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Old 04-21-2005 | 12:05 AM
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BigJ71
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From: Illinois
Default RE: how can I make my land more attractive for deer ?

Data,

Your best bet is to go with the licks and feeders. Fertilizer for the oaks is fine but oak grows slow and you probably won't see much results for a few years. The honeysuckle and clover is great, also try planting some small evergreens as well as a apple tree or two.

Don't worry so much about bedding areas as feeding areas. If you can get the does to feed year round then the bucks will show up during the rut and make your property their breeding gound. The key is to have a constant supply of food during the winter months and that is where the licks and feeders shine.

You don't need much, up here in Illinois, one of my spots is a small private wooded lot (apporx. 4 acres) that is next to a very large forest preserve (can't hunt in it) So I put some feeders out in the winter and along with my parents evergreens the deer eat well. Last year without exagerating one bit I counted no less than 30 scrapes and probably double that in rubs all in one acre. There were tracks everywere. I expect to see the same this year come the fall.

Looks like a nice piece of land, good luck. I hope it works out well getting and keeping deer on it.
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