I would suggest making the clearing larger. You're only proposing making your food plot 3/4 of an acre. Three to five acres should make a more permanent plot that deer can feed in through the year. Depending on how the hemlock is arranged on the property you may be best to make the clearing in the center of the birches. Then cut access paths (like spokes on a wheel) from the plot to present deer runs. This should draw the activity to the plot area.

Dan O.