Deer Hunting in the Open

The soybeans were harvested this past weekend in a field next to our timber. Leaving the field wide open, nowhere to hide. It is interesting in what ways die-hard hunters are able to capitalize on various hunting scenarios. This building belongs to a guy who works for the leasee of the field.The owner of the building and his friends are avid hunters in the area. In all seasons... They will probably begin using the structure very soon since the first Bowhunting season arrived in Iowa on Ocotber 1st and runs until November 30th. The second season opens December 17th and will run through January 10th. I can see the possiblities in using this deer stand in the gun seasons as well. It took it's station a year ago further to the east of this location in the corn field. I would be interested in observing the deer/hunter activity as the seasons progress.

Sharing My Blog Roll

We must be Simply Outdoors to lead a Blessed Crazy Life over at Deer Camp to hear Marian's Hunting Stories about the Hunting Life of Whitetail Woods. The Hunter's Wife ,Jody, has something to share about The Buck Hunters when they come back from Base Camp to share with whom ever will listen. Being avid huntresses in the blogging world The Wild Woodswoman - Dana, FS Huntress - Kim, and NorCal Cazadora - Holly have my attention and great respect. The Great Wild Outdoors of Alpha Trilogy , Backwoods Drifter, Othmar Vorhinger, Upland Feathers reminds me of a Huntin' Junky. I can't forget Mel over at The Fishing Notebook as a voice devoted to the sport. All men devoted to experiences that could take them to a meeting at the Outdoor Bloggers Summit next Spring. With most of us looking foward to the Timber Life we focus on how to Hunt Smart and Think Safety... (Please forgive me if I missed someone this time. I had to concentrate to accomplish this tribute. I have worked and worked to try to make the links active on more than one occassion...saving doesn't seem to work. I will not send this to the recycle bin once more, because it is worth being said in any event! ;) )

Roving Cows

Tis the time of year for the weather to be a changin'! We have a herd of cows that spend time pasturing in fields behind our property from early Spring until the end of October. It never fails, in the Fall, groups of cows seem to always find a weak spot somewhere along the lines to escape the humdrum of short grass. They wander into the fields of maturing beans, and corn, to complete their diets, to get ready for harsher weather ahead; even though they are headed for a more sheltered location in a few weeks. Hubby has been seeing the marauders from the air when he takes flight, and buzzes them back in the direction they should go to get home. There have been two cows and three calves hanging out in the ravine close to his runway the last few days. This morning we saw two cows and two calves when they decided to walk the quarter mile up the drive to the house to see if there was any new vegetation to sample. Somewhere they had lost the third calf, even though I believe I heard it still in the general vicinity. Apparently, they didn't approve of the location of some 10'x10' deer food plots I am grooming for next year. 2"x2"x24" wooden stakes were pulled up from the corners to make room for better grazing. There are 10 foot grass seperations between each bed which didn't seem to be sufficient... Sadie, of course wanted in on some action. She is getting really bored these days. No Pheasants to chase don't 'cha know. ;) However, she remained inside so as not to stir the wrath of the "Big Bossy Cows." The Roving Cows stayed around just long enough to make things comfortable for the next visit???

Native Trees

"I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree ..." by Joyce Kilmer A few comments got me to thinking about the possibility of growing the "Mighty Oak" in another location other than the one I am most familiar with, here at Timber Life. Hearing from some readers out in Idaho sparked my interest and research has brought some answers. In my years of growing plants, I have learned that it is more productive to look for native species that are acclimated to your growing conditions; temperature fluctuations, soil composition and moisture needs. Even the seed produced by these plants seem to be better suited to reproduction in those conditions than those gained from outside sources. One information source of "why we should pick native plants" can be found here at the IDNR. My information quest took me to Idaho Plant Nurseries to checkout what they were growing. I was fortunate enough to find a list of Oaks that are available for planting, which you will find below. NATIVE IDAHO OAKS Swamp White Oak(Quercus bicolor) Deciduous 4A-8A Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade wet Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii) Deciduous 4A-8A Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade medium Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) Deciduous 3A-8A Full Sun wet Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) Deciduous 4A-8A Full Sun wet Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Deciduous 3B-8A Full Sun medium Columnar English Oak (Quercus robur 'Fastigiata') Deciduous 4A sun medium English Oak (Quercus robur) Deciduous 4B-8A Full Sun medium Heritage Oak (Quercus x macdanielii 'Heritage') Deciduous 4A sun medium The thought of growing Black Walnuts came as well. I found a publication by the University of Idaho on the care of Black Walnuts in a plantation setting. That gives me a clue they are available there, but maybe not in all parts of the state due to growing conditions. Hope this will help those who are looking to use plant materials from other states,or planting zones. Not totally impossible with some adjustments. (Information for the Oaks was taken from an Idaho Nursery- Teton Trees, Rupert,ID.)