Whitetail Landscapes - Hunting & Habitat Management

By Sportsmen's EmpireSociety & Culture Sports Education Places & Travel How To Wilderness

Whitetail Landscapes - Hunting & Habitat Management episodes

October 27EP248 The Habitat Formula for Mature Buck Success, EHD, Food Plot Attraction
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, Jon Teater reflects on his current hunting season and discusses land management and harvest strategies with guest Jake Ehlinger (Habitat Solutions 360). This episode follows a solo opening from Jon and an extended interview with Jake Ehlinger about habitat design, plant diversity, and a memorable archery buck. The conversation centers on how shrublands, rotation strategy, and thoughtful access shape deer movement and long-term hunting success. Jake also breaks down the season-long progression of a buck he followed from age 2 through harvest, plus practical management topics like rutabagas, companion crops, and post-season field cleanup.

Key topics
Shrublands as the preferred vegetation type
Designing for deer flow, not just food
Companion crop combinations
Why cover crops matter below ground
Managing residue after heavy crops
Rutabagas as a long-season deer food
How he handles rutabaga residue
Perennial crops as a scouting tool
A four-year buck from first sighting to harvest
Trails cameras used sparingly
A successful shot and recovery
Weight and maturity of the buck
EHD concerns in the region
Management goals after the buck
Hunting as part of a larger life perspective

Action items
Evaluate whether your property has enough shrubland or transition cover to hold deer year-round.
Think in rotations, not single crops - pair annual food plots with soil-building companion plants.
Limit trail camera pressure in core areas and use them strategically.
Build habitat with deer flow in mind, not just food quantity.
Plan post-season cleanup before planting so residue does not become a design dead end.

Social Links
http://habitatsolutions360.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HabitatSolutions360
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCetSptPTK0gmg0BE5oRnTTA
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Tags: hunting, land management, habitat improvement, whitetail deer, food plots, crop rotation, hunting strategies, deer management, hunting success, wildlife habitat, food plots, deer hunting, no-till planting, soil health, cover crops, late season food sources, agricultural practices, wildlife management, hunting strategies, crop rotation

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1 hr 12 min
October 13EP247 Mature Bucks by Design, First Harvest, Hidden Access, Better Food Resources
This episode explores Jon Teater interviews Perry Battin about his successful deer hunting strategies, property management, and food plot techniques. They discuss how habitat improvements, food sources, and strategic planning contribute to big buck success.
Takeaways
Deer habitat management and food plots
Strategic use of camera data and deer census
Property layout and layering for deer comfort
Impact of weather and acorn cycles on deer movement
Strategies for controlling deer herd size and quality

Social Links
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
47 min
October 08Advanced Whitetail Tactics with Jon Teater, Steve Sherk, and Johnny Stewart
Ready to elevate your whitetail game? Join Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes), Steve Sherk (Sherk’s Guide Service), and Johnny Stewart as they break down what it really takes to pattern and kill mature bucks.
In this episode:
How to evaluate a new hunting property and rank good vs. bad dirt
Decoding daytime vs. nighttime buck movement through trail camera data
Evolving your setup around heavy public land hunter pressure
Why active scouting beats sitting in a tree—and how to hunt aggressively without blowing out deer
Johnny’s top 3 advanced terrain tactics for finding big bucks

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
47 min
September 29EP246 Designing the Perfect Hunting Acre, Deer Habitat Layout and Strategy
This episode explores land management, habitat improvement, and hunting strategies to maximize success. Jon Teater shares insights on designing the perfect hunting acre, land features, and deer behavior to enhance your hunting experience.
Takeaways
Land management and habitat design principles
Deer movement and behavior analysis
Elements of a perfect hunting acre including food, cover, and water
Designing land features for safety and efficiency
The importance of edge, diversity, and resilience in habitat
Strategies for managing land for year-round deer activity

Tags land management, habitat improvement, hunting strategies, deer behavior, land design, wildlife habitat, food plots, cover, movement, deer safety

