Thanks for all you guys are doing, your visit to our place in WNY has helped us a lot, its easier to get an understanding when you learn it and hear it hands on in person! Happy New Year!
I have learned more watching your videos for a couple years than i had in 20 years of hunting the same 25 acre parcel. Tried a small piece of public the last 2 years and have learned so much about habitat and movement within. Thank you
Such great experience...pretty cool that you are hunting public land now too! Amazing how much you can learn about private by hunting public...and about public by hunting private. Without hunting both you can never do your best on either.
17:55. 💯! I have a neighbor who writes me every year and asked where his target buck went... I say, "I'm not sure, haven't seen him," 😂 Keep up the good work, Jeff & team!
I've watched your videos for about 2 years now. I've learned many useful applications for habitat improvement. I live in Indiana on 11 acres that started out as a poor hay field and surrounded on 2 sides with woods totaling about another 40 acres. With our home placed directly into the center of the property, it limited the 8 acres of managed habitat area to work with. 7 years ago, we participated in the DNR land share program and planned out for a wildlife habitat improvement project. 1000 trees and shrubs planted and numerous wild flowers, and Prarie grass was planted. I also established a network of trails throughout the property. I built a permanent custom-built hunting lodge 8x8 insulated carpeted and that sits at 11 feet high with a snipers nest at 18 feet. 2 natural deer trails exit the woods perfectly at 25 yards on each side of the stand. I hung a grape vine licking rub at each location, and now have endless visits year-round. I also dug a large watering pond and have created a deer haven for the recent 2 years of drought. I have a well-established clover- chicory plot around the pond and 3 other food plots. Last year I planted 3 areas of switch grass that struggled to get established due to the drought, but 2025 should be a better year for helping create more cover and protection in my limited acres. We are meat hunters and have enjoyed the challenge of making a healthy and productive wildlife area. We usually harvest 2 bucks a year and only take 2.5 years old bucks or older. This year we had 21 different bucks on our cameras, and 3 were respectful shooters. I finally tagged a hit list buck this year on the last day of the muzzle loading season in the last 6 minutes. Blew out his heart at 25 yards he went 30 yards. I am extremely blessed to have a fantastic small property that has provided a wonderful experience and reward of providing fresh venison for our table and endless memories hunting with my teenage daughters. I'm 73 and love the hunting life, but have to admit I am totally spoiled with only having to walk less than 500 feet to my little piece if paradise! I am living proof that you can create good deer and wildlife habitat on a small parcel of land. Your information is always useful and helpful. After over 60 years of hunting I challenge and thrill is still just as rewarding as when I was 12. PEACE BROTHERS AND SISTERS BE SAFE AND PRAY 🙏 THANKS FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS AND HARD WORK
@northsky5629 just to let you know , I did all this land improvement, tree and shrub planting, by myself no help at 65. Have you ever planted 1000 trees by hand? In 2 weeks! Tilled 8 acres 8 times with a 4 ft tiller, then hand sow it ans roll it all to embed the seeds. Your comment made me chuckle! I have plenty of hobbies, and my lifestyle is one of them. We grow most of our own food ,can freeze and freeze dry it. Raise chickens for meat and eggs and harvest deer every year. I could give a longer version of my complete home remodeling, 10,000 sf garden planting, and orchard and berry patches, but I have to hit the gym for 2 hours before I go to church. Have a blessed day bro, I think I have the hobbies covered 😆
In Northern Maine ag country with Oats, winter rye, potato, and brocoli....no soy beans in the area. We have low deer density, so my 5 acres of soy beans last into February if not buried by the snow. Each plot lication has a clover section and a brassicas plot, with about 10 acres total food on 200 acres. I have learned a lot from your videos and books. Keep rhem coming.
Thanks Jeff for all the great info. I am a one man show on a forty so I do this stuff bit by bit each year and you have taught an old dog some new tricks. Appreciate it
That can be a lot of work alone...very rewarding being able to chip away at it tho! We really appreciate you always watching and hope you have a very Happy New Year!
I think an understandable term needs to be used to describe the fail of the 40 acre CRP mixture. I would suggest we call it a "configurational monoculture" that simply goes flat in winter.
Curious which of your switch you would recommend for North Central Pennsylvania in the big timber for screening around food plots and access to stands. Also, I've watched most of your videos and I'm curious how major elevation change affects the way you lay out properties. For instance, my one 40 acre property has 600 feet of elevation change in approx 650 yards. Maybe a future video?? Love the content 👍🏼💪🏻
Hi Steve! I would recommend our northern variety. Elevation matters greatly...to me it's easier with elevation change because you can cheat the wind. You should check out my Hills And Thermals playlist on this channel! Lots of info there 😊 Happy New Year!
I have a gun range on my property. do you think a lot of shooting a quarter mile away from bedding areas basically ruins those bedding areas? Even if I’m only shooting a few times a month during the off season? I wonder if I’m significantly hampering a potential pattern of use by “playing” near where I hunt.
I bought 40 acres in NC 3 years ago and all of my cameras only picked up does and small bucks during the day. All large bucks were only seen at night. I followed your advice starting year one and I just killed a huge 8 point that I’m getting mounted. This was one of 4 large bucks using my land during the day (passing through consistently). The others lucked out that I didn’t have a clear shot with my crossbow.
Man I am so happy to hear that for you! I'm not saying it's an easy process, but when you follow the basics it really works. CONGRATS and Happy New Year!
Hello Jeff I'm going to screen in my food plot this year, does your screening seed half to have a special ground PH? I'm starting switchgrass this year also but needed something temporary for now.
What do you do about drought? I have planted many successful food plots, but the past 2 years, the drought in southeast Tn has been brutal on my plots. 100% loss the last two years. It's very disheartening. Any advice?
However, any 1 of those in the wrong location and they can do more harm than good. In fact you are better off hunting a parcel correctly and not completing any habitat improvements, than completing habitat improvements in the wrong location. So critical...
I'm a big believer in more than just your philosophy but you overall mindset and thought process when it comes to how to approach solving client problems.... however.... how exactly do you get "paid to be right"? Like do i not have to pay if i don't have more bucks on my trail cameras? Do i not pay you until the 3rd year once we're sure it's worked? Lol....or do you mean it in the sense of if you don't give good advice and make good plans then you'll be out of business? I mean that is true but, every business in the world operates that way it's not like you 3 are unique in this way....or, am i totally off base lol?
I get paid not to follow an agenda. I follow no state or federal agency agenda, no national organization agenda, and I am a free thinker based almost purely on my own level of experience, which is 2nd to none. I only choose who I partner with, not the other way around. I don't push products or manufacturers unless I believe they are the best. I don't push hinge cutting or soybeans or textbook teachings, unless I find though a wealth of experience, they are right for the situation. I know if I'm not right, I fail. I lose my business. I attract no business. I follow no one but my own level of experience. Even the guys that go to clients for WHS, have to follow my concepts or they would be cut off. Every decision I make for a client or solution I prescribe for a client, has to be correct. No agenda, just good advice. Unfortunately nearly everyone in my profession has an agenda. An agenda to sell faulty products, to represent faulty products, to blindly follow textbooks, professors, state agencies and a host of agendas from all angles. I operate on my own, I never cooy and am not afraid to go against any teaching or agenda or agency...which makes WHS extremely unique, in this industry.
I am puzzled, I planted a mixture of wheat, clover, winter peas, clover, turnips and something else . I had soil test done. Ph is good limed and fertilized deer are walking through and not eating it and ideas
Likely the mix itself. Wheat and peas should rarely be planted together as they grow at different rates. Same with brassica and wheat. Also, clover wouldn't grow fast enough to contribute for the season when planted at the timing for wheat, or brassica or peas. If you plant at the peas and brassica timing (poor seed size combo anyways) then the wheat will smother out the brassica and peas. If you plant at the wheat timing the brassica and peas won't be old enough to contribute. Just a bad all around mix with poor attraction and resulting diversity. Could easily explain the lack of interest...
Hi Kurt...buck beds are last, and least important. You have to have food, enough depth of cover behind food, doe bedding, young buck and then buck bedding if enough room left over. So many focus on buck bedding...when most don't have enough of the ingredients lined up to even attract a buck. It's very easy to look at a client parcel, get to know where the neighbors food sources are, the client's, client access and type of timber...and know if they even have a chance of holding bucks the way their land currently stands. Very few parcels do...but nearly all have hope if layed out correctly. Again tho buck bedding areas only come if a lot of ingredients are out together first.
17:30 yall see all the other deer eyeing that buck with all the Fibromas or aka deer whorts? He gets close and starts to walk up to them like nothings wrong and man as soon as he does those other deer run like the wind! Almost like they know "hey man, stay away from me! that stuff is contageous!" 😅😅😅😅
Whoa whoa whoa- I just rewatched your video from a couple days ago, (morning stands) YOU SAID you just did a consultation in MY NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!! Not fair! Where? Why? Who? I thought we were pals?
Does are mature bucks' sentinels...educate the does, and they learn from the does without you even seeing those mature bucks. While the does head out from their bed early, catch your wind, stomp and blow, those mature bucks are sitting in their beds listening to their sentinels detect the danger. By educating the does, the bucks are already way ahead of you in the game.
IF it's cold. IF they make it. IF it's snowy out. IF they didn't cause too many does and fawns to build in the land during the Summer. Lot of IFs... I agree tho when the stars align they are awesome. Doesn't happen very often tho
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I'm south western ontario, 🇨🇦 and plant about an acre of beans for the deer, starting about December there is deer and turkey hitting that plot daily, sometimes upwards of 12 deer does,fawns and multiple bucks. I plant other things as well alfalfa, clover radishes, but nothing beats the standing beans year after year
I’ve been planting soybeans next to brassicas find it the best combo. Here in western Massachusetts we don’t have to deer number to create a doe factory.
The goal for land should be to return it as best we can to its pre-colonial state and take what nature gives us. I’ll never put a food plot or mow paths on my land . The idea trying to contain or influence deer to remain on your property goes against the idea of fair chase thus violating the North American Model of Wildlife
Been listening to you for 2 years and greatly appreciate your educational videos. They really help to enjoy one’s own property. Thanks again, Jeff!!
Thanks so much Greg...really trying to help out as much as possible! We appreciate you watching. Have a Happy New Year!
Thanks for all you guys are doing, your visit to our place in WNY has helped us a lot, its easier to get an understanding when you learn it and hear it hands on in person! Happy New Year!
I have learned more watching your videos for a couple years than i had in 20 years of hunting the same 25 acre parcel. Tried a small piece of public the last 2 years and have learned so much about habitat and movement within.
Thank you
Such great experience...pretty cool that you are hunting public land now too! Amazing how much you can learn about private by hunting public...and about public by hunting private. Without hunting both you can never do your best on either.
17:55. 💯! I have a neighbor who writes me every year and asked where his target buck went... I say, "I'm not sure, haven't seen him," 😂
Keep up the good work, Jeff & team!
I've watched your videos for about 2 years now. I've learned many useful applications for habitat improvement. I live in Indiana on 11 acres that started out as a poor hay field and surrounded on 2 sides with woods totaling about another 40 acres. With our home placed directly into the center of the property, it limited the 8 acres of managed habitat area to work with. 7 years ago, we participated in the DNR land share program and planned out for a wildlife habitat improvement project. 1000 trees and shrubs planted and numerous wild flowers, and Prarie grass was planted. I also established a network of trails throughout the property. I built a permanent custom-built hunting lodge 8x8 insulated carpeted and that sits at 11 feet high with a snipers nest at 18 feet. 2 natural deer trails exit the woods perfectly at 25 yards on each side of the stand. I hung a grape vine licking rub at each location, and now have endless visits year-round. I also dug a large watering pond and have created a deer haven for the recent 2 years of drought. I have a well-established clover- chicory plot around the pond and 3 other food plots. Last year I planted 3 areas of switch grass that struggled to get established due to the drought, but 2025 should be a better year for helping create more cover and protection in my limited acres.
We are meat hunters and have enjoyed the challenge of making a healthy and productive wildlife area. We usually harvest 2 bucks a year and only take 2.5 years old bucks or older. This year we had 21 different bucks on our cameras, and 3 were respectful shooters. I finally tagged a hit list buck this year on the last day of the muzzle loading season in the last 6 minutes. Blew out his heart at 25 yards he went 30 yards. I am extremely blessed to have a fantastic small property that has provided a wonderful experience and reward of providing fresh venison for our table and endless memories hunting with my teenage daughters. I'm 73 and love the hunting life, but have to admit I am totally spoiled with only having to walk less than 500 feet to my little piece if paradise!
I am living proof that you can create good deer and wildlife habitat on a small parcel of land.
Your information is always useful and helpful. After over 60 years of hunting I challenge and thrill is still just as rewarding as when I was 12.
PEACE BROTHERS AND SISTERS BE SAFE AND PRAY 🙏
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS AND HARD WORK
That comment is crazy long..you may need a hobby bro.
@northsky5629 just to let you know , I did all this land improvement, tree and shrub planting, by myself no help at 65.
Have you ever planted 1000 trees by hand? In 2 weeks! Tilled 8 acres 8 times with a 4 ft tiller, then hand sow it ans roll it all to embed the seeds. Your comment made me chuckle! I have plenty of hobbies, and my lifestyle is one of them. We grow most of our own food ,can freeze and freeze dry it. Raise chickens for meat and eggs and harvest deer every year. I could give a longer version of my complete home remodeling, 10,000 sf garden planting, and orchard and berry patches, but I have to hit the gym for 2 hours before I go to church.
Have a blessed day bro, I think I have the hobbies covered 😆
In Northern Maine ag country with Oats, winter rye, potato, and brocoli....no soy beans in the area. We have low deer density, so my 5 acres of soy beans last into February if not buried by the snow. Each plot lication has a clover section and a brassicas plot, with about 10 acres total food on 200 acres. I have learned a lot from your videos and books. Keep rhem coming.
That's a lot of great food Jack! Bet a beautiful area. Have a Happy New Year, I always appreciate you watching!
You are 100% right on CRP, Pollinator, and Timber improvement
Could you do a video on the difference between TSI and FSI. Thanks Jeff. Great video.
Thanks Jeff for all the great info. I am a one man show on a forty so I do this stuff bit by bit each year and you have taught an old dog some new tricks. Appreciate it
That can be a lot of work alone...very rewarding being able to chip away at it tho! We really appreciate you always watching and hope you have a very Happy New Year!
Can you give a reference for how long deer can go without water? Thanks!
I think an understandable term needs to be used to describe the fail of the 40 acre CRP mixture. I would suggest we call it a "configurational monoculture" that simply goes flat in winter.
Curious which of your switch you would recommend for North Central Pennsylvania in the big timber for screening around food plots and access to stands.
Also, I've watched most of your videos and I'm curious how major elevation change affects the way you lay out properties. For instance, my one 40 acre property has 600 feet of elevation change in approx 650 yards. Maybe a future video??
Love the content 👍🏼💪🏻
Hi Steve! I would recommend our northern variety.
Elevation matters greatly...to me it's easier with elevation change because you can cheat the wind. You should check out my Hills And Thermals playlist on this channel! Lots of info there 😊 Happy New Year!
Good advise about putting beds in middles of property. Thanks Jeff
Thank you and Happy New Year!
The list is spot on except for #1. I’ve seen over the years that weather does affect deer movement.
Hi Craig! That's exactly what I said 😊
I have a gun range on my property. do you think a lot of shooting a quarter mile away from bedding areas basically ruins those bedding areas? Even if I’m only shooting a few times a month during the off season? I wonder if I’m significantly hampering a potential pattern of use by “playing” near where I hunt.
Man, I do not think that would matter... especially for the off season! I would not worry about it
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 great to hear. Really value your insight so appreciate the response!
Man they so informative. I would seriously love to hire these guys one day.
I bought 40 acres in NC 3 years ago and all of my cameras only picked up does and small bucks during the day. All large bucks were only seen at night. I followed your advice starting year one and I just killed a huge 8 point that I’m getting mounted. This was one of 4 large bucks using my land during the day (passing through consistently). The others lucked out that I didn’t have a clear shot with my crossbow.
Man I am so happy to hear that for you! I'm not saying it's an easy process, but when you follow the basics it really works. CONGRATS and Happy New Year!
Hello Jeff I'm going to screen in my food plot this year, does your screening seed half to have a special ground PH? I'm starting switchgrass this year also but needed something temporary for now.
Can any of this be applied in the South?!Nobody hinge cuts because there can be 100's of acres of thick cover..
Oh, for sure! Thick cover isn't a problem down there...
But the concepts still apply
we got them hurricane hinge cuts lol
What do you do about drought? I have planted many successful food plots, but the past 2 years, the drought in southeast Tn has been brutal on my plots. 100% loss the last two years. It's very disheartening. Any advice?
Habitat diversity, sunlight, food, places to bed, waterhole for drinking. Boom, there you go.
However, any 1 of those in the wrong location and they can do more harm than good. In fact you are better off hunting a parcel correctly and not completing any habitat improvements, than completing habitat improvements in the wrong location. So critical...
What's your thoughts on milo/sorghum?
Really poor food source for deer in most areas. For example around here it is planted for cattle and the deer do not touch it in any way
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Really? I've kinda heard opposite but interesting, thanks for reply.
I'm a big believer in more than just your philosophy but you overall mindset and thought process when it comes to how to approach solving client problems.... however.... how exactly do you get "paid to be right"? Like do i not have to pay if i don't have more bucks on my trail cameras? Do i not pay you until the 3rd year once we're sure it's worked? Lol....or do you mean it in the sense of if you don't give good advice and make good plans then you'll be out of business? I mean that is true but, every business in the world operates that way it's not like you 3 are unique in this way....or, am i totally off base lol?
I get paid not to follow an agenda. I follow no state or federal agency agenda, no national organization agenda, and I am a free thinker based almost purely on my own level of experience, which is 2nd to none. I only choose who I partner with, not the other way around. I don't push products or manufacturers unless I believe they are the best. I don't push hinge cutting or soybeans or textbook teachings, unless I find though a wealth of experience, they are right for the situation. I know if I'm not right, I fail. I lose my business. I attract no business. I follow no one but my own level of experience. Even the guys that go to clients for WHS, have to follow my concepts or they would be cut off. Every decision I make for a client or solution I prescribe for a client, has to be correct. No agenda, just good advice.
Unfortunately nearly everyone in my profession has an agenda. An agenda to sell faulty products, to represent faulty products, to blindly follow textbooks, professors, state agencies and a host of agendas from all angles. I operate on my own, I never cooy and am not afraid to go against any teaching or agenda or agency...which makes WHS extremely unique, in this industry.
Happy new year Jeff!
Happy New Year Peter, hope you have a great one!
I am puzzled, I planted a mixture of wheat, clover, winter peas, clover, turnips and something else . I had soil test done. Ph is good limed and fertilized deer are walking through and not eating it and ideas
Likely the mix itself. Wheat and peas should rarely be planted together as they grow at different rates. Same with brassica and wheat. Also, clover wouldn't grow fast enough to contribute for the season when planted at the timing for wheat, or brassica or peas. If you plant at the peas and brassica timing (poor seed size combo anyways) then the wheat will smother out the brassica and peas. If you plant at the wheat timing the brassica and peas won't be old enough to contribute.
Just a bad all around mix with poor attraction and resulting diversity. Could easily explain the lack of interest...
Definitely not going to plant it again
Question: do you actively go out and locate big buck bed sites? And if so do you enhance and how? Block site lines etc.
Hi Kurt...buck beds are last, and least important. You have to have food, enough depth of cover behind food, doe bedding, young buck and then buck bedding if enough room left over. So many focus on buck bedding...when most don't have enough of the ingredients lined up to even attract a buck. It's very easy to look at a client parcel, get to know where the neighbors food sources are, the client's, client access and type of timber...and know if they even have a chance of holding bucks the way their land currently stands. Very few parcels do...but nearly all have hope if layed out correctly. Again tho buck bedding areas only come if a lot of ingredients are out together first.
Great advice- my focus should be on my system 👍 First!!!!
Thanks Jeff . Goodluck this coming Sunday. Go vikes ! Lol 😆
Ha, thanks Tim!! Really appreciate it 😊 Happy New Year!
Come on lions
17:30 yall see all the other deer eyeing that buck with all the Fibromas or aka deer whorts? He gets close and starts to walk up to them like nothings wrong and man as soon as he does those other deer run like the wind! Almost like they know "hey man, stay away from me! that stuff is contageous!" 😅😅😅😅
can you plant on large state land?
Whoa whoa whoa- I just rewatched your video from a couple days ago, (morning stands) YOU SAID you just did a consultation in MY NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!! Not fair! Where? Why? Who? I thought we were pals?
Haha, sorry buddy 😁
Happy New Year Shalom
Does are mature bucks' sentinels...educate the does, and they learn from the does without you even seeing those mature bucks. While the does head out from their bed early, catch your wind, stomp and blow, those mature bucks are sitting in their beds listening to their sentinels detect the danger. By educating the does, the bucks are already way ahead of you in the game.
We...appreciate WHS...
Thank you Tim that means a lot. Most of all, I hope you and your's have a Happy New Year!
Nothing beats beans in the late season,
IF it's cold. IF they make it. IF it's snowy out. IF they didn't cause too many does and fawns to build in the land during the Summer. Lot of IFs...
I agree tho when the stars align they are awesome. Doesn't happen very often tho
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I'm south western ontario, 🇨🇦 and plant about an acre of beans for the deer, starting about December there is deer and turkey hitting that plot daily, sometimes upwards of 12 deer does,fawns and multiple bucks. I plant other things as well alfalfa, clover radishes, but nothing beats the standing beans year after year
I’ve been planting soybeans next to brassicas find it the best combo. Here in western Massachusetts we don’t have to deer number to create a doe factory.
Joe has been MIA on his RUclips channel.
I'm sure he is very busy as a new dad and the holidays...let alone beginning the client season. Tis the season!
I’m always on daywalkers 😏
You can't grow deer on sand or poor soil. That's the problem I have.
😎👍
I hope it helps you Mike!
First
We hope you have a great Happy New Year Kurt!!
Always behind Kurt!
@@jensturgisgood morning!
The goal for land should be to return it as best we can to its pre-colonial state and take what nature gives us. I’ll never put a food plot or mow paths on my land . The idea trying to contain or influence deer to remain on your property goes against the idea of fair chase thus violating the North American Model of Wildlife
😂 That's funny!