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?

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