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Tips For Rookie!
Any tips for a guy whose going to start his first food plot this spring? I plan on planting Plot Spike Shade Blend. I have an area about 1/4-1/2 acre in size, it receives about 4 hours of light per day and the soil is good and moist. I plan on taking a pH test and liming as neccessary. I was also trying to get some suggestions on the best way to hunt a food plot. Directly hunt the plot, or hunt a well used trail going into the plot? Thanks for the help!!!!
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RE: Tips For Rookie!
Hi and Welcome -
I have a couple quick tips for a small plot. First - 4 hours a day is marginal, so its better to expect a "thin plot" - You may have to supplement it in the late summer by scattering an annual like Witer Wheat or Rye - to Thicken it up - come hunting season. For plots 1/2 acre or less - I like to hunt them. I mean not a lot - maybe once a week (with bow) - and only in the afternoon. Leave the general area alone in the mornings. Lastly - don't expect miracles. A 1/2 acre plot can be a good draw - Its not likley a 1/2 acre plot of anything will make any nutritional difference. Sure it can enhance an existing forage base - but not be the forage base. Keep in mind that a full acre of prolific, well fertilized clover - can produce enough forage to fit the needs of three deer - for one year. Thats a good, realistic, measure to go by. Good luck - and post back. FH |
RE: Tips For Rookie!
Take a look now at different times of the day. See what trees are giving you shade. Easy to tell at this time of year. Cut them back now. Just drop into woods not clearing. It will provide cover and spring green up will produce vine shoots for browse. It will let in more light. Try southeast to southwest side. Sun is lower on the horizon now then summer. It will make a big difference come planting time. Also, buy a chainsaw. It is with the best tool for the money in producing deer. I would challenge for a harsh word anyone to produce as much productive deer habitat for the dollar as one could with a chainsaw. Dollar for dollar the best tool.
ORIGINAL: farm hunter Hi and Welcome - I have a couple quick tips for a small plot. First - 4 hours a day is marginal, so its better to expect a "thin plot" - You may have to supplement it in the late summer by scattering an annual like Witer Wheat or Rye - to Thicken it up - come hunting season. For plots 1/2 acre or less - I like to hunt them. I mean not a lot - maybe once a week (with bow) - and only in the afternoon. Leave the general area alone in the mornings. Lastly - don't expect miracles. A 1/2 acre plot can be a good draw - Its not likley a 1/2 acre plot of anything will make any nutritional difference. Sure it can enhance an existing forage base - but not be the forage base. Keep in mind that a full acre of prolific, well fertilized clover - can produce enough forage to fit the needs of three deer - for one year. Thats a good, realistic, measure to go by. Good luck - and post back. FH |
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