I agree with the food plot guys.A lot of stores carry the seed, and it's cost effective. If you do it right it should last a few years. Check out a few web sites to see what seed will be best suited for your climate. To hear the yotes, buy a locater call ( howler). Good luck

If you decide to plant a food plot, be aware that the grains you plant will be a whole lot cheaper at a farm supply than from a hunting supply store. Ask your county ag agent what the best grains to plant are in your area. [8D]

Don't pay attention to those telling you not to. I wish we had deer in our backyard, put out apples!! they love them, especially rotten ones

You are setting up a bad situation feeding corn to wild animals on a regular basis. Deer are wild like any other.

A mineral lick will work just as well. Not because it congregates animals like corn but because it gives you a specific place to look so you can find the one that already frequent your area.

You are starting a rat and mouse farm leaving corn lay out on the ground all the time.

I suppose all the research telling us that supplemental feeding, if done incorrectly, does more harm than good for the animals is untrue?

Either that, or the spread of disease amongst all the wild deer or turkeys is just a small price to pay to watch deer in your backyard then?

I dont think so.

DONT FEED WILD ANIMALS. (if you really must feed them, contact the local biologists, and ask them what to feed, how much, and how.) Dont forget to check the legality also, it may be illegal to feed deer, turkeys, bears, etc,. in your area.

As mentioned the best way to feed them is through a food plot.

Another thing to consider when planting food plots, or supplemental feeding is proximity to roads. You dont want hungry animals crossing busy streets or highways, just to get to your food. Its selfish, and may cause vehicle/animal collisions that are sure to kill or injure the animal, and may possibly kill or injure the vehicles occupants.

View animals naturally, in areas where they can remain wild. Trying to make wild animals tame and feeding them, just brings about problems; And anyone who loves and respects animals, has no want or need to bring about such problems.

Have a good one---Matt

Think you guys are talking with a ghost.

Last Login 4/29/2005 8:50:18 PM

Talking to a ghost or not, there are some interesting and good points being made though. I had to laugh when i see that pickle's posts have been deleted, which i'm sure is definetly for the better

Dear Lord I had a lot to read when I was finally able to check back here. I had these HUGE college course exams (I'm in 10th grade) that took forever...about 4 hours each...and I was DRAINED, my brain felt like mush. Along with that, my stupid internet isn't working too well, but oh well.

As for all your suggestions, thanks! I plowed up a spot and started a food plot not too long ago, and I also have a mineral lick.

So far, the animals I've seen are:
Squirrels- of course, but they are fun to watch
Chipmunks- they're cute too
Rabbits- eating the garden
Deer- 2 does at the lick
Turkey- One tom (that is what you call a male turkey right? Just checking) that keeps coming back to peck at the fallen seeds under our bird feeders, he's a handsome fellow. (he is a male because he has a beard...I know that much)
Racoons- at the bird feeders
Flying Squirrels- That was FUN to watch, they're very cute, but I have to stay up late to watch them.

PS: I'm thinking about getting a trail camera with all the money I got for my birthday (16! Yay!), can anyone suggest a good, fairly cheap camera. And what does it run on, batteries or electricity?

Thanks.

the original stealth cams are fine and the cheapest at about 60-70$. There are others that are 35 mm camera types that will run you 100-140$ Then you can spend as much as you want if you want a digital that go anywhere from 200-400$. For the most part they run on batteries, some more pricey ones can be solar powered.

Veg,

You deserve props for havign the guts to post here and u deserve to be commended for that, you did it in a very respectful way. For a little background on my self I too just turned 16 a few months ago, but hunting is my life, I grew up around it and being involved in the outdoors to me is the most relaxign and satisfyign feelign in the world to me. My one complaint is that i wish you could be a little more sympathetic towards hunters, you made a comment saying "Although I dislike hunters..." and you may not agree with everythign thats involved in hunting but thats no reason to say you dont liek soembody, do you dislike your grandfather just ecuase he hunts? If your're lookign to see deer and other wildlife i would defitnely recomend eared corn (crakced seems to attract mostly squirrels and chipmunks). As for a trail camera I go with rybo hunter i have both a $60 Stealth cam and a more expensive digital camera but the stealth cam would be better suited for your needs. All I ask is that you not be so stereotypical when looking at hunters the vast majority of them have a very high sense of respect for the game they are pursuign, I know i do. Good luck with your plan, hope you see some.

ps: other then tickle ive never met a hunter who didnt strive for a clean and ethical kill

G Lew, KOTW