In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses various aspects of deer management and hunting strategies with Kip Adams from the National Deer Alliance. They explore the importance of habitat quality, the impact of deer life cycles on development, and effective population management techniques. The conversation delves into age class determination, the significance of balanced age structures, and the monitoring of recruitment rates. Additionally, they discuss the role of antler characteristics in age estimation, the importance of data collection for informed management decisions, and practical advice for hunters during the season.

Takeaways:

• Investing effort in property management yields better hunting results.
• Habitat quality directly influences deer growth and health.
• Shooting enough does is crucial for population balance.
• Protecting yearling bucks promotes a healthy age structure.
• Monitoring recruitment rates helps assess habitat quality.
• Harvesting strategies should adapt to local deer populations.
• Understanding tarsal glands can aid in age estimation.
• Antler growth trends correlate with overall deer health.
• Identifying individual deer enhances hunting experiences.
• Data collection is essential for effective deer management.

Social Links

https://deerassociation.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kipadams_nda/

https://whitetaillandscapes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/

https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater and Steve Sherk (Sherk’s Guide Service) reflect on the past hunting season, discuss the importance of land management and habitat improvement, and share insights on hunting strategies. Steve discusses pursuing an individual mature buck. Jon discusses his objective for the hunting season and goals for harvest as it pertains to does and bucks. Steve and Jon emphasize the significance of creating the right atmosphere for hunting. Steve discusses the challenges of not hunting in October, and the strategies for guiding clients effectively. The conversation also delves into the importance of understanding wind and thermals, building confidence in hunting locations, and ultimately enjoying the hunting experience.

Steve discusses being the timber all year long and assessing the landscape, why deer are shifting earlier into fall ranges, acorn production, the importance of red oaks on the landscape and the ideal locations for early season hunting. Steve discusses the best locations and when to hunt deer in October. Steve ends with an important aspect of their only being a handful of days to hunt deer in October and be successful and picking the right times is critical to success. Jon Teater concludes with valuable tips for a successful hunting season.

Steve and Jon reflect on the hunting season, emphasizing the importance of proper setup and strategies for hunting in October. He discusses the significance of scouting, understanding deer behavior, and the impact of wind and thermals on hunting success. The conversation highlights the need for hunters to enjoy the experience and be grateful for the opportunity to connect with nature, rather than solely focusing on the kill.

Takeaways:

• Investing in land management enhances the hunting experience.
• Creating the right atmosphere is crucial for successful hunting.
• October is a prime month for hunting, especially with cold fronts.
• Guiding clients requires a strategic approach to hunting locations.
• Understanding deer behavior is key to effective hunting.
• Wind and thermals play a significant role in hunting success.
• Enjoying the hunting experience is as important as the outcome.
• Flexibility in hunting schedules can lead to better opportunities.
• Building confidence in setups can improve hunting effectiveness.
• Gratitude for the hunting experience enhances overall enjoyment.
• Building a management plan is key for sustainable hunting.

Social Links

Sherk's Guide Service – Guided Deer Hunts (sherksguideservice.com)

Sherk's Guide Service - Home | Facebook

Steve Sherk Jr. (@sherksguideservice) • Instagram photos and videos

https://whitetaillandscapes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/

https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

In this conversation, Moriah Borgess (Wildlife Investments, Hollow Tooth Aerial, LLC), and Jon Teater discuss the importance of soil management in hunting property, the innovative use of drones for habitat management, and the critical timing and techniques for effective herbicide application. The conversation delves into managing invasive species, the precision required in herbicide application, and the environmental considerations that must be taken into account. Moriah goes through common and more specific herbicides that meet specific prescriptions for site and managing objectives.

Moriah discusses the efficiency of using drones to manage plants like phragmites, sweet gum, winged elm, autumn olive. Moriah discusses on the ground spray options and what concerns are created when debris is present. Moriah discusses old field management and benefits to wildlife. Moriah emphasizes the role of drones as a valuable tool for private landowners looking to enhance their hunting properties.

Moriah goes through his process of cleaning his drone and managing tank applications and cleaning tanks. Moriah discusses his business name and its origin. Moriah suggests drone work that can be done right now just before and during hunting season.

Takeaways:

• Soil management is the foundation of habitat improvement.
• Drones provide a less invasive method for herbicide application.
• Timing is crucial for effective herbicide use.
• Specific herbicides can target invasive species without harming natives.
• Wind conditions can affect herbicide application efficacy.
• Drones can cover significant acreage efficiently.
• Herbicide prescriptions should be tailored to the specific site.
• Understanding plant ecology is essential for successful management.
• Drones are becoming increasingly accessible for private landowners.
• Effective management requires a combination of techniques and tools.

https://whitetaillandscapes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/

Wildlife Investments – We apply scientifically proven, time-tested, methods to meet your management objectives and increase the recreational value of your property.

Hollow Tooth Aerial | Facebook