Southern U

What happens to wildlife when the timber market crashes? In this episode, we break down the ripple effects of a declining timber market—and how it’s quietly impacting wildlife habitat and land management across the country. As lumber prices fall and mills shut down, landowners are forced to rethink how (and when) they manage their timber. But when harvests get delayed or budgets get tight, it doesn’t just affect income—it directly impacts habitat quality for deer, turkey, and other wildlife. We dive into: Why a weak timber market slows down habitat improvement How delayed cuts affect bedding...

Every turkey hunter has been there… The gobbler that won’t leave his hens. The bird that goes silent after fly-down. The one that hangs up just out of range. In this episode, we break down real-world turkey hunting scenarios and talk through exactly how we’d handle each one—and why. Whether you’re hunting public land or managing your own property, these are the situations that make or break a season. Question is… what would you do?

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In this one we talk through the process of property evaluating hunting property to determine if it's the right one for you. There are many things that can make an otherwise great hunting tract undesirable. Things like road systems and easements to simple things like access to power and water can play a major role in the overall quality of a hunting tract. At the end of the day the property does need to have the ability to meet your goals and objectives as a hunter as well.

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This episode is special for a few reasons. We finally get to reveal what we have been working on for over 18 months now. Today we officially launch The Habitat Network. THN is a network of habitat professionals ranging from Wildlife Biologists, Registered Foresters, Certified Burn Managers, and Certified Drone Pilots. We sought to solve the problem that many southern landowners are facing when it comes to creating wildlife habitat. What should I do? Who should I call? How do I know who is trustworthy? We are giving our best effort to make those questions a thing of the past...

In this one we discuss the block of time in between whitetail season and turkey season for predator management. We look at all the viable methods for controlling species like coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, and various nest predators. Why is this time of year important? It is probably a lot simpler than you think. Check it out!

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Deer season is winding down for most hunters in the south. Does that mean scouting takes a back seat? Absolutely not! Scouting during this time of year can pay dividends for next season while also getting a jump start on turkey season. If you want to maximize your hunts it take advantage of the increased visibility this time of year. This was a good one!

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In the world of whitetail management you will people talk a lot about sex ratios and what the proper "Buck to doe" ratio should be. The problem is that sometimes what we want as hunters isn't always best for overall herd health. In the case of balanced sex ratios both parties win. Listen along with us as we take a deep dive on the topic. #whitetail #deerhunting #wildlifemanagement #hunting #habitatmanagement

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We revisit one of our most steamed/viewed episodes ever and dive back into hunting the rut in south. Due to restocking efforts where deer were brought into Alabama and other states the timing of the rut can be very different based on the location. This makes hunting the rut in the south challenging to say the least. Let's talk about it!

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All across the southeast we hearing Deer processors and taxidermist reporting low harvest rates, some as low as 50% lower than the previous season. What is causing this? Is it acorn production? Is it hunting pressure? Weather conditions? or is it a combinations of all of the above? Let's see what our biologists have to say.

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If you are a southern hunter you have heard the term "December Lull" and you probably know what that implies. Hunters see less daylight deer movement during the month of December and hunters blame it on a whole host of reasons, but do any of them actually hold water or is it all just a myth? Take a listen and see what where we land on the topic.

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In this one we sit down with Robby Black from Black's Deer Processing. We talk about the progression of technological advancements in the hunting industry and whether or not it is hurting the art of woodsmanship. Robby is an incredible guy, processor, and hunter with a trophy wall that would rival anyone's in the south. This was a fun one!

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In this one we sit down to discuss what makes this time of year magical for most of the midwest. We also compare and contrast the way hunters approach the month of November in the...

In this one we sit down to discuss what makes this time of year magical for most of the midwest. We also compare and contrast the way hunters approach the month of November in the southeast when most of the states are not seeing rut activity until later in the season. Hope you find it helpful or at least entertaining. . Huge shoutout to our sponsors that make our podcast possible:  @TuttLandCompany  ​⁠  @TethrdNation  ​⁠  @DartonArchery_Official  ​⁠  @firstsouthfarmcredit  ​⁠  @VitalizeSeed  . Check us out on all of our social outlets! Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0pNKILn7VN5sDeaG3KAZWB?si=af23fb300ac449fb Facebook:https://www.fa...

It's the most wonderful time of the year, DEER SEASON! Taylor, Matt, and Brae take some time to answer and discuss some questions sent in my our listeners. We cover late season dove hunting, late season deer holding, small acreage hunting and a whole lot more. Hopefully you guys find this one helpful!

