The Habitat Podcast is aimed at land and wildlife habitat managers, and at hunters who want to use different habitat types in their hunting strategies. Host Jared Van Hees interviews hunters and habitat managers from across the country to learn about their successes and failures. The show deliberately takes the stance that the hosts are not the experts, so that everyone, hosts and listeners alike, can learn from the people who are. Episodes focus on practical land management, wildlife habitat improvement, and how those changes affect hunting.
Episodes
410: How He Built 70 Acres That Kept a 160-Inch Buck Coming Back with Corey Franceus
Habitat Podcast #410 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus and Andy Hutchens!
We discuss:-Cory explains why the work he starts in June pays off on an October bowhunt.-Hutchy parks his e-bike 20 yards from the tree and kills his Ohio buck on his fourth sit there.-Hutchy credits untouched sanctuaries and narrow food plots for holding bucks on a 50
DCD: He Bought A Field Full Of Weeds - Now Mature Bucks Walk Right Where He Wants with Jake Hofer
Habitat Podcast Deer Camp Detour - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Andy Hutchens has Jake Hofer in camp!
We discuss:-Jake explains why he hasn’t made an aggressive move yet on a buck he passed four times last fall.-He says the next three weeks come down to his gut, not Instagram’s “can’t kill them from the couch.”-He breaks down how a missing hard frost keeps Illinois creek-bottom co
409: Should You Keep Hunting a Buck After You Bump Him? with Brett Smith
Habitat Podcast #409 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Brett Smith!
We discuss:-Brett explains why he scouts aggressively during the rut instead of waiting for a buck to come to him.-He recalls bumping the same buck four days in a row and weighs the pressure difference in Michigan.-He targets leeward ridges and the top third of draws where cover, wind a
408: How He Makes 8.5 Acres Hunt Like A Much Bigger Farm
Habitat Podcast #408 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Art’om Rank!
We discuss:-Art’om splits one overgrown cedar thicket on his 8.5 acres into three separate bedding areas.-Trail cameras show bucks moving cedar to cedar as the wind shifts, and he sets up in the gaps between.-He studies forestry at Glenville State and gets a key to the college farm so h
407: He Accidentally Shot a Buck in the Head, Then It Tried to Kill Him with Mike Hlavaty
Habitat Podcast #407 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Mike Hlavaty!
We discuss:
-Mike hunts a coal strip mine in Muskingum County alone at age 10, long before youth seasons or hunter safety.
-He and his brothers build ladder stands out of electrical conduit, hammering the steps flat and painting them.
-Mike crossbow-shoots a buck in the head the nig
#406 - The Highs and Lows of Our Opening Weekend Public Land Deer Camp
Habitat Podcast #406 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are at deer camp with the Habitat Podcast Patreon Hunt crew!
We discuss:
-Twelve Patreon members hunt Michigan state land from Latitude saddles over the archery opener.
-Jared holds at full draw for 55 seconds before heart-shooting a doe while Matt films from 50 yards.
-Andy and Matt find a ditch of dropping pin oaks that hol
#405 - He Spent 14 Years Perfecting 26 Acres: Heres What Worked with Gavin Sodders
Habitat Podcast #405 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Gavin Sodders!
We discuss:
-Gavin transforms his family's roughly 26-acre Indiana hayfields through fourteen years of habitat work.
-Gavin watches more than 500 persimmon trees emerge naturally after years of trial-and-error habitat work.
-Gavin learns why oversized square food plots and mowing the
404: How He Designed 80 Acres In Michigan So That Bucks Never Leave (Virtual Property Tour) with
Habitat Podcast #404 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus and Chad Fike!
We discuss:
-Chad goes from years of small bucks to big Michigan deer after three trips to Tony LaPratt's boot camp.
-Cory reads an 80-acre Big Rapids-area rectangle by what surrounds it: ag, cattle and a block of wet cover.
-Chad splits two wide-open fields that blew d
403: Fixed Blade Or Expandable: Which One Actually Kills Faster? with Matt Zahl and Cory Franceus
Habitat Podcast #403 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus and Matt Zahl!
We discuss:
-Hutchy gets poison ivy and cellulitis prepping one stand in southern Ohio in 95-degree heat.
