Ep. 07 - Rupert Medford | Why You’re Not Finding Mature Bucks (And How To Change That)

In Episode 7 of the Sitka Southeast Podcast, we're joined by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission District 6 Wildlife Biologist, Rupert Medford. Rupert brings years of experience studying deer behavior and habitat management as he sits down with Jake and Landon to discuss what truly makes prime mature buck habitat and how hunters can learn to recognize it in the field. We dive into effective trail camera strategies, understanding deer movement, and practical ways to reduce human pressure on the properties we hunt. Whether you're managing your own hunting property, scouting public land, or simply trying to better understand mature whitetail behavior and habitat, this episode is packed with valuable insights from a professional wildlife biologist. As always come into the store and mention the podcast to receive 15% off your next purchase. Host: Jacob Norris (@jnorri15) Co-Host: Landon Pearson (@brutemodecollective) Special Guest: Rupert Medford (@ncwildlife)(@rupertmedford) Time Line: 13:10 Upcoming Events 18:07 Rupert's Background & Growing Up in Western North Carolina 28:07 Why Whitetail Habitat Matters More Than Most Hunters Think 33:05 Mature Buck Bedding Areas & Security Cover 41:40 Access Routes, Pressure & Not Educating Deer 43:24 Hunting Conditions: Cold Fronts, Rut Activity & Timing 45:05 Trail Camera Placement Strategies 47:24 How Hunters Ruin Their Season with Trail Cameras 52:40 Finding Where Deer Actually Live During Daylight 55:53 Why Bowhunters Become Better Deer Hunters 56:49 Using Topography to Locate Mature Bucks 1:00:00 Habitat vs Topography – What Matters Most? 1:40:00 - "Every Dear is a Teacher"