Everland Outdoors Podcast

Indiana Whitetail Biology: Big Bucks, CWD Management, & Rule Changes | Joe Caudell

How did Indiana transform into one of the premier Big Buck states in the Midwest? This week on the Everland Outdoors podcast, we are joined by Indiana State Deer Biologist Joe Caudell to break down the fascinating evolution of Indiana's whitetail deer landscape, history, and management. Joe shares the exact strategies that put Indiana on the trophy map—including the massive biological impact of the One-Buck Rule—and explains how the state handles Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) through data-driven surveillance and hunter partnership. We also take a deep dive into the numbers to compare Indiana’s proven regulations against Michigan’s major deer hunting rule changes. If you want to visualize the future projection of Michigan's deer herd, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in to discover: * How state hunting regulations directly impact whitetail age structure and antler growth across the landscape. * The science behind CWD management initiatives and what the future holds for Midwestern hunters. * What wildlife biologists wish everyday hunters understood about herd dynamics and deer density. Whether you hunt the big woods of Indiana, the farm country of Michigan, or just love deep-dive wildlife biology, this episode reveals the hidden forces that shape your hunting season. Hit that Follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and let us know in the comments: Do you think Michigan's new rules will replicate Indiana's success? Keywords: Indiana deer hunting, Michigan deer regulations, big buck states, whitetail biology, Chronic Wasting Disease, deer management, wildlife biologist, one-buck rule, earn-a-buck, Deer Hunting, Everland Outdoors podcast.

Habitat 360 | Jake Ehlinger

If you are obsessed with whitetail habitat design, then learning from the legends who have spent decades making mistakes and perfecting the craft is the ultimate shortcut to success. That is exactly why you need to know Jake Ehlinger from Habitat Solutions. Jake is an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to transforming land to hold more deer, create secure bedding, and establish flawless property layout and hunter access. Whether you have watched his legendary YouTube videos or listened to him on top hunting podcasts, you already know that Jake is not just a master of habitat manipulation, but he is also a truly genuine and good person. This episode of the Everland Podcast features an incredible, in-depth conversation with the one and only Jake Ehlinger. We dive deep into real-world whitetail management, property design secrets, and the exact trial-and-error lessons he has learned from years of moving dirt and cutting timber. If you want to stop guessing and start creating the ultimate deer hunting property, this interview is packed with actionable advice you cannot afford to miss. Hit that subscribe button, leave a comment with your biggest habitat challenge, and join us for an amazing discussion on how to elevate your land management game.

Making a change in your state.

Everyone has heard about the shifts happening in Michigan’s hunting landscape. Whether you view them as good or bad, these changes are happening because every day, people decide to speak up. This week, we are finally joined by the long-awaited Josh Arbogast from the Michigan Whitetail Project. Josh shares his firsthand experience advocating for wildlife management and hunting regulations. While he hasn't been at this for decades, he has jumped in headfirst and learned exactly what it takes to mobilize a community for a cause. In this episode, we cover: * The current reality of hunting regulation changes in Michigan. * Josh’s journey into wildlife advocacy and the lessons he’s learned. * How states across the country are looking at Michigan as a blueprint for regulation changes. * Practical steps you can take to make your voice heard and protect the resource. If you’ve been wanting to see change in your own state's hunting regulations, this is a must-listen.

Michigan Changes | New Hunting Regulations

* Elimination of the Limited Firearms Zone: The historical restriction on rifle usage in the southern Lower Peninsula has been completely eliminated. Hunters statewide can now use all legal firearms, including bottleneck cartridges and rifles larger than .22 rimfire. * The "One-Buck" Rule (Effective 2027): Lower Peninsula hunters will be strictly limited to harvesting one antlered buck per season. A single tag will only be valid for a buck with at least 3 antler points on one side, or one antlerless deer. Combination licenses can be used for one buck and one doe, or two does. * Muzzleloader Season Shortened: The statewide muzzleloader season is reduced from 10 days to 3 days, beginning the first Friday in December. * December Firearm Deer Season: In the Lower Peninsula, the shortened December season now allows any legal firearm to be used. * Late Antlerless Season: This season is expanded, beginning the Monday immediately following the December firearm season and running through January 1. * Upper Peninsula Changes: Upper Peninsula antlerless drawings have been eliminated, and universal antlerless deer licenses are now restricted to specific Deer Management Units. [1 [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o8CRb06-thY], 2 [https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/05/new-deer-hunting-rules-every-change-for-2026-2027-as-michigan-becomes-one-buck-state.html], 3 [https://wgrd.com/one-buck-hunting-michigan/], 4 [https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/michigan-approves-major-deer-hunting-rule-changes-for-2026-2027-seasons-12290967], 5 [https://bridgemi.com/outdoors-life/michigan-limits-hunters-to-one-buck-in-lower-peninsula-urges-doe-killing/]] * Zone 3 Earn-A-Buck (Effective 2027): A pilot program will launch in Zone 3 requiring hunters to harvest an antlerless deer before they become eligible to take a second buck (which must have at least 4 points on one side). [1 [https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/05/new-deer-hunting-rules-every-change-for-2026-2027-as-michigan-becomes-one-buck-state.html]] Upcoming Pilot ProgramsFor a complete breakdown of season dates, unit-specific exceptions, and license requirements, visit the official Michigan DNR Hunting Rules and Regulations [https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/rulesregs] portal. Lincoln is back on another episode of the Everland Outdoors podcast. We have all saw the News on Michigans upcoming Hunting Regulations, but was this what we expected? Or is this the right way these regulations should be decided? This week we do a deep dive on what to expect and what was not expected from the recent NRC meeting. Always appreciate you joining and please like, subscribe, and leave a comment on what your thoughts are. We appreciate everyone!

Behind the Lenz of Habitat

Whether you agree or not with the plan, there is no doubt Jeff Sturgis was one of the pioneers in bringing habitat to your home screen, and this week we are joined by the man behind the lens, Dylan Lenz. Dylan shares his journey from taking selfies at a bar to now living the outdoor dream full-time. From remote settings to rap videos, Dylan has an eye for the "Lenz." We discuss Dylan’s journey not only from behind the camera but his journey through habitat and everyone's ultimate dream: being a first-time landowner. It was a great time sitting down with Dylan, and we would truly consider him a steward of the Lord's land. Sit back and enjoy this week's podcast episode with us! As always, thanks for listening, thank you for watching, and don't forget to click the like, subscribe, and all the things podcasters ask you to do. God bless... one last thing, check us out at www.everlandoutdoors.com [https://www.everlandoutdoors.com]. #whitetail #habitat #Everlandoutdoors