I have about 39 acres that I want to improve for the '06 season. It is somewhat hilly with a gully running through it and there are pine trees that provide thick cover. There is a power transmission line running on the outer edge and there is stream in that area. The rest is forested with a logging road snaking through the property. My plan for improving the area is to clear some trees to thin out the areas I think are too thick. I'll leave the gully untouched, as it probably is a desireable bedding area for the deer. I want to plant one food plot of an undetermined size, maybe have it bordering the cleared powerline easement. If I'm really motivated I may plant 50 crabapple trees that I can get from the forestry dept. for $68.

I want a good deer habitat, but I really don't know where to start for sure. One thing I know is that the trees will take some time to yield any results.