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 pressure.
A Kentucky agronomist's study found early-terminated cover crops outperformed planting green.
Albert plants clover-chicory-oats in fall, then frost seeds more clover each spring.
That one-two punch adds roughly 15 pounds of clover per acre in six months.
The new Grain Bin Mix is a $60, free-shipping gap filler, not a standalone plot.
Vitalize's native cover, browse, and pollinator mixes are now shipping after episode 386's preorder.
No-Till Nurture avoids the salt load and nutrient stratification of synthetic triple-13.
Jared plans to drill Carbon Load into standing Nitro Boost to hedge against drought.
Always jar test before tank-mixing Vitalize foliar products with glyphosate or roundup.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
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Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
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Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
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Jul 10
48 min
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 land buyers.
The massive road project transforming Jared's hunting property.
Why sunlight and drainage fixed a muddy access road better than gravel.
The reality of rebuilding a farm after EHD devastated the local deer herd.
Why Corey considers this season a "recruitment year" for new deer.
How neighboring landowners can work together to grow better bucks.
Their strategy for timing fall food plots around rainfall instead of the calendar.
Creative ideas for adding water holes and improving drought resilience on hunting properties.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
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Patreon - Habitat Podcast
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Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
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Jul 3
1 hr 10 min
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.
Direct-seeding acorns can outperform planted trees.
Thick woody cover consistently attracted more mature bucks.
Switchgrass wasn't the best solution for his property.
Access improvements changed how he hunted mature deer.
A single community scrape outperformed multiple scrape locations.
Trees and shrubs created better long-term habitat value.
Habitat success comes from adapting, not following trends.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
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Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
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Jun 26
1 hr 12 min
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 different planting approach.
Drop seeding is often ideal for small-seeded habitat plantings.
The new 960 was specifically redesigned to handle fluffy native seeds.
Accurate seed rates save money when planting expensive seed.
Habitat Day 2026 had the largest turnout in event history.
Doug's property shows what 8+ years of habitat work can become.
Native habitat plantings may become a major focus moving forward.
Community and shared learning continue to be the biggest value of Habitat Day.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude
Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 19
1 hr 19 min
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 without alerting deer.
Heavy cutting accelerated habitat improvements and bedding cover.
Small properties allow for extremely detailed habitat management.
Waterholes and mock scrapes are becoming key attraction points.
Dave is growing over 1,000 trees in his habitat nursery.
Integrated Habitat Solutions focuses on helping landowners execute projects.
Many landowners need labor and guidance more than information.
Quality habitat work saves years of trial and error.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude
Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 12
54 min
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 improvement.
Air-pruning beds produce stronger root systems for trees.
Jake grows oaks, chestnuts, persimmons, and shrubs from seed.
He uses habitat corridors to direct deer movement.
EHD killed dozens of deer on and around his property.
Hinge cutting sometimes created bedding where he wanted travel.
The long-term goal is creating a complete deer sanctuary.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude
Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 5
1 hr 4 min
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 can get damaged after tubes come off.
Fruit trees need yearly maintenance, not just planting.
Autumn olive can explode fast after sunlight hits the ground.
Some autumn olive is worth keeping if it creates bedding.
Spring is the time to clean up access and shooting lanes.
Food plots help create social activity, not just food.
Earlier fall planting may help beat late-summer drought.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude
Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 29
1 hr 14 min
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 sprayer setups make it easier to manage plots in phases.
Liquid fertilizer and lime are becoming more useful for food plotters.
Drought years often come down to getting seed up and praying for rain.
Clover can be king if you have the patience to establish it.
Throw-and-mow remains one of Cale’s favorite planting methods.
Food plot screens can make deer feel safer in open plots.
Pushing too close to bedding can move mature bucks off your property.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
Use Code HABITAT26 and Get Your Plot Blaster Here: https://plotblaster.com/
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude
Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22
1 hr 3 min
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 can drastically reduce maintenance around trees.
Diverse habitat creates more resilient deer properties.
Soil biology drives long-term property improvement.
Irrigation can dramatically improve tree survival rates.
Native seed mixes provide food, cover, and pollinator benefits.
Small annual improvements compound over time.
Healthy soils help outcompete weeds naturally.
And So Much More!
Shop the New Native Seed Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/vitalize-native-product-line
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude
Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 15
1 hr 5 min
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 help.
Electric fencing small plots can dramatically improve success.
Hinge cutting creates immediate browse and bedding cover.
Michigan pressure pushes mature bucks into hidden pockets.
Habitat improvement is a long-term learning process.
Neighbor cooperation is critical for age structure goals.
Massive bucks can exist where nobody expects them.
And So Much More!
Shop the new Amendment Collection from Vitalize Seed here: https://vitalizeseed.com/collections/new-natural-amendments
PATREON - Patreon - Habitat Podcast Brand new HP Patreon for those who want to support the Habitat Podcast.
Good luck this Fall and if you have a question yourself, just email us @ [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon - Habitat Podcast
Latitude Outdoors - Saddle Hunting: https://bit.ly/hplatitude
Stealth Strips - Stealth Outdoors: Use code Habitat10 at checkout https://bit.ly/stealthstripsHP
Midwest Lifestyle Properties - https://bit.ly/3OeFhrm
Vitalize Seed Food Plot Seed - https://bit.ly/vitalizeseed
Down Burst Seeders - https://bit.ly/downburstseeders 10% code: HP10
Morse Nursery - http://bit.ly/MorseTrees 10% off w/code: HABITAT10
Packer Maxx - http://bit.ly/PACKERMAXX $25 off with code: HPC25
First Lite - https://bit.ly/3EDbG6P
LAND PLAN Property Consultations – HP Land Plans: LAND PLANS
Leave us a review for a FREE DECAL - https://apple.co/2uhoqOO
Morse Nursery Tree Dealer Pricing – [email protected]
Habitat Podcast YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmAUuvU9t25FOSstoFiaNdg
Email us: [email protected]
habitat management / deer habitat / food plots / hinge cut / food plot
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 8
1 hr 8 min
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