Whitetail Landscapes - Hunting & Habitat Management

In this conversation, Moriah Borgess (Wildlife Investments, Hollow Tooth Aerial, LLC), and Jon Teater discuss the importance of soil management in hunting property, the innovative use of drones for habitat management, and the critical timing and techniques for effective herbicide application. The conversation delves into managing invasive species, the precision required in herbicide application, and the environmental considerations that must be taken into account. Moriah goes through common and more specific herbicides that meet specific prescriptions for site and managing objectives.

Moriah discusses the efficiency of using drones to manage plants like phragmites, sweet gum, winged elm, autumn olive. Moriah discusses on the ground spray options and what concerns are created when debris is present. Moriah discusses old field management and benefits to wildlife. Moriah emphasizes the role of drones as a valuable tool for private landowners looking to enhance their hunting properties.

Moriah goes through his process of cleaning his drone and managing tank applications and cleaning tanks. Moriah discusses his business name and its origin. Moriah suggests drone work that can be done right now just before and during hunting season.

Takeaways:

• Soil management is the foundation of habitat improvement.
• Drones provide a less invasive method for herbicide application.
• Timing is crucial for effective herbicide use.
• Specific herbicides can target invasive species without harming natives.
• Wind conditions can affect herbicide application efficacy.
• Drones can cover significant acreage efficiently.
• Herbicide prescriptions should be tailored to the specific site.
• Understanding plant ecology is essential for successful management.
• Drones are becoming increasingly accessible for private landowners.
• Effective management requires a combination of techniques and tools.

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Wildlife Investments – We apply scientifically proven, time-tested, methods to meet your management objectives and increase the recreational value of your property.

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In this conversation, Jaden Bjorklund (Northland Habitat), Josh Streichert (JWS Logging) and Jon Teater discussion revolves around making hunting properties more appealing for logging. The main themes discussed include access to the property, volume and value of timber, and the role of landowners in facilitating the logging process. The guests emphasize the importance of factors such as property size, access, and timber contracts in attracting loggers. They also discuss potential pitfalls, such as dealing with pipelines and wetlands, that can complicate logging operations. The conversation highlights the need for clear communication and setting realistic expectations between landowners and loggers. 

The guests also touch on the benefits of having a professional forester or consultant involved in the process and the importance of flexibility on the part of landowners. In this conversation, Jon Teater, Josh Streichert, and Jaden Bjorklund discuss various strategies for making timber cutting more valuable and beneficial for landowners. They explore the use of government funding programs, such as EQIP funding from the USDA or NRCS, to supplement the income from logging. They also emphasize the importance of considering the long-term goals of the property and the potential impact of invasive species on timber regeneration. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of firewood and the potential benefits of cutting mature trees to promote forest health and increase wildlife forage.

Takeaways:

• Access and property size are important factors in attracting loggers to a hunting property.
• Dealing with pipelines, wetlands, and other obstacles can complicate logging operations.
• Clear communication and setting realistic expectations are crucial for a successful logging process.
• Having a professional forester involved can ensure efficient and effective timber management.
• Landowners should be flexible and willing to make compromises to facilitate the logging process. Government funding programs, such as EQUIP funding from the USDA or NRCS, can provide additional income for landowners who are cutting timber.
• It is important to consider the long-term goals of the property when making decisions about timber cutting.
• Invasive species, such as buckthorn, can hinder timber regeneration and should be addressed before logging.
• Firewood can be a valuable resource and a way to remove non-preferred tree species from the property.
• Cutting mature trees can promote forest health and increase wildlife forage.

Social Links

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https://northlandhabitat.com/

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In this conversation, Jon Teater and Andrew Little (AWESM Lab) discuss the importance of habitat assessment and management for deer populations. They emphasize the need for diversity and heterogeneity in landscapes, whether they are forested or agricultural. They suggest starting with an aerial photograph of the property and considering the neighboring properties as well. They discuss the importance of creating openings in forested areas to provide early successional vegetation and cover for deer. They also mention the need for a 365-day approach to habitat management, considering the different needs of deer throughout the year. In agricultural landscapes, they highlight the importance of managing for native forbs, grasses, and legumes to provide structure and high protein food sources for deer.

The conversation explores the importance of creating diverse habitats and assessing their value in achieving specific goals. The guests discuss the design and maintenance of shrubland areas and the challenges of abandoned agriculture areas. They also delve into the concept of prairie strips in agricultural landscapes and the benefits they provide for wildlife. The conversation emphasizes the need to identify and address limiting factors on properties and highlights the importance of patience and collaboration in conservation efforts. The guests also mention their podcast, Wild Ag, and the resources they provide on social media.

