Huntin' Land Podcast

Great Days Outdoors
  • 5.0 (55)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Monthly

Stay up to date on Hunting Tactics, Land Management, Land Values, and Land Market dynamics with hosts Joe Baya, Butch Thierry, and Clint Flowers.

  1. May 13

    Thermal Scopes Made Simple: What All Those Numbers Actually Mean

    This week on the Huntin’ Land Podcast, Joe Baya and Butch Thierry sit down with Dustin Harding and Keegan Williams of Athlon Optics to make thermal scopes a whole lot less confusing for hunters who are thinking about getting into nighttime predator or hog control. The conversation breaks down what all those numbers actually mean, including sensor resolution, display resolution, detection range, recognition range, field of view, magnification, battery life, clip-on thermals, thermal monoculars, and laser rangefinders. Dustin and Keegan explain how hunters should think about matching a thermal optic to their real hunting situation, whether that means close-range work around a camp, scanning timber and food plots for hogs, calling coyotes, or stretching shots across bigger fields and clearcuts. They also dig into why humidity, terrain, target identification, and ethical shot distance matter when choosing between entry-level and higher-end thermal options. For landowners dealing with pigs, coyotes, raccoons, or other problem animals, this episode is a practical guide to picking the right tool without getting lost in the technical jargon. SPONSORS First South Farm Credit Deep South Cranes Dixie Supply/Baker Metalworks Chemical Warehouse Texas Hunter Black Buffalo National Land Realty

    1h 14m

  2. Apr 16

    Less Trees, More Deer: How Smart Timber Stand Improvement Changes Everything

    This episode of Huntin' Land Podcast takes a hard look at one of the most misunderstood ideas in land management: sometimes the best way to grow more wildlife is to have fewer trees. Dr. Richard Cristan of Auburn University College of Forestry Wildlife and Environment breaks down timber stand improvement in plain terms, showing how thinning, clear cuts, and targeted tree removal can dramatically increase habitat quality without sacrificing long-term timber value. The conversation challenges that gut reaction a lot of landowners have—walking into a thick, beautiful stand of timber and thinking it’s perfect as-is. In reality, those closed-canopy woods are often biological deserts, with little food or cover for wildlife. Cristan explains how sunlight is the real driver of habitat, and how practices like thinning and crop tree release create the kind of understory that deer, turkeys, and other species actually need. Along the way, the episode gets practical. There’s a clear breakdown of what timber stand improvement actually is, how it differs from commercial thinning, and how landowners can start making decisions without overcomplicating things. They dig into real-world tactics like hack-and-squirt, herbicide selection, and managing hardwood stands without wrecking future value. The big takeaway is that timber and wildlife goals don’t have to compete—you just have to manage with intention instead of assumption. SPONSORS First South Farm Credit Deep South Cranes Dixie Supply/Baker Metalworks Chemical Warehouse Texas Hunter Black Buffalo National Land Realty

    1h 15m

  3. Apr 16

    Healing 200 Years of Worn-Out Cotton Ground - Portia Fulford’s Journey Towards Stewardship

    This episode of Huntin' Land Podcast sits down with Dr. Portia Fulford for a deeply personal look at what it really means to own and steward land over the long term. Her journey starts with a 250-acre worn-out cotton farm in Alabama’s Black Belt and evolves into something much bigger—a shift from production-focused agriculture to a relationship-driven approach centered on restoration, sustainability, and generational impact. Fulford talks openly about early mistakes, including chasing conventional “expert” advice that prioritized output over stewardship, and the hard lessons that followed. What emerges is a philosophy rooted in listening—to the land, to those who knew it before her, and to the deeper rhythms that govern it. She explains how that shift led her toward long-term forestry, carbon programs, and a more holistic model where profit becomes a byproduct of doing things right, not the sole objective. Along the way, the conversation explores the tension between modern economic pressures and traditional land-based values, the importance of mentorship over expertise, and the challenge of building a life that is both financially viable and deeply connected to place. At its core, this episode isn’t just about land ownership—it’s about redefining success, prioritizing family, and thinking in terms of decades instead of seasons. SPONSORS First South Farm Credit Deep South Cranes Dixie Supply/Baker Metalworks Chemical Warehouse Texas Hunter Black Buffalo National Land Realty

