Steven Rinella & Mark Kenyon Get the Property Back in Shape | S2E01 | Back 40

Last year, we bought a 64-acre farm in Michigan. The goal was to transform this small chunk of land into a hunting and wildlife paradise. Mark Kenyon’s first season as deer hunter turned land manager was full of half-done projects and failed additions. Other than arrowing a mature buck he called “The Wide Eight,” last season was about getting to know the farm. This year will be all about change. It’s August and Mark is back to check on the progress of some crucial projects. He battled a bunch of pissed off bees, COVID lockdowns, and failed food plots all Spring. Will any of these so-called improvements turn the Back 40 around? Tune in to find out.
#fueledbynature #MeatEater
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[@travishatfield331]

I swear you better not give this thing away. I could watch the Back 40 for the next 10 years

[@socialex]

They want to purchase more.

[@JeremyReger]

It's already been chosen who it's going to I think haha

[@gabrielkranjcar474]

Yea make it a meat eater properly

[@echoscope4278]

Plant a huge crop of flowers, the bees and the deer will love it.

[@calebfrank7306]

As a Michigan resident and an avid viewer of all meateater content, this series is by far my favorite!!

[@macrominutes]

Mark seems like the most genuine dude. Great job creating an amazing habitat Mark!

[@michaelclark8000]

Been waitimg for this for a while, very excited to finally see it

[@freeman7079]

I inherited a 90 acre homestead from my father about two years ago, this gets me excited and motivated!

[@ikazukison2]

you better have some bees

[@Usafpararescue96]

Lucky, I inherited baldness and alcoholism from my father.

[@johnetchill8648]

Property has come a long way since me and my family hunted it a few years ago keep up the good work guys

[@mikeg2295]

Lookin good guys. Little bummer its in the 70’s right now and its Michigan November. Sign me up for some honey

[@rocknrollguitar]

I have a degree in forest and wildlife management, and THIS is a really good example of proper nature and wildlife management! Keep it up guys! If you need advice let me know

[@reidheine8838]

I’ve been looking into doing something like that I’m a senior in Highschool and I’m just wondering what all you do, who you work for and what school was like in that degree ?

[@zajagter2888]

Answer poor Reide mate, he's asking advice

[@rocknrollguitar]

@@reidheine8838 i live in the Netherlands, but in sure there are enough options in the usa aswell. Just do some searching on the web

[@johngoodmanjr.goldfever6050]

My life would be fully filled with that back 40 gods blessing

[@calebchristensen900]

Hopefully they’d have another mini series like this. I’d be curious to see what they’d do in another state like Oklahoma or Texas.

[@bradfarley3051]

I'd love to see something like this done in my Home state of Oklahoma!

[@kencoffman7145]

You're giving this away???? Oh my goodness what a piece! Stumbled on your channel and love it. I've spent lots of time in Montana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Of the 3 I've settled in northern Michigan due to my love of the north woods. Great educational and hunting channel

[@rediron44]

I have definitely learned thr value of burning off fields since I bought my property over 20 years ago. It does wonders

[@Swagg3r3d]

Phenomenal concept for a show. Keep it up Mark and team.

[@fappydabear1774]

Yes! Been waiting for the continuation of this series. One of my favorites. Helps me learn how to take care of my (relatively small) 10 acre deer plot.

[@RadDadisRad]

I’m jealous. I’ve looked at buying land but never could because I can’t afford it. One thing that’s beneficial is I’m not even remotely allergic to bees. I’ve always dreamed of having my own farm and bees.

[@peterpoel1019]

Prepping for bow to gun in West Michigan as I watch. Awesome I dream of a property like this some day. Steve and crew gave me motivation to start hunting 5 years ago. I’ve harvested a number of deer thanks to an experienced friend. Thanks 🙏 for the lifestyle improvement and entertainment Meateater crew!

[@tonydyson3492]

I love this series. I am employed by a land owner, who has 33 acres. its my job to look after the land and I love learning new ways to diversify and re-establish the fauna and flora. Big fan.. all the way from the UK.

[@Mobb_-gm9tr]

Sounds like my kind of job, mate.

[@tonydyson3492]

@@Mobb_-gm9tr it’s cracking mate. All the hunting ground I want, free of charge

[@Mobb_-gm9tr]

Being able to work the land and harvest it as well is reward in itself. Enjoy it man.

[@tonfiselier1818]

It's great to see how Mark shows the interconnectedness of it all. If you want a healthy game population, you need to take good care of their ecosystems. And that includes everything from flora to polinators. Great stuff.

[@MirrorMirrorImage]

Yes.! Love this series as well as the Das Boat. Keep them coming, please!

[@jimbear8888]

You are giving this place away????!! What a perfect hunting commune!! I'm in!!❤️

[@kyanberusama8847]

ITS FINALLY HERE!! I couldn't be more excited

[@Stickinit]

Good job Mark.