-Matt plants a sixteenth-of-an-acre plot in the middle of his swamp after a year of rain.
-The crew picks cereal grains and oats as the late plant if you're still s
402: How He Builds Successful Mock Scrapes On Food Plots with Arron Bleise and Kevin Gross
Habitat Podcast #402 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Arron Bleise and Kevin Gross!
We discuss:
-Arron explains why planting an inch and a quarter deep in July left his seed sitting 21 days.
-Arron adds pearl millet to his mix for the relationship it builds with mycorrhizal fungi.
-Arron runs a zero-rate fertilizer strip in corn that comes back compar
Return Of The Deercamp Detour: What It's Actually Like On A 14 Day Fly In Alaska Hunt with Justin Curtis
Deercamp Detour - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with the Deercamp Detour! Today we talk with Justin Curtis.
We discuss:
Hunting fair-chase red stag and giant Sika deer on a family trip to Ireland.
Buying 95 acres in Iowa to build food plots for unpressured late-season bucks.
Launching the Chloe Faith Outdoors YouTube channel with his 12-year-
401: How Janis Putelis Turned 50 Acres Of Big Woods Into A Whitetail Paradise
Habitat Podcast #401 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Janis Putelis!
We discuss:
-Janis cut every white pine off 20 acres and released the oaks hiding underneath them.
-Why 40 acres is barely enough timber for a logger to justify moving his equipment in.
-The US Fish and Wildlife Habitat Partners Program funded his 7-acre oak savanna restoration.
-Do
EPISODE 400 SPECIAL! The First 3 Things Mark Drury Does On A New Farm
Habitat Podcast #400 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Mark Drury!
We discuss:
-Jared and Hutchy open episode 400 by thanking eight years of listeners since March 2018.
-Mark explains why EHD has cut his southern Iowa deer herd by sixty to seventy percent.
-Mark sold his big farm for scattered satellite farms as an insurance policy against EHD.
-Mark
399: Turning 40 Acres of Worthless Swamp Into a Big Buck Sanctuary with Joe Allera
Habitat Podcast #399 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Joe Allera!
We discuss:
-Joe buys 40 acres of wetland because 40 acres of tillable ground was priced out of reach.
-Joe cuts over 100 deer beds into his swamp transitions with a weed whacker and a saw blade.
-Joe reads marsh elevation off the vegetation: phragmites highest, reed canary the deepest.
398: Is Some Rain Worse Than No Rain At All For Food Plots? with Lincoln Rohn
Habitat Podcast #398 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Lincoln Rohn!
We discuss:
-Lincoln pulled about 50 stumps out of an acre-and-a-half plot near Free Soil and left three on purpose.
-Why Lincoln leaves stumps and pine pods standing in a plot — deer hold to structure the way bass do.
-The stump bucket serration that laid Lincoln's knee open, and why he
397: Does Killing a 170" Buck in Iowa Make You a Better Hunter?
Habitat Podcast #397 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Adam Miller!
We discuss:
-Why Adam says killing a 170 in Iowa Zone 7 wouldn't make him a better hunter.
-How Adam drew Iowa Zone 7 with three points and is going mostly as Joe's cameraman.
-Why out-of-state deer forgive mistakes that Michigan deer would never let you make.
-Adam missing the same bu
396: The Real Reason Michigan's New Baiting Law Doesn't Make Sense with Josh Arborgast
Habitat Podcast #396 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Josh Arbogast!
We discuss:
Josh explains how Michigan's new baiting law only restricts corn within 300 yards of a home.
He ties that 300-yard rule to Rep. Ken Borton's personal grudge from an old baiting ticket.
Michigan's earn-a-second-buck pilot in five counties heads toward a final NRC vo
395: What 20 Years of Food Plotting For Clients Taught Him with Kasey Thren
Habitat Podcast #395 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Kasey Thren!
We discuss:
-His client base sits in sandy central Michigan soil, and he's learned to work with it, not against it.
-He switched to a First Products no-till drill after decades of rototilling to save time.
-He leans on Morgan Composting's Dairy Doo and humic acid instead of pricier synthe
394: Two Fields, 250 Yards Apart, Completely Different Deer Pressure — Here's Why with Al Tomechko
Habitat Podcast #394 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Co!
