Guest ChefDanny Posted December 1, 2008 Report Share Posted December 1, 2008 I would like to ask for some help regarding 20 acres of hardwood forest for hunting purposes. I have been given exclusive hunting privledges for this land from a co-worker. His wife is really into her gardening and fruit trees so the deer have been doing a lot of damage. Recently they erected deer fencing to keep the deer away, but her still wants me to take as many deer as possible. The 20 acres is amongst about 1000 acres of hardwood forest in all directions. Besides erecting a corn feeder and possibly a water trough to bring the deer to his property, what should I plant to keep the deer coming back and bring some turkeys around. There is already a lot of oak trees producing a tom of acorns, but eventually they will run out. I don't think there is enough light coming in for apple trees ? I would love to hear any and all advice anybody has to offer. Thanks Chef Danny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ChefDanny Posted December 1, 2008 Report Share Posted December 1, 2008 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted December 2, 2008 Report Share Posted December 2, 2008 Welcome to the forums. Think I would plant a mix of perennials and then an annual grain in the fall. Your low light might pose a problem unless you can clear some openings, there are some clovers that are shade tolerant and rye grain does well in low light conditions. Sure dogdoc and maybe some other members will have some better sugestions for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted December 4, 2008 Report Share Posted December 4, 2008 welcome to the forums. you mentioned that the land owner has too many deer. so, why plant a thing? set up a protection system for the existing vegetation, ie: her garden & fruit trees. don't attract more deer to her property, or she'll hate you. ask if you can shoot does, and if you can bring friends. then, bring folks you know and shoot plenty of deer, especially the does. there is obviously lots of light or her fruit trees and garden wouldn't grow. since they are growing and attraction too many deer, just hunt and shoot lots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted December 8, 2008 Report Share Posted December 8, 2008 Are there any small opening where you can plant something? If the hunting area is a majority oaks then there is probably more acorns than they can eat. Acorns are a favorite and it is hard to plant anything that is preferred over acorns. However you do get years where acorn crops are bad and that is when a food plot might help. You need to try to find an area where you get at least 4 hours of sunlight. If you do decide to plant something I would recommend sticking with a cereal grain and maybe some brassicas. Cereal grains and brassica are about the most attractive plantings during hunting season--both early and late. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted December 9, 2008 Report Share Posted December 9, 2008 The landowner asked you to get rid of the deer not bring more into the area...Now if your asking to plant something on the far side of the property to keep them away from the garden, then Id go with a clover mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 welcome to the forums. you mentioned that the land owner has too many deer. so, why plant a thing? set up a protection system for the existing vegetation, ie: her garden & fruit trees. don't attract more deer to her property, or she'll hate you. ask if you can shoot does, and if you can bring friends. then, bring folks you know and shoot plenty of deer, especially the does. there is obviously lots of light or her fruit trees and garden wouldn't grow. since they are growing and attraction too many deer, just hunt and shoot lots. Perfect advice. But, select your friends carefully and make sure you and the landowner are very clear on the rules if any. You don't want to assume anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBHPETE Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 chefdanny while everyone has very good points. I have to agree that you may not want to plant anything that would attract more deer. And while inviting friends to help take more deer is a sportsman like idea, I would exercise caution in doing this. First of all this coworker and his wife have invited you to hunt this property, rather than open it up to public hunting. This tells me that they probably don't want a army of hunters invading their 20 acres of paradise. Therefore before I would invite anyone else I would clear it with the land owner. Then if it is ok with them, be careful about who you invite. Make sure you let anyone you invite no what you expect. Whether or not they have an open invitation or are they allowed to hunt only when you are hunting. Whether they are allowed to invite anyone. I have seen friendships of many years come to an end because of miscommunication and squables over hunting property. I once knew a friend that allowed, what he thought was a close friend, to hunt a property that he had pemission to hunt. Only to have this so called friend lease this property out from under him 2 years later. As far planting, if you are looking for an attractant I would go as far away from the property owners garden as you can get and plant something like Whitetail Institutes "No Plow" or "Secret Spot". These products are an annual fall planting food plot blend that work well in low light conditions. While I haven't used "Secret Spot" I have used "No Plow" with great success. In just a matter of weeks of planting it the deer had a trail a foot & a half wide and 2 to 3 inches deep leading to it. Again I would clear anything you do with the land owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted January 3, 2009 Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 I can't picture 20 acres of land being large enough to plant anything and hold them away from your friend's garden. I can only see this as drawing in more deer which will eventually lead to disaster. As far as inviting in others to hunt, how many hunters can safely hunt on 20 acres? I would offer help to your friend maybe in buying and erecting " Plotsaver " ribbon around her garden.This method has proven effective and is reasonably inexpensive. A kit containing 840' of 3/4" ribbon and a bottle of repellant spray sells for around $50. You will need some posts to string the ribbon on. I bought fiberglass posts at TSC for $ 1.29 ea. Check the website at www.MessinaWildlife.com for details. Show your friend you are willing to help and I suspect you will have hunting privilages for a long time to come. Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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