Social Links
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
54 min
September 25 From The Vault: Early Season Hunting Tactics, Setups, and Strategy
FROM THE VAULT:
In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Steve Sherk (Sherk’s Guide Service) discuss hunting plans and setups for early season. Steve dives into his process and plans for the next several weeks before clients arrive. Jon explains his plans and when he anticipates having a shot at one of his target deer. Jon explains fawn recruitment on his own property and how the habitat is expected to benefit his fall hunting.
Steve discusses the data he has collected over the past five years and what key weather factors he believes primarily impacts deer movement. Jon and Steve both discuss the number one external factor that impacts overall movement. Steve discusses how cold weather impacts deer at different times of the year, and how some weather fronts may reduce movement in the areas he hunts. Jon discusses what he has observed on private lands and what he believes negatively impacts deer movement.
Steve discusses the details of his early season plans, more specifically where he hunts and the habitat he prefers. Steve doesn’t have the traditional bed to feeding patterns, which creates a different strategy he believes advantages him in the big woods. Steve discusses the locations he believes provide the best hunting and bedding. Steve explains early vs late season bedding. Jon and Steve discuss the value of high-quality food and how this pertains to deer interest.
Steve explains more about his hit list deer and how he plans on targeting them. Steve details his mobile setup preferences vs fixed treestands. Steve explains how close he gets to bedding areas and why his tactics have changed over the past few years. Steve ends with detailing the significance of the sign he pays attention to and how that relates to deer movement and interest.
Social Links
Sherk's Guide Service – Guided Deer Hunts (sherksguideservice.com)
Sherk's Guide Service - Home | Facebook
Steve Sherk Jr. (@sherksguideservice) • Instagram photos and videos
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
46 min
September 15EP245 Why Deer Aren’t Eating Your Brassicas: Designing a Food Plot Deer Actually Want
In this episode, Jon Teater discusses how to improve food plot design and support better crops. The discussion leads to a better understanding on why deer don’t eat brassica. Deer often walk right past corn and brassica, and there are tricks that can produce better crops, create more attraction, and get deer right where you want the. Jon discusses bigger habitat design models for food plot and why we often need to think ahead, and what practices will overall benefit our soils.

Takeaways
Food plot design and layout
Foliar sprays for turnips, rape, radish
Healthy plants
Deer behavior and risk perception
Habitat within food plots
Rotation and diversity in food plots
Strategies for attracting and holding deer
Use of cover crops and overseeding
Importance of access and concealment
Social Links
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
36 min
September 08EP244 Food Plot Face Off, Behind the Seed Part 5
Vitalize Seed, Grandpa Ray Outdoors, Northwoods Whitetail, Real World Wildlife Products
In this episode, experts discuss the intricacies of land management, habitat design, and hunting strategies to optimize deer hunting success. They share insights on food plot design, deer behavior, and habitat enhancement to help hunters and land managers make informed decisions. The guests detail the perfect food plot acre, and all the factors that have gone into their perfect design.
Takeaways
Food plot design and layout
Deer behavior and risk perception
Habitat enhancement and edge feathering
Deer movement and sanctuary creation
Rotation and diversity in food plots
Impact of landscape features on deer movement
Strategies for attracting and holding deer
Use of cover crops and overseeding
Importance of access and concealment

Tags hunting, land management, food plots, soil testing, seed selection, deer hunting, habitat improvement, agricultural practices, wildlife management, planting techniques

Social Links
https://vitalizeseed.com
https://grandparayoutdoors.com/
https://www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com/
https://www.northwoodswhitetails.com/
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
56 min
September 01EP243 Food Plot Face Off, Behind the Seed Part 4
Vitalize Seed, Grandpa Ray Outdoors, Northwoods Whitetail, Real World Wildlife Products

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of managing hunting properties, focusing on food plots, soil health, and the common mistakes landowners make. The host and guests share insights on the importance of soil testing, proper planting techniques, and the significance of timing and seed selection in achieving successful food plots. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to land management, considering factors like soil temperature, depth, and the diversity of plant species to maximize hunting success.
Takeaways
Building relationships with clients enhances the consulting experience.

Soil biology is crucial for seed germination and plant growth.

Random seed distribution can be beneficial for food plots.

Timing and depth of planting significantly affect crop success.

Understanding seed quality is essential for effective planting.

Soil tests are necessary to determine nutrient needs.

Small plots require careful plant selection to avoid overgrazing.

Diversity in plant species can improve food plot resilience.

Avoiding blind fertilizer applications can prevent nutrient imbalances.

Managing deer density is critical for food plot success.

