Originally Posted by
Bocajnala
I would let the majority of that tillable area grow up as thick as possible. Deer love the thick stuff.
Over the long term (we're probably talking 15-20 years down the road) that will eventually mean cutting out larger trees and working to keep it thick.
Mixed into the thick stuff I would plant small food plots. Probably no bigger than 30 yards across. Deer like think stuff, transition areas and edges. Having multiple small plots gives you lots of edges and areas for the deer to hide and bed. And multiple stand options to choose from.
On twenty acres unfortunately, the property is too small to hold deer all the time. So what your neighbors do will greatly impact you. But you can still manage your property well.
The thicker it gets the better. Eventually it'll be thick enough that you'll be able to set some stands and not see across the property to the road and to the neighbors etc.
-Jake
I agree with this too. A bedding area can be a larger magnet than food. Even if does use it more than bucks, the bucks will cruise the bedding area during rut.
If there are plenty of agricultural in the area, may be little to no need for more food. If lots of row crops and/or clover fields in the area, consider planting something out of the ordinary e.g. fruits, turnips, etc. I tried lettuce in a small plot one year. Grew turnips one year and wasn't impressed with the traffic. I've planted apple trees, plum trees. Persimmons are a deer favorite. Nut trees too. I planted high dollar oats next to generic oats from the local elevator. Didn't notice much difference between the two. Ask the NRCS and experiment. Enjoy !!