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Most landowners in the south don't have the luxury owning 500+ acres. That brings up the question: "Can you manage small properties for wildlife?". We get questions like that a lot from our listeners so we wanted to take some time to sit down with fellow land managers, Marc and Misty Brenner of Outfitters Depot. Marc has been in the land management space for a long time and has done a great job helping his clients with smaller tracts achieve their goals when it comes to wildlife, habitat, and self-sufficient farming.

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Many of you know that we took a trip in January of 2025 to South Texas to film and participate in a deer capture event for a research project. That project was conducted with the intent of comparing the performance of whitetail deer that were fed protein pellets with ones that were fed cotton seed as a supplementary source of protein. Our guest, Dr. Joe Hediger of the  @ckwri  Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, sat down with us to discuss the details of the project, what they predict the results may show, and what they could mean for landowners in th...

Most hunters focus on food plots, feeding, and fire—but overlook the one thing that ties it all together: keeping detailed records. In this episode, we break down why documenting your habitat work, supplemental feeding, prescribed fire, and food plot management and harvest data can be the missing piece of the puzzle for better hunting and healthier wildlife. If you want more deer, more birds, and a stronger property long-term, don’t just do the work—write it down.

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Fall is right around the corner and that means a few things: 1. College Football is on the way 2. Cooler temps are on the way 3. Deer Season is also on the way! . In this one we are talking about Fall Food Plots! Where to plant them, what to be mindful of when planting them, and how to maximize your opportunities on those shooter bucks this season.

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n our 50th episode we have a very special guest, Parker McDonald from  @SoCoHunt  hanging out with us. With deer season rapidly approaching for many southern hunters, we took some time to talk about what items are essential to early season success. If you have specific gear you are looking at getting before the season kicks off give this one a look! .  @SoCoHunt  can be found at the links below: linktr.ee/SoCoHunt . Triple Creek Farm listing mentioned on this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/Y0SMFUdy7ds . Huge shoutout to our sponsors that make our podc...

Its summer time in the south and that means its hot, its humid, and everything wants to suck your blood. Unfortunately, this time of the year still calls for active management if you are trying to maximize your property for timber value, wildlife, and/or real estate value. Give this one a listen and see what all we have going on.

. #wildlifemanagement #landmanagement #habitatmanagement . R.L.'s Book: Lessons Learned At Full Draw https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Learned-Full-Draw-Whitetail/dp/B0DCHHC8ZW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EOMNTPG3T074&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rhmwVx8HoNuBsziVOjGC9Q4gU47iF1_EyjyfGcknuzQKtEq04BGh7...

In this one we finally get the chance to sit down with a waterfowl habitat. Parts of the south aren't necessarily known as prime duck hunting destinations, but that doesn't mean land owners can't do things to improve that. Our special guest Corey Adams drops some serious knowledge on us about ponds, food, and everything in between. If you are a duck hunter this episode is for you! . #duckhunting #waterfowl #woodduck #mallard #wildlifemanagement #landmanagement #habitatmanagement

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R.L.'s book: Lessons Learned At Full Draw

https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Learned-Full-Draw-Whitetail/dp/B0DCHHC8ZW...

In this one we finally get a chance to talk about waterfowl habitat with someone who has the credentials and experience. Corey Adams drops some serious knowledge on us about how to create and even restore habitat that is conducive for waterfowl in the southeast. If duck hunting is your thing then this episode is for you!

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We discuss a project that Jerremy has been working on in Northeast Alabama. This project has been in the works for over the last 3 years and improvements are already being seen throughout the landscape. We talk through everything from timber thinning, and food plots to road construction and herd management in this one. You can find the full video of this project on our youtube channel.

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If you have ever had the dream of buying your own farm, homesite, or just a place to chase critters you know that those things are not cheap. For most people, financing is needed to secure that dream property and that was the topic of discussion in this one. We sat down with Joseph Clark of  @firstsouthfarmcredit  and discuss what buyers can do to help them make their dream home a reality.

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If you like to sling a little lead this is the episode for you! In this one we talk firearms, accessories, and everything in between. We also check out the state-of-the-art range, facilities, and services that Co-Owner Devin Campbell and his team at Alabama Firearms Academy offers to the public. We hope you like it!

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We got to catch up with the Okayest Hunter himself, Eric Clark. We talk hunting stories, podcasting, and where he see's the industry heading in the future. We had a blast on this one. Enjoy!

