Jared Van Hees

Habitat Podcast

Sports EN ↓ 396 episodes

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.

Author

Jared Van Hees

Episodes

344: Building A Better Whitetail Property in Iowa with John Mulligan 08.08.2025 1:06:53

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 conditions can change the hunt out...

343: Brand New Into Habitat Management: David Riley Jr's First Ever Food Plot 01.08.2025 59:27

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 starting this proje...

342: How To Effectively Use Cover Crops For Better Soil Health with Kevin Gross 25.07.2025 1:10:36

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 He uses di...

341: Using Tree Planting Cages As A Funnel To A Waterhole with Angelo Giannoni 18.07.2025 1:06:52

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 programs for inco...

#340 - The Evolution Of Hunting Shows and TV: How Much The Digital Age Has Changed Filming Hunts with Matt Bullins 16.07.2025 51:30

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 The series foc...

339: Summertime Control Burns, Native Grass Plantings, and Deer Season Prep! 11.07.2025 41:19

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 Collaboration with Chad...

338: From Touring with A Rock Band To Maryland Deercamp: Getting Into Hunting Later In Life with Cj Wilson 08.07.2025 1:04:36

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 and using...

337: Turning Tillable Into Tourism: How Corey Sullivan Is Making Money With A U-Pick Flower Business On His Hunting Property 04.07.2025 1:05:12

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 business Plans...

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 27.06.2025 1:12:01

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 Soil Biology...

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 20.06.2025 57:56

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 Water drainage manage...

334: Michigan Food Plot and Logging Update, Pennsylvania Deer Camp Traditions, and Being a Better Woodsman: the.deercamp.podcast with Beau Martonik 13.06.2025 1:06:34

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 joyous grind of Timber Nin...

333: Southern Illinois Food Plots, Logging A New Piece of Property, and Spring Plots vs. Fall Planting Strategies with Jordan Hanks 06.06.2025 1:47:52

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! PATREON - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - Habita...

322: Habitat Improvement On Family Land That Doesn't Want Habitat Work Done with Nate Rozeveld 30.05.2025 1:11:13

Habitat Podcast #331 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is joined by Nate Rozeveld. We discuss: Exploring deer hunting family traditions Importance of good habitat and neighbor relations Striking a balance between hunting and family The joy of hunting from blinds and saddles Must-have tools for habitat work Impact of neighbors on hunting success The power of diverse cover Saddle vs...

331: Spring Habitat Checklist: What You Should Be Doing NOW! 23.05.2025 53:50

Habitat Podcast #331 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is joined by co-host Andy Hutchens. We discuss: Planting 100 Norway Spruces with an auger The benefits of no-till planting An eagerly-awaited logger update Recent turkey hunting success Strategies for tree growth in sandy soil Experimenting with no-till switchgrass Heavy rains during farming updates The impact of logging on gr...

330: Habitat Land Plan Before and After: 5 Years Of Results From Habitat Management on 80 Acres In Northern Michigan with Bobby Roop 16.05.2025 49:07

Habitat Podcast #330 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is joined by Bobby Roop, one of Jared's first ever habitat land plan clients way back in 2019. We discuss: Habitat management on an 80-acre parcel in northern Michigan Habitat improvements over five years The importance of food sources for deer Implementing access roads for better hunting Using forestry mulchers for efficient...

329: Shawn Luchtel of Heartland Bowhunter: Adding Water and Native Grasses to his Missouri and Kansas Farms 09.05.2025 1:04:48

Habitat Podcast #329 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is joined by Shawn Luchtel of Heartland Bowhunter. We discuss: Importance of open-canopy for wildlife food Native grasses are key for habitat screens Addressing invasive species is top priority Water sources essential in deer management Building Heartland Bow Hunter's niche Balancing hunting with family and farm life Shawn's r...

328: When Is The Best Time To Plant Your Spring Food Plots and What Amendments Should You Use With Your Food Plot Seeds with Al Tomechko, Jake Bollinger, and Andy Hutchens 02.05.2025 1:06:17

Habitat Podcast #328 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is joined by Andy, Al Tomechko, and Jake Bollinger. We discuss: Planting tree cuttings The importance of timing planting with rain The benefits of natural fertility coatings for food plot seed Prioritizing quality and effectiveness over simplification and cost-cutting Creating a thriving habitat for turkeys The importance of s...