We discuss:
Grass pressure is higher than usual this year, even in Albert's no-till fields.
Two exclusion fences 250 yards apart show drastically different deer browse pressure.
A Kentucky agronomist's study found early-terminated cover crops outperformed pla
393: He Left His 15-Year Career To Chase His Passion For Land with Cory Franceus
Habitat Podcast #393 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus!
We discuss:
Corey explains why he walked away from a 15-year corporate career.
What pushed him to pursue a career in the hunting industry.
How years of habitat work prepared him to help land buyers.
The massive road project transforming Jared's hunting property.
Why sun
392: The Biggest Mistake He Made Managing 36 Acres In Illinois with Brent Davis
Habitat Podcast #392 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Brent Davis!
We discuss:
Habitat mistakes often become your greatest teachers.
Property-specific habitat beats one-size-fits-all advice.
Chainsaw work produced Brent's biggest habitat improvements.
Direct-seeding acorns can outperform planted trees.
Thick woody cover consistently attr
391: Stop Wasting Money On Food Plot Seed: Do This Instead with Doug Holmes
Habitat Podcast #391 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Doug Holmes!
We discuss:
The Downburst 960 is the 9th generation design after years of testing.
The original idea came from ruining a food plot due to seeding errors.
Native seeds require a completely different planting approach.
Drop seeding is often ideal for small-seeded habitat plant
390: The 10-Acre Big Buck Factory He Built Around His House with Dave Hoy
Habitat Podcast #390 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Dave Hoy!
We discuss:
Dave harvested his biggest buck ever—a 145" deer—from 10 acres.
The property's "mullet" design prioritizes access and deer security.
Strategic screening allows stand access without alerting deer.
Heavy cutting accelerated habitat improvements and bedding cover.
S
389: After Multiple Years Of Habitat Work, These 3 Things Worked The Best with Jake Bollinger
Habitat Podcast #389 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Jake Bollinger!
We discuss:
Jake's 82-acre farm is transitioning from ag production to habitat.
Miscanthus screens are being used to create visual barriers.
Hybrid willows are helping create bedding and screening cover.
Switchgrass has been the highest-impact habitat improvement.
Air-
388: Tree Tubes, Cages & The Right Way To Protect Fruit Trees with Cory Franceus and Matt Zahl
Habitat Podcast #388 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus and Matt Zahl!
We discuss:
Tree tubes are easy, but cages may protect better long-term.
Apple trees can struggle when tubes hold leaf debris.
Mouse guards help prevent young trees from being girdled.
Weak trunks can get damaged after tubes come off.
Fruit trees need year
387: The Simple Sprayer That Changed His Food Plot System: Liquid Fertilizer, Clover, and Southern Habitat Strategy with Cale Giddens
Habitat Podcast #387 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cale Giddens of Plot Blaster!
We discuss:
Plot Blaster was built to solve common ATV sprayer frustrations.
A boomless sprayer can reduce broken nozzles and bent booms.
Staggering food plot planting can spread out weather risk.
Small sprayer setups make it easier to manage plots in phases
386: New Vitalize Seed Mixes for 2026: Native Mixes Are Here! with Al Tomechko
Habitat Podcast #386 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Co!
We discuss:
Protecting young trees properly is just as important as planting them.
Native grasses and diverse cover improve bedding and soil health.
Splitting fertilizer applications improves nutrient efficiency.
Weed matting can drastically reduce mainte
385: Turning an Ugly Property Into A Big Buck Haven with Max Wierda
Habitat Podcast #384 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Max Wierda!
We discuss:
Ugly properties often hold massive habitat potential.
Cover can matter more than food on pressured land.
Food plots are often the gateway into habitat work.
Waiting to learn a property before over-improving can help.
Electric fencing small plots can dramaticall
384: The BEST Budget Food Plot Setup for Deer Hunters with Lincoln Rohn
Habitat Podcast #384 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Lincoln Rohn!
We discuss:
Simple food plot setups can outperform expensive systems.
Seed-to-soil contact is critical for germination.
No-till methods improve long-term soil health.
