Ep. 75: Jordan Szustwal

Jordan Szustwal returns for in depth turkey discussion on calling, methods, and tactics that’ll better position you in the woods this Spring.  An experienced woodsman, Jordan hails from the Low Country and pursues turkeys on many landscapes including pressured public land.  Go back and listen to Episode 50 from 2024 and follow him on social media. Thanks for listening.@palmetto_pursuit@switz_6

This episode is for hunt clubs and landowners with limited time and resources. Easy land management tips that can be accomplished over the weekend. Cost efficient and time effective. All will improve hunting success this upcoming Fall. Thanks for [email protected] www.southeastwhitetail.com

New "Whitetail Tales" story:  Some bucks evoke a pursuit.  Not a deer that's patterned or predictable to a food source, rather one that'll take time and focus to fulfill.  Those who don't take the woods for game meat wouldn't understand the challenge is mostly within the hunter.  To bear down, remain focused and stick to the plan even when you want to give [email protected]@markhaslam

What is the end game with Chronic Wasting Disease? What are we working towards with hundreds of millions in tax dollars spent through research and studies? The findings are fascinating but distribution of a cure isn't realistic and slowing the spread of wild herds doesn't seem remotely possible. There is a different side of CWD that doesn't get discussed. I cover these topics and a path to establishing baseline population data.

Does Boone & Crockett truly measure full antler expression?  Why is value placed on symmetry and the contrary penalized?  The method is not outdated or antiquated.  Rather, it's highly subjective based on preferences formatted at the conception. B&C is simply not an accurate record of total antler growth.  From a management perspective, If our goal is to grow the highest quality whitetails, does it matter if antlers are in the form of scored points or total bone expressed? Is the answer water displacement? IG: @southeast.whitetailwww.southeastwhitetail.com

Hunting late summer bucks is for die hard hunters. Sometimes, you have them pouring into fields at dusk and other times you can only find bucks on early morning trails. This week I cover what bucks are doing, both physically & behaviorally, and how to pursue them.Thank you for the support of SEWT. Good luck this season.

Concealment, accuracy, and pressure are the main factors to control with stand setup. I discuss 5 simple tactics to minimize presence and maximize deer observed and harvested. Implement now for success this Fall.Thanks for listening. Instagram: @southeast.whitetail

If your goal is to grow and harvest the best antlers your land can yield, this topic is for you. Doe management is crucial to every whitetail program and effectively filling tags is vital. I discuss issues and mistakes that interfere with management goals and disrupt deer movement. Topics that directly impact growing, observing and filling buck tags. Thanks for listening!

Joe Hamilton, Legend of Conservation.  Part 2 of 2.The profound success story of whitetail conservation could not be told without Joe Hamilton.  He spearheaded a movement in the South that expanded across the country forever changing the landscape of herd health and habitat quality.  The ripple effect of Quality Deer Management and Mr Joe’s career work is staggering.Joe has a long and storied history in the outdoors which is well documented in his book: "Firepot Stories".  A fascinating read and highly informative of the revered white-tailed deer.  

Joe Hamilton, Legend of Conservation - Part 1 of 2. The profound success story of whitetail conservation could not be told without Joe Hamilton. He spearheaded a movement in the South that expanded across the country forever changing the landscape of herd health and habitat quality. I met Mr. Joe years ago at Rose Hill Plantation sometime in the early 2000's. I was thrilled to shake his hand and to be invited on such a hunt by the Morrison family. I've never been one to follow hunting media shows or celebrity type hunters. QDMA was the content I consumed and Joe is a figure that I've always admired and respected.  Several years ago I connected with Joe Hamilton again.  Joe joined us for a mentored hunt at my family farm for a memorable weekend and since then we have stayed in touch. When I started Southeast Whitetail, Joe was at the top of my list to interview and showcase his dedication and career work with conservation. Thus, I asked Joe to film the first episode of Southeastern Sit-down Series: Joe Hamilton, Legend of Conservation.  Joe has a long and storied history in the outdoors which is well documented in his book: "Firepot Stories".  A fascinating read and very informative of the revered white-tailed deer.  Thank you for listening to the interview and a very special thank you to Mr. Joe Hamilton. He opened his home to me and I greatly appreciate his time. Below are career highlights and the numerous recognition awards.  Career:Native of Elizabethtown, NC.BS Degree in Forest Resources 1971 - UGAMS Degree in Wildlife Biology 1978 - UGASC DNR 1979 - 1995Founded QDMA in 1988 and has been involved with various roles & positions still to this day.Ducks Unlimited 1996 - 2000Awards & Achievements:1975 - NC Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year.1982 - Julian C. Greene Award presented by the White Lakes Chapter NC of Ducks Unlimited.1984 - SC Wildlife Federation Harry Hampton "Woods & Water" Conservation Memorial Journalism Award for Excellence in Natural Resource Reporting.2000 - Deer Management Career Achievement Award presented by the Southeastern Section of the Wildlife Society.  2004 - Inducted into "The Keepers of the Hunting Spirit" in Melbourne, Australia. 2005 - Outdoor Life Conservation Award.2005 - Professional Wildlife Management Award by the SC Chapter of the Wildlife Society. 2011 - Budweiser Conservationist of the Year. 2012 - Induction into Gary Mason's "Legends of the Outdoors".2013 - The 2013 Award for Extraordinary dedication to Preserving & Protecting South Carolina's Environment & Natural Resources. Presented by the Governor and General Assembly.  2015 - UGA's Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources Distinguished Alumnus Award.  2021 - Outdoor Life listed Joe as one of five individuals who have most influenced how sportsmen hunt & fish on a national scale.  2022 - The Order of the Palmetto Award presented by SC Governor Henry McMaster.