Beasts Of Burden

40 Episodes
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By: Beasts Of Burden

Beasts of Burden is about land stewardship and enhancing the individual. To work with the land you need to work with yourself. We are about enhancing land for wildlife, finding niche income streams from your land, and ultimately how to wrestle with your shadow to become a whole individual. Balance your soul, balance the land. So come along for the journey! The hunt awaits! Well have many laughs and hopefully profound conversations!

Ep. 172 Halloween Special: Not Alone in the Woods
Yesterday at 11:51 PM

In this episode, I share about suppossed Bigfoot encounters I've had in south east Iowa. It's pretty out there, but I'm not sure what to think. Not your average encounters, mostly the paranormal Bigfoot kind of encounters

Real Estate: Jesse.Knox@basecampcountry.com
https://www.basecampcountry.com/agent-jesse-knox/
Habitat Consultations, Forestry Services, and Show questions:
JKnox0623@gmail.com


Ep. 171: Firebreaks for Prairie, Timber, and Access
10/17/2025

In this episode, I talk about establishing green firebreaks for prairie and timber. I talk about how to establish smooth green firebreaks for easier access for you vehicles and equipment, but also easier on your mower and way easier on your tiller (due to less tillage!). I talk about timber firebreaks from using a weed eater, tractor, or a skid steer.
Also, I highlight the use of access using your firebreaks. Allowing yourself ease of access to your stands, but also more enjoyment for family and friends.
Thank you for listening!

Jesse Knox Base Camp Country<...


Ep 170: God Has Our Back
10/05/2025



In this episode I share how one event led to a domino effect. What felt like being lost in a sea of chaos led me to an island oasis. I had a creek Crossing built at my farm. The construction led to hiring a drone to spray the out of control CRP, to new ideas, challenging my limited beliefs, to trust God during these turbulent times. I hope you enjoy the wild ride with me!

Base Camp Country
Jesse.Knox@basecampcountry.com

125 Acre Listing Jefferson County, Iowa
https://www.basecampcountry.com/portfolio...


Ep. 169: Late Summer TSI
09/21/2025

In this episode, I do a rehas on events in my life. I talk about my first real estate listing here in Jefferson county!
I talk about the TSI project I worked on this past week in regards of which technique is more suitable? Girdling? Cut Stump? Hack N Squirt? It depends. Depends on the over all health of the stand and your goals.

125 acre Jefferson County Iowa Base Camp Country Real Estate
https://www.basecampcountry.com/portfolio/jefferson-county-iowa-a-1343/
Real Estate inquiries: Jesse.Knox@basecampcountry.com
Habitat/Forestry Consultations or Show Questions:
JKnox0623...


169: Compartmentalize the Task Ahead
08/18/2025

In this episode, I share a little catch up. I talk about my food plot plans. I transition into the tasks ahead we all face on our farms. I descrive forestry management as the Holy Trinity of Forestry: TSI, Fire, Invasive Management. You need all 3 to have a healthy timber. I talk about compartmentalizing a stand out of the whole timber. I also encourage you to break down the invasive management starting from May 1st to October 1st. You have 150 days to address invasives or TSI across your farm. Throw a dart at the calendar to tackle a particular stand...


Ep. 168 Jace Elliott Iowa DNR Deer Biologist- CWD Management Plan
08/10/2025

In this epsisode, I have the honor and privilege to have Jace Elliott, Iowa DNR Whitetail Deer Biologist in person! Jace explains his common sense CWD management plan. This plan relies on hunter participation in harvest from hunters to decrease spread of CWD and also dependent on hunter participation regarding submitting deer heads or lymph nodes to DNR Conservation Officers or at the Wildlife Units to determin CWD in your area. We also dicuss the future for the whitetail deer in Iowa, how other states have approached CWD, what makes Iowa different in the plan, the predator factor, and also...


Ep. 167 A Different Fall
08/03/2025

In this episode, I chat about thinking outside the box in regards to habitat management. I discuss about possibly using a plane or helicopter to apply herbicide on my over grown black locust and multiflora rose stand and using a timely burn post application. I advocate to break out of the norm to try new things when it comes to managing your land. Don't be so focused on the fall food plots we lose focus on rewarding outcomes from timing of prescribed fire or herbicide application to end up have a terrific hunting season. Thank you for listeing!

...


Ep.166 Honesty with Zen Creates Freedom
07/26/2025

In this episode, I start off sharing the farm happenings at Hickenbottom Farms. I open up and become honest about the lack of episodes. I talk about the principle of Zen and how a Zen mindset leads to a disciplined freedom. I go over a change of diet and finally I talk about the truth of hardcore conservation. Thank you for listening always grateful!
Base Camp Realty: https://www.basecampcountry.com/agent-jesse-knox/
Email: Jesse.Knox@basecampcountry.com
Habitat inquiries, forestry services, or show questions
JKnox0623@gmail.com


Ep. 165 Not One Acre
07/06/2025

In this episode, I reflect on the Not One Acre movement spearheaded by conservationist like Ryan Callaghn, Cameron Hanes, and Randy Newberg. I speak about the selective language chosen by Senator Mike Lee in his "forfeit letter" and I explain this as an example of the god of efficiency example in a previous episode.