    1h 17m

  4. Apr 10

    Spray Smarter: How Hunters Can Control Weeds Without Killing Their Food Plots

    This episode of the Huntin’ Land Podcast zeroes in on a question most landowners eventually face: how to control weeds without constantly starting over on food plots. Joe Baya and Clint Flowers set the stage with real-world problems—like battling dog fennel and managing clover stands—before bringing in weed science expert David Russell to help make sense of it all. Russell reframes the conversation early by challenging the idea that all weeds are bad. Instead, he emphasizes that a “weed” is just a plant out of place, and whether it needs to be controlled depends entirely on your goals for the property. From there, the discussion walks through the main options—mechanical methods like mowing and disking versus chemical control—and why herbicides, when used correctly, can offer a more precise way to remove problem plants without wiping out everything else . The most practical takeaway is learning how to think about herbicides as tools rather than something to avoid. The group breaks down the difference between selective and non-selective options and highlights common use cases, like using clethodim to remove grasses from clover or 2,4-DB to target certain broadleaf weeds. Timing and plant biology come up repeatedly as critical factors—getting those wrong can make even the right product ineffective . By the end, the message is clear: food plots don’t need to look perfect to be effective, and you don’t have to start from scratch every season. With the right approach—and a little help from local experts—landowners can manage weeds more efficiently while improving habitat over time. SPONSORS First South Farm Credit Deep South Cranes Dixie Supply/Baker Metalworks Chemical Warehouse Texas Hunter Black Buffalo National Land Realty

    1h 17m

  5. Mar 13

    Spring Food Plot Prep - Soil Tests, Seed Blends & Smarter Food Plots

    Spring is the perfect time to start preparing food plots for next fall’s hunting season—but the most important step happens before you ever plant a seed. In this episode of Huntin’ Land, host Joe Baya sits down with Caleb Weaver from Southern Seed & Feed to break down how soil tests can completely change the way you approach food plots. They start with the basics of reading a soil test and explain why numbers like pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, CEC, and organic matter matter more than most hunters realize. Many landowners spend thousands of dollars on seed and fertilizer without ever testing their soil, which often means they’re wasting money or growing weaker plants than their property could support. Caleb explains how correcting soil pH with lime can dramatically improve plant nutrition uptake, why organic matter is critical for water retention during summer droughts, and how better soil structure leads to healthier plants and stronger wildlife nutrition. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for building better soil over time using plant choices like clovers, buckwheat, cowpeas, sorghum, and other summer crops that improve root structure and microbial activity underground. They also discuss common mistakes hunters make with food plots—like blindly planting soybeans on small plots where deer density will wipe them out—and why blends designed for southern soils often outperform single-species plantings. If you manage hunting land and want healthier food plots, stronger deer nutrition, and more productive habitat over the long term, this episode walks through the simple soil science that can make the biggest difference on your property.

    54 min
  6. Conservation That Pays: How To Manage Understory When Prescribed Fire Won't Work

