PODCAST · sports
Habitat Podcast
by Jared Van Hees
The Habitat Podcast is a podcast for land and wildlife habitat managers, and for hunters who learn and utilize different types of habitat in their hunting strategy. We interview hunters and habitat managers from across the country, picking their brain to learn their success's and failures. We are different in the fact that we are not the experts. This podcast is for us and the listeners to learn a thing or two, from the experts we analyze.
Episodes
-
407: He Accidentally Shot a Buck in the Head, Then It Tried to Kill Him with Mike Hlavaty
Habitat Podcast #407 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Mike Hlavaty! We discuss: -Mike hunts a coal strip mine in Muskingum County alone at age 10, long before youth seasons or hunter safety. -He and his brothers build ladder stands out of electrical...
-
#406 - The Highs and Lows of Our Opening Weekend Public Land Deer Camp
Habitat Podcast #406 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are at deer camp with the Habitat Podcast Patreon Hunt crew! We discuss: -Twelve Patreon members hunt Michigan state land from Latitude saddles over the archery opener. -Jared holds at full draw for 55 seconds before...
-
#405 - He Spent 14 Years Perfecting 26 Acres: Heres What Worked with Gavin Sodders
Habitat Podcast #405 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Gavin Sodders! We discuss: -Gavin transforms his family's roughly 26-acre Indiana hayfields through fourteen years of habitat work. -Gavin watches more than 500 persimmon trees emerge naturally after...
-
404: How He Designed 80 Acres In Michigan So That Bucks Never Leave (Virtual Property Tour) with
Habitat Podcast #404 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus and Chad Fike! We discuss: -Chad goes from years of small bucks to big Michigan deer after three trips to Tony LaPratt's boot camp. -Cory reads an 80-acre Big Rapids-area rectangle by…
more -
403: Fixed Blade Or Expandable: Which One Actually Kills Faster? with Matt Zahl and Cory Franceus
Habitat Podcast #403 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus and Matt Zahl! We discuss: -Hutchy gets poison ivy and cellulitis prepping one stand in southern Ohio in 95-degree heat. -Matt plants a sixteenth-of-an-acre plot in the middle of his…
more -
402: How He Builds Successful Mock Scrapes On Food Plots with Arron Bleise and Kevin Gross
Habitat Podcast #402 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Arron Bleise and Kevin Gross! We discuss: -Arron explains why planting an inch and a quarter deep in July left his seed sitting 21 days. -Arron adds pearl millet to his mix for the relationship it...
-
Return Of The Deercamp Detour: What It's Actually Like On A 14 Day Fly In Alaska Hunt with Justin Curtis
Deercamp Detour - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with the Deercamp Detour! Today we talk with Justin Curtis. We discuss: Hunting fair-chase red stag and giant Sika deer on a family trip to Ireland. Buying 95 acres in Iowa to build food plots for unpressured...
-
401: How Janis Putelis Turned 50 Acres Of Big Woods Into A Whitetail Paradise
Habitat Podcast #401 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Janis Putelis! We discuss: -Janis cut every white pine off 20 acres and released the oaks hiding underneath them. -Why 40 acres is barely enough timber for a logger to justify moving his equipment in....
-
EPISODE 400 SPECIAL! The First 3 Things Mark Drury Does On A New Farm
Habitat Podcast #400 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Mark Drury! We discuss: -Jared and Hutchy open episode 400 by thanking eight years of listeners since March 2018. -Mark explains why EHD has cut his southern Iowa deer herd by sixty to seventy…
more -
399: Turning 40 Acres of Worthless Swamp Into a Big Buck Sanctuary with Joe Allera
Habitat Podcast #399 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Joe Allera! We discuss: -Joe buys 40 acres of wetland because 40 acres of tillable ground was priced out of reach. -Joe cuts over 100 deer beds into his swamp transitions with a weed whacker and a saw...