Base Camp Country
https://www.basecampcountry.com/agent-jesse-knox/

For Habitat Related Questions or Show Ideas
JKNOX0623@GMAIL.COM 


Ep 164: Listener Question and June Update
06/15/2025

In this episode, I answer a listener questions about using wheat as a food plot and letting it go fallow. Letting the wheat stand all year to provide fawning habitat, brooding cover for turkey, pheasant, and quail. I explain how to handle between an exsisting stand and a current fallow field. I talk about the CRP update on my farm and the black locust we have taken out so far. I hope you all enjoy and thank you for listening!
For Listener Questions Habitat Consultations or Forestry Services: JKnox0623@gmail.com
For Real Estate:
Jesse.Knox@basecampcountry...


Ep. 163: 2025 CRP Sign Up The Technicalities
05/18/2025

In this episode, I complain about the gnats. As one should. I share about my short, but effecient spring drilling season. I then focus on the CPR sign up for 2025 and the issues I am experincing. Mostly the good problems, but challenging aspects of getting back in! I hope you found this interesting and helpful thank you for listening!
Real Estate Inquiries www.basecampcountry.com/agent-jesse-knox/
Jesse.Knox@basecampcountry.com

Habitat Inquiries: jknox0623@gmail.com


Ep 162: Are you in Abudance or Scarcity?
05/16/2025

In this episode, I disucss the phrase of "walking in abudance" "avoiding scarcity". This mindset affects your day to day life. "Where attention goes, energy flows" If you are only focused on the negative then you will only receive the negative. If you are only focused on tresspassers, you will have problems with tresspassers. If you focused on providing the best habitat you can possibly create, then you will have the best habitat you possibly can create. I talk about avoiding scarcity, by releasing painful yet necessary emotional blockages and I also discuss the importance of the balance of positivity...


Ep 161: The Onion
04/30/2025

In this episode, I update the listners with unexpected bronchitus. Frustrating flat tires in Amish country. The discovery of a Bloodfluke Worm in my body since I was 6. Finally, the real topic looking at your land as an onion. There are layers to a farm. We peel back the toxic outer layers such as the first round of TSI, or cedar trees, or heavy invasive management. Then it finally gets down to the layer you were working for all along.
I hope you enjoy and thank you for listening!
Habitat Inquiries: JKnox0623@gmail.com
Base Camp Country...


Ep. 160 The Big Burn
04/02/2025

In this episode, I reflect on the prescribed burn my friends Nate Parks of Hawkeye Land Solutions https://hawkeyelandsolutions.com/
and I performed on the 20 acres of cut cedar trees. These cedars were cut in 2021. 3.5 years later they are ready to be burned. I tell the tale how the burn went. I reflect on perhaps finding another way to utilize the trees. I also talk about the next steps for the burn unit. Thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the show!


Ep. 159 Let's Talk Fire and A Cracked Rib
03/19/2025

In this episode, I talk about an accident I had in the woods while looking for a dead head. I slipped and fell on a cedar stump. I cracked a rib or two in the process; so folks be careful out there!
The rest of the episode I focus on prescribed fire
1. Set your goals with fire
2. Establish a firebreak
3. Access any loose ends such as dead trees
4. Always rely on NOAA Fire Weather Dashboard for your fire weather when it will be a successful fire or when it will be too dangerous
5. Gear...


Ep. 158: Empowering YOU
03/12/2025

In this episode, I share a critical element of my real estate classes. Feedback. Feed back helps you grow. If you're a habitat or forestery contracter feedback is a great way to communicate with your clients and to teach them. To empower them. I dive into empowering you as my listener. As I try to teach and empower our clients we should be empowering each other to be able to take responsibility of our lands and make a difference. Thank you for listeing!


Ep. 157: Gods of Modernity
03/05/2025

In this episode, I make an attempt to address a concept I came across called the, "gods of Modernity" Modernity being the current mental state from the results of Post-Modernisim. The main god of the four is, Efficiency. To sacrifice all that is beautiful in name of Efficiency. How this current trend is a threat to conservation. The goal is to find: balance of beauty and efficiency. Im hope you enjoy thank you for listening!


