Ruffed grouse are disappearing across Appalachia—and most hunters don’t realize why. In this episode, we sit down with Eric Long and Cody Altizer to break down the real reason behind the decline, why “healthy forests” might actually be part of the problem, and what it’s going to take to bring grouse back. We also dive into their new nonprofit, the Give for Grouse Initiative, and how they plan to make real impact through habitat work, education, and boots-on-the-ground conservation. If you care about wildlife, habitat, and the future of hunting, this is a conversation you need to hear. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

0:00 - Why Grouse Are Disappearing

20:00 - Give for Grouse Mission

33:34 - How Whitetails Took Over (Restocking History)

36:31 - Michigan’s 1-Buck Rule… Good or Bad?

42:40 - Missouri Might Limit Non-Residents

58:43 - Inside Deer Management Consulting

1:10:04 - Filming Hunts

1:34:02 - How Give for Grouse Started

1:45:10 - Why Cutting Timber Creates Habitat

2:14:14 - Are Conservation Groups Missing the Mark?

2:57:03 - The Plan to Fix Grouse in Appalachia

Check out Give for Grouse:

https://www.facebook.com/GiveforGrouse/

https://www.youtube.com/@UCfjOVyRF0b1OKPnL7yzkUNw

https://www.instagram.com/give_for_grouse/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

How we’re designing a farm that actually holds mature bucks—from food plot layout to feeders, bedding, and access strategy. We break down how small changes like cutting fields, creating edge, and placing feed correctly can completely change deer movement. From Ohio beans to Illinois setups and Kentucky habitat work, this is a full-system approach to building a property deer don’t want to leave. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

Most deer hunters focus on food plots—but that’s not what actually makes a property hold deer. In this episode, Brandon Beltz of Pheasants Forever breaks down why most deer habitat isn’t working and what you should be doing instead. From seed mixes and native grasses to invasive species control and long-term habitat strategy, this is a deep dive into building better ground for deer and all wildlife. We appreciate Brandon joining us on the podcast and sharing his knowledge on something we’re all so passionate about. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

00:08:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview

00:18:05 – Who is Brandon Beltz? (Pheasants Forever Background)

00:24:11 – Seed Programs & Habitat Philosophy

00:29:09 – Why Diverse Seed Mixes Matter

00:34:46 – The Problem with Invasive Species

00:45:01 – Native vs Cool Season Grasses

00:49:01 – Managing Johnson Grass & Problem Species

00:55:57 – Herbicide Timing & Weed Control

01:10:06 – How to Build the Right Seed Mix

01:21:39 – Designing Habitat That Works Year-Round

01:30:03 – Building Better Deer Habitat

01:44:01 – Long-Term Habitat Strategy

Check out Pheasants Forever:

https://pheasantsforever.org/

https://www.pfhabitatstore.com/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

Dialing this farm in for big bucks—from prescribed fire and planting to dialing in feeding systems—we break down the real work behind building better deer habitat. From equipment upgrades to long-term planning like firebreaks and access, this is how we’re improving the farm the right way. It’s the work you put in this spring that keeps big bucks on your farm this fall. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

Thinking about buying hunting land? Watch this first. Tyler Markham (Legacy Acres Land Co.) breaks down the real truth about finding off-market properties, building a farm that actually hunts, and the biggest mistakes buyers make. From land strategy to deer management, this one could save you thousands—and years of frustration. We appreciate Tyler joining us in the studio, and we hope you enjoy the conversation. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

00:00 Before You Buy Hunting Land… Watch This

02:10 Meet Tyler Markham (Legacy Acres Land Co.)

10:30 The #1 Thing Most Landowners Ignore

32:40 How Thermal Drones Are Changing Deer Hunting

51:55 The Truth About “Turnkey” Hunting Farms

01:02:52 Why Buy From a Land Specialist?

01:13:14 What Hunting Land Is Actually Worth

01:30:53 How Guys Are Affording Hunting Land

01:46:46 Where the Land Market Is Right Now

01:54:02 Is Ohio Still Worth Buying In?

