Modern technology is transforming the way we understand and manage deer populations, and Jack Huston of Midwest Deer Surveys is at the forefront of this revolution. Armed with cutting-edge thermal drone equipment that boasts four times the resolution of standard models, Jack travels across the heartland helping property owners unlock the secrets of their land.
What began as a deer recovery service quickly evolved when Jack recognized the powerful data these aerial surveys could provide. His passion for deer management merged perfectly with this new technology, creating a business that now serves landowners from Ohio to Wisconsin, South Dakota to Arkansas, and beyond. The results have been eye-opening: most property owners underestimate their deer populations by approximately 25%, a figure that remains remarkably consistent across different regions.
During our conversation, Jack explains how these surveys inform critical management decisions, often revealing that properties have too many does for optimal trophy buck production. "It's like fishing a pond," Jack explains. "Your land can only support so many deer, and we need to have the right number if we want quality." He shares fascinating insights about habitat quality, noting that farms with dense, high-quality timber consistently hold more mature bucks than open properties. This makes perfect sense when you understand that deer are actively feeding throughout the day and need both security cover and accessible browse.
Perhaps most intriguing is Jack's observation about predator impact. Properties with more open terrain often have lower deer densities, partly because coyotes can hunt more effectively without dense cover protecting fawns. Yet these same properties sometimes produce the largest bucks - Jack's personal best came from just such a farm. For serious hunters and land managers, thermal drone technology represents a quantum leap forward in understanding what's happening on their property and how to optimize it for wildlife.
Whether you're considering purchasing hunting land, wondering if you should harvest more does, or simply curious about what's actually living on your property, this episode offers valuable insights into how modern technology is changing the wildlife management game. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with innovative outdoorsmen who are redefining how we interact with the natural world.
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