Land & Legacy - Sportsmen's Nation

Topography breakdown is here on the podcast. We show you through onX some awesome features you should be looking for on your hunting property. We discuss in detail treestand access, hunting thermals, wind direction, wind speed, morning vs evening hunting in areas with topography and much more. You will learn an immense amount about how deer use topography features as they traverse the landscape. You will see areas that they avoid and others they use regularly all influenced by terrain. Learn this and study it, it will help you become a better deer hunter and manager.

Hang on to your treestand seats.... we take a deep dive this week into why topography is such an influential part of habitat management and hunting strategy. There is nothing that predicts and dictates what deer do more than topography. From influencing what native vegetation grows where, to how thermals work, and the path of least resistance.... topography takes the cake! If you want to become a better deer hunter and land manager, learn how to read topography! Once you've mastered that, then you can begin to understand how it impacts vegetation growth, moisture and how wildlife react to it as they move on the landscape. A great tool to learn from is OnX on the desktop version of the map. Use the exaggerated topography with the hybrid map overlaid to really understand how to read the slopes! This will make you a better woodsmans overnight!

It goes without saying there are always things evolving or changing in the whitetail world. Early season may be the biggest change though. From testosterone changes, to territory changes, to food sources and then to minor pressure movements and often time drought conditions. These variables can be placed into two categories, Macro and micro variables. The Macro variables are the variables that all whitetails are having to consider or are being influenced by, these changes are more physiological than environmental like the micro variables. These variables alter, influence, and predict how deer will then move on the landscape. Therefore they impact hunt strategy greatly! These changes cannot always be predicted months in advance when you set your farm up for the season, so you must be willing to pivot and adjust or call an audible to your plan when it is necessary. Oftentimes, the best laid plans need to have audibles thrown into the mix to accommodate for these macro and micro variables that hunters and landowners do not have control over! This week we break these all down so you can become a better woodsman.

We are back this week at the Farm Progress Show in the John Deere Booth talking about green and yellow John Deere equipment and how to properly install food plots with various pieces of equipment. Not every food plot gets planted the same way, the approach varies greatly depending upon the starting point. Are you starting with timber, or an old log landing, or perhaps an old field is being converted into a food plot. Follow along as we go step-by-step on how to properly get that food pot plot planted. Skid steers, tractors, and the various implements can get confusing, which one do you use and when? We break this down for the audience to create a guide on installation with food plots. We often find that food plots get more complicated than they should be. It's important to know when to sit down a piece of equipment and when to pick up a different one, whether that be clearing, grading, burning, planting or spraying! We hope this podcast helps you become a more effective food plot planter!

This week we are recording live in the John Deere booth at the Farm Progress Show in Illinois. This event is huge in the agriculture world so this week's message is inclusive to owners of all different land-use types. From Ag-land, to timber production land and even cattle pastures, we talk to producers of different crops and how to expand operations and value land with some outside of the box thinking. It is easy to become singular minded when an operation is dependent upon success to hold the land, but oftentimes that singular focus can also be the thing that holds you back as a landowner. So, we breakdown each land use type and discuss the avenues out there for landowners to really increase revenue streams and find the max value in your land holdings. We hope you enjoy this educational podcast all about land ownership! Thank you John Deere for the invite as well, we will be back next year!

August: What is the bird doing? What is the bird eating? How do I create what the bird is using? Growing season burning- What does it accomplish for a turkey now and in the future? Soft mast foraging opportunities- Diet review, hard seed/grass seed production flock congregation- amalgamation poult production, over the hump! Sept: What is the bird doing? What is the bird eating? How do I create what the bird is using? Hard mast production and foraging opportunities begin TSI- Best time to complete- Are logging operations good for turkeys? Understanding roosting locations/ advantages

Deer season is just around the corner. Are you prepared or are you behind? This week we discuss 7 key points that you should be considering as we draw very near to deer season. From food plots, to treestands, trail cameras, and more we cover the fine detail points of each that will ready you both mentally and physically. It's time to get actually ready and ahead of the curve. As hunters is easy to be very reactive in your approach and hunting strategy. This podcast is designed to reverse that and make sure you are proactive in your approach. Don't miss opportunities, capitalize on them!

Deer season is upon us!!! Multiple states now have velvet seasons, but even if you don't have a velvet season it's time to start getting an inventory of the bucks on your property. On this episode Alan and Brady break down the strategies for targeting early season bucks. This episode focuses on how to find velvet bucks, and how to get them into bow range. --Trail Camera strategies --Where to place stands --Food Plot strategies that can be implemented now --Water holes

During this week's podcast Matt and Adam cover the long list of top priority items to get completed for the month of August if you are a deer hunter and land owner. In addition, we discuss bachelor groups of bucks and if you have them how to keep them, plus if you don't how to attract bucks once the bachelor groups break-up into fall home ranges. August is the make or break month for food plots. It's time to make the critical decision to know if you terminate and move on or if you just overseed for the fall. We break down the case by case scenarios to assist hunters in this decision making process. From perennial food plots to grain plots and even summer annual blends, we walk you step by step through the process of ensuring you have a successful food plot for fall.

In this episode, Matt Dye discusses the establishment and management of alfalfa as a food plot crop. He emphasizes the importance of proper soil preparation, planting techniques, and weed control strategies to ensure a successful alfalfa stand. The podcast also highlights the nutritional benefits of alfalfa for wildlife, particularly deer, and its versatility throughout the seasons. Matt shares personal experiences and insights to encourage listeners to consider alfalfa as a reliable food source for their properties.

In this episode of the Land of Legacy podcast, host Matt Dye introduces a new format that combines video breakdowns with podcast content. He discusses a client's hunting property, focusing on access strategies, the importance of discipline in hunting, and the benefits of converting crop land to CRP for improved habitat. The conversation emphasizes the significance of road systems in property management and concludes with a look at future opportunities for hunting and land management.

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!