02:35:21 Is Baiting Ruining Deer Hunting?

Legacy Acres Land Co:

https://www.youtube.com/@LegacyAcresLandCo

https://www.instagram.com/legacyacreslandco/

https://www.facebook.com/LegacyAcresLandCo/

https://www.legacyacresland.com/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

Why isn’t this farm producing when it should? In this episode, we break down the reality behind deer movement, summer vs fall patterns, and the limitations of relying on cameras. We also dive into habitat projects, EQIP work, and why changing a property’s “DNA” takes time. With Jeremy preparing to sell his Ohio farm and roll it into a new property, we talk strategy, pressure, and what actually needs fixed moving forward.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

Michigan deer hunting could be on the verge of major change—and most hunters have no idea what’s coming. Josh Arbagost joins the show to push for key regulation changes, and why he believes they’re necessary to fix the future of the herd and hunting in Michigan. With the April 8th NRC meeting approaching, this isn’t just talk anymore—it’s a real chance to influence what happens next. The question is... will hunters step up when it actually matters? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

0:00 This Could Change Michigan Deer Hunting Forever

11:07 The 4 Changes Being Proposed

23:40 The Fear Around Losing Hunters (Is It Real?)

36:00 How a One-Buck Rule Changes Hunter Behavior

50:40 What’s Actually Wrong With Michigan’s Deer Herd

1:04:10 The Baiting Debate Begins

1:17:00 Why Access Is a Major Problem in Michigan

1:30:00 The Future of Hunting (Aging Hunter Crisis)

1:42:00 Breaking Down the 4 Proposed Changes Again

1:57:00 “Do What’s Best for the Resource” (Key Philosophy)

2:10:00 Why Hunters Need a Seat at the Table

2:18:30 How Hunters Can Actually Make Change Happen

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

In this episode of Farm Companion, we’re breaking down how we’re improving deer movement on our Illinois farm—from food plot strategy to screening and access. These small changes could completely shift how deer use the property this fall. If you want more predictable movement and better setups, this is it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

Jason Say breaks down the real strategy behind killing mature bucks in Pennsylvania. From pressured deer behavior to land management, food plots, and hunting regulations—this is what actually works. If you're struggling to find or kill big deer, this episode will change how you approach your property and your season. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

00:00 Introduction

10:32 Jason Say’s Background

21:41 Leaving Healthcare for the Outdoors

42:09 How He Hunts Mature Bucks in PA

49:48 Patterns of Pressured Deer

58:40 Food Plots & Habitat Strategy

1:07:40 Managing Private Land & Access

1:17:12 Scouting and Entry Strategy

1:24:05 Antler Restrictions & Herd Impact

1:44:28 Baiting, Minerals & Regulations

1:56:10 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Check out more of Jason:

https://www.instagram.com/jasonsay34/

https://www.youtube.com/wiredoutdoorstv

https://allin-outdoors.com/

https://fielddaysmedia.com/consulting/

https://magnetoutdoors.com/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/

In this Farm Companion, we walk our Illinois farm after a successful shed hunt—including a match set from a mature buck—and break down what we’re seeing on the ground. From access and cover to CRP, fire, and habitat plans, this trip is shaping what comes next. This farm is shaping up to have big buck success moving forward. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/c/HUNTRTUBE

Shop HUNTR Merch:

https://wearehuntr.com/

HUNTR Podcast is presented by:

Hoyt Archery: https://hoyt.com (Code HUNTR for 20% off apparel)

DeerGro: https://www.deergro.com (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Predator Camo: https://www.predatorcamo.com/ (Code HUNTR for 20% off)

Beast Broadheads: https://beastbroadheads.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/ (Code HUNTR for 10% off your first purchase)

RackHub: https://www.rack-hub.com/huntr (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Pure Wildlife Blends: https://www.purewildlifeblends.com (Code HUNTR for 10% off)

Primos: https://www.primos.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com/ (Code HUNTR for 15% off)

HHA: https://www.hhasports.com/