Southeast Whitetail
By Mark Haslam
Southeast WhitetailFeb 26, 2023
Ep. 54: Negative Impacts from Game Farm Mallards w/ Dr. Phil Lavretsky
Release mallards have become increasingly popular throughout the Southeast. But what detrimental effects do these farm raised & genetically altered birds cause for wild ducks? How is this style of "hunting" negatively impacting waterfowl conservation? A wildlife geneticist, Dr. Philip Lavretsky from the University of Texas at El Paso joins the show to discuss these topics and his passion for duck hunting.
Jacob Lazarus from last week's episode is also on the call as he brought this topic to light.
Let us know your thoughts. What have you noticed with your local ducks? Do you think there should be regulations for farm raised mallards?
Lab: https://www.utep.edu/science/lavretskylab/
Donations page: https://givingto.utep.edu/conservation
Thanks for listening and please leave a 5 Star rating and review. It greatly helps the show going forward.
Ep. 53: Regenerative Food Plots w/ Jacob Lazarus
A private land manager in Lowcountry South Carolina, Jacob shares his success with regenerative food plots mixing both cool and warm season plantings. He has kept meticulous observational notes from his years of trials and experiments.
If you plant supplemental food plots in the South, you need to listen to Jacob's results. Truly remarkable and I will certainly be implementing this setup on my farm.
We also cover off-season scouting, an upcoming National Deer Association event and a very impactful waterfowl conservation issue on the East Coast.
Thank you for listening and please consider leaving a rating and review. It helps keep this show going.
Ep. 52: Keeping Kids Engaged in the Outdoors w/ Reeves Knight
Ep. 51: Chasing Turkeys across the Southeast w/ Grant Fisher
This week Grant Fisher from SC joins the show to discuss his passion for pursuing birds across the South. From private to public land, Grant consistently kills turkeys using his perfected hunt tactics and knowledge of terrain features. This was a great conversation with a conservation minded hunter.
Thanks for listening and please leave a 5 Star rating & review.
Ep. 50: Turkey Hunting Deep Dive w/ Jordan Szustwal
This week Jordan Szustwal from SC joins the show for a deep dive into how he consistently kills both public and private land birds in multiple states. Jordan shares many tips and tactics for highly pressured turkeys and those stubborn henned-up Toms.
Thanks for listening and please consider leaving a 5 Star review!
@switz_6
@palmetto_pursuit
Ep. 49: Deer season recap, highlights & lowlights
Cory and I review the 2023 season; what went well and what didn't work. Off-season management plans, gear changes and turkey season ahead.
Thanks for listening!
Ep. 48: What is SEWT Consulting?
This week I cover the consultation services I offer; benefits & cost. My rate is a fraction of a Redneck Blind. One will allow you to make all the noise you want and still fill a deer tag. The other provides a sustainable wildlife, hunting & forestry mgnt plan that'll be a foundation to pass your farm to the next generation. Why not maximize the huntability of your land and wildlife potential?
Ep. 47: Doe Management
As long as we have deer on the landscape, we'll need to regulate doe populations. Healthy herds and quality habitats start with doe management. This week, Cory and I discuss the many benefits and how to determine harvest numbers. It all depends on your region and your land goals.
Ep. 46: Dr. Andrew Little - AWESM Lab
This week Dr. Andrew Little of the University of Nebraska joins the show to discuss the effects of human and hunter movement and habitat use. Dr. Little is the Director of the Applied Wildlife Ecology and Spatial Movement (AWESM) Lab and has a long list of published research projects in the South that are available through the website below. We cover a slew of topics that will make you a better hunter.
Please follow & connect with Dr. Little and the AWESM Lab
www.awesmlab.unl.edu
Social accounts (X, Instagram, Facebook)
Ep. 45: Dr. Bronson Strickland - MSU Deer Lab
A pillar in whitetail conservation, Dr. Bronson Strickland, joins the show for a deep dive discussion into the breeding season. Dr. Strickland is a professor at MSU and a host of the Deer University Podcast. He graduated from UGA with a bachelor's in forest resources, master's from Texas A&M - Kingsville and a doctorate degree from MSU. I love these discussions on deer biology and behavior.
Topics include:
1. Buck bedding habits.
2. How detrimental are prolonged breeding seasons (unbalanced sex ratios) to a bucks health and future antler development.
3. Fawns who hit a heat cycle……..pros & cons.
4. Receptive doe discussion……
5. Buck movement in high density areas.
6. Doe group movement during the rut.....feeding habit changes?
7. Doe calls / sounds during breeding season. When and why.
8. Buck grunts / sounds…..how, when, why…..
9. Rattling.....
Please follow Mississippi State University Deer Lab on all social channels. They publish incredibly resourceful data for hunters and landowners.
