing Michigan hunting legislation. 1:05:30 – Preserving the resource for the next generation.

Connect with Us:

• Website: Everlandoutdoors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everland__outdoors/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AerialWildlifeSolutions 

Keywords :

Michigan Deer Hunting, Skip Sligh, Michigan DNR, Michigan Hunting Laws, Whitetail Deer Management, Michigan Landowners, Hunting Regulations 2026, Antler Point Restrictions Michigan, Michigan Whitetail Conservation, Everland Outdoors Podcast.

Frank Brock from Morse Nursery joins the Everland Outdoors Podcast to talk about building better wildlife habitat through long-term planning and smart land stewardship. As a family-owned nursery based in Indiana, Morse Nursery specializes in high-quality fruit, nut, and berry-producing trees designed to enhance food plots, orchards, and overall wildlife habitat.

In this episode, we discuss how cultivated trees can increase land productivity, support healthy wildlife populations, and provide lasting value for landowners. From habitat improvement strategies to selecting the right trees for your property, this conversation highlights why trees aren’t just an investment — they’re a renewable resource that pays dividends for years to come.

Book the highest resolution property map on the market: www.everlandoutdoors.comEverland15 for 15% off entire order

Stephen Stockman of Whitetail Properties joins the Everland Outdoors Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting big whitetails, sharing the outdoors with family, and finding the right piece of ground to match your goals. Born and raised in Missouri, Steven has spent his life immersed in hunting and land stewardship, turning that passion into a full-time career as a land specialist.

We talk about buying land, when the time is right to invest, adapting to clients’ needs, and how habitat, access, and long-term vision all play a role in great hunting experiences. Steven also shares why hunting with his daughters means more to him than any trophy.

We have Chris Keefer joining the podcast for an honest conversation about the evolution of the outdoor industry. As one of the original voices in outdoor television, Chris reflects on how the space has changed over the last decade — from traditional TV to today’s digital-first world.

We dive into sponsorship dollars, the realities of the outdoor industry as a business, and what it takes to adapt, stay relevant, and keep telling authentic stories. Along the way, Chris shares memories from the early days, lessons learned, and why relationships and passion still matter more than ever.

A must-listen for anyone interested in hunting media, outdoor content creation, and the future of the industry.

As December settles in and Michigan is locked under snow, this episode of "To The Stand" slows things down. With the hunting season winding down and Christmas just days away, we reflect on the grind of the year, and the importance of gratitude, faith, and family. It’s a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we still need to be the light of the lord in all that we do.

Stop wasting money on bait! Learn the Hard Science of Whitetail Feeding with Buck Bourbon founder, George Cummins. This episode breaks down proven strategies for baiting and nutrition to grow and hold trophy deer on your property. Dive deep into the Buck Bourbon formula, strategic placement, and the year-round deer management plan that guarantees results. If you hunt whitetail deer, this is your blueprint for maximizing antler growth and successful harvest.