The animals really have responded to the food plots this summer, and I am looking forward to how they respond to the fall/winter feed. The guy I bought the place from never saw a bear in 20 years. I also have a sanctuary near the stand, and I have seen a lot of deer along the road by my small sanctuary. I suspect the bucks spend a fair amount of time sleeping there, and the trail camera by the stand seems to confirm that. I do enjoy growing plants and managing the land as much as hunting. For me, it is a 12 month season (with planning during the winter, and some hinge cutting this year). I know what you mean about people wanting in after you have made improvements 4evrhtn, that is why I bought my own place.

Farm Hunter, you are right, that is foxtail. The neighbor cut the field for hay in mid July, but due to my miscommunication, he didn't cut the clover plots. He will cut it again around Labor Day, but as I am sure you know, that will be too late to stop the foxtail from seeding. Next year I will spray with Poast in mid-June, and it will get cut twice. In the early spring of 2012, I will frost seed timothy into the plot for a more palatable and nutritious grass to compete against the foxtail.

Our wet summer continues. We had 8 more inches of rain this week (30-32 inches average for the year)! I wish I could bottle up some for next year.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions, they are appreciated.