Most beginners skip important soil testing steps.
Sprayers are essential for weed management.
Hunting
383: The Truth About Honeysuckle and Declining Turkey Numbers: Why You Need To Burn Your Property Now!
Habitat Podcast #383 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Travis Owen and Ethan Strunk!
We discuss:
Prescribed fire restores native habitat fast
Honeysuckle destroys understory vegetation
Turkeys need visibility to survive predators
Burning improves turkey nesting habitat
Fire helps control invasive plant species
Healthy habitat supports
#382 - Small Parcel Series: Turning Small Acreage Into a Whitetail Magnet
Habitat Podcast #382 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Josh Tanner!
We discuss:
Small parcels fail because of pressure—not size
If the wind isn’t perfect, don’t hunt your property
Water holes can stop every deer on small land
Switchgrass creates instant security cover
You don’t need equipment—just effort and consistency
Bedding cover i
#381 - Do You Actually Need A Big Farm To Kill Big Bucks? with Randy Birdsong
Habitat Podcast #381 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Randy Birdsong of HeadHunters TV and The Raven Project!
We discuss:
Food plots aren’t enough—they must be positioned strategically
“Bridge food” (like clover) is critical during late winter stress
Micro bedding areas (150–200 yards away) increase daylight movement
Access can make or bre
380: Designing A Property To Make Mature Bucks Feel Safe with Lee Vandenbrink of Everland Outdoors
Habitat Podcast #380 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Lee Vandenbrink!
We discuss:
Deer daylight movement skyrockets when they feel completely secure
Access routes matter just as much as stand placement
Most hunters overlook how they enter and exit stands
Habitat work is about giving back, not just taking from the land
Aer
379: How to Make Deer Move Exactly How You Want Them To Do with Will Hastings
Habitat Podcast #379 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Will Hastings!
We discuss:
Mock scrapes can shift bucks from passive movement to aggressive daylight behavior
Water holes create consistent stopping points for mature bucks during pre-rut
Dividing fields forces bucks to move instead of observing from safe edges
Screening c
378: The #1 Reason Mature Bucks Leave Your Property with Matt Bullins
Habitat Podcast #378- In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Matt Bullins!
We discuss:
Overhunting the same spots quickly pushes mature bucks into nocturnal movement
Poor entry and exit routes alert deer before you ever reach your stand location
Mature bucks avoid main trails and use subtle, low-pressure travel routes
Hun
377: What Finding Shed Antlers Really Means for Your Farm with Ryan Lawrence of Antler Anchor Co
Habitat Podcast #377- In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Ryan Lawrence of Antler Anchor Co!
We discuss:
Finding shed antlers is a strong indicator of quality winter habitat.
Green food sources like clover often produce the most shed finds.
Shed hunting reveals bedding areas and late-season deer patterns.
Edges between
376: How to Design Water Sources Mature Bucks Actually Use with Waylon Meyer
Habitat Podcast #375 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Waylon Meyer of Earth Blinds!
We discuss:
Water sources often become social hubs for whitetail deer
Mature bucks may only visit specific areas they feel safe
Water holes create predictable movement opportunities
Strategic placement near bedding or tr
375: Why Saddle Hunting Might Be BETTER on Private Land with Cory Godar
Habitat Podcast #375 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Cory Godar of Latitude Outdoors!
We discuss:
Weight savings matter most deep into multi-day hunts.
Saddle hunting isn’t just for public land — it’s a lethal private land tool.
Frame packs purpose-built for whitetail are filling a huge gap in the market.