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In this one we sit down with Zack Vucurevich of  @whetstonehabitat  Zack is a Wildlife Biologist, an accomplished Outdoor Writer, and all-around conservationist in the Middle Tennessee area. We take wildlife related questions sent in by our listeners and get Zack's perspective on them. This was a really fun show and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

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In this one we discuss a hot topic...I'll see myself out. In all seriousness, prescribed fire during turkey season something that gets a lot of landowners worked up. We take some time in this one to discuss the reasons behind it and the philosophy involved in the decision to burn or not. We also talk turkey population numbers, current bag limits in Alabama, and new rules and regulations in Alabama. Thank you all for listening!

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This is a special episode for many reasons. We are talking about how to properly manage small acreage properties. Many landowners in the southeast own less than 100 acres, which may seem like a lot. but when it comes to the home range of whitetails and turkeys it isn't very big. We discuss what can be done on smaller properties to insure that it is optimal for wildlife forage, security, and procreation.

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In this one we continued our series where we take questions our listeners sent in and presented them to our resident biologists to get some answers for you. We jumped all over the place on this one, but we did our best to answer them the best that we could. Check it out!

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In this one the guys chase a few rabbits talking about various topics of concern in the land/habitat or wildlife industry. Record numbers of wildfires in Alabama and South Carolina, Wannabe Habitat specialists, and what the DOGE has done so far to help/hurt wildlife management are all fair game in this one. Tune in and see what you think.

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We continue our series where we take your questions related to habitat/critters and ask our panel of Wildlife Biologists to answer them. This one was a good one covering everything from food plots to CWD in Whitetails. Check it out!

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#deer #qanda #podcast #wildlifeconservation #wildlife #deer #deerhunting #whitetail #turkeyhunting #habitatmanagement #bowhunting #hunting #habitat #whitetail #whitetailhunting #deer #deerhunting #bowhunting #habitatmanagement #wildlifeconservation #archery #podcast #bowhunter #bowhuntordie #huntercommunity #habitatconservation #doe

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In this one we kick off our "Ask a Biologist" series where we answer your questions that were sent in over the last few weeks.Our guest for this one is Brae Swagert, a Wildlife Biologist here in Alabama. She has extensive experience with ALDCNR and has recently obtained her real estate license. She is a wealth of knowledge and shares valuable insight when answering listener questions. Check it out!

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In this one we head down to South Texas to spend some time with wildlife biologist, Matt Moore. We get a chance to discuss whitetail research being done on the ground that he helps to manage. Matt is a wealth of knowledge and shares some incredible insight into management practices that are applicable to south Texas and much of the southeast.

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In this one we sit down with owner of  @DartonArchery_Official   @BlackEagleArrows  and Conquest Stabilizers, Randy Kitts to discuss how bowhunting has evolved over the years from a manufacturer's perspective. Over the last 30 years we have seen a shift in various technologies in the bowhunting world (some good, some bad). We pick Randy's mind on what he and his team is doing to continue to bring innovation to the world of bowhunting.

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When it comes to improving habitat, one of the most effective ways to do it is with a prescribed fire. Knowing what to burn, where to burn, and when to burn can make a huge difference in the food and cover landowners can offer to wildlife. We hope you find this one informative!

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In this one we sit down with Michael Maroney of Infinite Outdoors to discuss how to access private land for future hunting and fishing adventures across the U.S. If you have ever dreamed of leaving the south to chase Elk or Mule Deer for a few days, but wanted to hunt private land instead of the often crowded public ground Infinite Outdoors makes that possible. Listen in and who knows, you might find a new place to hunt afterwards!

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In this one we take a look at how it all started when it comes to hunting in the south and walk through how it has changed over the years to where we are today. From hunting with dogs to legal baiting and cell cameras we cover it all the best we can.

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#hunting #podcast #wildlifemanagement #huntingtips #deerhunting #whitetailhabitat #whitetaildeer #deerseason #southernhunting #huntingevolved #doghunting #landeducation #landmanagement

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In this one the guys discuss how their early deer season's have gone so far. It's bow season in Alabama which means its hot, humid, and normally there's plenty of food to go around, but given the drought that has affected much of the southeast, hunters have had to adapt. They get into what elements had to be in place in order to make these hunts successful despite the less than ideal circumstances.

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Part two of our questions submitted by our instagram audience. We also celebrate our 1 year anniversary of the starting Southern U Podcast. Check it out and let us know what you think!

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