Takeaways:

• Habitat assessment and management are crucial for deer populations.
• Diversity and heterogeneity in landscapes are important for providing food and cover for deer.
• Creating openings in forested areas can provide early successional vegetation and cover for deer.
• A 365-day approach to habitat management is necessary to meet the changing needs of deer throughout the year.
• In agricultural landscapes, managing for native forbs, grasses, and legumes can provide structure and high protein food sources for deer. Creating diverse habitats is essential for achieving specific goals and maximizing the value of a property.
• Shrubland areas can be designed and maintained to provide cover and promote the growth of specific plant species.
• Prairie strips are a valuable tool in agricultural landscapes for increasing cover and improving soil health.
• Identifying and addressing limiting factors on properties is crucial for attracting and supporting wildlife.
• Conservation efforts require patience and collaboration with neighbors and professionals.
• The Wild Ag podcast and social media resources provide valuable information on conservation and land management.

Social Links:

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https://awesmlab.unl.edu/

https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-podcast/

Thomas Mlsna, founder of Untamed Ambition, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of trail cameras in hunting preparation. In this conversation, Jon Teater and Thomas discuss various topics related to hunting property design and management. They cover the importance of wet meadows in hunting properties, the use of compost teas to promote microbial activity in food plots, and the challenges of balancing soil health and weed control. They also touch on the concept of solarization, the benefits of diverse plant blends, and the value of focusing on the surrounding habitat rather than just food plots. Additionally, they discuss the use of herbicides, the benefits of no-till drilling, and the importance of soil amendments in timber areas. In this conversation, Jon Teater and Thomas discuss the importance of long-term habitat management and the role of consultants in implementing systems and routines. They emphasize the need to address weak points on the property and improve soil health through methods like fertilization and introducing organic matter. They also discuss the value of fire as a tool for cycling through vegetation and the challenges of using prescribed fire in certain areas. They highlight the significance of diversity in habitat and the impact of food plots on the surrounding environment. They encourage listeners to observe and experiment with different amendments and plant species to improve their habitat. Finally, they provide some quick tips for improving habitat before hunting season, including timber stand improvement, burning, and scouting.

Takeaways:

• Trail cameras only tell you where you should have been, not where you should be.
• Trail cameras only tell you what is happening directly in front of them.
• Pressure is anything that causes stress or discomfort on a deer to a level that it's going to change their behavior.
• There are really only two things that reduce pressure on deer. It is cover and consistency in pressure or lack thereof.
• Topography is the greatest form of cover there is.
• Variation in food value, a variation in food type composition is extremely important.

Social Links:

• https://whitetaillandscapes.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/
• https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en
• https://www.theuntamedambition.com/

In this episode, host Jon Teater interviews Rocky Burruss (SA Farm Management Service) about his upcoming hunting season and his strategies for preparing for the velvet season. They discuss topics such as managing livestock and trophy deer, dealing with drought conditions, and preparing for bow hunting. Rocky shares his tactics for setting up stands, manipulating the habitat to attract deer, and using attractants like vanilla extract. They also touch on the importance of water sources and how to hold mature bucks on a property.

Rocky explains the early hunting season tactics for velvet bucks. Rocky explains working areas just before hunting season, and things you can do to create movement around key hunting locations. Rocky uses equipment to better interact with deer just before season. Rocky details provide minimal threat to deer and still make treestand locations.  Rocky fine tunes his hunting location and uses existing trees to manipulate movement. Rocky explains tips and tricks to allow deer to Rocky client mistakes, land setup and tactics.

Rocky provides details on his data that allow his deer to be harvested more efficiently. Rocky explains managing deer populations on small properties, and creating opportunities for large bucks. Rocky assesses holding mature bucks for longer periods, and how to attract better deer. Rocky explains the importance of water in key areas on the property.

Thomas Mlsna, founder of Untamed Ambition, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of trail cameras in hunting preparation. He emphasizes the need to be intentional with camera setups and to use them to collect information and build theories about deer behavior. He also highlights the significance of wind, pressure, food, and timing in understanding deer movement.

Thomas and Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) discuss the value of pressure as a tool and the importance of social interaction among deer. They also touch on the concept of creating high-value environments to attract and hold deer on a property. The conversation focuses on the importance of cover and consistency in reducing pressure on deer. The speakers discuss how deer stack up in areas with consistent human activity and how cover provides a sense of security. They also touch on the significance of topography as a form of cover. The conversation then shifts to the role of food plots and the importance of variation in food type and composition. They emphasize the need to understand how deer relate to different types of food and cover. The speakers also discuss the importance of observation and flexibility in hunting success, as well as the role of wind in deer movement. They highlight the value of training the brain to notice important details in the environment and the benefits of scouting during the hunting season. The conversation concludes with the importance of visualization, theory-building, and continuous learning in hunting.

Takeaways:

• Trail cameras only tell you where you should have been, not where you should be.
• Trail cameras only tell you what is happening directly in front of them.
• Pressure is anything that causes stress or discomfort on a deer to a level that it's going to change their behavior.
• There are really only two things that reduce pressure on deer. It is cover and consistency in pressure or lack thereof.
• Topography is the greatest form of cover there is.
• Variation in food value, a variation in food type composition is really important.