Efficien
374: Do Mature Bucks Actually Use Hinge Cut Bedding? with Sam Tumberg
Habitat Podcast #374 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Sam Tumberg of Purpose Filled Habitat Management! We discuss:
Most hinge cuts fail because they aren’t aggressive enough
Flush cutting is often more reliable than hinge cutting in northern timber
Mature bucks are nomadic — focus on security cover, not “buck beds
373: New Vitalize Products for 2026: Introducing Vitalize Alfalfa Edge and Soil Fertility Consultations with Al Tomechko
Habitat Podcast #373 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Co! We discuss:
New Alfalfa Edge = 75% alfalfa, high browse tolerance
Designed to grow in suboptimal soils
Ideal for frost seeding perennial fields
Premium Clover + Alfalfa Edge combo strategy
New soil fertility consult service launched
Up
372: Managing for Big Bucks In STEEP Hill Country: Small Parcel Series with Joel Williamson
Habitat Podcast #372 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Joel Williamson! We discuss:
Buying and managing a small mountain hunting property
Timber cutting vs waiting “to learn the property”
Big-woods deer movement and terrain hunting
Food plots on rocky, steep ground
Growing trees from seed vs nursery stock
Late-season hunt
371: Using EQIP To Pay For A Clear Cut of Junk Trees: How Government Programs Can Fund Your Habitat Work with Dave Skinner
Habitat Podcast #371 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Dave Skinner! We discuss:
Habitat transformation can happen faster than most people think
Government conservation programs can fund major habitat work
Mature bucks require discipline, not just opportunity
Topography dictates strategy more than food plots
Paying for access i
370: From Pharmacy School To Whitetail Expert: How Bobby Kendall Built His Whitetail Empire From Scratch
Habitat Podcast #370 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Bobby Kendall! We discuss:
Bobby left pharmacy school to chase a gut feeling
Guiding accelerated his learning curve fast
The Midwest shaped his whitetail mindset
Experience matters more than theory
Early mistakes became long-term lessons
Saying yes created unexpected
369: The Truth Behind Managing An Out of State Deer Property with Steve Taylor
Habitat Podcast #369 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back on the road in Ohio for another installment of the.deercamp.detour where co-host Andy sits down with the guys at Steve Taylor's Ohio Muzzleloader Camp! We discuss:
Southern Ohio’s hills demand better access and smarter setups
Giant bucks come from patience, not shortcuts
Three-year habitat plans outperfo
368: 7 Habitat Myths That Are Ruining Deer Properties with Matt Zahl and Corey Franceus
Habitat Podcast #368 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with the HP crew Andy Hutchens, Matt Zahl, and Corey Franceus! We discuss:
Soil improvement takes years longer than most landowners expect
Access mistakes ruin more farms than poor habitat choices
Switchgrass is useful—but often overused for bedding
Living on your property helps hunt
367: Should You Shoot Does In The Late Season? with Adam Miller and Nate Rozeveld
Habitat Podcast #367 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with our good friends Adam Miller and Nate Rozeveld! We discuss:
Private land deer move differently than pressured public land deer
Equipment upgrades can unlock major habitat improvements
Small plots can be movement tools, not just feeding destinations
Doe harvest is a critical but o
366: Why You Should Be Managing for Grouse To Make Your Deer Habitat Better with
Habitat Podcast #366 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with our good friends Erich Long and Cody Altizer! We discuss:
Managing for grouse improves deer habitat across the entire property
Grouse are specialists; deer benefit from the habitat they require
Forest health is the foundation of all successful wildlife management
Everything done
365: The Habitat Strategy Behind Growing a 179” Tennessee Buck with Justin Curtis
Habitat Podcast #365 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens and our good friend Justin Curtis! We discuss:
Hunting is about restraint, not just killing deer
Mature bucks are killed before the hunt begins
Access matters more than stand placement
Less pressure equals more daylight movement
Soil health directly im
364: What You Can Do Right Now To Make Your Deer Habitat Better with Blaine Becker
Habitat Podcast #364 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens and our good friend Blaine Becker! We discuss:
Habitat success is built through long-term, consistent work
Pressure management matters as much as food and cover
Timber work can reshape deer movement patterns
Mature bucks react more to pressure than attractio
363: Make Deer Behavior Work For Your Property with Nick Pullano
Habitat Podcast #363 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens and our good friend Nick Pullano! We discuss:
Property lines and land disputes shaped early decisions
Deer behavior dictated strategy more than guesses
Food sources were getting hammered daily by deer
Simple setups often outperformed complex plans
A mo
362: Redemption In Iowa! Hunt Breakdown of Hutchy's 2025 Iowa GIANT
Habitat Podcast #362 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are on the road in the Deercamp.Detour studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens! We discuss:
Iowa hunt success and lessons from the trip
How cold temps and rapid warmups affect deer movement
Importance of reading thermals throughout the day
Gear upgrades that made long sits more comfortable
Stories of chasin
361: The Annual Van Hees Deer Camp Podcast! Northern Michigan Deer Camp Recap!
