Author name: Jared Van Hees

Habitat Podcast #389 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Dave Hoy! We discuss: Dave harvested his biggest buck ever—a 145″ deer—from 10 acres. The property’s “mullet” design prioritizes access and deer security. Strategic screening allows stand access without alerting deer. Heavy cutting accelerated habitat improvements and […]

Habitat Podcast #389 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Jake Bollinger! We discuss: Jake’s 82-acre farm is transitioning from ag production to habitat. Miscanthus screens are being used to create visual barriers. Hybrid willows are helping create bedding and screening cover. Switchgrass has been the highest-impact

Habitat Podcast #388 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus and Matt Zahl! We discuss: Tree tubes are easy, but cages may protect better long-term. Apple trees can struggle when tubes hold leaf debris. Mouse guards help prevent young trees from being girdled. Weak trunks

Habitat Podcast #387 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cale Giddens of Plot Blaster! We discuss: Plot Blaster was built to solve common ATV sprayer frustrations. A boomless sprayer can reduce broken nozzles and bent booms. Staggering food plot planting can spread out weather risk. Small

Habitat Podcast #386 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Co! We discuss: Protecting young trees properly is just as important as planting them. Native grasses and diverse cover improve bedding and soil health. Splitting fertilizer applications improves nutrient efficiency. Weed matting

Habitat Podcast #384 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Max Wierda! We discuss: Ugly properties often hold massive habitat potential. Cover can matter more than food on pressured land. Food plots are often the gateway into habitat work. Waiting to learn a property before over-improving can

Habitat Podcast #384 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Lincoln Rohn! We discuss: Simple food plot setups can outperform expensive systems. Seed-to-soil contact is critical for germination. No-till methods improve long-term soil health. Most beginners skip important soil testing steps. Sprayers are essential for weed management.

Habitat Podcast #383 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Travis Owen and Ethan Strunk! We discuss: Prescribed fire restores native habitat fast Honeysuckle destroys understory vegetation Turkeys need visibility to survive predators Burning improves turkey nesting habitat Fire helps control invasive plant species Healthy habitat supports

Habitat Podcast #382 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Josh Tanner! We discuss: Small parcels fail because of pressure—not size If the wind isn’t perfect, don’t hunt your property Water holes can stop every deer on small land Switchgrass creates instant security cover You don’t need

Habitat Podcast #381 – In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Randy Birdsong of HeadHunters TV and The Raven Project! We discuss: Food plots aren’t enough—they must be positioned strategically “Bridge food” (like clover) is critical during late winter stress Micro bedding areas (150–200 yards away) increase daylight