Ep 156: The DNR Cannot Save You
02/26/2025

In this episode, I share an recent experience from a Iowa DNR Hunter Listener Session. One thing I noticed is people only come to these meetings if their is a problem. Folks rarely come to thank fellow conservationist employed at the DNR. So, first off thank you to our DNR staff working towards a better legacy.
The other critical componet I noticed is the blame game. It's the DNR's fault. It's the predators. It's the absentee landowners.
Think again Sunshine! 98% of Iowa is onwed by private landowners. We have the power to enhance habitat and create a better...


Ep. 155: Grattitude, Appreciation, and Thankfulness
02/12/2025

In this episode, I share the results of the exams, which is good. I reflect on where I have been and where I'm going. I speak about grattitude for the things we have in life, too honor and cheirsh what we have. I focus on grattitude for everyone and the Lord. I also wanted to say: You are all doing a great job.


Ep 154: Creative Snacks and Creative FSI
02/05/2025

In this episode, we are deep into Forest Stand Improvement or FSI season. Be it we are back in the timber slaying trees instead of deer we work up an appetite. I talk about some different healthier snacks I've been making to avoid those midwesten tendicies of swinging by Caseys on the way home, but also to stay energized in the timber.
I also talk about how to have an elaborate approach to your FSI practicies. Think of mosacis when addressing your timber. You do not have to do perform one single pracrtice when enhancing your timber it could...


153: Feeling the Obsession
02/01/2025

In this episode, I talk about the new growing obsession of whitetail deer. Focusing on scouting to up and opportunities as I manage pracitcally manage a new farm after the mulching. I hope this epiosde is helpful and aids in thsoe with the same challenge of managing a farm after a restoration project.


152: He Returns from the Woods
01/26/2025

In this episode, I talk about some new career changes. My main focus has been work and studying for this new career. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!


Ep 151: Jeremiah Bryon - Bigfoot Society Podcast
01/08/2025

In this episode, I interview host of the Bigfoot Society Podcast: Jeremiah Bryon. Jeremiah has created a platform for folks that have experienced this phenomenon of "Bigfoot" "Sasquatch" Sabe" the beast of many names, to have a platform to come on and share their experiences. No judgement, no leading, just extremely interesting stories.

I know this is a different interview from the norm, but I'm a different cat. I have an interest in the subject and quite frankly my dear I don't give a damn; it's my podcast. I thought this would highlight the weird and oh the...


Ep. 150 Jace Elliott
12/14/2024

In this episode, I chat with Jace Elliott. Iowa DNR Whitetail Deer Biologist. In this interview Jace and I chat about the reality of managing Iowa deer herds with EHD in the environment. Jace and I discussed managing deer herds, how many is it ok to take, how those with high EHD cases should manage deer, how the DNR in Western Iowa is working with hunters and landowners to help grow the deer population back to where it was prior to EHD, the future of CWD in Iowa, the role of predators and deer numbers, and how Iowa needs a...


Ep. 149: Land, Reflection of the Soul
11/17/2024

In this episode, I explore the correspondence of the cedar removal project and my emotional garbage. As the cedar trees are mulched I also process my emotional garbage. I hope you find this episode interesting. I am uncomfortable about making this episiode about myself however, it is a breath of fresh air to think and process emotions more clearly instead of the feeling of being bogged down and over burden. Thank you for tagging along on this ride.


Ep 148: Return to Radah
11/10/2024

In this episode, I decided to create a new radah episode. Exploring the Hebrew tern "radah" to describe that dubious term in scripture "subdue". I start off talking about a recent hunting trip, the progress of the cedar mulching. I give a health update regarding finding specific foods that actually affect my body negatively. I tie in the diet journeyt with radah. I do go into a rant of ego, not dealing with your junk, how it hurts your faith, and finally we had a surprise guest appearance of my wife Jessica. Hope you found this fun and enjoyable thank...


Ep. 147: Jessica Hickebottom-Knox
11/04/2024

In this episode, I introduce the one and only Jessica Hickenbottom Knox aka Tamer of the Beast! Folks, I wanted to hang out and talk about whatever with my wife. I loved having her one and she will be back for more! We talked about food, farm life, eating right, seed oils, parenting, the future, everything! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!


Ep 146: Halloween Special
10/31/2024

In this special I share some encounters with a demon, the Devil, and to brighten the room angles!
Have a fun and safe Halloween and happy hunting!


Ep. 145: Developing a Strategy for Invasives
10/23/2024

In this episode, I go over developing a stategy to tackle invaives. It's an overwhelming task however you can do this. You as a landowner or a contractor have the power to tackle this problem. You need to break down the infestation so you can compartmentalize each area and address each area accordingly. I hope you found this episode helpful in your land stewardship and conservation endeavors


Ep. 144 Let's Talk Huntin'
10/05/2024

In this episode, I start off talking about my continuing health journey. I recently discovered I have iron in my body from the well water I grew up with back in Michigan. I go over the dove season. I talk about a good friend of mine helping me move a stand to hunt one of my favorite spots. I go over the hunting gear I use. Nothing too special, I use a common sense approach! Less gadjets and more focus on the actual hunting! I hope you enjoy this episode and stay safe and have a fun bow season!