Habitat Podcast #361 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back at the northern 70 with the HP crew for another year of deer camp! We discuss:
Growth comes from showing up, even when you don’t feel ready
The land teaches you—if you’re willing to listen
Failures shape you more than the easy seasons
Priorities shift as life, family, and purpose evolve
Breakthroughs ofte
360: HP Double! Hunt Break Downs of Jared's Iowa Buck and Matt's First Michigan Buck From His New Property!
Habitat Podcast #360 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friend Matt Zahl breaking down Matt's Michigan buck and Jared's Iowa buck. We discuss:
The hosts share light-hearted banter about gaming and hunting gear, setting a casual tone.
They discuss recent hunting successes, highlighting camaraderie among friends.
Jared shar
359: Don't Make This Mistake In The Spring: Why Right Now Is The BEST Time To Order Your Fruit Trees with Frank Brock of Morse Nursery
Habitat Podcast #359 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friend Frank Brock of Morse Nursery. We discuss:
Andy shares his recent encounter with deer in Iowa, highlighting the thrill of the chase.
Frank discusses a big buck he's been tracking, emphasizing the challenge of getting him in daylight.
The hosts compare deer acti
358: He Had Tony Lapratt, Jeff Sturgis, and Jake Ehlinger on His Property! Deercamp.Detour at the Steve Taylor Michigan Deer Camp!
Habitat Podcast #358 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back on the road at deer camp! Today we are bringing you a Deercamp.Detour episode from southern michigan at our good friend Steve Taylors awesome deer camp. We discuss:
The camaraderie of deer camp brings friends together for hunting and fun year-round.
Steve shares his journey of transforming the property since buyin
357: Early Season Success: Hunt and Habitat Recap with Al Tomechko
Habitat Podcast #357 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with our good friend and Co-owner of Vitalize Seed Al Tomechko. We discuss:
The hosts discuss their recent hunting trips and experiences in Michigan and West Virginia.
They emphasize the importance of planning and preparation for successful hunts.
Trail cameras play a crucial role in identifying a
356: Successful Food Plots In The Big Woods Of Michigans Upper Peninsula with Gerald Casperson
Habitat Podcast #356 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friend Gerald Casperson. We discuss:
Jerry hunts in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, focusing on bow hunting and habitat management.
He started hunting at a young age, influenced by his father's passion for the sport.
The property he manages is 310 acres, featuring h
355: Iowa 101: What To Expect On Your First Iowa Bow Hunt with Arron Bleise | The Deercamp Detour
Habitat Podcast #355 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are bringing you a new segment from co-host Andy Hutchens called The Deercamp Detour. In this episode, we sit down with friend of the podcast Arron Bleise. We discuss:
The hosts share their experiences and excitement for the upcoming hunting season.
Aaron discusses the unusual deer activity he's observed in Michigan this S
354: The 1st annual Habitat Podcast Patreon Hunt in West Virginia!
Habitat Podcast #354 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back on the road in West Virginia for the 1st annual HP Patreon Hunt. We discuss:
The crew gathers at West Virginia Deer Camp 2025 for a weekend of hunting and camaraderie.
Scott, the host, shares excitement about the first-ever Patreon Gear Camp podcast.
Everyone introduces themselves, highlighting their diverse ba
#353 - What You Can Actually Do To Combat EHD: Ecosystem Health and Water Quality with Zach Hass of EHDefense
Habitat Podcast #353 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friend Zach Hass of EHDefense. We discuss:
What EHD is and how it spreads among whitetails
Why outbreaks are often tied to hot, dry summers and midge activity
Signs that deer in your area may be impacted by the disease
The difference between short-term d
352: Drought Season Reality Check: When Mother Nature Wins, You Pivot with Matt and Doug Holmes of Downburst Seeders
Habitat Podcast #352 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friends Doug and Matt Holmes of Downburst Seeders. We discuss:
Dry conditions crushed deer movement and morale.
Year-one plots exposed setup weaknesses.
