Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting

Adam and Matt discuss their early-season hunting plans and the food sources they’ll be watching closely this fall. From standing and cut corn to persimmons and brassicas, they break down how deer use these food sources and how changing conditions can influence movement. They also cover bedding, access, staging areas, hunting pressure, and how to identify the right opportunities without putting too much pressure on the property. Tune in as Adam and Matt break down their early-season strategy and what they’re looking for when it’s time to hit the woods.

This episode of the Land & Legacy Podcast is all about family, summertime preparation, and three unforgettable nights in the whitetail woods with Alan Summerford and his son, Reid. Hunting in the heat of summer, Alan and Reid focused their efforts around joint vetch food plots, putting their preparation and patience to the test. Reid struck first, taking a buck on back-to-back nights and quickly turning the hunt into a father-son adventure neither of them would forget. Then, on night three, it was Alan’s turn. Three consecutive nights. Three successful hunts. And a whole lot of memories made together. From sitting over summer food plots in the heat to putting in the work and making the most of every opportunity, this episode highlights what hunting is really about — time spent outdoors, sharing the experience with family, and making memories that last long after the season ends. Join Alan and Reid as they break down the hunts, the preparation, the strategy behind hunting joint vetch, and the moments that made this three-night stretch one to remember.

With most things in life, we like to complicate things. On this week's podcast we sit down with Adam Brooke of Veritas Outfitters to discuss archery setups and how to cut through the fluff. We're talking arrow setups, nocks, new bows, and all things archery!

Saddle Hunting: A Private-Land Advantage with Tethrd In this episode of the Land & Legacy Podcast, Adam sits down with Josh Hillyard from Tethrd Hunting to dive into saddle hunting and why this versatile hunting method can be especially valuable for private-land hunters. Saddle hunting has changed the way many hunters approach the woods, giving them the ability to hunt from trees that traditional stands simply can’t access. For private-land landowners, that mobility can be a major advantage when it comes to hunting specific deer movement patterns, accessing difficult terrain, and taking advantage of the habitat improvements they’ve worked so hard to create. Adam and Josh discuss the fundamentals of saddle hunting, what makes the system different from a traditional tree stand, and how hunters can use it to become more mobile and strategic throughout the season. They also explore how saddle hunting can fit into a broader land-management strategy—allowing hunters to adapt their setups around food plots, bedding areas, travel corridors, terrain features, and changing deer behavior. Whether you’re already hunting from a saddle or have been considering making the switch, this conversation provides practical insight into how this technique can help private-land hunters hunt smarter, minimize pressure, and make better use of the habitat they’ve created. Tune in as Adam and Josh break down saddle hunting and how private landowners can utilize this technique to become more mobile, adaptable, and effective in the deer woods.

Adam and Alan sit down to discuss one of the most important parts of deer hunting that often gets overlooked: pre-season preparation. A successful hunt doesn't begin when you climb into a tree on opening morning—it begins weeks and months beforehand with understanding the property, studying deer movement, placing trail cameras strategically, and making sure your stand locations actually match the conditions you plan to hunt. The conversation starts with trail camera placement and why hunters shouldn't simply hang cameras wherever they see a good trail. Adam and Alan discuss using cameras to answer specific questions about deer movement, bedding areas, food sources, staging areas, funnels, and travel corridors. They also cover the importance of understanding when deer are moving rather than simply identifying which bucks are using the property.

When time is limited, make wise food plot decisions. Don't worry about what others are planting or chasing a trend. Plant a crop that gives you the best chance at high quality food over the course of many months. When you begin to allow in a diverse fall mixture for the annual clovers such a balansa, bereseem, and crimson clover to fully grow and cycle you realize that this food plot blend is more than a fall crop... its a 10 month+ crop. If you plant a blend with the right annual clovers added at the right density, you can achieve an extended life of food plot varieties, increased nitrogen fixation, and some quality weed suppression without needing to plant a summer crop. Just terminate the field and plant the same crop again. Food plotting is that easy.