Ep. 44: Rut tactics, rattling bucks & this weeks deer camp
Cory and I breakdown tactics we use for the whitetail breeding season. Rattling, scent, grunt tubes and locating the most important part of the rut - does in heat! Will we hang some bucks in the walk-in cooler this weekend???
Thanks for listening. Remember to always know you target before releasing a bullet of arrow. Be safe and good luck this weekend.
Ep. 43: Gus & Matt from Whiskey & Whitetails
Gus & Matt from Whiskey & Whitetails join us this week to discuss deer hunting in the South and some of the very best whiskeys available. This was a fun conversation because after all, the best part of hunting season is spending time with friends and family after a day in the field. Thanks for listening and please leave a rating and review.
@whiskeyandwhitetails
www.whiskeyandwhitetails.com
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskeyandWhitetails
Ep. 42: Deer Steward 2 Recap
We are back this week to recap the DS2 wknd at the Farm. Cory and I cover everything that we can talk about "on air". We also cover Cory's two customized J. Hamilton Edition rifles that he presented at the cocktail social. He gave one to Joe Hamilton, founder of NDA, and the other will be auctioned off. Stay tuned for details.
Thanks for listening.
Ep. 41: Catch a Dream Foundation
This is a powerful and heavy episode discussing what every hunter and conservationist should be doing - sharing the land and natural resources to those wanting the experience of God's creation. Cory and I had the pleasure to interview Marty Brunson from the Catch a Dream Foundation. I ask everyone to visit their website and consider a donation. Large or small, it all helps.
Please consider supporting their mission.
www.catchadream.org
Ep. 40: Cuz Strickland
Cuz Strickland has been on the forefront of hunting conservation and heritage for over 35 years. A bona fide legend in the outdoor space. From Mossy Oak to his involvement with the National Wild Turkey Federation and the National Deer Association, Cuz Strickland is a model land & wildlife steward.
Cory and I were truly honored to interview Cuz; a conservationist we have looked up to since our youth. We cover many topics including the introduction of kids to the hunting woods, wild game meals and Southern hunting culture.
Thank you for listening and please consider leaving a 5 star rating and review.
Please check out Cuz's podcast: A Fist Full of Dirt.
Ep. 39: Bullets & Rifle Hunting w/ Norma Precision
This week Cory and I sit down with Travis Tipps and Jeff Ausloos from Norma Precision. Based out of Norway with over 120 years of high level accuracy and design, Norma has opened an operation plant in Georgia. We cover basic fundamentals and key factors that will help you become a better hunter. Practice and ethical hunting is the way to go to soundly procure venison. Norma offers a vast assortment of bullet options through calibers and grain options. Let us know what you think and thanks for listening!
https://www.norma-ammunition.com/en-us
@normaprecision
Ep. 38: Ben Westfall - National Deer Association
Ben joins Cory and I to chat about the upcoming Deer Steward 2 course at my family farm. I highly suggest checking out this course for anyone interested in habitat work, deer management and a high level of hunting knowledge. Speakers include: Dr. Craig Harper, Kip Adams, Matt Ross & Ben Westfall. 8/4 - 8/7.
Thank you for listening and I hope to see you this August at the Farm!
www.deerassociation.com
IG: @westfall_nda | @deerassociation
Ep. 37: Jeff Lindsey - The Lindsey Way
Hailing from the South, Jeff Lindsey joins us this week to discuss differences of Midwestern and Southeastern whitetails, along with, the two distinct hunting cultures. Jeff is an outstanding hunter and land steward with a strong dedication to preserving wild game and habitat. We cover bow hunting, doe management, Little Debbies, the dense South, and hunting with kids. This was a fun episode to record.
Thanks for listening! Please consider leaving a 5 Star rating and review.
@thelindseyway
https://www.youtube.com/@TheLindseyWay
https://thelindseyway.com/
Ep. 36: Summer food plots & deer season prep w/ Cory Parker
This week newly joined co-host, Cory Parker, and I discuss summer food plot plans and land prep goals. It's an overall hunting B.S. session. Thanks for listening.
Ep. 35: Wild Turkeys w/ Dr. Marcus Lashley
Dr. Marcus Lashley returns for an episode all about wild turkeys. We discuss habitat, biology and his hunting stories from this season. A good friend of mine, Cory Parker, has joined as a co-host which has created a very fun dynamic on the show. Thank you all for listening and I would greatly appreciate a 5 Star rating & review.