Customer rains highlight regional variability.
Seeding rates adjusted for seed size and goals.
351: The BEST Way To Cut Steep Hills, Managing Hill Country Habitat, and Dealing with Autumn Olive with Scott Limer
Habitat Podcast #351 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friend and chost of the patreon hunt Scott Limer. We discuss:
Access is king; right route makes the whole plan work.
Creek crossing = deer highway when pressure cranks.
Wind rolls off the ridge; thermals flip mid-hunt.
Plant to moisture, not the date on
350: Soil Testing 101: Why It Matters for Sustainable Agriculture with Dr. Patrick Freeze of Ward Labs
Habitat Podcast #349 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with a bonus episode from my good friend Al Tomechko talking with Dr. Patrick Freeze from Ward Labs. We discuss:
The role of soil testing in agriculture
Understanding Liebig's Law and its implications
The importance of residue management and cover crops
The balance between tillage and no-till p
349: The RIGHT Way To Fix Failing Food Plots with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed
Habitat Podcast #349 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with my good friend and co-owner of Vitalize Seed Al Tomechko. We discuss:
Drought conditions are affecting food plots this year, similar to last year.
No-till planting helps retain soil moisture and supports seed growth.
Monitor weather patterns closely after planting for optimal results.
Use
348: Why You Should ALWAYS Clean Your Sprayer Before Spraying Fertilizers, Fixing A Failing Food Plot, and Overlooked Blind Locations You Haven't Thought About with Matt Zahl
Habitat Podcast #348 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with my good friend and repeat guest Matt Zahl. We discuss:
Matt shares a close call with a coyote threatening his chickens.
They talk about setting up deer blinds and moving them around the property.
Matt describes his blind setup and how he’s camouflaged it with Miscanthus.
They discuss the g
347: Understanding Different Soil Types, How Soil Impacts Tree Plantings, and Creating Bulletproof Access with Jake Hofer
Habitat Podcast #347 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with my good friend and repeat guest Jake Hofer. We discuss:
Jake Hofer is a land agent and passionate whitetail enthusiast in Illinois
Trail cam activity is picking up as fall approaches, exciting hunters
Land sales are slower, with limited inventory available in the market
Jake emphasizes the
346: The Importance of Native Plants for A Balanced Ecosystem with Kent & Nick from Prairie Farm Podcast
Habitat Podcast #346 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with my good friends Kent and Nick from The Prairie Farm Podcast and Hoksey Native Seeds. We discuss:
Kent and Nicholas run Hoksey Native Seeds and the Prairie Farm Podcast
Hoksey Native Seeds focuses on native plants for conservation and habitat restoration
Kent transitioned from teaching biology
345: Using CRP To Turn a Marginal Michigan Farm Into Big Buck Heaven with Jordan Browne
Habitat Podcast #345 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens talking to Jordan Browne of Michigan Out-Of-Doors TV. We discuss:
Jordan Brown's background and upbringing in Michigan.
Overview of the Michigan Outdoors TV show and its history.
Seasonal outdoor activities covered by the show, including fishing, hunting, and habitat man
344: Building A Better Whitetail Property in Iowa with John Mulligan
Habitat Podcast #344 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens talking to John Mulligan. We discuss:
First hunts revealed unexpected deer movement patterns
Original setup plan didn’t work as intended
Small adjustments can completely change a hunting spot
Deer often bed closer than hunters realize
Weather and condi
343: Brand New Into Habitat Management: David Riley Jr's First Ever Food Plot
Habitat Podcast #343 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens talking to David Riley Jr. We discuss:
First-time food plotter builds a 2.5-acre clover and chicory plot
Plot started after farmer offered to stop planting a small section
Land was bought to give kids and grandkids a place to hunt
Zero habitat experience before starti
342: How To Effectively Use Cover Crops For Better Soil Health with Kevin Gross
Habitat Podcast #342 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens talking to Angelo Giannoni. We discuss:
Kevin Gross farms in Central Michigan, focusing on habitat management and cover crops
He transitioned from dairy farming to cash cropping with his uncles
Kevin emphasizes the importance of soil health and no-till farming practices
341: Using Tree Planting Cages As A Funnel To A Waterhole with Angelo Giannoni
Habitat Podcast #341 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens talking to Angelo Giannoni. We discuss:
Angelo grew up in Chicago, surrounded by a hunting family with a rich outdoor tradition.