[@chrisblood4175]

Looks like it’s going to be a good season

[@timothyamerman6521]

Can't wait to watch the progression this year. I'll take the keys Mark, I'm only 45 minutes away so I'll take really good care of it and maybe I'll even invite you for a hunt next Fall, haha...

[@loudmouf9246]

MeatEater channel got me through 2020. Not gonna lie. Also the new episodes on Netflix.

[@derekhietpas7953]

I've never clicked a video so fast! Can't wait!!

[@brettwalsh4203]

So pumped to watch season 2 unfold!

[@dirkesauce12]

That Bee keeper for sure had some sort of dramatic hospital fight with covid, you can just tell, probably right after the run, Grand Rapids area vibes.

[@C-24-Brandan]

Love me some the Wild Within, MeatEater, Das/Dos Boat & The Back 40!! #RinellaforPresident #MeatEaterNation the Back 40 Honey & ohh baby she's sweet

[@benf8487]

We burn our native grasses down here in Kentucky and it does wonders for them! Love the show!

[@holdenpetitt783]

Love this series. Informational and entertaining. Kick ass

[@Hudgi34]

Kind of bothers me that it's called the Back 40, but it's 64 acres. Great video!

[@SnailHatan]

It’s because the back 40 acres are what they’re trying to turn into hunting grounds. The other 24 are for the house and barns and people.

[@olebearzbees6189]

Looks great, happy things are working well! Love the bees

[@bmurph6101]

About time!! Keep them coming for us fellas!

[@osmanahmed8615]

Now that’s a conservation

[@keeganburke8403]

Im diggin the classical piano! Excited for this season.

[@Wildman46]

God this is just like a giant tease! Lol knowing what happens from the podcasts and your IG stories I’m just DYING for the rest of the season!

[@josielsantos5268]

I Love the videos of you guys, sorry that Netflix did not broadcast all episodes of the series here in Brazil.

[@wildpeakoutdoors5987]

Incredible work! Can’t wait to see the bucks!

[@SimonSaysTooMUCH]

I absolutely love this series. I have been looking forward to season two since the first season finished. Really inspiring, I want to get into land management now, just for fun. I'm so stoked the bees are working out. I think you should probably just leave the aggressive bees for the first couple years, since they are great producers and are clearly busy helping with the land + buddy said they would probably do better throughout the winter.

[@lokei1326]

Umm...can we get videos of the "GoT: Bees Edition" uploaded? I'm very interested in that.

[@HazedForDays]

Loving these videos!!! The land management is extremely interesting!! Looking amazing so far!!

[@4paws.outlaws]

There are 3 certain things I’ve come to know. 1) you can’t control the weather. 2) you can’t control the deer. 3) you can’t trust bees.

[@perupogusamson2459]

This great for Ecological system everyone think like this bee's most important for Eco system thanks for sharing your video watching from India🇮🇳 god bless you 😍👍

[@bendrixbailey1430]

www.acsh.org/news/2018/04/17/bee-apocalypse-was-never-real-heres-why-12851 Not native to North America... :)

[@jochenroukaerts6423]

Love the series and your work. As a hunter and a beekeeper understand what you guys are doing and I commend it. I hate to be “that guy” so just to be clear, it’s my only gripe but I feel like it’s an important one that you guys will appreciate. Please, never use cardboard for smoking bees! Or anything that contains chemicals or glue which is poisonous to the bees try and use natural materials, dry leaf matter bark shavings, etc from species that you e checked aren’t harmful to bees. I’d also question the use of plastics in a hive. Just my 2 cents. Carry on the great work.

[@nickcowley8757]

I wondered about that too, we have always used dried honeysuckle buds

[@MrCantii]

Would love to see them keep this project alive - maybe on another plot of land. I would even pay for it so they could maybe get netflix on board or make it lilke meateater pay per view on their own website

[@chamblen4]

I hope it's me you're handing the keys over to, then we both can be teary eyed

[@jay_pozz4222]

So good this will save the rest of my year of not being able to hunt🤙

[@Jamesbout83]

This is an awesome concept for a show. Keep up the great work.

[@danielemblen7983]

I have been anxiously waiting for this. I just got a 42 acre lease and can’t wait to try some of these thing.

[@stanleyshelby7460]

Wonder if the Queen of that one tribe of bees was from that South American/Mexican strain that came up? Congrats Steven and guys...what a great task you took on and hope it has a planned and hoped for fruition.

[@highbchunting]

This is such an awesome show theme!!

[@nickheileg1291]

mark’s been doin a great job steve! cmon now

[@RichM1983]

Give it to Mark!

[@guccipitts]

Meateaters so good they make mark Kenyon look ok

[@bushpilot223]

So much amazing content! Best channel on KZbin, hands down! Can't wait for this season!! The last one was awesome.

