i have a nice flat spot were my stand is thats about 80 by 80 is there any way to do this with a hand rototiller and what should i plant im in upstate ny would this help my chances ?

ps its a old apple orchard with apple trees should i trim away the bushes from um and and trim up the branches?

I would prune the apple trees back to health and just clean up debris and mow. next fall mow close or spray grasses and top seed with Abruzzi rye/red Clover/Rape this has worked for me in a spot simular to the one you have. If you want a summer plot add Chicory and Durana clover to the mix in your fall planting.

any others?

I have a spot or two like that in an old apple orchard. I went in and brush-hogged - then sprayed round up. 4 weeks later disked it up - and seeded/rolled in clover or brassica. I liked clover best because I found that the deer didn't care to really eat it exclusively - more they like to stage there and nibble a little. The Apples and the field 100 yds up the hill were the destination. With clover - it makes a nice Turkey set up as well.







Worth it for me - just dont expect 170 class bucks to rush in. Its more a supplement to an already good spot - thats the way I look at it - lots of Cam Pics too.

FH