327: Habitat Land Plan Recap: Managing 40 Acres in the Wisconsin North Woods and Building An Off Grid Solar Powered Cabin! 25.04.2025 54:44

Habitat Podcast #327 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is on the road again with Andy from the deercamp.podcast over in Wisconsin. They sat down with land plan client Jeff at his off grid solar powered cabin to talk habitat. We discuss: Off-grid cabin living & solar usage Navigating hunting on thick lands Balancing apple trees with wildlife Strategic habitat management plans The c...

326: Using NRCS Contracts To Pay For Habitat Improvement, Manipulating Deer Movement With Chainsaws, and Cutting To Create Better Bedding with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Company 18.04.2025 1:14:29

Habitat Podcast #325 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared is back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Company. We discuss: Cleaning up the mess at the northern 70 Invasive species removal and midstory removal NRCS contracts for timber work The importance of patience and collaboration with foresters Advantages of herbicide treatments for invasive species Creating diverse b...

325: The Small Parcel Series: Hinge Cutting on 40 Acres, Creating Travel Corridors, and Using Aerial Maps To Better Understand Your Property with Lee Vandenbrink of Aerial Wildlife Solutions 11.04.2025 1:19:29

Habitat Podcast #324 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, Jared and Andy are back in the studio with Lee Vandenbrink of Aerial Wildlife Solutions. We discuss: Achieving success with small parcels Timber management before leaf-out Hinge cutting and bedding area basics Using terrain hand in hand with hinge cutting Timbering can optimize deer movement Making deer corridors work Manipulating d...

324: Holding Deer on 30 Acres, Adding Fruit and Chestnut trees, and the ethics of crossbow hunting with Matt Zahl and Andy Hutchens 04.04.2025 1:01:25

Habitat Podcast #324 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back with some more familiar faces. This week Andy from the.deercamp.podcast sits down with friend of the podcast Matt Zahl. We discuss: Big plans for a fruit orchard & chestnuts A DIY buck bed attracts a shooter Introduction to late-season fruit orchards Strategic chestnut ridge plans for deer season The heritage & future of...

323: Iowa Shed Hunting On A DREAM Whitetail Farm 28.03.2025 1:25:53

Habitat Podcast #323 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are out of the studio in Iowa with some familiar faces. Brian hosts this episode with friends of the podcast Chris Hanbury and David Hamm. We discuss: A dream shed hunting trip in Iowa The joy of finding match sets Benefits of strategic deer fencing Gratitude for supportive wives & friends Preparing for the chance at a tag draw T...

322: How to Enhance Land Value and Profitability, Getting Started With Homesteading, and Creating a Community Around A Business with Chase Burns 21.03.2025 1:17:32

Habitat Podcast #322 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Chase Burns. Chase is the host of a podcast called Land Your Ground where he dives into the subject of land ownership. We discuss: Transitioning from wildlife biology and habitat management to becoming a land specialist in real estate Having high ethical integrity in real estate The importance of being...

321: PROOF That Hinge Cutting Is The Best Way To Create and Improve Deer Bedding Habitat with Thomas Rovery 14.03.2025 1:04:28

Habitat Podcast #321 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Thomas Rovery. Thomas is from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and works closely with Dr. Craig Harper. We discuss: The practice of hinge cutting and its effectiveness in creating deer bedding Effective hinge cutting techniques The importance of creating clear paths and bedding areas for deer Stra...

320: Why You Should Be Using E-Bikes To Hunt Your Property with Dieter Kochan of Faceoff E-Bikes! 07.03.2025 1:04:20

Habitat Podcast #320 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Dieter Kochan of Faceoff E-Bikes. We discuss: E-bike's role in efficient habitat management Custom-built e-bikes for hunters E-bikes for stealthy, scent-free access Setting up a farm entirely for E-bike access Powerful motors conquer hills The tech behind e-bikes' climbing power Features designed for h...