When Should I Hunt?

04/23/25 • 52 min

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Tibbadoe discuss their recent Easter celebrations, the impact of weather on hunting plans, and their experiences with turkey hunting. They delve into the complexities of deer habitats in agricultural areas, exploring strategies for hunting in open land and the importance of habitat improvement. The conversation also touches on managing land for wildlife and understanding deer behavior and breeding patterns, providing valuable insights for hunters and landowners alike. In this conversation, Jason and Dan delve into the complexities of deer breeding cycles, the impact of environmental factors on these cycles, and effective hunting strategies based on deer behavior. They discuss the importance of understanding the rut, the significance of staging areas, and how to adapt hunting techniques to maximize success. The conversation emphasizes the need for hunters to be observant and knowledgeable about their local deer populations and their habits throughout the year.

takeaways

Easter celebrations can be chaotic with kids around.
Weather conditions significantly affect hunting plans.
Turkey hunting requires patience and adaptability.
Deer can thrive in agricultural areas despite limited cover.
Hunting strategies should consider land features and deer behavior.
Habitat improvement can attract more wildlife to your property.
Understanding deer patterns is crucial for successful hunting.
Managing land effectively can enhance wildlife habitats.
Deer behavior changes with the seasons and weather.
Fawn births can occur as early as mid-April. Deer breeding cycles can vary significantly based on environmental factors.
Understanding the timing of the rut is crucial for successful hunting.
Staging areas are important for deer movement before they reach food sources.
Hunters should observe deer behavior throughout the year to adapt their strategies.
Trail cameras are essential tools for monitoring deer activity.
The survival rate of fawns is influenced by their birth timing and environmental conditions.
Different regions have varying rut timings, affecting hunting strategies.
Knowing the local deer herd can lead to better hunting outcomes.
Bucks are most active when does are not yet in estrus.
Preparation and knowledge are key to successful hunting experiences.

‍

takeaways

Easter celebrations can be chaotic with kids around.
Weather conditions significantly affect hunting plans.
Turkey hunting requires patience and adaptability.
Deer can thrive in agricultural areas despite limited cover.
Hunting strategies should consider land features and deer behavior.
Habitat improvement can attract more wildlife to your property.
Understanding deer patterns is crucial for successful hunting.
Managing land effectively can enhance wildlife habitats.
Deer behavior changes with the seasons and weather.
Fawn births can occur as early as mid-April. Deer breeding cycles can vary significantly based on environmental factors.
Understanding the timing of the rut is crucial for successful hunting.
Staging areas are important for deer movement before they reach food sources.
Hunters should observe deer behavior throughout the year to adapt their strategies.
Trail cameras are essential tools for monitoring deer activity.
The survival rate of fawns is influenced by their birth timing and environmental conditions.
Different regions have varying rut timings, affecting hunting strategies.
Knowing the local deer herd can lead to better hunting outcomes.
Bucks are most active when does are not yet in estrus.
Preparation and knowledge are key to successful hunting experiences.

‍

Previous Episode

Brainstorming Spring Food Plots

In this conversation, Dan and Jason share their experiences and insights on turkey hunting, focusing on the recent youth season in Iowa. They discuss the excitement of hunting with family, the challenges faced during the hunt, and the importance of wildlife management. The conversation also touches on the trends in turkey populations, the impact of agricultural practices on wildlife, and strategies for effective food plots to attract deer. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the joy of outdoor activities and the lessons learned through hunting. In this conversation, Jason and Dan delve into the intricacies of managing food plots for deer hunting. They discuss the importance of understanding soil dynamics, the benefits of crop rotation, and the necessity of soil testing to ensure successful food plots. Jason shares practical tips for budget-friendly food plot management, emphasizing the significance of time investment and strategic planning. The discussion also highlights the balance between aesthetics and functionality in food plots, ultimately guiding listeners on how to create effective and sustainable food sources for deer.

Takeaways:

Turkey hunting is a great way to engage kids in the outdoors.
Experiencing nature with family enhances the hunting experience.
Aggressive hunting strategies can lead to exciting encounters with wildlife.
Wildlife populations fluctuate due to various environmental factors.
Food plots can be strategically placed to maximize deer movement.
Understanding deer behavior is crucial for successful hunting.
Surveys on wildlife populations can be skewed based on hunting pressure.
Natural browse can be as effective as food plots in attracting deer.
Habitat improvements should be made before planting food plots.
Different food sources can keep deer on your property longer. Deer take time to adapt to new food sources.
Soil testing is crucial for successful food plots.
Crop rotation can enhance soil nutrients.
Budget-friendly options exist for food plot management.
Weeds can be managed with minimal effort.
Aesthetic food plots may not always attract deer.
Small food plots can be effective for hunting.
Timing and weather are critical for planting.
Local farmers can be valuable resources.
Enjoying the process is key to successful hunting.