-
398: Is Some Rain Worse Than No Rain At All For Food Plots? with Lincoln Rohn
Habitat Podcast #398 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Lincoln Rohn! We discuss: -Lincoln pulled about 50 stumps out of an acre-and-a-half plot near Free Soil and left three on purpose. -Why Lincoln leaves stumps and pine pods standing in a plot — deer…
more -
397: Does Killing a 170" Buck in Iowa Make You a Better Hunter?
Habitat Podcast #397 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Adam Miller! We discuss: -Why Adam says killing a 170 in Iowa Zone 7 wouldn't make him a better hunter. -How Adam drew Iowa Zone 7 with three points and is going mostly as Joe's cameraman. -Why...
-
396: The Real Reason Michigan's New Baiting Law Doesn't Make Sense with Josh Arborgast
Habitat Podcast #396 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Josh Arbogast! We discuss: Josh explains how Michigan's new baiting law only restricts corn within 300 yards of a home. He ties that 300-yard rule to Rep. Ken Borton's personal grudge from an old...
-
395: What 20 Years of Food Plotting For Clients Taught Him with Kasey Thren
Habitat Podcast #395 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Kasey Thren! We discuss: -His client base sits in sandy central Michigan soil, and he's learned to work with it, not against it. -He switched to a First Products no-till drill after decades of...
-
394: Two Fields, 250 Yards Apart, Completely Different Deer Pressure — Here's Why with Al Tomechko
Habitat Podcast #394 - In today's episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Co! We discuss: Grass pressure is higher than usual this year, even in Albert's no-till fields. Two exclusion fences 250 yards apart show drastically different deer browse...
-
393: He Left His 15-Year Career To Chase His Passion For Land with Cory Franceus
Habitat Podcast #393 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Cory Franceus! We discuss: Corey explains why he walked away from a 15-year corporate career. What pushed him to pursue a career in the hunting industry. How years of habitat work prepared him to help...
-
392: The Biggest Mistake He Made Managing 36 Acres In Illinois with Brent Davis
Habitat Podcast #392 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Brent Davis! We discuss: Habitat mistakes often become your greatest teachers. Property-specific habitat beats one-size-fits-all advice. Chainsaw work produced Brent's biggest habitat improvements....
-
391: Stop Wasting Money On Food Plot Seed: Do This Instead with Doug Holmes
Habitat Podcast #391 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Doug Holmes! We discuss: The Downburst 960 is the 9th generation design after years of testing. The original idea came from ruining a food plot due to seeding errors. Native seeds require a completely...
-
390: The 10-Acre Big Buck Factory He Built Around His House with Dave Hoy
Habitat Podcast #390 - 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…
more -
389: After Multiple Years Of Habitat Work, These 3 Things Worked The Best with Jake Bollinger
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…
more -
388: Tree Tubes, Cages & The Right Way To Protect Fruit Trees with Cory Franceus and Matt Zahl
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...
-
387: The Simple Sprayer That Changed His Food Plot System: Liquid Fertilizer, Clover, and Southern Habitat Strategy with Cale Giddens
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…
more -
386: New Vitalize Seed Mixes for 2026: Native Mixes Are Here! with Al Tomechko
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…
more -
385: Turning an Ugly Property Into A Big Buck Haven with Max Wierda
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...
-
384: The BEST Budget Food Plot Setup for Deer Hunters with Lincoln Rohn
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...
-
383: The Truth About Honeysuckle and Declining Turkey Numbers: Why You Need To Burn Your Property Now!
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...
-
#382 - Small Parcel Series: Turning Small Acreage Into a Whitetail Magnet
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...