During this podcast we chat with Land & Legacy consultant Alan Summerford about the management of his properties. We discuss distinct management strategies that produce results, simplify maintenance, and ensure success despite unknown variables that any growing season can throw your way. Some of the topics we cover include pre-emergents, herbicides, mowing food plots, amending food plots, herbicide proficiency, and producing high quality forage during the hunting season. Additionally, we discuss common themes observed during recent consulting trips. Similar trends appear in successes. Its not uncommon to see some folks who excel in food plots, but struggle with native habitat as well as the inverse: those who do great with a chainsaw and a drip torch but struggle with food plots. Both are necessary skills to hone and really take your property to the next level.

On the Whitetail Properties Youtube page, weve dropped two recent videos discussing the age old problem of nocturnal bucks. We discuss in depth why this is the common thought and also solutions to fix it. There is some great interaction regarding these videos on Youtube. So, we decided to take it a step further and dive deep into the why and how of this common problem for whitetail hunters. Cover is key, not food. In these two videos, we discuss not only how to place bedding thickets on a property but also how to create them. It is key to identify the problem, diagnose it properly, and then provide the correct remedy. Bedding thickets in proper locations is key. This solution requires elbow grease, but it is long term and incredibly impactful when executed properly. Take the right steps before the season to make a long lasting impact.

During this podcast, you will hear the ins and outs of God's design in Creation and how it speaks to those who listen closely and observe carefully. Many of the parables from the Gospels reference common themes in nature or tools in a land manager's toolbox, such as fire, sowing seeds, pruning, etc.. We hope this podcast illuminates the deeper connection between the natural world and your spiritual connection with God, the Creator. Don't just perform the tasks associated with working the land, there is more to grasp and yield from it. Take time to really consider what draws you to the natural world, the lessons it holds, and God himself. If you have questions please reach out, we'd be happy to pray for you! Enjoy.Learn.Share!

What if everything you thought you knew about your deer herd was wrong? This week on the Land & Legacy Podcast, Adam sits down with Jack Huston, founder of Midwest Deer Surveys, to discuss what thousands of thermal drone flights across hundreds of hunting properties have revealed about whitetail management. Jack has surveyed more than 500 farms covering hundreds of thousands of acres, using thermal drone technology to provide landowners with accurate deer density estimates, buck-to-doe ratios, property mapping, and herd health analysis. Together, Adam and Jack dive into why so many properties are carrying far more deer than they should, how excessive deer densities suppress habitat quality and antler potential, and why proper doe harvest remains one of the most overlooked tools in wildlife management. The conversation explores the relationship between habitat improvement and herd management, emphasizing that neither can reach its full potential without the other. The discussion also covers the advantages of thermal drone surveys over traditional trail camera inventories, common mistakes landowners make when estimating deer numbers, and how objective data can remove emotion from management decisions. Whether you're managing 40 acres or 4,000, understanding what's truly living on your property is the first step toward creating healthier habitat, producing older age-class bucks, and building a sustainable deer herd. If you're serious about improving your property and making informed management decisions instead of educated guesses, this episode is packed with practical insights backed by real-world observations from hundreds of farms across the Midwest.

On this week's podcast we discuss many of the variations of state hunting regulations that hunters face across the country. Many hunters don't factor in the state regulations into decisions they make before buying land, however you need too! Topics covered include season open dates, CWD regulations, buck harvest limits, doe harvest opportunities, hunter density, and many more influential factors. Hunters need to evaluate these factors, as they will dramatically influence the average deer herd that you may be trying to grow mature bucks in. So plan accordingly! Enjoy.Share.Learn!

