Huntin' Land Podcast

This podcast discusses the safety and gear considerations of saddle hunting. Van Wilkes, co-owner of Hang Free, provides in-depth advice on selecting safe and reliable saddle hunting equipment. He emphasizes the importance of using gear from reputable manufacturers, properly inspecting and maintaining equipment, and avoiding homemade or modified components. Nick Williams, an experienced saddle hunter, explains how he got into the sport to hunt public land more efficiently. Van covers topics like carabiners, ropes, friction hitches, and ascenders, stressing the need to follow manufacturer guidelines. He also advises new saddle hunters to take a slow, methodical approach when setting up and climbing to prioritize safety over speed. Overall, the discussion highlights the technical aspects of saddle hunting gear and the precautions necessary to hunt safely from a tree.

On this episode of Huntin’ Land we talk with Jake Spears of Ducks Unlimited about Waterfowl Impoundment Planning for Landowners. We discuss the feasibility of creating waterfowl impoundments on recreational properties, even in areas not known as major waterfowl flyways. Clint Flowers emphasizes the importance of managing impoundments well and documenting their productivity to increase property value. The guests explore factors to consider when selecting a site, including choosing low-lying areas prone to natural flooding that are attractive to ducks. Jake advises an ideal impoundment size of 20-30 acres, with multiple smaller impoundments often better than one large one. He stresses the critical role of water control structures to fine-tune water levels. Maintenance and managing natural vegetation are key, as is working with conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited to access expertise and potential cost-share programs. The guests share inspiring success stories of revitalizing old impoundments and creating new ones that attract significant waterfowl. They encourage landowners to reach out to local experts to assess feasibility and develop a plan, while setting realistic long-term expectations for these projects. The overall focus is on providing valuable waterfowl habitat, not just creating a private hunting spot.

On this episode of the Huntin’ Land podcast we interview Stephanie Fuller from Forestry Works about careers in the forestry industry. We discuss the misconceptions many people have about forestry being limited to jobs like logging and forestry, when in reality there is a wide range of career opportunities from business roles like accounting and marketing to more technical positions using new technologies like drones. Stephanie explains how the forestry industry in Alabama has a $36 billion annual economic impact and employs over 120,000 people. She highlights the diverse career paths available, the industry's focus on sustainability, and the efforts to recruit the next generation of forestry workers through partnerships with schools and communities. Stephanie emphasizes the potential for growth and innovation in the forestry industry for those with an entrepreneurial mindset.

On this week's show, Joe and Butch discuss creating successful food plot seed mixes with Caleb Weaver from Southern Seed and Feed. Caleb explains the importance of soil testing and selecting seed varieties suited to soil and climate conditions. Listeners learned that seeding rates must account for factors like seed coatings, purity, and germination rates. Planting methods and deer browse pressure may require adjusting seeding rates. The show covered balancing different seed varieties to provide nutrition throughout the growing season. An exclusion cage can help evaluate browse pressure to determine if seeding rates need increasing. Overall, selecting a pre-made seed blend takes the guesswork out of creating mixes, but soil testing is still important for amending soils properly.

On this episode of Huntin' Land we talk with Brad Lockwood of Koola Buck. Brad discusses the benefits of aging deer by hanging them for improved meat quality as well as valuable insights for hunters looking to improve their deer processing experience. Brad covers topics such as the optimal temperature range (38-41°F) for aging deer by letting them hang , the convenience of being able to process deer on your own schedule and the advantages of using a portable deer cooler compared to a permanent walk-in cooler. Brad discusses the features of their portable cooler, including its patented airflow system that can quickly cool meat in a small space. We also discuss considerations for choosing the right cooler size and maintaining the unit properly. Overall, the episode and the versatility of using a portable cooler for storing food and drinks during hunting trips and events.