    Jan 20

    Conservation That Pays: How To Manage Understory When Prescribed Fire Won't Work

    In this episode, we break down one of the most common—and frustrating—habitat challenges landowners face: how to manage overgrown understory when prescribed fire isn’t working or isn’t an option. Years of fire suppression have allowed midstory vegetation to block sunlight, eliminate native ground cover, and stall wildlife habitat across much of the Southeast. Joe Baya and Butch Thierry are joined by Jody Pagan of Ecosystems Protection Service and Brian Sheppard of Brush Clearing Services, two seasoned habitat professionals who explain the difference between manipulating land and truly restoring ecosystems. They walk through how to evaluate soils, vegetation, and disturbance history, why sunlight is the key driver of habitat, and how to recognize when fire alone can no longer do the job. The conversation then shifts to mechanical and chemical alternatives, including forestry mulching, timber harvest, and herbicide work. Brian explains when mulching makes sense, its limitations, and why follow-up fire and maintenance are critical for long-term success. Real-world restoration examples highlight how resetting vegetation can quickly bring back ducks, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife. We also discuss how landowners can use NRCS and Farm Bill programs like EQIP and CSP to help offset costs and accelerate habitat work. Whether you’re managing timber, wetlands, or a hunting property, this episode delivers a clear, practical roadmap: restore sunlight, reset vegetation, reintroduce fire, and maintain the system the land was built for.

    1h 23m
  7. Are You Shooting Enough Does? How QDM Fatigue Is Hurting Deer Herds

    12/12/2025

    Are You Shooting Enough Does? How QDM Fatigue Is Hurting Deer Herds

    In this episode, we break down one of the most common questions in whitetail deer management: How many deer—especially does—should you harvest each season? Hunters often rely on guesses, trail-cam photos, or instinct, but Dr. Bronson Strickland, one of the leading experts in deer biology and habitat management, explains how to use forage capacity, herd size, buck-to-doe ratios, and fawn recruitment to make science-based harvest decisions. Dr. Strickland walks us through evaluating habitat quality, recognizing signs of overbrowsing, understanding how much deer truly eat, and determining a healthy buck-to-doe ratio. We also explore the impact of skewed ratios on rut timing, fawn health, and overall herd performance. Then we shift to the technology side with Paragon Aerial Solutions, leaders in thermal drone deer surveys. They explain how modern aerial counts determine accurate herd numbers, prevent double-counting, measure buck-to-doe ratios, estimate fawn recruitment, and identify where deer actually spend time on the property. We discuss survey accuracy, cost-per-acre, seasonal timing, property size limitations, and how drone data integrates with mapping apps like OnX and HuntStand. Whether you're managing small acreage or a large hunting property, this episode gives you a full, science-driven roadmap: forage capacity → deer demand → herd size → ratios → fawn recruitment → harvest goals. Perfect for landowners, habitat managers, and anyone wanting to improve their whitetail herd using real data, not guesses. Important Links: Great Days Outdoors First South Farm Credit Southern Seed and Feed Dixie Building Supply / Baker Metal Works Chestnut Hill Outdoors Texas Hunter Products Black Buffalo Paragon Aerial Solutions

    1h 32m
  8. 2025 Hunter's Gift Guide: What We Love to Give and Get

    12/01/2025

    2025 Hunter's Gift Guide: What We Love to Give and Get

    Join hosts Joe Baya, Nick Williams, and Butch Thierry as they dive into the best hunting gifts and gear for 2025 in this special holiday episode of the podcast. Whether you're searching for the ultimate Christmas gifts for hunters or just want to upgrade your own outdoor gear, our experts review top-rated hunting equipment and share their favorite stocking stuffers. Discover insider tips on hunting clothing, base layers, smart outdoor tech, stabilized binoculars, premium scopes, and essential gear for every hunter. Highlights include reviews of Texas Hunter products, Chestnut Hill Outdoors food plot solutions, Leupold CDS systems, SIG Sauer Zulu stabilized binoculars, and more. Plus, get creative ideas for family gifts, unique camp accessories, and ways to document your best hunting memories. Tune in to learn how to find the perfect hunting gift for every outdoorsman and outdoorswoman on your list! Important Links: Great Days Outdoors First South Farm Credit Dixie Building Supply / Baker Metal Works Chestnut Hill Outdoors Texas Hunter Products Black Buffalo

    1h 5m
See All (222)

5
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Stay up to date on Hunting Tactics, Land Management, Land Values, and Land Market dynamics with hosts Joe Baya, Butch Thierry, and Clint Flowers.

Information

  • Creator
    Great Days Outdoors
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©202GreatDaysOutdoors
  • Show Website
    Huntin' Land Podcast

You Might Also Like