Herbicides are one of the most powerful tools available to landowners, but they can also be one of the most confusing. In this episode, Adam and Matt sit down with Travis and Dan from Orion Solutions to discuss the launch of the new Land & Legacy Guide to Herbicide Use and why understanding herbicides is critical for anyone looking to improve wildlife habitat, increase native plant diversity, establish successful food plots, or control invasive species. Drawing from years of consulting experience across the country, they break down common herbicide mistakes, explain how to select the right products for specific management goals, and discuss the importance of application timing, rates, and techniques. Whether you're battling invasive brush, restoring native grasslands, managing timber stands, or simply trying to grow a cleaner food plot, this guide was created to simplify the process and give landowners a practical resource they can use in the field. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by herbicide labels or unsure about what product to use and when, this episode—and this guide—will help take the guesswork out of habitat management and put you on a path toward healthier landscapes and better wildlife populations.

Turkey season may be behind us, but the real habitat work is just getting started. In this week's Land & Legacy podcast, Adam and Chad discuss what they've observed since the season closed and how those observations continue to reinforce the importance of active habitat management. One of the most noticeable changes has been the return of turkeys to the farm after neighboring properties stopped illegally baiting birds during the season. It's another reminder that turkey movements and behavior can be heavily influenced by concentrated food sources. Once those artificial attractants disappeared, birds quickly shifted back to utilizing quality habitat—areas providing natural forage, nesting cover, brood habitat, and security. The discussion also centers around the growing need for additional prescribed fire across the landscape. While many properties have seen improvements from previous burns, the reality is that much of the habitat has already begun to lose the open ground conditions, diverse plant communities, and insect-rich environments that turkeys depend on. Fire remains one of the most effective tools available for resetting succession, stimulating native plant growth, increasing bug production, and maintaining quality nesting and brood-rearing habitat. A major topic of conversation is the growing popularity of "No Mow May" and "No Mow June" campaigns. While well-intentioned, Adam and Chad explain why simply not mowing is often being promoted as a habitat solution when it does little to address the real limitations facing wild turkeys. Allowing cool-season grasses and weedy lawns to grow taller for a few weeks does not create quality nesting cover, brood habitat, or the diverse native plant communities needed for long-term turkey recovery. The focus should instead be on active habitat management practices such as prescribed fire, timber management, native vegetation establishment, grazing strategies, and invasive species control. Throughout the episode, Adam and Chad share field observations from their own farm, discuss current turkey use across the property, and outline practical habitat improvements landowners can implement right now to benefit turkeys throughout the year. If turkey populations are going to rebound across much of their range, the conversation must shift from passive management ideas to proven practices that create the habitat conditions wild turkeys truly need.

Every landowner has a vision for what their property can become, but turning that vision into reality takes planning, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. On this episode of Land & Legacy, Chad and Adam sit down to discuss some of the most successful habitat projects completed on their farm, Whistling Woodlands, and the lessons learned along the way. From establishing diverse native grass plantings that provide critical bedding, nesting cover, and year-round wildlife habitat to developing productive annual forage pastures that benefit both livestock and wildlife, this episode highlights how intentional land management can create multiple returns from the same acres. Chad and Adam break down the planning process, site preparation, species selection, and management techniques that have led to successful outcomes on their property. The conversation also explores how these projects have improved soil health, increased carrying capacity, enhanced wildlife use, and created a more resilient landscape. Whether you're managing a small hunting property or a large working farm, the principles discussed can help you maximize the potential of your land while balancing conservation and production goals.

During this episode, we review the Wealth Strategy service with Alan Summerford, who recently completed the program. This podcast aims to clarify the process and value this service brings to clients similar to Alan. This multi-step process offers clients substantial analysis, a financial eco-system review, and land evaluation. Our end goal and objective is to educate clients on the best way to structure their wealth revolving around land ownership. We hope this podcast reveals that a multi-facated team working together offers real benefits.