-
#381 - Do You Actually Need A Big Farm To Kill Big Bucks? with Randy Birdsong
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…
more -
380: Designing A Property To Make Mature Bucks Feel Safe with Lee Vandenbrink of Everland Outdoors
Habitat Podcast #380 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Lee Vandenbrink! We discuss: Deer daylight movement skyrockets when they feel completely secure Access routes matter just as much as stand placement Most hunters overlook how they…
more -
379: How to Make Deer Move Exactly How You Want Them To Do with Will Hastings
Habitat Podcast #379 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Will Hastings! We discuss: Mock scrapes can shift bucks from passive movement to aggressive daylight behavior Water holes create consistent stopping points for mature bucks during...
-
378: The #1 Reason Mature Bucks Leave Your Property with Matt Bullins
Habitat Podcast #378- In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Matt Bullins! We discuss: Overhunting the same spots quickly pushes mature bucks into nocturnal movement Poor entry and exit routes alert deer before you ever reach your stand location...
-
377: What Finding Shed Antlers Really Means for Your Farm with Ryan Lawrence of Antler Anchor Co
Habitat Podcast #377- In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Ryan Lawrence of Antler Anchor Co! We discuss: Finding shed antlers is a strong indicator of quality winter habitat. Green food sources like clover often produce the most shed finds....
-
376: How to Design Water Sources Mature Bucks Actually Use with Waylon Meyer
Habitat Podcast #375 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Waylon Meyer of Earth Blinds! We discuss: Water sources often become social hubs for whitetail deer Mature bucks may only visit specific areas they feel safe Water holes create...
-
375: Why Saddle Hunting Might Be BETTER on Private Land with Cory Godar
Habitat Podcast #375 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Cory Godar of Latitude Outdoors! We discuss: Weight savings matter most deep into multi-day hunts. Saddle hunting isn’t just for public land — it’s a lethal private land tool. Frame...
-
374: Do Mature Bucks Actually Use Hinge Cut Bedding? with Sam Tumberg
Habitat Podcast #374 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and Sam Tumberg of Purpose Filled Habitat Management! We discuss: Most hinge cuts fail because they aren’t aggressive enough Flush cutting is often more reliable than hinge cutting in...
-
373: New Vitalize Products for 2026: Introducing Vitalize Alfalfa Edge and Soil Fertility Consultations with Al Tomechko
Habitat Podcast #373 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Co! We discuss: New Alfalfa Edge = 75% alfalfa, high browse tolerance Designed to grow in suboptimal soils Ideal for frost seeding perennial fields Premium Clover +…
more -
372: Managing for Big Bucks In STEEP Hill Country: Small Parcel Series with Joel Williamson
Habitat Podcast #372 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Joel Williamson! We discuss: Buying and managing a small mountain hunting property Timber cutting vs waiting “to learn the property” Big-woods deer movement and terrain hunting Food plots on rocky,...
-
371: Using EQIP To Pay For A Clear Cut of Junk Trees: How Government Programs Can Fund Your Habitat Work with Dave Skinner
Habitat Podcast #371 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Dave Skinner! We discuss: Habitat transformation can happen faster than most people think Government conservation programs can fund major habitat work Mature bucks require discipline, not just...
-
370: From Pharmacy School To Whitetail Expert: How Bobby Kendall Built His Whitetail Empire From Scratch
Habitat Podcast #370 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Bobby Kendall! We discuss: Bobby left pharmacy school to chase a gut feeling Guiding accelerated his learning curve fast The Midwest shaped his whitetail mindset Experience matters more than theory...
-
369: The Truth Behind Managing An Out of State Deer Property with Steve Taylor
Habitat Podcast #369 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back on the road in Ohio for another installment of the.deercamp.detour where co-host Andy sits down with the guys at Steve Taylor's Ohio Muzzleloader Camp! We discuss: Southern Ohio’s hills demand better access and smarter...
-
368: 7 Habitat Myths That Are Ruining Deer Properties with Matt Zahl and Corey Franceus
Habitat Podcast #368 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with the HP crew Andy Hutchens, Matt Zahl, and Corey Franceus! We discuss: Soil improvement takes years longer than most landowners expect Access mistakes ruin more farms than poor habitat choices...
