Bassman1

I own about 5 acres in central VA, that is all wooded with oak, except for about 1.5 acres that has a drainfield on it. I have about 200 acres around me that is all wooded. I just want the deer to come to my property to get a shot, or better yet keep them there. I see very few deer, and it is only when they are passing by. Does anyone have any good recomendations for food? Should I try bagged corn, overhead spreader, deer blocks, or plant some type of clover? Thanks in advance. I want to take my son out and see him get his first deer, but I don't want him to get discourged not seeing anything.

model722

You could try planting some fruit trees apple or whatever, also I heard that deer like honeysuckle. If you plant this you have to be carefull because its a weed and it will grow out of control. If you do feed them start a couple of months before season that way they'll get used to coming in. Deer need water, food, and cover it sounds like you've got the cover improve the other 2 and it should help.

Dan O.

Plant forage trees and forage crops. Put out mineral blocks and build areas of shelter. The 3 essentials are food, shelter and water.

But; remember that the time spent with your son is more valuable than whether you shoot, or even see a deer, or not.

Dan O.

lunchbucket

The good thing about the drain field is that the soil should stay moist even in drought conditions. Do a soil sample first... Maybe do some forage...

Romans 10:9 Psalms 42

Bassman1

Could you guys give me some examples of forage crops or trees? Also how do you build shelter for a deer? Where is the best place to buy mineral blocks and what type? I know this is alot of questions. I greatly appreciate everyones help.

I could not think of anything better than sitting in the woods with my son and seeing him get his first deer. I will cherish every moment of time with my kids. It is amazing how fast they grow.

Dan O.

Tree crops include oaks, apples, persimmons, pears, plums. Forage crops would include clover, alfalfa, trefoil as perennials and corn, oats, wheat, rape, buckwheat, rye. You can get minerals at Co-op, TSC or most any horse outlet. Other stores (Cabela's etc.) sell mixes designed for deer. There are mixed reviews on them from great to don't waste your money. Shelter (cover) can be anything from standing corn or grass to planting spruce and pine trees. It provides a sanctuary for the deer to bed, protection from the elements and concealment for the deer when they travel. It goes in line with the food and water requirements to provide all that the deer need to grow, be secure from predators and the weather.

Dan O.

WV Hunter

Bassman
I have the same situation as you. I planted my drainfield with whitetail clover, and the deer definitely love it. Before I had the clover....we would occasionally see a deer here and there, close to the house. After planting....they were pretty much in the field every day. Sometimes as many as 15 at one time. You have a good opportunity to provide a forage crop in an area void of any. They WILL find it. The good thing about having something like that, is that alot of the deer in the area will adjust their daily routine, to include a trip to your plot. Ultimately, it will increase the number of deer sightings year round. It did for me. Do a soil test, and plant accordingly. Good luck <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

soonershooter

bassman the main problem I see is that having only 5 acres is handcuffing your probablities of seeing deer. They're almost going to have to have an appointment with you. The deer need to step on your property very precisely for your son to get a shot and that can be tough. It could take days. It's also very likely they may jump to a neighbor even after being hit. Losing your first deer that way would be terror for a father. If you plant anything it's only going to amount to a brief snipe shot early or late, what do you do with the rest of your hunting day with a young boy? 5 acres may be all you have but you need a backup place for keeping the boy's interest level high enough to go hunting again. Is there any way you can get permission to hunt on the 200?