In this episode, we break down several simple, practical habitat projects that can make a major impact on your property without requiring huge budgets or complicated equipment. Too often, landowners chase advanced strategies while overlooking the foundational improvements that consistently produce better wildlife habitat year after year. These are the kinds of projects that should be at the top of your habitat management list this season. We discuss low-cost, high-impact improvements like edge feathering, timber stand improvement, native grass management, small water sources, travel corridor enhancements, and strategic food plot placement — all designed to improve cover, bedding, nesting habitat, and overall wildlife movement. Whether you manage for deer, turkeys, or overall ecosystem health, these simple projects can dramatically increase the usability and carrying capacity of your farm. If you’ve been overwhelmed by habitat management or unsure where to start, this episode focuses on realistic, achievable work that almost any landowner can implement immediately. Sometimes the smallest changes on the landscape create the biggest long-term results.

Rethink your farm with us this week as we wipe the slate clean and re-evaluate how your farm works. This interactive podcast will guide you through starting cleanly, helping you understand how deer move on your property. This 7-step exercise will make areas on your farm stand out using OnX mapping. Future bedding thickets will be revealed, travel corridors and areas where deer are vulnerable to harvest will appear when you start over. New stand locations await you on the other side of the exercise. Mentally these are exercises that we perform whenever we walk a new farm. We see the farm with fresh eyes, no expectations, and with no previous observations of how deer use a farm—just the straight basics. Sometimes the path forward isn't straight; it may require you to take a few steps back, before moving forward.

Spring plots don’t have to be complicated. Adam and Matt break down a simple, proven system for building food plots that actually work—without chasing trends. Back to the basics, back to results.

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into what we call “Fantasy Land Management”—the world where habitat strategies sound great on paper, circulate heavily online, and get repeated often… but fall apart when applied on real ground. Too many landowners are making decisions based on secondhand opinions, outdated practices, or “highlight reel” results without ever questioning if those approaches actually fit their property, region, or goals. The result? Wasted time, wasted money, and in some cases, habitat that’s worse than where they started. We break down some of the most common false ideas in land management—things like over-prioritizing food plots, misunderstanding cover, blindly copying what works in other states, or assuming more work always equals better results. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s effective. This episode is about cutting through the noise and getting back to principles that actually matter: observation, context, and outcomes. Good management isn’t built on trends—it’s built on understanding your land, your limitations, and the wildlife you’re trying to support. If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing results that never quite show up, this conversation will help reset your approach and refocus your efforts where they actually count.

In this episode from the Land & Legacy podcast, the conversation zeroes in on how timber management directly impacts turkey populations—and why most properties fall short simply because the woods are too closed and stagnant. A major takeaway is that turkeys thrive in open, diverse timber—not mature, shaded forests. The guys emphasize that many landowners mistakenly believe “big timber” equals good habitat, when in reality, closed-canopy woods limit sunlight, suppress understory growth, and ultimately reduce the insects and ground cover that poults depend on for survival. The episode breaks down how to correct that through intentional disturbance: Timber stand improvement (TSI) to remove low-value trees and release desirable species Hinge cutting and thinning to create structure at ground level Prescribed fire to reset the forest floor and stimulate native vegetation These practices aren’t just about trees—they’re about creating usable space at a turkey’s level. As sunlight hits the ground, it drives the growth of grasses, forbs, and bugging habitat, which are critical for brood rearing. Without that, even properties with plenty of acreage can feel like a “biological desert” for turkeys. Another key point is structure and visibility. Turkeys need to be able to move, see, and avoid predators. Thick, tangled woods without intentional design can actually hurt turkey use, while properly managed timber creates a balance of: Open travel corridors Nesting cover Brood-rearing areas The conversation also highlights that timber work benefits more than just turkeys. The same practices improve habitat for deer, quail, and a wide range of species—making it one of the highest ROI projects a landowner can implement. At its core, the episode reinforces a bigger philosophy: If you want more turkeys, you have to manage the woods—not just the fields. Consistent disturbance, strategic tree removal, and a focus on ground-level diversity are what transform timber from unused space into high-quality turkey habitat.