Tags hunting, land management, food plots, soil testing, seed selection, deer hunting, habitat improvement, agricultural practices, wildlife management, planting techniques

Social Links
https://vitalizeseed.com
https://grandparayoutdoors.com/
https://www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com/
https://www.northwoodswhitetails.com/
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
40 min
August 25EP242 Food Plot Face Off, Behind the Seed Part 3
Vitalize Seed, Grandpa Ray Outdoors, Northwoods Whitetail, Real World Wildlife Products
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater and guest experts discuss the intricacies of managing hunting properties, focusing on food plots, plant diversity, and the importance of questioning conventional wisdom in hunting strategies. They emphasize the need for ecological food plots that attract deer throughout the season and the significance of understanding soil biology and plant interactions. This conversation delves into the intricacies of managing food plots for deer attraction, focusing on the use of perennial crops, liquid fertilizers, and the importance of soil health. The speakers share insights on specific plant traits that enhance deer attraction throughout the season, emphasizing the role of nutrient-rich soils and plant diversity in creating sustainable food sources for wildlife. The discussion also touches on innovative practices like compost teas and the synergistic relationships between different plant species.
Takeaways
Questioning everything is essential for growth.

Food plots should function as ecosystems, not just attractive plants.

Diversity in planting allows deer to select preferred food.

Annual clovers provide high nutrition in early spring.

Soil health is crucial for successful food plots.

Seasonal attraction is key for effective hunting strategies.

Understanding local deer behavior is vital for management.

Planting blends can enhance food plot effectiveness.

Monitoring deer activity helps assess food plot success.

Long-lasting attraction requires strategic plant selection. Perennial crops like clover and chicory are effective for deer attraction.

Liquid fertilizers can enhance plant growth even in drought conditions.

Soil health is crucial for producing nutrient-rich plants.

Diversity in plant species can lead to better wildlife management.

Understanding plant maturity can extend attraction periods for deer.

Compost teas can improve soil health and plant sugar content.

Plants can complement each other in nutrient uptake and growth.

Timing and method of fertilizer application are key to successful food plots.

Deer are more attracted to nutrient-dense plants.

Effective food plots require a holistic approach to soil and plant management.
Tags hunting, food plots, deer attraction, land management, habitat improvement, whitetail deer, soil biology, plant diversity, hunting strategies, ecological food plots perennial crops, food plots, liquid fertilizers, deer attraction, soil health, plant diversity, hunting strategies, crop management, wildlife management, sustainable agriculture

Social Links
https://vitalizeseed.com
https://grandparayoutdoors.com/
https://www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com/
https://www.northwoodswhitetails.com/
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
43 min
August 18EP241 Food Plot Face Off, Behind the Seed Part 2
Vitalize Seed, Grandpa Ray Outdoors, Northwoods Whitetail, Real World Wildlife Products
In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses the importance of land management and food plot strategies with various experts. The conversation emphasizes the significance of plant diversity and species interaction in creating effective food plots that attract deer. Experts share insights on the ideal blends of plants, the role of soil health, and the benefits of diverse plantings for both deer attraction and ecological balance. The episode provides practical advice for hunters and land managers looking to optimize their hunting properties.
Takeaways
The best time to consult on land management is before hunting season.

Plant diversity enhances food plot effectiveness and deer attraction.

Different plants can complement each other biologically in food plots.

Soil health is crucial for maintaining productive food plots.

Diverse blends can extend the attractiveness of food plots throughout the season.

Understanding plant interactions is key to successful food plot management.

Annual clovers can provide benefits similar to biennials in certain conditions.

Healthy soil should always have something growing to support microbial life.

Diversity in food plots can help balance deer diets and improve herd health.

Using the right planting techniques is essential for maximizing germination rates.

Tags hunting, land management, food plots, plant diversity, deer attraction, habitat improvement, soil health, wildlife management, hunting strategies, agriculture

Social Links
https://vitalizeseed.com
https://grandparayoutdoors.com/
https://www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com/
https://www.northwoodswhitetails.com/
https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
42 min

About Whitetail Landscapes - Hunting & Habitat Management

From the publisher's feed

Whitetail Landscapes focuses on enhancing whitetail deer hunting properties through design and management efforts. Jon Teater owns and operates Whitetail Landscapes and has established clients…