Dr. Marcus Lashley | @drdisturbance
Wild Turkey Science & Fire University Podcasts
Cory Parker | @coastalempirenda
Southern Land & Wildlife Outdoor Workshop June 3rd - Midway, GA. Check out the Instagram acct for details.
Ep. 34: Hunting B.S. Session w/ Joseph Monts
This week - Joseph Monts, a low-key, stone cold killer hailing from the Palmetto State. This was a fun episode to record as it turned into an all around hunting B.S. session. We covered way too many topics to list.
Thanks for giving it a spin and please rate, review & subscribe!
Joseph Monts @_sc_whitetail_hunter_
Ep. 33: Creating Nesting & Brooding Cover through Forestry Rotation.
This week I discuss how I created nesting and brooding cover in undesirable & underproducing timber. Something most landowners have on site including me. Knock-down mulching is a creative and cost efficient route to maximize income and your turkey population. Thanks for listening!
Ep. 32: Dr. Mike Chamberlain & Scott Rhodes - Lowcountry Game Bird Foundation
This week I’m joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain and Scott Rhodes of the Lowcountry Game Bird Foundation. We discuss the recently formed conservation org, turkey hunting culture, recipes and some awesome hunts from Mike and Scott. I implore everyone to check out the organization and contribute as you can. It’s an outstanding concept and one that should be supported for the future of wild turkeys. This episode cover habitat, conservation and wild turkey meat.
Dr. Mike Chamberlain @wildturkeydoc | www.wildturkeylab.com
Scott Rhodes @lowcountry_gamebird_foundation | www.lowcountrygamebirdfoundation.org
Ep. 31: Hunter Profile Interview w/ Daniel Hinshaw
Hailing from North Carolina, Daniel Hinshaw joins me to continue the Southern Hunting Culture series. Daniel shares his hunting background and his love for the outdoors. I need to make a hunting trip to the Tarheel state at some point. Thank you for listening!
IG: @dhinshaw2013
Ep. 30: Hunter Profile Interview w/ Josh Raley
This episode I'm joined by Josh Raley to continue the spotlight on Southern Hunting Culture. Josh is a property consultant with Whitetail Partners of Georgia, he hosts the How to Hunt Deer Podcast and Wisconsin Sportsman. Both are featured on the Sportsmen Empire network. Thank you for listening and good luck out there is the turkey woods this season!
Josh Raley
IG: @howtohuntdeer | @whitetail_properties_georgia | @thewisconsinsportsman
Ep. 29: Hunter Profile Interview w/ Jacob Barnes
This week we continue the spotlight on Southern Hunting Culture. Jacob Barnes joins me to discuss his upbringing in the South Carolina Lowcountry and his current hunting pursuits in Georgia. Thanks for listening.
IG: @jbarnes4126
Ep. 28: Zack Vucurevich w/ Whetstone Habitat returns
Zack returns to recap his 2022 hunting season and to discuss off-season client habitat projects. Zack is a certified wildlife biologist and the owner of Whetstone Habitat. Please check out his website below and give Zack a follow. Thank you for listening.
IG: @whetstonehabitat
www.whetstonehabitat.com
Ep. 27: Hunter Profile Interview - Ryan Griffiths
Hailing from Athens, GA, Ryan Griffiths joins me on the podcast to discuss bowhunting the South and the challenge of mature whitetails. I very much enjoyed Ryan's prospective and I greatly respect his ability to consistently tag Southern bucks. It's a great listen and I took away many points that I'll implement myself next season. Thank you for listening and thank you for the support of Southeast Whitetail.
Ep. 26: Georgia Land Mgnt & Conservation w/ Henry Jackson of the Prattsburg Project
Our spotlight on Southern Hunting Culture continues today with Henry Jackson from Georgia. Henry is a like-minded hunter, conservationist, and land manager that has proven what can be accomplished on 150 acres. He and I share many goals and beliefs on our Southeastern farms and it shows through this conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and it absolutely touches every focal point of Southeast Whitetail: habitat, conservation, & venison.
Thanks for listening and Merry Christmas!
Henry Jackson @theprattsburgproject
Ep. 25: Hunter Profile Interview - Morgan Harrell
Ep. 24: Hunter Profile Interview - Robbie Pace
Ep. 23: Erich Long & Cody Altizer from the Dear Hunter Project
This week I'm joined by Cody Altizer and Erich Long from the Dear Hunter Project. Two passionate conservationists that are not afraid to share their beliefs in the hunting space. If you don't follow their content, you should. The Dear Hunter Project is thought provoking and heavily driven on wildlife conservation. Real discussions on real topics that do not get covered by "mainstream" outdoor media. Thank you to Cody and Erich for taking time to record with me. This was a very fun and entertaining episode. We covered many talking points and I hope to record with them again soon.