This episode we interview Chuck Sykes, the director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, about deer supplemental feeding. Sykes shares his background and how he became the director, despite initial reluctance to take the state job. He emphasizes the importance of habitat management over supplemental feeding for deer. Sykes defines supplemental feeding as providing additional nutrition beyond what deer need to survive, typically during lean periods like late winter and late summer. He recommends using high-protein feeds like soybeans to fill nutritional gaps. Sykes stresses the need for baseline data on deer herd health and age structure to guide management decisions. He encourages landowners to participate in the state's Deer Management Assistance Program to collect this data. The discussion covers strategies for managing deer populations, including habitat manipulation, supplemental feeding, and controlling hog numbers. Sykes emphasizes the importance of working with neighboring landowners and having realistic expectations for deer management.

This week's show featured an interview with Jeff Kahn, a landowner who recently enrolled his property in a forest carbon program. Jeff grew up in Queens, New York but was drawn to rural land ownership. He purchased an 80 acre property in Virginia that had woods, pastures, and a creek. Over 40 years, Jeff undertook various projects like building a house, renovating pastures, installing a pond, and raising cattle. He discussed putting the property in a conservation easement to protect it from future subdivision. Jeff also shared his experience participating in a forest carbon program, explaining that it allows for sustainable forest management while providing an income stream. The program involved a long term contract and annual verification visits. Jeff hopes his stewardship will benefit the land for years to come as nearby development encroaches.

This week on Huntin' Land Butch and Joe interview: Wes and Laura Madden of 9 Line Farms to discuss starting their farm in Florida after falling in love with wagyu beef brought by friends from Oregon. They explain the importance of genetics, water quality, forage and low stress in raising their fullblood wagyu cattle. The Maddens discuss challenges selling directly to consumers and restaurants. They provide advice for those interested in wagyu farming and recommend farms committed to regenerative agriculture. Wes and Laura also take questions from Joe and Butch on ranching practices, marketing strategies and the future of their farm.

What To Talk More About Land Investment Or Have More Land Investment Questions?

Contact Joe at [email protected] or click here! 

More About Huntin' Land >>>

If you like to stay up to date on Hunting Tactics, Land Management, Land Values, and Land Market dynamics, Huntin' Land is the podcast for you.

This episode of Huntin' Land discusses whether it is worth it for landowners to own a personal sawmill. Stephen Gordon from Woodmizer is interviewed to provide information on sawmills. Some key points discussed include: Reasons people own sawmills include milling lumber from their own trees for projects, enjoyment of the process, and potential cost savings. Portable sawmills allow milling lumber anywhere trees are located. Hydraulic log handling makes the process easier but costs more. Smaller entry-level sawmills start around $3,000 but options can increase costs significantly. Used sawmills also provide good value and resale. Common projects milled from own trees include shooting houses, bridges, fences, hunting cabins, and more. The options are only limited by one's imagination and property needs. Maintenance mainly involves lubrication and blade changes. Sawmills are durable but occasional repairs may be needed which Woodmizer can assist with.

On this episode we discuss how landowners can maximize profits through leasing land for recreational activities with LandTrust.com founder Nic De Castro. Nic shares how his company connects landowners with hunters, anglers, and others seeking outdoor experiences. Short-term bookings through platforms like Land Trust can generate more income than long-term leases, while still allowing landowner control. Landowners can list properties for activities like hunting, fishing, camping, birdwatching, artifact hunting, and farm tours. High-quality habitats support diverse wildlife and experiences that attract paying visitors. Land Trust prioritizes safety through verified IDs, maps, and insurance. The platform helps landowners profit from conservation by showing incentives like higher income from recreational opportunities on well-managed lands. Landowners learn about income opportunities through Land Trust's website and personalized support team. Diversifying income sources through leasing land helps landowners afford stewardship and keep their land intact for future generations.

What To Talk More About Land Investment Or Have More Land Investment Questions?

Contact Joe at [email protected] or click here! 

More About Huntin' Land >>>

If you like to stay up to date on Hunting Tactics, Land Management, Land Values, and Land Market dynamics, Huntin' Land is the podcast for you.