Habitat Improve your hunting land!

Whether you're planting your first food plot, working on forest stand improvement, or preparing for a prescribed burn, the NDA has the information you need to help you be successful. We rely on the latest research and experts in their field to bring you the most reliable, up-to-date information on managing your land for the benefit of white-tailed deer and other wildlife.

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3 Habitat Strategies That Produced 3 Mature Bucks in One Season

Sep 24, 2025 Kip Adams

The number 16 conjures positive images and memories for nearly everyone. However, in this case I’m not referring to a special birthday party or select round of hoops during March Madness. Rather, 16 is a…

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5 Clovers That Help Fall Food Plots Feed Deer in Spring and Summer, Too

Aug 6, 2025 Mark Turner

Many deer hunters are interested in producing larger-antlered bucks, healthier does, and more robust deer populations, yet their food plot programs often fall short at providing high-quality nutrition when deer require it most – in…

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5 Ways Hunters Drive Wildlife Diversity Just by Working for Deer

Jul 23, 2025 Ben Westfall

Deer are North America’s favorite game species, and millions of hunters take to the field each year to pursue these magnificent creatures. But they are also a keystone species, meaning that they help define their…

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Deer Habitat Management Can Be a Monster. Here’s How to Tame It.

Jun 25, 2025 Lindsay Thomas Jr.

No matter what deer habitat improvement project you decide you want to try, sometimes the scope of the work can frighten you if it encompasses an entire hunting property, even a relatively small one. I’ve…

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One Type of Plant is the Greatest Source of Deer Nutrition. Here’s How to Grow It.

May 21, 2025 Mark Turner

After analyzing over a thousand deer forage samples from 25 states, I learned there’s only one type of plant that consistently meets a deer’s nutritional needs. However, most hunting properties aren’t producing enough of them…

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Top 5 Map Layers for Habitat Management You’ve Probably Overlooked

Apr 23, 2025 Matt Ross

Two of the biggest limitations in managing deer habitat are a lack of knowledge and time. Not everyone has formal land management training or experience, and we all do our best to balance life’s other…

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How to Take a Food Plot Soil Sample

Apr 2, 2025 Cheyne Matzenbacher

A soil sample test can be the difference between a quality deer food plot and a failed food plot. This simple test can save you time, energy and of course money by determining your actual…

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4 Important Lessons Learned From Managing and Hunting a Small Property

Mar 26, 2025 Brian Grossman

Purchasing a small hunting property has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. Not only is it nice to occasionally hunt right out the back door, but being able to implement changes to…

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