Social Links

https://whitetaillandscapes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/

https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

https://www.theuntamedambition.com/

In this episode, Jon Teater of Whitetail Landscapes and Derek Schoffstall (Client) discuss habitat management and the recent Master Class. Derek discusses his history with podcasts, his own property in Pennsylvania, and his rationale in coming to the master class. Derek explains why he signed up so quickly to the master class. Derek discusses the shortfalls on his personal property and his familiarity with big woods, terrain, north and south slopes.

Derek discusses food plot layout, bulletproof access, terrain features for hiding treestands or box blinds.  Jon explains the importance of hedgerows, shelterbelts, food plot architecture and the significance of willows. Derek and Jon discuss food plot layout, destination food sources, deer flow and surrounding deer in food.

Jon refutes depth of cover and new ways to design bedding areas. Jon discusses harvest decisions, what deer to shoot and where to hunt deer. Jon discusses the importance of deer herd management and deer hunting property. Jon discusses managing timber based on slope and aspect, how to manage for quality timber and deer interest. Derek explains the level and volume of cutting and how much is needed to cut

Jon and Derek discuss putting deer close to neighbor borders that help to educate and support more interest in sanctuaries.  Derek discusses his own property design and changes he plans on making after the master class. Jon discusses deer herd dynamics, mature bucks, fawn retention, and deer dispersal.

Jon discusses changing a deer’s core area, and pulling in the largest bucks in the area, and executing during hunting season. Jon discusses having multiple food plots, numerous bedding areas, and compartmentalization. Derek discusses having more data on deer, recording information, and comparing year to year. Jon discusses what deer patterns mean and why annual deer movement does not occur in many hunting 

Social Links

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In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Brad Harper (Harper Growing Solutions) discuss the new Full Spectrum products that are available for food plotters. Brad discusses nutrient toxicity and deficiencies, calcium and magnesium balancing. Brad discusses raising pH and lowering hydrogen levels in the soil. Jon discusses increasing air in soil, Brad discusses cover crops and root development. Brad discusses mineral deficiencies in the soil and handling issues around unwanted plants and trying to out complete plants.

Brad discusses starter fertilizers with micronutrients, foliar and soil drenching, humic and fulvic acid. Brad explains the use of amino acids and benefits to the plant applying foliar sprays in phases. Brad and Jon discuss irrigation, sprinkler system, pivots and applying amendments on the landscape. Brad discusses using an all purpose fertilizer foliar on food plots, spruce trees, fruit trees.

Brad details the debate on calcium products and the difference between calcium carbonate versus calcium chloride. Brad discusses using nitrogen, and using nitrogen infrequently but for certain crops like corn, sorghum, and brassica. Brad explains how inefficient nitrogen is as it pertains to applications to plants. Brad explains foliar applications of nitrogen and how efficient this can be and the criticality of timing. Brad discusses urea, and ammonium based products and the timing of use during plant reproduction or vegetative phase. Brad discusses reading a label and where fertilizers are coming from nowadays, and certain fertilizers to stay away from.

  Social Links

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Harper Growing Solutions (harpergs.com)

In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Matt Williams (myco-habitat) discuss recent projects and experiments. Matt discusses hiring a forester. Matt explains new plants he’s trying to options on his food plot. Matt and Jon discuss plants they don’t want to see in food plots. Jon discusses fertilizer and amendments and creating more opportunity for air in the soil.  Matt introduces intercropping and adding oats and peas to existing food plots.

Matt explains how he manages soybean, and additives that keep deer out of his plots. Matt discusses corn and his purpose behind utilizing corn, size of food plots. Matt discusses building a food plot from scratch with limited equipment.  Matt discusses how to remove stumps from food plots. Matt explains mushroom cultivation and new techniques in and around food plots with increased utilization.

Matt explains access areas, sacrificing areas and thinking economics. Matt and Jon discuss black walnuts and what plants will grow in and around walnut trees for wildlife. Matt and Jon discuss building a food forest and plants that work well in fire regimes. Matt discusses wild grapes, scraping activity and some special ideas for mineral sites and acclimating deer to human presence.

Social Links

https://myco-habitat.com/

https://whitetaillandscapes.com/

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In this episode, Jon Teater (Whitetail Landscapes) and Todd Shippee (Empire Land Management), discuss upcoming projects. Todd discusses ways to develop areas during floods, segmenting deer and how to design a property to reduce erosion. Todd takes us to school on preseason management and scouting practices, and wet food plots.

Todd and Jon discuss how to create an easy hunt this season, and what not to do this summer. Todd discusses the social impact on deer and ways to reduce stress on the deer herd. Jon explains ideas on concealment. Todd details planting techniques for conifers, and temporary screen, planting with tractor verse atvs.

Todd and Jon talk cutworm, corn, and better food plot concepts. Todd suggests keeping bare dirt on the landscape and the importance of employing a layering concept of plants to better create interest in food plots from deer and turkeys. Todd discusses building sacrificial food plots and surprising blends that are highly attractive to deer.  Todd talks about some of the highest toxic plants in the world and how he handles them on his client properties.

Social Links

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Empire Land Management (@empirelandmgmt) • Instagram photos and videos

Whitetail Institute - Food Plots - Deer Food Plot Seeds - Soil Testing

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