Podcast
Habitat Podcast
Hosted by Jared Van Hees · EN
The Habitat Podcast is a podcast for land and wildlife habitat managers, and for hunters who learn and utilize different types of habitat in their hunting strategy. We interview hunters and habitat managers from across the country, picking their brain to learn their success's and failures. We are different in the fact that we are not the experts. This podcast is for us and the listeners to learn a thing or two, from the experts we analyze.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
387: The Simple Sprayer That Changed His Food Plot System: Liquid Fertilizer, Clover, and Southern Habitat Strategy with Cale Giddens
1w ago01:03:01Tap to summarizeHabitat 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. Liquid fertilizer and lime are becoming more useful for food plotters. Drought years often come down to getting seed up and praying for rain. Clover can be king if you have the patience to establish it. Throw-and-mow remains one of Cale’s favorite planting methods. Food plot screens can make deer feel safer in open plots. Pushing too close to bedding can move mature bucks off your property. And So Much More! Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/ PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →386: New Vitalize Seed Mixes for 2026: Native Mixes Are Here! with Al Tomechko
2w ago01:05:15Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 maintenance around trees. Diverse habitat creates more resilient deer properties. Soil biology drives long-term property improvement. Irrigation can dramatically improve tree survival rates. Native seed mixes provide food, cover, and pollinator benefits. Small annual improvements compound over time. Healthy soils help outcompete weeds naturally. And So Much More! Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →385: Turning an Ugly Property Into A Big Buck Haven with Max Wierda
3w ago01:08:31Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 dramatically improve success. Hinge cutting creates immediate browse and bedding cover. Michigan pressure pushes mature bucks into hidden pockets. Habitat improvement is a long-term learning process. Neighbor cooperation is critical for age structure goals. Massive bucks can exist where nobody expects them. And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →384: The BEST Budget Food Plot Setup for Deer Hunters with Lincoln Rohn
May 101:15:39Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 pressure changes mature buck behavior fast. Minimal tillage preserves moisture and soil biology. Habitat improvements don’t require huge acreage. Sanctuary cover helps hold pressured deer. Smart strategy matters more than expensive equipment. And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →383: The Truth About Honeysuckle and Declining Turkey Numbers: Why You Need To Burn Your Property Now!
Apr 2401:00:18Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 more wildlife diversity Predator pressure rises in invasive monocultures Small burns can make huge habitat impacts PBAs make prescribed fire safer and accessible Habitat neglect today hurts future hunting generations And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#382 - Small Parcel Series: Turning Small Acreage Into a Whitetail Magnet
Apr 1701:24:47Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 is more valuable than food on small parcels Edge feathering helps control deer movement Access routes are critical on limited acreage Less intrusion = more daylight movement You can build a great property one small improvement at a time And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#381 - Do You Actually Need A Big Farm To Kill Big Bucks? with Randy Birdsong
Apr 1001:09:28Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 break your entire season Design properties in repeatable “deer pods” Rotate food types by season to control movement Don’t give deer multiple equal options at the same time Mature bucks are highly patternable across years Smaller, multiple properties can outperform one large farm When neighbors bait—you win by outworking and out-designing them And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →380: Designing A Property To Make Mature Bucks Feel Safe with Lee Vandenbrink of Everland Outdoors
Apr 301:21:53Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 Aerial maps reveal features you’ll never notice on foot Sanctuary areas are the foundation of mature buck hunting Logging (done right) can drastically improve habitat Invasive species management should come before habitat improvements Mapping helps identify overlooked travel corridors and pinch points Hunting smarter—not harder—produces better long-term results And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →379: How to Make Deer Move Exactly How You Want Them To Do with Will Hastings
Mar 2701:10:19Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 cover increases daylight movement by creating visual security Community scrapes outperform random mock scrapes when enhanced correctly Low-impact access keeps deer from associating key areas with human pressure Central farm areas often become the safest bedding zones for mature bucks Consistent food sources increase doe density, which pulls in cruising bucks Habitat design should focus on movement, not just attracting deer to food Stacking food, cover, water, and scrapes creates predictable shot opportunities And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →378: The #1 Reason Mature Bucks Leave Your Property with Matt Bullins
Mar 2001:08:10Tap to summarizeHabitat 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 Hunting the wrong wind can ruin your chances before the hunt even begins Staggering feed keeps deer checking during daylight instead of bedding nearby Pressure is often the biggest factor limiting mature buck daylight activity Simple mistakes repeated over time are what cost hunters their best opportunities Strategic access and timing matter more than adding more habitat improvements Once a mature buck daylights, you often have a very short window to kill him Hunting less and being more intentional leads to more consistent success And So Much More! Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast. Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ info@habitatpodcast.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Habitat Podcast Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10 Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10 Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25 First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – info@habitatpodcast.com Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg Email us: info@habitatpodcast.com habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →