Land & Legacy - Sportsmen's Nation

This week we take a new look at what recreational real estate should look like on the market! We highlight and talk in depth about a clients property that didn't last long before going under contract. We wanted to share this with you so that you know what a truly fairly represented farm looks like. Also, we discuss what Farm Tier this property falls under! In the video we highlight this farm's features such as hunting access, CRP, food plots and diversity of crops. TSI, prescribed fire regime, and more! This farm has it all, from the perfect living quarters to an ideal balance of open acres to managed timber acres. Review this farm with us and put it to memory, that this is what managed farms look like! Enjoy the podcast and reach out to your local Whitetail Properties agents for more assistance in your real estate needs. Farm Listing Link: https://www.whitetailproperties.com/hunting-land/missouri/putnam/putnam-co-mo-405-hinkle LandBeat Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfa8ugqN9-w&list=PLb5o-rUKMbQ7sCqhbd6Oo0pWq8A7MRVSW&index=17&t=4s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci9P20Ad4Pc&list=PLb5o-rUKMbQ7sCqhbd6Oo0pWq8A7MRVSW&index=18&t=324s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKbhCj2qpb0&list=PLb5o-rUKMbQ7sCqhbd6Oo0pWq8A7MRVSW&index=19&t=328s

In Part 2 of the Thermal Drone Wildlife survey series, we breakdown a new service option for those listening and entertaining how beneficial a thermal drone survey can be. We speak with Jack Huston of Midwest Deer Surveys who will be the contractor conducting the flights for this new service. His level of expertise, skill, and professionalism are top notch in the world of whitetails and thermal drones. It is our firm belief that most simple drone surveys certainly do answer two basic questions, how many deer do I have and where are they located? As this is great information, there leaves a ton to be desired. With more analysis and reviewing of the flights as they are all recorded, we can dive deeper. We can answer more questions about the herd trends, fawn recruitment rates, clear harvest objectives, habitat usage, deer patterns/property usage during certain weather/wind patterns. This kind of information will serve you and your knowledge of a property very well and for a long time. It can also answer, how well have my habitat improvements worked, are they being utilized by deer or bypassed? Thermal drones are great tools! You have to learn them to know where they shine and when you have to analyze the information to pull more value from the thermal flights. We are excited to offer this new service and allow you to continue to learn as a land steward.

During this podcast we start a short series on drone surveying for wildlife population surveys. the more data you have about the wild free ranging deer herd that you have, the better a herd manager you can be. Part 1 is going to talk about the methodology behind a thermal drone survey and why they are effective! In addition, we talk about the journey we took to best understand these surveys. To become the best managers, oftentimes we need to embrace technology and the opportunities that these advancements can provide while still remaining honest about their limitations or the skills or lack of skills of a drone operator. We talk in length about the pros and cons of this technology and surveying technique as we compare it to pellet surveys, trail camera surveys, and more. Tune in next week as we reveal more about the future of drone surveys and how you may be able to get our eyes on your herd to guide you in becoming a better herd manager through thermal drone surveying.

We are always working on the property trying to enhance the habitat, or preparing food plots, but oftentimes opening day slips up on us before we are really ready. This is a great time of year to get the most important part of the hunt ready for success. This week Alan and Brady discuss what you need to be doing ahead of season, to get your stands ready for the upcoming season. Tools we find helpful: -Safety Harness -ratchet straps -chainsaws -machete -hedge trimmers -rope -wasp spray/bug spray Choosing the right location: -access -getting off the edge -cover!!!! -creating pinch points Types of stands: -climbers -lock-ons -saddles -ground blinds -kid friendly setups Check out the Mobile Hunter's Expo to try out the latest and greatest in the mobile game! Southern show in Dalton, GA August 8-10 Midwestern show in Wilmington, OH August 22-24

Buying "the right" farm can be a daunting task. Luckily, we have some helpful tips and tricks that can make the process a breeze, all the way to the closing table. On this week's podcast, Alan Summerford and Brady Bradley discuss what should be at the top of your list when purchasing a farm. They dive deep into the buying process and why there are certain things you should not overlook before you pull the trigger on that new piece of dirt!

This week we have on guest Brock Knapp from Accu-drone Solutions. Brock is a licensed drone operator and herbicide applicator in Arkansas and Missouri. His business issues drone technology to manage farms and recreational land. Both for aerial spraying and seeding! We discuss in depth the tech behind drones, the upsides and struggles that drones have, the it effectiveness and efficiencies compared to normal spraying applications. Hills, hollers, spot spray or broadcast spray, these tools can handle the job with less waste, water, and time!

In this podcast Kyle and Frank break down a research paper that compared late spring burns vs. fall burns and the plant response, deer usage, and turkey usage in those burns. Spring units created more forbs ,fall burns created more woody browse. Spring units were better for deer nutrition and turkey broods. Fall units were better for deer bedding and turkey nesting.

This week Matt and Chainsaw Chad discuss the ins and out of forbs and the value they provide to lactating whitetail and bucks developing antlers. We review a recent NDA article published by Mark Turner named "One Type of Plant is the Greatest source of Deer Nutrition. Here's How to Grow it" We get deep into the Crude Protein, Calcium and Phosphorus nutritional demands and which forbs provide the adequate % to demands of a lactating whitetail doe. Broadleaf species such as marestail, jewelweed, pokeweed, ragweed, old field aster and giant ragweed rise to the top of the list when it comes to nutritional value. It does appear that calcium levels and protein levels are rarely lacking, but the phosphorus levels are less commonly found met by forage values. Regardless, the true takehome value comes from offering diversity in your forages! Both, forbs and woody and semi-woody plants need to offered in abundance! Its not food plots that are meeting the needs of whitetail deer, its weeds! Promote weeds to feed deer.

It's foodplot season!!! Most people are geared up and ready to plant their summer plots, but is that what we should be doing? On this episode, Alan and Brady discuss when a landowner should plant summer plots. It's time to take a look at your farm, to see if a summer plot will actually benefit the property. Summer plots certainly have their place on many farms, but sometimes they can lead us astray from what should really be taking place to have a more successful hunt. We've also included some tips and strategies that we use to ensure ample forage during the crucial antler-growing period for bucks.

We've got the facts that point you to how quickly deer relate to the value produced from harvesting timber! A client conducted a thermal drone survey in 2024 before a timber harvest was completed. From May to October of 2024 the farm had its timber harvested by a crew, bedding thickets, heavy TSI, medium TSI, and Light TSI were all conducted through the harvesting. Following up the timber harvest, in early 2025 another thermal drone survey was conducted and the comparison between the two is astounding. It's not that numbers bumped largely, but simply the reallocation or distribution of resident deer are heavily selecting the logged vs unlogged areas. During the podcast we review a LandBeat video that highlights all of the amazing information we collected from these surveys! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-5vNHmDeQQ

In this episode of the Land and Legacy podcast, Matt Dye and Alan Summerford discuss the NWTF project, focusing on the management and behavior of wild turkeys during the months of March and April. They emphasize the importance of active management for wild turkey habitats, exploring the behavioral patterns of turkeys as they prepare for breeding season, their foraging habits, and effective management techniques to enhance turkey populations. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding turkey behavior and habitat needs to ensure successful management and conservation efforts. This conversation delves into the management strategies for wild turkeys, focusing on habitat techniques for March and April. The discussion highlights the importance of managing food plots, controlling grasses, and creating suitable nesting environments. The speakers emphasize the significance of diversity in habitat management and the need for proactive measures to ensure successful turkey reproduction. They also share insights on the nesting behavior of turkeys and the critical factors influencing nest success.

On this week's podcast we cover the nuisance usage of TSI and fire. We review a particular location that has years of fire and a round of TSI, but no reward to show for that effort. Why you may ask is a great question! We talk constantly about these techniques and how good they are! But, if you are executing them poorly or too frequently, the results will suffer or you can even go backwards! Wouldn't it be wild to know that what you thought was helping was hurting? We don't see it often, but when we do, we have to discuss how the overuse or abuse of good things can create negatives on the landscape. We are talking about the removal of fuel loads, cover, and removal of forage opportunities for deer and wild turkey. Follow-along on this week's podcast to see if you are executing well and effectively with the habitat management techniques of prescribed fire and TSI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VRcFUDkkUc

During this week's podcast Matt Dye walk you through a recent Whitetail Properties LandBeat video. We dive deep into the details, steps, and nuances of the technique of old field management. These steps if done correctly can produce the most valuable food and cover on a recreational farm. Exposing the seed bank once non-native grasses have been removed is an easy yet incredibly valuable opportunity for wildlife. The main objective with this technique is to change the vegetation from non-native cool season grass dominated to diverse forbs, shrubs, and some native grasses. Ideally the composition is similar to the following over time, 60% forbs, 20% shrubs, and 20% native grasses. These acres will offer some of the best forage and cover for species like deer, turkey, and quail. Find out what you're missing when you begin to manage with a purpose and promote native species! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XyT8GanbbM

Sometimes it may take years to see the results of your hard work. However, other projects may be immediate. Matt and Alan dive into some of the most overlooked areas that occur on pretty much every property we see throughout our consulting travels. Wildlife openings can be a huge part of the success of not only harvesting turkeys, but providing beneficial plant structures that are conducive to raising more poults. It's time to start evaluating the areas of the property that may not be doing much currently, but with a little work, could be a huge piece of the puzzle to help hens have a place to take their poults. Wildlife openings should be managed in a way that removes any nonnative grasses, and focused more on promoting native forbs and legumes. These areas provide ample opportunity for young poults to move through and have the perfect amount of cover above them with bare soil underneath that they can navigate without becoming soaked from dews. The structure of the forbs and legumes also allow the poults to move freely through the opening with ease while also attracting a multitude of bugs providing crucial nutrition to young poults. When these areas are also in close proximity to good nesting cover, the chance of a hen raising a brood is really high. It's truly amazing to see how quick the wildlife will respond to the work we do. The creation of this wildlife opening started with spraying the fescue on March 2, then followed up with a burn on March 12. Turkeys showed up on March 13, and have been utilizing the fresh burn ever since. A huge part of the success of this hunt was providing an area that was different from the hundreds of acres of fields that surrounded this small timber block and wildlife opening. It's time to start taking a different approach to the odd areas of our fields or open areas of our timber. Every opening doesn't have to be a foodplot, and in most cases these openings can be the best strut zones on the property. A native wildlife opening will be much better than a mediocre foodplot, or even a poorly placed foodplot on the property.

On this weeks podcast Kyle and Frank recap their recent Turkey hunt in Florida on a property that they wrote the plan for several years ago. They go into detail on what has been implemented since they were last there and also touch on upcoming turkey hunting plans in Kansas and Missouri.

Fire shouldn't be terrifying. Smokey said only you can prevent forest fires, but the lack of fire is even more devastating on the landscape. On this week's episode Alan and Brady discuss the tools and methods they use to conduct safe prescribed fires. Topics include: -what can be used as a firebreaks -tools of the trade -days you should burn for beginners vs skilled -conditions you should burn -timber burns vs field burns -how to get started doing your own prescribed burns

Matt Dye and Adam Keith discuss a recent study by Dr. Craig Harper on deer bedding blocks using hinge cuts and canopy manipulation. The study, conducted in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, involved 3, 10-acre hardwood blocks with 10-acre treatment areas and 5-acre control areas. Deer activity increased significantly, with daily detections rising from 1.4 to 7.5 after treatment. The study found a 435% increase in deer activity in treated areas and a 41% decrease in predator detections. They emphasize the importance of strategic placement and management of bedding thickets for effective deer hunting.

On this weeks podcast Adam is breaking down all your questions from a recent whitetail properties LandBeat video. When it comes to deciding which tree to kill and which to keep during TSI is a common question and we break down how we decide on that very question. Be sure to check out the LandBeat series and ask your questions to get a further break down on here!

During this podcast we review the importance and acknowledgment of the direction of your farm transformation. Where are you starting and where are you going? What is reasonable to expect with regard to your efforts to enhance the habitat. This week is a review of that process and stories from our recent consultations where we review working with different folks along the habitat journey in different tiers. This will help you execute and relate to landowners who are going through the same process.

In this week's podcast Kyle and Frank do a deep dive on usable space and how it pertains to deer, turkeys, quail, and overall property management.

Today we are officially announcing the formation of The Habitat Association. We have joined forces with The Habitat Project, The Hunting Public, and Ryan Kirby Art to form a non-profit that focuses on improving and creating diverse native habitat across our landscape. We will remain lean and effective and turn donations into improved acres. All of our backgrounds when joined together form a profound coalition to turn our heads to the root cause of the decline of our natural landscape and the wildlife that call it home. Please join us at The Habitat Association to support native landscapes across the country! Become a member today and link arms with young outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to make a lasting and positive impact on quality habitat.

Adam Keith and Alan Summerford discuss the hunt for a deer named Cream. Alan's son Reid coined the name while watching a pair of deer that resembled twins, leading to the names "Cookie" and "Cream." The discussion focuses on developing a hunting strategy for a specific buck, covering topics such as: * Eliminating the guesswork when choosing your best stands * Analyzing historical patterns from last year to predict this year's hunting locations * Determining the optimal time to hunt in the right location

Matt Dye and Brady Bradley discuss the importance of proper timber management, emphasizing the need for a multi-step process. They highlight the critical order of operations: "Don't thin unless you plan on burning and don't burn unless you plan on thinning." They address scenarios for both closed-canopy forests without invasives and those with invasive species like multiflora rose and autumn olive. For invasive-free Timber, the process involves timber harvest followed by thinning and burning. For Timber with invasives, initial treatment is necessary before thinning and burning. They stress the importance of patience and thorough planning to achieve long-term success in timber management.

Sometimes the only way we will know is to try. In this podcast we're talking about one of the tests we have going on at the farm on trying to keep water from freezing during the winter months. The point of this is to keep open water for deer to drink. Follow along as we test this during the winter, in a time frame that most water sources near food are often frozen.

On this weeks podcast Kyle and Frank Discuss the necessity and functionality of screens. From annual screens, to perennial options this podcast covers it top to bottom. Depending on the situation and scenario, we will help you decide which options and species are best suited for your needs. Screening is not just for the hunter. Screening can be used to increase daylight movement for deer and block them from long distances. If done correctly screens can have great impacts for the hunter and the hunted. We hope you enjoy the podcast and develop screens where necessary on your farm!

In this episode Brady and Tucker discuss shed hunting tips and tactics. Why look for sheds, where to look, and when to look? From stories to strategy behind shed hunting this podcast is good for beginners and veteran shed hunters, with a big emphasis on getting your family outdoors and learning a farm through shed hunting.

It's a hot topic right now, TSI! In this episode, following our "How to Get Started with TSI," we dive deeper into the weeds of timber stand improvement (TSI). We discuss how we utilize different intensities of TSI for timber production, turkey management, and deer management across the landscape. From the Deep South to the Far North, one thing rings true: timber management is necessary for healthy wildlife populations and timber stands. With hunting seasons ending across the country, we are hitting the woods hard this time of the year managing our timbered areas. So, if you have been on the fence about diving into the world of TSI, make sure to give these two episodes a listen!

It's a hot topic right now, TSI! In this episode, following our "How to Get Started with TSI," we dive deeper into the weeds of timber stand improvement (TSI). We discuss how we utilize different intensities of TSI for timber production, turkey management, and deer management across the landscape. From the Deep South to the Far North, one thing rings true: timber management is necessary for healthy wildlife populations and timber stands. With hunting seasons ending across the country, we are hitting the woods hard this time of the year managing our timbered areas. So, if you have been on the fence about diving into the world of TSI, make sure to give these two episodes a listen!

TSI is a well known and adopted technique to dramatically improve the timbered acres on a given recreational property. However, most people don't know how or where to start. They may not feel comfortable running a chainsaw, they don't know how to ID trees, or perhaps they don't understand how to evaluate a forest in its layers. But, during this podcast we walk you through the mental game step by step process to truly and accurately evaluate a forest so you can begin to start TSI. Give this a listen and share to those who need help starting TSI. Once you start and see the results, you will be captivated, but you have to start! Break the forest into layers and think logically through the best technique and GO!

In this episode, Alan Summerford and Brady Bradley discuss their 2024 hunting seasons and tactics. They are joined by the buck slayer himself, Reed Summerford, who doesn't hold anything back! The rut is in full swing in the deep South for Alan and Reed; they discuss their tactics for the lockdown phase and post-rut. Brady discusses his late-season tactics as deer season is winding down across the Midwest and the bucks are refueling their rut-torn bodies.

During this episode Alan Summerford discusses his pursuit of a mature Tennessee whitetail. This episode is full of hunting strategy tips as Alan had 8 encounters with this buck before getting him harvested. We dive deep into stand access, historical trail camera information, weather conditions, food plots and habitat manipulation. Alan is a great woodsman and stays the course being persistent on the right days of the season to be successful. We share this journey to inspire you all and provide hope to others in the pursuit of a specific deer. Enjoy this episode and chase for a mature 10-point buck in the south!

During this podcast we break down for you the importance of knowing if you are ready for a consultation or not. Everyone is in a different place in their journey of landownership and knowledge, that makes an important distinction to whether or not you will get the most out of the process or not. You can be a seasoned veteran in the woods, stone cold killer, or new to the game of land ownership, but a consultation will still be valuable to you.

We have two special events for 2025. These Workshop opportunities are fantastic learning experiences for attendees to get hands-on lessons of habitat management and hunting strategies. Hear it first hand for yourselves from last year's attendees. The Kentucky Buck Factory has only 25 spots available for 2025! This limited offering ensures a great learning environment for all in attendance. The lodge is incredible, it's time to book your spot and learn how to improve the habitat on your property!

During this podcast we cover the basis when it comes to how to effectively run, setup, place, and evaluate trail cameras. The mis-use of trail cameras is often the origin for poor hunting strategies. Being able to use trail cameras effectively is foundational to a well developed approach to harvesting target deer with regularity opposed to "luck" We break down the absolute no-no's of trail camera placement, we discuss in detail where to place them throughout each individual timeframe of the hunting season, from pre-season to late season. In addition, we cover what a trail camera picture is actually telling you. The behind the scenes information that you should be considering from each picture of target deer!

This week we share the hunt breakdown and story behind a buck we called Beef Cake. This buck was appropriately named based off his appearance and mature body characteristics. We later find out, he acted like a Beef Cake as well. This story goes back to the early summer as Tucker and Matt put out trail cameras on a new lease. Beef Cake was the first and about the only mature deer to show himself all summer long. This deer was also the first buck we laid eyes on during our first hunt on the new lease. Despite being a smaller racked mature deer, he fit the bill for November hunt and a refined herd management strategy for this property. We break down this strategy as we witnessed some very defined and aggressive behavior to other younger bucks he would encounter. To learn more about this strategy, be sure to listen to the podcast.

We are thrilled to announce a 2025 offering to you all. We have partnered with Heartland Bowhunter for a one of a kind event at their farm in North Missouri. The event will be a 2.5-day Whitetail Workshop event, May 31- June 2nd, 2025. We are capping the event at 30 people to keep it a very manageable learning environment for all attendees. The design of this event is to showcase how habitat design and a hunting strategy is interwoven. We will be reviewing successful hunts from Heartland Bowhunter, then walking you through the design, layout, implementation, and ways to further improve these setups. You will get immersed throughout the property and see where several hunts have taken place. If you have wondered how we turn good farms into great farms, then this event is for you. To register and take advantage of the early bird pricing, be sure to follow the link below to register. Remember there are only 30 spots available, these will go quickly! We hope to see you all at this wonderful event to take your woodsmanship skills to a whole new level! Registration Link: https://heartlandbowhunter.com/pages/whitetail-workshop

On this week's podcast, we breakdown a LandBeat video discussing the missing aspects of most gun hunting setups. Evaluating gun hunting seasons and deer behavior is critical for your success during this portion of the season. Many firearm seasons overlap with peak estrous, if so, you need to have your eyes overlooking dense bedding cover. We examine the different ecoregions of the country and chat through the different habitat types that should be strongly considered when hunting with a firearm in hand. Most deer behavior at this time of the year revolves around bedding or secure cover. Does are seeking it, and therefore bucks will follow suit. Even if you remove the rutting behavior from the equation, the excess human pressure during gun season drives deer to seek dense cover. Long range views into cover is key! Watch the LandBeat video here are this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwS7XgcsE3Y

This week we catch up with Land & Legacy consultant Brady Bradley as he fills his archery tag on a mature Missouri buck. We break down this hunt from start to finish from tactics, access, transitions, acorn crops, and pre-rut behavior. This hunt was action packed from the pre-dawn light until the arrow was released. Brady is a fine woodsman and a persistent hunter when his time allows. This combination is deadly, even when time is limited, waiting for quality opportunities is key. Oftentimes it's not how frequently you hunt, rather how quality are the days in which you do take to go will be the determining factors for your success.

We've spent all summer waiting for season to open preparing for that buck to give us a shot, but what should we do after the shot? What if there is no blood or the blood trail ends before we find our deer? Today we set down with two top notch blood dog trackers, Brent Taylor and Heath Devazier from East Arkansas Wounded Game Recovery to discuss recovering your trophy and common mistakes they see hunters make.

On this week's podcast, Alan and Matt sit down to discuss the current weather patterns, acorn crop, drought, and winds we've experienced this season. To say the least, in our respective regions, there have been some challenges to contend with. But, as we look ahead and use our woodsmanship skills, there is hope for an increase in deer activity as the pre-rut phase descends upon us rapidly. We review the key features to look for in weather, topography, and deer activity to make the most of this time frame. Field edges, saddles, creek crossings, bedding thickets and benches are key. Focus efforts in the mid to late mornings as well. This is when cruising/seeking from bucks will be peaking. Be safe and enjoy your time outdoors! Use all your woodsmanship skills to maximize your time afield.

During this podcast we connect the dots between experiencing God's creation from a deer stand and taking it a step further acknowledging his power, divinity, his desire for a relationship with you. This is a deep conversation with our Pastor, Brad Lotz. Our prayer is that you listen to this podcast with an open heart and mind prior to spending your fall or rutcation in a deer stand. Year after year we hear people discuss how they feel connected or at peace in a deer stand, but that is as far as the "spiritual side" of things go, but God desires more and we know you do too. A few key takeaways from this podcast are 1) God loves us and gifted us his Creation to enjoy, connect, and have dominion over. 2) God pursues us through his Creation. 3) You should be humbled and in awe at the magnitude of his Creation and how you are just a speck among it. 4) God is mighty and big, and this is a good thing. 5) If you feel connected outside, it's because God is pursuing YOU! Please listen and share with the outdoorsmen, hunter, and friend who needs to hear this message. Remember to respond to Jesus if he tugs at your heart!

This week Kyle Hedges and Matt Dye bring you a discussion regarding the importance, preparation, execution, and benefits of creating soft edges throughout your property. For years the understanding of creating or softening the edge between two very distinct habitat types such as trees to a food plot edge is necessary and valuable. This would be an example of a hard edge that gets softened. However, in today's podcast, we talk about creating soft edges and corridors through herbaceous cover, where previously there weren't existing edges! Kyle has been using specific herbicide applications around food plot edges and through dense rank native warm season grass stands to promote a heavier presence of annual broadleaf weeds, opposed to rank grasses. This is a prime example of soft edge feathering. This practice produces more forage than before while still promoting vertical structure, yet it is not nearly as dense to traverse for many different game species. This practice is very simple to replicate, affordable, and impactful in how deer will navigate your farm if done properly. Take a listen and share this with someone who needs to hear about this practice of soft edge development.