This week, I sat down with my friend and forestry consultant Madison Raber from Tree Stand Forestry, and this one’s jam-packed with value. Madison breaks down the often misunderstood world of timber management, and let me tell you—what he shared is stuff most landowners never hear until it’s too late. I’ve personally learned a ton working with him, and he’s already helped me sell two of my last land deals just by helping me understand the true timber value on those properties.

We cover it all—from how he got started in the industry, to shady practices he witnessed as a cutter, and how that lit a fire in him to start consulting. Madison shares not only how he helps landowners avoid leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table, but also his own journey into land investing and flipping timber-rich properties. We talk hunting, land value, creative deal structures, and how legacy is built one smart move at a time.

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:12] - The story of how Madison helped me maximize value on two recent land deals

[7:22] - Madison’s path from subcontract cutter to forestry consultant

[8:37] - The shady practices that pushed Madison to launch Tree Stand Forestry

[10:50] - My early mistakes in timber sales and how Madison opened my eyes

[15:27] - Why 2023 and 2024 were some of the hardest deer seasons we’ve faced

[21:26] - The harsh truth about finding mature bucks these days and what’s causing it

[24:04] - The real story behind a 60-acre property flip that netted $190K

[32:15] - Madison’s personal land deal: no cash down, $42K profit on 12 acres

[40:01] - How he selectively cut walnut and preserved the land’s beauty

[47:07] - My real-time experience walking farms and evaluating timber like a pro

[49:07] - What land features I now hunt for beyond just views and layout

[50:02] - Why timber and ponds consistently increase land value

[52:30] - How we can help you make smart, informed land decisions from day one

1. Timber is often undervalued—and misunderstood. Most landowners don’t know the true worth of their trees, especially high-dollar species like walnut or white oak.

2. Legacy is built by buying smart, not just buying big. Madison’s first deal was just 12 acres, but it netted him over $40K in less than a year—without using his own cash.

3. Creative financing can unlock your first deal. Borrowing from family or partners to cover a down payment, then paying it back through timber harvest, is a strategy that works.

4. Select harvesting doesn’t destroy a property. In fact, it can increase both habitat quality and resale value when done right.

5. Land investing isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom, family, and legacy. Whether it’s your first farm or your fiftieth, building a legacy through land is always worth the effort.

• Connect with Madison Raber at Tree Stand Forestry: https://www.treestandforestry.com/

• Mentioned in this episode: Bill Winke, We Are Hunters Podcast, 1031 exchange expert Greg Smith

If this episode opened your eyes to how much value you might be leaving on the table—or just got you more fired up to pursue your land legacy—do me a favor: rate, review, and follow the show. Share it with a friend who’s chasing land ownership, and let’s keep building smarter, together.