IG: the_dear_hunter_project
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DearHunterProject
Ep. 22: John Robert Mehr w/ Tristar Land Management
Hailing from West Tennessee, John Robert is one of the best hunters I know and one of the most skilled land managers. He and his wife both harvested two incredible Mid-South whitetail bucks last week. Within days of each other! We discussed those hunts, John Robert's die-hard pursuit of mature bucks and his work with Tristar Land Management. Thank you to John Robert for sharing his story and his knowledge of habitat, wildlife and conservation work.
IG: @tristarlandmgmt
www.tristarlandmanagementservices.com
Ep. 21: Swamp Buck Decoyed at the Farm!
Decoys work in the South but you need the right conditions. A perfect storm of the first does in heat, bucks jacked up and on the move, favorable winds and a gutsy call to swing for the fences. Somehow, that all came together for this hunt. I discuss my setup and how this whitetail may be my top buck from the Farm. Pending jawbone extraction! Thank you for listening.
Ep. 20: Matt Ross of the National Deer Association
I had a blast talking whitetails with Matt Ross from the National Deer Association. This is another very timely episode with discussions on deer movement, behavior and how to kill mature bucks right now! Matt is the Director of Conservation for NDA and also writes incredible articles about whitetail research and piecing together hunt strategies based on just that - research & data! We re-cap the last time we saw each other and of course, Matt answers the ending 3 questions that I ask every guest. Thank you to Matt for taking time to record with me; it was a pleasure and an honor. Check out his articles below.
Articles: https://deerassociation.com/author/mross
IG: @mattross_nda
Ep. 19: Dr. Grant Woods of Growing Deer TV
I'm not going to lie - I was tickled pink to record this interview with Dr. Grant Woods and I thoroughly appreciate his time. He and I covered very timely topics as we enter pre-rut and on the cusps of the rut in most of the Southeast. Deer biology and behavior are core focal points of Southeast Whitetail and this episode exemplifies just that. Dr. Woods is a tremendous resource for hunters and land owners. Thank you for listening and please leave a rating and review!
Growing Deer TV can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Dr. Grant Woods post a new video every week and his sites are loaded with content.
@growingdeertv
www.growingdeer.tv
https://youtube.com/c/GrowingDeerTv
Ep. 18: Hunter Profile Interview w/ Cale Lewis
Thanks for listening!
Instagram: @cale__lewis | @parrish_hoover11
Ep. 17: Lindsay Thomas, Jr. of the National Deer Association
This week is jam-packed with Southern hunting culture as I interview Lindsay Thomas, Jr. who's been with NDA for 19 years. Lindsay is the Director of Communications and editor of Quality Whitetails. We discuss Lindsay's upbringing into hunting, his multi-generation family farm, Southern whitetails, conservation work, and even SEC football! Thanks for listening.
IG: lindsay_thomas_jr
NDA articles: https://deerassociation.com/author/lthomas/
www.deerassociation.com
Ep. 16: Josh Hillyard of First Lite
I spent a week chasing velvet whitetails at my South Carolina farm last month with Josh. He's a a down to Earth guy and a great hunter. On this week's episode Josh and I re-cap our hunts, what makes SC August hunting special, what makes it frustrating and some pretty badass First Lite gear! Thanks for listening and please follow Josh Hillyard and First Lite Hunting.
@josh.hillyard
@firstlitehunting
Ep. 15: Larry White of Wild Game Gourmet
This week I sit down with Chef Larry White to discuss wild game cooking. Larry has an extensive culinary background and runs www.thewildgamegourmet.com. His recipe dish photos are stunning and include a wide range of wild meat. We cover everything from field care to getting a perfect backstrap sear. Thanks for listening and please follow Larry's content.
Larry White IG: wildgamegourmet
www.thewildgamegourmet.com
Ep. 14: Zack Vucurevich of Whetstone Habitat
To become a better hunter or land steward, listen to a wildlife biologist. Zack is super knowledgeable in wildlife ecosystems and provides high level consulting to his clients. Thanks for listening and please follow Zack Vucurevich.
www.whetstonehabitat.com
IG: whetstonehabitat
Ep. 13: Velvet Buck Down!