He owns 45 acres in Northwest Illinois, focusing on habitat improvement for wildlife.
Angelo enrolled his property in CRP and forestry program
#340 - The Evolution Of Hunting Shows and TV: How Much The Digital Age Has Changed Filming Hunts with Matt Bullins
Habitat Podcast #340 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are bringing you a bonus episode from Andy over at the.deercamp.podcast where he sits down with Matt Bullins! We discuss:
Matt Bullins from Red Rising TV joins the Deer Camp Podcast this week
Fourth of July sparks excitement for the upcoming deer season
Matt's new series, Bloodline Hunting, starts airing in January
339: Summertime Control Burns, Native Grass Plantings, and Deer Season Prep!
Habitat Podcast #339 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back on the road with a solo episode talking about what habitat projects I have going on right now! We discuss:
Jared shares updates on habitat management and recent activities
Discussed a successful prescribed fire event on a client's property
Native grass planting planned to improve wildlife habitat
Collaborat
338: From Touring with A Rock Band To Maryland Deercamp: Getting Into Hunting Later In Life with Cj Wilson
Habitat Podcast #338 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are bringing you a bonus episode from Andy over at the.deercamp.podcast where he sits down with CJ Wilson! We discuss:
He enjoys hunting and has access to 80 acres across the street for hunting
Last season, he tagged out on turkeys and shot a decent-sized buck on opening day
CJ learned to hunt by watching deer patterns
337: Turning Tillable Into Tourism: How Corey Sullivan Is Making Money With A U-Pick Flower Business On His Hunting Property
Habitat Podcast #337 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we sit down with friend of the podcast Corey Sullivan! We discuss:
Corey shares updates on his busy life and excitement for summer activities
He discusses habitat management challenges in Minnesota
The importance of managing deer populations for better age structure
Transitioning from tillable land to a U-pick flower b
336: Fall Food Plot Time Is Almost Here: Till vs No Till, New Vitalize Seed Products, and Putting In Food Plots No Matter What Equipment You Have with Al Tomechko
Habitat Podcast #336 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we sit down with friend of the podcast and Co-Owner of Vitalize Seed Co Al Tomechko to talk about fall food plots and more new products coming from Vitalize! We discuss:
Vitalized Seed's new fall mix revealed
Innovative no-till fertilizer products
Soil enriching amino acid-based boosters
Jumpstarting Plant Recovery and
335: Northern 70 Update: Cleaning Up The Mess (Still) From The Ice Storm, Improving Roads With A Bulldozer, and The Importance of Safety and Caution with Pat Cross and Greg Van Hees
Habitat Podcast #335 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are coming to you from the field at the northern 70 with my dad Greg and my good buddy Pat Cross. We discuss:
Dozer operation by Josh for road and tree clearing
Safety emphasized while cutting trees
Cutting trees under tension
Discussion on affordable chainsaw options
Importance of teamwork and communication
W
334: Michigan Food Plot and Logging Update, Pennsylvania Deer Camp Traditions, and Being a Better Woodsman: the.deercamp.podcast with Beau Martonik
Habitat Podcast #334 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Andy sits down on the.deercamp.podcast with Beau Martonik of the East Meets West Podcast. We discuss:
The Ins & Outs of Outdoor Podcasting
Reviving the Legacy of Deer Camps
Building a Brand in the Hunting Industry
Struggles and triumphs of elk hunting
Celebrating the “Make Deer Camp Great Again” spirit
The joyou
333: Southern Illinois Food Plots, Logging A New Piece of Property, and Spring Plots vs. Fall Planting Strategies with Jordan Hanks
Habitat Podcast #333 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared and Andy are joined by Jordan Hanks We discuss:
From trail cams to close encounters
Spring plots vs. fall planting strategies
Taxidermy as an art form
Old-school bow-hunting revival
Deer camp camaraderie highs
CRP program struggles & solutions
Summer food plot adaptation plans
And So Much More!
PAT
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