Habitat Podcast

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 outperform quick flips So...

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 hunters more than deer Cutti...

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 often underused manageme...

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 for grouse benefits whi...

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 impacts antler growth Habitat b...

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 attraction Seasonal context shou...

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 mock scrape changed buck moveme...

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 chasing specific bucks and missed...

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 often come right aft...

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 shares his exc...

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 activity in di...

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 buying it i...

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 and trackin...

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 hardwood ri...

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 Septembe...

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 backgrounds...

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 die-offs vs. long-term h...

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. Consistency in flow is key to...

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 a calendar. Seed down,...

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 practices Insi...

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 foliar applic...

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 growth of thei...

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 importance o...

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 to farmin...

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 management. B...