Ep. 12: Jake Hofer of Exodus Outdoor Gear
Jake Hofer is a co-owner and Director of Marketing at Exodus Outdoor Gear. A direct to consumer company focusing on manufacturing trail cameras and the new custom tailored MMT arrows. Jake is also a licensed broker in Illinois with Land Proz. He hosts The Exodus Podcast and The Land Podcast. The latter is a perfect blend of his land broker work and his passion for hunting. We discuss trail cams, buying land, Jake's two new farms and the upcoming whitetail season. Thanks for giving it a spin!
Jake Hofer IG: @jakehofer @exodusoutdoorgear
Land Proz contact: https://landproz.com/agent/?id=71 | @landproz
Ep. 11: Hunter Profile Interview w/ Ridge Rousseau
This week I sat down with Ridge Rousseau of Louisiana to discuss his style of hunting in the vast bayou country. Ridge shares one hell of a big swamp buck story and a killer rabbit recipe that I'm looking forward to trying soon. Gators, squirrels, whitetails, bass, ducks and turkeys, he pursues them all. Ridge is a wealth of knowledge in this region and I hope to check in with him throughout the upcoming deer season. Thanks for listening!
Ridge Rousseau Instagram: @ridgerousseau
Ep. 10: Mountain Hunting & Snake Talk w/ Dr. Chris Jenkins of the Orianne Society
This week I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Chris Jenkins, CEO, of the Orianne Society and a national board member of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. We cover his non-profit conservation work, snake interactions, restoring lost southeastern habitat, hunting black bear and big, Appalachian Mountain bucks! Please follow him and his podcast - Snake Talk. Also, please sign the BHA online petition below to keep the 14,000 acre Georgia Pine Log WMA public. Thanks for listening.
Dr. Chris Jenkins Instagram: @drcljenkins
www.oriannesociety.org
www.backcountryhunters.org/pine_log_wma_petition
www.backcountryhunters.org
Snake Talk Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/snake-talk/id1525273275
https://open.spotify.com/show/1eJEAoHQEH6avgLVsuZC5y?si=HakWEZ10SUGpIJh3qOATww
Ep. 9: Hunter Profile Interview w/ Reese Johnson
This week's episode is jam packed with tips, experience and knowledge shared by a die hard hunter, Reese Johnson, creator of #TrailcamTuesday. Reese is a stone cold killer and super knowledgeable on trail cameras and hunting down mature bucks in the South. He was also featured on Exodus Outdoor Gear Whitetail Cribs Youtube show. We discuss hunting in Kentucky and what sets Reese apart from the average hunter. Thanks for listening!
Exodus Whitetail Cribs w/ Reese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3otHdVfS_Lw
Instagram @reesejohnson7
Twitter ReeseJohnson7
Ep. 8: How to Improve Pine Stand Habitat for Whitetails
"Pine farms can be a monoculture or a whitetail mecca. Why not blend wildlife conservation improvements with leading forestry practices?" This week is a supplemental episode covering a recent Wired to Hunt/ MeatEater article of mine that was published. I expand in greater detail about managing your timber crop for income to pay for the farm and to maximize wildlife usage.
https://www.themeateater.com/wired-to-hunt/whitetail-management/how-to-improve-pine-stand-habitat-for-whitetails
www.southeastwhitetail.com
IG: @southeast.whitetail | @markhaslam
Ep. 7: Hunter Profile Interview w/ Brennan Lemieux
Ep. 6: Land Mgnt & Hunting Discussion w/ Nick Pappas & Jason Hewett
This was a fun episode to record with two familiar faces from South Carolina. Nick Pappas is a land manager at Clarendon Farms, photographer for Over/ Under Clothing and a well experienced hunter. Jason Hewett managed Clarendon Farms for 10 years before starting his own business - Private Land Management. Both are entrenched with wildlife habitat and hopefully we'll chat again throughout the season.
Nick Pappas IG: n_pappas11
Jason Hewett IG: jhewett123
www.privatelandmanagement.com
Ep. 5: Bobwhite Quail Conservation w/ Mike Neiduski
Bring back the whistle! But how? Mike Neiduski of Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever discusses what landowners can do to better upland habitat and improve survival success. It doesn't take much to provide quality food, cover, and safety for bobwhites. Many management practices are also beneficial to both turkeys and whitetails. The future of wild quail depends on conservationists and what better time than now to bring back the whistle! Plus, Mike shares a killer woodcock recipe!
Connect with Mike and join Quail Forever. They're available to help landowners and hunters.
Mike Neiduski
IG: @mneiduski
mneiduski@pheasantsforever.org