pa_yote_hunter

I have in my possesion about 50 acres of land that i can hunt. About half of the land is pature, with the other half of hardwoods that go down into a river valley. It has very minimal hunting pressure when it come to deer. It also have a little stand of cedars that go down to small creek. last year hunting predators, we found the left side of a rack that had nine points, so it looks promising. I just want to know how i can keep the deer keep coming back to my land. Would deer stay there, or do deer travel, so i wouldn see the same deers over again. I am new to managing land for a deer herd, but i want to learn all i can. Shouldi plant food plots or what. There is a small pond about two hundred yards from where the forest starts. The land is located in Southern Missouri. About 15 min from Springfield, MO

Steven

Brad W Wi

I own 40 acres. I put food plots on it for the deer. My property is surronded by paper company land. Very seldom do I go on my property and not see deer.They are creatures of habit and if there is food there they will come back to it. You won't be able to put the plots in the pasture if there are cattle in it. But you should be able to find a place out side of the pasture. With ariver valley near by there is a good chance that there are bedding areas in the thick parts of it. Look around and give it a try. It will cost you a little time and money to find out. I would try to put the plot around the pond if possible, on the north side,for the simple fact that you'll get more sun there than in the woods. Before you do anything sit down and look at all your options. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain. This web site will be a great help, most of the people here are willing to help you out.

triple_D

First thing to do is to read some of the archives, there is a ton of information here, then decide on what to plant or put out.

Wooddust

Since you live in Missouri, you can and should contact your MDC Private Lands Biologist for a site visit. They can help you determine the deer holding or deer attracting value of the forage and feed available as well as the cover requirements. The pasture, since in MO, is probably fescue and that has little or no wildlife value. They will likely suggest you do some edge habitat changes from Fescue to NWSG mixtures and they have money, equipment and help available. Best to focus on managing for all wildlife...turkey, deer, quail and improve the habitat in total rather than just do the food plot thing.

pa_yote_hunter

How much does it cost to havea MDC Private LAnds Biolgist come out to your land?

KansasHunter5

If the deer dropped his antler there than it probably is his home range. He was good and done chasing does by then. Sometimes a nice secluded 40-50 acre tract is all big bucks need to hide out till the next rut. I wouldn't put too much pressure on the deer already in the area by putting in a big food plot with lots of noisy equipment. I say he'll keep coming back unless there is a reason for him not to. Try to get him in pre-rut next year. I know Missouri season starts much earlier than us here in KS.