-
367: Should You Shoot Does In The Late Season? with Adam Miller and Nate Rozeveld
Habitat Podcast #367 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with our good friends Adam Miller and Nate Rozeveld! We discuss: Private land deer move differently than pressured public land deer Equipment upgrades can unlock major habitat improvements Small plots can…
more -
366: Why You Should Be Managing for Grouse To Make Your Deer Habitat Better with
Habitat Podcast #366 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with our good friends Erich Long and Cody Altizer! We discuss: Managing for grouse improves deer habitat across the entire property Grouse are specialists; deer benefit from the habitat they require Forest...
-
365: The Habitat Strategy Behind Growing a 179” Tennessee Buck with Justin Curtis
Habitat Podcast #365 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens and our good friend Justin Curtis! We discuss: Hunting is about restraint, not just killing deer Mature bucks are killed before the hunt begins Access matters more than stand...
-
364: What You Can Do Right Now To Make Your Deer Habitat Better with Blaine Becker
Habitat Podcast #364 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens and our good friend Blaine Becker! We discuss: Habitat success is built through long-term, consistent work Pressure management matters as much as food and cover Timber work can...
-
363: Make Deer Behavior Work For Your Property with Nick Pullano
Habitat Podcast #363 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens and our good friend Nick Pullano! We discuss: Property lines and land disputes shaped early decisions Deer behavior dictated strategy more than guesses Food sources were getting...
-
362: Redemption In Iowa! Hunt Breakdown of Hutchy's 2025 Iowa GIANT
Habitat Podcast #362 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are on the road in the Deercamp.Detour studio with Co-Host Andy Hutchens! We discuss: Iowa hunt success and lessons from the trip How cold temps and rapid warmups affect deer movement Importance of reading thermals throughout…
more -
361: The Annual Van Hees Deer Camp Podcast! Northern Michigan Deer Camp Recap!
Habitat Podcast #361 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back at the northern 70 with the HP crew for another year of deer camp! We discuss: Growth comes from showing up, even when you don’t feel ready The land teaches you—if you’re willing to listen Failures shape you more than…
more -
360: HP Double! Hunt Break Downs of Jared's Iowa Buck and Matt's First Michigan Buck From His New Property!
Habitat Podcast #360 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friend Matt Zahl breaking down Matt's Michigan buck and Jared's Iowa buck. We discuss: The hosts share light-hearted banter about gaming and hunting gear, setting a casual...
-
359: Don't Make This Mistake In The Spring: Why Right Now Is The BEST Time To Order Your Fruit Trees with Frank Brock of Morse Nursery
Habitat Podcast #359 - In today’s episode of The Habitat Podcast, we are back in the studio with co-host Andy and our good friend Frank Brock of Morse Nursery. We discuss: Andy shares his recent encounter with deer in Iowa, highlighting the thrill of the chase. Frank discusses a big buck he's…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Habitat Podcast is a podcast for land and wildlife habitat managers, and for hunters who learn and utilize different types of habitat in their hunting strategy. We interview hunters and habitat managers from across the country, picking their brain to learn their success's and failures. We are different in the fact that we are not the experts. This podcast is for us and the listeners to learn a thing or two, from the experts we analyze.
HOSTED BY
Jared Van Hees
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Habitat Podcast have?
Habitat Podcast currently has 409 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Habitat Podcast about?
The Habitat Podcast is a podcast for land and wildlife habitat managers, and for hunters who learn and utilize different types of habitat in their hunting strategy. We interview hunters and habitat managers from across the country, picking their brain to learn their success's and failures. We are...
How often does Habitat Podcast release new episodes?
Habitat Podcast publishes regularly with 409 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Habitat Podcast?
You can listen to Habitat Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Habitat Podcast?
Habitat Podcast is created and hosted by Jared Van Hees.
URL copied to clipboard!