The group at Quail Forever is a lean mean habitat focused machine. They are keenly aware that the persistence of bobwhite quail and pheasants are dependent upon the habitat on the ground. So they cast a wide net to grab the attention of all land lovers. 

We sit down with Casey Bergthold of Quail Forever to learn more about the organization and opportunities to put more habitat on the ground. A huge tool for this group is prescribed fire. So if you are apprehensive about using the tool, you need to contact your local Quail Forever agent to see if they can assist. It's important to remember if you want assistance, it is out there for you, you just need to reach out. 

There is a heated debate over the topic of, whether should you mow your clover. There have been many schools of thought, but now a long-term research project has provided us, land managers, with the best option for perennial plot maintenance. Recreational mowing is often overused and done to the detriment of wildlife and perennial food plots. 

The research conducted by the University of TN and graduate student Mark Turner showed that routine mowing reduced the amount of clover produced, reduced deer activity in the plot, and did not decrease the persistence of broadleaf weeds. Mowing was, however, recommended once during late summer to clip weeds prior them producing seed heads, but following up with an herbicide solution can provide a longer-term maintenance solution. 

Don't mow just because you enjoy it. Research is only good and useful if it is applied. Remember a food plot's goal is to produce the most and highest quality forage per acre possible, so don't mow it off just to have something to do. 

Please take note during this podcast of the importance of hunting culture. This culture is essential to the resource. As hunter numbers shift and change over time, we will see a change in the influence we have on wildlife. The story over the last 40 years of the bobwhite quail is of the upmost importance to study and learn from. A once highly sought-after game animal is now in many regions unhuntable due to low and declining populations. Don't think for a minute that other game species such as the wild turkey are not capable of doing the same thing. 

This podcast is not here to paint a picture of doom and gloom but to share a story that we HAVE to learn from. If we keep promoting the culture of hunting, we will preserve the opportunities to chase wild animals. Culture impacts our daily lives and the decisions we make. If you care about bobwhite quail and the wild turkey, let your actions show how important they are to you. 

During this podcast, we interview a passionate landowner and client from the mid-Atlantic region. This 23-acre property is rocking, so we have to tell you the story. A timber sale and aggressive invasives species removal plan have paved the way for the frequent occurrence of several great mature bucks now using this property and calling it home. 

Small property management differs from a larger property, not due to the limitations of size, but more the importance of executing a fine-tuned plan. The spatial arrangement of native vegetation is essential, cover and security are of the utmost importance. Most small properties have multiple neighbors, on top of this, this homestead is surrounded by hunters too, so hunting pressure is high in this area. This property is a fine example of this arrangement, even though the property is oddly shaped and in a hunting neighborhood. 

Currently, 4-5 mature bucks are using this farm daily. Do you want that success on your property, listen closely, then execute! 

 If you don't plan on maintaining the work you've done, don't bother implementing it! You should consider the maintenance of the farm to not be optional. Remember, quality habitat is not accidental, it is a series of intentional actions. There are very few once-and-done practices in land management.  

We see the best and worst of land management in our travels. but one thing rings true, the worst is always the practices that failed to be maintained. This is where the headaches come in. You have to actively observe and set aside time to maintain the work you've previously done. This includes TSI, timber harvest, and invasive species control. During this podcast, we cover a couple of real-life examples of the failure to maintain habitat. The use of herbicide and fire is often a necessary one-two punch to keep the habitat in a productive state. Don't skip the maintenance phase if you intend to have a healthy farm. 

If you plan to implement, don't fail to maintain! 
 

This is a different spin on the podcast this week! Adam and Kyle are discussing the how the window of time maybe closing on you making the biggest improvement on your farm. Will your kids be active in dance, baseball, softball, or band? If so, your time might be running out! 

Don't let the hustle of life limit you on your time in the field, get after it! One of the biggest factors in success is time and understanding how to manage that time best. We work through the many stages of life and how having the knowledge to attack at the correct time with the correct tools might be the secret to making the most of your limited time. #Forloveoftheland

Do you like saving time, energy and money? We sure do, well there is a long list of tools that if you have access too will cut time and expenses, but they aren’t a must have. 

During this podcast we discuss sprayers, spreaders, tractors, implements, chainsaws and much more. There is no better way to do more and do it right than having the right combination of knowledge and equipment. 

Be a better land manager and get the right equipment working for you. 

As we all prepare for hunting season mentally, we want to provide you with a series to consider so you get the most out of the fall. So we are going to be going through the most common failures that bowhunters face. There are many reasons why, but join us as we discuss this week, why bowhunters tend to miss or overlook the biggest factors behind over-browsed food plots. 

We chat about the 6 main factors that influence why plots are over-browsed, some of these may surprise you. In detail, we mention factors such as sunlight, tree competition, forage selection, number of deer, and many others. 

We're celebrating our 500th episode this week! Who can believe it!? 500 episodes beginning from 2017 to today with all things land. We're going to break down our mission, how we've changed, and how we haven't changed. We're discussing some of the ways we hope we change over the next 500 episodes and how we're excited for the future. 

Have you ever wondered just how intricate the whole ecosystem is and how we fit in it? We discuss that in more detail as we plan out the future of Land & Legacy !

On episode #499 we're talking with our friend Thomas Baldridge about all the things connecting him to the land! Thomas is an avid outdoorsman and prescribed fire enthusiast! While managing his farm in Arkansas he's found many forms of success including an increasing abundant population of Bobwhite quail, and the success doesn't stop there!  

With plans to implement a conservation grazing program on native grass specific to his region we're excited to hear the results! We also discuss one of the most important days in Arkansas the opening day of squirrel season and how timber management may have a slight focus on squirrels. #forloveoftheland