This week on Back 40, we’re tackling a frustration just about every landowner has faced at some point: you plant a beautiful food plot… and the deer barely touch it. We asked one simple question: Why aren’t deer using your food plots? To answer it, we brought in four guys who’ve spent years figuring this out the hard way—Thomas Mlsna, Jared Van Hees, Kyle Heuerman, and Terry Peer. From poor plot placement and overlooked soil issues to hunting pressure and treating food plots like a silver bullet, each guest breaks down the biggest mistakes they see—and what actually gets deer to use a plot consistently. We also get into the importance of transition vs destination, how to properly gauge utilization with cages, and why plot size and pressure are often more connected than you think. One question. Four perspectives. Endless insight.

Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Tony goes through some of the standard turkey hunting advice that is really holding back a lot of modern hunters.

Get more Turkey Week content at themeateater.com!

Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater

Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony breaks down hunting turkeys in high winds, rain, and extreme temperatures.

Get more Turkey Week content at themeateater.com!

Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater

Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I'm joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain to discuss the future of wild turkeys and turkey hunting in America.

Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater

Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony talks about how if we don't pay attention the non-target critters in the woods, we often alert deer to our presence without even being aware of it.

Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater

Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by Thomas Mlsna of Untamed Ambition to break down the habitat projects that actually move the needle for mature whitetails. We dive into the difference between busy work and impactful improvements, why most habitat plans fail, and how access and pressure often matter more than the habitat itself. From small properties to long-term land investments, this episode focuses on what truly changes deer behavior - and helps you consistently kill older bucks.

Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater

Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony discusses how all serious whitetail hunters should be working year-round to find new ground to hunt because they never know when they'll need it.

Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater

Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I'm breaking down my top 10 wildlife related books - from whitetails, to caribou, grizzlies, and beyond - that I'd recommend you listen to or read this coming year.

Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater

Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony explains how struggle and discomfort mold us into better deer hunters, but only if we embrace then when we don't want to.

Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater

Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by the legendary DIY bowhunter Andy May to discuss the scouting philosophies and strategies that separate the elite whitetail hunter from the average.

Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater

Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips

Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube

Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.