[@ryangreenawalt284]

Love this hoping I get to mark kenyan chase some mountain bucks in the future though would love to see what he does differently and how he approaches mountain whitetails

[@socialex]

Man the premise of this show is hilarious.

[@Rockwood777]

So like the board of directors should be gearing up for a vote of no confidence!

[@judge4all]

Love it!

[@josielsantos5268]

I'm Brazilian and l think you are the best.

[@CalebWayneMcCready]

If I were the President is appoint Steve to the head of US Fish and Game.

[@alexroxhissox]

I bet he's glad that you're not then... You'd really put him in a desk job?

[@CalebWayneMcCready]

@@alexroxhissox you think the head of game and fish only sits at a desk all day?

[@alexroxhissox]

@@CalebWayneMcCready I would imagine that role is mostly administrative/political yes.

[@albow4oops5]

That is definitely a desk job, and a horribly political one, at least it is in Colorado. I can't imagine how soul sucking it would be at the national level

[@thecitybornhunter494]

one day ill be there!

[@jamescronk7506]

hell yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tylermccurry9554]

Can we get a video on pre rut calling and tips on calling during the rut. It’s something I’ve never had to do, but want to expand on my knowledge as a hunter and I want to help new hunters in my area that have questions. Thanks!

[@FrankieJEnno]

Native plant life on your Deer paradise could use the help of an OLDER , wiser NATIVE WARRIOR to maintain the back 40 DREAM...taking care of the deer sanctuary and bees sounds like my vision of HEAVEN

[@brysoncarney4313]

This is what will save agricultural North America

[@jurockclimb]

Finally!

[@bradlybrown1148]

Im loving this channel amd this series and love hunting been able to take a few does but havent gotten me a buck yet hopfully michigan state land will pay off for me this year fingers crossed

[@mikecuntala9675]

FINALLY!

[@tomschumacher5434]

Also I’d like to nominate myself for the keys 🤚🏼

[@elund408]

local bee keepers are always looking for places to put hives, they should find one to take care of the bees, someone who knows what they are doing or wants to learn. Its a lot more than dumping them in the hive and walking away.

[@handcannon1388]

Steve's coming out for opening day? Maybe I'll see him around. There is one less 200+ lb buck in the area, though...

[@brandonbeers7923]

🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 watch out

[@guccipitts]

Lil ol mark Kenyon got realllll lucky he shot that buck. Couldn't even start up a 4-stroke engine....WORK LIKE A MAN KENYON WORK LIKE A MAN

[@philllax1719]

"I know this is nerdy stuff" I'm a wildlife manager, this is making me grin from ear to ear

[@samuelemeryjiujitsu]

I love this is in michigan

[@JeremyReger]

Yeah there could be a whole series on every aspect of this.. haha

[@jjkjhjkh]

Give it away? How do I sign up for that frickin raffle lol

[@jasonmaes6021]

Is it possible to buy or schedule a hunt at MeatEater ranch? I’ve never hunted but learning from these smart guys would be kind of a head start.

[@WeBuildStuff]

Can't wait to eventually buy 40+ acres

[@handcannon1388]

You'd better do it before the communists take over.

[@WeBuildStuff]

@@handcannon1388 Doesn't worry me in my area :)

[@alexandrelanglois4678]

oh shit I just watched this :p 4 day's Steve before your hunt :p

[@tuddsmithers7101]

Beautiful, it seems like it could be a life work. Check out the story of Elzeard Bouffier The book about his life is called the man who planted trees. He was the guy who changed a whole forest for the better,Great video thank you!

[@josephking3799]

Why is the music so loud?

[@mattboyer7466]

Yes

[@squarewoodoutdoors]

That'd be my dream job

[@georgezakedis8702]

I've been doing bee's for 11 years; and those must have been bad when you see an experienced Beekeeper put that much smoke into a hive.

[@billrawlins9488]

When you really look at it you could claim farming, as what you have put into the land and playing along side mother nature you are hoping the teaming approach allows you to harvest

[@shephusted2714]

good content - good story telling and lots of hard work - my only advice - plant more trees - nut and fruit trees - they will give you biggest bang for the buck - pardon the pun

[@JohnSmith-py9fx]

Now we’re talking

[@travisstubbe838]

Oh my gosh I would cry if I won that 🤣

[@scottderyke5145]

whole scenario is screwed due to not being able to work the property late winter/spring/and early summer.

[@zhoutdoors2084]

Yeah

[@sir.donjennerogorrell1243]

? goúd? Kool feed n grounds 👏🏽.. Thx u 🙌🏽😤💀♎...

[@melissalucero9239]

How is it that Steve is getting credit for helping get it back in shape but he's not actually there? Lol

[@jeffh8693]

You have killer bees lol

[@waynememmlersr3799]

It would be helpful if the background music level was lower, much of the dialogue about bees was lost ,or difficult to hear. Thanks

[@danny29]

Do you happen to be a member of Michigan Sportsman forum?

[@jamesosborne5950]

hello everyone