Ep. 143: Closing This Chapter
09/22/2024

In this episode, I discuss a big decsion I've made regarding Dbltree Habitat Enhancement, my buisness. Stayed tuned to find out!


Ep. 142 That's A Problem for Future Me
09/09/2024

In this episode, I talk about avoiding future problems by solving the problems now. Such as what I have experienced with past Jesse neglecting some easy avoidable issues with my tractors AC condenser. I pay the price now and wish I could strangle younger me. Same can be said with invasives, soil testing for food plots, other habitat related items. Hope you enjoy this episode!


141: A Country So Full of Game- A Quick Summary
08/26/2024

In this episode, I give a necessary update on the weather in south east Iowa! A heat wave to see August off! I share the balance of working on an organic farm and wrapping up our last brush management jobs.
The rest of the episode, I talk about A Country So Full Of Game a Bur Oak Book published by University of Iowa author James Dinsmore. The book talks about the history of the diverse wildlife Iowa has and used too. It's a sad history of what Iowa used to have, but as the white-tail deer, the turkety, waterfowl...


Ep. 140: Herbert Stoddard and Tall Timbers pt. 2
08/11/2024

In this epsidoe, we continue on where we left off from part 1. I read from "Conserving the Southern Longleaf" chapter 7 the foundations of Tall Timbers. I continue to read from Herbert Stoddards publication, "The Bobwhite Quail". As I read from botht these books a sense of gratefulness and gratitude fell upon me for the folks that came before us. Let us be grateful for those that sacrified in conservation for what we have today.


Ep. 139: Herbert Stoddard and Tall Timbers Pt. 1
08/11/2024

In this episode, I start off with talking about low potassium aka hypokalemia. I am working on increasing my potassium and I did not realize all the huge critical health benefits and body functions that potassium offers. I thought I share that with my listeners. I then go into the life of Herbet Stoddard the main focus of our show. Herbert Stoddard was a man of many professions. Taxidermist, citizen ornithologist trained by professionals, and forest ecologist. Herbet Stoddard with the friendship of Aldo Leopold, William McAtee, Paul Errington, Ed Komarek, and others fought against the mainstream in the defense...


Ep 138: Wilderness and the American Mind
08/01/2024

In this episode, I give a detailed weather update of the flooding we are experncing here in south east Iowa. I talk about food plots, mainly a better stratedgy to have better food plots in the spring to lead to even better food plots in the fall.
I focus the rest of the episoe on the book I am listening too on Audible, "Wilderness and the American Mind" by Roderick Frazier Nash. The book explains the glum view of wilderness from the ancient European mindset, the views of the early settlers and the Church's mindset, and how the view...


Ep. 137: Invasive Nation - Stop the Blame Game
07/21/2024

In this episode, I talk about a new invasive speices introduced for the good hearted intention to help the monarch butterfly, but it actually makes more harm than good! I go into the history of Canadian Thistle in the United States and Iowa. I focus on how main stream agriculture points fingers at conservationist, but in reality where did invasives come from? I wanted to focus on primarily stopping the blame game. We can get our egos hurt and get snippy back, but what good does that do? Let's work together to stop the spread! I finish with having a...


Ep 136: Summer Habiat Work and the Subconscience Mind
07/07/2024

In this episode I start out with a terrible Adella impression. I speak about the challenges this summer with invasive work, but over coming challenges with our new addition to the Dbltree Family of Tools the Stihl FS 561 D-EM. I talk about replacing the seals on my Birchmeier Sprayer and where to get the seal kits for.
The rest of the episode I attempt to focus on talking about the subconscious mind. I have learned the hard way what you say has an effect on future outcomes. I have come across a great book called Outwitting the Devil by...


Ep. 135: Challenges of the Conservationist
06/05/2024

In this episode, I reflect on a project I drilled in May for a client. I was drilling a standard native prairie mix and I was sharing the importance of getting residue off the soil so it can dry out quickly, better surface contact with herbicides, and most important part seed to soil contact for your native prairie seed. I share about summer projectcs I am burning (see what I did there) to do with growing season burns and taking out the recurring invasive species on the farm. Finally, I share about how to remove cool season grasses in an...


Ep 134: Realities of Custom Work
05/26/2024

In this episode, I decided to share the frustrations of owning equipment and the rising costs of maintaining equipment. I go over the acres I have drilled over the years and how much the demand for services fluctuate and how much the government through CRP can influence that. I explain the difference for me how manageing forestry is more profitable and larger habitat impact vs driving a tractor up and down the road. I have enjoyed my time doing the custom work, but I'd rather leave the tractor parked for now and enjoy the time with family working the farm...