At the Iowa Deer Classic 2008,I had the opportunity to visit with representatives of several companies that provide their own seed blends for us to plant to provide increased nutrition for the deer we hunt.
The company I chose is
WHITETAIL INSTITUTE , because they provided small
seed
packets that plant 10'x 10' plots. In my need to know, I wanted to see what blend the deer in my neighborhood would show the most interest in eating. I have planted 6 of 7 packets I received.
Last summer I staked out my plots and used my brushcutter/weedwhacker to keep the surface clean of weeds and grass.
This summer I was able to get the ground tilled, fertilizer and lime added. The plots sat for several months so I could follow the suggested Fall planting schedule since I missed the Spring deadlines. I applied a quick lime since I didn't have a full season to let the regular lime sit and become an active ingredient immediately to make a difference in the health of the crop.
The NO PLOW packet is the last one I have left to do...I am working on an area right off the yard, south of the new house we are building. I want to be able to watch the deer from the kitchen sink, patio, family and utility rooms.
I plan to spend a lot of time in the family room in the winter since that is where the fireplace will be...NO television, but sitting arrangements strategically placed for enjoying the views,reading, or knitting.
When I cultivated my present little plots, I didn't take into account the lack of windows I will have facing in that direction.
Now,I will need to get my trail cameras working to catch whatever deer traffic passes by these little tasty treats.
Pondering my dilemma, I mentioned it to hubby, and he said we could plant a big deer plot in the pasture to the West of our house if I wanted to next year. It was definitely a surprise to me! A much welcomed chance to see what kind of animals we have wandering the timber through the summer... ;)
Next Post :
Deer Plot Progress
packets that plant 10'x 10' plots. In my need to know, I wanted to see what blend the deer in my neighborhood would show the most interest in eating. I have planted 6 of 7 packets I received.
Last summer I staked out my plots and used my brushcutter/weedwhacker to keep the surface clean of weeds and grass.
This summer I was able to get the ground tilled, fertilizer and lime added. The plots sat for several months so I could follow the suggested Fall planting schedule since I missed the Spring deadlines. I applied a quick lime since I didn't have a full season to let the regular lime sit and become an active ingredient immediately to make a difference in the health of the crop.
The NO PLOW packet is the last one I have left to do...I am working on an area right off the yard, south of the new house we are building. I want to be able to watch the deer from the kitchen sink, patio, family and utility rooms.
I plan to spend a lot of time in the family room in the winter since that is where the fireplace will be...NO television, but sitting arrangements strategically placed for enjoying the views,reading, or knitting.
When I cultivated my present little plots, I didn't take into account the lack of windows I will have facing in that direction.
Now,I will need to get my trail cameras working to catch whatever deer traffic passes by these little tasty treats.
Pondering my dilemma, I mentioned it to hubby, and he said we could plant a big deer plot in the pasture to the West of our house if I wanted to next year. It was definitely a surprise to me! A much welcomed chance to see what kind of animals we have wandering the timber through the summer... ;)
Next Post : Deer Plot Progress
12 comments:
Nice to see a picture of deer at your food plot. I know you are excited about your new home. Can't wait to see pics of it and all your deer that you will be bringing close to home. :)
PS: Nice that hubby agrees to build a bigger plot...that only means more deer you know! :)
Marian Love Phillips-Yes, in my survey of the plots today there had been recent hoof indentations. The acorns are falling in the adjacent foreground as well.I have caught some deer grazing there as of late.
We have a lot to do on the house before it looks like a house. Progress is part-time. ;)
A friend and I have been debating making food plots at our hunting area for years. I realize it might bring a few more deer into shooting range, but it just doesn't seem like hunting to me. I really like, however, that you are using the plots to attract wildlife close to your home. It will be a nice addition to any morning or evening.
Paul Steeve - I can understand your concerns about hunting over a food plot. So,maybe you could plant things that die down before the hunting seasons arrive.
In Iowa it isn't legal for us to bait the deer with food, but we can use decoys,scents and calls. It leads me to question why those tactics are considered to be fair?...;)
I'll be interested to see which packets work the best. My brother has planted a bunch of plots, but I have yet to plant one.
I'm looking forward to what you find out, though.
Simply Outdoors - I have seen activity on the Winter Greens and Alpha Rack by the deer at this early stage of growth.
The ground hog is showing its own favorites of greens as well...;)
Ben G. - Only time will tell how these samples will be used by our deer population.
I already see the benefits of having a larger area to plant.
We had a fantastic "Buck Show" this morning. They were after the fallen acorns and merely walked over the plots today.
I looked into the use of alfalfa as a plot plant and here is what I discovered. You have probably looked at the aspects of using it as a deer forage already too.
http://www.foodplots.com/plants/alfalfa ;)
Good luck with the food plot. I have wanted to do that for some time but sad to say I don't have the property to do it.
Keep us posted on how it's going.
Rick Kratzke - I will work on a weekly report until the plots are covered over with snow...We will see if the deer will dig for the greens like they do for acorns. ;)
We just secured a hunting lease again - we're really too late to plant any food plots but it is something we've enjoyed doing in the past.
Blessed - I hope you will get the chance to plant some plots in the future.
I am looking forward to seeing some of the big bucks we have been told that are in our timber, draw them closer.
September 1st, I was treated to a preview in the front yard. It was inspiring...;)
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